Best Treadmills for Home Use 2024

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Dr. Bhasin stands beside the Sole F80 and Nordictrack 1750 treadmills.

 Dr. Bhasin reviews the Sole F80 (left) and NordicTrack 1750 (right).  Photo Credit: Treadmillreviews.net

If you’re on the hunt for a new in home treadmill, there are a few key features you should be looking out for. The best home treadmills are conveniently sized, powered by strong motors, and equipped with features that deliver valuable workout guidance, fitness monitoring, and entertainment. As the treadmill is going to be in your home at all times, it’s a good idea to prioritize machines that you think are versatile enough to meet all of your household members’ fitness needs while also being quiet enough to operate without disturbing anyone too much.

Are you ready to start jogging and not sure where to start your search? We’ve rounded up the best home treadmills on the market today, taking into consideration key factors such as price, performance, and special features. If you’re looking for a specific type of machine–such as the best model for interactive streaming or the top model for incline training–we’ve picked out the standout treadmill in that category to help further streamline your search. Prefer to do a bit more research before you shop? Scroll down to learn exactly what to look for when shopping for a new home treadmill.

Best Treadmill For Home Of 2024


Why You Should Trust Our Review of Best Treadmills for Home Use 2024

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 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.


1. Best Home Treadmill for Running – NordicTrack 1750

Good for: Joggers, walkers, and runners looking for (iFit) a commercial grade, guided programming from a brand name manufacturer.

I’ve been using a NordicTrack Commercial 1750 for years as one of my go-to machines, and for those wanting to stream training classes on a reputable and well-built treadmill, it’s a top pick. Above you’ll see an explanatory video of the iFit workout app which I use regularly. What’s unique is this program will actually allow live trainers, or the machine itself, to control your resistance. I’ve run, hiked, and walked, all around the world from my own living room. This treadmill is a true all-rounder in terms of value, durability, and features, making it a perfect fit for a household with people of different fitness abilities and workout preferences. You won’t find another treadmill with these specs and features for the same low price. This is a 5 star treadmill and great for home use.

Where to buy NordicTrack 1750
Where to buy NordicTrack 1750

Video provided by iFit

Key features of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750

This treadmill includes a smooth and quiet 3.5 CHP motor which powers a 12% incline and 3% decline to tone your lower body; a 14″ HD iFit-enabled touchscreen which both tilts and pivots (with a free 30-day iFit membership included) for interactive training and stats tracking; and Bluetooth audio for you to listen to all your favorite workout playlists. The -3% decline is a big plus, and one only a few treadmills have these days. Walking downhill works a completely different set of muscles. If I’m wanting to sharpen my quads, decline training is one of my razers of choice.

The 1750’s features also include new ActivePulse Technology which brings a Bluetooth heart rate monitor to the game that enables the treadmill to adjust speed and incline to match your heart rate in real time. I have personal experience using the NordicTrack 1750 treadmill to cut down from 220 pounds in January 180 in May, and ActivePulse combined with iFit was one of my tools. Although it’s certainly the budget-friendly model among NordicTrack’s current Commercial Series, it doesn’t sacrifice quality or features for the affordable price. I consider this treadmill to be the best treadmill for the money.

Use it for gentle walking, jogging, or long-distance running, and continually mix up your workout routine with the help of iFit. Entertainment, performance and affordability meet in the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, making it our top pick. If you want to bring a high-quality treadmill into your home for all the family to enjoy, it’s an excellent choice that will keep you all motivated and challenged for many years to come.

