These Folding Treadmills Take Up Little Space and Help You Reach Your Goals

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Whether you’re strapped for time, want to avoid crowded gyms, or are fighting against harsh weather outside, a great treadmill is a must-have for any cardio lover’s home gym. But what if you can’t fit a large, bulky treadmill in your small space? That’s where the best folding treadmills come in, of course!

“Treadmills are a great option for working out because you can control your speed, duration, and incline. Some days you can walk uphill for more toning, while other days you can run fast and walk while doing a combo HIIT workout,” says Nicole Glor, fitness instructor and creator of the NikkiFitness YouTube channel. “Another benefit is that you can control your climate, so you don’t have rain, snow, ice, heat, humidity, or sunblock dripping into your eyes. There is nothing to trip on and no traffic to watch out for.”

Meet the Experts: Nicole Glor, fitness instructor and creator of the NikkiFitness YouTube channel; Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.

Some treadmills come in a foldable design, allowing you to fold them into a compact size to be tucked away when they’re not in use. This compact, space-spacing feature makes them an especially great option for someone “that doesn’t have a lot of space in their living environment, but still wants to get active and exercise,” says Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.

When it comes to choosing the best folding treadmill, you’ll want to look for one that is compact, lightweight, and easy to store. (Bonus points if they have wheels for easy transport!) To help you get the most out of your workout, we’ve scoured the internet for the best folding treadmills to help you reach your goals in 2023, according to experts and reviews.

Our top picks

Ready to upgrade your home gym with one of the best foldable treadmills? Check out our top-rated picks below.

TR150 Folding Treadmill

This best-selling foldable treadmill has over 11,000 five-star ratings on Amazon for a reason: It has nine-speed settings, 12 preset programs, and three manual incline settings to help you reach your goals. White says it’s a “steal” for the price, noting that it has a “large surface which accommodates users of many sizes and stride lengths” and also “includes a 5-inch LCD display which is easy to read and keeps you updated on your speed, incline, time, distance, calories, and pulse.” Plus, it’s so easy to pack away—you just have to pull on the release deck knob and your treadmill folds up or down.

User review: “I got this treadmill to replace a SOLE that I have had for 12 years. I wanted something smaller that I could move from room to room,” one reviewer writes. “Also one that is easy to fold. This one is perfect for my space and my needs. It was also very easy to assemble. I read the reviews before purchasing and I would recommend this treadmill. Great bang for your buck.”

2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

Looking for a treadmill that takes up the least amount of space? Well, this 2-in-1 folding treadmill by Goplus can slide right underneath your bed or sofa when you're not using it. The best-selling treadmill can be adjusted for running versus walking by lifting the riser. The best part is, if you have a standing desk, you can even get some steps in while you work. Talk about efficiency!

User review: I’m 71 years young and live in a retirement community,” writes one reviewer. “This is the perfect addition to my house. It folds easily to store daily, easy to move under the couch. I turn on the TV pull it out and watch the news while I do my daily run.”

T 6.5 Si Treadmill

This foldable treadmill is on the pricier end, but Amazon shoppers say it’s well worth it. The NordicTrack T Series treadmill not only offers 10 speeds and inclines up to 10%, but it also has a smart technology interface on a 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen that auto-adjusts speeds and tracks stats. Not only that, but it also comes with a 30-day iFit membership, which allows you to stream workouts and utilize live trainers who “help you adjust to workouts as varied as your imagination and fitness goals,” says White.

User review: “It’s great it does almost everything the top-of-the-line does, it has a small screen but it connects to Bluetooth just like the top-of-the-line machine. When I run on the treadmill it feels the same. I use it almost every day—so does my wife—and it’s built to last. We have had it for a while and it shows no signs of wear,” one reviewer writes.

Under Desk Treadmill

A great option for those who prefer to move while they work, this folding treadmill can be used with or without the riser to ensure you get your workout in even if you're at your desk. In fact, it’s White’s personal top pick for an under-desk folding treadmill. “I think this is a great product if you want to get exercise while you are working,” he says, noting that it has an LED display and remote control that “makes it easy for you to track speed, distance, time, and calories in real time.” The durable machine allows you to run up to 7.6 MPH and walk up to 3.8 MPH, and it even has eight silicone shock absorbers to protect your joints.

User review: “Very low profile, I have it between two chairs and a window and I barely notice it in my living room! Which is exactly what I wanted. It tracks time, distance, and calories and has a phone stand,” writes one reviewer.

