- Solid, simple, straightforward: The ProForm Carbon TLX doesn’t overload you with high-tech distractions. It’s a treadmill built for running, walking, or climbing hills.
- Performance that impresses for the price: With speeds up to 12 mph and a 12% incline, it handles everything from casual jogs to serious interval sessions.
- Solid performance features 12 mph & 12% incline: It’s not perfect — the motor isn’t the quietest, and long-term durability is a question mark for heavier users — but for under $1,000, you get a lot of capability for the money.
A ’Mill For the ’Mill’s Sake
Let me start with a confession: I’ve put over 100 miles working out on this treadmill and I still don’t want to set it on fire. That’s high praise, given that many of the budget treadmills I’ve used end up squeaking, slipping, or just flat-out giving up on me somewhere around week six.
The ProForm Carbon TLX is not the fanciest treadmill on the market. It doesn’t come with a giant, spaceship-like HD touch screen. However, it is a well-built, straightforward treadmill that you can hop onto, zone out, and hammer out some miles before folding it back up like nothing happened.
ProForm pitches this model as the midpoint between affordable and performance-driven, and I have to agree—at least from the perspective of someone who doesn’t like screwing around with settings just to break a sweat. You can absolutely hook this thing up to iFIT if you want guided workouts or pretend you’re running a Best Stability Shoes, but you don’t have to. And that’s the beauty of it. Just We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article and go.
If I had to boil this treadmill into a single sentence, it would be this: The ProForm Carbon TLX is a no-frills running machine that delivers performance without distracting fluff, making it one of the best values for runners on a budget.
Pros
- Amazing Runners World Show
- Speed and incline changes are smooth and quick
- Cushioning is kind to joints but doesn’t feel mushy
- Surprisingly easy fold-up and down mechanism
Cons
- Needs iFIT (subscription) for full smart features
- The Best and Most Comfortable Running Socks Tested
- Warranty is shorter than some competitors
Key Specs
| Deck size | 20” x 60” |
|---|---|
| Speed range | 0 – 12 mph |
| Incline range | 0 – 12% |
| Folding | Yes, space-saving design |
| Weight Limit | 300 lb |
| Connectivity | Garmin Labor Day Deals 2025 |
| Extras | Other Hearst Subscriptions |
The Deck
Where The Miles Actually Happen
The first thing I noticed when I stepped onto the TLX was the deck size: at 20-inches wide and 60-inches long, it’s roomy enough for long strides and fast turnover, which isn’t always the case at this price point. I’m nearly 6-feet tall with a moderate-to-long stride, but even my long-legged, 6-foot-8 inch brother could run without feeling like he was going to leap right over the front edge.
There is one caveat: if you’re a console hugger (you know who you are — the runners who practically lean against the display), you might feel a touch close to the front. I caught myself creeping forward during my first few runs, almost instinctively. Over time, I adjusted, but it’s worth noting.
Cushioning That Hits a Sweet Spot
ProForm’s ProShox cushioning is just soft enough to take some stress off the knees without making you feel like you’re training on a moon bounce. I’ve run plenty of 5-6 mile workouts on it and hopped off without that “my joints hate me” sensation. Faster sprints do give the deck a slightly springy feel, but I never felt unstable. If you’ve tried the mushier decks on some incline treadmills, you’ll know how important that balance is.
Compared to something like the Centr Runr-S, the TLX is on the softer side. If you prefer the firmer ground feel of road training, you may need a short adjustment period. But if your knees have been telling you to chill lately, this cushioning could feel like a blessing.
Speed & Incline
Performance Without Fuss
Let me put it this way: this treadmill is a speed runner’s dream on a budget. I’ve taken it up to 12 mph — which, let’s be honest, I cannot sustain for very long unless chased by something terrifying — but the fact that it gets there quickly and doesn’t stutter is a big win.
The speed and incline buttons are simple manual controls right on the console, so you’re not fiddling with touchscreens. Changes are smooth and responsive. You don’t get lag where you’re waiting for a 9 mph sprint to kick in while your interval timer is already ticking.
