Walking and running are the most basic of exercises, which makes the treadmill the most basic of exercise equipment, right? Nope! There's nothing simple about the array of treadmills for your home gym you have to choose from, with many as sophisticated and full of features as the ones you'll find at the finest fitness facilities. Home training is at an all-time high since COVID-19 drove many folks out of the gyms, but exercisers were spoiled by the high-end, media-equipped, commercial-grade treadmills they had been using. They wanted the benefits of treadmill training in the style to which they had become accustomed, and the market was ready for them with feature-laden commercial-grade home models.
The gyms are open again, but many of us are still sticking close to home. Even those who are back at the gym love the convenience of mixing it up with home workouts. If you've made the decision to add a treadmill to your home fitness options, you'll be happy to know that a high-end machine worthy of a five-star fitness facility is totally within reach. With a myriad of terrific options in the home treadmill market, we're here to help you find the best one for you.
The ACTIVE Reviews Team assessed the best treadmills for home, analyzing traits like size, foldability, incline, noise level, and price range. With the popular Peloton Tread+ under recall and awaiting revision, we considered competitor treadmills that also boast fantastic interactive workout programming, giving you the structure, energy, and fun of a group fitness class from the convenience of your home. After miles of (metaphorical) pavement were pounded, these are the nine home treadmills that most impressed us.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring their years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
The 9 Best Treadmills for Home Gyms
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- Editor's Pick: Sole F63
- Best Treadmill for Walking: Bowflex Treadmill 10
- Best Treadmill under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Incline Treadmill w/ LCD
- Best Peloton Alternative: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT
- Best Treadmill with Dynamic Programming: Nautilus T616 Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill: ProForm City L6
- Best Home Commercial Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Best Treadmill for Runners: Trueform Treadmill
- Best Compact Treadmill: Echelon Stride
Editor's Pick - Sole F63
SPECS
- Motor: 3.0 HP, DC type with flywheels
- Incline: 0-15%
- Running area: 60"L x 20"W cushioned deck, reducing impact up to 40%
- Footprint: 82"L x 35"W x 57"H
- Storage: folds vertically with ease
- Speed: 0.5-12 mph
- Max user weight: 325 lbs.
- Heart rate monitoring: pulse grips and chest strap compatible
- Key features: 6.5" LCD, Bluetooth and Bluetooth speaker compatible, tablet/phone holder, USB port
- Warranty: lifetime frame and motor warranty; 3-year deck, electronics, parts warranties; 1-year labor warranty
We already loved the Sole F63 for its space-saving size and easy foldability—as well as its affordable price tag—but recent enhancements have boosted this model to our overall favorite. A quiet 3.0 HP motor carries you through a range of speeds up to 12 mph while the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck saves wear and tear on your joints by 40 percent. Take your treadmill training to the next level and beyond with 10 preset workouts and a 15 percent incline and chart your progress on the 6.5-inch LCD or through the Sole mobile app.
Other new features include Bluetooth audio speakers, a tablet holder in the console, and a USB port to charge your smart devices while working out. With these features and more, the Sole F63 gives you a lot of bang for your treadmill buck, as well as a serious opportunity for elevating treadmill work in your training program.
PROS
- Folds vertically with easy-to-use mechanism
- Wide incline range challenges users at all levels
- Comes with a lifetime warranty for frame and motor
CONS
- Limited features
- The maximum capacity is only 325 lbs.
Best Treadmill for Walking - Bowflex Treadmill 10
SPECS
- Motor: 3.0 HP
- Incline: -0.5-15%
- Running area: 60"L x 22"W cushioned deck
- Footprint: 85"L x 39.7"W x 63.3"H
- Storage: folds vertically
- Speed: 0-12 mph
- Max user weight: 400 lbs.
