Best Folding Treadmills (2024)

Once upon a time, the term folding treadmill gave people cause for concern. That’s just not the case anymore. These days, some of the best home treadmills on the market fold up. Compact and reliable, they’re now built with commercial-grade parts and some sport lifetime warranties on both frame and motor. That’s why our list of the best foldable treadmills contains durable models designed with innovative folding features and reliable, sturdy frames. I’ve had multiple folding treadmills in my own home at the same time for review and the fact you can wheel them away makes a huge difference. They’re ideal for in-home use where space is a concern, and they’re so much easier to clean and lubricate as I’ve written before.

These machines can vary widely in terms of size, so remember they will be either stood upright or laid out flat at some point. Figure at minimum 70 to 80 inches in length here and consider the dimensions when selecting a place to use them. Irrespective of that, there’s no question you can get a great cardio workout on one of these. As a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder, I use these myself to cut weight. If you’re shopping for treadmills right now, be sure to check out our Five Step Treadmill Buying Guide. Read below to see our performance review and check out the price point to see if one of these belongs in your home.

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. We have tried each of the treadmills in this comparison and we give an honest review of each of them, to help you make a buying decision.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a professional bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

How Treadmills Were Selected for This List

Every treadmill you’ll see in this market list was researched, and, when possible, hand-tested to ensure you know exactly what to expect if you make a purchase. As a competitive athlete who has trained for everything from 5K’s to triathlons, marathons, and more, I’ve used dozens of treadmills over the years and know the ins and outs of what to look for.

In this roundup, I’ve considered premium features including motor size, incline/decline, speed, special programming options, warranty, and integrated technology. Each product is assessed without bias as some treadmills are simply better for certain types of training than others.

Top By Category

Best Overall Folding Treadmill – Sole F80

Best for Small Spaces – Echelon Stride

Best Budget Pick – Horizon 7.0 AT

Best Folding Treadmill with Premium Features– NordicTrack Commercial 1750

1. Best Overall Folding Treadmill – Sole F80

Good for: Walkers, runners, and joggers who want built-in programs as well as choice of apps and their own screen.

Where to buy Sole F80 Check price at Sole Check price at Amazon Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy Sole F80  See details  See details  See details

Video Provided by Sole

I’m always impressed by the Sole family of machines, and there’s little surprise that our pick for Best Overall Folding Treadmill is the Sole F80. A great mid-range option between the F63 and F85, its high-quality components are designed for durability. And more importantly, it folds easily for convenient space-saving. The foldable treadmill design of the F80 actually originated from the demand of hotels for a treadmill as mobile as a service cart, yet still stable and effective. Thus, the Folding Deck Design – Easy Assist was born. With a patented all-gear rack and pin system, complete with a safety lock which secures the unit in place when upright, the F80 allows users to simply release the deck, step back, and watch it effortless unfold itself in a vertical manner, as opposed to out flat. Other great features include a roomy 22″ x 60″ running deck, a 3.5 HP motor which supports both running and walking, as well as a power incline up to 15%. Incline settings are easy to manage on the user-friendly console. A 10.1″ LCD display brings 10 preset programs to the action, along with the included Sole Fitness App which allows users to sync up with FitBit, Record, Apple Health. In addition to the screen, the unit has a built-in tablet holder and Bluetooth connectivity.

The big trade-off here is you’re not getting a large HD touchscreen, but you do get to bring your own which means you’re not locked into a paid-app. With 10 built-in programs there’s little chance you’ll be bored here. This machine also features 2.36″ rollers, which helps explain the lifetime warranty offered on the frame and motor as well as the 350-pound weight max. All in all, quite a bit for a folding treadmill which provides a terrific cardio experience. Read our full review here.

Pros	Cons
3.5 HP Motor Lifetime warranty on frame/motor 10 built-in workouts 350-pound user max	Smaller 10.1″ screen

KEY SPECS

Motor	3.5 CHP Motor
Incline	0 — 15%
Running Area	22″ x 60″
Folding	Yes
Top Speed	12 MPH
Weight Capacity	350 LBS
Dimensions	82.5″ L x 38″ W x 66″ H
Screen	10.1″ Smart LCD Touchscreen
Warranty	Lifetime Frame/Motor/Deck, 3-Year Electronics/Parts, 1-Year Labor

2. Best for Small Spaces – Echelon Stride

Good for: Walkers who want a high-quality, low-cost treadmill without the frills.

