Finding an objective way to determine the most dependable home treadmills is a difficult task – I mean can you tell how dependable a treadmill is going to be before buying it?
Should we base it on price alone?
Probably not a good idea, especially if your budget is limited.
What about reading user reviews?
This is a great place to start, but everybody has their own personal experience and it doesn’t necessarily equate to what your experience is going to be.
Plus, even the most highly rated machines can breakdown unexpectedly or arrive with missing or damaged parts.
After thinking about this for awhile, I decided that warranty is the most objective measure we can use when deciding how dependable a treadmill is.
After all, what does it mean to be dependable?
A dependable treadmill is one that we can count on to function properly time after time. It’s one that has a console and a motor that can handle the stress of us walking or running on a frequent basis.
It’s one we can feel confident in when we purchase it because we know it should stand the test of time.
And what is the only feature on a treadmill that can guarantee how long it will function?
You guessed it, the warranty.
To me, the warranty is the best measure we have in determining how dependable a treadmill (or any other piece of fitness equipment for that matter) is.
In this guide, I’ll go over the best treadmill warranties the market has to offer – after reading, you’ll be able to spot a great warranty (and a dependable treadmill) from a mile away.
| Running Surface | Motor | Warranty | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 3G Cardio Elite Runner | 22" x 62" | 4.0 HP | Lifetime frame Lifetime motor 10 year parts 2 year labor | ~$4k |
| #2 Spirit XT385 | 22" x 60" | 3.5 HP | Lifetime frame Lifetime motor Lifetime deck 10 year parts 1 year labor | ~2k |
| #3 Matrix TF50 | 20" x 60" | 3.25 HP | Lifetime frame Lifetime motor 7 year parts 2 year labor | ~$4-6k |
| #4 Life Fitness Run CX | 22" x 60" | 3.0 HP | Lifetime frame 10 year motor 7 year parts 3 year console 1 year labor | ~$5k |
| #5 Horizon 7.8 AT | 22" x 60" | 4.0 HP | Lifetime frame Lifetime motor 5 year parts 2 year labor | ~$2k |
How To Spot A Good Treadmill Warranty
Before we discuss what counts as a good warranty, we should probably review what a typical treadmill warranty looks like.
If you’ve been searching for treadmills for awhile and have already started comparing machines, you are probably aware that treadmill warranties come in a few different parts.
If you’ve just started your search, then here’s to good timing! Here’s what you should know as you start comparing these warranties.
Typically we see treadmill warranties divided into: frame, motor, parts/electronics, and labor.
Frame
The frame warranty covers the frame of the treadmill (bet you didn’t see that one coming).
The frame is basically the part of the treadmill that holds everything together. It’s what the console is sitting on and it’s what is holding the belt in place.
The frame is essential to the treadmills function and it can take a beating with repeated use.
You might also see a “deck” warranty, but most manufacturers include it with the frame.
The frame warranty should be the longest warranty a company puts on a treadmill.
That is, the frame should last longer than anything else on the machine. The last thing you want is a wobbly treadmill or a frame that feels like it’s gonna break as soon as you step on it.
A great warranty on a frame is lifetime. You should expect this on high-end home treadmills and commercial grade machines. Impressive mid-range treadmills can also have a lifetime warranty on their frame.
A good warranty on a frame is 10-15 years. This obviously isn’t as long as lifetime, but let’s face it, 10-15 years is a pretty darn long time for a home treadmill. Most mid-range treadmills fall in this category and some higher-quality budget treadmills will too.
A weak warranty on a frame is really anything less than 10 years. You will see all kinds of frame warranties on the budget machines. Some as low as 1 year. Believe it or not, some treadmills don’t have any warranty (I wouldn’t recommend purchasing these).
Motor
The motor is one of the most expensive parts of the treadmill to replace, so finding a good motor warranty is important. Stronger motors tend to last longer because they don’t have to work as hard to keep up, but stronger motors usually increase the cost of the treadmill.
A great warranty on a motor is lifetime. Again, high-end treadmills should always have a lifetime motor warranty, but a lot of awesome mid-range treadmills do too.
A good warranty on a motor is 5-10 years. These are usually found on the mid-range and decent budget treadmills. If you are still using the same treadmill motor (not to mention the same treadmill) after 10 years I would say you are doing pretty good.
A weak warranty on a motor is really anything less than 5 years. On budget treadmills you often see 1-2 years or nothing at all.
Parts & Electronics
The parts and electronics of a treadmill are what keep the machine working.
These include all the wiring for the console, the belt, and everything else between the frame and motor.
The parts and electronics are usually the first thing to go on a treadmill. Circuits burn out, wires come loose…these things just happen.
A great parts & electronics warranty is 5-10 years. You should expect at least 5 years on high-end and impressive mid-range machines.
A good parts & electronics warranty is 2-3 years. This is what a lot of mid-range and some of the better budget treadmills can offer.
A weak parts & electronics warranty is anything less than 2 years. A lot of budget treadmills have 90 day parts warranties. I mean seriously, the company can only guarantee this thing will work for 3 months? Ouch. But hey, I get it, when you’re on a tight budget sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Labor
The labor warranty is what will cover the cost for you to hire a repair man to come fix your treadmill if something goes wrong within the time span of said warranty.