- Heart rate monitoring: hand grips plus heart rate armband included
- Key features: 10" LCD, Bluetooth enabled, tablet/phone holder, USB port
- Warranty: 15-year frame and motor warranty, 5-year mechanical parts warranty, 1-year electronics warranty, 2-year labor warranty
Walking on a treadmill is a great way to get in a workout between Zoom meetings and avoid the pitfalls of walking outdoors. The Bowflex Treadmill 10 hits at a higher price point than some of the equipment featured here, but if you're serious about treadmill training, the Treadmill 10 will be a worthy investment.
Whether your goal is walking, running, or climbing, you can adjust your speed and incline on the fly with handlebar buttons, or let your virtual coach take the wheel and adjust for you with the JRNY app (subscription required) via an adjustable HD touchscreen display. The Bowflex Treadmill 10 can reach 12 mph and boasts an incline range that's one of the broadest you'll see—a 5 percent decline to 15 percent incline—making it a machine that can handle even the most arduous walking routines.
PROS
- Broad incline-decline range enables great variety of workouts
- Adjustable HD touchscreen keeps track of your progress and displays your favorite media
- Comes with 1-year subscription to Bowflex's JRNY fitness app, with access to on-demand classes and videos, streaming entertainment, workout tracking
- Handles speeds up to 12 mph
- Built-in fan to keep you cool
- Folds easily for storage
- Warranty covers motor and frame for 15 years
CONS
- Is a larger model, so isn't the best choice if you're short on space
- No preset programs
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 - Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Incline Treadmill w/ LCD, SF-T4400
SPECS
- Motor: 2.2 peak HP
- Incline: 3 manual settings, 0%, 2%, 4.37%
- Running area: 49"L x 15.5" cushioned deck
- Footprint: 62"L x 25.6"W x 50"H
- Storage: folds vertically
- Speed: 0.5-9 mph
- Max user weight: 220 lbs.
- Heart rate monitoring: pulse monitors
- Key features: digital monitor, power saving and safety-stop buttons, tablet/phone holder, cup holders
- Warranty: 3-year warranty on frame, 180-day warranty on other parts and components
If you're looking for a basic treadmill that won't bend the budget, put the Sunny SF-T4400 at the top of your list. It's an entry-level treadmill with features you won't find on other equipment at that level. The Sunny SF-T4400 comes with nine built-in programs plus manual mode, with handrail controls including three quick speed buttons and three levels of incline up to 4.37 percent. The cushioned running surface enables you to train longer with less fatigue than when running or walking outside on hard concrete.
The digital monitor on the Sunny SF-T4400 measures time, distance, calories, and pulse, and includes power saving and safety-stop functions. The smaller size and lightweight construction of the Sunny T4400 make it ideal for apartments and tight spaces. The Soft Drop system and wheels make it easy to fold and store, and amenities like handgrip pulse monitors, a tablet/phone ledge, and cup holders put everything you need to get in your favorite workout right at your fingertips.
PROS
- Budget price tag with medium-priced amenities
- Lightweight construction and small footprint
- 9 preset programs plus manual mode and speeds to 9 mph
- Folds vertically with Soft Drop mechanism for hassle-free unfolding
- Adjustable manual incline and handrail controls
- Ledge for your phone or tablet
CONS
- Smaller running deck than most models on this list
- With a 2.2 HP motor and maximum user capacity of only 220 lbs., it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty training
- Shorter warranty than other units featured
BUY: Sunny T4400 Manual Incline Treadmill with LCD
Best Peloton Alternative - Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT
SPECS
- Motor: 3.0 RapidSync Drive System
- Incline: 0-15%
- Running area: 60"L x 20" with 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
- Footprint: 76.5"L x 36"W x 59"H
- Storage: folds vertically
- Speed: 0.5-12 mph
- Max user weight: 325 lbs.
