We Tested the Best Treadmills to Keep You Active at Home

We tested treadmills for value, ease of use, comfort, and more—these are the winners.

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Two legs walking on a Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill next to a window

Health / Kimberly Souza

An at-home treadmill offers a convenient way to integrate physical activity into your daily life, whether it's for high-intensity running, casual jogging, or just adding extra steps to your day. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week. If you can do some of that in the comfort of your living room, you’re several thousand steps closer to your weekly goals. Plus, at-home treadmills are ideal for people who live in places with unpredictable weather or who struggle to feel confident in the gym. 

There's a lot to consider, from under-desk options to fold-ups and basic walkers to professional models. To find the best options in several categories, we tested over 30 treadmills over several months. We ran, walked, or jogged on each treadmill at least four times per week, using different speeds and settings. Our top picks are based on ease of use, comfort, features, and overall value for money. We had a physical therapist from our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Why We Like It

We found the Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill the best overall for its ease of setup, user-friendliness, and smart design. The integration with the Echelon app and compatibility with Apple Health and Apple Watch enhanced our fitness tracking experience. The treadmill's modern console design was clear and easy to navigate, displaying essential metrics like speed, distance, and burned calories. Adjusting incline and speed was straightforward, thanks to the intuitive touchscreen and conveniently placed buttons.

The automatic folding feature of the treadmill was a standout, although its significant weight made mobility and storage a point to consider. The thoughtful additions like deep cup holders, a versatile phone holder, and a safety key added to the overall experience.

In terms of value, it offered a luxurious feel and high-quality performance at a reasonable cost. The only minor issue was the loud noise from the console during adjustments. Its compact size, quiet operation, and thoughtful features make it an excellent choice for apartment dwellers and fitness enthusiasts.

It’s Worth Noting

Even in the folded position, it is very difficult to move, so it pays to park it near where you intend to use it.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 12 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: Touchscreen console, preset and customizable settings, auto folding, 12 incline levels

Why We Like It

From its sleek look to its easy-to-fold-away functionality, huge touchscreen display, and smooth action, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 has much to offer.

The enormous 22-inch display looks comical at first glance. But with all your speed, incline, and various setting buttons alongside the screen rather than on it, we found it easy to zone out while watching ourselves walking or running along a digitized track or a pretty scenic route. We loved the built-in Bluetooth speakers for our workout soundtracks. 

With a kickstand supporting the back end of the treadmill, folding out or away is simple. Though it’s worth mentioning—especially for people with limited space—it doesn’t fold up completely, which adds a few inches to its footprint. Using an iFIT membership to join workout classes is a great way to mix up our regular routines. And tiny details like the cooling fan add to the premium feel of this model, which makes stepping back on again day after day just a little bit easier.

It’s Worth Noting

The workout class options require a separate iFIT membership.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 12 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: 22-inch touchscreen console, Google Maps technology, stat tracking, 30-day iFIT trial included

Why We Like It

The overall usability of the 7.0 AT Studio Treadmill truly sets it apart. Getting started is as simple as scrolling to select your user number or workout choice. Once you’re in, incline and speed adjustments happen instantly, and the console tracks all the MPH, calories, heart rate and distance traveled markers you’d expect on a state-of-the-art machine.

Folding away is simple—you just lift the belt piece—and unfolding is a breeze with an easy-to-use pedal. We loved that the Bluetooth connectivity allowed us to connect with familiar training apps like Zwift, Daily Burn, or Peloton. So we could easily transition to this new treadmill without necessarily uploading (or learning to navigate) a pile of new tech.

It’s Worth Noting

When folded away, the belt sticks out at about a 50-degree angle, taking up extra space. We also noticed a small thunking sound on the belt that the assembly team assured us would decrease with use over time.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 12 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes (though partially)
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: Bluetooth connectivity, 60-inch three-zone cushioned deck, lifetime frame and motor warranty
7.0AT Studio Treadmill

Health / Mike Navarro

Why We Like It

We loved the XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill's smooth action, sturdy construction, and fuss-free functionality—making this treadmill a solid choice for people who like to keep their workouts simple and their gear within budget.

