The Best Treadmills 2022

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Whether you’re setting up a state-of-the-art home gym or just looking to invest in one machine for an at-home workout whenever you’re in the mood, treadmills are one of the hottest commodities on the exercise market. They’re something you can dedicate space to in the corner of your living room, or—if you’re lucky—dedicate an entire room to. Walking or jogging on a treadmill is an efficient way to stay fit, and having one inside your own home eliminates the need for a trip to the gym or miles spent outside in the elements (aka the excuses that keep you from getting your sweat on). No matter what your goals or the space you have to achieve them, the best treadmills for any routine can be found at the tips of your fingers.

The Echelon Stride is the best treadmill for anyone looking for smart features, like connected … [+] fitness and automatic folding.

Best Buy

The vast number of machines out there—from affordable picks to high-tech models—can be overwhelming, but below, you’ll find nine of the very best treadmills for home use that’ll save you a trip to the gym. There are also some top-rated models that didn’t make our category picks, but they’re still solid contenders worth a look, too. And if you’re looking for one other piece of home exercise to round out your workouts, consider adding one of the best workout mirrors to your workspace as well.

Best Treadmill Overall

A Highly Rated Option That Runners (And Walkers) Can’t Get Enough Of

Dimensions: 78 L x 37.6 W x 62.8 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 350 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0 to 15%

Nautilus is a respected brand that has a wealth of experience making exercise gear. The T616 demonstrates that with a solidly built treadmill that should stand up to many years of use. It has a 3.5 CHP motor and a 20-by-60 inch running path with a StrikeZone cushioning system, which softens impact in front and helps propel your kickoff at the back. All together, it adds up to a quieter mechanism that redirects your body’s force to a more energetic workout. You can take it up to 12 mph and simulate hilly runs with an incline of up to 15%.

The treadmill doesn’t have the sort of large LCD display which appears to be all the rage these days, but the digital controls are large and easy to use—an important feature when you need to make adjustments in the middle of a run. It comes with a wireless heart rate chest strap as well. The system uses Bluetooth to sync with the Nautilus mobile app which includes an “Explore the World” feature—you can go on a virtual jog at dozens of locations around the globe, and the first-person video adapts to your running speed.

Bottom line: The Nautilus T616 hits all the right notes and is consequently very much in demand, which is why it often goes out of stock.

Pros: Powerful motor, solid build, shock-absorbing cushioning system
Cons: No built-in monitor

Best Value Treadmill

An Entry Level Model That Works For Most People

Dimensions: 70 L x 34 W x 55 H inches (Folded: 46 L x 34 W x 61 H inches) | Maximum user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 10 mph | Incline range: 0 to 10%

While you can certainly find less expensive treadmills, the Horizon Fitness T101 is the best intersection of price and features. It’s a somewhat small treadmill at just 20-by-55 inches, but it still offers the essential specs that most will probably want. It’s powered by a modest 2.25 CHP motor and offers speeds up to 10 mph and an incline up to 10%. Heart rate is measured through the hand grips, and a small cooling fan helps keep you from melting on hot workout days. There’s an easy-to-use command center console and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you play audio from your phone through built-in speakers. And the treadmill comes with about 30 pre-set workouts programs.

Despite offering all those basics, it still manages to fold up—similar to the way the ProForm SMART Pro 2000 folds up, though perhaps not as efficiently—so it can take up less space when not in use. Still, it’s hard to beat the price tag, especially now that it’s 35% off.

Pros: Affordable, built-in Bluetooth speakers, heart rate sensor
Cons: No built-in screen, max speed of 10 mph

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Best Folding Treadmill

A Heavy Duty Machine That Doesn’t Take Up Much Floor Space

Dimensions: 77.3 L x 35.3 W x 59.6 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -3 to 12%

The ProForm Smart Pro 2000 is a deceptively large treadmill, heavy duty all around and equipped with a generously wide 22-inch running deck. But it doesn’t need to take up a lot of floor space 24/7 because when it’s not in use, the Pro 2000 folds up for a much smaller footprint.

It’s a great choice for dedicated runners thanks to the beefy 3.5 CHP motor, ProForm’s ProShox Cushioning system and the fact that it has both an incline (up to 15%) and a decline (3%). Not a lot of treadmills offer a decline, so your runs can simulate hills better than most.

The console includes an integrated 10-inch LCD display that works with ProForm’s subscription-based iFit service, which delivers streaming, on-demand guided workout sessions. The app can actively control the settings on your treadmill, adjusting speed and incline to match the workout. (Just be warned: The screen is only compatible with the iFit app or can be used in manual mode.) There’s also an included heart rate sensor, cooling fan and integrated Bluetooth speakers.