See our in-depth review of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

ProsCons
  • iFit programming for limitless workout variety
  • Adjustable tilt and pivot interactive 14″ touchscreen
  • Wide range of incline and decline, from 12% incline and -3% decline
  • Cushioning turns on and off, letting you simulate outside walking
  • Very quiet 3.5 CHP motor, even when adjusting incline/decline, allows to you to walk and not bother others
  • Short 2-year warranty on parts and electronics, versus 5 years on the same parts from competitors
  • Assembly can be difficult, even with video instructions
  • Incline now 12%, used to be 15%

Key Specs

Motor3.5 CHP
Incline-3 — 15%
Running Area22″ x 60″
FoldingYes
Top Speed12 MPH
Weight Capacity300 LBS
Dimensions80″ L x 38″ W x 65″ H
Screen14″ Smart HD Touchscreen
Warranty10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor


2. Best Home Treadmill for Streaming – Sole F80

Good for: Someone looking for lower-tech options but still has great speed, durability, and 15 levels of incline. Has great shock absorption for anyone with bad knees.

Where to buy Sole F80
Where to buy Sole F80

Coming in with consistently high rankings across all categories, treadmill shoppers are no stranger to the Sole F80.  Great news for big families, the unit sports a maximum user weight of 350 pounds and has a rock-solid lifetime warranty. This is a great treadmill for jogging at home. Sole has a reputation for service. Another big plus is the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, reducing joint impact by 40%. One of the things I’ve liked about the Sole F80 is in fact that cushioning. After doing squats and deadlifts for several years, my knees and hips are a bit sensitive to long sessions of High Intensity Interval Training. I have to say, in my experience, the Sole F80 has one of the best systems for shock absorption around and I’ve used while wearing a 45-pound weight vest.

Other stellar highlights of the F80 include a roomy 22″ by 60″ running deck suitable for all the family, a commercial-standard 3.5 HP motor which can support running and walking, and a power incline up to 15% to sculpt your lower body. If you do like going up, up, and up, then 15% should be sufficient for any. Another big point to consider is the 2.36″ rollers on which the belt rides. These are built to last. For entertainment and workout stats tracking, a 10.1″ LCD display with 10 preset programs diversify your training. Now herein lies the big value to me. One of the downsides to other units is the lack of built-in programming. I greatly value the idea of being able to ditch the paid app once the trial is over and just use preset programs, which include U.S. Armed Forces fitness tests. I’ve yet to be bored by one of Sole’s built-in programs. To further your entertainment options though, you get a built-in tablet holder to dock your device and Bluetooth connectivity for audio and stats tracking.

Sole recently launched a brand new connected fitness experience powered by the popular Studio app. This integration takes the at-home workout to new levels of social engagement with professionally-led workouts complete with real-time data. Like to monitor your fitness progress? You can track your stats through the free Sole Fitness app and sync this workout data to your favorite fitness app like Fitbit, Record, or Apple Health. The F80 caters to a range of fitness abilities and types of training, so it’s a solid option to bring home for all the family to enjoy. To that extent, you have a great deal of programming options for a relatively low price compared to paid fitness apps.

See our detailed review of the Sole F80.

ProsCons
  • Roomy running deck of 22″ x 60″
  • 3.5 HP motor
  • Massive 2.36″ rollers
  • Low impact cushioning system
  • Unbeatable warranty with lifetime coverage on deck, motor, and frame
  • Smaller 10.1″ screen means users will most likely user their own device
  • Typically pricey with MSRP of $3,599. Be on the lookout for specials which can be as much as half off.

Key Specs

Motor3.5 HP
Incline0 — 15%
Running Area22″ x 60″
FoldingYes
Top Speed12 MPH
Weight Capacity350 LBS
Dimensions82.5″ L x 38″ W x 66″ H
Screen10.1″ LCD
WarrantyLifetime Frame, Motor, Deck; 3 Years Electronics & Parts; 2 Years Labor


3. Best Home Treadmill for Small Spaces – Echelon Stride

Good for: Walkers looking for a space-saving design

Where to buy Echelon Stride
Where to buy Echelon Stride

Video provided by Echelon

Your home gym isn’t complete without the right cardio solution, but space can be an issue. If you have a limited area to keep your treadmill, its footprint is a primary feature to consider. One of the challenges I’ve had over the years with home treadmills is finding the space. Even a folding treadmill with wheels can take up room. The Echelon Stride has you covered without compromising on great quality and training options. With dimensions of 69” L x 31” W X 49” H, it takes up the least space of all products in this roundup. It even folds to just 10″ tall, giving you the potential for the best compactivity. Having stood on one myself, in my experience, I can tell you the frame is still plenty sturdy, but it won’t look like you’ve parked a boat in your living room.

