Shop the 21 best treadmills for your home gym in 2024

August 2024 · 23 minute read
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A new treadmill can help you achieve your fitness goals with flying (or, running) colors.

A sweet new piece of feel-good equipment will rev up your home gym setup, for sure, especially for inclined power walks and paced runs. This includes some of the best rowing machines, exercise bikes and elliptical machines, too.

Since the pandemic-driven lockdown, we’ve learned to redefine fitness from the comfort of our bedrooms, living rooms and basements. And, some of the best treadmills on the market are just as adaptable.

For runners on a budget, we found stellar treadmills for less than $500. For apartment-dwelling runners, we found the most legendary folding treadmills to get a sweat in under small living spaces.

Essentially, The Post ran through the mill of ready-to-order machines to find the best treadmills for every style of runner, preference and budget. With one of our top picks, it’ll be your go-to equipment to train for 5Ks or half marathons, too — along with the best fitness apps and home gym equipment we rounded up. Whatever machine you choose, your treadmill will be the perfect piece of equipment to get you moving after hours of sitting in front of a desk.

Before shopping our picks, click to visit some of our favorite retailers for treadmills: Amazon, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart

Expert Recommendations

For answers to some frequently asked questions and expert recommendations, the shopping team has also consulted Joao Martins, a NASM-certified personal trainer at Equinox.

What are the positive health impacts of using a treadmill?

Martins explained that treadmills are an incredible tool for improving your cardiovascular system and burning calories. For some people, the machines could also be a safer option than running on uneven terrain outside.

“It can improve your aerobic fitness and can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels if you exercise regularly,” noted Martins. “The most recent treadmills are a great way of doing cardio with low impact on your joints, they are ideal for people with joint pain or recovering from injuries.”

He added that convenience is another huge draw of treadmill use. “You don’t need to leave your house, or workplace, or waiting for the rain to stop to do your workout. The calories that you can burn in a 20 or 30-minute workout can go between 300 to 1000 calories, depending on your level and the intensity.”

How often should you use a treadmill?

“It depends on everybody’s goals,” said Martins. “People that are working out to run a marathon, I would say six times a week. People that want to lose fat but at the same tine tone and define, two to three times a week.”

What should you look for in a treadmill?

“As a personal trainer, safety comes first,” explained Martins. “If I don’t feel that my clients are not safe, I would never prescribe a treadmill exercise putting their health at risk.”

Martins also mentioned that those considering buying a treadmill should look for ones that offer many workouts to choose from. Advanced treadmills can also shift according to the body position of the runner.

The best treadmills for running, with expert reviews

NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Treadmill

There are a couple of things Martins likes about the Nordictrack: “There’s a variety of workouts and it can reach up to 40% incline.”

Designed for consistent runners, the fan-favorite and Amazon’s Choice NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Treadmill includes a free one-month iFit membership to stream on-demand workouts right from your machine. Plus, the training system auto-adjusts your speed and inclines through Bluetooth.

Most impressively, it folds up compactly for easy storage. While it’s not an under-desk treadmill by any means, it’s still space-saving when not in use. The included auxiliary music port and dual 2-inch speakers provide some running entertainment, too.

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Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

“Quick dial controls,” noted Martins.”With a considerable room for running or walking with 22 by 60 surface.”

This award-winning treadmill has a ton of features: QuickDial controls, advanced Bluetooth, a 9.3-inch color display, and the ability to connect with Peloton Digital or Zwift. Bells and whistles aside, it also has a 3-zone deck to cushion your impact and a 22 by 60-inch running surface. Whether you’re a sprinter, jogger or something in between, you’ll how easily it is to change speed and incline as you sweat away. The treadmill also folds, which is always a plus.

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Bowflex Treadmill Series

Martins not only “loves their design,” but points out that with 15 years of warranty, users should feel confident they will be getting their money’s worth.

Bowflex’s Treadmill Series offers a thick platformed ComfortTech base that’ll make you feel like you’re running on top of the world. Plus, the included screen creates daily adaptive workouts that adjust with over-time improvement.

That said, you’ll have built-in motivation to get you on the treadmill and running to your next goal. You can also watch Disney+, Hulu, Netflix and more with the 7″ touchscreen and follow more than 50 global routes to guide you on your workout.

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Peloton Tread

Martins likes the “amazing screen and rubberized slat belt” on the Peloton Tread.

Get smart about your workout. The Peloton Tread makes it easy with its intuitive design. Controls on the side of each bar allow for adjustment of speed and incline without breaking your stride, and the 24-inch screen makes it a breeze to follow streaming classes without squinting or hunching your back. The 59-inch textured running belt gives plenty of leg room, and the machine can handle up to 300 pounds. Although you’ll need a Peloton membership ($44) to access all the streaming workouts and your metrics, the machine still operates without it and is as solid as they come.

