Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill Review

Sunny Health and Fitness make a full line of modestly priced exercise equipment with everything from exercise bikes and rowers to ellipticals and treadmills. We tested the affordable SF T4400 Folding Treadmill against a selection of the best treadmills on the market. While it can't compete with the high-end models, it does provide a solid workout, particularly for the price. We don't feel it's the best choice for serious runners, instead, it is a solid option for occasional users interested in a basic model for walking and light running that won't break the bank.

Performance Comparison

Exercise Quality

The SF T4400 wouldn't be our first choice for serious runners or hardcore training, but it can certainly provide good exercise. It has a decent speed range and a reasonably sized tread surface, making it a viable option for less intense walking, jogging, and running workouts. It has a few workout programs, but it does not have any connectivity that makes it compatible with training apps. Regardless, it is an affordable way to work up a sweat and burn some calories.

The SF T4400 has a speed range of 0.5 to 9 mph, so it will work for everything from walking up to fairly quick sub-7-minute miles. The 49-inch long tread is 11-inches shy of the longest models we tested but still provides adequate length for those with moderately long strides. The tread is relatively narrow at 15.5-inches wide, which is totally fine for walking and jogging, but care must be taken when running at higher speeds to not catch the side rails. The tread deck has some cushioning that does a decent job of absorbing some shock while you run. Incline can be adjusted manually into three positions, 0%, 2%, and 4.37%. We prefer electric incline adjustments, but manual is better than none at all and provides the option to do some incline training.

The SF T4400 comes with 9 program workouts to choose from, but we found them to be geared more towards lower intensity or walking. We found this model to work best when controlled manually with a time, distance, or calorie goal. It also has heart rate sensors integrated into the handrails, so you can keep track of your pulse while you exercise.

Companion App/Connectivity

The SF T4400 is quite basic and it does not have any connectivity to make it compatible with training apps. You could, of course, use your own device and follow along to classes or programs on the app of your choice, but you won't be able to connect to the device in any way.

User Interface/Ease of Use

The SF T4400 is a fairly simple machine and using it is straightforward and intuitive. The display is relatively basic, but shows pertinent workout metrics and is easy to read. Buttons on the handrail and quick jump buttons on the console make it quick and easy to adjust your speed.

The tread deck has a soft-drop system that slowly lowers it to the ground from its folded position. Starting a workout on the SF T4400 is quite easy with an intuitive button layout on the console. There are start and stop buttons on the console as well as on the handrail. You also have the option to choose one of the 9 program workouts (the program profiles are shown on the console), programs are a feature not found on most treadmills in this price range. Quick jump speed buttons on the console allow you to make larger jumps in speed, while buttons on the handrail are easy to reach while you're jogging. The LCD screen is fairly large and bright, making it easy to read your elapsed time, distance, speed, estimated calories burned, and heart rate.

Features

While not nearly as feature-packed as the more expensive models we tested, the SF T4400 does come with some useful features to help enhance the exercise experience.

While far from fancy, the manual incline adjustment is better than none at all. The SF T4400 also has a soft-drop feature that slowly lowers the tread deck from its folded position. Two bottle holders on the console make it easy to keep fluids or your phone at arm's reach. An additional device shelf can be used to hold a tablet or smartphone in position for viewing, although it blocks the LCD screen when you use it.

Ease of Assembly

The SF T4400 was among the easiest to assemble of all the models we tested. Of course, it is quite heavy, so one of the biggest challenges is moving it in and removing it from the box. Once out of the package, finishing the remaining assembly is quick and straightforward.

The SF T4400 requires only a few easy steps to complete the assembly process. It comes with all the tools you need as well as printed instructions detailing all of the steps. All that is really required is folding the console arms up and bolting them in place, folding the console down and securing it, then lubricating the belt with the included belt lube. It took us around 30 minutes to get it ready for use.

Storability

While it doesn't take top honors in this metric, the SF T4400 is a relatively compact treadmill. The tread deck can be folded up when not in use to significantly reduce its footprint, and integrated wheels make it fairly easy to move around on firm surfaces.

In its open position, the SF T4400 measures 62-inches long by 26.5inches wide with a height of 50-inches at the top of the console. With the tread deck folded up, its length is reduced by nearly half to 36-inches, but it gains a few inches in height. While it definitely doesn't disappear, it takes up a fair amount less space than many of the other models we tested.

Noise Level

The SF T4400 scored well for its relatively low noise level. While it isn't silent by any means, the 2.2 HP motor is quieter than most. Like most treadmills, the majority of the noise comes from the user's footfalls while walking or running.

Should You Buy the Sunny Health and Fitness SF T4400 Folding Treadmill?

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF T4400 is a compelling treadmill option, mostly due to its low price point. While it is not the best choice for serious runners or intense training, it definitely gets the job done for walking, jogging, and light running without breaking the bank.

What Other Treadmills Should You Consider?

If you're looking to do some more intense workouts, the NordicTrack T6.5 S costs a few hundred bucks more but offers a significantly better exercise experience and connected features. It has a much larger running surface, higher top speed, electric incline up to 10%, and it works with the iFit app. If you're super tight on space, the Goplus SuperFit 2 in 1 is more of a walking model with folding handrails that can easily fit under a bed or in the closet when not in use.