This isn’t the Peloton Tread+ review that says, “This is the best treadmill ever,” or that everyone needs a Peloton. I don’t believe that. I very nearly returned it during the 30-day window, which, to Peloton’s credit, is generous.
I’m also not going to roast Peloton. It’s a good treadmill. It just has some quirks, and there are a few things that feel missing for something that costs this much. If I’d had more uninterrupted time to really use it right away, I probably would have returned it. That didn’t happen.
If you’ve ever run on a Woodway at the gym and thought, I wish I could put this in my house, the Peloton Tread+ is the closest thing. It’s the higher-end option in Peloton’s lineup and it feels like it. The slat belt. The massive screen. The AC motor. The size. This thing takes over the room you put it in. It’s not something you slide into a corner or casually move around later. Once it’s there, it’s there.
Between the price, the monthly membership, and the footprint, buying this treadmill is a decision you live with.
So here’s how it’s actually been for me.
Quick Facts
Price: $5,995 plus the required All-Access Peloton Membership ($49/month). There’s also a $250 professional assembly fee. Peloton does offer a military discount.
Belt and deck: 59 rubberized slats; 67 inches long by 20 inches wide. Free Mode included.
Motor: 2 HP AC motor. Speed up to 12.5 mph. Incline up to 15% in 0.5% increments.
Screen and sound: 32-inch Full HD touchscreen with front-facing speakers. It tilts. It does not rotate.
Size and weight: 75 inches long x 36.5 inches wide x 72 inches high. Around 455 pounds. You need roughly 79 inches of clearance behind it.
User range: 105–300 pounds. Height range from 4’11” to 6’4”.
Safety: Rear guard approved by the CPSC and a required Tread Lock passcode.
The Running Experience
Slat Belt Feel
I really thought I was going to love the slat belt. I didn’t.
It’s much softer than a traditional treadmill, and because of that, it feels slower. I’ve been running on treadmills for about 15 years, and this is the slowest one I’ve used. That’s not just me. A lot of people say the same thing once they spend time on a slat belt.
My Tread+ arrived shortly after I got sick, which meant I wasn’t running much at first. I walked on it, but walking and running fast are not even close to the same experience. It took me longer than expected to figure out how I actually felt about it.
For anyone unfamiliar, the slat belt isn’t a fabric belt stretched over a deck. It’s individual rubberized slats that roll underneath you. People often describe it as closer to running outside. Cushioned, smooth, supportive.
For me, it’s just softer. And slower.
On most treadmills, I can hold paces that I struggle to hit outside. On the Tread+, I can’t hold paces I regularly run outdoors. It’s frustrating if you like doing speedwork inside. I do, especially in the Mojave Desert summer.
The deck length is excellent, though. At 67 inches, it works well if you’re tall or have a longer stride. I used to own the NordicTrack X22i, and the running surface feels similar in length.
Free Mode
I found Free Mode by accident. Pressed the button, realized something different was happening, and then played with it.
The motor disengages and the belt moves only if you move it. It’s not a true manual curved treadmill, but it’s useful. Hill pushes, warm-ups, short efforts. It feels more natural because you’re controlling the belt instead of reacting to preset speeds.
Motor and Transitions
The motor itself has been solid. Speed changes don’t lag. Incline changes don’t feel jerky. AC motors are built for long use, and that part shows.
Screen, Content, and Membership
The screen is enormous. Easily the biggest treadmill screen I’ve seen. It’s bright, clear, and positioned high enough that you’re not craning your neck while running.
I think the screen is a big reason this treadmill costs what it does. You’re not going to find many treadmills with something comparable attached. The speakers are loud. Loud enough that people walking past my house can hear it.
Peloton Membership
Without the membership, the Tread+ is basically a very expensive treadmill with a “Just Run” mode. You get basic metrics and that’s it.
With the membership, you get:
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Live and on-demand classes
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Scenic runs
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Leaderboards
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Structured programs
If you like guided runs or need external motivation, this matters. If you don’t, it’s hard to justify.
There’s no point in buying a Peloton treadmill if you’re not going to pay for the membership. Forty-nine dollars a month adds up fast. Over the lifespan of the treadmill, it’s thousands of dollars. Yes, it can be cheaper than a gym. It’s still a lot.
Space and Build
This treadmill is big. There’s no way around it. It doesn’t fold. It doesn’t slide easily. Once it’s installed, it’s staying put.
That said, it’s incredibly stable. Sprinting, incline, long runs. No wobble. No creaking. That was a big reason I chose the Tread+ over the regular Tread. I was warned the regular one can feel shaky at higher speeds.
Day-to-Day Usability
Knobs: Speed and incline are controlled with knobs instead of buttons. Roll for small changes, press for bigger jumps. Most of the time I like this. Sometimes the knob jumps back to a previous pace, which is annoying. I still wish there were touchscreen buttons as an option.
Storage: Two bottle holders and a center tray. Bigger than most treadmills. Actually useful if you fuel on longer runs.
Metrics: Pace, distance, time, heart rate, elevation, class stats. Bluetooth pairing has worked fine for me.
Noise: It’s not quiet. AC motors hum, especially when you’re moving fast. A mat helps, but this isn’t something you hide in an apartment.
Fans: There are no built-in fans. I don’t understand this. It feels like a very basic omission.
USB ports: None. I get that the screen is massive, but if you’re doing a long run and want to charge your phone, you’re out of luck.
Durability and Long-Term Ownership
Slat belts generally last longer than traditional belts. They don’t stretch the same way. Peloton recommends annual servicing, which feels reasonable given the size and weight.
Moving this treadmill without professional help would be a nightmare. Treat it like a permanent fixture.
Safety Considerations
The 2021 recall was serious. Peloton added a rear guard and a required passcode system after working with the CPSC. The guard blocks objects from being pulled underneath. The Tread Lock prevents the treadmill from being turned on without a code.
Peloton Tread+ vs Peloton Tread
They share speed limits and control knobs, but that’s about where the similarities end.
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Tread+: Slat belt, longer deck, Free Mode, 15% incline, 32-inch screen, very heavy
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Tread: Fabric belt, shorter deck, 12.5% incline, smaller screen, easier to place
I bought the Tread+ because multiple people recommended it. I regret that a bit. I think I might have been happier with the regular Tread.
Customer Service and Delivery
Delivery and assembly were smooth. The crew moved a nearly 500-pound treadmill upstairs and assembled it in under an hour. That alone impressed me. I’ve dealt with other treadmill companies before, and this was significantly better.
Who Should Buy the Peloton Tread+
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People who genuinely use Peloton classes several times a week
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Taller runners
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Anyone who wants a treadmill that doesn’t wobble at speed
Who Should Skip It
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Apartment dwellers
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Anyone short on space
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Anyone who doesn’t want a monthly subscription
Final Thoughts
This treadmill isn’t for everyone. It’s expensive. It’s huge. And without the membership, it loses most of its appeal.
If you want a stable treadmill that can handle real training and you plan to use Peloton’s ecosystem, it makes sense. If you just want somewhere to jog while watching Netflix, there are cheaper, simpler options that will probably make you just as happy.
What I Don’t Like
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You can’t pause Netflix. If you need a bathroom break mid-run, tough luck.
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No fans. Still annoyed about that.
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The slat belt makes running fast harder than it should be.
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You can’t load your own outdoor routes.
What I Like
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The classes are genuinely fun.
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It’s a well-built, very stable treadmill.