Spirit Fitness XT685 Treadmill Black

TLDR Review: Spirit XT685 Treadmill

Published: October 5th, 2026

Pros

  • •Long, comfortable running platform helps reduce impact and smooth transition between speeds, making for a more enjoyable workout.
  • •Prrogrammed workout options are straightforward to access without needing a smartphone app, adding convenience.
  • •Can connect with virtual running programs like Zwift, which makes indoor workouts more engaging.
  • •Incline feature offers 15 levels, giving plenty of variety for different training intensities.
  • •Maximum speed of 12 mph suits various running paces and slow joggers alike.
  • •Overall performance feels solid and exceeds expectations for its miier status, offering good value.
  • •Quiet operation makes it suitable for use around sleeping children or shared spaces.
  • •Built with reliable brand quality and durable materials, promising lonerm use.
  • •Compatible with Apple Watch, allowing seamless fitness tracking.
  • •Smooth transition between different inclines and quick adjustment make workout changes effortless.

Cons

  • •Firmware update required for heart rate monitor compatibility, which involves owning a US drive and performing updates.
  • •Motor performance, especially at 15% incline, may feel limited with occasional slipping and perceived increased effort.
  • •Belt lubrication is essential to maintain smooth operation—neglecting this could lead to performance issues.
  • •Not ideal for heavyset individuals focused on higncline walking, as motor limitations may cause instability.
  • •The fan can blow above head height at higher inclines, which might be uncomfortable for shorter users.
  • •Device tray is positioned too high for some, limiting accessibility during workout.
  • •Button interface and features are not immediately intuitive, requiring a learning curve.
  • •Slight belt tension adjustments needed initially; can take some fiddling to get perfect.
  • •Primarily designed for walking and light exercise, not for vigorous running or intense incline workouts.
  • •Pausing can cause jerking motion due to brief stops, impacting joint comfort.

Bottom Line

This treadmill offers excellent value with a sturdy build, versatile incline options, and engaging virtual workout compatibility, making it a solid choice for light to moderate workouts. However, if you’re a heavier user or planning high-incline, intense running sessions, the motor limitations could be a concern. For a dedicated high-performance model, you might want to check out a treadmill with a more powerful motor and more intuitive features, but for most casual or light trainers, this model hits the sweet spot.

Available at Amazon
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How we researched this

About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.

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