• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
The BarBend Logo in white.

BarBend

The Online Home for Strength Sports

  • News
    • CrossFit
    • Strongman
    • Bodybuilding
    • Top Athletes
    • Powerlifting
    • Weightlifting
    • HYROX
    • Competition Results
    • Latest Research
  • Reviews
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Mini Massage Guns
      • Individual Recovery Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Best Protein
        • Best Vegan Protein Powders
        • Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders
        • Best Mass Gainers
        • Best Protein Bars
      • Best Pre-Workouts
        • Best Pre-Workouts for Women
        • Best Pre-Workouts for Men
        • Best Non-Stim Pre-Workouts
        • Strongest Pre-Workouts
      • Best Creatine
      • Best Electrolyte Supplements
      • Best Greens Powder
      • Best Meal Replacements
      • Best Nitric Oxide Supplements
      • Best Fat Burners
        • Best Fat Burners for Men
        • Best Fat Burners for Women
        • Best Non-Stim Fat Burners
      • More Supplements
        • Best Supplements for Muscle Growth
        • Best Supplements for CrossFit
        • Best Supplements for Weight Loss
        • Best Supplements for Bodybuilding
        • Best Supplements for Men
        • Best Supplement Stacks
      • Individual Supplements Reviews
    • Equipment
      • Cardio
        • Best Treadmills
        • Best Rowing Machines
        • Best Exercise Bikes
        • Best Ellipticals
        • Best Recumbent Bikes
      • Strength
        • Best Adjustable Dumbbells
        • Best Dumbbells
        • Best Kettlebells
        • Best Barbells
        • Best Squat Racks
        • Best Free Weights
        • Best Weight Benches
        • Best Resistance Bands
        • Best Slam Balls
        • Best Weighted Vests
        • Best Leg Extension Machines
        • Best Cable Machines
        • Best Power Racks
        • Best Pull Up Bars
      • Best Home Gyms
        • Best Smart Home Gyms
        • Best Gym Equipment Under $100
        • Best Home Gym Essentials
        • Best Home Gym Flooring
      • Individual Equipment Reviews
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Apparel
        • Best Weightlifting Shoes
        • Best Cross Training Shoes
        • Best Gym Bags
        • Best Gym Shorts
      • Training
        • Best Weightlifting Belts
        • Best Knee Sleeves
        • Best Lifting Straps
        • Best Grip Strengtheners
        • Best Wrist Wraps
        • Best Lifting Gloves
      • Individual Fitness Product Reviews
    • Certifications
      • Best Sports Nutrition Certifications
      • Best Personal Trainer Certifications
      • Best Nutrition Certifications
      • Individual Certifications Reviews
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
      • Individual Program Reviews
  • Nutrition
    • Diets
      • Carb Cycling
      • Vertical Diet
      • Reverse Dieting
      • Carnivore Diet
      • Ketogenic Diet
      • Intermittent Fasting
      • IIFYM Diet
    • Fat Loss
      • Macros for Fat Loss
      • Calorie Deficits
      • Natural Fat Burners
      • Cut 2 Pounds Weekly
    • Muscle Gain
      • How to Dirty Bulk
      • Go From Cutting to Bulking
      • Eat These Carbs
      • How to Eat for Muscle
    • Supplement Guides
      • Pre-Workout
      • Whey Protein
      • Mass Gainers
      • Greens Powders
      • Creatine
      • BCAAs
    • Nutrition Tips
      • Daily Protein Needs
      • Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition
      • Foods With Creatine
      • Bulking Tips
  • Training
    • Workouts
      • Back Workouts
      • At-Home Workouts
      • Chest & Back Workouts
      • Full-Body Workout
      • HIIT Workouts
    • Exercise Guides
      • Deadlift
      • Bench Press
      • Back Squat
      • Overhead Press
      • Bent-Over Row
      • Lat Pulldown
      • Crunches
      • Farmer’s Carry
    • Best Exercises
      • Shoulder Exercises
      • Back Exercises
      • Chest Exercises
      • Glute Exercises
      • Ab Exercises
      • Hamstring Exercises
      • Quad Exercises
      • Calf Exercises
      • Biceps Exercises
      • Triceps Exercises
    • Programs
      • Push-Up Program
      • Pull-Up Program
      • German Volume Training
      • 5/3/1 Program
      • Powerbuilding Program
      • The Cube Method
      • 5×5 Program
      • Bodybuilding Programs
      • Build Your Own Program
    • Fat Loss
      • How to Burn Fat
      • Spot Fat Reduction
      • How to Train on a Cut
      • Body Conditioning
      • Workouts
        • Kettlebell Circuits
        • Dumbbell Complexes
        • Farmer’s Carry Workouts
    • Muscle Gain
      • Muscle Hypertrophy Explained
      • How to Build Muscle
      • How to Maintain Muscle
      • What Researchers Say About Muscle Gain
        • Workouts
          • 20-Minute Workouts
          • Kettlebell Circuits
          • CrossFit Workouts for Muscle
          • Bodybuilding Workouts
  • Calculators
    • Protein Intake Calculator
    • Macros Calculator
    • BMR Calculator
    • Squat Calculator
    • Calorie Calculator
  • Community Forum
Home » Treadmill Reviews » ProForm Carbon TLX Review (2025): Serious Testing from Serious Runners

