There’s no denying a treadmill machine can be a great way to get different workouts done at-home. Whether you’re looking to train for a race, practice interval training, or want to be able to hit your 10,000 daily steps no matter the weather, a treadmill is the machine to utilize. Another benefit? Being able to hit high mileage without leaving your home. “There isn’t any length of time that is too long or too short for treadmill use. The most important thing is to start where you’re realistically at in your fitness journey and build time and speed from there,” says Kim Chinn, a coach at the treadmill-based fitness studio, Mile High Run Club.
We tested 14 popular treadmills to narrow it down and help figure out what machine is best for you, depending on how much space you have and what type of goals you’re trying to achieve. In our testing, we broke down the key aspects of a treadmill as well as spoke to experts to make the most of your at-home workout.
The Rundown on the Best Treadmills
- In our testing, NordicTrack EXP 7i came out on top because of its workout options for every level of runner.
- The Bowflex Treadmill 10 also has a slew of features to customize your workout, including the ability to stream shows and movies.
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Maximum speed is 12 mph
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Incline goes from 0 to 12 percent
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Suitable for every type of runner
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Size makes you feel comfortable and secure while running
Dimensions: 77.3″ L x 35.3″ W x 59.6″ H | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 0 to 12
Treadmills can be scary to use, especially for someone just starting, but the NordicTrack EXP 7i is our best overall because of how easy it is to use while still performing at a top level. Not only does the treadmill respond quickly to changes in incline and speed, but offers a solid range of up to 12 MPH speed and an incline of 12 percent. While it is not a compact model, and therefore not great for small spaces, the size allows for the user to feel comfortable and secure when running, no matter the speed. “Having used many treadmills all my life, this was one of the top quality and value treadmills I have used and felt great during use,” our tester said. “If I was looking for an at-home workout option, wanted to invest in a treadmill, and had a large enough space to accommodate the machine, I would purchase this treadmill with confidence.”
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Weight capacity is 400 pounds
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Maximum speed is 12 mph
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Large incline range from -5 to 15 percent
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Stable with no rattling or shaking
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Can stream your favorite shows
Dimensions: 85″ L x 39.6″ W x 65.3″ H | Weight capacity: 400 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 MPH | Incline: -5 to 15
The Bowflex 10 has practically everything you could want in a treadmill. Overall, it is very easy to understand and operate. Our tester described it as feeling “like running on a recently tarred road” and said the machine was also very stable with no rattling or shaking even with high speeds or inclines. This treadmill also has one of the highest weight limits of the bunch — allowing up to 400 pounds to safely use the machine. Our tester also described it as having everything: automated A.I., preset runs, custom profiles, and the ability for streaming for your Netflix, Hulu, HBO etc account. ” I was really impressed by it having a decline feature, which in essence allows you to work on your hamstrings. 99% of treadmills do not offer this,” they said. “I also really like that you can change the speed and incline from three separate locations depending on your comfortability. On a bonus note: It also has a fan that is at a position to hit your face, which is ideal for heavy sweaters like me.”
Dimensions: 62″ L x 25.5″W x 50″H | Weight capacity: 220 lbs. | Maximum speed: 9 MPH | Incline: 0 to 4.3
For a compact, budget-friendly treadmill, the folding treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness is a great option that features solid features for its size and price. Our tester described it as being very easy to use. “You don’t need Bluetooth or wifi. You just plug it in, choose what speed you want to go, and press start,” they said. “On the left handle, you can start or stop the treadmill, on the right hand you can choose the speeds.” When it comes to incline, the options are very limited, and you have to manually set it up. However, the buttons are very simple. Our tester loved the pulse sensors the speed has and described the transaction as very quick. “To go from 4 to 9 mph, it was 24 seconds then going back down to 4.5 miles it was 13 seconds so the transition is very quick.”