So, Echelon Stride has you covered in terms of space-saving features, if you want a treadmill for jogging at home. Will it still offer the right training options and attributes to help you meet your fitness goals? Although the touchscreen isn’t as large as others on this list, the 18.5″ console is programmed with eight workouts, and it folds down for more compact storage. This is another key feature to me. If you don’t want the $39 per month paid app, you can still workout with built-in programming. If you like television or music while running, this may be enough. If you’re like me and enjoy training apps, for $39 per month you can take advantage of more than 40 daily live classes and 3,000+ on-demand workouts with Echelon’s premium app membership. I’ve used this app and like the diversity it brings, from yoga and strength to running. No, it’s not as flashy as some of the others, but you’ll definitely get a solid workout and the leaderboard is terrific. What that means is I can judge my performance against peers around the world. Try it for 30 days before selecting monthly, annual, or two-year plans. If interactive training isn’t the way you like to workout, you can also bring your own tech to the table with the built-in tablet holder.

Echelon has you covered for heart rate training with integrated handlebar sensors, and Stride’s rubber running deck is designed to absorb shock to prevent excessive impact on the knees.

Read all about the Echelon Stride in our detailed review.

ProsCons
  • Leaderboards, video-based coaching, and 3,000+ workouts
  • Great for people with limited space at only 69″ long and 49″ tall
  • Auto-fold design pops up in under 8 seconds
  • Top speed of 12mph
  • Incline limited to 10%
  • Low horsepower at 1.75 HP
  • Short 55″ running deck may be a problem for tall users
  • 1-year warranty is short

Key Specs

Motor1.75 HP
Incline0 — 10%
Running Area20″ x 55″
FoldingYes
Top Speed12 MPH
Weight Capacity300 LBS
Dimensions69” L x 31” W X 49” H
Screen18.5″ Console
Warranty1 Year Limited Electronics & Parts


4. Best Budget Home Treadmill for Streaming Classes – Horizon 7.4 AT

Good for: Runners or walkers who want a treadmill with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in programming 

Horizon 7.4 AT Incline Training
Where to buy Horizon 7.4 AT
Where to buy Horizon 7.4 AT

Video provided by Johnson Fitness

If you are looking for a home treadmill that supports interactive training but doesn’t break the bank, check out the Horizon 7.4 AT. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to try out treadmills for free, but it’s obvious that price does matter. When I’ve been on a Horizon 7.4 AT, I’ve seen where an unlimited variety of interactive training options at your fingertips. Unlike other treadmills which lock you into a family of programs, the Horizon brand is designed to accommodate many. While touring the Johnson Fitness corporate headquarters last year, their design team explained to me that their goal is to work on the machines separately from the apps, whereas other brands try to integrate them. It’s a solid plan. When different family members hop onto the machine, they can tune into their preferred interactive training app rather than being closed into one option.

So, how does it work? Although it’s a bring-your-own-tech treadmill so you have to connect your own tablet or smartphone for interactive training. This is actually the answer to the question I’ve raised with other treadmills: What good is the unit if the screen only works with one app? Horizon’s answer is to have you bring your own and that in turn keeps the price down. It also means you can tune into any fitness app including the Peloton app on your own device. When using a third-party app such as Peloton, Daily Burn, or Aaptiv on the 7.4 AT, it’s worth noting you won’t be able to see your real-time stats on-screen.

You can connect the 7.4 AT to the free AFG Pro Fitness app to control your treadmill from your tablet and monitor your stats from there, but the third-party apps don’t interface with the treadmill. Although you won’t have access to your real-time stats during the workout program on your screen, this is a sacrifice we’re willing to make for the affordable price and the fact that you’re not restricted to one app for interactive training.

