We Tested 44 of the Best Treadmills—These 13 Are the Best

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Whether you prefer walking or running, a home treadmill can support your fitness goals, especially when it’s too cold, dark, or wet to venture out on an outdoor run. When shopping for a treadmill, be sure to check for features like a powerful motor, comfortable belt, and sturdy construction, while also considering your space constraints, overall goals, and budget.

To find the best treadmills on the market, we consulted fitness experts for their advice on key features to look for when choosing one. Then, we compared dozens of top options from popular fitness equipment brands and tested 44 treadmills at home in different living spaces. When testing treadmills, we evaluate each one for ease of setup, features, comfort, ease of use, foldability, and value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board check this article for accuracy regarding how to safely use and properly evaluate treadmills.

PHOTO: Dick's Sporting Goods

Pros

• Smooth, quiet operation
  

• Wide, cushioned belt
  

• Ideal for multiple users

Key Specs

Dimensions: 70.8 L x 34.9 W x 59.7 H inches | Belt Size: 55 x 20 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 10 miles per hour | Incline Range: 0%-12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for shared living spaces, since it’s quiet, feature-packed, and suitable for runners of all sizes and levels.

Why We Love It

NordicTrack’s EXP 10i Treadmill is our top overall pick for its sturdy design, comfortable performance, and user-friendly features. During testing, we were impressed by the treadmill’s quiet and smooth operation. With a wide, cushioned belt, this treadmill offers plenty of space and shock absorption for comfortable running at all speeds—making it a good option for users of different sizes and fitness levels. 

We enjoy the wide variety of workout classes we can stream from the compatible iFit app. The pivoting and tilting touchscreen is straightforward to use and clearly displays important metrics like speed, distance, calories burned, and more. Other convenient features include two built-in fans, two cup holders, and a device shelf.

Potential Flaws

• The iFit membership offers a good variety of workouts for all fitness levels, but you’ll need to pay for a subscription after the 30-day free trial.
• While we enjoyed using the iFit app, we still wish there was the option to download additional apps for streaming entertainment or other workouts directly on the touchscreen.

Most Valuable Insight

“I like how this treadmill fits everyone in my family. We have four people using it and each person is able to program it based on their favorite settings and specific goals. We are all different sizes and workout levels, and it works for all of us!” —Stacey Wegner, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester works out four to five times weekly. She is mostly a speed walker but tries to switch it up and do a walk-run combination too. Her fitness goal is to get at least 10,000 steps daily to improve her overall health.

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Dimensions: ‎74 L x 31 W x 53 H inches | Belt Size: 55 x 20 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline Range: 0%-10% | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners who want a folding treadmill that can stream entertainment and workouts.

Why We Love It

If you love to stream workouts or entertainment as you’re running, you’ll appreciate the large, swiveling touchscreen display on Echelon’s Stride-4S+ Treadmill. During testing, we were able to easily adjust and tilt the display—even off to the side if we were streaming a yoga or strength training workout. We also like the robust metric tracking and easy connection to numerous apps, including Strava, Spotify, Netflix, and more.

The treadmill’s auto-fold functionality and built-in transport wheels make it a breeze to fold and store when not in use. Other convenient features include the easily accessible speed and incline buttons, which are adjustable from both the screen and handrails. Plus, the machine’s long, wide belt can accommodate a variety of runners, allowing for safe, comfortable running at various speeds.

Potential Flaws

• While we could view our workout stats on the large screen, we wish the treadmill had an additional LCD digital display to track running metrics when not connected to an app.
• During testing, we bumped the treadmill’s handrails as we were running. They felt a bit too long compared to what we’re used to with other treadmills.

Most Valuable Insight

“The ability to access social media and streaming services and listen to Spotify or Audible out loud or via a connected Bluetooth earpiece is a huge plus in making the workout experience more entertaining. My favorite thing about this treadmill is its big screen, which I use to watch and follow workouts and stream movies while running. Plus, it also simultaneously displays important stats.” —Henry Yung, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

This tester works out four to five times weekly, mainly doing calisthenics exercises, jogging, elastic band training, and dumbbell training. He prefers running over walking, as it tends to give him a faster warm-up time and a better and more efficient workout overall. His goal is to run more consistently, especially during the colder months.