Though delivered unassembled, setting up the XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill was as easy as attaching the side rails with three bolts each. Connecting to the XTERRA app was equally simple, allowing us to access all the metrics of our workouts from day one. At first glance, it’s obvious that this model lacks some of its more expensive counterparts' gadgets, features, and tech. But we found its Bluetooth connectivity to third-party apps allowed plenty of extra options for how (and where) we chose to track our progress. Adding multiple profiles—complete with individual workout goals like weekly distance targets or calories burned—allowed several family members to save and customize workout routines.

The side handlebar toggles made mid-workout speed and incline adjustments easy (with ten options for each). The no-frills latch/unlatch folding system and wheels made it super compact and transportable when not in use.

It’s Worth Noting

Aesthetically speaking, this treadmill won’t be to everybody’s tastes.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 10 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: Bluetooth connectivity, 5.5-inch backlit LED display, handlebar controls with ten speed and incline settings
XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill

Health / Tammy Gardini

Why We Like It

Though you may want to consider more advanced models if you have hardcore endurance goals, we found the XTERRA Fitness Sport Series Folding Treadmill perfect for supplementing our existing routines with extra walking during the week.

Don’t let the complicated setup and substandard assembly tools get you off on the wrong foot. Once we got through the physical assembly and connected in-app, establishing profiles and getting started on this treadmill was intuitive and trouble-free. Navigating from feature to feature, streaming via services like Netflix or Hulu, flicking between display modes, and even mirroring whatever you’re looking at on your phone happens on the 10.1-inch touchscreen. We found it useful to adjust incline and speed settings on-screen pre-workout and via the handlebar buttons while we were mid-stride.

It’s Worth Noting

While we found the basic lift-up folding function adequate, its size might be a consideration for people with limited mobility or strength. Its comparatively large footprint when folded is definitely a consideration for people with minimal space.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 12 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: Bluetooth connectivity, 10.1-inch touchscreen display, handlebar controls

Why We Like It

Despite its large size, we found setting up the ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill simple. And the instructions were easy to follow, though it took a couple of people to assemble this treadmill. Once assembled, the connection to the streaming service was so intuitive we could start using it immediately.

The console features well-positioned speed, incline, and metric adjustments and tracking. We loved how the track graphic shows you where you are as you run. However, we found the streaming workouts somewhat underwhelming. We loved using the ProForm Pro 2000 for manual workouts and found it super helpful for staying on track with our training goals.

It’s Worth Noting

Folding out or away is simple and lightweight, though its size, when folded up, is a consideration for people in smaller homes or apartments.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 12 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: Bluetooth connectivity, 10-inch HD touchscreen display, 30-day iFIT Family Membership included
Pro-Form Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill

Health / Sara Michael

Why We Like It

The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Studio Treadmill looks and feels like it belongs in a professional gym. Its easy-to-adjust speed and incline settings, long-running belt, twin cup holders, storage bar, phone or tablet stand, comfortable handlebars, speakers, USB port, fan, and highly responsive controls make for a streamlined and highly customizable workout. Its Bluetooth connectivity to apps like Peloton or Zwift makes tracking your progress simple on platforms you’re already familiar with.

There’s no hiding from this treadmill's size, though—even when folded it is huge. But if you have the space and the cash, we found its premium feel enticing for workouts we looked forward to day after day.

It’s Worth Noting

Brace yourself for a tricky setup here. But once we got up and running, the ease of use and the sheer volume of features made it worthwhile.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 12 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: Bluetooth connectivity, 9.3-inch full-color display, speakers, fan, USB port
Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Studio Treadmill

Health / Michelle Parente

Why We Like It

We found the Egofit Walker Pro a solid option if you’re looking to up your steps while working, watching TV, or even folding laundry. With a setup as simple as plugging it in and inserting batteries in the remote controller, we were pacing it out in our guest rooms, balconies, and bedrooms (even while on work calls) in minutes.