Dimensions: 85″ L x 39.6″ W x 70″ H | Weight capacity: 400 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 MPH | Incline: -5 to 20
Not only does the incline go up to 20, but features a decline of -5 percent, allowing for the best range of incline training out of all our options. Our tester said, “it gave you the feeling of being on an actual hike.” The treadmill also features an abundance of workout options, from manual ones to instructor-led classes, though some of the features were not available to you unless you were logged into the Bowflex platform, which does require an extra subscription. Even for taller people, the treadmill belt felt comfortable and steady. There are buttons to quickly toggle to new speeds and inclines on the front of the treadmill as well as two knobs on the side and buttons on the heart rate grips. Overall, our tester felt the options were fairly simple to use. “However, for the high price tag and additional subscription, this machine is probably better suited to people who are avid runners and would use the machine daily,” they said. It’s also important to note that the change in speed was slightly slower than other models we tested, so might not be the best model for intense interval speed training.
Dimensions: 82″ L x 37″ W x 66″ H | Weight capacity: 375 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 0 to 15
If you are tight on space at home, a folding treadmill is an amazing way to get the machinery without giving up precious square footage. Even more rare is a folding treadmill that has all the features, which is why Sole F80 is our best folding treadmill. It has the capacity to reach 12 mph and an incline of 15, plus cooling fans, speed and incline controls on the armrests, and built-in speakers. It also features a versatile tablet holder so you can use your own smart devices to watch shows or follow along with workout routines, and it has a USB port for charging so you don’t have to worry about losing any battery. “The toggles on each side of the arms are very convenient to increase/decrease both speed and incline, and it was very quick and easy to switch both,” said our tester. “The console is very straightforward and user-friendly.” The treadmill was fairly comfortable with good shock absorption, a rarity for compact models, our tester noted.
Dimensions: 63.4″ L x 28.75″ W x 51.4″ H | Weight capacity: 250 lb | Maximum speed: 10 MPH | Incline: 3 levels
If you’re looking for a compact treadmill to fit a smaller space, the Xterra Fitness Treadmill is perfect, especially since it folds up and has wheels for easy storage. It has a simple interface with speed options up to 10 MPH and three different incline levels. We found it was super easy to assemble. Plus, for the budget-friendly price, you can’t beat this machine. It’s extremely sturdy, yet powerful with speeds up to 10 MPH (and it’s able to get there quickly).
Dimensions: 76″ x 37″ x 63″ | Weight capacity: 350 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 0 – 15
The Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT is a serious runners paradise and there’s almost nothing that it doesn’t have. With the capability of hitting 12 MPH and an incline of 15, the belt on this treadmill feels extra long, making it perfect for HIIT and speed workout where you may need the extra room. The treadmill also features a side dial that allows you to quickly and accurately change the speed for sprints. The real usability star of this treadmill are its twist controls, which are on separate arms of the treadmill that jut out of the control panel. The left is for incline and the right is for speed. It’s extremely easy to toggle your incline/speed and the treadmill is very responsive, too, quickly accelerating and decelerating, we found. We liked how smooth and quick all of its transitions are as it soundlessly adjusts the incline/speed, too. We also want to note that there were two non-slip platforms for holding devices that kept them secure while we finished our workout.
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Can fit almost anywhere
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Has a remote and display that tracks distance, speed, and more
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Easy to move between spaces
Dimensions: 38.39″D x 21.85″W x 6.89″H | Weight capacity: 220 lb | Maximum speed: 3.11 MPH | Incline: 0 to 5
If you’ve seen the TikToks about under desk treadmills you’ve probably seen the Egofit Walker. Unlike traditional treadmills, this walker doesn’t have an interface but a remote control that allows you to control the speed and incline and a side display that shares the data of calories, time, steps, distance and speed. We loved that the remote had a strap so we could have it on our wrist and not drop it. It’s super easy to put away, too. Our tester used it on their guest room, balcony, and main room and moving between spaces was seamless. We easily slid it under the bed and found it doesn’t take much space and it’s not that heavy.
Dimensions: 69.1″D x 35.6″W x 56.7″H | Weight capacity: 275 lb | Maximum speed: 10 MPH | Incline: 0 to 10
We liked that the Schwinn Fitness 810 felt high quality for the price, runs smoothly, has all the features we need, and is enjoyable to use. The max incline and speed are both 10, meaning you can’t do the 12-3-30 workout, but are pretty generous numbers when you think about the under $1000 price of the treadmill. The 10 inch screen has 16 different workout programs and allows you to sync your treadmill with the Explore The World™ app to run around the world on different tracks.
