The best treadmills can transform your home workout routine from a lacklustre schedule of push-ups and sit-ups to a comprehensive exercise plan.
Not only do top models now offer a cushioned run at an array of speeds and incline settings, many also feature cinematic touchscreens that can lead you through off-treadmill strength sessions, core workouts, yoga, Pilates and more (just invest in one of the best yoga mats (opens in new tab) and you’ll be good to go).
So, if you’re short on home workout ideas (opens in new tab), these clever bits of kit can provide all the inspiration, information and motivation you need to slip into your sneakers and get active.
Making a habit of training on a treadmill has plenty of health benefits too. According to figures from the American Council on Exercise (opens in new tab), a 140-lb individual will burn 13.2 calories per minute while running compared to 7.6 with weight training and 6.4 when cycling. This is especially helpful for those looking to create a calorie deficit (opens in new tab) for weight loss goals.
Running regularly can also boost fitness factors such as your aerobic capacity, while a study published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases (opens in new tab) concluded “there is compelling evidence that running provides significant health benefits for the prevention of chronic diseases and premature mortality”.
To help you decide which treadmill to buy, our in-house testers have put some of the top models on the market through their paces, providing detailed feedback on the pros and cons of each one. Read on to find a running machine that meets your needs, with models to suit most budgets and fitness goals.
Best treadmills
(Image credit: Future)
Best treadmill overall
Specifications
Dimensions: 81” x 39” x 76”
Weight: 505lbs (in-box weight)
Tread belt size: 22” x 60”
Max user weight: 297lbs / 135kg
Display: 22” HD touchscreen
Speed: 0-12mph
Incline: -5 – 40%
Other features: Bluetooth connectivity, dual speakers, Runners Flex cushioning, 30-day iFit Family Membership
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Reasons to buy
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High-end features
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Great incline and decline range
Reasons to avoid
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Bulky
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Needs iFit subscription
The NordicTrack X22i treadmill doesn’t do anything by halves, and that’s why we love it. Why have a few preset programs when you can have thousands of engaging on-demand workouts, who wants a 7in display when you can have a cinematic 22in HD touchscreen, and why stop at a 15% incline when you can hike up a daunting 40% slope? Out of all the treadmills we tested, this was by far our favorite.
It doesn’t just stand out because of its go hard or go home approach to innovative features either, it’s also a brilliant running machine in its own right. We appreciated the Reflex Cushioning built into the belt, which ensured our joints didn’t bear the brunt of lengthy runs, and the powerful 4chp (continuous horsepower) motor works impressively quietly to deliver a top speed of 12mph.
Now, at some point we do have to address the elephant in the room; at over 70in long and almost 40in wide, this is a big machine. However, if you’ve got a dedicated home workout space to house it, these considerable dimensions can be seen as a plus. The running belt feels roomy – even for our taller (6ft 2in) tester – and the treadmill stays stable and wobble-free no matter what incline or speed setting we selected.
We were also left seriously impressed by the wealth of health content available via the iFit app. This requires a monthly subscription fee after a 30-day free trial, but you definitely get your money’s worth with access to thousands of studio classes, instructor-led virtual routes and off treadmill workouts. So, if you’re not in the mood for a run, you can opt for a strength, Pilates or yoga session instead.
Given its impressive credentials, we think the NordicTrack X22i is the perfect training partner for anyone looking for a machine that can revolutionize their home workouts and provide a well-rounded fitness routine.
(Image credit: Harry Bullmore)
Best value treadmill
Specifications
Dimensions: 69.3” x 31” x 49.2”
Weight: 156lbs / 70kg
Tread belt size: 20” x 55”
Max user weight: 300lbs / 136kg
Display: No screen, digital touch console
Speed: 0-12mph
Incline: 0-10%
Other features: Bluetooth connectivity, live and on-demand classes via Echelon Fit app (subscription needed), USB charging port, foldable
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Reasons to buy
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Ultra compact
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Easily foldable
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Echelon Fit App filled with workouts
Reasons to avoid
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Small motor
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Lack of touchscreen
At $1,299, the Echelon Stride isn’t exactly cheap – but it’s by far our favorite when it comes to balancing a good set of features with a mid-range price tag. It’s the ultimate space-savvy machine, with a compact running belt and fully foldable design – ideal for storing under a bed or behind a sofa. And it seems the saying “good things come in small packages” rings true, with the tread delivering an impressive performance on test (in spite of its diminutive dimensions).
It offers speeds of up to 12mph and incline settings as high as 10%. We found the base felt sturdy and secure, with only slight wobbling at the highest paces and gradients, and though it only has a 1.75 horsepower motor the belt moved smoothly with no juddering underfoot.