- Heart rate monitoring: contact hand grips, Bluetooth 4.0 compatible receiver
- Key features: Bluetooth enabled with speakers and USB port; 16 Digit Alphanumeric LED, 7" LCD Screen; free phone/tablet Pro App that interfaces with machine; 7 built-in programs with feedback for calories, distance, heart rate, incline, speed, time; easy-to-reach QuickDial incline and speed controls with custom interval keys
- Warranty: lifetime frame and motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor
Peloton had a difficult year in 2021 with a major recall of its popular Tread+ model, among other things. If you're hooked on the Peloton programs but don't want to wait for its treadmills to be available again, the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Studio Series Treadmill integrates seamlessly with the workouts you love—and at a much lower price.
Track your performance metrics with Horizon's LCD screen, and quickly control speed or incline by rolling your thumb on one of the dual handle dials. Horizon's Bluetooth connectivity pairs well with fitness apps that track heart rate as well as with popular streaming media. You'll have to bring your own tech to the table to serve as a console, compared to the Peloton where it's already built in, but the Horizon 7.0 AT gives you a full 60 inches of running space with variable response cushioning to ease wear and tear on your body and speeds up to 12 mph.
Combine that with a solid steel frame, powerful 3.0 CHP motor, and an incline to 15 percent, and you have what you need to get in a tough running workout. Granted, it's slightly shorter than Peloton's Tread+, but the compactness can be a huge advantage when outfitting small spaces. And while the Peloton Tread+ is not a folding treadmill, the Horizon 7.0 AT has an awesome one-step hydraulic folding system.
Check out our review of Horizon Fitness's full treadmill lineup here.
PROS
- Quiet motor can handle the toughest running and interval work
- 60" x 20" cushioned deck accommodates taller runners and longer strides
- Comes with Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with popular fitness apps like Peloton, Zwift, and STUDIO
- 7 built-in workouts plus a media ledge for your tablet or smartphone
- Warranty includes lifetime coverage on the frame
CONS
- 7" LCD monitor is smaller than most in this category and is not a touchscreen
- Lacks some of the features of similar models
Best Treadmill with Dynamic Programming - Nautilus T616 Treadmill
SPECS
- Motor: 3.0 HP
- Incline: 0-15%
- Running area: 60"L x 20"W with StrikeZone Conditioning
- Footprint: 77.2"L x 35.2"W x 57.6"H
- Storage: folds vertically with DropSoft design
- Speed: 0-12 mph
- Max user weight: 300 lbs.
- Heart rate monitoring: contact and telemetry enabled; chest strap included
- Key features: Bluetooth enabled with free app; 2 blue backlit LCDs, 3.75" and 5.5"; 26 preset programs and 4 user profiles; in-console speakers with MP3 input port; USB charging port; handrail controls; media shelf; 3-speed fan; emergency stop button
- Warranty: 10-year frame and motor, 3-year mechanical and electronics, 1-year labor
The T616 Treadmill, Nautilus's top-of-the-line home treadmill, boasts a deluxe console, with two high-resolution LCD displays that give you up to 13 workout metrics, plus 26 preset programs, Bluetooth speakers, and four user profiles to keep separate stats for everyone in the family. Console features also include media, built-in speakers, an MP3 input port, USB media charging port, and adjustable fan. And with the free Explore the World app, you can run through 19 locations with 27 routes alongside people from all over the world in real time. Track your heart rate with the handlebar sensors or do it hands-free with the included chest strap.
The Nautilus T616 was built to minimize impact and maximize comfort and convenience, with a generous, 60-by 20-inch cushioned running area, and a lightweight, foldable frame with a DropSoft opening mechanism for easy storage. Take your speed to 12 mph with inclines up to 15 percent, which are about the best you'll find in a home treadmill at any price. With a powerful 3.0 CHP motor, you can challenge yourself to the limit and beyond in your treadmill sessions.
PROS
- Has 26 preset programs, including 4 customizable programs and 4 user profiles
- Bluetooth enabled
- Time, distance, and calorie tracking that syncs with your favorite fitness apps
- Speed goes to 12 mph with an incline up to 15%
- Folds easily with SoftDrop design
CONS
- Warranty isn't as comprehensive as other models on this list
- At 300 lbs., the user weight capacity is low for what the 3.0 motor can do
Best Folding Treadmill - ProForm City L6
SPECS
- Motor: 1.6 CHP2 Mach Z motor
- Running area: 45" x 17.5" cushioned deck
- Footprint: 70.25"L x 29"W x 44.5"H
- Storage: folds horizontally
- Speed: 0-8 mph
- Max user weight: 250 lbs.
