The best treadmills blend practicality, aesthetics and safety to offer a productive home workout that you actually look forward to. When time is limited or the weather is unfavorable, a treadmill provides an excellent means to stay committed to your fitness objectives. That’s why our team of fitness and equipment specialists scouted various machines that cater to your specific needs, while considering your goals, budget and available space. If you're aiming for a feature-rich machine, our current all-around favorite is the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
The best treadmills of 2023 are good for running, walking or jogging in the comfort of your home. Incline Treadmill
Or, if you're in search of a treadmill that offers excellent bang for your buck, the Horizon Fitness T101 might be more suitable. Regardless of your needs, we've assembled a collection of eight of the best treadmills for home, complete with detailed specs to facilitate an uncomplicated and well-informed decision-making process. And while you’re at it, check out our spin bike and elliptical machine stories for other indoor cardio substitutes.
Dimensions: 80 x 38 x 65 inches | Max user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -3 to 15%
We recommend the 2022 NordicTrack Commercial 1750 for most people looking for a solidly built treadmill that’ll stand up to many years of use. It has a 3.5 CHP motor and a 22-by-60 inch running path that automatically adjusts your incline, decline and speed. That means it greater resembles running (or walking) on the open road; take it up to 12 mph and simulate hilly runs with an incline of up to 15% or decline down to -3%. “The automatic adjustment feature is great for any runner or jogger, but it’s especially helpful for folks who aren’t used to running or jogging on a treadmill,” says senior strategy editor and certified personal trainer (CPT) Katie Simpson. “It’s a bit of a safety hazard to adjust the speed or incline while you’re mid-run during a HIIT- or interval-based workout, which makes the auto-adjustment feature that much more appealing. It’s also easier to perform interval-based training because you don’t have to worry about waiting for the treadmill to catch up to a higher speed or slow down to a lower one—it takes care of the adjustment for you.”
Besides the track and motor, the treadmill features a large 14-inch touchscreen display that swivels so you can see it anywhere in the room, which is especially useful if you opt into NordicTrack’s iFit app. Choose from HIIT, strength training and yoga classes, in addition to cardio, or create custom workouts and save for future use. “Treadmills aren’t quite as entertaining to run on as the outside world, so if you do invest in a NordicTrack, I highly recommend using the iFit program. The built-in workouts come in a variety of intensities—great for running novices or marathoners—and the Google Maps integration makes for a much more engaging workout,” shares Simpson.
What the reviews say: “Have had this thing a few days now and am freakin' in love with it. I doubt I'll lose interest...even if I cancel iFit after the year trial,” says one buyer, adding that they’re free to walk or run “without being hindered by weather, time of day [or] personal safety.”
Dimensions: 70 x 34 x 55 inches | Max user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 10 mph | Incline range: 0 to 10%
While you can certainly find less expensive treadmills, we like that the Horizon Fitness T101 hits the best intersection of price and features. It offers speeds up to 10 mph and inclines up to 10%, which is ideal for most walkers and joggers. We also like that the Horizon Fitness T101 comes with 30 pre-set programs, so you don’t need to plan your workouts entirely on your own. “For beginners who are just getting into cardio, pre-set programs are a game changer,” says CPT and senior strategy editor Katie Simpson. “Oftentimes, folks struggle to stick to a regular exercise program because they don’t know where to start. Pre-set programs take the guesswork out of your programming by offering workouts at different levels, plus you can work your way up to more advanced workouts as you become more accustomed to cardio.”
Outside of its programming, the Horizon T101 also comes with shock absorption, which is a fancy way of saying it softens each step (great for seniors or those concerned about their joints.)
What our editors say: “It's a solid model for the price and definitely good for anyone who's okay with not having anything too high tech,” says senior updates editor Karen Tietjen.
Dimensions: 50 x 20.8 x 40 inches | Max user capacity: 280 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 6 mph | Incline range: 0 to 1%
If your number one priority is affordability, we recommend the Sperax Treadmill. Its barebones design and easy-to-use interface make it well-suited for beginners, walkers and joggers. (Keep in mind the maximum speed only reaches 6 mph so it’s not the best choice for true runners.) “Treadmills like the Sperax are great for people who work from home and are looking for a way to get more daily movement in,” says CPT and editor Katie Simpson. “Its basic design and compact size make it a great option for storing in your office and hopping on at different intervals throughout the day.”