PHOTO: Amazon

Pros

• Sturdy and comfortable
  

• Very user-friendly
  

• Easy to fold

Key Specs

Dimensions: 74.5 L x 35.5 W x 59.5 H inches | Belt Size: 60 x 20 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline Range: 0%-12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for experienced runners who need a durable, comfortable treadmill that can provide higher speeds and steeper inclines.

Why We Love It

ProForm’s Carbon TLX Treadmill features intuitive controls, iFit compatibility, and a wide, sturdy design—making it a great option for serious runners who like to push the pace and mileage. During testing, the treadmill belt felt very comfortable to run on, with a sufficient amount of give and cushioning that helped prevent pain in our feet and shins. It’s also long and wide enough to run hard without fear of catching an edge.

This treadmill is very user-friendly, thanks to its easy navigation, large buttons, and clear metrics display. Using the iFit app, we can access training sessions that simulate various terrains, which helps us add some variety to our training. Plus, despite its durability and large deck, this treadmill is a breeze to fold and compact enough for smaller spaces.

Potential Flaws

• We love the variety of iFit workouts, but you need a subscription to access them after the 30-day free trial.
• The display is clear and easy to navigate, but we wish that the screen was a bit larger.

Most Valuable Insight

“This treadmill is extremely easy to use. It offers all of the basic things you would want for a treadmill, and the track is large and comfortable to run on. I'm currently training for my second half-marathon, and this treadmill has been an excellent tool for my training.” —Grant Gordon, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester has used many at-home treadmills for walking and running. He's more of a runner but really enjoys walking on treadmills while listening to music or watching something on his iPad when the weather is bad. He's also training for his second half-marathon.

PHOTO: Amazon

Pros

• Easy to move
  

• Clear display
  

• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Low maximum speed
  

• Limited features

Key Specs

Dimensions: 62 L x 31 W x 45 H inches | Belt Size: 50 x 16 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Maximum Speed: 8 miles per hour | Incline Range: 0%-10% | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for avid walkers who want a basic, portable treadmill to boost their step count at home.

Why We Love It

Xterra’s WS200 WalkSlim Treadmill comes with all the features you’d want in a basic treadmill for fitness walking. We love that it arrives fully assembled, with no tools required. During testing, we found it to be super quiet, so we could watch a show or take a phone call while walking.

Although it’s one of the more budget-friendly treadmills we tested, the machine feels sturdy and is easy to use. We were impressed with the clear LED display, which tracks metrics such as speed, time, steps, distance, and calories. The treadmill is also simple to fold down, and we were pleasantly surprised that its smooth transport wheels made it easy to move from one room to another.

Potential Flaws

• The WS200 WalkSlim is designed for walking or light jogging, so its maximum speed of 8 miles per hour is somewhat low compared to others we tested. If you’re also interested in running, this may not be the ideal treadmill for you.
• Although this treadmill is budget-friendly, it lacks some common features and functionality, such as a built-in fan and screen.

Most Valuable Insight

“The machine is super easy to use—I just turn it on and go. I can fold it up when needed, but when it’s too cold or rainy outside, it’s easy for me to unfold and get my steps in. It's also a breeze to move around. I like to move mine in front of my TV for some entertainment while I’m exercising.” —Sabrina Szriftgiser, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

This tester uses treadmills regularly at home for walking and running, though more recently just for walking. She enjoys walking on an incline at a mid-level speed to hit 10,000 steps daily. This treadmill kept her accountable through testing, especially during cold-weather months.

PHOTO: Amazon

Pros

• Easy to move
  

• Budget-friendly
  

• Quiet operation

Cons

• Shorter belt
  

• No incline options

Key Specs

Dimensions: 51.2 L x 22.6 W x 4.6 H inches | Belt Size: 40 x 15 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Maximum Speed: 6.2 miles per hour | Incline Range: Doesn’t incline | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best if you’re short on space and want an under-desk treadmill that’s also suitable for jogging.

Why We Love It

If you want to boost your step count at home without making a huge investment, check out UREVO’s Strol 2E Under Desk Treadmill. We love that it’s versatile enough to be used as a walking pad—with the handrail folded down—or for easy running up to 6.2 miles per hour with the handrail in place. During testing, the quiet motor and thick, supportive belt helped keep the noise to a minimum so we could work without disruption while walking.

This treadmill comes fully assembled, so getting started is a super-quick process. We also like that it’s easy to move around, thanks to its transport wheels. Plus, it features a built-in LED display to keep track of your time, distance, steps, calories, and speed in real time. 