- Heart rate monitoring: none
- Key features: Bluetooth enabled display, quick-change speed buttons, tablet holder
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 1-year parts and labor
If you're short on space but you need a treadmill to challenge you, the ProForm City L6 is a terrific choice. Smaller is better in this case, and the ProForm City L6 meets that requirement on all fronts. It's lightweight and compact and it easily folds to tuck into a closet or under your bed. Powered by a 1.6 CHP2 Mach Z motor, with speeds up to 8 mpg, it holds users up to 250 pounds—a considerable load given its stats.
The ProForm City L6 is iFit enabled and comes with a 30-day family membership, renewable for $39 a month. Work with iFit's professional trainers and use the hand controls on the console or let the trainer take control of your speed as you focus on the road ahead. Enjoy live classes in settings around the world or choose from thousands of preset programs. This is an entry-level treadmill, but the $699 price tag keeps your investment low. While it lacks some of the frills of the larger, more expensive models, the ProForm City L6 goes beyond the basics to get your treadmill workouts up and running in as small a space as possible.
PROS
- Affordable
- Compact, lightweight frame folds easily
- Smaller footprint and deck for limited spaces
- 1.6 CHP2 motor goes to 8 mph
- 250 lbs. maximum user weight is impressive in a smaller unit
- Comes with 30-day iFIT family membership
- Bluetooth enabled
CONS
- 45" running track can limit your stride
- No screen in console
- No incline options
Best Home Commercial Treadmill - NordicTrack Commercial 1750
SPECS
- Motor: 3.5 CHP Motor with Smart Response Drive System
- Incline: -0.3-15%
- Running area: 60"L x 22"W cushioned deck
- Footprint: 80"L x 38"W x 65"H
- Storage: folds vertically with EasyLift assist
- Speed: 0-12 mph
- Max user weight: 300 lbs.
- Heart rate monitoring: contact sensors on the bars, ActivePulse technology to maintain speed and incline for optimal heart rate zone (requires a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor), chest strap compatible
- Key features: 4" Tilt & Pivot HD touchscreen, one-touch controls, AutoAdjust technology adjusts incline and speed automatically on trainer-led workouts, Dual 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, iFit connectivity plus 50 preset programs, Bluetooth enabled with built-in speakers.
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Don't let the "commercial" tag fool you, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is designed for both professional and personal use, making it suitable for any home gym. The newest upgrades to this popular model, including a 14-inch Tilt & Pivot HD touchscreen, ActivePulse technology that automatically adjusts your speed and incline to maintain your optimal heart rate zone, and improved sound system and speakers, only elevate the experience of exercising on this fully loaded, commercial-equivalent machine.
One of the things we most love about the NordicTrack 1750 is its interactive workouts provided via iFit. You can stay motivated and train to iFit's personalized workout programming that comes to you via the touchscreen, choose from 50 preset programs, or chart your own route through the iFit Google Maps feature. A powerful 3.5 CHP motor takes you wherever you want to go with ease—walking, running, or climbing—and it's sturdy enough for even the toughest interval sessions. But the NordicTrack 1750 is especially suitable for serious runners who crave the burn brought by a broad decline and incline range that goes from -3 to 15 percent at speeds up to 12 mpg. The extra wide deck is cushioned to protect your joints, a feature you can turn off to mimic outdoor conditions.
You can track your progress by pairing a fitness tracker via Bluetooth. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 can be folded up to minimize its footprint in your home. We recommend paying a bit extra for expert assembly, as this treadmill is 339 pounds and can be tricky to set up.