Pros: Wide running deck, shock-absorbing cushioning system, foldable
Cons: Monitor is only compatible with the iFit app (additional $15 to $39 per month)

Best Smart Treadmill

An Intuitive Machine With Access To Live Or On-Demand Classes

Best Compact Treadmill

A Folding Option That Can Slide Right Under Your Bed

Dimensions: 49 L x 27 W x 42 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 265 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 7 mph | Incline range: N/A

Not everyone has a room dedicated to serving as a full home gym. If space is at a premium, the Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill does exactly what the name says. The handrail folds down so the entire treadmill folds flat and can be rolled under your bed or sofa.

It’s not especially large; the deck is 16 inches wide and 40 inches long, which makes it easy to store but a little cramped in daily use. And there’s no console on the top of the handrail; the compact and minimalist display, which you can operate with a remote control, is down at your feet. There is a stand for your phone, though, and a Bluetooth speaker.

GoPlus calls this a 2-in-1 treadmill because, with the handrail folded down, you can use it for walking or jogging up to about 2.5 mph. Raise the rails and you can run at a maximum of 7 mph, powered by the modest 2.25 CHP motor.

Pros: Small footprint, foldable
Cons: Small deck, max speed 7 mph

Best Treadmill For Big And Tall Users

An Advanced Model With A Beefy Deck And Impressive Features

Dimensions: 78 L x 37.6 W x 62.8 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 350 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -5 to 15%

The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is a smart choice for bigger folks looking to get into walking, jogging or running. The deck, which has Comfort Tech cushioning for softer impact, supports a maximum user weight of 350 pounds, which is also at the high end of what many consumer treadmills are equipped to handle.

And one of the best parts? It has an extra large, 22-inch LCD display that you can use to access 26 built-in workout programs to burn calories, run further or get faster. The machine inclines up to 15% and you can vary the speed up to 12 mph.

Pros: High weight capacity, 22-inch touchscreen, compatible with different apps
Cons: Large footprint

Best Splurge Treadmill

A Commercial-Grade Treadmill That’s Built To Last

Dimensions: 76.5 L x 40 W x 73 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0 to 40%

If you have the space and the budget, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i is an excellent splurge option. Although this commercial-grade treadmill is pricey, you’re paying for a machine that’s designed to stand up to daily pounding for years with users up to 300 pounds. And it has a 4.25 CHP motor—significantly more powerful than most.

It comes equipped with an upgraded 32-inch LED touchscreen and includes both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can connect it to any of your favorite mobile apps. And with an iFit subscription, you can take advantage of live workouts as well as pre-recorded options from places like Austria and Africa.

Pros: Powerful motor, 32-inch touchscreen, compatible with different apps
Cons: Expensive

Best Treadmill With Guided Workouts

An Interactive Model That Brings The Personal Trainer To You

Dimensions: 79.9 L x 35.08 W x 59.25 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -3 to 12%

Even though Peloton might be the treadmill you think of when it comes to taking classes, the NordicTrack EXP 10i is the treadmill you probably want to use to follow an on-screen trainer. And for a fraction of the price, to boot.

The 10-inch screen that relies on NordicTrack’s excellent iFit app lets you choose from a library of 17,000 or so guided workouts set in beautiful locations across seven continents. You also have access to studio workouts, yoga, cross-training and more. Want to run anywhere on earth? NordicTrack lets you with help from Google Maps. And the workout sessions can take control of the treadmill to dial in the appropriate incline and speed without your manual input. Meanwhile, you can connect your mobile device to the Bluetooth speakers to play your favorite music.

The treadmill itself is built around a 3.5 CHP motor and the belt is padded with NordicTrack’s FlexSelect Cushioning that helps simulate a real running experience while lowering the impact on your joints. You get a range of -3% to 12% incline and 12 mph speed.

Pros: 10-inch touchscreen, shock-absorbing cushioning
Cons: Monitor is only compatible with the iFit app (additional $15 to $39 per month)

Best Treadmill For Immersive Guided Runs

A Treadmill That Makes You Feel Like You’re Running Outside

Dimensions: 79.5 L x 39.2 W x 66.6 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -3 to 15%

Don’t let the name fool you: The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill is commonly used in home gyms and is built for individuals and families. And because it’s a NordicTrack, it has familiar features, like the iFit app for workouts and a large 22-inch LCD display that comes closest to replicating the premium feel of the Peloton Tread.