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we found that the short treadmill belt made it challenging to use at higher speeds without feeling unstable. If you’re more interested in running than walking or jogging, this may not be the best option for you.
• This treadmill doesn’t have incline functionality, so it may not appeal to those who want to add more variety to their fitness routine.

Most Valuable Insight

“The treadmill felt well-made. It's small, quiet, supportive, and a good price. My favorite feature was the supportive handrail and the removable stand for your tablet or phone. I felt that it really made the treadmill feel more stable and also helped me feel more assured that I would not fall off.” —Donna Freydkin, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is quite sedentary throughout the day, largely because of work. She enjoys working out on her Peloton bike but has recently needed more motivation to get moving. This walking pad was a solid solution, encouraging her to take more steps throughout the day.

PHOTO: Amazon

Cons

• Fixed incline setting
  

• Shorter belt length

Key Specs

Dimensions: 32.7 L x 25 W x 7 H inches | Belt Size: 27.6 x 15.7 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 3 miles per hour | Incline Range: 7% (fixed) | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It's For

Best for walkers who have limited floor space and want an under-desk treadmill that’s easy to move and store.

Why We Love It

If your space is limited, consider Lifepro’s PacerMini Pro Portable Treadmill—a compact, portable machine that can be used for walking at a standing desk or on its own. At just 46 pounds, it’s the lightest treadmill we tested and it has built-in wheels for easy moving. Plus, it’s only 7 inches high when the handlebar is folded down, so it's convenient to store under a couch or desk when not in use.

After unboxing, the treadmill was quick and simple to set up and the instruction manual was easy to understand. During testing, the treadmill was surprisingly quiet and didn’t interrupt us as we walked and worked. We also like that we can easily view our stats—including time, pace, calories, and steps—on the screen and adjust the speed using the handy remote.

Potential Flaws

• Since the treadmill is set at a 7% incline, it doesn’t offer the flexibility for varied incline workouts.
• The treadmill belt is on the smaller side, so it might not be the best option for taller people or those with longer strides.
  

Most Valuable Insight

"I love how portable it is! I can easily move this in between rooms. This is great for those with little kids when you need to be in a different room. You can store it under a table, in a closet, or under a bed." —Andrea Tenborg, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

This tester does not work out often. However, for the testing period, she committed to walking at least three times weekly as her workout. During the test, she was pregnant and used the treadmill to accomplish her goals accessibly.

• PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Andrea Tenborg
• PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Andrea Tenborg

PHOTO: Horizon Fitness

Pros

• Intuitive display and speed/incline control dials

• Built-in Bluetooth speakers and easy app syncing

• Multiple non-slip device platforms

Cons

• Fan direction cannot be adjusted

• Volume must be adjusted on device, not treadmill

Key Specs

Dimensions: 76 L x 37 W x 63 H inches | Belt Size: 60 x 22 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline Range: 0%-15% | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It's For

Best for walkers and serious runners alike who are looking for a feature-rich, foldable treadmilll that is a breeze to set up and adjust.

Why We Love It

Horizon's Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill is loaded with high-tech, intuitive features that work for both fitness walkers and serious runners. We love that the display panel is clearly labeled and feels intuitive to use. Connecting our apps via Bluetooth was also a breeze, and we could begin using this treadmill within just a few minutes. Plus, it offers thoughtfully placed, grippy platforms designed for devices like our phones or tablets. We appreciate that the built-in Bluetooth speakers are high-quality so our fitness apps, music, and favorite shows sound loud and clear.

One of our favorite features was the incline and speed control on easy-to-twist dials on the left and right side of the treadmill's handlebars. This lets us quickly adjust our workout intensity without skipping a beat. In addition, we appreciate the long belt, which helps us feel comfortable and safe when we run at faster speeds. Plus, the treadmill is simple to fold up and begins to do so automatically once you lift the base.

Potential Flaws

• While the fan is powerful, we wish we could adjust its direction, instead of it being fixed in one place.
• We love how easy it is to use our devices with this treadmill, but it would be nice if we could also adjust the Bluetooth speaker volume via the display.

Most Valuable Insight

"This treadmill is really loaded with features, from its Bluetooth connectivity to its speed dials. I also like the smooth and quick transitions as it soundlessly adjusts the incline and speed. The fact that it has two platforms for holding your device makes it feel like Horizon really paid attention to the sort of app/tech integration consumers are looking for." —Riddley Schirm, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester works out six days a week and has used treadmills extensively for longer runs and interval training. She's a runner, primarily, but does Hiking Bootcamps via the Peloton app. She felt that this treadmill helped her achieve her goal of maintaining her fitness. Even on rainy days, she would get in a high-impact cardio workout easily.

