This is our official list in search of the best smart treadmill on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each option, as well as an overall guide to what is considered a smart treadmill.
Quick Look:
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars F1 Smart Treadmill
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Fitbill FB0612 Smart Treadmill
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Sole F85 Treadmill
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Sportstech F10
We know time is of the essence, so the above is a cheat sheet of what’s ahead, just in case your’re in a hurry. Otherwise, keep scrolling down for more detailed and constructive info on each item.
5 Highest Reviewed Smart Treadmills to Consider
The smart treadmill is a new twist on old fitness equipment, and if you’re still exercising on an outdated treadmill, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Technology is constantly changing how we interact with the world around us, and as a result of these changes, many fitness products are receiving major updates.
Although they’re much more advanced than older treadmills, they still make it easy to adjust settings, and smart treadmills are designed to enhance every training session. Below, you’ll find reviews for some of the top products available.
1.) F1 Smart Treadmill
The F1 Smart Treadmill is portable and small, which allows it to fit into tight spaces, and unlike some alternative products, it doesn’t sacrifice quality.
This treadmill offers contact heart rate monitoring, and it uses wireless telemetry to monitor your heart and tell you how fast it’s beating. Another useful feature is the quick start, and by remembering your previous settings, it allows you to quickly jump back into your workout.
The F1 smart treadmill features a FlexDeck shock absorption system, which reduces stress on your knees by around 30 percent. It has a max speed of 10 miles per hour, and it’s compatible with several generations of the iPod. Although this product isn’t as smart as some other popular choices, it offers a wide range of useful features.
PROS
- Works with several types of iPods
- Remembers your workout settings
- Reduces stress on your knees and joints
- Compact and comfortable
CONS
- Doesn’t come with Wi-Fi connectivity
2.) Fitbill FB0612 Smart Treadmill
The fitbill FB0612 is one of the best smart treadmills available, and it’s one of the only products that can truly help you stay on track with your fitness goals. When trying to get into shape or lose weight, most people give up if they don’t see regular progress.
The fitbill FB0612 is designed to track and display your progress, which increases motivation. This treadmill is equipped with a progressive workout program, and with each new day, you’ll enjoy a new workout. Since it features a smart user interface, you can enjoy built-in programs, or you can download your favorite Android apps.
While performing your workout, you can use the treadmill to watch a movie, listen to music, set goals or check your stats. The fitbill FB0612 has a 1.5-horsepower motor, and it’s designed to keep your legs comfortable.
PROS
- Supports up to 300 pounds
- Motor is capable of speeds up to 10MPH
- Smart interface can access music, movies or stats
- Quieter than many competing treadmills
CONS
- Uses a lot of electricity
3.) ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
The ProForm Pro 2000 is made for runners, joggers and walkers, but it’s also useful for anyone who wants to get into shape. This treadmill is engineered to help you burn more calories, and it can even boost your cardio endurance.
The tread is powered by a 3.5-CHP motor, and it’s strong enough to handle hardcore runners. Some people prefer to look at a beautiful scene while walking, and since the ProForm Pro 2000 can integrate with Google Maps, it’s able to provide routes through, Asia, Europe and other countries.
After selecting a route, the deck will automatically adjust to match the route’s incline. However, this feature requires the iFit wireless module, which is sold separately. If you’re tired of working out on an old, boring treadmill, then the ProForm Pro 2000 is worth considering.
PROS
- Easy to assemble
- Speed adjustments are fast
- Better speakers than most competing products
- Integrates with Google Maps for real-world routes
CONS
- Requires iFit module for Google Maps
4.) Sole F85 Treadmill
The Sole F85 Treadmill features a large deck, and the running surface has a width of 22 inches. With such a large amount of space, this smart treadmill can accommodate runners of all sizes.
It can also handle 400 pounds and comes with six automated programs. If you’re looking for plenty of customization, the Sole F85 is worth considering. During every workout, the treadmill always displays your pace, pulse, calories, distance traveled, time, incline and speed.
With built-in speakers, this treadmill makes it easy to connect and listen to an iPod or MP3 player. A nine-inch LCD screen displays all of your data, and it allows you to keep track of important metrics. The deck even has built-in technology to reduce the impact on your joints.
PROS
- Looks great in any home gym
- Great for hardcore runners
- Motor is strong and doesn’t cut out
- Extra-wide deck offers plenty of space
CONS
- Instructions could be clearer
5.) Sportstech F10
The Sportstech F10 is a smart treadmill, and it’s a popular choice for recreational athletes and beginners. With a powerful motor, it’s great for jogging, walking or running, and the console is compatible with many top apps.
Since this treadmill is capable of wireless connectivity, it offers many features that you won’t get from older products. To track your heart speed, you can wear the included pulse belt, and the Sportstech F10 protects your knees with a multi-layered running surface.
It comes with 12 different running programs, and the bright LCD console displays your pulse, calories, speed, distance and time. For additional safety, the Sportstech F10 has durable side treads, and a set of wheels makes it easy to transport between rooms.
PROS
- Designed with a durable frame
- Can hold up to 120 kilograms
- Running surface protects your joints and knees
- Capable of wireless connectivity
CONS
- Doesn’t allow much customization
Brief Guide to Smart Treadmills
When compared to older products, the smart treadmill is different because it has built-in Wi-Fi or other connectivity features. However, the wireless technology isn’t the only change, and in many cases, advanced technology is built directly into the treadmill.
