DeerRun A1 Pro Review: Our Honest Take After 4 Weeks of Training

April 29, 2025
By Matteo

We tested the DeerRun A1 Pro treadmill for a month and put it through daily training. Here’s my honest review on how it performs, its best features, and who it’s ideal for.

As someone who runs over 100 km a week and uses indoor runs to supplement outdoor sessions, I’m always looking for gear that can integrate seamlessly into my training routine.

So when DeerRun reached out and offered to send their A1 Pro Folding Smart Treadmill with Incline, I was intrigued, but cautious.

Treadmills can be hit or miss, especially when it comes to size, build quality, and running comfort.

After four weeks of regular use, I can confidently say the A1 Pro has exceeded my expectations in several key areas.

Setup & First Impressions

The treadmill arrived well-packed and fully assembled, huge plus. I didn’t need tools or a second person to get it ready.

DeerRun Delivery

From unboxing to running my first easy 5K, it took less than 20 minutes.

Its design is sleek and modern, with subtle red accents that make it stand out without being over the top.

But the biggest win? Its foldable frame and upright storage. I live in a relatively small space, and the ability to tuck it away vertically when not in use is a game-changer.

It fits behind a door or along a wall with no issue.

Sleek design

Running Performance

Here’s where I was most curious. Would it feel stable at pace? Would the cushioning support longer efforts without putting extra strain on my joints?

I started with an easy 8K and was immediately surprised at how quiet and smooth the belt felt.

The deck has shock-absorbing cushioning that mimics road running without the harsh impact. It’s firm enough to feel natural but absorbs enough to protect the knees and ankles.

The motor is impressively quiet, even at higher speeds.

I could easily hear music or follow a podcast without cranking the volume. It supports speeds up to 10 mph (16 km/h), which comfortably covers most of my easy, tempo, and progression runs. It handled 60-minute steady state efforts without hesitation.

For variety, the treadmill offers a manual incline system with three levels. While it doesn’t have an automatic adjustment, it’s surprisingly useful for simulating hills or adding resistance to walking sessions.

I found myself using the incline during warm-ups and cool-downs to activate different muscle groups and improve posture.

Smart Features

Nice display

The LED display is basic but clear tracking time, speed, distance, calories, and incline. There’s no touchscreen, but the simplicity is part of its charm.

It’s intuitive and easy to use.

More importantly, it comes with Bluetooth capability, allowing you to connect with fitness tracking apps like FitShow.

Syncing was fast and seamless, and I liked being able to save my sessions and monitor trends across multiple workouts.

It also comes with a remote control for adjusting speed and a safety key that clips to your shirt for emergency stops small but valuable features for peace of mind.

What I Loved

  • Compact & foldable design – Truly made for people with limited space.
  • Quiet motor – Smooth and unobtrusive, even at higher speeds.
  • Cushioned deck – Comfortable yet responsive for everyday running.
  • Incline option – Great for runners who want to add a challenge or mix up training.
  • Sleek look – Doesn’t make your living room feel like a gym.
  • Quick setup – Ready to run within minutes out of the box.
  • Bluetooth compatibility – Syncs with training apps for better tracking.

What Could Be Improved

  • Not ideal for elite sprint training, it maxes out at 10 mph, so if you’re routinely doing 18+ km/h, this might not be enough.

Final Thoughts

The DeerRun A1 Pro is a treadmill designed with real-world runners in mind.

It’s not a commercial-grade machine with all the bells and whistles, but that’s not what it’s trying to be. Instead, it’s an excellent home solution for consistent daily runs, easy to integrate into any living space, and surprisingly capable for everything from easy runs to tempo work.

Whether you're a seasoned runner needing a reliable backup for bad weather or someone getting serious about building mileage without leaving home, the A1 Pro fits the bill.

It’s become a part of my weekly routine, and I’d recommend it to any runner looking to train smarter without needing a spare room or commercial gym.