• This treadmill adjusts seamlessly, offering silent transitions for speeds up to 15 miles per hour. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm
• This treadmill stores easily and folds automatically. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm
• The treadmill has a sleek design but still offers room for a water bottle, phone, tablet, gym towel, and more. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm
• This treadmill offers plenty of great features, including a clear display screen, fan, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated speakers, and a USB port. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm
• The Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill offers a smooth, quiet workout experience thanks to its shock-absorbing belt. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm

PHOTO: Peloton

Key Specs

Dimensions: 75 L x 36.5 W x 72 H inches | Belt Size: 67 x 20 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12.5 miles per hour | Incline Range: 0%-15% | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It's For

Best for serious runners who are willing to invest in a high-tech, high-performance machine with access to live and on-demand classes.

Why We Love It

If you want to take your training to the next level, we think Peloton’s Tread+ is worth the big price tag for its stellar performance, reliability, and high-tech features. It comes fully assembled and we easily connected to apps and streaming services, so we were up and running very quickly. During testing, we were impressed with the 32-inch full HD touchscreen, which was very easy to navigate and allowed us to customize our metrics.

We loved the access to Peloton’s extensive collection of on-demand and instructor-led classes, which includes running workouts as well as strength training, yoga, Pilates, and more. Plus, the treadmill seamlessly syncs with Apple Watch, so we can easily track our heart rate during workouts. The treadmill belt, which is made of 59 rubberized slats, provided a close-to-road feel while still offering extreme comfort, impact protection, and plenty of room to maintain a normal stride (even for our 6’ 7” tester).

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we wished that the display screen rotated to the side for easier viewing during floor workouts.
  
• While we liked the treadmill’s soundbar, it would be nice if we could use it to stream personal music.

Most Valuable Insight

“The treadmill has a ton of different modes and experiences in order to help keep the runs and workouts as fresh and variable as possible. It's so easy to navigate, which made it extremely efficient when I was trying to squeeze in a run during a busy work day or after work when needed." —Alexander Will, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester runs several times a week and uses a treadmill when the weather or his schedule doesn’t allow for outdoor runs. He found that the treadmill’s wide range of workouts and onboard apps helped keep his runs interesting and fun

PHOTO: Dick's Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Dimensions: 82.5 L x 38 W x 67 H inches | Belt Size: 60 x 22 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 325 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline Range: 0%-15% | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It's For

Best for those with limited space for fitness equipment who still want a very sturdy, high-performance treadmill.

Why We Love It

With a durable build and a wide range of speeds and inclines, Sole’s F65 Folding Treadmill is a great machine for intense runs or walks. Plus, its folding design and transport wheels made it easy to move out of the way. During testing, we were impressed with the treadmill’s quiet operation and sturdiness, as it stayed steady even when we ran at a fast pace.

The console features easy-to-read metrics and intuitive navigation with a good variety of treadmill workouts, including HIIT, cardio, and hills, to choose from. We also liked the treadmill’s convenient “quick” buttons, which allowed us to efficiently adjust the speed and incline. And when you’re done with a workout, the treadmill’s hydraulic mechanism and handy lever make it easy to fold up or down, even for one person.

Potential Flaws

• We wish that the angle of the fan could be adjusted, so we could position it based on the user’s height.
• When assembling the treadmill, we found the instructions to be vague and unclear. They would have been more helpful with photos and better descriptions.

Most Valuable Insight

“The treadmill is a solid piece of exercise equipment and worth the money. The running belt provides adequate cushioning for a comfortable walking or running experience. It's sturdy and doesn't make a lot of noise or shake from side to side while running." —Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester works out three to four times a week and uses a treadmill for HIIT workouts, focusing on power walking and sprinting. She liked that this treadmill was quiet, sturdy, and easy to use.

PHOTO: Sunny Health & Fitness

Key Specs

Dimensions: 68 D x 33 W x 55 H inches | Belt Size: 53 x 20 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline Range: 0%-12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It's For

Best for walkers and beginner runners who want a comfortable, portable treadmill with various workout programs.