Labor warranties are always the shortest of the bunch because it could get really expensive for a manufacturer to pay out for a third party handyman to come fix your machine.
A great labor warranty is 2 years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a manufacturer offer more than 2 years on a labor warranty (please correct me if I’m wrong).
A good labor warranty is 1 year. You often see this on quality mid-grade and nice budget treadmills.
A weak labor warranty is 90 days (or less). Labor warranties this small are found on a lot of the budget treadmills. I’m not hating on the budget machines, I’m just saying- there’s a reason they are cheaper.
Ok, hopefully by now you know what to expect with treadmill warranties. Now let’s get to the good stuff…
The 5 Most Dependable Home Treadmills
#1 The 3G Cardio Elite Runner
Warranty:
- Frame: Lifetime
- Motor: Lifetime
- Parts: 10 years
- Labor: 2 years
I love the 3G Cardio Elite Runner treadmill for several reasons.
It made it to the top of this list for it’s awesome warranty of course, but there’s a lot more going on here that I want to touch on.
But to the warranty first.
This treadmill has the perfect warranty -for a home treadmill, we really can’t expect any better than this.
3G Cardio provides a lifetime frame and motor and an impressive 10 year parts warranty.
The 2 year labor warranty is also as good as it gets.
Looking past the warranty, this treadmill was designed with runners in mind.
The spacious 22″ x 62″ running surface is one of the largest I’ve come across in my research.
This treadmill would be great for serious runners and tall runners- the longer belt length will ensure you have enough room to stretch out fully when running at higher speeds.
The 3G Cardio Elite also has a 4.00 HP motor and a power incline up to 15%.
This treadmill is all about getting the job done, so there aren’t many frivolous extra features. But when it comes to good ol’ fashioned muscle and function, few treadmills have more to offer.
Here are a few more features I think you’ll appreciate:
- OrthoFlex Suspension System incorporated into the deck to reduce strain through your joints during workouts
- Thicker, orthopedic belt for added comfort during use
- One-touch speed and incline settings, perfect for interval training
- Max speed of 12 mph
- 8 built-in and 2 custom workouts available
- Grip and chest strap heart rate monitors included
- 400 lb max weight capacity
Overall, this is one of the nicest home treadmills I’ve come across. The 3G Cardio Elite is built to last, but just in case it doesn’t, it’s got one heck of a warranty backing it up. See full review.
#2 The Spirit XT385
Warranty:
- Lifetime frame
- Lifetime motor
- Lifetime deck
- 10 year parts
- 1 year labor
If you’re not familiar with the Spirit brand, you probably aren’t alone. I don’t think they share the same brand recognition as some of the other brands mentioned here and that’s a shame.
Spirit products are actually very similar to Sole (both brands owned by the same company), but Spirt tends to have longer warranties.
I like the XT385 because it has a great warranty, but also because it’s reasonably priced for what you get.
I’m not sure I can think of another treadmill in this price range that offers 10 years on parts.
But generous warranty aside, this treadmill has a lot else going for it too.
For starters, the XT385 comes with a 22″ x 60″ running surface, a 3.5 HP motor, and a heavy-duty frame that can handle users weighing up to 375 lb.
The console isn’t anything too fancy, but it does come with several workout programs, bluetooth, and built-in speakers.
Something else worth mentioning is that its step-up height is only around 7″, so it’s easy to get on/off of as well.
Anyway you look at it, it’s hard to deny the XT385 is a whole lot of treadmill for the price. See full review.
#3 The Matrix TF50
Warranty:
- Lifetime frame
- Lifetime motor
- 7 year parts
- 2 year labor
If you’re looking for a tech-savvier treadmill that’s built to last, Matrix is a brand you should familiarize yourself with.
Matrix’s treadmills are built like tanks and they obviously come with great warranties, but it’s really their consoles that set them apart from most any other high-end brand.
With Matrix, you get to choose from different sized consoles, including HD touchscreen displays that come with built-in entertainment apps, screen mirroring, web browsers, and built-in workouts.
And they’re also compatible with iFit, giving you access to instructor-led workouts as well (but unlike NordicTrack, you don’t need a subscription to use all the other cool features).
They offer several great treadmills, but the TF50 is a nice option for home users not looking to completely blow up their bank account.
Other than the choice of console, the TF50 also comes with a 3.25 HP motor, a 20″ x 60″ running surface, and a weight capacity of 400 lb.
It too has a 7″ step-up height, making it really easy to access.
And the folding frame comes in handy when floor space is an issue.
Overall, if you like the idea of streaming workouts on a higher-end treadmill, the TF50 could be a great fit. See full review.
#4 The Life Fitness Run CX
Warranty:
- Lifetime frame
- 10 year motor
- 7 year parts (3 year console)
- 1 year labor
Life Fitness is one of those brands we all probably know and even though they made a name for themselves with their commercial equipment, their home lineup is impressive too.