Safety also isn’t an afterthought, which is why the Sperax comes equipped with an emergency stop clip—an essential feature, in our experience, that stops the treadmill if you lose your footing. And while the product photos look as if there’s a screen attached to the pop-up control bar, that’s actually a spot to place your phone or tablet, so you can stream your favorite shows or follow along with a virtual workout class.
What the reviews say: “I got the walking pad so I can hop on it at regular intervals to keep myself moving. This machine is perfect for that. It's quiet, and it can be tucked away under my bed fairly easily. For a person just trying to track steps, it's great.”
Dimensions: 28.5 x 63 x 7.25 inches | Max user capacity: 350 pounds| Speed range: 0.4-4.0 mph | Incline range: No incline
We named the Lifespan TR1200 DTC the best under-desk treadmill overall because of its quiet motor, compact size and wide belt. Those worried about disturbing colleagues with loud mechanical sounds will especially appreciate the treadmill’s six impact-absorbing shocks, which help limit noise and also support your joints by cushioning each step.
To keep tabs on your progress, the LifeSpan TR1200 DT3 comes with a portable console that shows your steps, time, distance, calories burned and the speed you're walking. It’s worth noting that this treadmill is on the heavier side at 115 pounds. But, it does have front wheels that can help you adjust the position of the treadmill or put it away. “Under-desk treadmills are a great option for remote workers. If you can afford to, I recommend splurging on a standing desk if you don’t already have one so you can limit the amount of hours spent sedentary and hit the NHS-recommended 150 hours of physical activity per week,” shares Simpson.
What the reviews say: “This walking pad is very smooth, quiet, and easy to use,” writes one reviewer, calling it the perfect walking pad for work. “I walk at least 6-7 hours a day on this and love the experience.”
Dimensions: 80 x 33 x 58 inches | Max user capacity: 375 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0 to 15%
While you can technically use any treadmill for walking, we like how the Sole F80 keeps your feet comfortable during longer, slower workouts. “People may only spend 15 to 20 minutes on a treadmill during a higher-intensity workout like HIIT, but if you’re performing more low-intensity, steady-state cardio (LISS), you may clock 30 to 40 minutes on a treadmill,” says CPT and editor Katie Simpson. “That makes the treadmill belt all the more important. You’ll want something that cushions and supports your joints.”
And that’s exactly what the Sole F80 offers with its double-woven 22-inch belt, which provides thicker cushioning for joints. In other words, this belt helps reduce the impact felt on your knees and ankle joints. Plus, with a 15% maximum incline, you’ll feel the burn at lower speeds. 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.
What the reviews say: “I did not expect to receive such a high-quality unit that was priced so fairly. This is even nicer than most of the treadmills I have used in gyms and hotels before. Thank you, Sole. Very Very impressed with your product.”
Dimensions: 69.3 x 31 x 49.2 inches | Max user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0 to 10%
“If you live in a smaller home or apartment and want to make the most out of your at-home workout, a compact treadmill is a great solution,” says CPT and editor Katie Simpson. Of all the compact treadmills on the market, we appreciate the how the Echelon Stride can fold down to its belt at the press of a button until the entire treadmill is no more than eight inches tall, so you don’t have to strain after working out to store your treadmill.
Other than its folding abilities, the Echelon Stride features a top speed of 12 mph and has a maximum incline of 10% that’s versatile enough for most workouts. Although you can use the Stride without it, we think you’ll get the most effective use if you sign up for Echelon’s on-demand fitness program. (It does cost $40 per month or $29 per month if you commit to a two-year plan.) You get access to live classes as well as streaming on-demand sessions, and you can compete on the leaderboard with your own social circle.
What the reviews say: “The Stride is perfect for my needs: fits small space, easy to fold, good for walking/jogging, can be used as desk,” writes one reviewer. “We both have Apple watches and like to track our activity. We connected the Echlon App on our iPad to Strava so our Apple Activity rings update.”