Why We Love It

Sunny Health and Fitness’s Elite Smart Auto Incline 20” Deck Treadmill features numerous workout programs and incline options, as well as a wide, comfortable surface—making it a great option for walkers or those who are new to running. During testing, we found the treadmill to be extremely user-friendly and packed with built-in programs and workouts for various fitness levels. We also loved that we could easily connect to the compatible SunnyFit app to track our stats and access over 1,000 more workouts and global routes to view as we walked or ran.

Another standout feature is the treadmill’s 15 auto incline settings, which allowed for lots of variety during walks and runs. The wide belt provided plenty of room to comfortably walk or run. We also liked that we could easily fold and move the treadmill out of the way when not in use.

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we found that the plastic on the console was very fragile, as we had a couple of mishaps that caused minor cosmetic damage.
  
• We liked using the app for additional workouts and programs, but we wish we could stream them directly on the display, rather than viewing them on our tablet.

Most Valuable Insight

“I really like how big this treadmill is. I have an under-desk treadmill that is thin and short, so running on this is almost luxurious. I never feel like I'm going to fall off and I definitely get a good workout while using the incline." —Danielle Auger, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester works out daily and wants to improve her endurance and cardiovascular health, as well as boost her weight loss efforts, by walking and running on the treadmill. She appreciates that this treadmill has a wide, comfortable running deck and a good mix of workouts to motivate her.

PHOTO: Dick's Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Dimensions: 60 L x 31.5 W x 68 H inches | Belt Size: 52 x 20 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 7.5 miles per hour | Incline Range: 0%-15% (running); 15%-40% (hiking) | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It's For

Best for walkers and hikers who want a treadmill with a wide range of inclines.

Why We Love It

Xterra’s TR95H Hiker Treadmill is our pick for hikers for its durable construction, wide range of incline and speed levels, and convenient features. During testing, we found the treadmill to be very sturdy and user-friendly, thanks to clear metrics display and easy navigation. We liked that it offered both walking or hiking workouts, with 40 levels of incline available in climbing mode.

The treadmill’s built-in wheels made it very easy to move around. Other handy features include cup holders, a tablet holder, and a large tray, which offers plenty of room for a laptop, book, and devices to work, watch a show, or read while working out. We also liked the convenience of having speed and incline controls on the handlebars in addition to the console.

Potential Flaws

• When using the Xterra health and fitness app to track our workouts, we thought it felt a bit dated and could definitely be more user-friendly.
  
• The treadmill’s console doesn’t have streaming capabilities, but the device holder and tray have plenty of room for your phone or tablet to view entertainment.

Most Valuable Insight

“I found this treadmill really easy to use. A huge perk is that it's on wheels. I'm able to move it around the garage with ease, which is so nice." —Nick Frasher, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester works out four to five times a week and typically uses treadmills for incline walking. He integrated this treadmill into his routine for early morning workouts, focusing on incline walking before work.

PHOTO: Amazon

Pros

• Low-impact design

• Simple, quick setup

• Long belt

Cons

• Large footprint

• No advanced features

Key Specs

Dimensions: 74 L x 34.6 W x 62 H inches | Belt Size: 61 x 17.7 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Maximum Speed: Not listed | Incline Range: Doesn’t incline | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It's For

Best for runners who like low-impact manual treadmills for hard workouts such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Why We Love It

Sunny Health and Fitness’s Premium Curve Manual Treadmill is a very comfortable and effective option for interval training and speed workouts. After unboxing, the treadmill was quick and simple to set up, with clear instructions and all necessary tools included. The straightforward console and lack of complicated functionality also made it easy to navigate and operate.

During testing, we found that the treadmill’s curved design was much easier on our joints, compared to running outside or on a traditional treadmill. We also liked that, unlike running on a motorized treadmill, the belt moved with our stride—which made our workouts more engaging. Plus, the long belt provided plenty of room for us to stretch out our stride and pick up the pace.

Potential Flaws

• With a basic console and no incline options, this treadmill’s features are fairly limited, so it may not appeal to someone looking for a treadmill with advanced functionality.
  
• The treadmill’s large footprint makes it difficult to store, so it’s best for those with dedicated home gym space.

Most Valuable Insight

“The curved manual belt makes this treadmill a game changer. This was my first time using a manual treadmill and I absolutely love it. For someone training for a long-distance event like a marathon, I found this to be a welcome addition to my daily workouts." —Ryan Sisson, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is a serious distance runner who regularly trains for marathons and triathlons. Although he mostly runs outside, he wanted to use this treadmill for interval and speed workouts.