ProForm Carbon TLX Review (2025): Serious Testing from Serious Runners

An affordable entryway to iFIT training.

Written by Rosie Borchert, NASM-CPT
Last updated on September 19th, 2024
Expert VerifiedExpert Contributor: Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
Expert VerifiedExpert Contributor: Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1
Expert VerifiedFact Checked By: Randall Colburn

We receive free products and receive commissions through our links. See disclosures page.

You’re in the market to build out your home gym, perusing the best treadmills to support your cardio goals. But then, after seeing price tags that leave you wide-eyed and shocked — like when you found out Santa didn’t exist and your parents had been lying to you for YEARS — you stumble upon the ProForm Carbon TLX, a budget-friendly treadmill with high-end capabilities.

This ProForm Carbon TLX review goes into detail about this sub-$1,000 treadmill’s offerings, from a robust 3.0 CHP motor, 12% incline, max speed of 12 miles per hour, and a spacious 60-inch long running deck — ideal for avid runners on a budget. While you won’t find a screen for streaming — a large reason for the low cost — it’s still iFIT compatible. One of our testers, a collegiate strength and conditioning coach, put this treadmill through its paces to bring you everything you need to know to help you decide if this home treadmill is the right fit for you.

Check out our BarBend equipment testing methodology page for more information on how our team tests and rates products for our reviews.

ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX

Adjusts up to a 12% grade so that you can feel like you're hitting real hills. With an iFIT subscription you can hit trails around the world from the comfort of your own home.

Shop ProForm

Experts Who Contributed

  • Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
  • Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Main Takeaways

  • The $999 Carbon TLX is the most affordable ProForm treadmill, with similar training capabilities to higher-priced ProForm machines, just without a touchscreen for streaming.
  • This treadmill is iFIT-compatible, providing over 17,000 classes you can stream on your own device and automatic speed and incline adjustments with the SmartAdjust feature.
  • ProForm stands behind its equipment with a 10-year frame warranty.

ProForm Carbon TLX Specs

Price$999
Product Dimensions59.1” H x 74.3” L x 35.1” W
Incline Range0-12%
Motor3.0 CHP
Top Speed12mph
User Weight Capacity300lbs
App CompatibilityiFIT
Screen for Streaming?No

The ProForm Carbon TLX — one of the best treadmills under $1,500 we’ve tested — comes loaded with impressive features, which may be surprising given its budget-friendly $999 price tag. To start, you’ll find a workhorse 3.0CHP motor, which helps to power the 12% incline and max speed of 12 miles per hour. “For the motor, continuous horsepower (CHP) is ideal, and runners who train at a high volume will want to look for a CHP of 3.0. However, that may be really tough to find in a budget lineup,” says BarBend expert contributor and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. Tough to find, but we found it.

Runners of various heights will be pleased to find a spacious 60-inch tread belt, allowing for longer strides and faster paces. “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride,” adds Capritto. “As for width, 20 to 22 inches is ideal in order to accommodate arm motion while running and potential side-to-side movement that can occur when sprinting.” With large decks come large frames, and at 18 square feet, this machine takes up a little more floor space than a standard 16.6 square foot two-seat sofa. (1)

Our tester getting into a workout on the ProForm Carbon TLX
Our tester getting into a workout on the ProForm Carbon TLX

However, one of our testers, a certified personal trainer, found the ProFlex cushioning left her wanting more. “Because it’s a relatively affordable treadmill, I didn’t expect much cushioning underfoot,” they say. “However, the running surface wasn’t very comfortable, especially for longer jogs, quick sprints, or those with knee issues.”