Where to buy Echelon Stride Check price at Echelon Check price at Amazon Where to buy Echelon Stride  See details  See details

Video Provided by Echelon

With the ability to fold down to just 10″ high, the Echelon Stride makes for easy storage. I like walking and hiking workouts and if you do too, this might be a good pick. Featuring easy auto-fold technology, the folded dimensions are just 69.3″ x 31″ x 10.25″, with the unit popping upright to a height of 49.2 inches. The 156-pound frame can still carry a maximum user weight of 300 lbs. Like other members of the Echelon family of fitness machines, the Stride comes with membership access to the Echelon Fit app, complete with a diverse range of programming spanning scenic runs to boxing, all led by top-notch instructors.

That said, the machine is engineered to perform with fitness in mind. With speeds up to 12 mph, the treadmill features 12 levels of incline up to 10%. Incline settings are easy to manage using the console and handlebars. The deck measures 55″ x 20″, meaning it’s not ideal for long runs or marathon training. But trust me, you can work up a sweat fast walking 4mph at an incline of 10%. Mechanically, the motor offers 2.50 horsepower at peak, with 1.75 CHP. The Stride features an 18.5-inch touchscreen which displays: Calories, distance, incline, time, pace, pulse, speed, steps, and the unit’s controls. Since the machine comes with a media shelf, you can always use your own screen and the app of your choice, or Netflix. Read our full review here.

Pros	Cons
Easy to move at 156 lbs Solid speed range 0-12mph Integrated heartrate sensors in handlebars Incline up to 10%	Smaller 1.75 CHP motor 1-year limited warranty

KEY SPECS

Motor	1.75 CHP
Incline	0 — 10%
Running Area	20″ x 55″
Folding	Yes
Top Speed	12 MPH
Weight Capacity	300 LBS
Dimensions	69.3″ x 31″ x 49.2″
Screen	18″ Touchscreen
Warranty	1-Year Parts/Labor

3. Best Budget Pick – Horizon 7.0 AT

Good for: Walkers and runners alike who want a lifetime frame and motor warranty, their own screen, and choice of apps.?

Where to buy Horizon 7.0 AT Check price at Horizon Check price at Amazon Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy Horizon 7.0 AT  See details  See details  See details

Video Provided by Horizon Fitness

It’s the more pocketbook friendly brother of the top-rated 7.8 AT, and after its last refresh it wasn’t all that difficult for the Horizon 7.0 AT to take position as our favorite budget buy. At only $999, this model brings the kind of features one would expect to see in a $1,500 to $1, 900 treadmill. Its console is basic, as it’s designed for users who want to run training apps on their iPad or tablet, just as much as for those who just want to throw on some music and get running. As much as I love training with apps, one of my favorite things about the Horizon lineup is it’s built without a screen and is designed to work with multiple apps, paid or free. It also comes with seven built-in programs. The lack of an HD touchscreen is a big part of its lower cost and many feel it’s worth it.

Like its bigger brother, its incline and drive motors adjust faster than much of its competition, making it a great option for those who love HIIT sprints. Horizon Fitness has earned a solid reputation for providing great cardio workouts, and the 7.0 AT is an example of why. The treadmill has a steel frame, which gives it a strong foundation—sturdy and durable enough to handle more intense runs. Its 3.0 CHP motor is quite powerful, not to mention steady and quiet, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The 60″ running deck is a bit longer than the standard 55″, making it a good choice for taller runners and those with a longer stride. This running belt is long enough for distance runs. It is offered with a lifetime warranty on its frame and motor. Read our full review here.

Pro	Cons
Great price of $999 Includes heartrate strap 7 Built-in Programs 15% Incline	Basic 7.25″ screen/console

KEY SPECS

Motor	3.0 CHP
Incline	0% – 15%
Running Area	20” x 60”
Folding	Yes
Top Speed	12 MPH
Weight Capacity	325 LBS
Dimensions	76.5″ x 36″ x 59″
Screen	Three LED windows and a back-lit LCD screen
Warranty	Lifetime Frame and Motor, 3-year Parts, 1-Year Labor

 

4. Best Folding Treadmill with Premium Features – NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Good for: Fitness enthusiasts of all levels who want top-notch features and automatic trainer control.