Its small size makes this model easily storable in a closet or under the bed. And we loved some of the smaller details like a wrist strap for the remote, keeping our hands free for other things. We loved how smooth the action and comfortable surface were, which were fantastic for relieving aching shins and joints after more high-impact exercise. And though we didn’t break any speed records, we’d recommend this model for light activity on rest days or for people looking to up their steps, albeit gently.

It’s Worth Noting

Connectivity is limited to a proprietary app, which we found not overly intuitive and difficult to navigate. We also found the console tricky to read from a standing position—definitely worth considering if you have poor eyesight. With a max speed of 3.1 MPH, you’re not breaking much of a sweat.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 3.1 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes (though limited)
  • Additional Features: Compact design, 5% incline, remote control

Why We Like It

The first thing we noticed straight out of the box is this model’s understated, elegant design. While it lacks some of the bells, whistles, and features of its more expensive (and much bigger) counterparts, its clean lines and storability make it a great option for a small space.

In essence, this treadmill is a very basic walking pad, and not much else but there are some things that this treadmill does very well. The folding design and wheels make it super easy to stash. The limited functionality and simple setup make it super easy to use. And while it won’t meet the requirements of a serious gym session, keep this treadmill lying around, and you can easily fit in some extra steps as you go about your day.

It’s Worth Noting

We found the tiny screen on the remote too small for checking stats mid-workout. And, though the app provided is useful for tracking all the basic metrics, it was frustrating not to be able to connect to the third-party fitness apps we otherwise use. We also found that the mechanism jerks when changing speeds mid-stride, and with no handles to grab you have to pay attention.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 3.75 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes (though limited)
  • Additional Features: Compact foldable design, remote control

Why We Like It

We loved the classes offered by this Peloton treadmill. From walking to hiking to running, all at different levels with different trainers, this treadmill gives you the full package when it comes to classes, which are run live 24/7. To top it off, you can store classes for later and watch them on-demand as you like. As we tested, we also noted that the sound quality is fantastic, and the Bluetooth connectivity is seamless.

We were also super impressed by the large HD screen that made us feel like we were actually in the studio. The screen tracks your cadence (speed), incline, personal record, calories burned, and how you compare to other users throughout each session. All of these features are ideal for anyone who struggles with self-motivation or thrives in a group environment but may not have the time to get to a scheduled in-person class. While we love the Peloton Tread, it's not a good option for anyone who isn't okay with having a fully stationary treadmill.

It's Worth Noting

The only thing we didn't love was how heavy this treadmill was. Add in the fact that it doesn't fold or have wheels, and it's obvious this product is all but immovable.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 12.5 MPH
  • Foldable: No
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: 24" HD Touchscreen, Apple Watch, Strava, and Bluetooth compatibility, in-class metrics

Why We Like It

This treadmill by Bowflex impressed us with its quietness. When changing the incline setting for the first time, we almost thought it wasn't working because the adjustment was so silent.

We also loved the convenience of the large control panel, which has space for a towel, a water bottle, and even a shelf for a book or magazine. This treadmill also has coached programs and a solid surface area, so you never feel crunched for space.

It's Worth Noting

First, we found the Bluetooth connectivity is limited. When we tried to connect it to our speakers to place music, we found we couldn't do it even though it appeared as if we should from the manual. We also found the emergency stop a little too sensitive.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 12 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: LCD display, 26 built-in workout programs, 15% incline

Why We Like It

The WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill is ideal for small spaces thanks to its compact, foldable design, which allows easy storage under furniture. We quickly set up the accompanying app in less than five minutes, seamlessly syncing with health tracking systems and enhancing our fitness monitoring. The treadmill's 1.75 maximum speed suits low-impact, comfortable walking, aligning with gentle exercise routines, particularly for injury recovery.

