Home workout treadmills come in a wide variety. Some are uncomplicated pieces of gym equipment on which you can hop and start walking, while others appear complicated enough to require a pilot’s license. Therefore, shopping for a treadmill is significantly more challenging than selecting a pair of trainers or other sporting goods.
Along with this review of the best treadmills, we’ll tell you what to consider when selecting a treadmill for your home gym. They are large and often heavy machines that could be difficult to assemble or install.
Even if they are for use in your home gym, treadmills can come with hefty price tags. Therefore, the first thing to do might be to set a budget.
Consider the space you have available for the treadmill, and whether you need a compact treadmill you can fold up for easy storage. Would you use it for walking or running, and how many of your household members, even those with four legs, will use the treadmill? You may need to choose one that is suitable for people of different heights and body weights.
Decide if you're OK with a treadmill that makes some noise or if you prefer it to be silent, and do you want one with a screen showing basic metrics or a smart treadmill that has a touchscreen?
Every treadmill listed here is designed to get you moving, each with unique features to suit the needs of different users. Features could include decline-incline capabilities, large LCD display screens with Bluetooth connectivity, streaming workouts, guided runs, classes offered by well-known personal trainers, and a whole lot more.
The size of the running belt is likely the most important feature of a treadmill. If you are going to use it for walking, a belt length of 48 to 50 inches should be sufficient. However, the user weight and height of everyone who will work out on the treadmill should be considered, also whether it will be used for running, walking, or both.
The largest home gym treadmills have 60-inch belts, with 20-inch-wide running decks. This size treadmill can accommodate people up to 6’2—walking or running. This is only slightly smaller than the treadmills you will find at your local gym.
The space your new treadmill will take up should be considered. They come in a wide range of sizes, and it is a good idea to shop for one that will be geared for the space where you plan to do your treadmill workouts.
Motorized treadmills allow users to adjust the speed according to their type of workout. Whether you want to walk, jog, run, or do sprints, your chosen treadmill should have a top speed to suit your requirements for workout intensity. The top speed of some models is 12 mph, which gives you a 6-minute mile.
Treadmills, regardless of brand, are bulky pieces of exercise equipment that could be challenging if you have limited space. However, some of the treadmills on our list have smart folding and storage options. Foldable designs or flat builds make them easy to store upright in a closet or corner, and some can even be flattened to fit under a bed or desk.
Look for soft drop folding systems that use hydraulics, which allow effortless folding of the treadmill, and halving the footprint.
You might not have realized that the weight of a home treadmill says a lot about its quality. The heavier the treadmill, the higher the quality of the materials used in its manufacture. At least, that is usually the case. Furthermore, a heavier treadmill gives you more stability, reducing injury risks. A treadmill weighing 200 pounds or more is solid, but hard to move, which might make it unsuitable if you have limited space and have to move it before and after every session.
Most home treadmills come with a power-adjustable incline feature, instead of a manual incline, even some budget-friendly brands. Doing your treadmill workout at an incline could double the calories you burn, while simultaneously giving your calves, hamstrings, and glutes an excellent workout. Look for a treadmill featuring between 10 and 15% incline with 10 to 15 levels.
This is an important consideration when you select your new treadmill. A too-weak motor will have limited weight capacity, and it will only be suitable for walking and light jogging, but not for running. Look for a 3-horsepower motor or higher, which is powerful enough for walking, medium-paced running, and jogging. The specs of the treadmill will indicate whether it is straightforward horsepower or Continuous Duty Rating aka Continuous Horsepower (CHP).
You might not regard the monitor as an important feature, but it could make a significant difference to your workouts. Even in the best-budget category of home treadmills, you might find one with a 10″ HD or LCD screen with built-in workout programs and fitness apps on a touchscreen display.
An important feature you might want to look for is a wireless heart rate monitor, which is significantly more accurate than using pulse rate sensors. You might even find a treadmill that comes with a Heart Rate chest or wrist strap.
NOTE
If you have older adults in your household, even they may benefit from having access to a home treadmill for preventing or treating gait and balance impairment.
The treadmills listed below are five of many reviewed by experts, and since each person has unique requirements, this list is merely an indication of what is on offer, and the prices are as of November 2022.