The biggest downside to going with one of their treadmills is the extra cost the Life brand name brings, but they still offer some of the most dependable machines on the market.
When looking at their warranty on the Run CX, I’ll admit it’s a bummer not to see a lifetime guarantee on the frame, but I think the 7 year parts warranty helps make up for it.
In terms of performance, this treadmill comes with a 22″ x 60″ running surface and a 3.0 HP motor that’ll reach a top speed of 12 mph and a top incline of 15%.
And with a 400 lb weight limit, the Run CX can handle users of all sizes safely.
This treadmill comes with Life’s Track Connect 2.o console which includes several built-in workouts and is bluetooth compatible with fitness apps, as well as the ability to save data for 4 users.
If you’re looking for a great treadmill from one of the most respected brands in the world, the Run CX is worth checking out. See full review.
#5 The Horizon 7.8 AT
Warranty:
- Frame: Lifetime
- Motor: Lifetime
- Parts: 5 years
- Labor: 2 years
Rounding out my list is a treadmill that’s very close to my heart, the Horizon 7.8 AT.
I say that because I have this treadmill in my home gym at this very moment and it’s been kicking butt and taking names for the last several years without skipping a beat (knock on wood).
This treadmill comes with a great warranty for the price (~$2k), but it’s rocking some great performance specs too.
Speaking of price, I’d like to point out that as I’m writing this, Horizon has not increased the prices of their treadmills in years – something most brands can’t say.
Anyway, the 7.8 AT is Horizon’s highest-end treadmill to date and it comes with a 4.0 HP motor, a 22″ x 60″ deck, and a heavy-duty frame that can handle users up to 400 lb.
The console is large and brightly-lit, making it easy to read, but it’s the turn dial controls that I really like.
Instead of having to push arrows up/down, you can roll these dials to instantly control the speed and incline during workouts.
It’s a small detail, but a really convenient one.
This is also a folding treadmill and as I mentioned at the beginning, we’ve had zero issues with it since we received it (from Horizon for a review).
Overall, if you’re looking for a competitively-priced home treadmill with a great warranty, look no further. See full review.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home treadmill will save you time and money in the long run if it means no longer having to go to a commercial gym.
Not to mention the convenience of being able to run indoors and not have to worry about the weather.
But buying a new treadmill can be a nerve racking experience because they cost a good deal and you want to make sure you purchase something that is going to last.
Reading user reviews and learning about the companies that manufacturer the treadmills is a smart idea, but when it comes to determining machine dependability, the warranty is where we should be looking.
Manufacturers will offer better warranties on treadmills they think will last longer.
After all, these manufacturers don’t want to pay for your treadmill to be repaired or have to send you additional parts after you buy it.
That cuts into their profit margin.
Keep in mind that treadmill warranties usually come in 4 parts: frame, motor, parts, and labor.
Consider all 4 when making your decision, but know it’s the parts warranty that’s most likely to get tested.
Finding the most dependable home treadmills means comparing warranties and finding the best ones within your price range.
It takes some work, but I hope this list sets you in the right direction.
If nothing else, it should show you what kind of treadmills you should be thinking about when looking for dependable options.
Where can you buy a good extended warranty for a used treadmill?
I haven’t come across any places that offer a warranty for used treadmills. There are sites like Upsie that offer extended warranties for all kinds of products, including treadmills, but they don’t cover used models because they have no way of determining how the previous owner treated it. Keep in mind most manufacturers won’t transfer a warranty to a second owner, even if the treadmill is still within the original warranty period. Definitely something to consider when thinking about the costs of a used treadmill vs a new one.
Do you recommend any treadmill that can withstand 5 grownups to use in one day but a reasonable price.
That’s a lot of daily use, so the best case scenario would be to go for a light commercial grade treadmill. I like Spirit’s CT800 because it’s a beast of a treadmill and very well priced for a commercial grade machine (Fitness Factory has it on sale for about $3500). If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, Sole is always a great option. They have several different models to choose from depending on your budget, but the F85 mentioned in this article is a great option for the cost (~$2000). Hope that helps.
I understand Peloton will have a treadmill out in March 2021. How do you rate Peloton as a company and their products?
Yeah, Peloton has had a treadmill out for some time, but it looks like they have a new, more affordable model coming out later this year. I own their cycle and I have to say it’s awesome- very well built, heavy-duty, and has been working great for the last few years. So, as a brand, I really like Peloton. And I would think their treadmills are of the same quality. My biggest problem with the Tread+ that’s out now is the price- it’s really expensive. That and I think their warranties are too short. Overall though, I do love Peloton as a brand.
Great article and information! Was wondering how the Spirit brand compares? I’ve heard good things about them as well. Thanks!
I’m not that familiar with the Spirit brand yet (although I almost got my hands on one of their treadmills last month, I’m disappointed that feel through), but at first glance the brand looks promising. Their treadmills are priced pretty well and the warranties I saw are very impressive. Looks like they do both residential and commercial machines- that’s usually a good sign. Sorry I don’t have much to offer on this brand yet, but I’ll add it to my ever growing to-do list.