Updated: December 10, 2023
There is a pretty big difference between the F63 and the F80 when it comes to price. If you are wondering whether the sleek and high-tech build of the F80 is worth it compared with the trustworthy and budget-friendly design of the F63, this comparison of the Sole F63 vs the Sole F80 is just for you! The Sole F63 is a great bargain option that’s perfect for walking and light to moderate running. The Sole F80 has more entertainment and training options and is great for runners who are planning to log daily miles on its deck. This comparison will help you decide between these two stellar options by pointing out their differences, benefits, and shortcomings.
Sole F63 Highlights
- The Sole F63 is far more affordable.
- There is a removable storage compartment beneath the console.
- A crossbar reinforces the uprights to reduce console shaking.
- The F63’s speed and incline options are just as good as the F80’s.
- The F63’s fan is stronger and more effective than the F80’s.
Sole F80 Highlights
- The Sole F80 has a large touchscreen display with preloaded apps.
- The 3.5 HP motor is great for long distance running.
- The Sole F80’s frame is modern and sleek.
- The F80’s folding is user-friendly and compact.
- The F80 has tons of smart features.
- The F80’s weight capacity is 350 lbs.
Sole F63 Treadmill Specs
- Footprint: 77” x 35” x 67”
- Deck Size: 20” x 60”
- Motor Size: 3.0 HP
- Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
- Product Weight: 267 lbs
- Speed Range: 0 to 12 MPH
- Incline/Decline Range: 0% to 15%
- Cushioning: Cushion Flex Whisper Deck; firm
- Warranty: lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 2-year deck, 2-year electronics/parts, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic
Sole F80 Treadmill Specs
- Footprint: 82.5” x 38” x 66”
- Deck Size: 22” x 60”
- Motor Size: 3.5 HP
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Product Weight: 274 lbs
- Speed Range: 0 to 12 MPH
- Incline/Decline Range: 0 to 15%
- Cushioning: Cushion Flex Whisper Deck; firm
- Roller Size: 2.36”
- Warranty: lifetime frame and motor; 3-year parts; 1-year labor
Treadmill Comparison of The Sole F63 vs Sole F80
Build Quality
Frame
The Sole F63 Treadmill has a traditional treadmill build with slightly angled uprights and a bulky console. The Sole F80 Treadmill has adopted the sleeker z-frame sweeping the home treadmill industry. Both treadmills are quite sturdy, but the F63’s console is a little bit more stable. The F63’s uprights are reinforced with a crossbar, which I really like on a treadmill even if it doesn’t create as sleek of a silhouette. The F80 has a 350-lb weight capacity whereas the F63 has a 325-lb weight capacity. The frame of the F80 is certainly more supportive of higher weights. I’ll declare this one a draw, because it comes down to your specific wants and needs. Fortunately, both the F80 and F63 have a lifetime warranty on their frames.
Motor
A lifetime warranty covers the motors of the F80 and F63 treadmills. The F63 has a 3.0 HP motor, which just meets our threshold for a running treadmill. It is a great treadmill for walking or light to moderate running. If you are a runner who primarily trains outdoors but needs a viable rainy day running solution, the F63 is just what you need. On the other hand, the F80’s 3.5 HP motor is more powerful and can support daily running. If you are logging a lot of miles, the F80 is the treadmill for you. For this reason, the F80 is the clear winner, but it may be overkill for walkers.
Running Surface
Sole treadmills tend to be firm underfoot. The F63 and F80 do not differ here. The F63 has a narrower running surface than the F80 with a width of 20 inches compared to the F80’s 22. Both are 60 inches long. While the F63 should be fine for most users, larger users or exercisers with wider step widths should appreciate the F80’s roomier surface.
Folding/Storage
The F63 and the F80 fold for compact storage. The F63 is not quite as compact with folded dimensions of 50” x 35” x 72” compared to the F80’s 44” x 38” x 71.5”. The F63 also uses a kick release bar under the deck for lowering compared to the F80’s hand release lever. The F80 has the advantage here.
Incline/Decline
Neither treadmill declines, and both have fifteen levels of incline. Given the F80’s higher price point, I would have liked to see a decline. So for value’s sake, I like the F63 more.