Overall Best foldable – Sole F80 Treadmill
Best interactive workouts – Peloton Tread Treadmill
Best HD screen – Bowflex Treadmill 22
Most versatile – NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
Best Budget-Friendly – ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill
Sole Fitness offers this compact, foldable home treadmill, regarded by many as the top contender for the best home treadmill in its price range. The Sole F80 Treadmill is suitable for all kinds of fitness enthusiasts. The price is $2,799, with a 5-year extended warranty at a one-time cost of $169. The price includes access to their Sole Studio with over 3000 workout programs for any level and fitness preference and an annual fitness club membership fee of $199.99
If you have limited space at home, a folding treadmill is an excellent option to avoid giving up precious square footage. The Sole F80 Treadmill comes with a unique foldable design with a patented design that features a rack and pinion folding system. It also has a special safety lock that locks the upright deck into place when the treadmill is in the folded storage position. And there’s more — the patented technology allows effortless hands-off unfolding that does it all for you.
The Sole F80 offers good shock absorption provided by its special cushion flex whisper deck that reduces the impact on your joints by 40% when compared to running on asphalt. It also has special high-quality rollers typically seen on treadmills in the $5,000 price category.
Additional features will show why Sole F80 is our choice for the best folding treadmill. It has incline settings up to 15% and the capacity to reach 12 mph—with fans to keep you cool. The armrest controls that toggle conveniently on each side of the handrails make it easy to increase and decrease both speed and incline.
Furthermore, the Sole F80 has various incredible features, from integrated Bluetooth audio speakers to a versatile tablet holder. There is also a USB port for keeping the tablet’s battery charged, allowing you to watch shows or follow along with workout routines.
PROS
Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces the impact
Features a patented folding design
Comes with Sole Studio access with over 3000 classes
CONS
Expensive, but with great financing options
As the speed increases, so does the noise.
Peloton Tread Treadmill falls in the highest price category for fitness enthusiasts who want a machine with all the available features to help them reach all their fitness goals. The price tag is $3,495, but it’s worth mentioning that you would likely have to pay around $350 for the delivery and installation.
In addition to its high base price, you’ll have to pay for an all-access membership to the Peloton App, offering its library of thousands of workout programs, scenic classes, and gamified workouts.
So, is it worth the cost? Owners of the Peloton Tread treadmills say “Yes!” The Peloton Tread Treadmill is a product of the vastly experienced Peloton family, known worldwide for producing high-quality cardio fitness machines. This treadmill looks great and doesn't take up more space than most other home treadmills.
The Peloton Tread is one of the most comfortable treadmills for all– from regular fitness enthusiasts to hardcore marathon trainers. This is because the Peloton Tread’s running belt is 59-inches wide, and it has intuitive speed and incline side knobs that allow you to make adjustments without having to reach for the touchscreen display. That means neither your breathing pattern nor your pace is disturbed.
Instead, it allows you to focus on the metrics featured on the 23.8-inch HD screen, with front and back high-quality speakers. You can easily pair your Peloton Tread screen with your Apple Watch and track your progress. One of the Peloton’s outstanding features is the thousands of workouts available on the app, whether you want jogging, running, Pilates, or yoga.
Unfortunately, the massive screen can’t fully rotate, which means you can’t use it for your mat exercises, a feature that is possible on other home treadmills.
PROS
30-day home free trial
Thousands of on-demand workouts presented by world-class trainers
Comfortable, 59-inch-wide belt
Intuitive control knobs
Large, 23.8” HD touchscreen with front and rear speakers
Pairs with Apple Watch
Sturdy build with added safety features
CONS
High price tag
Expensive monthly membership
All-access membership is required with the purchase
The screen can’t rotate
Owners of Bowflex Treadmill 22s say it takes home treadmill workouts to a whole new level. The purchase price is $2,699, and that includes the $149 fee for one year’s JRNY membership, which is the app that gives you access to many exercise programs that include over 200 scenic destinations and voice-coached workouts that adapt as you progress.
This Bowflex’s SoftDrop folding design makes storage and transfers easy. Although it isn’t in the most expensive category, the number of enhancing features justifies the higher price point. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a beast, boasting a top-class design and construction, along with robust performance and many excellent features.
It is a high-end machine, similar in size and sturdiness to those typically found in gyms. The running surface is comfortable and roomy, offering a thick platformed deck with a ComfortTech base that is shock resistant enough to make you feel like you’re running on a cloud.
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has a wide incline range, from -5% to 20%, a 60-inch-long belt, and the comfortable cushion system base lowers the impact on your muscles and joints. When you buy a Bowflex Treadmill 22, you will also receive a heart rate armband monitor to accurately track your workout data and metrics, making it easier to analyze.