Dimensions: 85 x 39.6 x 70 inches | Max User Capacity: 440 pounds | Speed Range: 0 to 20 mph | Incline Range: -5 to 20%
The Bowflex 22 is our favorite folding treadmill because it can shrink up to nearly half its size without skimping on power, speed or incline range. In fact, the Bowflex 22 has a larger speed and incline range than many other treadmills on our list, making it a versatile choice for many users. Plus, it features a larger-than-average, 440-pound weight limit, so it works well for heavyweight individuals who need a more durable machine as well.
If you’re someone who prefers to follow along with guided workouts, we recommend opting into Bowflex’s JRNY membership. This includes instructor-led classes and the option to stream Netflix on its 22-inch display. The downside to this treadmill, though, is its near $3,000 price tag. If the Bowflex 22 exceeds your budget, consider the Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill. It also folds and offers many of the same features, but won't have you sweating bullets over the cost.
What our writers say: “Its display is captivating, its subscription service is incredibly robust and the design contains every single premium feature you could ever hope for,” says contributor Cassandra Brooklyn in her review of the Bowflex Treadmill 22. “Whether you’re logging a few miles to stay in shape through winter or training for a marathon, the Treadmill 22 will most certainly meet your needs.”
Dimensions: 68 x 33 x 62 inches | Max user capacity: 290 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12.5 mph | Incline range: 0 to 12.5%
The Peloton Tread is our top treadmill for runners because it’s incredibly versatile with a maximum speed of 12.5 mph and a 12.5% maximum incline. Walk, jog, run and sprint however you see fit, plus you can easily adjust the speed without slowing down thanks to the knobs on each side of the handrails. For safety-conscious folks, the Tread also requires a safety key and passcode in order to turn on the treadmill.
However, according to our audience development director, what really makes the Peloton Tread stand out is its classes. Similar to Peloton’s exercise bikes, the Tread offers an array of interactive running classes designed to keep you motivated and engaged in your workout. It’s worth noting, though, that these classes require a membership that’ll cost you $44 a month. “There’s a reason Peloton rules the cardio space,” says CPT and editor Katie Simpson. “Not only are the machines top-notch from a construction and durability standpoint, but the classes, though pricey, are incredibly encouraging. I often hear clients who typically hate cardio comment how quickly time flies when using their Peloton.”
What our team says: “The Peloton Tread is one of my happy places. It’s a solid, sleek piece of hardware, but it’s the software that makes the Tread worth the investment. From livestream workouts to Peloton’s huge catalog of classes to games like Lanebreak, the Peloton Tread offers something for any level of fitness. Plus, it’s not just for running—you can stream yoga, strength and other off-tread workouts using the treadmill’s large hi-def screen,” says audience development director Spencer Dukoff.
Over the years, the team at Forbes Vetted has published a variety of health and wellness articles that feature thoroughly researched products from brands we trust. As with any industry, fitness equipment and wellness brands make many claims, and it’s our job to cut through the noise by providing solid recommendations our readers can trust.
As such, our gear editor Cam Vigliotta, deputy editor Dave Jonson and senior strategy editor Katie Simpson have tested and reviewed countless pieces of fitness gear and equipment (everything from the best ellipticals to bike trainers). Cam holds a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he spent considerable time as a pilot subject for motor control and locomotion neuromechanics graduate research. He uses his background to make informed decisions that support you and your wellness needs. Katie is a certified personal trainer (CPT) and leveraged her experience with treadmills and feedback from clients for this story.
In addition to our team’s expertise, we consulted Mobility Doc physical therapist and M.D. Chloe Costigan about the types of treadmills that are best for injury prevention and recovery. We also stay up-to-date on product pricing, availability and customer reviews with the goal of providing the most accurate, timely information possible. During each update, we re-evaluate our treadmill picks to ensure that they’re still (in our opinion) some of the best choices in their categories. This story was last updated in December 2023 to do just that: We vetted each of our existing picks to make sure they’re still the best and added treadmill-centric advice from Simpson and Costigan.
