If you’re in the market to buy one of the best treadmills for a home gym but you don’t want to fork over thousands of dollars, you’re in the right place. I don’t want that for you either. But if you’re willing to skip a built-in touchscreen and use your device for programming, then keep reading. I have the details you need to know on a machine priced under $1,000.
In this ProForm Carbon TLX review, I’ll give you insight about our hands-on experience with the machine that was released early in 2024. It’ll be a solid option for some, but not for all. Let’s find out where you fall.
We’ve Tested More Than 40 Treadmills
Our team of expert product testers at Garage Gym Reviews has not only tested over 40 treadmills, we’re also a group of fitness industry experts. Our collective experience ranges from personal training to Olympic-level athletes (and everything in between).
For this ProForm Carbon TLX review, Lindsay Scheele, ISSA-CPT, used the treadmill for walking and running workouts, testing the range of both speed and incline. Lindsay is not only a certified personal trainer, she’s also the face of the Garage Gym Reviews Everything YouTube channel where she tests and reviews everything from the best cardio equipment to the best pre-workout products.
In order to streamline our testing process, Lindsay used our in-depth testing methodology to score a variety of categories on a scale of 1 to 5. The ProForm Carbon TLX was scored based on 10 categories including:
- Footprint and portability
- Durability
- Ergonomics and adjustability
- Tech capabilities
- Warranty, financing options, and returns
ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
Product Highlights
- Affordable folding treadmill
- 3.0 CHP motor
- 60″ belt
- 0-12 mph speed range
- 12% incline
- 7-inch display
- iFIT-enabled
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable with a 3.0 CHP motor
- 300-lb weight capacity
- 60-inch belt length
- 12% incline
- Cushioned running deck
- iFIT-enabled
- Foldable
Cons
- Only a 1-year parts warranty
- No touchscreen display
- Heavy 249-pound frame can be difficult to move for some
Bottom Line
The ProForm Carbon TLX is an affordable folding treadmill that would be suitable for a small space. It's durable, with a 300-pound weight capacity and 3.0 CHP motor, plus it offers up to 12% incline. Also take advantage of iFIT for virtual classes on this machine.
A Quick Look at ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill
In 2024, ProForm introduced two new treadmills to the brand’s lineup: The Carbon TLX and Trainer 14.0. This release sent the Carbon T7 and T10 packing, which were the brand’s most budget-friendly machines.
Our testers are stoked to see a new iFIT-enabled model arrive on the scene at a price point that more shoppers can digest. We outline the whole treadmill lineup in our ProForm treadmill reviews.
Before You Buy
- The patented EasyLift Assist makes folding the treadmill deck up off the floor easy and safe with a hydraulic folding mechanism.
- To take advantage of iFIT programming, you’ll need your own smartphone or tablet.
- Keep in mind that an iFIT membership is sold separately, but you will get a 30-day iFIT trial included in your treadmill purchase (for new members).
Proform Carbon TLX Video Review
Is the ProForm Carbon TLX Worth It?
After walking and running on the ProForm TLX, Lindsay thinks it’s a solid treadmill. There are certainly some nice-to-have tech features missing like a built-in touchscreen display or pulse sensors for heart rate monitoring, but you can connect to iFIT with your own device and take advantage of hands-free auto-adjust technology.
When it comes to value, Lindsay gives the ProForm Carbon TLX a 5-out-of-5-star rating. “For the price, you get a lot with this machine,” she says about the $999 price tag.
And she’s not wrong—machines priced under $1,000 don’t typically offer a powerful treadmill motor, spacious running surface, or an inclusive weight capacity. The TLX has all three (and more!).
Great for:
- Folks on a budget
- Sprints and incline training
- Tall runners
Not recommended for:
- People looking for high-tech specs
- Runners who need tons of cushioning
- Apartments or small gyms
ProForm Carbon TLX Specs
| Price | $999 |
| Dimensions | 74.3” L x 35.1” W x 59.1” H |
| Treadmill belt dimensions | 60” L x 20” W |
| Weight | 249 lbs (in-box weight) |
| User weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Speed range | 0-12 mph |
| Incline settings | 0-12% |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Motor size | 3.0 CHP |
| Display | 7” high contrast, multi-color display |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 1-year parts and labor |
Using The Carbon TLX
GGR tester and ISSA certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele used the ProForm Carbon TLX to test the Quickspeed buttons, different incline settings, built-in workout fan, and the folding mechanism. Lindsay also used the Carbon TLX on manual mode and synced up with the iFIT app.
“This is a pretty good option for a home treadmill,” says Lindsay. “And honestly a pretty decent machine for a budget-friendly price point.”
Lindsay mentions three stand-out specs from her experience: A powerful 3.0 horsepower motor, 60-inch-long running deck, and iFIT connectivity. “These features are not something we see a lot at this price,” she adds.
