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#1 Proform 965 CT Smart review

Chris L.
January 12, 2021

The Proform 965 CT Smart gives you access to a 1-year iFit membership. This provides you with numerous on-demand workouts led by professional trainers. And with QuickSpeed controls, you can effortlessly adjust the incline and speed to whatever suits your lifestyle.

Is the Proform 965 CT Smart treadmill best for you?

The Proform 965 CT Smart comes with expert engineering to give you a solid run from the comfort of your home. The self-cooling motor prevents it from overheating, so you can run without worrying about its longevity. Plus, adjustable ProShox cushioning lessens the impact on your joints. This allows you to recover faster, so you don't have to go as long between sessions.

The treadmill can fit almost anywhere in the room. It comes with SpaceSaver Design combined with EasyLift Assist. You can fold it up easily so that you can tuck it away once you're done running.

Consider Proform 965 CT Smart if...

  • You need QuickSpeed buttons. The 965 CT Smart console allows you to effortlessly change the speed anywhere between 0 and 10 miles per hour. The incline can go up to 10 percent. And you can adjust as necessary to get the exact conditions you want.
  • You want to save space. This treadmill comes with the SpaceSaver design. It folds up, and you can put it in the closet or under the bed until you're ready to run again.
  • You like trying out new memberships. Along with your new treadmill, you receive a 1-year membership to iFit. To get the most out of this, you need to place your tablet onto the treadmill's consoles. This allows you to take advantage of workouts led by personal trainers to push yourself to the limit.

Avoid Proform 965 CT Smart if...

  • You need more leg room. The running track measures 20" x 55". This is more narrow than other treadmills, which usually have tracks at least 20" x 60". This may not work as well for taller individuals.
  • You don't want to pay for extras. While you get 1 year of iFit for free with your purchase, you have to pay for it after that. Some people may not want to invest in more fitness gear beyond the initial equipment. But at least you get a 1 year trial to see if it's something you need with your workouts.
  • You like sprinting. A top speed of 10 mph may be perfect for people who want to walk or lightly jog. But if you want to sprint, then you need a treadmill that at least goes up to 12 mph, which is the max speed of the Proform 905 CST treadmill.

Proform 965 CT Smart pros & cons

Pros

  • ProShox cushioning
  • Tablet holder with Device Grip
  • 1.9-inch balanced rollers
  • Self-cooling motor
  • 300-pound weight capacity

Cons

  • Accuracy is off
  • No heart rate monitor to go on the chest

Construction and design

  • Motor: It comes with a 2.6CHP Mach Z motor. It features self-cooling technology to provide more consistent power to the running track without overheating.
  • Running Surface: The running track measures 20" x 55". It's 5" shorter than most other treadmills.
  • Touchscreen: It features a display built into the treadmill that shows your workout stats. With the integrated holder, you can install a tablet to watch TV or read a book as you run.
  • Speakers: The treadmill can connect to your devices via Bluetooth. You can sync it with workout apps to monitor your progress over time.
  • Built-in Programs: It doesn't seem to come with many programs. However, with 1 year of iFit, you can sync the machine with Google Maps to look as though you're running around the globe. However, you need a tablet to access this feature.

Key Proform 965 CT Smart Specs

Reasons to buy Proform 965 CT Smart?

  • You need to protect your joints. Anyone with a history of knee or ankle problems needs a treadmill with ProShox cushioning. That's precisely what the 965 CT Smart comes with to allow for better recovery time between workouts.
  • You like monitoring your heart. This treadmill comes with EKG heart rate sensors in the handlebars. You simply grip the bars to see where your heart is at in case you need to keep it in a certain range.
  • You want destination workouts. With iFit, you can travel around the globe. Plus, each workout is led by a knowledgeable trainer who encourages you to perform at your best.

Reasons to avoid Proform 965 CT Smart?

  • You don't have a tablet. The iFit feature only works with the treadmill unless you have your own tablet. If you don't have one, then it becomes a moot point.
  • You want Bluetooth speakers. While this treadmill is Bluetooth compatible, you can't play music via Bluetooth. You have to plug the device in to utilize the speakers.

What real Proform 965 CT Smart reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Proform 965 CT Smart receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.74 (across several hundred reviews). Proform 965 CT Smart scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

  • "This machine works great, it’s sturdy, large but not bulky enough to have enough room for a great run!"
  • "I have had her one week now and I am extremely happy with this purchase. Simple to assemble."
  • "Love that it goes up to 10% incline. Fits perfectly in the house and folds up great!"
  • "The treadmills max. incline is 10 for those that like to run or walk with high intense incline. Which will still feel like 15, a true workout and will get you sweating in minutes."
  • "You [DON'T] need to go online to activate and unlock the treadmill!"

What reviewers dislike

  • "It doesn't have a fan and doesn't bluetooth sound (you have to plug in your phone)."
  • "It’s pretty lame that it comes locked but it’s easy to bypass."
  • "This treadmill is sturdy and looks good, although it is a smart treadmill it lacks some essential features like bluetooth connectivity, usb charging port and a small fan."
  • "I can’t get my stats to not keep jumping back and forth from calories, to miles, to time, etc."
  • "Only problem is the heart monitoring handles shock like crazy on carpet."

Our verdict

The Proform 965 CT Smart is a sturdy treadmill that comes with plenty of features. It's particularly a good choice for anyone who already owns a tablet. It already comes with a 1-year membership to iFit. And once you see all of the programs iFit comes with, you may not want to run without it.

This treadmill is a great choice for anyone who doesn't need intense workouts. The incline and speed doesn't go as high as other models. However, with the combined cushioning, it's particularly useful for anyone who has medical issues or other problems preventing them from running too fast.

Where to buy Proform 965 CT Smart

The Proform 965 CT Smart treadmill is available at a great price on Amazon. It's one of the more affordable treadmills out there, making it the perfect product for anyone on a budget.