Assembly was minimal and straightforward, with the treadmill ready to use in about 15 minutes. Its remote control simplifies speed adjustments and mode changes, and the walking pad's cushioning offers a more comfortable experience than hard surfaces, being gentle on the joints.

While its $700 price might seem high for its basic functionality, the WalkingPad's quality, durability, and suitability for those seeking to integrate walking into daily indoor activities make it a valuable investment for small living spaces.

It's Worth Noting

Although it is designed for easy storage and space-saving, the weight of the treadmill might make it less convenient to frequently move it between different rooms or locations within a home. 

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 1.75 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: Remote control, built-in workout programs

Why We Like It

The Lifepro Fitness PacerMini Pro Portable Treadmill is the best portable treadmill for its compactness and user-friendly features. Its maximum speed of 3mph is perfect for comfortable walking, and its ease of use and convenience make it ideal for anyone.

The setup was remarkably easy, requiring just a simple plug-in. The instruction manual was clear, facilitating a quick start. The treadmill is controlled via a remote and a switch on the machine, operating quietly enough not to disturb work or other activities. Its compact design, with wheels, allows for easy storage under furniture, making it perfect for limited spaces. The treadmill's pad provided comfort without sacrificing firmness for running, and we experienced no discomfort or joint impact.

A notable benefit is its portability, allowing easy movement between rooms, which is advantageous for parents needing to stay close to their children. For those with space constraints or needing a regularly used, portable treadmill, we think the Lifepro Fitness PacerMini Pro Portable Treadmill is an excellent choice.

It's Worth Noting

Users have to rely solely on the remote control to change speeds, which might be inconvenient if the remote is misplaced or if its batteries run out.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 3 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: No
  • Additional Features: Remote control, built-in wheels

Why We Like It

The Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill impressed us with its ease of use and hassle-free delivery and assembly. Its Bluetooth connectivity adds convenience, though occasionally it was tricky to establish a connection. The user-friendly console caters to various fitness levels with an extensive range of workouts available via the iFIT membership. The treadmill's straightforward incline, speed adjustments, comfortable cushioning, and long belt enhance the workout experience.

Despite its large size, the treadmill's foldability aids in space management. We noted its responsive speed and incline adjustments based on past workouts and appreciated the tilting touchscreen for off-treadmill exercises. This treadmill offers a comprehensive range of features, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a versatile and engaging fitness experience suitable for all fitness levels and spaces.

It's Worth Noting

Some minor drawbacks include uneven fan strength and occasional multiple touchscreen button presses.

Product Details:

  • Max Speed: 12 MPH
  • Foldable: Yes
  • App Connectivity: Yes
  • Additional Features: 10 HD touchscreen, hands-free automatic adjustments, built-in fan

Our Testing Process

To find the best treadmills, we tested more than 30 highly rated treadmills in the Health Lab and our personal fitness routines and home environments to gauge their performance. We rated each treadmill based on the following criteria:

  • Ease of Setup: This included checking whether the machines were delivered fully assembled or required assembly, and if so, the duration and complexity of the setup process.
  • Features: After assembly, we proceeded to explore the safety features, register for any relevant streaming services, connect to compatible apps, and note other significant attributes of each treadmill. Additionally, we evaluated the foldability of each treadmill, considering how easily it could be folded and the amount of space saved by this feature.
  • User Experience: The core of our testing involved using the treadmills for various exercises, including walking, jogging, and running, at least four times weekly. During these sessions, we focused on the treadmills' safety, stability, and any distinctive features that enhanced the workout experience.

The Experts

To determine the best at-home treadmills in each of our categories, first, we spoke with several training specialists and sports injury experts. Health professionals we consulted include:

What to Know About Treadmills

If you’re new to treadmills or jogging, our experts recommend consulting a personal trainer or physician before you start to get an idea of the frequency and duration right for you.

ACE-certified functional training specialist Noelle McKenzie suggests starting every other day at moderate speed, distance, and incline and gradually building frequency and distance depending on how you feel post-workout. Certified personal trainer Courtney Pardini agrees, adding that you should always schedule at least one rest and recovery day each week to allow your muscles to recover.

