ProForm vs Sole Treadmill (2026): Which Brand Is Right for You?

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ProForm vs Sole treadmill at a glance

Sole: lifetime frame and motor, 15% incline, a free app. ProForm: iFIT classes on lighter frames.

From the 5 ProForm and 8 Sole treadmills in our catalog. Comparison below.

Lifetimeframe and motor on every current Sole
15% / 6%Sole max incline, and decline on the F89 and TT8
12%max incline on ProForm, with no decline
22 inwidest Sole deck; ProForm tops out at 20 in
ProForm vs Sole Treadmill: two black full-size running treadmills side by side in a home gym with rubber flooring
Choose Sole for lifetime frame and motor coverage and up to 15% incline; choose ProForm for iFIT classes on a touchscreen. (Illustration, not an actual product photo.)

Short answer

ProForm vs Sole Treadmill: Choose Sole for a running treadmill with lifetime frame and motor coverage, up to 15% incline and no required membership. Choose ProForm for iFIT classes that adjust speed and incline for you, on a lighter frame or on the 16-inch touchscreen of the Pro 9000.

Key takeaways

  • Sole offers more incline (15%) and the only decline (6% on F89 and TT8).
  • Every current Sole lists lifetime frame and motor coverage; ProForm terms are 2 to 10 years on the frame.
  • ProForm is the brand for iFIT classes; Sole needs no membership.
  • Only Sole offers 22-inch-wide decks.

We compare the 5 ProForm and 8 Sole treadmills in our catalog.

ProForm vs Sole Treadmill at a Glance

The two brands answer different questions. ProForm builds lighter treadmills around iFIT classes, from compact walkers to the Pro 9000 with its 16-inch touchscreen. Sole builds heavier, running-first treadmills with long warranties and no required app. The table compares the models in our catalog.

Ratings in the cards below come from our Best guides, which weight the same treadmill differently for each use case.

ProForm vs Sole treadmill comparison
CriteriaProFormSole
Models comparedCarbon TL, Carbon TLS, Carbon TLX, Pro 2000, Pro 9000F50, F63, F65, F80, F83, F85, F89, TT8
Motors2.6 to 3.6 HP2 to 4 HP
Running surfaces18 × 55 in (Carbon TL, TLS); 20 × 60 in (TLX, Pro 2000, Pro 9000)20 × 55 in (F50); 20 × 60 in (F63, F65, F80); 22 × 60 in (F83, F85, F89, TT8)
Incline / decline10% (Carbon TL) or 12%; no decline12% (F50) or 15%; 6% decline on F89 and TT8
Top speed10 to 12 mph10 to 12 mph
Consoles5 to 7-in LCD (Carbon); 10 and 16-in touchscreens (Pro)LED (F50 to F65); 10.1 to 21.5-in touchscreens (F80 to F89)
App / subscriptioniFIT membership for classesFree SOLE+ app; third-party apps
Typical warranty2 years on all parts (Pro); 10-year frame, 1-year motor (Carbon)Lifetime frame and motor; parts 1 to 3 years; labor 1 year
Max user weight300 to 350 lb300 to 400 lb
Best forGuided classes, smaller rooms, lighter framesRunning, steep incline, long warranty, no membership

Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.

Lineup Differences

ProForm splits into two families. The Carbon line covers walking and easy jogging: the Carbon TL and Carbon TLS use 2.6 HP motors on 18 × 55-inch belts, and the Carbon TLX steps up to a 3 HP motor and a 20 × 60-inch belt. The Pro line adds touchscreens: the Pro 2000 with 10 inches and the Pro 9000 with 16 inches and a 3.6 HP motor.

Sole keeps almost everything sized for running. The F50 is the entry point with a 2 HP motor and a 20 × 55-inch deck. From the F63 up, every model has a 60-inch deck and 15% incline: the F65 and F80 at 20 inches wide, the F83, F85 and F89 at 22 inches, and the non-folding TT8 at the top.

In practice, the ProForm Carbon models face the Sole F50 and F63 on price and size, and the Pro 9000 faces the Sole F80 and F85 as a touchscreen treadmill. Nothing at ProForm matches the 22-inch decks and 6% decline of the Sole F89 and TT8. For a model-to-model duel, see ProForm Carbon TLX vs Sole F63.

Motors, Decks and Capacity

Sole leads on power at the top. The F89 and TT8 use 4 HP motors and the F83 and F85 3.5 HP, while ProForm tops out at 3.6 HP on the Pro 9000. At the entry level, ProForm is stronger: the Carbon TL has 2.6 HP against 2 HP on the Sole F50.

