The Best Treadmills For Home, According To Our Review And Fitness Pros

Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -3% to 12% | Warranty: 10 years for frame, 2 years for parts, 1 year for labor | Special features: 30-day iFIT trial included, Bluetooth headphone and heart rate connectivity, Google Maps workout tech

• What’s notable: This all-around favorite is durable enough to withstand heavy use, the motor is quiet and the large running deck accommodates most running strides.
• What could be better: Its sturdy size means it won’t work for small spaces, and you can’t stream any outside content, meaning you can’t watch TV on the screen.

If you are a serious runner—or even a nonserious runner who logs a lot of miles— you probably want a commercial treadmill, which feels more natural than running on a typical home treadmill. NordicTrack’s 1750 has a robust 3.5 continuous horsepower (CHP) motor, a generous 20 x 60 inch running path, and a wide range of inclines: You can take it up to 12% or decline down to -3% to simulate hilly terrain. From an entertainment standpoint, this machine has a large 14-inch touchscreen display that swivels so you can keep following built-in iFIT workouts even if you move off the treadmill for strength training or stretching on the floor. The iFIT workouts come in a variety of intensities—there are programs for novices and elite runners—and the Google Maps integration allows you to create custom routes with immersive Street View images. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is foldable, measures 80 x 38 x 65 inches and has a max user capacity of 400 pounds.

What the expert says: Almost all the pros I spoke to recommended this model, including competitive marathoner and triathlete Sheila Monaghan, who after much research decided to invest in a commercial home treadmill. “I wanted a belt that was relatively wider, since it feels more like running outside and the wide belt is so stable,” she explains. “This treadmill is not flimsy or bouncy like some others [I tried].” Overall, she says, “I love this treadmill.” 

Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0% to 15% | Warranty: Lifetime for both frame and motor, 3 years for parts, 1 year for labor | Special features: Bluetooth capability, intuitive thumb dials on handlebars

• What’s notable: This model is feature-loaded but more affordable than others, with a foldable design and thumb dials for adjusting speed and incline.
• What could be better: Taller, bigger people may find the belt too small for running at high speeds, and there is no built-in touchscreen.

Horizon Fitness’ 7.0 AT Treadmill is just a hair under $1,000—and you get a lot of value for the price. It folds for easy storage (although to be completely honest, I never find treadmills that easy to maneuver), while still being a rugged, heavy machine with a flexible deck that encourages comfortable footfalls. Runners also love the advanced Bluetooth capability that allows you to take classes like Peloton, or connect to training apps like Zwift. You’ll need to connect your iPad or tablet since the 7.0 AT comes with only a basic display, but it does have built-in speakers. This model measures 76 x 35 x 66 inches and has a max user capacity of 325 pounds.

What the expert says: David Siik, founder of Precision Run at Equinox, and author of The Ultimate Treadmill Workout, is used to running on top-of-the-line treadmills—and he trusts this Horizon treadmill as a great pick for under $1,000. “I know firsthand they [Horizon] have quality components and very impressive factories that build their equipment.” In other words: You won’t sacrifice quality for price here, and you can keep this machine for years.

Speed range: 0 to 6.2 mph | Incline range: None | Warranty: Eligible for return, refund or replacement within 30 days | Special features: Remote control changes the speed, converts to walking pad

• What’s notable: The Sperax is a compact, budget-friendly option for walking and low-intensity workouts. At just 50 pounds, it’s easy to move around.
• What could be better: You can’t run fast on this pick, there’s no incline and it doesn’t include a screen.

If you’re a walker and your number-one priority is affordability, I recommend the Sperax treadmill. Its no-frills design is well-suited for beginners, walkers and light joggers who don’t have room for a more traditional treadmill. (Keep in mind that the maximum speed reaches only 6.2 mph.) Safety isn’t an afterthought; the Sperax comes equipped with an emergency stop clip—an essential feature that stops the treadmill if you lose your footing. While it lacks a built-in screen, the control bar has space to hold an iPad or tablet device, and when the bar is folded down, this pick converts to a walking pad. The Sperax measures 50 x 20.8 x 40 inches and has a max user capacity of 280 pounds.

What the expert says: I tested this treadmill, which arrived at my house in one day from Amazon and took approximately five minutes to put together. I was already impressed. It’s small but works fine for the average adult, and you can operate it by pressing the buttons on the bar or via the remote control. (There is even a handy “3-to-6” button that allows you to toggle between 3 mph and 6 mph.) A bar at your feet displays the speed and the time elapsed, which takes some getting used to. This is a good treadmill for people who work from home and want to get in some steps between meetings—or even during meetings—since it fits in most spaces. It’s basic, but then again, so is the sidewalk, and people like walking on that.

Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0% to 15% | Warranty: Lifetime warranty on motor and frame, 3 years for deck, 3 years for parts, 1 year for labor | Special features: Android-powered touchscreen, built-in entertainment apps, wireless charging pad

• What’s notable: The wide deck can accommodate taller people, the extra cushioning is good for your joints and the high incline capability simulates steep hill climbs.
• What could be better: The screen is on the small side, and there’s no decline option.

While you can technically use any treadmill for walking, I like how the Sole Fitness F80 keeps your feet comfortable during longer, lower-impact workouts. Thanks to its double-woven 22-inch-wide belt, it provides thicker cushioning for your joints and reduces the impact felt on your knees and ankles. With 15 levels of incline, you can put in some serious hill work, which is what turns a walk into a true hiking workout. With a top speed of 12 mph and a 3.5 CHP motor, it’s powerful enough for running or jogging, too. Sole Fitness recently upped its entertainment game by adding an Android-powered touchscreen with built-in entertainment apps and a handy wireless charging pad. This pick measures 82.5 x 38 x 66 inches and has a max user capacity of 350 pounds.

What the expert says: With its cushioned belt, the Sole Fitness F80 is a smart pick for those who log longer but slower workouts. “People may only spend 15 to 30 minutes on a treadmill during a higher-intensity workout, but if you’re performing more low-intensity, steady-state cardio (LISS)—like brisk walking—you will probably be clocking more time,” says Katie Simpson, a senior strategy editor at Forbes Vetted and certified personal trainer. “That makes the treadmill belt all the more important. You’ll want something that cushions and supports your joints.”

Speed range: 0 to 12.5 mph | Incline range: 0% to 12.5% | Warranty: 5 years for frame, 3 years for motor and walking belt, 1 year for touchscreen and most original components | Special features: Ability to watch TV, huge selection of Peloton classes, safety key

• What’s notable: The Tread has intuitive knobs to easily adjust speed and incline, it’s quiet and compact, and classes keep runners of all levels motivated.
• What could be better: It’s on the expensive end, and you need a Peloton subscription to take advantage of classes.

The Peloton Tread is my pick for the best treadmill for runners because it’s incredibly versatile, with a maximum speed of 12.5 mph and a 12.5% maximum incline. It’s up to any task you have in mind—you can walk, speed-walk, jog, sprint, interval run—and easily switches between speeds without slowing down, thanks to smartly positioned knobs on the handrails. Families with young kids will appreciate that the Tread requires a safety key and passcode, so you can’t accidentally unlock it. Like Peloton’s exercise bikes, the Tread offers an impressive range of interactive workout classes (although it requires a membership that’ll cost you $44 a month), and with the new entertainment feature, you can stream TV shows, movies and live sports. The Tread measures 68 x 33 x 62 inches and has a max user capacity of 300 pounds. 

What the expert says: Marathoner and triathlete Tom Holland, who is the owner/founder of Team Holland and the author of The Marathon Method, recently bought a Peloton Tread to train on. “It’s a great treadmill,” he says. “I like the small footprint and the huge screen.” Similarly, Linda LoRe, head coach at the Mile High Run Club in New York City, says the Peloton Tread’s wide, cushioned non-slat belt feels better to run on than most others.

Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -5% to 15% | Warranty: 15 years for frame, 5 years for mechanical parts, 2 years for labor, 1 year for electronics | Special features: Bluetooth heart rate armband, 2-month free access to JRNY workouts

• What’s notable: This pick has an impressive incline/decline range, which is easily controlled with handle buttons, for more serious training, plus a nice big running deck.
• What could be better: It’s a giant machine that won’t fit into small spaces, and the screen is relatively small.

The BowFlex 10 is a big treadmill—both in terms of size and its capabilities. At 85 x 39.6 x 65.3 inches, it’s best suited to a home gym rather than a bedroom—but it has a SoftDrop folding system that allows you to get it out of the way if you need to (be warned that it’s still big even when folded up). With its heft come features that make for top-notch training: The BowFlex has a cushioned running path, an excellent incline and decline range to mimic competitive training and a 10-inch HD touchscreen where you can stream the brand’s JRNY workouts—personalized cardio, strength and whole-body routines that you can access with a membership. The max user capacity is 400 pounds.