As well as unlimited interactive streaming options like my beloved Netflix – which Horizon offers discounts on- other highlights include an easy-to-fold-frame, powerful 3.5 CHP motor which can keep pace with interval training, a roomy 60″ by 22″ track, Bluetooth heart-rate monitoring, and preset programs including Sprint 8 HIIT training program. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Horizon 7.4 AT, especially if you and the rest of your household members want to try a variety of interactive training apps.

See our detailed review of the Horizon 7.4 AT.

ProsCons
  • Ortho-lite belt design at 22″ x 60″
  • Lifetime warranty on frame and motor
  • Heart rate chest strap included
  • Small 8.25 LCD screen
  • No option for decline training

Key Specs

Motor3.5 HP
Incline0-15%
Running Area22″ x 60″
FoldingYes
Top Speed12 MPH
Weight Capacity350 LBS
Dimensions76″ L x 37″ W x 63″ H
Screen8.25″ LCD
WarrantyLifetime Frame, 5-Year Parts, 2-Year Labor


5. Best Treadmill for Walkers – Sole F63

Good for: Runners, joggers or walkers who want a treadmill that folds up to save space, but is still a good machine for cardio

Sole F63 treadmill front view
Where to buy Sole F63
Where to buy Sole F63

Video by FitRated.Com

If I’m looking for a top-quality walking treadmill under $1,500 the Sole F63 is a solid choice that comes with a stellar warranty to match. The warranty itself demonstrates the brand’s confidence in the machine and includes lifetime coverage on the frame and motor; three years on the parts, deck, and electronics; and one year on labor. That’s one of things I’ve always respected about Sole. They stand behind their parts. A lifetime warranty speaks volume when you’re considering a unit as inexpensive as this. At just $1,199, the Sole F63 offers a range of commercial-grade treadmill components. These include advanced deck cushioning to reduce the impact of your routines, 2.5″ track rollers, and a heavy-duty motor. And yes, roller size does matter. As I outline here in my article on the topic, the bigger the rollers, the more durable the machine. There aren’t any flashy high-tech extras on the F63 such as a big touchscreen, but you are guaranteed durability, quality, and enough workout programming and stats tracking capabilities to keep you motivated and challenged.

The Sole F63 features a 3.0 CHP motor that supports up to 15% incline, a roomy 60″ running surface, wireless heart-rate monitoring capability, and 10 onboard training programs to diversify your training. You can keep on top of your stats on the F63’s 6.5″ LCD. It works with Sole’s free fitness app for stats tracking and data sharing, allowing you to sync your data to your favorite fitness apps. If you’re interested in a budget-priced treadmill for walking and jogging, this is it.

See our detailed review of the Sole F63.

ProsCons
  • 2.5″ rollers
  • Lifetime warranty on frame and motor
  • Budget-friendly price just over $1K
  • Small 6.5 LCD screen for simple data
  • No decline training option

Key Specs

Motor3.0 CHP
Incline0 – 15%
Running Area20″ X 60″
FoldingYes
Top Speed12 MPH
Weight Capacity325 LBS
Dimensions77″ L x 35″ W x 77″ H
Screen6.5″ LCD
WarrantyLifetime Frame & Motor; 3 Years Deck, Electronics, Parts; 1 Year Labor


6. Best Home Treadmill for Incline Training –  NordicTrack X22i

Good for: People who want a very durable machine and want to climb at 40% inclines

Where to buy NordicTrack X22i
Where to buy NordicTrack X22i

Video provided by FitRated.com

Incline and decline training is a great way to sculpt your lower body and diversifying your workout routine. As I explain in my article here, decline training in particular is quite beneficial. But if you’re looking for a treadmill that supports incline training while keeping you entertained, check out the X22i by NordicTrack. When we got a chance to use this while visiting the iFit corporate showroom it was unbelievable, like walking straight up a mountain trail. It can hit a remarkable incline of 40% and 5% decline, taking your training up a notch beyond what many other treadmills on the market offer. As I can tell you that watching iFit routines on the 22” Smart HD Touchscreen is like a movie theatre. The incline and decline will automatically change in line with the Google Maps trail or iFit workout you’re tuned into while using the automatic trainer control. With this dramatic incline, it’s a truly immersive and entertaining workout experience. If you’re into serious hiking and quad-burning HIIT like I am, then a 40% is certainly a unique experience.