If your top want is an affordable treadmill that’s iFIT-enabled, you may have met your match. While the best smart treadmills tend to cost upwards of $3,000, our tester was impressed with the Bluetooth pairing capabilities on the Carbon TLX. “There isn’t a screen to stream programming from, but I was able to pair my phone to this treadmill and take an iFIT workout,” they say. It’s worth noting that, unlike other treadmills with iFIT compatibility, you don’t need to feel locked into a monthly subscription to use the touchscreen since there is no built-in HD touchscreen.

Our tester on the ProForm Carbon TLX.
A view of the display on the ProForm Carbon TLX.

In place of a touchscreen, you’ll find a basic multi-color display that allows you to adjust your training intensity. “The display is easy to read and navigate, but it was a bit difficult to make adjustments to my workout when sprinting since there aren’t any easy-to-reach adjustment knobs on the handrails,” says Jarret Evans, collegiate strength and conditioning coach and BarBend tester. You will, however, find QuickSpeed button controls on the console that allow you to adjust your speed and incline instantly.

Pros
Strong 3.0 CHP motor for a sub-$1,000 treadmill
iFIT-compatible
Spacious 20 by 60-inch running deck
Cons
No screen for streaming
No heart rate sensors
Per our testers, uncomfortable ProShox cushioning

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the ProForm Carbon TLX

While the ProForm Carbon TLX is among the best ProForm treadmills, it may not be the best choice for you and your home gym. Below we’ve detailed who we’d recommend this folding treadmill for and who we think should continue their search elsewhere. 

Recommended for:

  • Those with a tight budget
  • Runners who live in apartments or shared spaces
  • Individuals looking to take virtual, trainer-led workout classes

Not Recommended for:

  • People wanting a treadmill with a built-in screen for streaming
  • Those who don’t want to be saddled with a monthly iFIT membership fee
  • Serious runners needing decline training capabilities or speeds over 12 miles per hour

Our Experience Training With the ProForm Carbon TLX

We utilized four testers of varying heights and sizes, with backgrounds ranging from CrossFit athletes to collegiate strength and conditioning coaches, to dial in our notes and thoughts concerning the ProForm Carbon TLX. Not only that, but we’ve tested over 50 treadmills, so we know a thing or two about how a treadmill should perform based on its specs. 

To convey our training experience aboard the Carbon TLX, we’ve scored areas such as tech capabilities, dynamic programming, durability, footprint, and more on a scale of 1 (not great) to 5 (we love it). While it’s one of the best budget treadmills we’ve come across, we didn’t hold back with our testing notes in an effort to give you the total picture of what you can expect your training to look like should you choose to bring home this ProForm Carbon TLX treadmill. Below you’ll find key areas we focused on during testing.

Training Intensity Capabilities

The 3.0 CHP motor, 12% incline, and max speed of 12 miles per hour (that’s a 5-minute mile pace) may sound good, but how did our testers feel it actually performed? Well, we got mixed reviews. One tester, a CrossFit Level-1 coach who’s about 140 pounds, gave durability a 4.5 out of 5 when sprinting at its top speed and incline. “It’s super sturdy, and I didn’t feel any shake or wobble, even when I was going as fast as I could,” they say. 

A BarBend tester on the ProForm Carbon TLX.
The 60-inch belt deck on the ProForm Carbon TLX.

However, Jarret Evans, a collegiate strength and conditioning coach, worried about its ability to provide a sturdy workout experience for heavier athletes. “I think anyone over 250 pounds might experience some instability on the treadmill belt, especially at higher speeds,” he says. “When I was running, the treadmill was shaking.” He scored durability a 2 out of 5.

Regardless of the shake (or lack of one),  the 3.0 CHP motor size is far more robust than the HP motors we tend to see at this price point and should keep the treadmill (and you) running for years to come.

iFIT Programming

“I wasn’t thrilled about having to connect my phone to this treadmill in order to access iFIT programming, but it ended up being super simple,” says CrossFit coach tester, who scored the TLX’s dynamic programming a 4 out of 5. “I love iFIT, plus the off-treadmill workout options are great.” With an iFIT subscription, you’ll have access to thousands of trainer-led running, walking, and hiking workouts across a variety of scenic backdrops. Outside of treadmill workouts, you’ll also find strength training, studio classes, HIIT workouts, and more to keep your fitness routine feeling fresh.