We chose the best treadmills by performing extensive research, which included patiently sifting through firsthand reviews from professional testers and consumers. We’ve also tested (and enjoyed) many of these treadmills ourselves in the comfort of our own homes; you’ll find many of the picks on our list come personally recommended. Treadmills with less than a 4-star rating—as well as treadmills with concerning reviews—did not make the cut, however.
And because we know every shopper has different needs in terms of budget, intended purpose and storage space, our list contains a variety of options. The LifeSpan TR1200 DT3 Treadmill wide belt makes it easy to work and exercise simultaneously, plus its compact size is ideal for apartment dwellers. Those who prefer following a guided workout should enjoy the Peloton Tread, which provides access to on-screen trainers and tons of different workouts. All in all, our list includes treadmills that can suit every kind of cardio enthusiast.
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 to consider as well.
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 if you’re just using your treadmill for walking or light jogging, but runners should check this stat before proceeding.
A noisy treadmill is not ideal if you share your space or have people living above or below you. Opting for a reduced noise option, free of creaks and squeaks, will not only keep your neighbors happy if you live in a multi-apartment building, but will make for a more enjoyable workout.
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 any sway while it’s in use.
Safety is a top priority with any gym equipment you purchase, especially with a cardio machine that features moving components. You’ll want to check for fixed handrails and a study surface for tougher workouts. Many treadmills have an emergency clip to shut down the belt in the event of a fall.
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 as well as warranty standards from 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.
You’ll also want to consider factors like shock absorption, cushioning and capability 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 or HD displays that let you immerse yourself in online coaching sessions and workouts, but beware, this requires a monthly or annual monetary commitment.
Different types of treadmills cater to specific needs.
Before you invest in a treadmill of your very own, consider perusing the different types of treadmills. There’s a good chance you’ll be in the market for one of the traditional, full-size models above, but other versions exist—like under-desk treadmills, folding treadmills and curved treadmills—that might meet your unique needs.
Powered by an electric motor, these are the most common type of treadmill. They offer a range of speeds and incline levels that can be adjusted using the treadmill's console, and are suitable for various workout intensities. Many of the latest and greatest motorized treadmills also come with built-in workout programs.
Manual treadmills are the opposite of motorized treadmills—they’re not powered by an electric motor, but rather, your walking or running motion that moves the belt. These treadmills are usually more affordable, take up less space, and are better for injury prevention and recovery since they most closely mimics what your body does naturally during a run. When using a motorized treadmill, “your body is responding to the force of the belt pushing you back. This changes your gait,” says Dr. Chloe Costigan. “That’s why manual treadmill or curved treadmills can be helpful in more closely mimicking your natural gait.”
As their name implies, curved treadmills have a curved running surface that’s self-powered. You’ll have to exert more effort to move the belt, which makes this type of treadmill suitable for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), challenging workouts and joint longevity. “Curved treadmills were intentionally designed to optimize your gait by facilitating running on the balls of your feet. This helps to improve your cadence, meaning how many steps you take per minute,” says Costigan. “Typically runners take too few steps during each minute.”
Folding treadmills are designed to save space. They feature a foldable deck that can be raised to a vertical position, allowing the treadmill to be stored in a more compact form. These are great if you have limited workout space, or live in a small home or apartment where every square foot counts.
Built for heavy use in gyms, fitness centers and other high-traffic environments, commercial treadmills are known for their durability, larger running surfaces, powerful motors and advanced features. You probably don’t need a commercial treadmill unless you’re a part of a large family of diehard runners.
Desk treadmills combine a treadmill with a work surface, allowing you to walk or jog while working on a computer or performing other duties. They promote an active and healthy lifestyle, especially for those of us with sedentary jobs.
Not to be confused with desk treadmills, under-desk treadmills are compact and designed to fit under a standing desk. They allow you to walk while working, promoting movement and reducing the negative effects of prolonged sitting, but you can remove the treadmill once you’re done using it. Compact and lightweight, these treadmills don’t provide you with the ability to run or raise the platform to a steep incline, but they keep you moving when you might otherwise sit still.
