If you’ve ever found yourself powering through a run only to lose steam halfway through, the Peloton Tread might be your solution. Combining a rock-solid frame, sleek design and one of the most engaging fitness platforms on the market, it’s made for people who need more than a playlist and a smartwatch to stay motivated. But that motivation doesn’t come cheap. With a price tag of $2,995 and a required monthly subscription to unlock its best features, the Peloton Tread is a premium machine for a very specific kind of runner: someone who thrives in a class-like setting, wants every metric at their fingertips and has the space—and budget—for full-size cardio equipment.
The Tread comes with history. In 2021, Peloton faced intense scrutiny following safety incidents involving its higher-end model, the Tread+, and to a lesser extent, the Tread reviewed here. In response, Peloton made several hardware and software changes, including reinforced touchscreen mounts, new safety key requirements and a built-in passcode system to improve safety and ease concerns. The current version of the Tread reflects these changes and meets the updated safety standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Since I first got a Tread in 2021, I’ve logged over 800 workouts, with hundreds of hours spent running and walking, which means I’ve put this machine through its paces. Here’s what runners should know before purchasing a Peloton Tread.
Best For:
- Runners who prefer structured workouts and instructor-led classes
- Real-time metrics, and quick-toggle incline and speed options
- Anyone motivated by competition, leaderboards or gamified features
Skip If:
- You’re tight on space or want a foldable treadmill
- You prefer freeform runs or dislike subscription-based models
Peloton Tread Features
Seamless Speed And Incline Controls
One of the standout features of the Tread is its dial-based control system. Rather than fussing with buttons mid-run, you rotate notched knobs—right for speed, left for incline—to make fine-tuned workout adjustments. It’s intuitive, fast and much safer when you’re running hard or adjusting your pace mid-interval. You can also tap the center button for quick jumps in speed or incline, which is helpful for sprints or hills.
Over the years, many high-end treadmills have adopted these same controls, so they aren’t unique to Peloton, but they are incredibly useful if you spend a lot of time on your treadmill and want an intuitive interface.
An Immersive Screen And Content Ecosystem
The Peloton Tread’s 23.8-inch HD touchscreen is your command center, and it doesn’t disappoint. The screen is crisp and responsive, and the user interface is among the best in connected fitness. You can filter classes by instructor, music genre, difficulty, duration and pace.
Live classes feel dynamic, but the on-demand content library is just as strong with thousands of guided workouts, from interval runs and power walks to full-body bootcamps, yoga and meditation. I find that one reason I keep coming back to the Tread is to take classes with instructors like Becs Gentry, Joslyn Thompson Rule, Alex Toussaint and Jon Hosking, who are charismatic, knowledgeable and relentlessly motivating.
Additionally, you can now stream live and on-demand shows with YouTube TV, NBA League Pass, Disney+, Netflix and other streaming services, if you already have access to those services. When I go for longer runs, this feature allows me to zone out and enjoy a show or a game while working out. Plus, Lanebreak gamifies working out with immersive visuals, pushing runners to earn points by hitting speed and incline targets.
With that said, to unlock live and on-demand workout classes, you will need to pay $44 per month for a Peloton All-Access Membership. The two less expensive membership tiers, App One and App+, don’t allow you to access classes via your Tread.
Solid, Safety-Conscious Design
Safety concerns forced Peloton to revisit the drawing board many years ago, and today’s Tread includes updated safety features, like a physical safety key and an automatic lock that requires a four-digit passcode. The machine itself is also sturdy—the steel frame and sleek waterfall deck feel more like a commercial gym treadmill than a home machine. Even during all-out efforts, there’s minimal screen shake, and the wide, low-profile base gives the Tread a grounded, stable feel. It’s the type of machine that looks and feels like it’s ready to perform.
Things To Consider
As capable and comprehensive as the Tread is, it’s also big and heavy. At 290 pounds, and with no folding mechanism, it’s meant to stay put once you’ve found a home for it. You’ll want to choose its location wisely, and factor in delivery and setup to ensure it fits through small doorways or around tight corners.
Also, there are no decline training opportunities because the Tread doesn’t actually decline beyond a 0% grade. Runners seeking downhill training options will need to look elsewhere—this model only inclines, which is a bit disappointing at this price.
Lastly, you’re required to subscribe to Peloton to make the Tread a worthwhile purchase. Without the Peloton All-Access Membership, the machine’s functionality is limited to a basic manual mode—no classes, metrics tracking or leaderboard access. Truth be told, you can purchase a much more budget-friendly machine if you’re not interested in those subscription features anyway.
Final Verdict
The Peloton Tread is a thoughtfully engineered, feature-rich treadmill that’s as much about community and content as it is about cardio. While its past may give some buyers pause, the updated design is a strong response to safety concerns, and the Tread now stands as a confident, polished machine that reflects Peloton’s commitment to quality.
This is not a budget treadmill—or a casual purchase, for that matter. But for committed runners, fitness enthusiasts or anyone already sold on Peloton’s immersive ecosystem, the Tread offers a best-in-class experience that’s hard to match. If you want structure, motivation and inspiration to keep running, this is it.
How I Tested The Peloton Tread
To put the Peloton Tread through its paces, I used it as part of my regular marathon training plan, logging both short recovery jogs and longer, faster-paced runs over several weeks. I paid close attention to the belt’s responsiveness, cushioning and overall stability at different speeds and inclines. I also evaluated the touchscreen experience, testing live and on-demand classes across running, walking and bootcamp formats to see how seamlessly the interface handled transitions.
To assess durability, I ran multiple sessions back-to-back and looked for signs of wear, noise or belt slippage. I also compared performance while wearing different types of running shoes to gauge comfort and impact absorption. Finally, I considered the treadmill’s footprint and portability within my home setup by checking how it fit in my space and evaluating how easy it was to move when needed.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team reviews fitness equipment and training gear designed to improve performance and make at-home workouts more effective. Whether you’re logging miles indoors or looking for an alternative to outdoor training, the treadmill you choose should balance durability, comfort and smart features.
- The author of this guide and Forbes Vetted audience development director, Spencer Dukoff, has years of experience testing fitness and wellness products, from running shoes and recovery tools to high-end cardio machines. As a former Men’s Health editor and marathon runner, he dedicates hundreds of hours each year to training, which allows him to evaluate treadmills in the context of real-world running goals.
- In addition to testing the Peloton Tread, Spencer collaborated with the Forbes Vetted team to compare it against other leading treadmill models, analyzing features, usability and overall training benefits.
- This article was reviewed by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who has over six years of experience testing outdoors, health and wellness products.
- By testing the Tread as part of structured, consistent training, the team identified where it excels and where it can improve. Ultimately, Forbes Vetted’s goal is to recommend treadmills that not only deliver strong performance but also integrate seamlessly into different lifestyles.