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Dimensions: 70 L x 33 W x 64 H inches | Belt Size: 62 x 17 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Maximum Speed: 20 miles per hour | Incline Range: Doesn’t incline | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It's For

Best for runners who want a non-motorized treadmill that’s very comfortable to run on and easy to move around.

Why We Love It

With a thick, rubber belt, Assault Fitness’s AssaultRunner Pro is a durable, sturdy option that provides excellent impact protection and comfort. During testing, we were impressed with the machine’s stellar shock absorption and found it comfortable and supportive enough for barefoot runs. The low-impact, curved design helped prevent us from getting sore.

We like that this treadmill doesn’t require electricity and needs very little maintenance since it’s a manual, athlete-powered treadmill. With built-in wheels on the front and a rear handle, the machine was easy to move around and we even pulled it outside to enjoy a breeze during a workout. We also like the simple, easy-to-read console that we could use to set up interval workouts and target programs.

Potential Flaws

• The treadmill’s curved shape takes some getting used to, but once we had a few runs under our belt, we felt confident using it.
  
• This is one of the pricier treadmills we tested—although the price is reasonable for a non-motorized treadmill, which tends to be more expensive.

Most Valuable Insight

“I loved the padding on the belt. It gave great support. I also liked that you could roll the treadmill to different places." —Tatiana Kennedy, Verywell Fit product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester works out four to five times a week and used this treadmill to incorporate more jogging into her routine. She had never tried a non-motorized treadmill before and she found that running on it kept her engaged and focused on her workout.

What We’ve Updated

• Since we last published this article, we've tested six new treadmills as part of our fitness routines.
• Based on these updated findings, we've expanded our list of recommendations to include these new models and revised our previous superlatives to better reflect the latest insights.
• Our updated picks now include categories for Best Investment, Best Folding Treadmill, Best for Beginners, Best for Hikers, Best for HIIT, and Best with Cushioned Belt.

Types of Treadmills

There are a few types of treadmills, each with their benefits and drawbacks. These are the most common ones you’ll come across as you shop.

• Motorized Treadmills: One of the most popular types of treadmills for working out at home is the motorized treadmill, which features a wide range of speed and incline options. This type of treadmill also often has high-tech features, like touchscreens and built-in workouts. Although motorized treadmills are very durable and suitable for a wide range of users, they can be bulky and may take up a lot of floor space.
• Manual Treadmills: Manual treadmills don’t use electricity and are powered by your running or walking action. They’re often more portable and require less maintenance than motorized treadmills, but some users may find walking or running on them to be more difficult and less enjoyable.
• Folding Treadmills: When not in use, folding treadmills are made to be folded up and stored, offering a convenient solution if you have limited space. Although they can be as powerful and feature-packed as traditional treadmills, they may not be as sturdy.
• Under-Desk Treadmills: Also known as walking pads, under-desk treadmills are smaller machines that you can walk on while standing and working at a desk. They have fewer features than regular treadmills and are typically lightweight, foldable, and easily portable. In addition, they usually don’t go faster than 4 miles per hour, which is fine if you're looking to add to your daily step count or want to walk after eating to promote digestion.

What to Look for When Shopping for an At-Home Treadmill

• Motor: Look for a treadmill with a high-quality, durable motor that offers the right level of continuous horsepower (CHP), which measures how much power a motor can put out continuously. Be sure that it’s measured in CHP and not horsepower (HP), which is the maximum that the motor can run at, but may not be able to maintain. If you plan to run at high intensities and steep inclines for long periods of time, you’ll want a motor of at least 3.0 CHP, according to personal trainer Kelvin Gary, CPT. For casual jogging, you can go with a motor in the 1.75 to 2.5 CHP range, while walkers can opt for a small motor with 1.75 CHP or less.
• Running Belt: Make sure you have enough space to get a full stride. For comfortable running, the belt needs to be at least 48 inches long and 18 inches wide. If you're over 6 feet tall or have a long stride, you’ll want a belt that’s at least 54 inches long.
• Cushioning and Stability: The treadmill’s frame should stay put as you walk, jog, and run—meaning it shouldn't move, shake, or wobble. Gary recommends finding a treadmill with a good suspension system, as it correlates directly with stability. The belt shouldn't slide with every stride but rather provide you with effective shock absorption. A thick, cushioned belt will not only be easier on your joints, but it will be more durable.
• Speed and Incline: If you're planning on using your treadmill for running, you’ll want one that reaches a top speed of at least 10 miles per hour. Meanwhile, the incline should be able to reach at least 10% to mimic challenging outdoor conditions and provide variety to your workouts. A treadmill with a wide speed and incline range allows you to run, walk, and engage in interval training.
• Console and Display: The console and display should be easy to view and navigate. Some treadmills have a basic LCD or LED display to track workout metrics such as speed, distance, and calories burned. Others have a more high-tech touchscreen that pivots and rotates for optimal viewing of streaming workouts and entertainment, as well as stat monitoring.