The large 22-inch touchscreen makes viewing workouts a pleasure, and it is programmed to create adaptive workouts each day, based on your progress. And that’s not all, connection with your streaming services through your JRNY app will have you watching Disney Plus, Hulu, and Netflix while working out on the treadmill.
PROS
Heavy Duty Build
Goes up from -5% to 20% inclining
Comfort Tech deck cushioning
SoftDrop folding system
One-year membership to JRNY workout experience
CONS
Pricey, but comes with great financing options
Of all the NordicTrack treadmills, the Commercial 1750 is often referred to as the best of the range for home use. It is perfect for anyone who wants to maintain a fitness routine, and it’s versatile enough whether jogging, running, walking uphill, or all of the above. Although the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is one of the more expensive home treadmills at $2,299, the price includes a 30-day iFit membership. This allows you access to an incredible range of workout programs.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill is equipped with some of the best features home treadmills offer. Even though it’s not a foldable treadmill, its design is unique and space-saving, trademarked as Easy Lift™ Assist, making it easy to store when you’re not using it.
Furthermore, the newest version of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill features an ergonomically designed console that is mounted lower than most other treadmills on the market.
Another feature that makes this one of the best treadmills is its 14-inch HD screen that can pivot to make your workouts more interactive. Furthermore, it is fitted with ActivePulse technology that automatically adjusts your incline and speed, helping you maintain your optimal heart rate zone throughout your entire workout.
The versatility of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill and the iFit feature allows you to mix up your workouts as you wish. You can walk gently, do long-distance running, jog, or even practice your sprints. World-class personal trainers around the globe help motivate and push you through the toughest of workouts, making you climb, run, jog, trek, and even do Pilates, yoga, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), and even Zumba.
This treadmill’s versatility brings you entertainment, performance, and certain physical benefits, making the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 the high-quality treadmill you would want to bring into your home. Best of all– it is perfect for the whole family, regardless of fitness levels, abilities, and workout preferences.
PROS
ActivePulse technology automatically adjusts speed and inclines for optimal heart rate level
Includes 30-Day iFIT Family Membership
A 14-inch touchscreen with a pivot option
CONS
Expensive, although there are financing options available
Difficult assembly
If your budget does not allow you to buy one of the high-priced treadmills with all the bells and whistles for home workouts, don’t despair. You can get yourself the ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill with a price tag of around $1,500. It has everything you need to get in shape, including a 30-day iFit Family Membership with all the options, so you can test the app and try as many workout programs as you wish.
Unlike most other home treadmills, personal training is taken to a whole new level by ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill. If you’re a newbie, this treadmill’s trainer-led workouts give the personal trainers full control over your incline and speed levels. That allows you to get on with a hands-free workout tailored to your metrics and adjusted as you progress.
This budget-friendly treadmill comes with great financing options if that’s the route for you. The large, 20x 60-inch running belt of the ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill has ReBound Pro cushioning as a shock absorber, reducing the impact on your legs. Furthermore, the foldable treadmill has an adjustable breeze built-in CoolAire™ fan installed just below the 10-inch touchscreen.
With a 12-mph maximum speed, the ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill’s weight capacity is 300 pounds, and it can incline up to 12% without problems. The treadmill's 260-pound weight makes it a sturdy option, yet it is not too heavy for a second-floor home gym. The 3.25 horsepower motor is strong enough for light jogging and walking, but it might not be strong enough for intense running.
PROS
30-day iFit Family membership
Folding design
Trainer-led workouts with full trainer controls
CONS
Smaller screen (10-inch)
Some users report the fan being noisy
Incline only goes to 12%
The prevalence of home gym equipment like ellipticals, and treadmills available for home workouts can make selecting the perfect one for your unique requirements intimidating. Along with the basic equipment specs such as the frame, running deck, belt, motor, and electronics, different models are equipped with special features. These include anything from preset exercise programs, workout subscriptions, digital speed sensors, and metrics sensors, to HD or LED touchscreens.
Therefore, their prices vary from low to mid-range ones available at several hundred dollars, to those costing thousands. These are the treadmill reviews of our five top picks along with tips on what to consider to find the one that is perfect for you. Hopefully, this will make the process less intimidating. Regardless of your fitness level, the small space you have available, or your budget, there is a treadmill out there for you!