Other highlights include a powerful 4.0 CHP motor, iFit Bluetooth chest strap for wireless heart-rate monitoring, and Bluetooth audio capabilities. The X22i offers total-body training, so it’s good for a home treadmill as you are essentially getting to train your full body with one machine. If you’re looking for an immersive and motivating way to start incline training at home, the X22i won’t disappoint. Now as you can imagine, any treadmill with a 40% incline capability brings a lot of weight to the living room floor. The NordicTrack X22i weighs 471 pounds, which is more than 170 pounds heavier than most on the market. So no, it doesn’t fold up and roll away. Keep in mind where you place it is where you’ll stay. I’ve moved large machines around before but this one would be a real bear.

See our detailed review of the NordicTrack X22i.

ProsCons
  • Dramatic incline/decline of 40% to -5%
  • Automatic trainer control
  • Bluetooth heart rate training
  • 471-pound machine
  • It doesn’t fold
  • Without the $39 per month iFit the screen loses value

Key Specs

Motor4.0 CHP
Incline-5% – 40%
Running Area22” x 60”
FoldingNo
Top Speed12 MPH
Weight Capacity300 LBS
Dimensions70” L x 39” W x 72.5” H
Screen22” Smart HD Touchscreen
Warranty10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor


7. Best Home Treadmill for Incline Training on a Budget –  Bowflex T10

Good for: Runners and walkers who want to stream workout classes to their treadmill during workouts

Bowflex T10 Treadmill
Where to buy Bowflex T10
Where to buy Bowflex T10

Video provided by Bowflex

Whereas the NordicTrack X22i offers the widest range of incline options on the market, it comes at a cost of $3,499. This can certainly be worth the investment if you’re a serious athlete. Furthermore, if you compete in events like marathons and triathlons, the interactive iFit programming and 40% incline will give you the most realistic training experience as you prepare for upcoming events. With that being said, if you want to enjoy the strengthening benefits of incline training on a budget and aren’t as concerned with diversity in simulation opportunities, the Bowflex T10 is worth a look at just under $2,000. Given the package it brings, it’s a great bargain really.

It’s pretty common to find decline/incline settings ranging from 0 to 12%. This is a great range for most people but there’s no decline option, as there is with this treadmill which offers -5% to 15%. As I’ve said before, decline training is a completely different experience. During incline intervals, your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and ankles are challenged. Once you switch over to decline, you get the chance to put the hip flexors and knees to work. Not only does this open up the opportunity to strengthen areas of the body that are commonly overlooked, those recovering from hip or knee surgery/injury can use decline training to restore strength and mobility.

Another key feature I like about the Bowflex T10 is it’s whopping 400-pound user weight max. I like to train with a 45-pound weight vest on, and the higher the weight limit in my experience, the more secure I am in the stability of the machine. There are other areas where the Bowflex T10 shines. For starters, it has a longer warranty than our top pick for incline training, and users get to experience the JRNY fitness app on the 10″ HD touchscreen free for 60 days before the $19 per month fee kicks in. If fitness app training isn’t your thing, JRNY allows you to stream other apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. So unlike other treadmills which lock you into a particular brand of app, I do appreciate how Bowflex adds in that more diverse array of entertainment options.

See our detailed review of the Bowflex T10.