Deck width is the clearest split. Sole offers 22 × 60-inch running surfaces on four models; no ProForm in our catalog goes wider than 20 inches, and the Carbon TL and TLS are 18 inches wide. If you run with a wide gait, or simply want more room on the belt, Sole is the brand to look at.

Capacity follows the frame. Sole ratings run from 300 lb on the F50 to 400 lb on the TT8, which weighs 296 lb. ProForm ratings run from 300 to 350 lb on frames from about 166 to 221 lb, which are easier to fold and move.

Incline and Decline

Sole offers more incline. Every Sole from the F63 up reaches 15%, and the F50 12%. ProForm models reach 12%, or 10% on the Carbon TL. For steep incline walking, Sole gives you more range at every level above its entry model.

Only Sole offers decline in this matchup: the F89 and TT8 go down to 6%, which lets you train for downhill sections of a course. None of the ProForm models in our catalog has decline.

ProForm answers with automation. With an iFIT membership, compatible ProForm treadmills change speed and incline to follow a trainer or a mapped route. On Sole, apps that support Bluetooth control can do the same on supported models, without a required plan. See our best treadmill with incline guide for the strongest picks.

Pro tip: If you train for hilly races, the Sole F89 and TT8 cover 21 percentage points of grade, from 6% decline to 15% incline.

Consoles, Apps and Subscriptions

ProForm is built around iFIT. The Carbon models use small LCDs and stream classes to your own phone or tablet, while the Pro 2000 and Pro 9000 show them on built-in touchscreens. Without a membership, the treadmill still runs in manual mode with onboard workouts, but you lose the classes and automatic adjustments.

Sole takes the opposite approach. The F50, F63 and F65 use LED consoles with built-in programs; the F80 and F83 have 10.1-inch touchscreens, the F85 15.6 inches and the F89 21.5 inches. The SOLE+ app is free, and the consoles connect to third-party apps over Bluetooth, so nothing is required.

The choice is simple. If trainer-led classes keep you on the treadmill, ProForm delivers them for the price of iFIT. If you follow your own plan or already pay for an app, Sole avoids a second recurring cost.

Watch out: Budget for iFIT if classes are the reason you buy a ProForm. A touchscreen without the membership is mostly a manual treadmill with a large display.

Warranty, Build and Support

Warranty is Sole’s biggest advantage. Every current Sole in our catalog lists lifetime frame and motor coverage, with 1 to 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor. ProForm lists 2 years on frame, motor, parts and labor on the Pro 9000 and Pro 2000, and a 10-year frame with 1 year on motor, parts and labor on the Carbon line.

Build follows the same pattern. Sole frames are heavier, up to 314 lb on the F89, and the TT8 does not fold. Every ProForm in our catalog folds, and the lighter Carbon models are easier to place in an apartment.

The FTC advises checking what a warranty covers and for how long, and whether you pay for labor or for shipping parts. If a part is not listed, assume it is not covered.

ProForm vs Sole treadmill warranty terms
ModelFrameMotorPartsLabor
Sole F80, F83, F85, F89, TT8LifetimeLifetime3 years1 year
Sole F63, F65LifetimeLifetime2 years1 year
Sole F50LifetimeLifetime1 year1 year
ProForm Pro 9000, Pro 20002 years2 years2 years2 years
ProForm Carbon TL, TLS, TLX10 years1 year1 year1 year

Best Sole Treadmill by Need

For high-mileage running, the Sole TT8 ranks #2 in our best treadmill for marathon training guide, with a non-folding frame, a 4 HP motor and a 400-lb rating. For a touchscreen and heart-rate training, the Sole F80 leads our best treadmill with heart rate monitor guide.

For jogging and steady runs, the Sole F65 gives you a 3.25 HP motor and 15% incline on a heavy frame, and ranks #2 in our best treadmill for jogging guide.

Best Sole for running

Sole TT8 treadmill

Sole TT8

FitScore 95.2/100

A 4 HP motor, 22 × 60-inch deck, 15% incline and 6% decline on a non-folding frame rated for 400 lb, with lifetime frame and motor coverage.

Ranked in our Best Treadmill for Marathon Training guide

Check Price on Amazon

Best Sole touchscreen

Sole F80 treadmill

Sole F80

FitScore 83.7/100

A 10.1-inch touchscreen, 3.25 HP motor and 15% incline on a folding frame, with lifetime frame and motor coverage.

Ranked in our Best Treadmill With Heart Rate Monitor guide

Check Price on Amazon

Best Sole for jogging

Sole F65 treadmill

Sole F65

FitScore 82.7/100

A 3.25 HP motor, 20 × 60-inch deck and 15% incline with lifetime frame and motor coverage.