There is an LED console on the handlebars with several interval sessions of varying difficulty on offer. However, we think it’s well worth investing in the Echelon Fit app which – for a monthly subscription fee – allows you to link the treadmill with your phone or tablet and access a huge selection of engaging classes. During testing, we discovered even those sessions labeled advanced proved on the easier side, but there is a huge selection of on-demand studio classes, live workouts and more to explore.
So, if you’re a running newcomer looking for a compact, affordable option, the Echelon Stride is the best treadmill for you.
(Image credit: Future)
Best for high-energy classes
Specifications
Dimensions: 173cm L x 84cm W x 157cm
Weight: 291lbs / 132kg
Tread size: 150cm x 50cm
Max user weight: 304lbs / 136kg
Display: 23.8” HD touchscreen
Speed: 0-12.5mph (20kph)
Incline: 0-12.5% grade (no decline)
Other features: Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, Tread Lock (prevents unauthorized access), 16 GB internal flash storage, front-facing stereo speakers, 2.2 Channel with rear-facing woofers, USB-C charging port, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Reasons to buy
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Crisp HD touchscreen
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Huge array of live and on-demand classes
Reasons to avoid
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Expensive
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Doesn’t fold or decline
The Peloton Tread is a sleek and well-made treadmill that offers a satisfying running experience for all fitness abilities. It comes in Peloton’s signature black and red colors and has a striking minimalist design. During testing, we particularly liked the machine’s fuss-free touchscreen, which is easy to navigate.
Speed and incline dials are positioned on the handrails, so there is really very little to distract you from that shiny display. It doesn’t have any kind of base at the front of the tread, so you can run along its full length—useful if you have a particularly long stride.
The machine doesn’t have quite as many features as we’d like to see at this price point, as it’s lacking a decline option or in-built fan, both of which you can find in the slightly cheaper NordicTrack model above. You will also need a Peloton app subscription to access those famous virtual classes. All of that aside, it is a satisfyingly compact, stylish and quiet machine for runners of all ability.
(Image credit: Future)
A brilliant option for hill-training
Specifications
Dimensions: 59.6” x 77.3” x 35.3”
Weight: 263 lbs (in box)
Tread belt size: 20” x 60”
Max user weight: 300 lbs
Display: 22” Smart HD Touchscreen
Speed: 0-22 km/h
Incline: -3%- +12%
Other features: Bluetooth audio, wireless headphone connectivity, 2” dual speakers, iFit access, heart rate sensors, CoolAire™ fans.
Reasons to buy
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Tons of interactive workouts via the iFit app
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Foldable for easy storage
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Challenging max speeds, and incline/decline settings
Reasons to avoid
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Noisy at top speed and during incline/decline transitions
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Some minor tech and Wifi issues
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Bluetooth audio only
ProForm has taken a minimalist approach to design with the ProForm Pro 9000, using a black and silver palette that gives the tread a slick and subtle look. There’s nothing subtle about the size or price tag of this model though, so you’ll need some cash and space to house it.
The 9000 comes complete with inbuilt dual speakers, fans, and iFit capability which provides access to a vast array of workouts and classes from top-notch coaches and trainers in the game. The 22” eye-catching crisp color touchscreen display will certainly suck you in, and with so much workout choice available, this tread can quench the thirst of even the fittest of running fanatics. The speed and incline quick controls are splashed across the dashboard to offer fuss-free on-the-go adjustments, and you can choose between -3% to +12% incline/decline, as well as up to 22 km/h of speed – all of which can be automated by your trainer during workouts.
While this treadmill does offer an immersive training experience, we found some of the tech tricky to master when we tried it out. There are a couple of tech fixes that could make this model more competitive for the top spot, especially when pitched against models like the NordicTrack X22i.
(Image credit: Future)
A solid folding treadmill that covers all the basics
Specifications
Dimensions: 33” x 42” x 67”
Weight: 211lbs / 96kg
Tread belt size: 20” x 56”
Max user weight: 350lbs / 159kg
Display: 7” TFT touchscreen
Speed: 0-12mph
Incline: 0.5-15%
Other features: Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitoring, USB port, audio jack, 3-speed fans, speakers, iPod and MP3 compatible sound system, device holder, 21 pre-programmed workouts, shock absorbers, foldable
Reasons to buy
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Well made
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Easy to use console
Reasons to avoid
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Small treadmill belt
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Short handrails
The LifeSpan Fitness Treadmill TR3000i has everything a traditional treadmill should. We found it benefits from a stable, cushioned running deck, a maximum speed of 12mph and incline settings up to 15%. Yet, with the multitude of mod cons crammed into newer running machines, its traditional approach struggles to keep pace with its smarter competitors.