How We Tested the Best Treadmills

To find the best treadmills, we tested 44 options from top, trusted fitness equipment brands over a four-week period, completing at least four runs or walks each week on each treadmill. When testing treadmills, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: After unboxing each treadmill, we note if it comes fully assembled. If not, we assess how difficult it is to put together and how long it takes us to do so. Once it’s assembled, we sign up for applicable streaming services, connect each machine to its proprietary app (if there is one), and check out additional features. We evaluate the instructions and assess whether they’re clear and concise and note if we had any difficulties with the setup process.
• Ease of Use: During testing, we evaluate whether using the treadmill and choosing workouts is straightforward or difficult. Is the console clear, easy to read, and user-friendly? Does it track helpful workout metrics? How simple or difficult is it to adjust the incline and speed? Is the running belt wide and long enough to accommodate various sizes and strides?
• Comfort: While we use the treadmills, we assess whether the belt is wide and long enough for a comfortable stride. Do we notice any discomfort in our feet, joints, or back during or after using the treadmill? How does the impact compare to running or walking on the road?
• Foldability: If the treadmill folds, we fold and unfold it to note the ease or difficulty of that process. Are the instructions easy to follow? Can one person fold it by themselves? We assess the treadmill’s folded size and portability by moving it and storing it away when not in use.
• Special Features: During testing, we note if the treadmills have special features that add to their functionality, like touchscreens, pre-programmed workouts, built-in fans, app connectivity, and more. We test each treadmill's features and determine whether they improve our overall experience. We also consider whether the treadmill is missing any features that would have been helpful.
• Value: To rate the overall value of each treadmill, we don’t look at its price until the full testing and evaluation process is complete. Then, we consider whether the product is priced fairly. We prioritize treadmills that we think are worth the price and that we’d recommend to a friend or family member.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process for this story. Some helped us better understand what features to look for when shopping, while others helped inform our testing process. While we always choose products independently, expert insights help inform our decisions.  

• Andrew Billman, ISSA-certified personal trainer
• Kelvin Gary, CPT, personal trainer and owner of Body Space Fitness in New York City
• Jim Karas, personal trainer and founder of Intelligent Fitness and Wellness
• Anel Pla, CPT, certified personal trainer and partner at 5 Point Zero Fitness in New Jersey
• Jeff Raines, IRONMAN U and certified triathlon coach
• Nicole Thompson, ACE-CPT, personal trainer

Frequently Asked Questions

How much space do I need for a treadmill? 

To accommodate most treadmills, you’ll need a space that measures at least 7 feet in width and 12 feet in length, with a minimum of 8 feet of ceiling clearance. Pay close attention to the treadmill’s dimensions and keep in mind that the back of the treadmill should not be up against a wall to allow space to lengthen your running step, and get on and off, says Raines.

Is a treadmill a good investment for weight loss? 

Running or walking on a treadmill at home can help with weight loss efforts since it boosts your activity level and calorie burn. However, you’ll need to use it regularly and gradually increase your workout intensity to see its benefits.

Which is better: a treadmill or an elliptical? 

While elliptical machines and treadmills are both excellent options for cardio exercise, the elliptical offers a lower-impact workout, so it may be a more suitable and safer option for those who have a history of injuries or are recovering from an injury, according to Thompson. On the other hand, you'll likely burn more calories, get a more intense workout, and be better prepared for race conditions using a treadmill.  

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As an avid runner, certified running coach, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT loves researching and testing the latest and greatest fitness equipment and gear. Her decades of running experience and training athletes have helped her understand the value of using the best gear and products for optimal performance and comfort. When shopping for a treadmill, Christine recommends carefully considering how you plan on using it, your running goals, and your space limitations.

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