While you’ll need to access this programming from your own device, you will have the option to utilize SmartAdjust, which can automatically control your speed and incline depending on your chosen workout. “SmartAdjust took control of my resistance and really made me feel like I was climbing the hills I saw on screen,” says BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier while doing an iFIT workout set in Hawaii.

iFIT offers a variety of membership tiers, however with connected equipment you’ll need the iFIT Pro membership, which will run you $39 a month. An iFIT membership isn’t required to use the Carbon TLX, but without one you’ll only be able to use the treadmill in manual mode since you won’t find any onboard workouts on the center console. A 30-day iFIT trial included with your purchase will allow you to see if you’re keen on paying for this membership.

Footprint and Portability

Our tester found moving this treadmill around when folded to be rather manageable, ideal for those living in tight quarters like an apartment, shared living space, or your childhood bedroom in your parent’s home which they’re slowly turning into their home gym while they say without enthusiasm, “You can stay with us as long as you want.” (As we’ve established, their words can’t be trusted).

Our tester lowering the running deck of the ProForm Carbon TLX
Our tester lowering the running deck of the ProForm Carbon TLX

Taking up 18 square feet of floor space and weighing 249 pounds, this thing weighs as much as a grand piano. (2) However, the SpaceSaver design — a reason why it earned a place on our best compact treadmills list — allows the deck to fold up via EasyLift Assist, which uses gas shocks to help lift and lower the deck with ease.

“When folded and tipped onto its transport wheels, the treadmill only places 67.3 pounds on your hands when moving it around,” says our tester, who utilized a luggage scale for this test. Footprint and portability scored a 3.75 out of 5.

What to Consider Before Buying the ProForm Carbon TLX

Bringing a treadmill into your home requires you to understand exactly what you’re looking for. While testing the ProForm Carbon TLX, we kept in mind some focal factors regarding what each user should consider before choosing (or passing on) this machine. 

  • Budget: Keep in mind that in addition to the $999 sticker price, you’ll also want to invest in the monthly $39 iFIT Pro membership to fully utilize this treadmill.
  • iFIT Programming: Consider if you truly want iFIT programming, or if you’d rather have a treadmill that provides on-board workouts or doesn’t need a subscription.
  • Training Intensity: The 60-inch belt deck, 12 miles-per-hour max speed, and 12% incline should be suitable for most athletes. However, if you want a larger incline or max speed, or decline capabilities, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
  • Screen Time: Unlike the best treadmills with screens, you’ll need to be comfortable using your phone or tablet to stream workouts since there isn’t a built-in touchscreen.

ProForm Carbon TLX Vs. Competitors

While we’re fond of the sub-$1,000 price tag on the ProForm Carbon TLX, especially considering it’s a machine with a 3.0 CHP motor and is iFIT-enabled, the following chart details some treadmills you’ll also want to consider, especially if you’re willing to spend a little more on your investment.

ProForm Carbon TLXHorizon 7.0 AT TreadmillSole F63NordicTrack EXP 7i
Price$999$1,477$1,199$1,299
Dimensions“59.1” H x 74.3” L x 35.1” W66” H x 76” L x 35” W67” H x 77”L x 35” W59.7” H x 70.8” L x 34.9” W
Max Speed12mph12mph12mph10mph
Incline12%15%15%12%
Warranty10-year frame, two-year parts, and one-year laborLifetime frame and motor, three-years parts, one-year laborLifetime frame and motor, two-years deck, parts, and wear items, one-year labor10-year frame, two-year parts, one-year labor
App CompatibilityiFIT app (with subscription)Zwift and Peloton app (with subscription)Sole+ app (free), and others (with subscription)iFIT app (with subscription)
TouchscreenNoNoNo7” HD touchscreen
Built-in Heart Rate MonitorNoYesYesNo

Ordering and Assembling ProForm Carbon TLX

When you check out online from ProForm’s website, you’ll have the option to choose between three delivery methods.

  • Standard Delivery (free): This option delivers your equipment to the first place at your home that’s out of the weather, if possible. However, they will not deliver this treadmill up or down any stairs.
  • Room of Choice Delivery & Assembly ($199): Your treadmill will be delivered to whichever room you’d like your treadmill to live in. From there, a team will unbox and assemble your treadmill.
  • Delivery, Assembly, and Disposal of Old Equipment ($298): Delivery into a room of choice, assembly, and then the team will complete everything by hauling out your old treadmill or cardio machine.

Once you’ve settled on everything you want, and entered your credit card information, you can expect your order to ship in about a week and a half.

A man taps the underside of the ProForm Carbon TLX with his foot to aid in lowering the treadmill deck back to the ground.
Our tester demonstrates how to tap the EasyLift assist with your foot to help you lower the deck back to the ground.