ProsCons
  • Offers incline/decline 15% to -5%
  • Free JRNY training 60 days
  • 400 lb. weight limit
  • JRNY can stream Netflix and other programs
  • Big machine at 323 pounds
  • Self-assembly would require 3 people and 1 hour
  • At 85″ long it takes up a lot of room

Key Specs

Motor4.0
Incline-5% – 15%
Running Area22” x 60”
FoldingYes
Top Speed12 MPH
Weight Capacity400 LBS
Dimensions85″ L x 39.6″ W x 65.3″ H
Screen10” HD Touchscreen
Warranty15-Year Frame, 5-Year Parts, 2-Years Labor, 1-Year Parts


8. Best Basic Treadmill for the Home – Horizon T101

Good for: Folks who want a basic treadmill without the frills.

Where to buy Horizon T101
Where to buy Horizon T101

Video provided by Horizon Fitness

In reviewing treadmills over the years, it’s occurred more than once that many people just want a low-cost treadmill on which they can jog three or four times a week. No big flashy screens or high-tech programs, just walking and jogging to music. If that’s what you’re seeking, I’d recommend giving the Horizon brand a good look, and the T101 in particular. There’s a reason it’s one of the top treadmills in its price range year after year, which happens to be under $700. But don’t mistake low priced for low quality. This treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor.

Right off the bat, this is a folding treadmill which only measures 71″ x 34″ x 57″ at a machine weight of just 180 pounds. That said, it sports up to 300 pounds of user weight. The tread deck is 20″ x 55″ which isn’t going to work for long distance runners, but for those who like walking or jogging workouts it’ll work great. Meanwhile, the unit comes with built-in programs including: Calorie, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Intervals, and Manual. Heart rate can be monitored by way of integrated sensors in the handlebar or Bluetooth, and data is read on the small screen with three LED windows. An integrated tablet holder built into the top for either a tablet or smartphone. When I’ve placed my own iPad into this holder I’ve had no problem with it slipping out. The big value to this is you’re not locked into any one particular app and can watch whatever you want while training.

Incline goes up to 10% with a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour, which in terms of a basic treadmill, is plenty to get the job done. This is a quiet little treadmill, and I’ve not been able to notice any noise issues while jogging. The motor is only 2.5 CHP, but Horizon Fitness does a great job with its mechanical elements, hence the lifetime warranty, and in terms of a basic treadmill, this would be sufficient.

See our detailed review of the Horizon T101.

ProsCons
  • Offers incline 10%
  • Built-in programs
  • 300 lb. weight limit
  • Light 180-pound frame
  • Very basic machine
  • Self-assembly can be complicated

Key Specs

Motor2.5
Incline10%
Running Area20” x 55”
FoldingYes
Top Speed10 MPH
Weight Capacity300 LBS
Dimensions71″ L x 34″ W x 57″ H
ScreenLED Panel
WarrantyLifetime for Frame and Motor;  1-Year Parts and Labor


Want to compare these models to see which one is best for you? Try our comparison tool. To use it, just check off any treadmill you want to look at in more detail, and then click ‘compare’. Learn more about what to look for when shopping for a new home treadmill below.


What to Look for When Shopping for a New Home Treadmill

Home Treadmill Buying Guide

With so many special features and tech innovations, comparing home treadmills requires you to do your homework. Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

Comparing Home Treadmills

If you’ve already started searching for a new home treadmill, you’ll know that there’s a huge array of options on the market. Some of the top home treadmills can help you plan out your menu for the week, let you explore a running trail halfway across the world, and much more. There’s no question about it. Treadmills are becoming more advanced and interactive than ever.

If you’re not really bothered about owning a high-tech treadmill with all the latest and greatest gadgets built-in, don’t worry. There are plenty of no-fuss treadmills on the market that ensure fine-tuned classic features, affordability, and durability are the top priorities. This list covers both options, so whatever you’re on the hunt for, we’ve got you covered. Choosing the right treadmill for you is important and not a decision you should rush. It could make or break whether you do or don’t commit to your fitness routine during the months ahead.