Stride Auto-Fold Smart Treadmill

If you’re looking for a folding treadmill that’s super compact, Echelon’s Stride has you covered. “The outstanding feature of this product is when folded and not in use, it only stands at 10 inches tall,” says White. It’s a great pick “if you have no space/storage but still want all the capabilities of a regular treadmill,” he adds. Plus, it has wheels for easy transport! Its other great features include an integrated handlebar heart rate sensor, 12 incline levels, side steps for an easy step off, and on-demand classes through the Echelon Premier membership, notes White.

User review: “I bought this to use when I can't run outside. Fold flat and easy storage was a key feature to me,” writes one customer. “Quiet and seems stable. I did purchase the floor protector mat because the incline uses rollers to raise the front.”

F80 Treadmill

White says this folding treadmill from Sole is a great pick to consider if you have arthritis or joint pain, as its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck “has shock absorption up to 40% compared to road running.” It also has features like a roomy running deck, a 3.5 HP motor, a power incline up to 15%, and a 10-inch touchscreen display, adds White. Plus, it not only offers bluetooth connectivity, but it also has a built-in tablet holder and a wireless phone charging pad.

Compact Folding Treadmill

This smart, foldable treadmill syncs with your phone using the FitShow app to display all of your workout stats, including distance, speed, time, and calories burned. And when you feel tired, all you have to do is press the one-touch fatigue speed reduction button to slow things down. This folding treadmill also has wheels, so it’s easy to move around your home.

User review: “This treadmill was affordable and completely worth the investment,” writes one customer. “I bought it because there are very few accessible walking/running paths around me, and because winter is coming up and I know my steps decrease with the cold weather. I like this treadmill even more than I anticipated.”

Commercial 1750 Treadmill

This top-rated, foldable treadmill from NordicTrack may be pricey, but reviewers say it’s definitely worth the splurge. White recommends it, too, noting that it “comes with everything you may need” in a treadmill. That includes a 14-inch HD touchscreen that comes with iFit, a tablet holder, Bluetooth capabilities, wireless speakers, and a heart rate monitor with integrated sensors in the handlebars. Plus, it “has not only a huge incline capability, but also a decline option that is not common in most treadmills,” White adds.

User review: “This treadmill has been fantastic! It has a long-running surface, it’s sturdy (I’m over 200 lb), and has a great set of features. The running surface has good traction, runs steady, and is responsive to changes in settings,” writes one customer.

Foldable Manual Treadmill

You can crush all of your cardio workouts with this small but mighty foldable manual treadmill by Sunny. Coming in at under $200, it’s an especially great pick if you’re on a budget. The compact treadmill is perfect for tight spaces, and with a manual (non-preset) design, you can control your own speed at all times. Plus, it tracks time, speed, distance, and calories.

User review: “Using this treadmill is a tough workout, which is what I wanted. Similar to doing 12/3/30 (even though the incline is a little lower) because it takes more effort to walk on this treadmill since it’s manual,” writes one customer. “Assembly was straightforward, took maybe 20 minutes. So far (a few weeks in) it’s a worthwhile purchase!”

Manual Treadmill with 2 Level Incline

This compact option will take up little space in your home, meaning you may be able to expand your home gym with more equipment. The small folding treadmill is manual, meaning you won’t have preset speeds, but it tracks your speed, distance, time, and calories. It also has two levels of incline so you can switch up your walking workout.

User review: “Amazing treadmill. Super easy to set up and very sturdy once assembled. Gives you a great workout with three incline options,” writes one reviewer. “The best thing about this treadmill is how little space it takes up and how securely it closes. I live in a small space with small pets, so these are key factors. It leaves lots of room to function while also giving me peace of mind. I highly recommend this treadmill and would repurchase in a heartbeat.”

Under Desk Treadmill

With a speed range of 0.5-7.5 miles per hour, this walking pad with a foldable bar is great for those looking to power walk in a small space. And at under $500, it’s an affordable pick.

User review: “My wife and I have used it twice a day each for 30 minutes five days a week for the last three weeks and have had no issues. I expected a loud noise and was very surprised at how quiet it was when I was working. Very easy to loosen the knob and collapse for storage and the wheels helps to move it to the desired location,” writes one customer. “Very happy with this treadmill and have recommended to friends and family looking as well.”

3-in-1 Treadmill With Desk

Sometimes you just want to work while you walk, or vice versa, and in a small space every square inch counts. Enter the GoPlus three-in-one treadmill with a desk. Speed options range from 0.5 to 7.5 miles per hour. And coming in under $500, reviewers think it’s worth every penny.

User review: “I am so glad about this purchase and really regret not getting it sooner. I have been using it for over a month now and am extremely happy with it. The desk attached is perfect as I am able to get my steps in during my long remote work hours. Before this, I was clocking around 3k steps when I would be very busy at work, and now with this addition and the convenience of walking while working I am able to do over 12k steps a day,” one shopper writes.