It’s that display which is likely to make you fall in love—it’s hard to choose a guided run in the iFit app and not be mesmerized by the beautiful, real-world trails on the giant screen. Want something simpler? There are 40 on-board workout programs as well. Either way, the app can take control of the treadmill to change speed and incline to match the terrain, which helps you forget about the passage of time during your morning workout.

This treadmill isn’t just a beauty, either. Built around a 4.25 CHP motor, it has one of the strongest motors of any treadmill you are likely to consider for your home, particularly anywhere near this price point. It can get up to 12 mph, inclines 15% and declines down to 3%.

Pros: Powerful motor, 22-inch touchscreen
Cons: Monitor is only compatible with the iFit app (additional $15 to $39 per month)

Best Treadmill For Walking

An Intuitive Machine With A Wide Belt

Dimensions: 80 L x 33 W x 58 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 375 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0 to 15%

While you can use any treadmill for walking, the Sole F80 is a top pick. It has a wide 22-inch belt that’s double woven with a one-inch cushion flex, so your feet stay comfortable even during longer workouts. Quick adjustment controls on the arm rests make it easy to control the speed and incline while you’re walking. And with a 15% maximum incline, you’re guaranteed to feel the burn, even at lower speeds.

The 9-inch LCD display guides you through 10 pre-programmed workouts, or you can use the integrated tablet holder to catch up on Netflix or your favorite podcast while you walk. Of course, with a top speed level of 12 mph and a 3.5 CHP motor, it’s powerful enough for running or jogging, too.

Pros: Wide belt, arm rest controls, 15% max incline
Cons: Does not have a built-in touchscreen

Other Highly Rated Treadmills You Can Buy Right Now

The following treadmills may not have made our list of the best treadmills for home, but they’re highly rated options that are a close second. If some of our favorites are out of stock and you don’t want to wait, you’ll be happy with any of these machines.

A Powerful Treadmill That Can Connect To Live Classes

Dimensions: 76 L x 37 W x 64 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 375 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0 to 15%

The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT is built on good bones, like a powerful 4.0 CHP motor and a 500-pound thrust incline motor. It’s also fast and responsive, adjusting speed and incline via user-friendly quick dials on the hand rests that react 33% faster than most other treadmills, making it easier to stay in sync with online classes. It also has a generously large running deck, at 22-by-60 inches.

The treadmill has an integrated 9.3-inch color display for status and controls, and you can add your own tablet for connecting to the workout streaming app of your choice (including Peloton Digital, Zwift and others) without obscuring the view. It includes a Bluetooth chest strap that connects directly to Peloton.

Pros: Powerful motor, large running deck, quick-react hand dials
Cons: Does not have built-in touchscreen

Another Sturdy Option Suitable For Big And Tall Users

Dimensions: 78.8 L x 39.2 W x 63 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -3 to 15%

With its 300-pound capacity and 22-by-60-inch commercial treadmill belt, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is another excellent option for big and tall users. The Runners Flex deck cushioning helps absorb shock as you run, while the Smart-Response motor keeps the machine from overheating during all types of exercise.

The speeds goes up to 12 mph and the large flywheel provides a consistent operation, no matter what your speed. The NordicTrack Treadmill comes equipped with a decent amount of technology, too. It has a 10-inch screen and fully integrated Bluetooth capabilities, and this particular model comes with one year of iFit.

Pros: Large deck, 10-inch touchscreen
Cons: Monitor is only compatible with the iFit app (additional $15 to $39 per month)

A Commercial-Grade Treadmill That’s Packed With Technology

Dimensions: 70 L x 39 W x 72.5 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -6 to 40%

As its name implies, NordicTrack’s Commercial X22i Treadmill is a commercial-grade treadmill—you can find this model in gyms and fitness centers, and it’s powered by a heavy-duty 4.0-CHP motor. Mechanically, it has a lot to offer: a rugged all-steel frame, incline control to 40% with a 6% decline, speeds up to 12 mph and integrated push bar and sled grips for more exercise options. The deck is also cushioned to reduce stress both on the treadmill and your body. The running deck is a generous 22-by-60 inches and it supports runners and walkers up to 300 pounds.

It’s also packed with technology, like a 22-inch smart HD screen that displays live workouts and coaching with an iFit subscription. The treadmill gives your virtual trainers live automatic control of your incline and speed. It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with a pair of 3-inch speakers and Google Maps for workout displays.

Pros: Powerful motor, 40% incline, 22-inch smart screen
Cons: Monitor is only compatible with the iFit app (additional $15 to $39 per month)

What To Look For When Shopping For A Treadmill

There are countless treadmills to choose from—how do you know which is best for your workout and your home? For starters, it’s a mechanical system that will need to absorb a lot of physical punishment on a daily basis, so it needs to be sturdy and rugged. But there are a lot of other factors as well.