Will You Walk, Jog, 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, jogging, or running. While many treadmills can easily accommodate different types of exercise, if you are just planning on walking, you could save a few dollars by opting for a less advanced model without sacrificing the quality of your workout.

If you are planning on using your treadmill to run however, you should look for treadmills with higher horsepower to ensure your machine doesn’t falter out on you mid-workout. Think of what you enjoy and what makes you feel comfortable when you run. You’ll need a machine that can handle high speeds and shifts in speed without any issues as well as a belt that’s large enough to accommodate your natural running stride so you don’t feel closed in.

If you do plan on running, we recommend that you choose a 3.0 CHP motor at minimum to provide you with the support and features you need. What’s more, machines with higher motor power usually require less maintenance, which is a huge plus for any treadmill owner regardless of the type of exercise they do. Treadmills designed for walking simply don’t offer these features. It’s important to keep in mind that if you do run on a treadmill that is primarily designed for walking, it’s going to wear out rather quickly.


What’s a Good Treadmill Size for Your Home?

Horizon Treadmill Comparison Shopping

The size of your home gym must be factored in as you shop, and this includes step-up height. Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

When you’re shopping for a new treadmill, it’s also important to think about what size of machine you would like and the space it will occupy in your home. You’ll typically find that home treadmills are designed with space-saving features in mind and are much smaller and more compact than those found in commercial gyms. A standard home-treadmill footprint is around six feet long and three feet wide, so those looking to buy one should test and plan for those measurements being in your home to ensure you have the room. If you don’t, you should opt for a folding or more compact treadmill to work in your smaller space.

Step-up height is often overlooked. If you don’t have high enough ceiling space, this can become a big problem, especially for taller runners. A good rule of thumb is to identify the height of the tallest runner in inches and add the deck height. To consider the movement involved when using your treadmill, allowing an additional three inches of clearance for walkers and five inches for runners is also necessary. To keep it simple, here’s a formula we use to calculate the ceiling height you’ll need:

Height of tallest user + Deck height + 3-5 inches (walking vs. running) < Ceiling height

  • Folding Treadmills are an ideal option for those that want to save space and thankfully are now available in a variety of quality levels and price ranges. In the past, there were only very cheap or very expensive folding treadmills on the market, but we’re now seeing the variety of folding treadmills increase each year. It’s important to keep in mind however, that when in use, the best folding treadmills do need as much space as regular treadmills; you only save storage space when the treadmill is not in use. This design feature allows you to fold up your machine to free up floor space for your post-cardio strength training or to keep your treadmill out of sight after use.
  • Treadmill alternatives should be considered if saving space is a top priority for you. These are unique machines that take up very little space and typically combine the action of a treadmill, elliptical, and stepper to give you a great all-round, low-impact workout. These types of machines can be found at both moderate and high price points and can be a great match for those who are really tight on space or those looking for a low-impact option.

Looking for a Treadmill with an Extra Challenge?

Another feature to consider when shopping for a home treadmill is whether or not it has a power incline and/or decline. The top treadmills with inclines have a steep maximum slope that allows you to walk or jog uphill, adding intensity and variation to your workout. In order to do this, they require powerful motors that can shift the deck to an upwards slant and quickly change direction depending on what the user or preset selects.

There’s a whole host of benefits you can gain with this feature. Watch your calorie burn soar, your muscles work harder, and your body receive fitness results faster. What’s more, using incline is a great way to stay motivated as it allows you to add a new dimension to your workouts and to mix up your exercise routine. Users can get even more out of the incline feature if they work out with an interactive app such as iFit through which the incline syncs with the elevations and dips of different terrains and landscapes around the world, bringing your walk, jog or run in that specific location to life.

Want Lots of Workout Support and Feedback?

The best home treadmills on the market provide plenty of built-in training programs to help keep your workout routine varied and allow you to monitor your progress. These programs let you save time on workout setup and are designed by certified personal trainers to ensure high-quality workout sessions. If you want more options, most modern, high-end treadmills have wireless connectivity for downloading new workouts and automatically tracking workout statistics.