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Echelon Stride Treadmill

Martins appreciates the smart, foldable design on the Echelon Stride Treadmill, which makes it turn into “easy storage equipment.”

Secure a solid stride with the Echelon Stride Treadmill, an Amazon’s Choice product that has a metal safety bar underneath to protect objects from being pulled under. Plus, it has an oversized running deck and Bluetooth connectivity for personalized, convenient running.

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Inmovement Unsit Under Desk Treadmill

Martins loves that this treadmill can be used while you are working at the office: “What a great idea. Burning calories while working!”

Excuses be gone! There’s no need to be inactive because of your job, and this under-desk treadmill proves it! Designed for a short step (like if you need to stay close to your laptop), the machine is designed specifically for walking while getting work done. It’s quiet, Bluetooth functional, come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and free shipping. One happy customer on Inmovement dubbed it a “life changer.”

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The best folding treadmills

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Motorized Folding Treadmill

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Motorized Folding Treadmill is perfect if you’re running in a small space — pun totally intended. Or, if you don’t want your treadmill to be an eyesore.

The LCD screen monitors your heart and pulse rate, tracks distance and time and includes nine workout programs to switch up your cardio and strive toward increased improvement.

Not to mention, the built-in treadmill cushioning means less impact on your joints and legs when challenging yourself on an incline. And, to spotlight the star of the show: its easy foldup design with two transportation wheels makes it perfect to store without damaging your floors.

“It wasn’t loud at all and didn’t take up a tone of space, especially after I would fold it up when done using it for the day. The instructions were easy to follow and I was able to put it together by myself with no issues. Would definitely recommend,” one shopper shared.

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3G Cardio 80i Fold Flat Incline Treadmill

One of the benefits of having a folding treadmill is that it’s space-saving. Let’s be real, these machines can be eyesores if they have to be in your otherwise aesthetically pleasing living room, so it’s nice to find one that fits neatly out of sight when you’re not sweating away. This folding treadmill from 3G Cardio does exactly that. It can lay perfectly flat when not in use and includes some neat features. One is its Ortho Flex suspension to keep the machine from wobbling as you run. Another is the 12 programs (eight preprogrammed, four customizable) that should keep things interesting for muscles. The incline can be adjusted up to 15%, while the belt can move up to 11 miles per hour. The LCD display is large, and there’s even a cupholder in the dash. Honestly, we wouldn’t have expected so many features from such a compact, 3.0 horsepower treadmill, but we’re seriously impressed and think you’ll be too.

“It’s good looking and sturdy. Its screen is simple to operate. We ended up using it as a walking desk during the pandemic too. And as I mentioned above, the customer service is excellent. Fully recommended!,” one happy customer wrote.

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The best quiet treadmills

Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill

With an impressive quality, Horizon Fitness’ T101 Treadmill is one to steal. Impressively, its Johnson Drive System motor is ultra-quiet and recalibrates with each foot to avoid feeling lags or surges.

What’s more, it runs at lower RPMs, which helps keep the motor cooler, making it a great option for walking or jogging.

Sound was among the many reasons one shopper chose this machine: “I was amazed at how easy the assembly went due to the comprehensive instructions. I was equally amazed how quietly the treadmill ran. And the price was the icing on the cake.”

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AssaultRunner Pro

Small it’s not, but this treadmill is frequently mentioned as the machine to know if you’re seeking an efficient and quiet workout. It’s non-electric, hence the minimized noise, offering peanut butter smooth movement. It may take some time getting used to if you’ve never used a self-propelled treadmill, but it can go up to 20 miles per hour — if you can run that fast — and has a small but loaded dash. The belt has tread, too, and the transport wheels in the front make it a tad easier to move from point A to B.

“In terms of the running experience, you’ll get used to it after a short run or two. It does feel different from a powered treadmill, but not in a bad way. Just different. I like the curved shape and I believe it does help with a midfoot strike and overall comfort while running,” one shopper reviewed.

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The best value treadmills

Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill

According to Harvard Health, working out on an incline can not only help build endurance but boost the intensity of your sweat sesh. This Schwinn treadmill’s incline goes up a whopping 10%, plus a bunch of other features. The belt can run up to 10 miles per hour, which means you can sprint till your hearts content. Easily view your stats on the bluelit LCD screen, while enjoying the feel of the SoftTrack Cushioning System. This best compact treadmill has 16 different preprogrammed workouts to prevent boredom, and when you want to throw caution to the wind, just press the incline till you feel like you’re climbing a mountain.

“I can say that it’s whisper quiet, the controls are very intuitive, and it’s rock solid – doesn’t budge while you’re using it,” one pleased runner commented.