Features & Accessories
The Sole F80 is the superior option when it comes to features. It has all of the high-tech smart options you could want, but the F63 has a few tricks. The F80 needs WiFi to access all of its features, but the F63 does not require WiFi. Neither treadmill requires a subscription to deliver a great workout.
Console Overview
The F80 and F63 have very different consoles. The F80’s is full of high-tech features. It also relies on a mixture of off and onscreen buttons. The F63 only has console buttons. Both treadmills suffer from not having a quick-adjust button for each incline and speed level. I’m sure most users will prefer the modern appearance of the F80, but the F63’s console is easy to navigate and perfect for the low-tech user.
Screen
The F80’s 10.1-inch touchscreen display is the high-tech option. The F63’s 6.5-inch LCD screen is busy and does not provide the best viewing experience. I find the F80 easier to navigate and view at a glance. That said, the F63 shows all the metrics you need and is backlit. If you are looking for engaging content and viewing options, the F80 is by far the better option.
Speakers
The F80 and F63 both have Bluetooth speakers. I like the F80’s speaker quality a bit more, and they are more purposeful due to the F80’s vast content options. However, I really like that the F63 has Bluetooth speakers, so you can listen to training content out loud with a phone or tablet if you want.
Bluetooth Audio
The F63 doesn’t have built-in audio content, so it doesn’t have Bluetooth audio. The F80 can connect with Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. If you want to use the third-party apps available on the screen, you don’t have to worry about disturbing others in your household.
Heart Rate
Both treadmills have EKG pulse grips and Bluetooth heart rate connectivity. The Sole F63 has heart rate training options, but the F80 has more heart rate training options with its smart features and onboard workout options.
Storage
The F63 has more storage options than the F80 thanks to its large removable storage tray located on the crossbar between the uprights. The F63 also has two tablet rack options compared to the F80’s one. If you need to keep a lot of belongings nearby, the F63 is the better option.
Fan
I like the F63’s fan more than the F80. You still might need a floor fan if you get really hot while exercising. The F80’s fan is weak and angled away from the deck.
Smart Features
The F80 has quite a few smart features not found on the F63. Screen mirroring allows you to cast any content you want to the display. A wireless charging pad instead of the F63’s USB charging options. The Sole F80 clearly has the most features to offer.
Performance
The performance of treadmills is quite similar. To be honest, I did not notice the extra two inches in width the F80’s belt has compared to the F63. Some users may need this extra room, but I could run just fine on the F63. Both treadmills provide a road-like underfoot experience. Runners preparing for a road race or who don’t want the assistance of a soft and bouncy treadmill with appreciate Sole’s treadmills.
I have to say that I am partial to the F80. I like the content options, because it helps my longest runs go by quicker. The speed and incline switches are conveniently placed on the stability bar to allow me to easily adjust the treadmill settings. Either treadmill is great for short runs, though both treadmills make slow speed and incline adjustments that need to be factored into interval workouts. I prefer the F80’s extensive content option for long runs. It makes the time go by faster and keeps me from being bored.
Subscription & Content Options
Sole F63 Content
The Sole F63 has onboard training options. These are hill and speed interval workouts. You can also pair the F63 with the Sole+ app for trainer-guided classes. The content is free for Sole equipment owners. The app stores your workouts and associated metrics. I am really happy with what Sole offers for free, and I hope they continue to expand their training offerings.
Sole F80 Content
The Sole F80’s training options are practically limitless. There are built-in programs and fitness tests. You can design your own fitness programs. The Kinomap app has structured workout classes and virtual training runs. With an active Kinomap membership, the Sole F80’s incline and speed will automatically adjust to match the program. You can also use the Sole+ app with the F80. The screen mirroring feature lets you cast any workout app you want. So, if you use Peloton, iFIT, or any other training platform, the F80 is a great treadmill option. You don’t have to commit to a single subscription platform, because the F80 lets you switch things up. Compared to the F63, it has many more content options.
Bottom Line Review: Sole F63 vs Sole F80
The Sole F80 is pricier than the F63, but it is leaps and bounds ahead of the F63 in content options. If you plan to put some serious miles on the treadmill, the F80 will entertain you for your longest runs. The F80 is also the better option if you have multiple users in your household. The F63 is fine for walking or runners who need a backup for outdoor training. The Sole F80 is certainly the better option for anyone beyond an entry-level or budget-restricted user.