Footprint and Portability
The ProForm Carbon TLX isn’t the biggest treadmill we’ve tested, but it’s still worth touching on the dimensions. Plus, our treadmill buying guide urges you to measure your space before you decide to buy any large piece of equipment.
Keep in mind that this treadmill is about 6 feet long, almost 3 feet wide, and nearly 5 feet tall at the highest point. It’s also about 250 pounds. Needless to say, Lindsay thinks the CarbonTLX is the type of machine that should live in one spot.
RELATED: How to Move a Treadmill
Because the Carbon TLX is a folding treadmill, you will have the ability to reclaim some floor space. The SpaceSaver design folds the running deck upward off the ground and locks in position. It’s super easy to fold and unfold with ProForm’s patented EasyLift Assist, which features hydraulics for a steady and safe movement with little effort on your part.
Overall, Lindsay gives this ProForm treadmill a 3.75-out-of-5-star rating for footprint and portability. “It’s a fairly heavy machine, but it’s not too big. Because it folds, it could work in a small home gym,” says Lindsay.
Durability and Construction
To earn high scores for durability and construction, a treadmill should not shake or wobble during incline adjustments or running at top speeds. We also look for at least a 2.5 CHP motor to allow for running speeds and minimum of 275 pounds for a user weight limit to prevent shaking.
The budget-friendly ProForm earns a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating in this category. Lindsay reports the Carbon TLX is super secure and stable, saying “There was no play or wobble even when I was running at higher speeds.”
“The 3.0 continuous horsepower motor and 300-pound weight capacity make this a really durable machine, especially for the price,” adds Lindsay.
RELATED: Treadmill HIIT Workouts
Ergonomics and Adjustability
When it comes to ergonomics, our testers are looking for at least a 55-inch-by-18-inch running surface and a single ply belt measuring 0.8 millimeters thick. For this category, Lindsay gives the Carbon TLX a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating.
While the TLX offers a spacious running deck measuring 60 inches long and 20 inches wide—which is ideal for tall runners and folks with a long gait—it falls short on cushioning.
It’s equipped with ProShox cushioning, but Lindsay says it won’t offer much for folks with joint issues. “In terms of a budget-friendly treadmill it was fine, but I didn’t feel that much different from outdoor running.”
For adjustments and customizations, Lindsay scored the Carbon TLX a bit higher with a 4-star rating. At this price point, you won’t find decline settings, but you will have the option to go up to 12% incline and top speeds of 12 mph.
Lindsay appreciates the fact that if you decide to forgo iFIT programming, the speed and incline settings offer enough adjustments to change up your treadmill workout routine. She also notes the console offers Quickspeed buttons at whole integers from 0 to 12 on incline and 1 through 12 on speed, which makes changing settings while running easy.
“The buttons are large and conveniently placed,” explains Lindsay. “The overall look of the console is clean, sleek, and easy to use.”
Technology and Conveniences
The TLX might not have flashy technology, but it indeed exists. With an active membership (or your free 30-day trial that comes with the purchase of your treadmill) you’ll be able to open the iFIT app and pair your smart device to the treadmill from within the app.
“It was really easy to connect my phone to the Carbon TLX,” says Lindsay. “Once your phone connects, you’ll pick a class, and then iFIT will automatically adjust the treadmill’s incline and speed settings based on the class or trainer you’re following.”
Lindsay thinks the automatic trainer control is an excellent feature saying, “The app tells the treadmill what to do just like a ProForm with a touchscreen display.”
You can take advantage of the Bluetooth connection for audio capabilities to wear wireless headphones while you workout (and follow along with iFIT). It’s also worth noting that you’ll need a WiFi connection for iFIT workouts. But once you’re connected, you can use iFIT on or off the treadmill because the membership includes scenic outdoor workouts, studio classes, and strength training sessions.
“There are plenty of other workouts you can do with iFIT, and having the program downloaded to your smartphone makes it even easier to use all the programmed workouts off the treadmill,” says Lindsay.
Lindsay gives the treadmill a 4-out-of-5-star rating for technology capabilities, dynamic programming, and conveniences. Although these are high scores, Lindsay notes that if you use a large tablet or iPad, you may block the screen showing time and other workout metrics. But she appreciates the fact there is a media shelf, two large water bottle holders, and a built-in Coolaire workout fan.
ProForm Carbon TLX vs Sole Fitness F63
Sole F63
Sole F63 Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Folding treadmill
- Costs around $1,200
- Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and cooling fans
- Powerful 3.0 HP motor
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Financing is available
- Bluetooth speakers
- USB port
- Device holder
- 15 different levels of incline
- Cushioned deck
- 20" W x 60" L belt
- 325-lb weight capacity
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
Cons
- Heavy machine
- No touchscreen
Bottom Line
The Sole F63 Treadmill is an affordable option for people who want a powerful, reliable machine that folds without breaking their budget.
The ProForm Carbon TLX and the Sole Fitness F63 treadmills are comparable in price, capability, and power. Both are ideal for runners due to the 3.0 horsepower motors and 60-inch-long running decks. Additionally, both machines were hand-selected by our testers for our best budget treadmill roundup.