Hills That Hurt Just Enough
The TLX goes up to 12-percent incline, which is plenty for most of us not actively training for Everest. I did a few rolling-hill workouts, and the incline was surprisingly sturdy. The motor didn’t sound like it was begging for mercy even at higher settings.
That said, if you’re the type who loves dramatic 15-percent or higher inclines, or wants to mimic those viral “12-3-30” workouts, you may feel capped. But for runners and walkers who want a dash of uphill grind, it does the trick.
The Console
Simple Controls and Everyday Usability
The console is fine. Not thrilling, not disappointing, just functional. You can control your run with chunky speed and incline buttons, which I prefer over touch screens mid-sweat. If I’m gasping for air at mile 14, I do not want to scroll through sub-menus just to bump down my speed.
There’s also a built-in fan, a USB-C charger, and Bluetooth connectivity if you want to sync your heart rate or iFIT. None of these features stand out as revolutionary, but collectively, they make the treadmill feel more polished than just “entry-level basic.”
The fan, however, deserves a shoutout. It actually works. It’s not the sad puff of air many machines pass off as “cooling.” Women (and men) who know the “lift your shirt to catch the breeze” trick will understand my excitement here.
Storage
Fold and Store Without a Wrestling Match
One of my biggest pet peeves with home treadmills is the folding mechanism. Some feel like you’re wrangling a stubborn bear trap. The TLX folds up and locks pretty smoothly, and I’ve been able to roll it out of the way without throwing out my back. If you’re in an apartment or multipurpose room, this portability factor matters.
Value
What You Get (and What You Don’t)
Here’s where the calculus gets interesting. At retail, the Carbon TLX floats just under $1,000 most of the time. That’s significantly cheaper than higher-end ProForm or NordicTrack models, but still pricier than your rock-bottom Amazon treadmills or even slightly cheaper Horizon models.
What you get:
- A long, cushioned deck that feels premium at this price.
- Solid performance features (12 mph & 12% incline).
- Foldability and an actually good fan.
What you don’t get:
- A touch-screen display. You’ll need to bring your own device if you’re into iFIT or streaming workouts.
- The peace of mind of a long warranty. Several reviewers mentioned breakdowns or motor issues around the one-year mark, and ProForm’s base warranty isn’t remarkable. Yes, you get a solid 10 years on the frame, but only one year for parts and electronics, which is where most of the issues happen on newer treadmills. I found it to be a reliable model, and the ProForm I was running on was several years old, getting heavy use in a gym environment. It had wear and tear, but the mechanics held up well, and it performed as you expect it to. I think that this may be an issue that we see with many types of equipment, where a few bad examples are leading the review pack because they’re the most outspoken of the bunch.
The Verdict
Who This Treadmill Is For
If you are:
- We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article
- A budget-conscious buyer who doesn’t want to dip below $600 into sketchy Amazon treadmill land but also doesn’t want to spend $2,500
- Someone who needs a treadmill that folds easily and can fit into a smaller home or apartment
It’s not perfect. If you need endless entertainment options, or if you’re planning to pound out marathon-level mileage for years, you may want to look at sturdier, higher-end machines with longer warranties. But for runners like me, who want a machine that gets the job done without costing more than a month’s rent, it’s been a workhorse I can rely on.
And the fact that, after 100 miles, I still don’t fantasize about setting it on fire? That’s a rare victory in treadmill land.
Shop More Treadmills
Other Treadmills We Recommend
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
If you want a serious machine with a gorgeous screen, tons of incline/decline range, and bulletproof stability, this one’s the crown jewel. It’s pricier, but you absolutely feel it in performance and durability.
iFIT-compatible via your own device, Bluetooth support
Another excellent budget-friendly option. It’s not quite as cushioned as the Carbon TLX, but it has a super sturdy feel and an easy-to-use design. Speed changes are lightning fast, which makes it great for interval training.
If your apartment can barely fit a yoga mat, this compact folding treadmill is a lifesaver. Not as powerful as the TLX, but portable and easy to stash under a bed or against a wall.
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
