The Sole F63 and F65 are next to each other in Sole’s lineup, and at first glance they’re hard to tell apart.
We’re talking same belt size, same speed and incline range, same white LED display, same warranty.
The F65 costs about $200 more. So what are you getting for it?
As a home health physical therapist, I look at treadmills the way most of my patients use them: mostly for walking, at an easy-to-moderate pace, often with some balance or joint concerns.
From that angle, the answer between these treadmills is pretty clear for most people.
My quick verdict:
- Best for most walkers: the Sole F63. You get the same belt, the same incline range and speed and incline dials built into the handles, for $200 less.
- Worth the upgrade if: you’re close to or over 325 lbs, or you plan to jog regularly or walk on steep inclines most days. The F65‘s stronger motor and 350 lb limit make a difference there.
Let’s take a closer look at the details.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Sole F63 | Sole F65 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,199.99 | ~$1,399.99 |
| Motor | 3.0 HP | 3.25 HP |
| Max user weight | 325 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Belt size | 20″ x 60″ | 20″ x 60″ |
| Speed | 0.5–12 mph | 0.5–12 mph |
| Incline | 0–15 levels | 0–15 levels |
| Step-up height | About 8″ | About 8″ |
| Speed/incline controls | Dial knobs in the handles, plus quick keys | Quick-dial rollers on the handles, plus quick keys |
| Display | White LED | White LED |
| Fan and speakers | Cooling fans, Bluetooth speakers | Crossflow fan, Bluetooth speakers |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame and motor 2 year parts 1 year labor | Lifetime frame and motor 2 year parts 1 year labor |
Where They’re the Same
For walkers, these two treadmills share almost everything that matters:
- Belt size. Both have a 20″ x 60″ belt. That’s the standard width for quality home treadmills and plenty of room for walkers of all heights.
- Step-up height. Both sit about 8 inches off the floor, which is reasonable for most older adults.
- Incline and speed. Both go up to 15 incline levels and 12 mph. Slow incline walking is one of my favorite ways to build leg strength without impact and both models excel at this.
- Display. Both have the same simple white LED display, with no touchscreen to figure out and no subscription.
- Warranty. Both have a lifetime frame and motor warranty, 2 years on the deck and electronics, 1 year on labor.
If you’re deciding based on any of these, it’s a tie.
The Differences That Matter for Walkers
Weight limit: 325 vs. 350 pounds
The F63 holds up to 325 lbs; the F65 holds up to 350 lbs.
I always tell patients to leave some cushion below the limit. If you weigh within 50 lbs of 325, I’d go with the F65 for its higher weight capacity.
A machine that isn’t running near its limit should last longer.
Motor: 3.0 vs. 3.25 HP
The F65’s motor is a little stronger, but for walking at 1 to 3.5 mph, you won’t notice the difference.
Both motors are more than enough.
Where the extra power helps is steep incline walking day after day, jogging, or heavier users.
Under those loads, a stronger motor works less hard and should hold up better over the years.
Price: about $200 apart
On Sole’s site, the F63 was $1,199.99 and the F65 was $1,399.99 when I wrote this. Sole runs sales often, so check both.
Sole F63: Pros and Cons
Pros
- 3.0 HP motor
- 20″ x 60″ running surface
- Same belt, incline and warranty as the F65
- About $200 less than the F65
Cons
- 325 lb weight limit
Who it’s for: Most walkers, anyone looking for a respectable treadmill that won’t break the bank.
Sole F65: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Higher 350 lb weight limit
- Stronger 3.25 HP brushless motor
- 20″ x 60″ running surface
- More convenient speed/incline dials
Cons
- Costs about $200 more
Who it’s for: Heavier users, and walkers who also jog or walk on steep inclines most days.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Sole F63 if:
- You’ll mostly walk at an easy to moderate pace
- You weigh well under 325 lbs
- You’d rather save $200
Choose the Sole F65 if:
- You weigh close to or over 275 lbs
- You plan to jog, or walk on steep inclines most days
- More than one person will use it, including a heavier or more active user
- The F65 is on sale for close to the F63’s price
Other options to consider
Want handrail controls and a lower step-up? The Horizon T101 and T202 both have speed dials on the hand grips and step-ups just over 7 inches.
They both also cost several hundred less than the F63.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, both are worth checking out.
See Horizon T101 vs T202 for more info.
Want a heavier-duty frame? The Horizon 7.0 AT is a heavier-duty treadmill than the F63 and comes with a better warranty.
It’s also my overall favorite treadmill for seniors.
Worried about balance? A seated machine like the Teeter FreeStep may be a safer place to start.
Final Thoughts
For most walkers, the Sole F63 is the better buy.
It has the same belt, incline range, display and warranty as the F65, plus similar speed and incline dials right in the handles – all for about $200 less.
The F65 is worth the upgrade if you’re a heavier user or plan to jog or climb steep inclines most days.
Otherwise, I’d put the savings toward in-home delivery and assembly.
Whichever you choose, start slow, clip on the safety key and check with your doctor or PT if you have a heart condition, recent surgery or a history of falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Sole F63 and F65?
The F65 has a slightly stronger motor (3.25 vs. 3.0 HP) and a higher weight limit (350 vs. 325 lbs). Otherwise, they share the same belt, incline range, display and warranty.
Is the Sole F65 worth it for walking?
For most walkers, no. The F63 handles daily walking easily, costs about $200 less and has similar features. The F65 makes more sense for heavier users or people who jog or use steep inclines a lot.
Which has the lower step-up height?
They’re about the same, at roughly 8 inches. That’s reasonable for most older adults. If you want lower, the Horizon T101 and T202 are just over 7 inches.
Do both treadmills fold?
Yes. Both use Sole’s kick-release folding design.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to buy one?
Sole lists several of its treadmills, including the F63, as HSA/FSA eligible through Truemed at checkout. You’ll likely need a letter of medical necessity. See my guide to using your HSA or FSA for exercise equipment.