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UREVO Folding Treadmill

For a treadmill that has one of the sleekest and convenient aesthetics we’ve ever seen, look no further than the UREVO Folding Treadmill. Clad with a fit-for-small-spaces design, you’ll have access to all the settings you can muster while running away.

Its built-in tread deck offers an impressively roomy area to run with, and we also appreciate its 12 preset programs to offer variety to your strides.

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Pro-Form City L6

It’s amazing how affordable this sleek, space-saving, smart treadmill is. It folds flat, goes up to 8 miles per hour, and has a 1.6 CHP motor. While it may not be the best pick if you have extra long legs (the belt length is on the shorter side), it does come with a 30-day free trial iFit membership, giving access to immersive-style workouts.

“This treadmill is compact, a great value, and was so easy to set up. It is perfect for my small townhouse and is very simple to use and move around if needed. The easy storage and slim design was exactly what I was looking for to stay active without the bulk of a normal-sized treadmill,” one shopper shared.

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The best treadmills to splurge on

Sole TT8 Treadmill

If you’re looking to splurge on a treadmill for your at-home gym, Sole’s TT8 Treadmill is a premier option.

The model has an extra-wide running surface, two motors to operate the incline and decline and Bluetooth connectivity (with an included tablet), it’s superb, to say the least.

Many shoppers appreciate the level of workout this treadmill provides: “Incline, this machine has a killer incline! Wow! If you want a machine that will work your legs and butt this is it. I’m in pretty good shape but it’s insane! You’ll love it! It even tells you how many vertical feet you’ve climbed in your workout.”

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NordicTrack New Commercial 2450

A 3.6 CHP Motor, 20 by 60-inch tread belt and pivoting 22-inch screen are just three things that make this treadmill worth its weight in gold. Capable of adjusting hands-free and armed with Bluetooth connectivity, working out with this is actually fun. A membership to iFit is included, giving you access to more than 1,000 workouts, ranging from HIIT to boot camp to running. The touchscreen pivots, too, making it easy to do non-running workouts, and the luxe treadmill not only inclines but can decline by 3% for days you’d like to pretend you’re jogging downhill.

Don’t forget to check out other NordicTrack treadmills here.

Users rave about the motivating classes and uplifting energy from many iFit! trainers. Some enjoy it so much, they forget they’re working out altogether — “So fun! I almost forgot I was running!”

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The best budget treadmill under $500

Stamina Avari Adjustable Treadmills

The Stamina Avari Adjustable Treadmill is one to grab if you don’t want to spend upwards of $500 for a few reasons: it has three manual incline settings for its compact size, its padded handlebar is ultra-comfortable to use during your workouts and it really doesn’t take up much space.

What’s more, this small but mighty machine has, impressively, eight different resistance levels to challenge yourself. For $300, you can’t go wrong.

“Compared to a large, motorized treadmill, this one is portable. But it isn’t something you are going to tuck under your arm and run with. It is a heavy-duty item. Also, be advised that it isn’t silent in use; however, the noise isn’t, by any means, excessive,” one reviewer suggests.

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Goplus 2.25HP Foldable Electric Treadmill

Believe it or not, some of the best treadmills for your home gym are under $500, and this is one of them. Along with having 12 preprogrammed workouts, an incline function that goes up to three levels and a 16 by 47-inch running belt, the folding treadmills is simple to assemble. There’s also a safety key, an LCD screen to see your distance, speed and calorie burn, and hand pulse sensors. Not bad for such an affordable treadmill.

Many shoppers believe this is a quality option at a lower price point. “Setting up was very easy, it even came with the tools to set it up. I was very surprised on how much space it saves. Cup holders to hold your drinks work but I don’t think it’s secure enough to prevent it from falling,” one person wrote.

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The best treadmills with no outlet required

Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill

As an alternative to the standard at-home treadmills, the Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill l requires no outlet or motor maintenance — which is convenient for small spaces.

With this model, you’ll have a smooth walk or run. And, it still provides distance tracking, workout time, speed and calories burned — all at an affordable less-than-$200 price point.

Users have said this treadmill is a good choice for someone desiring a lighter workout, but not to expect to get drenched in sweat with it: “Works as intended. The angle is good. However, not as much tension as expected. Had to add height to the back to raise it to level, or the belt is too easy and moves too freely and quickly.”

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RUNOW Curved Treadmill

Talk about speed control! This gym-quality treadmill let’s you run your way. Jog from the side, backward — it doesn’t matter with the self-powered piece of exercise equipment. Weight-bearing handrails work wonderfully, especially if you adjust the manual incline and need some support walking uphill. Place your water bottle in the side holder and watch your calorie burn on the LCD screen. There aren’t an abundance of reviews on Amazon but the ones that exist are stellar!