Budget

It’s best to start by considering your budget; generally speaking, the more money you can invest in a treadmill, the more durable it will likely be. For example, any treadmill that costs less than $1,000 is probably not going to last for more than a couple of seasons; the motor and belt simply won’t be resilient enough and if you live in an apartment, the machine likely won’t absorb a lot of sound for your downstairs neighbors. But starting around $1,500, many treadmills offer the same kind of reliability and features you’ll find in professional models at a gym, and the tread will do more than tone down the volume—like absorb some of the shock for your joints.

Power

One critical specification to consider is the motor’s CHP—the continuous horsepower rating—which should be no less than 2.5 if you want to use it routinely for running. A treadmill that lists a lower CHP (or avoids referring to CHP entirely and only tells you its peak HP), is more likely to burn out prematurely. This might be OK for anyone looking for a treadmill they can just walk on, but runners should check this stat before proceeding.

Specs

The dimensions of your treadmill matter not only for the space you’re going to put it in, but also for what you plan on doing with it. When it comes to your movement on the machine, it’s important to keep in mind that walkers have a shorter gait and stride than runners, so while a treadmill with a belt about 50-inches long will work for walkers, runner will need at least 60-inches. In order to safely get on an off your fancy new piece of equipment, you’ll also want to give yourself about 6-feet of space behind the treadmill and 2 to 3 feet on either side to account for and sway while it’s in use.

Warranty

Like anything else with this type of price tag (think: Kitchen appliances, your car or computer), the treadmill you buy should come with a warranty to back it up. After reviewing all of our recommendations and other manufacturers, it’s clear that you should be receiving three to seven years of coverage on parts and at least one year on labor, so, should you need it, you won’t have to pay for someone to fix your treadmill under a year after bringing it home. The frame and the motor should be covered for the lifetime of the machine.

Other Special Features

You’ll also want to consider factors like shock absorption, cushioning and overall noise level in addition to the actual running specs: How fast can it go, does it incline and can it decline as well? Also, make a note of the maximum weight rating—is it suitable for everyone in the house who might want to use it?

One of the hottest trends in home exercise gear these days is subscription-based workout classes, and many treadmills offer this feature as well. Some models come with large LCD displays that let you immerse yourself in online coaching sessions and workouts, but beware: That requires an ongoing monetary commitment each month.

Other special features are worth considering too. Larger displays are more immersive, but you might be able to save some money by getting a treadmill without a display and using your own tablet instead. Either way, some classes are live, while others only offer pre-recorded sessions. And the most immersive treadmills can be controlled remotely in real-time by the instructor. Otherwise, you’ll need to adjust speed and incline manually throughout the session in response to guidance from the instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Treadmills

How Long Do Treadmills Last?

A decent treadmill can last up to 10 years or so, depending on use; a marathon runner may wear theirs out more quickly, while a regular or occasional walker may be able to use theirs longer. Cheaper versions may need to be replaced after a few years but can be a great option for walkers or joggers with a limited budget or those looking for a smaller model. That said, if you plan on hardcore training, you’ll definitely want a durable machine with a strong motor.

Why Should You Not Buy A Treadmill?

Even the cheapest treadmills are a substantial investment, so if running or walking isn’t your preferred form of exercise, or using a treadmill tends to hurt your joints, you’ll probably end up wasting your money. The good news is, there are other exercise machines that offer excellent cardio workouts, like stationary bikes, ellipticals and rowing machines, which may fit your preferences better.

How Do I Choose Between A Folding And Regular Treadmill?

This all boils down to space. There are plenty of folding treadmills on the market that provide all of the power and special features as a standard treadmill, but if you don’t have the room to leave a regular treadmill out all of the time, a folding option might be best for you. If you’re really aching to have a machine in your home but can’t find the space for even a folding treadmill, you might find something that suits your need in a desk treadmill, which is simply the belt without a frame, meaning it can slide under a table or couch when you’re not walking on it.

What Are The Best Treadmill Brands?

Some of the most popular brands on the market are also the most durable, have the best warranties and come with the most interesting features. This includes machines made by Nautilus, Horizon Fitness, Bowflex, NordicTrack and ProForm, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a treadmill that suits your needs outside of this list from other retailers, and even on Amazon. Reading reviews and checking off the features on our list is a great place to start. Many brands also offer a trial period where you can have the treadmill in your home to test out for yourself. Be sure to read the fine print here, however, as some stores might charge you to pick it up or to restock the item if you want to send it back.