The best smart treadmill supports Wi-Fi, and there are many products that allow you to save your training data to the cloud. With a smart treadmill, you can access a variety of different programs and enjoy an intelligent workout.
Since many of these products are based on the Android system, they allow you to install your favorite apps, which can significantly enhance every workout session. To make your workouts more enjoyable, smart treadmills are given upgraded technology, and unlike older models, they offer much more functionality and features.
What Are They?
Smart treadmills are treadmills that can be paired with your phone. Some things are the same as traditional treadmills, such as heart rate monitoring, and a running area that can incline like a hill. They also usually show your speed, distance covered, calories burned, the incline, time you have run for, your pulse rate and your pace.
But there are all kinds of new possibilities that come with this innovation, and the apps that go with it. Some machines can learn your favourite walking or jogging speed, and they can support different users with cloud based data, so each user saves their data separately.
They often have Wi-Fi and a touch screen as well, and often the apps that you use will keep a progressive workout in there so you can see your progress over the whole year. Others are controlled by an app on your phone which is connected via Bluetooth.
According to Harvard Health, ‘treadmills are among the most effective types of exercise equipment’. They give you a good cardiovascular workout and target key muscle groups that will improve your endurance and balance. You don’t have to worry about the weather, and can easily change the speed and incline to suit you.
Who Can Benefit?
If you’ve been trying to find ways to attach your tablet or laptop to the top of your running machine so that you can watch a movie, you don’t need to worry anymore. Many of these smart treadmills make it a breeze for you to enjoy your workout, with access to movies and music via its touchscreen which is linked to your Wi-Fi. You can often install apps on the treadmill itself, a bit like you would with a tablet.
You can change your program depending on whether you are wanting to run, jog, climb and more – but all with a beautiful screen and pictures that you can simply touch to bring up. If you find that you lack motivation to exercise, these smart treadmills should help you greatly because you can set your goals and keep track of what you’ve achieved.
If you want to be creative, and like a change of scenery, some treadmills that are compatible with iFit will let you install Google Maps and trace the route you want to run. It will then mimic the terrain, making your workout more interesting. You can even find pre-programmed routes in Europe and Asia and add them in for a bit of adventure.
Some apps that connect to the treadmills will figure out the tempo of your running and then pick music accordingly. That way you can run without missing a beat.
What To Look For?
Measure how big the size of your room is and how much you can allot to the treadmill, then make sure to check the dimensions so that it will fit nicely. If you are short on space or use your workout area for other things then you might want to look for one that folds up after using it. Bear in mind that if you are tall you might need a longer running area.
Look for a treadmill that has the option of inclining the running area. This will make your workout more interesting and can also burn more calories and lessen the stress on your joints. Treadmills have different rates of incline, so if you like steep hills then you might want to opt for one that inclines more.
Also check out how many programs the treadmill has available. A larger variety will give you more options and help you stay motivated. Some are compatible with iFit which does require a subscription but means you can download any number of personalised workouts and let you draw a route in Google Maps and then experience the terrain as you run.
Some will offer interval programs, which can be very useful if you are gradually working up the amount of running you do or training for something like a 10k run or marathon. Check if the apps that the treadmill uses require subscription, so that you know what you’re getting into.
Look at the motor – which is usually defined in CHP (continuous horsepower). If you like to walk mainly then 2.0 CHP should be fine, for jogging 2.5 CHP and for running, 3.0 CHP or higher. If you weigh more than 200 pounds then add 0.5 CHP. Also look at the top speed as this will vary for different treadmills.
Shock absorption systems or cushioning can be great or overdone. You want to look for one that has some thought behind its manufacture, since you don’t want a really hard surface, but if it is too soft it can also make knee injuries more likely.
There are also other features which you might particularly like and want to look for – including a water bottle holder, MP3 port for your iPod, speakers, fan, and tablet holder – for if your model doesn’t show movies.
What To Avoid?
Avoid getting too cheap of a treadmill – watch out for running areas that are very short, wobbly frames and flickering screens. You might want to make sure that you get a year’s warranty so that if this happens you can return it.
FAQ
Do I need to maintain the treadmill?
Yes – sweat build up can damage it so it will need to be cleaned regularly. Vibration can also cause some of the hardware to loosen, so check regularly to make sure none of the screws have come loose – if they have then they can be re-tightened. The belt also needs lubrication. You can buy a kit which has everything you need, or just get some belt lubricator and then use your tools from home.
Will I have to assemble it myself?
Yes, often the treadmill will require assembly, but a lot of it will already be built so it shouldn’t be too difficult.
Do the treadmills require electricity?
Yes, they are not manual treadmills as a general rule, since the LCD screen will require electricity to run, so they will need to be plugged in to a socket in your house.
Wrapping Up
With the best smart treadmill, you can take your training to a whole new level, and depending on the product, you might even be able to train in foreign countries using Google Maps.
The problem with old, outdated treadmills is that they can be very boring, and they don’t allow you to track your progress. Smart treadmills are designed to eliminate these problems and help you achieve your fitness goals.