Shoppers love that this outlet does not require an outlet: “What immediately caught my attention was that it doesn’t require electricity or a motor, making it a more eco-friendly option than traditional ones. I put it in my basement where it doesn’t have an electric outlet and I can run on it whenever I want!”

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The best treadmills to stream workouts

ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill

Transform your at-home gym into a centralized fitness hub with the ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill. With an included 30-day iFit membership, it’s ideal to stream live and on-demand studio classes. Plus, to take a trip around the world with this treadmill — from African savannahs and frozen arctic peaks.

Additionally, the ProForm Pro 2000 has a comfortable tread belt and quick incline control, among other impressive features.

You may even receive compliments with this treadmill: ” It’s great! Happy camper so far. My boyfriend was very impressed. ‘This is nicer than the ones in the gym!'”

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The Best Under-Desk Treadmills

Costway 2.25HP 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

This treadmill is truly the multitasker’s dream. You can get your work done, while working out, and listening to great tunes all at the same time. Users love that this treadmill can be used with a console and handles while in ‘running mode,’ and folded down during ‘walking mode’ to save space.

“I am in love with this folding treadmill! The APP speaker and remote control make my workouts so much more enjoyable, and the folding design is perfect for my limited space. Highly recommended for convenience and efficiency!” one purchaser commented.

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Shoppers have called this the perfect “work from home desk.” The updated model features an integrated armrest and console, whisper-quiet motor, and impact-absorbing shocks to dampen walking noise. You and all of your coworkers will love it.

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Under-Desk Walking Pad

Oh yes, we found a treadmill that slides easily underneath your desk for your school and work breaks.

This Under-Desk Walking Pad is your next go-to treadmill that gets a quick sweat in. Plus, it’s Bluetooth-compatible and has a noise-reducing motor (which is great if you live with roommates).

For walking while working, this treadmill has proven to work great: “I was looking for something that could easily be moved around the house, didn’t take up much space, and worked well. Completely happy with this purchase. Mainly use it for walking,” one buyer shared.

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Which brand of treadmill is best for your home?

If you’re a fitness buff or have just been deep in treadmill research, you know there are many treadmill brands to shop. Similar to any industry and category, there are always smaller, independent brands popping up. Although some are quite good, if you’re looking for workout equipment that’s been trusted for decades, there are a few workout equipment names to know.

One is NordicTrack, which is known for gym-quality treadmills, as well as treadmills perfect for home use. The company also makes exercise bikes, row machines, ellipticals, and free weights.

Another brand that makes awesome treadmills is Echelon Fitness. We’re talking sturdy pieces of machinery with lots of functional features. Some even come with 30-day memberships to workout streaming platforms!

Regardless of which treadmill brand you go with, it’s recommended to consider the length of the treadmill’s belt, its horsepower and deck cushioning. Consider if you intend to use the machine for walking, running or a combo of both, as this will also direct you in the best treadmill machine for you. Other fitness brands worth looking into include:

What do I need to know before buying a treadmill?

Treadmills are amazing exercise machines, offering a way to increase stamina and improve cardiovascular health. While shopping for one, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Space/Location: Even the most compact treadmill can be on the larger side. Unless you have an entire room dedicated to exercise, it will probably be wise to measure the area you’d like to place your treadmill in. If applicable, consider how it will fit folded, as well as when in use. Make sure there’s enough wall space between the machine, as well as your arms. If it’s an electric treadmill, it’s also important to note where the nearest outlet is and if the machine’s plug will have easy access to it.
  • Budget: Treadmills range from under $100 to well over $2,000. Pricier treadmills tend to have more features and to last longer. However, there are some quality options, like the Sunny Health & Fitness TF-T7610 (Amazon, $278.20), that are under $1,000. Read reviews, and take into account how often you plan to use your machine and the types of workouts you’d like to use it for. This can indicate if a higher-end treadmill is worth the investment or if a more cost-effective option will suffice.
  • Features: Determine your must-have features, such as incline, speed range or access to immersive classes. This will help narrow down your search.
  • Motor/Horsepower: A treadmill’s motor will help you determine what type of activity it’s best for. If you’re a runner or sprinter, look for treadmills with a CHP of 3, like the 3G Cardio 80i (Amazon, $1,599). Prefer walking? A 2CHP motor should work. Joggers are recommended to use treadmills with a CHP of at least 2.5.
  • Warranty: In the end, a treadmill is a machine that can break. Make sure the one you choose comes with a reasonable warranty or one you can purchase in addition to the machine.

    • Along with all these factors, take time to read reviews. Many merchants’ product pages allow for search by specific words, so if you want a quiet treadmill or one that’s easy to assemble, look to see if other customers have confirmed that the treadmill you like has these characteristics. When in doubt, sticking to reputable brands with good customer service may also lower your risk of disappointment.

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