What the expert says: I know big machines aren’t trendy, but I still prefer my treadmills on the larger side. I like the feeling of running on a big, sturdy deck, and this size makes me feel like I’m working out on a fancy commercial treadmill at the gym. Since I have a dedicated home gym area, the BowFlex’s larger footprint doesn’t bother me, and I like having extra storage space to toss my phone and a towel.

Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -3% to 12% | Warranty: 10 years for frame, 2 years for parts, 1 year for labor | Special features: Bluetooth connectivity, free 30-day iFIT trial, Google Maps workout tech

• What’s notable: It has a strong motor and a cushioned deck, and it offers iFIT technology.
• What could be better: You can’t stream any outside content.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 has similar features to my top overall pick, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, but it has a slimmer profile for folding, along with a smaller screen and slightly less robust 3.0 CHP motor. The HD screen is plenty immersive at 10 inches, though, and it pivots like the one on the 1750, giving you access to iFIT interactive workouts and customized Google Maps routes so you can mix up your scenic routines. What’s also impressive about this machine is that the incline goes down to -3%, which is unusual for treadmills, so you can practice striding downhill. While it’s a sturdy, heavy machine that’s not easy to move around at 78.5 x 35.6 x 64.7 inches, it folds up to nearly half its size. The max user capacity is 400 pounds.

What the expert says: I currently own the predecessor to this treadmill, the NordicTrack C990, which has since been discontinued, and I have had mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it’s a total workhorse; I have been running hard on it for six years without a single issue. But I find that it’s shaky and loud at high speeds. For the update, NordicTrack made the 1250 a little bigger and heavier, which provides more stability and a smoother run—and it feels cushier.

Speed range: 0 to 12.5 mph | Incline range: 0% to 15% | Warranty: 5 years for frame, motor and walking belt; 1 year for touchscreen and most original components | Special features: All the Tread capabilities plus manual “free mode” run optionality

• What’s notable: The Tread+ has a rubber slat belt for increased cushioning and responsiveness, a nonmotorized run option and an extra-large screen.
• What could be better: It’s expensive and about 15% larger than the Tread, so not quite as compact for small spaces.

Most of the experts I spoke to prefer the feeling of running on a slat belt, and the Tread+ has a cushioned rubber slat belt that gives you a whopping 67 inches of running space. It also has a bigger screen than the Tread, and the incline goes up to 15%, as opposed to the regular Tread, which goes up to a perfectly respectable 12.5%. Experts also like that you can switch off the motor and move the belt with the force of your feet, which offers a more intense workout. The Tread+ measures 75 x 36.5 x 72 inches and has a max user capacity of 300 pounds. 

What our tester says: Running coach LoRe finds slat-belt treadmills to be bouncier and more forgiving on the joints than traditional treadmill belts. “They feel comparable to running outside, and I can run longer on them,” she says. She also notes that the nonmotorized option allows you to build leg strength to the point that when you do run outside, it will feel easier since you’ve built up your endurance. Even beginner and occasional runners I spoke to (who run only once or a few times a week) like the comfort and real-road-like feel of the Tread+, and they describe the intuitive dials on the sides as “life-changing.”

Speed range: 0 to 10 mph | Incline range: 0% to 10% | Warranty: 10 years for frame, 2 years for parts, 1 year for labor | Special features: 30-day iFIT membership included

• What’s notable: The NordicTrack T Series’ convenient size works in most spaces, and this pick comes with 30 days of access to iFIT training classes.
• What could be better: It only goes up to 10 mph and is not as cushioning as more expensive picks. Also, you can’t stream entertainment (TV, movies).

The T Series is a newish addition to the NordicTrack treadmill line, and it’s already proven extremely popular (it has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon). At 73.5 x 36 x 54 inches, it’s compact enough to fit in most homes thanks to its special “space-saver design” that allows you to fold the treadmill for storage, while still featuring a 10-inch HD touchscreen and iFIT access. The brand’s 1250 and 1750 models are more powerful, with a greater range of speeds and inclines, but this basic model works just fine for the average walker or runner trying to stay in shape. Like most treadmills, the max user capacity is 300 pounds.

What the expert says: I find that even lower-priced NordicTrack machines are really dependable and durable. The brand’s FlexSelect cushioning is not particularly cushy to run on, but that’s really an issue only for someone like me, who is running hard for more than 4o minutes at a time. Siik says he also loves NordicTrack for incline walking and lighter running. “They have a solid system for that,” he says.