PROS
- Commercial grade construction designed for home use
- Folds vertically with EasyLift assist
- 14" touchscreen control enables you to choose programs, check your stats, and sync to iFit workouts
- 3.5 CHP motor is quiet and goes to 12 mph
- -3-15% decline and incline provides tremendous workout variety
- Belt cushioning can be turned off to simulate outdoor running
- Comes with 1-month iFit family membership
CONS
- Difficult to set up
- Warranty is skimpy for a machine in this price range
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Best Treadmill for Runners - Trueform Trainer
SPECS
- Motor: none
- Incline: none
- Running area: 54"L x 17"W cushioned deck
- Footprint: 64"L x 31"W x 63"H
- Storage: does not fold
- Speed: no limit
- Max user weight: 400 lbs.
- Heart rate monitoring: compatible with Polar Heart Rate
- Key features: battery operated LCD display
- Warranty: 5-year frame, parts, and components; 1-year labor
The Trueform Trainer gets our vote as the best treadmill for runners because it's uniquely designed to improve your running as you go. This machine is one of a new breed of curved manual treadmills that have gained popularity recently, especially among CrossFit devotees and running purists. Unlike the motorized models featured on this list, the Trueform Trainer is an advanced, non-motorized treadmill that's relatively lightweight, compact, and simple to use.
Equipped with a slightly curved deck (the shallowest curve on the market, making users feel safer and more in control of their speed whether running, walking, or jogging), the Trainer is a smaller, lighter version of Trueform's popular Runner model. It requires no power source, relying instead on user power to determine the pace. The more natural running surface reacts to even the most subtle of changes in movement, including the strike force of the foot, hip position, and posture. When your body isn't in the optimal position, you'll feel it immediately and learn to adjust, improving long-term form and getting better results.
In addition to perfecting your form, you burn more calories with Trueform's curved manual design because you're working harder, powering the deck like a hamster in a cage. The solid steel construction is a virtue as well, with a 2-inch steel pipe on the handles and a 6-inch pipe on the uprights. The maximum user capacity is 400 pounds, so you know the Trueform Trainer can take a pounding run.
Fair warning: There are few bells and whistles. The simple LCD displays the basic pace, speed, distance, time, and heart rate and is compatible with Polar heart straps. There are no speakers, fans, or workout programs—not even a media ledge. You just start striding and set your own pace, which some would consider the Trueform Trainer's main attribute.
PROS
- Shallow curved deck has a more natural feel
- High-end rubber tread cushions the run
- Improves running form
- Burns more calories than with a motorized treadmill
- Solid steel construction holds users up to 400 lbs.
- No electricity required, so it's free to operate and is environmentally friendly
- Requires little assembly
CONS
- No programming or additional features
- Short warranty for a treadmill in this price range
Best Compact Treadmill - Echelon Stride
SPECS
- Motor: 1.75 CPH, energy-efficient DC
- Incline: 12 levels, 10% max
- Running area: 55"L x 20"W cushioned deck
- Footprint: 69"L x 31"W x 49"H
- Storage: folds flat
- Speed: 0.5-12 mph
- Max user weight: 300 lbs.
- Heart rate monitoring: integrated handlebar sensors
- Key features: console screen with 8 preset workouts, built-in phone/tablet holder, live and on-demand classes available 24/7, USB charging port, steel transport handle, vertical and horizontal transport wheels, safety stop lanyard
- Warranty: 1-year limited parts and labor
If size is a deal-breaker in your humble home, Echelon Stride is your solution. This folding unit packs a sleek punch at 69.3 inches long and 31 inches wide. It's fully tech enabled, designed to take you through live and on-demand classes 24/7 through the Echelon app. The Echelon Stride is also compatible with the Peloton and other fitness apps. Just pop your smart device on the monitor, sync up a class, and get moving. There are also eight programmed workouts for when you want to keep it simple, and hardcore runners can hit speeds up to 12 mph at 12 incline levels.