Ranked in our Best Treadmill for Jogging guide

Check Price on Amazon

Best ProForm Treadmill by Need

For classes on a big screen, the ProForm Pro 9000 ranks #1 in our best treadmill with classes guide, with a 16-inch touchscreen and a 3.6 HP motor. For a lighter treadmill on a budget, the Carbon TL ranks #3 in our best budget treadmill guide.

The Carbon TLX sits between them, with a 20 × 60-inch deck and 12% incline for walkers who jog.

Try it with your numbers

Full tool: treadmill comparison tool

Best ProForm for classes

ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill

ProForm Pro 9000

FitScore 93.9/100

A 16-inch touchscreen with iFIT, a 3.6 HP motor and 12% incline on a folding 20 × 60-inch deck.

Ranked in our Best Treadmill With Classes guide

Check Price on Amazon

Best ProForm mid-range

ProForm Carbon TLX treadmill

ProForm Carbon TLX

FitScore 78.2/100

A 3 HP motor, 20 × 60-inch deck and 12% incline on a folding frame, with iFIT on your own device.

Ranked in our Best Treadmill Under $1,000 guide

Check Price on Amazon

Best ProForm on a budget

ProForm Carbon TL treadmill

ProForm Carbon TL

FitScore 75.5/100

A compact 2.6 HP walking and jogging treadmill with 10% incline that folds for small rooms.

Ranked in our Best Budget Treadmill guide

Check Price on Amazon

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Sole if running quality, incline range and warranty length matter most. Choose ProForm if guided classes will keep you training and you are happy to pay for iFIT.

Whatever you choose, use it: the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week for adults.

Checklist Before You Buy

6 checks

  1. 01

    Decide whether you want classes (ProForm, iFIT) or no membership (Sole).

  2. 02

    Check the deck: 20 × 60 inches for running, 22 inches wide for a wide gait.

  3. 03

    Compare incline and decline ranges.

  4. 04

    Read frame, motor, parts and labor terms.

  5. 05

    Check the weight rating with a margin.

  6. 06

    Measure the room, including the folded size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake 1Comparing motor HP while ignoring deck width and warranty length.

  • Mistake 2Buying a ProForm touchscreen without planning for iFIT.

  • Mistake 3Assuming a Sole lifetime warranty covers parts and labor; it covers the frame and motor.

  • Mistake 4Choosing an 18-inch-wide Carbon belt for regular running.

  • Mistake 5Forgetting the weight and delivery of the heavy Sole models.

The Bottom Line

  • Every current Sole treadmill in our catalog lists lifetime frame and motor coverage; ProForm lists 2 years on everything (Pro 9000, Pro 2000) or a 10-year frame with 1-year motor (Carbon line).
  • Sole models reach 15% incline from the F63 up, and the TT8 and F89 add 6% decline; ProForm models reach 10% or 12%, with no decline.
  • ProForm classes run on iFIT, a paid membership; Sole consoles work with the free SOLE+ app or third-party apps.
  • Sole offers 22 × 60-inch decks on the F83, F85, F89 and TT8; no ProForm in our catalog goes wider than 20 inches.
  • Top ratings: Sole TT8 at 400 lb; ProForm Pro 9000 and Pro 2000 at 350 lb.

Our Top Picks

  1. Sole TT8 treadmillBest Sole for runningSole TT8FitScore95.2/100Check on Amazon
  2. Sole F80 treadmillBest Sole touchscreenSole F80FitScore83.7/100Check on Amazon
  3. Sole F65 treadmillBest Sole for joggingSole F65FitScore82.7/100Check on Amazon
  4. ProForm Pro 9000 treadmillBest ProForm for classesProForm Pro 9000FitScore93.9/100Check on Amazon
  5. ProForm Carbon TLX treadmillBest ProForm mid-rangeProForm Carbon TLXFitScore78.2/100Check on Amazon
  6. ProForm Carbon TL treadmillBest ProForm on a budgetProForm Carbon TLFitScore75.5/100Check on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

For running, incline range and warranty length, yes: Sole lists lifetime frame and motor coverage and reaches 15% incline. ProForm is the better pick if you want iFIT classes that adjust speed and incline for you.

Sole backs its frames and motors for life on every current model, against 2 years on the ProForm Pro models and a 10-year frame with a 1-year motor on the Carbon line. Longer coverage is a strong signal of expected durability.

No. The SOLE+ app is free and the consoles connect to third-party apps over Bluetooth.

Yes, in manual mode with onboard workouts. Classes and automatic speed and incline changes need an iFIT membership.

Sole, on the F89 and TT8, which go down to 6%. None of the ProForm treadmills in our catalog has decline.

The Sole F80 or F85: folding touchscreen treadmills with 15% incline and lifetime frame and motor coverage. The Pro 9000 has the larger 16-inch screen on the iFIT platform.

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