Where to buy NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Check price at NordicTrack Check price at Amazon Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy NordicTrack Commercial 1750  See details  See details  See details

Video Provided by iFit

Yet more proof that a foldable treadmill doesn’t mean skimpy on the options, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 brings a dynamic set of workout options to your home. Yet, even with all the bells and whistles aboard, the strapping 80″ x 38″ x 65″ treadmill folds up easily in under 10 seconds by way of the patented EasyLift Assist mechanism. Operating off a 3.5 CHP motor, the unit features both a 15% incline as well as a 3% decline to help heighten intensity. The running belt itself is 60″x 22″, quite roomy considering the unit can be folded up and stored in a closet when not in use.

But real NordicTrack fans know the brand comes part-and-parcel with the iFit universe of interactive training. I’ve used it myself to virtually hike the mountains of Scotland and walk the paths of Italy. Like it’s sibling units, the 1750 has a 14″ tilt/pivot HD touchscreen the iFit system, the iFit Google Maps feature, and thousands of on-demand programs. Live trainers from remote locations can take over the treadmill to help you adjust to workouts as varied as your imagination and fitness goals. Meanwhile, the 1750 is also equipped with an integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth capabilities, and two 3″ digitally amplified wireless speakers. Heart rate monitoring can be performed by way of a Bluetooth SmartBeat monitor and used with ActivePulse Technology to automatically control the machine. The big downside to iFit machines is that without that paid program, the treadmill effectively becomes manual only. To read our full review read here.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR A NEW FOLDING TREADMILL

Brian Boyce tests the Horizon lineup while comparing models. Photo by Jessica Jones / TreadmillReviews.net

PROS

• Folding treadmills are easier to clean than their counterparts.
• They take up less space when stored.
• Come with wheels for easy rolling.

CONS

• Folding treadmills might be less sturdy.
• Storage space is required

WILL YOU WALK OR RUN ON YOUR TREADMILL?

One of the first questions you should ask yourself when searching for a treadmill is whether you plan to use it for walking or running. If you’re a hard-core runner, look for a 3.0 CHP motor at minimum, otherwise the a future of maintenance might be yours. Machines with higher motor power typically usually require less maintenance, and also afford faster paces. If you’re primarily interested in walking, then the motor speed simply isn’t as crucial. Keep in mind that running on a treadmill designed primarily for walking will wear it out quickly.

WHAT’S A GOOD TREADMILL SIZE FOR YOUR HOME?

If you’re shopping for a foldable treadmill, the size definitely matters to you. You’ll typically find that home treadmills are designed with space-saving features in mind and are much more compact than those found in big gyms. A standard home-treadmill footprint is around six feet long and three feet wide. If this isn’t going to work day and night, then definitely consider a foldable treadmill, as high-quality models are available.

WHICH TREADMILL EXTRAS MATTER TO YOU?

The 14” HD touchscreen on the NordicTrack 1750 treadmill allows for interactive training with remote trainer controls. Since it tilts and pivots, it makes working out on and off the treadmill seamless. Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

Special features on this year’s best home treadmills range from built-in workout programs to touch screens to tablet holders and device holders. Also be sure to check the speed settings and how they’re managed. You can find all of these features and more on the treadmills described above, and these are only machines in the moderate price range! Shoppers who are ready to shell out for even more luxury features can get treadmills with extra-large touch screens and other classy amenities.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR BEGINNERS?

In reviewing treadmills, I do come across a number of complaints and comments from past users. A big consideration for those about to buy a treadmill is maintenance. Be sure to wear clean running shoes while using the treadmill as a dirty track can gunk up the belt. Also, each of these manufacturers will supply you with lubricant and you’ll want to use it on the belt per the manufacturer’s instruction. Much like oil for a car, lubing the belt is key to keeping it working. Also, when shopping for a folding treadmill, check out the max speed offered and try out a few at a gym. If you’re a walker, you might be more interested in the Bluetooth speakers than a 10mph max speed. Figure that a speed of 10mph is needed for 10 consecutive 6-minute miles. That’s pretty fast. Granted sprints are in that range but for short bursts. Personally, I use a home treadmill as one of pieces of exercise equipment and find the incline is more helpful than the speed.

Even with folding treadmills, check out the shock absorption system and gauge it against the weight capacity. The heavier you are, the better shock absorption you’ll need. To read our review of the best treadmills for heavy users, read here. Also, you can use the overall machine weight as a gauge of how sturdy the handrails will be.  You’ll also want a flat surface in your home gym on which to place the machine, just like for exercise bikes, but your home workout won’t be much fun if you damage your joints from the pounding. As a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder, I’d say any of our top picks here are designed with that in mind, but each client is a different in their needs.