ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 review: Space-saving superstar folding treadmill

Typically, folding treadmills can lack some of the build quality and premium features of the best treadmills, eschewing flashy technology and a stable running deck in favour of lightness and manoeuvrability.

But the Carbon Pro 9000 from fitness equipment manufacturer ProForm is one of the few that aims to pack in the tech without eating into your living space.

With a powerful 3.6hp motor, a generous 152 cm x 51 cm running deck (not bad for a folding model) and a slick touchscreen interface that taps into the iFit ecosystem, the Carbon Pro 9000 pitches itself as a serious bit of kit for runners who don’t have space for a full gym setup.

But does it justify its premium price tag? After spending time pounding the belt, here’s how it stacks up.

A solid option

At first glance, the Carbon Pro 9000 doesn’t scream “space saver”. It’s a sizeable piece of equipment, with a footprint that rivals that of some non-folding, affordable treadmills when fully assembled.

However, the magic lies in its ‘SpaceSaver’ design, which allows the deck to be lifted and locked into a vertical position when not in use.

Despite the fact that you can effectively store it upright, this is a solidly built machine. The frame feels sturdy underfoot, with minimal flex or wobble, even during faster interval sessions. That’s no small feat for a treadmill that’s designed to be moved and stored regularly.

The deck uses ProForm’s 'ProShox' Cushioning system, which introduces a degree of shock absorption.

It’s not quite as plush as some high-end commercial treadmills, nor the next-gen decks of the Technogym Run, Wahoo Kickr Run and even NordicTrack Commercial 2450, but it strikes a good balance between comfort and responsiveness.

Long runs feel forgiving on the joints, while still offering rapid speed and incline jumps on-screen for tempo work.

There is a slight compromise when it comes to running deck real estate. At 51cm wide, it’s narrower than some premium, non-folding rivals, which may be noticeable for taller runners or those with a longer stride.

That said, it’s still perfectly usable for most training scenarios.

Practical and powerful

Powering the Carbon Pro 9000 is a 3.6 continuous-horsepower motor, which is more than capable in real-world use. It delivers smooth acceleration and maintains consistent speeds, even under heavier loads.

With a top speed of 20 km/h, this treadmill caters to everything from steady-state jogging to full-blown sprint intervals. It’s more than enough for most users — even seasoned runners — and puts it firmly in competition with more expensive, non-folding machines.

The incline function tops out at a tough 12%, which adds welcome variety to workouts and again, is mightily impressive given that thing doesn’t take up nearly as much room as rivals.

That said, the standout feature here is the Digital Quick Decline/Incline control, which allows users to switch between gradients with minimal fuss.

The transitions are impressively swift and smooth, making it ideal for structured interval sessions or hill repeats.

However, in the previous iteration of this tread, these buttons were hard keys on the main console. It didn't look quite as slick, but it's nice to have big, obvious buttons to press when you are running full tilt, rather than poking away at a touchscreen.

But the Carbon Pro 9000 feels responsive and capable. Whether you’re tackling a long endurance run or mixing in high-intensity bursts, it keeps up without complaint, and it’s not too noisy. Certainly not the quietest treadmill I’ve tested, but it won’t anger housemates either.

Feature-rich

Where the Carbon Pro 9000 really begins to separate itself from more basic folding treadmills is in its tech offering.

Front and centre is a 16-inch full-colour touchscreen, which acts as the hub for workouts, entertainment and performance tracking.

It’s bright, responsive and large enough to feel immersive — a key factor when you’re aiming to simulate running outside by watching a video of a camera gliding around paradisiacal environments.

Again, the previous generation packed a larger display that, despite not being as sharp as this smaller version, felt like a better value for money.

The treadmill is built around ProForm’s long-standing partnership with iFit, the subscription-based platform that offers a wide range of trainer-led, on-demand workouts, scenic runs, and structured training programmes. Think Peloton, but with a greater emphasis on outdoor-style running routes.

One of iFit’s standout features is its ability to automatically adjust speed and incline to match the terrain of a chosen route or a trainer's instructions. It adds a layer of engagement that can make indoor running feel far less monotonous.

However, it’s worth noting that iFit requires a separate monthly subscription, ranging from roughly £99 ($144) per year to £299 ($396), which adds to the overall cost of ownership.

Without it, you can just use it in a free-running mode, and there’s also the possibility of downloading third-party apps, such as Netflix and YouTube, if you just want to binge some boxsets while racking up the miles.

Annoyingly, you also can’t download Strava and other third-party running apps to the touchscreen display. Instead, you can sync devices for data logging, but that’s about it.

That's entertainment

Beyond fitness-focused features, the Carbon Pro 9000 also leans into entertainment.

As previously mentioned, the large touchscreen allows access to a selection of streaming services, meaning you can catch up on shows or films while torching some calories. It’s a welcome addition for those who prefer distraction over structured workouts.

Audio is handled by a pair of integrated two-inch speakers. They’re adequate at best, delivering clear enough sound for spoken instruction from iFit or background music.

However, they lack the depth and volume of Peloton's latest speaker array, particularly at higher speeds when treadmill noise becomes more prominent.

In most cases, a decent pair of wireless headphones will provide a far better listening experience — especially if you’re planning longer sessions

Easy storage

The folding mechanism is one of the Carbon Pro 9000’s key selling points, and thankfully, it’s well executed.

Lifting the deck into its upright position is relatively straightforward, assisted by a hydraulic system that reduces the strain on the process. Once locked, the treadmill occupies significantly less floor space, making it easier to tuck away.

Transport wheels at the base allow it to be rolled into position, whether that’s against a wall or into a storage area. However, at 119kg, this is far from a lightweight machine. Moving it around requires a bit of effort, and it’s not something you’ll want to do daily. This is very much a “fold and forget” solution, rather than a truly portable treadmill.

Comfort and usability

From a usability standpoint, the Carbon Pro 9000 is largely intuitive. The touchscreen interface is easy to navigate, and physical quick-access buttons for speed and incline make mid-run adjustments simple. The running surface feels stable and secure, even at higher speeds, which inspires confidence.

There are a few minor gripes. The built-in cooling fan, for example, is massively underwhelming. It offers a faint breeze, rather than sweat-busting airflow, so you’ll likely still rely on a massive external fan for more intense workouts.

Similarly, while the deck cushioning is effective, some users may prefer a firmer, more road-like feel for faster sessions. There’s a lot of spring in the step, which takes a little effort out of the stride, but it’s not the most realistic feel around.

Verdict

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 is one of the most capable folding treadmills I have tested. It successfully blends performance, technology and practicality in a way that few rivals manage.

Yes, it’s heavy, and yes, the iFit subscription adds an ongoing cost. But in return, you get a powerful motor, a feature-rich touchscreen experience and a folding design that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

For runners who want a high-quality home treadmill but don’t have the space for a permanent setup, the Carbon Pro 9000 is an excellent choice.

It proves that you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice performance for convenience — and that’s a rare thing in this category.