The best treadmill reviews you can trust
The Matrix T30 is a non-folding treadmill with a more compact size. Learn more in this review of the Matrix T30 Treadmill to decide if you should find the space for it in your home.
Updated: April 15, 2024
The Matrix T30 Treadmill is a bit of an enigma with its non-folding frame and more compact deck. It won’t save you space by folding, but it does have a smaller footprint than Matrix’s other non-folding treadmills. There are three console options available for the T30 with both low- and high-tech options. Matrix has a reputation for commercial-grade equipment. If you were impressed with your local gym’s Matrix treadmill, the T30 is a way to bring some of that high-quality home. In my review of the Matrix T30, I discuss its design, performance, and features to give my expert take on this cardio machine.
The Matrix T30 has the same lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and cushioning you will find on Matrix’s other residential treadmills. The parts warranty is on the shorter side for Matrix but still nice at 5 years. Labor is covered for 2 years, slightly better than the typical 1-year warranty I see on more affordable home treadmills.
The frame is steel and supportive. The T30 has large handles that run together into one big handle with tons of grip options. The footrails are textured to allow your shoes to grip easily. The treadmill weighs 289 lbs and is the lightest of the Matrix home treadmills. If you are planning to place the treadmill upstairs, it may be the best option out of the brand’s selection.
The motor is only 3 horsepower. While this isn’t too different from the other Matrix treadmills, it is the weakest of the bunch. Still, it should be suitable for walking and some running. Running is more limited by the length of the treadmill deck.
Most residential running treadmills have 60-inch decks. At only 55 inches, the T30 is noticeably shorter. The top speed of the treadmill is 12.5 miles per hour. Runners with longer strides may not be as comfortable running at this speed due to the amount of room on the deck. The 20-inch width of the treadmill should be comfortable for most users.
The deck has a step-up height of only 6.4 inches. This height combined with the treadmill’s handles makes the treadmill easier to navigate.
The running surface is not too soft or too firm. It is softer than running outdoors but less cushioned than Freemotion’s REFLEX cushioning.
The Matrix T30 is a non-folding treadmill. It is very similar to the TF30, a folding treadmill from Matrix. The advantage of the T30 over the TF30 is that the absence of a folding mechanism gives the treadmill one less part that could malfunction. It also gives the treadmill a more solid frame since it doesn’t have hinges.
The T30 is 289 lbs. It has transport wheels but may be difficult for many users to lift and roll around. I recommend most users find a dedicated spot for the T30, storing it there long term.
The Matrix T30 has a maximum incline of 12%. A 12% incline should be challenging enough for most users to get a good hill workout in. The treadmill does not decline. If you are looking for a better decline or incline in this price range, consider the NordicTrack X22i.
The Matrix T30 has a wide range of features that vary depending on the console you choose. The most affordable, the XR console, has the fewest features. It is a non-touchscreen LCD screen with physical buttons. The XR is the best option for shoppers trying to save money and exercisers who don’t care for onboard content. The XIR and XER consoles are touchscreen and have more advanced features. The XER is 10 inches, and the XIR is 16 inches.
The XR console is an LCD with a blue background and white text. There is a keypad with numbers to input the speed and incline desired. There are also buttons under the screen to start, stop, and adjust the treadmill speed.
The XIR and XER consoles are touchscreen with built-in programs and third-party apps. They don’t have very many buttons off the screen. They are more expensive, but they are the ideal option for users who are looking for the most content options and features.
The XIR and XER have speakers beneath the screen. The speakers are for listening to the onscreen audio. If you don’t want to listen to the content out loud, you can also pair headphones with Bluetooth. There is also an audio port for connecting headphones or plugging in your device to play audio over the speakers. The iFIT app has closed captioning for its classes. So there are a lot of different audio options.
Bluetooth allows any of the console options to connect with heart rate monitors. The smart consoles can also pair with headphones or to your smart device.
There are pulse grips on the side handles. These grips are for checking in on your heart rate if you do not have a wearable heart rate monitor connected. These are generally considered less accurate than wearable monitors, but it’s a nice feature to have if you want an idea of what heart rate zone you are training in.
There are cup holders on either side of the T30’s console. There is also a device rack that can hold your phone or tablet. This is a convenient place to store your device when you have it connected to the T30 via one of the many options available on the smart consoles.
The Matrix T30 is a non-folding treadmill with a slightly more compact deck than normal. Some runners will be able to run comfortably, but others will run out of space if they try to run closer to the 12.5 mph speed limit. The moderate cushioning of the treadmill is suitable for all types of running. It is soft enough to provide relief from the pounding of outdoor running. The T30 can also support HIIT workouts, long runs, and all types of walking. It’s not the most powerful of Matrix’s lineup, but it should hold up under most residential use cases.
The Matrix T30 has onboard training programs, so you don’t have to have a subscription if you don’t want to. The TR console is the best option for low-tech trainers who want to get into their workout quickly.
The touchscreen consoles provide access to a variety of apps. Many of these are entertainment apps so you can leisurely scroll while you are walking or put on a show as you tackle a difficult workout. The iFIT app gives you the option to subscribe monthly. The subscription gives you access to thousands of classes for the treadmill, other cardio equipment, and more.
The iFIT treadmill classes will automatically adjust the speed and incline so you can train hands-free. A knowledgeable coach will guide your session as you follow them over routes in locations all over the world. The incline adjusts to replicate the real-world terrain as closely as the T30’s 0 to 15% range allows.
You can pair the T30 with tons of other content to expand your training options. The T30 is FTMS compatible.