Echelon's handlebar heart rate sensors help you decide your stride in real time, and the impact-absorbing rubber running track helps keep your joints healthy. The sophisticated auto-folding function is one of the Echelon Stride's coolest features. It flattens your treadmill—no bending and lifting involved—so it can slide under a bed or be propped up against a wall. For a compact smart treadmill, you get quite a lot for the price.
PROS
- Folds flat to 10" height for storage
- Perfect for small spaces
- Tech enabled, syncs with Echelon and other fitness apps
- Programs available 24/7
- Impact-absorbing rubber running track
- Excellent for walking
CONS
- No screen in the console
- 1.75 CHP motor may lack the power to carry heavier loads
- Short warranty
- Echelon membership required
How to Choose the Best Treadmill for Your Home Gym
Footprint
If you have ample space for a home gym, the treadmill's footprint is a lesser concern, but for many users, square footage will be a factor. While some treadmills will take up more floor space, others are compact, and even foldable, so they can be neatly tucked away when not in use.
Durability
You'll also want to consider durability when it comes to the size and weight of a home treadmill. If they're not made of high-quality materials, some treadmill models may feel fragile beneath you. If your runs tend to be intense and fast-paced, consider a model composed of heavy-duty materials, like a steel frame and well-cushioned belt. A treadmill's weight capacity is also a crucial factor, as most budget treadmills can't hold more than 200 pounds. If you're a tall or plus-size runner, check out each treadmill's weight capacity before hitting "add to cart."
Speed
The speed you'll need on your treadmill depends on what you use it for. The best machines go up to 12 mph, which is ideal for runners. Generally, 2-4 mph is a walking pace, 4-5 mph is a fast walk or light jog, and speeds above 5 mph are for running and jogging. You also want to consider whether the treadmill has an incline. Inclines up to 15 percent add climbing workouts to your program; some machines also have decline capacity, increasing the challenge.
Programming Availability
Access to dynamic cardio workout programs at home used to mean calling an 800 number to order a Jane Fonda workout on VHS. Nowadays, interactive programming is available on an increasing number of treadmills on the market, including preset workouts as well as fitness apps accessed via tablets and smartphones. Most models provide Bluetooth connectivity and a stand for your smart device to stream a workout or scenic running route.
Affordability
There's a high-quality treadmill that our reviewers stand behind at every price point, so don't be dissuaded by sticker shock when looking at treadmills. Keep an eye out for when the top treadmills are on sale to get the best value. Just make sure that the budget-friendly models don't compromise in the areas that are deal-breakers for you. Avoid treadmills that retail for less than $500, as quality and durability can easily be compromised after some use. Our experts agree that the best treadmills for home use that won't break the budget range from $700-$2,000.
Noise
You can't get a burn without some noisy friction, so quality treadmills will still certainly emit their share of sound; however, treadmills aren't created equal when it comes to noise pollution. If you're looking for a quieter treadmill in your home, pay attention to the size of the motor. A powerful motor doesn't guarantee tons of noise but is generally a good indicator of how loud the treadmill will be. You can assess the treadmill based on its CHP motor, meaning "continuous horsepower." Most models will be between 1.5 and 5 CHP. If you're a runner through and through, go for 3 CHP and above so the motor can keep up with your pace. Anything below that and you're at risk of cashing in the motor's warranty. On the other hand, walkers can benefit from the 1.5 to 3 CHP range as it matches their tempo (and affordable price point) perfectly.
FAQs About Home Treadmills
What is the best treadmill for home use?
The best treadmill for home use is the best quality model that meets your needs, meets your budget, and has the most features you are looking for.
I live in an apartment. Will a treadmill be too loud?
It shouldn't be. Today's models come with quieter motors than in the past. You may want to stick with a motor in the 3-3.5 CHP range, though, and maybe use earbuds with your media if the walls are really thin.
What are the best treadmill workouts?
Look for workouts that target your goals. Are you running, jogging, or walking? Are you doing high-intensity work (HIT) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT)? You'll find programs to suit any form of treadmill training. Whatever program you use, remember to exercise to your own fitness level. You may have to work up to the more advanced programs.