This comes down to a number of factors: budget, space and functionality. The best treadmill for your home will be one that won’t break the bank, fits snuggly into whatever space you’re working with and has all the design features your heart desires to keep you motivated during workouts. For some, a simple no frills machine will do the trick, whilst others might want an innovative machine complete with the latest tech—be that a HD touchscreen or smart technology integration. As mentioned above, noise is another factor to consider.
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.
As financing options become more accessible, a growing number of individuals are understandably on the hunt for top-tier, high end treadmills. While there's no singular definition that designates a treadmill as "high-end," it generally embraces a mix of cutting-edge technology, a robust motor, a seamless belt and a solid frame that maintains stability even during the most intense speeds. Other high end features might include a large display, subscription fitness services and Bluetooth compatibility.
My mentors were James Walker Michaels, Geoffrey N. Smith and William Baldwin. I started out in the statistics department of Forbes in the mid-'80s then transitioned to writing. I mainly wrote about high-priced stocks that I believed were doomed. Example: my story on CUC International pointed out how the company's aggressive accounting was masking a cash-flow problem. CUC's stock subsequently crashed and the CEO was convicted of fraud. My CUC story is the focus of a chapter in the 2004 book: Forbes Greatest Investing Stories (John Wiley & Sons) by Richard Phalon. I even wrote an Earnings Quality newsletter for Forbes for a brief period (I think it peaked at about 150 subscribers). These days I like to take lots and lots of numbers and turn them into proprietary concepts and multi-platform content. Three of my longstanding publishing creations: the valuations of sports teams, ranking actors and movie studios on bang for the buck (ROI) and the Forbes Fab 40 (the most valuable sports brands). My most recent non-sports idea was Names You Need To Know, which broadened my concept of list creation to include direct input from our audience. My latest creation was the \"SportsMoney Index,\" which ranks the most valuable athletes, brands, teams and sports agencies based on a combination of their individual values, and value of the top athletes, brands, teams and agencies they do business with. I also have a passion for economics (my MBA thesis at Long Island University was an empirical study on the cause of inflation in which regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the general level of prices and the money supply). Besides being an Assistant Managing Editor at Forbes I also have a gig as co-host and Managing Editor of the four-time New York Emmy award winning Forbes SportsMoney on the YES Network and Fox Sports 1 with my buddies at YES, co-host Bob Lorenz and producer David Alfreds, both of whom have taught me a tremendous amount. One of my favorite affairs is being a guest every few weeks on Larry Kudlow's radio show on WABC Saturday mornings. Larry has been a great mentor and friend. My brother in arms is Kurt Badenhausen, whom I have worked with for many years and knows more about sports numbers than anyone.
Follow me on Twitter @MikeOzanian
Walking Pad Foldable Treadmill My mentors were James Walker Michaels, Geoffrey N. Smith and William Baldwin. I started out in the statistics department of Forbes in the mid-'80s then transitioned to writing. I mainly wrote about high-priced stocks that I believed were doomed. Example: my story on CUC International pointed out how the company's aggressive accounting was masking a cash-flow problem. CUC's stock subsequently crashed and the CEO was convicted of fraud. My CUC story is the focus of a chapter in the 2004 book: Forbes Greatest Investing Stories (John Wiley & Sons) by Richard Phalon. I even wrote an Earnings Quality newsletter for Forbes for a brief period (I think it peaked at about 150 subscribers). These days I like to take lots and lots of numbers and turn them into proprietary concepts and multi-platform content. Three of my longstanding publishing creations: the valuations of sports teams, ranking actors and movie studios on bang for the buck (ROI) and the Forbes Fab 40 (the most valuable sports brands). My most recent non-sports idea was Names You Need To Know, which broadened my concept of list creation to include direct input from our audience. My latest creation was the \"SportsMoney Index,\" which ranks the most valuable athletes, brands, teams and sports agencies based on a combination of their individual values, and value of the top athletes, brands, teams and agencies they do business with. I also have a passion for economics (my MBA thesis at Long Island University was an empirical study on the cause of inflation in which regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the general level of prices and the money supply). Besides being an Assistant Managing Editor at Forbes I also