Dimensions: 78.5” L x 35.6” W x 64.7” H | Weight capacity: 300 lb | Maximum speed: 12 MPH | Incline: -3 to 12
This design from NordicTrack features an intuitive and moveable touchscreen with Google Maps abilities that allows us to run anywhere from the comfort of our home. It features bluetooth capability and Heart Rate Connectivity, as well as the technology that lets the treadmill automatically adjust speed and incline to maintain your optimal heart-rate zone, though that requires a separate purchase. Even with that, we found the capabilities built into this treadmill make it a great one to run on and track our progress over time.
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Maximum speed is 12.5 mph
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Oversized screen helps limit distractions
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Can customize total body workouts
Dimensions: 68″ L x 33″ W x 62″ H | Weight capacity: 300 lb | Maximum speed: 12.5 MPH | Incline: 0 to 12.5
If you’re a regular at Barry’s classes or other HIIT workouts, a smart treadmill might be the best option to invest in. The Peloton treadmill offers an array of classes on a state of the art belt for the ultimate workout at home (though the membership can get a little pricey). We found that choosing workouts is very easy. Pelton offers multiple classes with different trainers at all levels for walking, hiking, and running. Peloton runs live classes around the clock, and we could also store past classes to take them “on demand” later. Classes can also be stacked ahead of time, so you can customize a total body workout based on your fitness goals. And if you don’t want to take a class at all, you can use the Tread’s Just Run mode or go for a scenic or timed run by yourself, without an instructor. We like that the Tread will still track your progress, whether you take classes or run by yourself.
Buying Guide
Price: Treadmills can range from $400 to $3500. We have options in the under $500 and under $1000 (Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill) range on our list.
Size: Most average treadmills will need a room that’s at least 7′ x 12′ with a minimum of 8′ of ceiling clearance to ensure enough space around the belt and above your head to walk or run.
Warranty: Warranties vary by brand and model. Most options have a 5-10 year warranty on the frame and 2-3 year (or more) warranty on the motor.
Speed: The treadmills on our list ranged from 0-12 MPH. More advanced runners may want a treadmill that has higher speeds (NordicTrack Commercial 1250), whereas those using it as an under desk walking pad may be comfortable at the 3 MPH (Egofit Walker).
What to Know About Treadmills
- Dimensions: While you can get a treadmill in different dimensions to best fit a space, the average treadmill is around 78″ long x 36″ wide. When it comes to width, anything less than 16″ wide is difficult to walk, and going up to 20″ is ideal for runners. While walkers can do well with a 48-inch long belt, if you’re planning to run faster than a jog, more length is better. If you’re on the taller side, go for an even longer length. However, keep in mind the width when getting it through the door if it comes already assembled.
- Ceiling height: Most homes will need an 8-foot ceiling to comfortably use a treadmill. For reference, most homes have an eight to 9-foot ceiling, on average. Tall users or treadmills with a step-up may require more space. A general rule of thumb is 6 inches of clearance above your head when the treadmill is at its maximum incline.
- Speed and incline: Depending on what you want your treadmill for, it’s important to think about the speed and incline capabilities a treadmill has. The typical speed for walking is between 3 and 4 mph, and between 6 and 8 mph for running. When it comes to incline, going up to a 15 percent incline would be ideal, especially for different types of training, to develop strong lean legs, or if you want to emulate running on a hilly route or try Lauren Giraldo’s 12-3-30 treadmill workout. Knowing your running or walking speed and required features can help you narrow down the machine that’s right for your home.
Why Trust Shape
Brooke LaMantia is a journalist writing about all things culture, fashion, and lifestyle. She grew up playing sports and rowed at the University of Texas Austin before transferring to New York University. Since then, she’s become an avid runner, and while she loves to spend time doing so at the East River Park, spends just as much time on treadmills in the winter.
To create this list, Shape did a lot of research on the top-rated and best-selling models available. The team narrowed those options down to the 14 we wanted to test in our lab and at-home. Our final guide to the best treadmills was based on our in-house tester ratings and quotes. LaMantia also consulted four running experts to weigh in on the best ways to use a treadmill as well as how to keep it clean.
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