You can also explore apps to use with your machine such as iFit, which works with the top choices on the list above. iFit is one of the most popular online platforms for workout programs and fitness stats tracking. Monitoring progress and getting feedback from your workouts is key for any type of exerciser. You can attain many types of feedback from your workout including time, distance, speed, calories, pulse and much more. Metrics and stats are usually shown on-screen during your workout so you can monitor your stats in real time.

The screens on some of the top treadmills for 2023 have touch technology and start at about 7″ wide or larger. Although it may seem like a luxury feature, touch technology makes it much easier to use the console and view your workout stats or switch between built-in workouts when you’re in motion.

Which Treadmill Extras Matter to You?

Special features on this year’s best home treadmills range from built-in workout programs and touch screens to tablet holders and more. 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. 

Budget

We all want to spend less, and we’ve included products ranging from $999-$2,999. Do you need to spend thousands to meet your fitness goals? Not necessarily. For example, if you don’t weigh much and only plan to use your treadmill for walking or light jogging, you really don’t need a product designed with heavy running in mind. A product like the Sole F63 should do the trick without skimping on warranty. On the other hand, someone planning to log miles of aggressive running or more intense training like HIIT could benefit from the added investment in something sturdier like the NordicTrack X22i.

Is fancy tech not important to you? Another way to save is to invest more in build quality and less in features like touchscreens and extensive programming. The Horizon 7.4 AT is built to last without breaking the bank and provides sufficient built-in programming to mix up your routine. Remember, a high cost isn’t always reflective of quality, but you typically do get what you pay for. As you assess your price to budget ratio, some key considerations to keep in mind include:

  • Warranty– Frame warranty typically ranges between 10-30 years.
  • Weight Capacity– 300-500 lbs. is within the range of good durability expectations. Products with weight limits under 200 lbs. won’t last as long.
  • Roller Size– Rollers less than 2.5″ can indicate the risk of a higher-maintenance machine.
  • Tech– Larger screens and more immersive tech costs money. Ensure the warranty, weight limit, and roller size are all within acceptable ranges before assuming the high price means high quality. Conversely, before assuming a less expensive product is low-quality, assess to see if they’ve skipped the tech to cut costs.

Find Your New Home Treadmill

With so many brands competing for your attention, choosing a home treadmill can feel a little overwhelming. Hopefully this advice along with our treadmill comparison tool have helped you to streamline your search. Looking for more help on how to pick the right treadmill for you? Check out our best treadmills of the year to explore a wide range of balanced treadmills along with some more guidance on choosing the right machine for your workout needs.

Additional Treadmill Resources

Recent Updates

December 21, 2023: Updated list and specs

September 19, 2023: Updated specs and personalized pictures

June 30, 2021: Numerous specs have been updated for accuracy and to reflect changes made for 2021 models.

July 24, 2021: Updated information on specs.

October 7, 2021: Updated information on specs and added products to the list.

October 17, 2022: Added photos from personal use. Updated specs. Added products to the list. Expanded buyer’s guide information.

May 23, 2023: Updated specs and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE BEST TREADMILL FOR HOME USE?

Our favorite overall treadmill for home use is the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. This treadmill is powerful, fun to use with iFit and priced right. Read our full review to see everything this treadmill has to offer!

HOW DO YOU PICK A TREADMILL FOR HOME USE?

There are many things to consider when purchasing a treadmill, such as your budget, your fitness goals, and how much space you have in your home. Some key features to look for when shopping for a treadmill are workout programs, speed settings, incline/decline settings, belt size, and folding options.

I LIVE IN AN APARTMENT. WILL A TREADMILL BE TOO LOUD?

Noise levels will vary by treadmill, but in general, treadmills are not too loud. You can certainly have a treadmill in an apartment without bothering your neighbors. If noise and vibration are a concern, you can place a shock-absorption mat underneath your treadmill to prevent vibration and sound from travelling.