Neither treadmill is designed with high-tech features and instead sport simple screens with easy-to-read numbers. But, this isn’t necessarily bad. Going without the touchscreen feature is typically the reason a manufacturer can bring costs down to a more entry-level price point.
There are a few slight differences like in price (the Sole costs $100 more) and user weight capacity (the Sole can handle 25 more pounds). But the major difference between the two treadmills is the warranty. Sole Fitness offers a lifetime frame motor and warranty, whereas ProForm provides a 10-year frame warranty and only one year on parts and labor.
You can read more about our experience in our Sole F63 treadmill review.
| ProForm Carbon TLX | Sole F63 | |
| Price | $999 | $1,099 |
| Tread belt dimensions | 60” L x 20” W | 60” L x 20” W |
| Speed and incline | 12 mph; 12% incline | 12 mph; 15 levels |
| User weight capacity | 300 lbs | 325 lbs |
| Motor size | 3.0 CHP | 3.0 HP |
| Step-up height | 7.75” | 8” |
| Warranty | 10-year frame; 1-year parts and labor warranty | Lifetime frame and motor;3-year electronics and parts;1-year labor |
Customer Experience
When it comes to customer experience, ProForm has a hit-or-miss reputation among our expert product testers. However, Lindsay didn’t have any trouble and gave ProForm a 4 out of 5 stars for the customer experience.
If you need to contact customer service, there is a contact page to help you call or email the correct team (sales, order tracking, customer service, iFIT support, etc). I found that most teams listed an email, phone number, and business hours.
However, when you click on the customer support team, you’ll be brought to a new webpage where you can submit a request and be called or emailed back. Lindsay also notes there is a chat bot on the bottom right corner of the website, which can help you get started with customer support.
Warranty and Return Policy
ProForm offers a 10-year frame and motor warranty on all its treadmills. We prefer to see treadmill warranties last at least 15 years, which is why Lindsay gives ProFrom a 4-star rating for company policies.
If you decide to return your Carbon TLX treadmill, you’ll have a 30-day window to get return authorization. It’s important to keep in mind you’ll have a $250 shipping fee and 10% processing fee if you want to return the machine.
Financing Options
You’ll have the option to make a one-time credit card payment or apply for financing during the checkout process. ProForm uses TD Bank for financing and offers 0% APR for qualified buyers or standard 29% APR. TD Bank offers loan terms of 12, 36, or 39 months.
Ordering and Assembling
Checkout is a cinch on the ProForm website and you’ll have the option to pay an additional $199 for room of choice delivery and assembly. If you opt to assemble the machine yourself, standard delivery is free. This means delivery folks will place the box in the first place sheltered from weather (if possible). The website clearly states standard delivery does not include any point over a stair.
Lindsay and the GGR team assembled the Carbon TLX and reported no issues. “This was such an easy build,” says Lindsay, who gave the TLX treadmill a 5-star rating for delivery and setup.
“One person could easily build this in about an hour’s time,” she says. “Plus, the instructions were super easy to follow.”
Customer Reviews
Because the Carbon TLX is fresh on the market at the time of writing this review, there are less than 20 customer reviews on Amazon at the moment. While most reviews are positive, I found a lone one-star review stating the speakers were unusable and says the treadmill is “garbage,” although doesn’t give much detail about why.
Final Verdict of Our ProForm Carbon TLX Review
The Carbon TLX is a solid entry-level model for runners and walkers that won’t break the bank. It’s also an excellent option for anyone who is new to iFIT workouts. If you find after your 30-day free iFIT trial you’re not the biggest fan of studio classes or trainer-led workouts, the machine works perfectly fine without paying for an iFIT membership.
The ProForm Carbon TLX is an ideal option for anyone who:
- Is OK without a built-in touchscreen
- Wants to try iFIT programming
- Is up to 6 feet tall or 300 pounds
- Would prefer to finance a treadmill purchase
- Needs a folding treadmill
Full Rating
ProForm Carbon TLX
The ProForm Carbon TLX is an affordable folding treadmill that would be suitable for a small space. It’s durable, with a 300-pound weight capacity and 3.0 CHP motor, plus it offers up to 12% incline.
Product Brand: ProForm
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 999
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.75
ProForm Carbon TLX: FAQs
Is the ProForm treadmill good or bad?
ProForm is an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers. We’ve tested and hand-selected several ProForm treadmills as one of our top picks on roundups like our best folding treadmill and best treadmill for low ceilings (it has a 7.75-inch step-up height).
What is the difference between a NordicTrack and ProForm treadmill?
NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills have many similarities in aesthetics, specifications, and tech capacities. Both brands are owned by parent company iFIT and feature iFIT connectivity or built-in touchscreens designed to run iFIT.
Is ProForm owned by NordicTrack?
Both ProForm and NordicTrack are owned by parent company iFIT.
