Peloton Tread vs Tread+: Will the Controversy or Features Win Out?

In 2013, frozen yogurt, the Harlem Shake, Vine, and boutique cycling studios were all the rage. This is also the first year the brand Peloton released the Peloton Bike to early adopters in order to capitalize on the cycling craze. As the buzz around this aforementioned trend died down, Peloton looked to expand their product catalog with the Peloton Tread, which made its debut in 2018.

In 2020, Peloton rebranded the original Tread into the Tread+, and began selling a less-expensive (and less-tricked-out) version as the Tread. In this comparison, I’m going to give you all the dirt on the Peloton Tread vs Tread+, and believe me, there’s a lot to dig into.

Are You Tread-y for This?

Treadmills are my specialty. I know every industry standard like the back of my hand, plus, what you should expect from options at each price point. And, I’m not the only one. Our team of expert product testers and reviewers include certified personal trainers, former college athletes, and nutrition coaches. It’s safe to say we know our stuff (and we hope you’re tread-y for this review). 

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Quick Look: Peloton Tread

As of the time of this writing, you can purchase the Peloton Tread for just under $3,500. This is the most basic package you can buy, which is just the actual treadmill itself. If you don’t mind spending some extra cash (I’m talking up to $400 more), there are three other packages available. Depending on the option you choose, these may include things like a workout mat, dumbbells, water bottle, heart rate band, yoga blocks, and yoga straps. 

Peloton Tread

Peloton Tread+

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Product Highlights

• Soft, cushioned treadmill
• Tilting touchscreen
• Can be powered via electric motor or manually
• Incline up to 15%
• 67-inch running deck

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cushioned slat belt
• 67-inch running space is well above the industry standard
• 32-inch tilting touchscreen
• Can be used as a manual treadmill in "Free Mode"
• Adjustable incline up to 15%

Cons

• Expensive
• Weighs 455 pounds

Bottom Line

The Peloton Tread+ is a luxury cardio machine that features a cushioned slat belt, tilting touchscreen, and the high-quality interactive that made Peloton a household name. The downside: A very steep price tag.

Take a look at our full Peloton Tread review.

The Peloton Tread+ and Tread Recall

In May of 2021, Peloton recalled the Tread+ due to safety issues. The brand also recalled the regular Tread in the same month, but maintained that only 1,050 units were affected in the United States, as most were sold out of the country. Any regular Treads sold after September of 2021 were not a part of this recall. 

Peloton took the Tread off of the market due to the screen possibly coming off and injuring users. The Tread+ was recalled because of various injuries (and one death) to kids, adults, and pets who were getting dragged under the machine. 

The regular Tread has since re-appeared on the website with updated safety features (and a sturdier screen), but the emphasis from the brand is on the new passcode component. Users have to type in a passcode (called Tread Lock) before starting their workout, which is Peloton’s attempt at preventing children from playing on the Tread and getting injured. Peloton also recommends users remove the safety key after using the machine to make certain that no one who isn’t supposed to use the Tread can access it. 

The Tread+ has yet to be re-released on the website, and there is no exact timetable for the machine’s comeback. If you’re interested in getting your hands on the Tread+ when it comes back out, you can sign up for their emails to be notified.

Peloton Tread and Tread+ Comparison Chart

It is worth noting that Peloton no longer has the specs for the Peloton Tread+ on their website, so these numbers are gleaned from various other sites. 

Key Similarities Between Peloton Tread and Tread+

• Same stellar Peloton programming 
• Same speed range
• Same frame warranty
• Both have Bluetooth connectivity
• Both have been a part of a voluntary recall at some point

Important Differences Between Peloton Tread and Tread+

• The Peloton Tread is available for purchase right away and the Tread+ is not
• The Peloton Tread+ has more incline options than the Peloton Tread
• The Peloton Tread is less expensive than the Tread+
• The Peloton Tread+ has a larger running space than the Peloton Tread
• The Peloton Tread belt is made of a more traditional nylon and the Peloton Tread+ has individual slats like a manual treadmill

RELATED: Best Incline Treadmill

Customer Reviews of the Tread

Currently, the Peloton Tread has 670 reviews with an average score of 4.7 out of 5. Happy customers love the programming, large screen, and general usability.

“This treadmill is very well made,” customer Amber explains. “Sleek and beautiful but very strong. The screen is huge and has a clear picture. The app that goes along with it is a must! I had no idea how valuable these workouts would be.”

Others weren’t quite as jazzed as Amber about the Tread. Dissatisfied customers reported bad customer service, shakiness of the machine, and durability issues. 

“The Tread died after about a week,” reviewer Anand Parikh said. “It’s been 2 weeks of back and forth with customer service, which proved to be useless. Decided to return it, as we’re in the 30-day window and buy an entirely new one.”

Tread+ vs Tread Workout Feel

I have personally only been on the Tread, but based on specs, the Tread+ likely provided a different cardio experience. For one, the belts of the two machines are entirely different. On the Tread+, the belt was constructed of individual slats, similar to that of a non-motorized treadmill like the AssaultRunner Pro. For the current Tread, the belt is similar to most motorized treadmills, as it is constructed of nylon and PVC. 

Secondly, the Tread+ had a much longer deck when compared to the Tread. The Tread has a 59-inch long deck, which is just an inch under the industry standard for a running treadmill. The Tread+ reportedly had a 67-inch long deck, which may be the lengthiest deck I’ve ever heard of. If you are a really tall individual, you may want to consider holding out for the Tread+ to return, because I can’t think of another treadmill with a 67-inch deck. 

Both the Tread and the Tread+ are outfitted with giant touchscreens, but the Tread+ naturally had a bigger one. Both machines use the same all-encompassing programming from Peloton, and you didn’t unlock any extra app features if you were using the Tread+ versus the Tread. With an all-access membership ($44 per month), you can view things like a leaderboard, a variety of metrics, live classes, and a bevy of Peloton instructors on either Peloton Treadmill.

It is worth noting that neither of these machines can be folded. A lot of high-end commercial treadmills don’t fold, so I assume that’s why Peloton did this. However, it doesn’t always make the most sense for people who don’t have a dedicated home gym or are in a smaller space. If this is the case for you, I’d recommend checking out something like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 instead. It is foldable, has on-demand iFIT programming, and a comfortable deck. 

RELATED: Best Folding Treadmill

Warranty

The frame warranty for both the Peloton Tread and the Tread+ is below the industry standard. Typically, we expect to see at least 15 years for a frame warranty on a high-quality treadmill. Both the Peloton Tread and Tread+ only offer a five-year warranty on the frame, which is a little concerning. For how expensive both of these machines are, I would expect them to hit the industry standards. 

Returns and Financing Options

Peloton has excellent financing options available for the Bike, Bike+, and the Tread. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Tread+ also had a stellar financing option when it returns to the market. Right now, you can finance the Tread through Affirm for as little as $82 per month with 0% APR for 43 months. 

The return policy is pretty standard. You have up to 30 days to return the Tread after it has been delivered to your home. If you choose to return the machine, you won’t be refunded any of the original shipping costs accrued. To get the return process started, contact Peloton Support.

RELATED: Peloton Bike vs Bike Plus

Peloton Tread and Tread+ FAQs

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

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