“This was the easiest treadmill to put together,” says one of our testers, a CrossFit Level-1 coach, who scored delivery and assembly a perfect 5 out of 5. “The instructions are clear, and I was able to assemble everything all by myself and in less than an hour.”

Places to Buy ProForm Carbon TLX

You can buy the Carbon TLX directly from ProForm’s website, as well as BestBuy, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Amazon. 

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

ProForm offers a wide variety of mid-range training tools, including treadmills, ellipticals, strength equipment, and some of the best rowing machines on the market. To get in touch with the brand, you can reach a sales associate by calling 1-888-742-0128. The average response time to speak with an associate is about 10 minutes, however, when we’ve called, it’s only taken about two minutes to get on the line with a living, breathing, person.

A man lowers the deck of the ProForm Carbon TLX treadmill.
Our tester demonstrates how to roll the Carbon TLX around when folded up.

Reviews for the ProForm Carbon TLX online are resoundingly positive, with 4.5 out of 5 stars out of 181 reviews on Google, and 4.5 out of 5 stars out of 178 reviews on Best Buy, Walmart, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. “It’s a sturdy piece of equipment that, despite its initial weight during setup, proved easy to maneuver,” says one 5 star review. “Walking at snail-like speeds, say 1.0 to 2.5 miles per hour, caused a bit of belt lag,” says another reviewer, who gave 4 out of 5 stars. “Not ideal for rehab or older users, but speeds above 2.5 miles per hour were glitch-free.”

Warranties

The warranty package with the Carbon TLX covers the frame for 10 years, parts for two years, and labor for one year. If you have some extra coin to spare, and like protecting your investment, you can also opt for a 3-year or 5-year warranty boost for $159.99 and $289.99, respectively. The 3-year extended warranty provides a 5-year parts and 4-year labor warranty. The 5-year extended warranty extends your parts and labor warranty to five years, plus includes an annual 15-point maintenance check upon request.

[Related: Treadmill Warranty Guide]

Final Thoughts on ProForm Carbon TLX

If you’re a coupon king, queen, or royalty, or finding a good deal brings you almost as much joy as playing with puppies, the $999 ProForm Carbon TLX may be the right choice for you. While it doesn’t feature an HD touchscreen, the high contrast display is Wi-Fi capable and can pair with the iFIT app so you can stream workouts from your own phone. However, you can use a ProForm treadmill without iFIT, if you so choose.

Our testers closer to the 300-pound weight capacity noticed some shake during their runs, but our team members under 200 pounds felt the machine to be sturdy and stable. With a 3.0 CHP motor, the 12% incline and 12 mile-per-hour max speed allow for a good deal of training variety. When you’re done with your workout, you can cool off with the CoolAire fan, then utilize the foldable mechanics to roll and stow it out of the way.

ProForm Carbon TLX FAQs

How much does the ProForm Carbon TLX cost?

The ProForm Carbon TLX is available for $999 from ProForm. However, you’ll want to consider investing in an iFIT Pro membership which will cost $39 a month after a free 1-month trial.

Do ProForm treadmills last?

We like to look at the motor for hints as to a treadmill’s longevity, and the 3.0 CHP motor on the Carbon TLX should keep your treadmill running for years to come with proper care and maintenance. Check out our tips for treadmill maintenance for guidance on how to take care of your new machine.

What is the weight limit on the ProForm Carbon TLX treadmill?

This treadmill has a 300-pound user weight capacity.

References

  1. Jaramillo, C. (2022). A guide to sofa dimensions & Sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
  2. Weight, V. O. (2023). Surprising things that weigh 250 pounds – voice of weight – medium. Medium. https://medium.com/@weightofthings6/surprising-things-that-weigh-250-pounds-eaf6dc883a85

About Rosie Borchert, NASM-CPT

Rosie Borchert is a comedy writer with credits spanning ABC, Netflix, and Amazon Studios. She pivoted to her passion for fitness, becoming a certified personal trainer, writing programming for tech fitness company Tonal, and punching up jokes for Tony Horton of P90X fame.

View All Articles

BarBend

BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.

  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Sections

  • CrossFit
  • Strongman
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Weightlifting
  • Reviews
  • Nutrition
  • Training

More

  • BarBend Newsletter
  • BarBend Podcast
  • The Ripped Report
  • 1RM Calculator
  • BMR Calculator
  • Macros Calculator
  • Protein Calculator
  • Squat Calculator

Policies

  • Accessibility
  • Advice Disclaimer
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimers
  • Disclosures
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2025 · BarBend Inc · Sitemap