The ProForm Performance 400i Treadmill Review – Ideal for Light Usage

The ProForm Performance 400i treadmill packs a ton of features and a lot of cardio programs for a very affordable price...around $599 on sale last time we checked.

Recently updated, it now has a 7" Smart HD touch screen, an impressive 50 built in workouts and iFit Coach technology built right into the machine.

If you're looking for an entry level machine that doesn't skimp on features or capability, look no further than the 400i.

Performance 400i - The Machine

The new ProForm 400i is compact and foldable, with an upgraded touch screen display and and advanced cushioning system to reduce impact on the joints.

Here are the important specs on this machine...

ProForm Performance 400i Treadmill with Touch Screen Display and 50 Workouts
  • 2.0 CHP Mach Z™ Motor
  • 0-10 mph QuickSpeed™
  • 0-10% Quick™ Incline
  • 18" x 50" Tread Belt
  • ProShox™ Cushioning
  • iFit® Coach Enabled
  • Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0 Sound System
  • Integrated tablet holder
  • 300 lbs User Weight Capacity
  • SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • Dimensions: 65.77"L x 32.75"W x 56.42"H
  • Warranty: 10 yrs frame, 2 yrs parts & 1 yr labor

The Buzz

UPDATE: The 400i has been discontinued and replaced with all new models. Check out the latest ProForm treadmill reviews to find a comparable model.

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There's a lot of buzz building up about the newly redesigned 400i, due to the fact that you get so much for such an affordable price.

Let's talk about the pros and cons that we uncovered from our reviews...

Pros

The most talked about features on the newly designed ProForm SMART Performance 400i treadmill are the brand new 7" Smart HD touch screen and the additional built in workouts, a total of 50, which is more than you find on any other machine.

You can view all of your workout stats or tap into the company's awesome iFit Coach program, which gives you additional workout, Google maps of any location you choose to train on, workout tracking and sharing and so much more.

IFit requires a yearly fee, but if you see the SMART designation in front of the name, that means you get the first year free...which is a very cool extra.

The Performance 400i is very solid for an entry level treadmill, and has enough features to keep you satisfied if you are a walker or a jogger.

It offers a solid 2.0 CHP motor, ProShox™ Cushioning for shock absorption on the deck, and a 18" x 50" belt (note that the up-level 600i has a larger deck).

You also get 10% power incline, a fold-up deck design, tablet holder, grip heart rate monitoring and a speaker system.

Cons

The new ProForm 400i is more compact than the previous model, which is a good thing for those with limited space, but that means the belt is smaller as well.

At just 18" x 50", it might be a bit tight for taller individuals, who might prefer the additional room of the mid-level 600i or the new top of the line ProForm 800i treadmill.

Also, although fine for light workouts, the 2.0 CHP motor is not really built for heavy workouts.  So if you're more of a runner, this is not the treadmill for you.

However, for walking and light jogging by an average size person, the 400i is a great entry level choice.

How Does the Performance 400i Compare to the Other ProForm Treadmills?

ProForm Performance 400i Console With Touch Screen and iFit Coach

There are currently three different ProForm treadmill series: the entry level Performance Series, the mid-range Power Series and the top of the line Pro Series. As you move from one series to the next you get more features and capabilities.

Let's take a closer look at all of the models to see how they compare...

The Performance Series consists of the base 400i, mid-level 600i and top of the line 800i, the newest treadmill in the lineup.

The Performance 400i is the most compact treadmill in the lineup, with an 18" x 50" belt, up to 10% incline, 2.0 CHP motor, SpaceSaver folding design, iFit Coach technology, up to 10 mph speed, ProShox cushioning, pulse heart rate and 50 workout programs.

It has a 7" Smart HD touch screen and 300 lb. max weight capacity.

The Performance 600i is longer and wider than the 400i, with a larger 20" x 60" deck, up to 12% incline, 2.75 CHP motor, up to 12 mph speed and 22 workout programs.

It has a basic LED display and a 325 lb. max weight capacity.  It adds a workout fan to the mix.

The Performance 800i has an 18" x 60" deck, -2-10% decline/incline, 2.75 CHP motor, up to 12 mph speed and 50 workout programs.

It has a 14" Smart HD touch screen and 315 lb. max user weight capacity.

The Power Series is more advanced than the Performance Series and consists of the base 995i and the up-level 1295i.  You get stronger motors, higher speeds, more workouts and more incline levels.

The Power 995i has a 20" x 60" deck, up to 15% incline, 3.0 CHP motor, up to 12 mph speed, 30 workout programs and a 300 lb. max weight capacity.

The Power 1295i adds a 7" Smart HD touch screen display, a more powerful 3.5 CHP motor, 34 workout programs and a 350 lb. max weight capacity.

The Pro Series is the more commercial grade series, adding higher level components, decline capability, wider decks and even stronger motors.  Here you have the Pro 2000, 5000 and 9000.

The Pro 2000 has a 22" x 60" deck, up to 15% incline and -3% decline, 3.5 CHP commercial Mach Z motor, up to 12 mph speed, 32 workout programs and a 300 lb. max weight capacity.  It also adds a workout fan.

The Pro 5000 adds a 7" Smart HD touch screen like the Power 1295i has, plus a 4.0 CHP motor and 38 built in workouts.

The Pro 9000 adds a 10" Smart HD touch screen plus 40 built in workouts.

Which ProForm Treadmill Should You Choose?

Now that you know a little bit more about each treadmill, it should be a little easier to select the right model for your home gym.

The ProForm Performance 400i, 600i and 800i are going to be ideal for light workouts:  walking, some jogging, rehab, etc.  They have plenty of features and capabilities, but they are not built for very heavy usage.

In this case we like the new 400i as it is more compact and is the least expensive model, but the 600i definitely gives you a lot more to work with:  longer deck, more incline, a stronger motor and a fan.  

The 800i is the best choice in the Performance Series as it gives you the 14" touch screen and 50 built in workouts, among other enhanced features.

If you think you are going to be doing more than just walking, or there will be multiple users of various sizes, you might be better served with one of the ProForm Power treadmills.  

Here we prefer the Power 1295i as it gives you that nice touch screen display and more powerful motor.

Lastly, if there will be a lot of users banging away on a regular basis, or if you are interested in more serious running/training, you're probably going to want one of the Pro Series treadmills.

The ProForm Pro 5000 is one of the top sellers for the company, and you get the touch screen as well as incline and decline capability, something you really don't find often.  Plus you get a very strong motor and a large array of workouts.  

The Pro 9000 is great as well, but you don't necessarily need to spend the additional money for a larger touch screen.

So to sum up, for beginners/light users, the Performance 400i and 800i are good...for jogging/running, definitely look at the Power series...for serious runners, training purposes, a lot of different users, the Pro Series is going to be your best bet.

ProForm 400i Review - Bottom Line

The latest reviews on this treadmill are very encouraging. It isn’t a runner’s treadmill, nor should it be used by multiple-user households, but it would be ideal for seniors or casual walkers who want easy access to daily walking exercise without having to go outdoors.

ProForm excels at packing a lot of value into its budget line of machines, and the new ProForm Performance 400i treadmill has been a big seller for them, especially given the amazing price.

Also take a look at the up-level Performance 800i which has a stronger motor, more speed, more workouts and a larger deck.

If you are interested in more running and training, you'll want to upgrade to at least the Power Series, if not the top of the line Pro treadmills.

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