Features and Sizing

Given the vast range of price points, size, foldability, app connectivity, and features, there’s much to consider when weighing up the right treadmill. We asked our experts to share their must-haves so you can construct your own wish list. But before you do, we also suggest measuring the exact size of the space where you’ll be using it so you can compare folded and unfolded dimensions and save yourself the guesswork.

For performance and sports psychologist Dr. Haley Perlus, size is the obvious first consideration, and to make sure that your treadmill also offers the safety features required for your level of fitness and mobility. ACE-certified functional training specialist Noelle McKenzie rates safety as the number-one consideration and says to ensure a safety key, rails, and an emergency stop option if you ever trip or fall. She also prefers treadmills with adjustable inclines and extra features like heart-rate monitoring and data collection that allow you to track the distance you traveled your pace, and recovery time.  

Certified personal trainer Courtney Pardini says to be mindful of physical factors like belt length, horsepower, and machine noise level. She also says that the size and function of the screen (i.e., touchscreen, Bluetooth compatibility, easy-to-adjust buttons) and features like built-in interval training are all worth considering.

Personal trainer and life coach Kollins Ezekh recommends checking the treadmill's overall size and capacity to accommodate your height, weight, and stride length. If you want to change your workout intensity or target specific muscle groups, he suggests comparing motor power and incline variability. He also says to look for models with cushioned decks for shock absorption for lower-impact workouts.

More Treadmills to Consider

While these treadmills didn’t top our categories, they may still interest you.

  • Sunny Health & Fitness Strider Foldable Smart Treadmill: Portable and with a small (approximately 8-inches high) profile in its folded position, this model features a decent speed range (0.6 – 9MPH), pre-programmed interval workouts, and a paired app. However, it lacked incline options and an over-sensitive auto-stop safety clip that unnecessarily halted the machine mid-workout multiple times. Still, it’s a solid piece of machinery for the price (around $500), worth considering for casual at-home mid-distance jogging.

  • ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill: This treadmill delivers on the range of features, setting options, usability, stat-tracking, foldability, and comfort that you’d expect in a mid-to-high-end machine (around $2,100). But its connectivity limitations mean you’re committed to using the iFIT app, which lacks options unless you opt for a paid subscription. So unless iFIT is your thing, and you don’t mind the extra ongoing costs, you’ll likely find a better bang for your buck elsewhere.

Your Questions, Answered

Is a treadmill good for weight loss?  

Personal trainer and life coach Kollins Ezekh recommends walking or running to help burn calories and support weight-loss goals. Personal trainer Courtney Pardini adds that on top of helping you maintain a healthy weight, incorporating walking and/or running into your daily routine can help boost your energy levels and overall cardiovascular fitness.

Are cheap treadmills worth it?   

Even the least expensive models increased our step counts when we tested treadmills at home. Most of us felt the presence of a treadmill in our homes made us more inclined to get moving than we would be to go out for a jog or work out in the gym. So, with the caveat that you should always look for safety features like auto shut-offs, we found inexpensive treadmills useful for reaching our workout goals.

How much does a treadmill cost?   

The models we tested ranged between $480 and $3,000, though we’ve seen discounted options as low as $300. And at the top end, the sky’s the limit—with commercial gym-ready treadmills fetching well above $10,000.

Who We Are

Samson McDougall is a journalist, copywriter, editor and science graduate. His work encompasses everything from web copy for science museums to writing sexual health articles for universities, info sheets for first-in-category pharmaceuticals to brand messaging for wearable touch therapy by neuroscientists. Samson specializes in making the complex simple, using the English language to democratize knowledge through highly effective, accessible communication.

Loren Brutsch, the editor of this article, has personally tested treadmills on this list and owns the XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill. She highly recommends this treadmill if you’re not concerned about its lack of aesthetics. She personally loves being able to walk during meetings and stay active even with a desk job.

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Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Heart Association. American heart association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids.

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