Folding Incline Treadmill With Tablet and Device Holder

Looking for a foldable treadmill with multiple incline options? This one from Sunny Health & Fitness not only has three incline levels but also offers a robust speed range from 0.5-9 miles per hour. And with over 8,900 ratings and nearly five stars on Amazon, shoppers seem to love the compact walking pad.

User review: “The treadmill allows you to adjust the angle of the base with three variations. Starts with ease and stops without a jerk, controls on the handles. I absolutely love the variable speeds and how you can check your heart rate with a simple slide of your palms on the handles,” writes one satisfied shopper.

C2 Mini Foldable Walking Treadmill

When you hear foldable treadmill, you probably don’t think of a treadmill actually folding in half—but that’s just what the WalkingPad C2 mini foldable walking treadmill does. And it comes in five colors. But, it does have its drawbacks—mainly that there are no inclines and that it only goes up to 3.2 miles per hour.

Foldable 16-inch Wide Home Treadmill With Bluetooth

With a speed range of 0.6-8 MPH, this foldable treadmill is a great option for your home gym. It features a 16-inch screen and Bluetooth connectivity. It has a manual incline of four levels. And it features a slow-down period so you can wind down without an abrupt stop. Plus, it boasts a safety key that stops the treadmill when pulled.

User review: “The handles are comfortable; easy to access the main board at a moment’s notice. Another feature I like about this treadmill is that when you are ready to call it quits, the stop has a slow-down period until it stops. Some treadmills will just do a quick stop. The treadmill has a great safety feature, which was important to me as my daughters are now beginning to use the home gym, I know it is a must safety feature,” writes one customer.

How to choose the best folding treadmills

✔️ Find the right size. Do you want to be able to use the treadmill with a standing desk, or tuck it away under your bed when it’s not in use? You’ll want to take note of the dimensions of the treadmill—both while it’s in use and when it’s folded up—and think about how it may fit within the restrictions of your space.

✔️ Consider speed and incline options. A treadmill that offers a wide range of speeds and incline options will help tailor your workouts to your needs, so you’ll want to consider the maximum speed and incline range that the treadmill offers.

✔️ Take note of horsepower. Finding a treadmill with the right amount of horsepower is crucial, says White. He generally recommends a treadmill with 3.0 horsepower. “For joggers, the constant duty should have at least 2.5 horsepower, and for walkers, a 2.0 horsepower is enough on continuous duty,” he advises.

✔️ Consider the type of shock absorption. “An under-looked factor when looking at foldable treadmills is the type of shock absorption. These usually come in the form of either springs or preferably shock absorbers,” says White. “In relation to the springs, they will reduce the impact when you run. However, they can feel less natural when compared to the shock absorbers.”

✔️ Balance features with cost. Folding treadmills come at a wide range of price points, often depending on the specific features they offer. Think about whether you want features like heart rate monitoring, bluetooth connectivity, and monitors that can track statistics, such as time, speed, distance, and calories. Plus, some treadmills even offer abilities to stream workouts and classes.

Benefits of a folding treadmill

The primary benefit of a folding treadmill is that they can fold up into a compact size to save space—making it an especially great option if you live in an apartment and have limited space. Most foldable treadmills also have wheels that make them easy to move around and transport around your home, adds White.

The compact size also may make them easier to clean. “This is due to the fact that they are usually light and you can lift underneath to clean them as well as the top,” explains White.

Additionally, they may generally be a safer option than a traditional treadmill, according to White. “There is less of a chance that you will trip over it or that it will fall and injure you,” he says. “A folding treadmill is also a great option if you have kids because they will not be able to play with it and potentially hurt themselves.”

Lastly, some folding treadmill models are less expensive than traditional treadmills, making them a great option if you’re on a budget.

Are there any disadvantages to folding treadmills?

Before you consider a folding treadmill, you might want to consider its disadvantages, too. For one: “A folding treadmill tends to have a smaller running surface compared to a regular treadmill,” says White.“This is important to think about if you are someone that is taller or if you have a long stride.”

Additionally, a folding treadmill will have a smaller motor than a regular treadmill, says White, and it typically will have a smaller weight capacity as well. “All in all, the best treadmill for home use is the treadmill that gets you moving and enhances your workout routine,” notes White.

How we chose the best folding treadmills

We consulted Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, and Nicole Glor, fitness instructor and creator of the NikkiFitness YouTube channel. We also conducted our own research and sifted through hundreds of online reviews to find the best folding treadmills available.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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