The 7in touchscreen feels tiny and, while it’s fairly responsive, the display is a bit grainy. It feels wholly unnecessary too, as the machine only has a scattering of preset programs to choose from – a figure that pales in comparison to the thousands of live and on-demand classes on offer from the likes of the Peloton Tread and NordicTrack X22i.
It took us almost an hour to set up, with the upright handles needing screwing into place and the monitor requiring an overcomplicated (not to mention fiddly) wire-matching exercise before it would work. Yet it costs over $1,000USD, meaning you’re still spending a considerable chunk of money on a treadmill that lacks the innovations of other modern models.
Seasoned runners may appreciate the simplicity as, once the treadmill is set up, a quick start session allows you to get running with minimal fuss, adjusting your incline and speed settings as you go. But anyone looking for a piece of fitness kit to transform their home workouts will be better served elsewhere.
(Image credit: Sam Hopes)
Best walking treadmill
Specifications
Dimensions: 42” x 49” x 27”
Weight: 74.96lbs / 34kg
Tread belt size: 16” x 40”
Max user weight: 265lbs / 120kg
Display: N/A
Speed: 0-7.45mph
Incline: None
Other features: Bluetooth connectivity, foldable, safety key, remote control
Reasons to buy
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Saves space
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Affordable
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Well-designed
Reasons to avoid
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Basic functions
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Narrow tread belt
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Low maximum speed
Not only is the Mobvoi Home Treadmill a great way to stay active during the working day, at around $400 it’s also less than half the price of the other machines in this guide. Now, don’t expect to set a 5K PB or face a lung-busting workout on this machine – it has no incline settings and a maximum speed of 12km/h (just under 7.5mph). But this is ideal for its MO as a walking treadmill, allowing you to move at a brisk pace while checking your emails or tending to spreadsheets (if you pair it with a standing desk).
We found the running belt felt sturdy in use with no unsettling jerking or wobbling, and it’s a breeze to set up thanks to its compact, folding design. This has the added bonus of making it simple to store, as it will easily slide under most sofas.
Thanks to the folding handlebars, you can use the machine as a flat walking pad under your desk or raise them up for the functionality of a traditional treadmill. If you choose the latter option, the handlebars house a bright LED dashboard with quick touch controls for speed and an attachable phone holder. Or, if you’re using it as a walking pad, a handy remote means you can stay in control at all times.
The belt itself felt a little thin underfoot and the lack of cushioning was noticeable. It was also quite narrow to stand on, which could feel quite suffocating if you’re a bigger user. But the machine is whisper quiet in action and has Bluetooth speakers built in, so you can blast power ballads while smashing your daily step goal – if that’s your thing.
How we test treadmills
We tested all treadmills in our purpose-built testing center (with the exception of Mobvoi, which was tested out at home) completing a longer run, an intense shorter session, and (where applicable) several workout classes on each machine. We also checked any claims made by brands, including the machines’ functionality at their maximum speed and incline settings, before awarding each one a score out of five for the following categories:
- Set-up and usability
- Design and display
- Features
- Performance
- Value for money
These figures were used to calculate a final score out of five, and decide which running machines made our roundup of the best treadmills.
How to choose the best treadmill for you
These bits of kit are among some of the best workout equipment for home (opens in new tab) – but they are expensive, so you should make sure the model you’re buying packs in everything you need.
“Before buying, take a free taster session at your local gym to try out the treadmills to see if you enjoy running on one, as they are very different to road running.” Personal trainer Lucy Arnold told Live Science. “Treadmills are a great investment for home workouts, especially if you have limited time, can’t get outside or don’t like running in the dark.”
So what features should you look for in a treadmill? “Depends on what you want to achieve and how often you’ll use it,” says Lucy. “If it’s going to be your main exercise as you can’t get outside much, then a treadmill with all the bells and whistles may benefit you – screen, inbuilt classes, inclines, speed options, motorized belt… but with this comes expense. If it’s for the odd occasion, consider buying a foldaway, non-motorized treadmill. They’re cheaper and take up less space.”
What should you do first if you want to buy the best treadmill? Lucy says: “Do your research: decide what features you want and set a budget. Also, measure your space to make sure you can fit one in.”
Another consideration is noise. The bigger the motor, the louder the treadmill but if you’re a serious runner you’ll want a decent size motor for it to power the belt. Also, check the weight capacity. Larger individuals will require a treadmill with a higher max weight.
Running belt size is another consideration. Look for at least 48’ by 18” for running, and if you are over 182cms (6ft) then you will need at least a 52-inch belt for walking, and a 54” one for running.
