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Finding a new treadmill may be both exciting and stressful at the same time. It's fun to look at treadmills online and see yourself using one of them (and totally crushing it) in your own house. However, when you realize how many treadmills are out there, it might be hard to figure out the right one for you. There are hundreds of treadmills out there on the market, from well-known brands like NordicTrack and Sole to others you've never heard of outside of Amazon.
Treadmills are also available in a wide variety of styles and price points. That's why we have reviewed the top treadmills in 2024. Our top picks plus our comprehensive buyer’s guide will equip you with the knowledge of what the right treadmill looks like for you. Once you've discovered the treadmill of your dreams, your investment in your health will be priceless! Keep reading for our favorite picks.
Comparing the Leading Treadmills of 2024 in Detail
NordicTrack — Best Overall
Key Features
- 1-year iFit subscription
- FlexSelect cushioning
- 0% to 10% incline range
- When folded, it takes up less space and is easier to lift
Despite its low price, the T Series (T6.5 Si) treadmill from NordicTrack is surprisingly high-tech. For power walking and jogging, it's great, but it may not be as sturdy for long-distance runs or interval training. If you're looking for a treadmill with a wide range of speeds and inclines, as well as pre-programmed exercises, you'll still get everything you need with this option. If you like to stroll or run, then this treadmill is right for you. Even if it's just because of its price, this treadmill is worthy of your attention.
Ksports Electric Folding Incline Treadmill — High-Quality Choice
Key Features
- Compact and space-saving design
- Incline feature for varying intensity of workouts
- Convenience and versatility
The Ksports Electric Folding Incline Treadmill is the perfect fitness companion. It’s most suitable for those who crave a convenient and effective way to achieve their exercise goals. Plus, you can do so within the comfort of your own home. This treadmill blends cutting-edge technology with a space-saving design. That’s what makes it a smart choice for fitness enthusiasts with busy lifestyles.
Experience the future of home fitness with this treadmill. Its electric folding mechanism means you can effortlessly stow it away when you’re not using it and reclaim your valuable living space. The incline feature of this treadmill is what lets you take your workouts to the next level. With this feature, you can target specific muscle groups while increasing your calorie burn.
Sunny Health & Fitness — Best Features
Key Features
- Foldable and small design
- A total of nine pre-programmed workouts
- Speed of 9 miles per hour
- A running surface roughly 16 inches wide by 49 inches long
The Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill has a lot to offer at such a low price. If you're looking for a foldable treadmill that includes various training options, this model of treadmill, SF-T4400, is the best option in its price range. When it comes to calculating BMI (a measure of body fat), this treadmill also conveniently does that.
This compact, foldable, and lightweight treadmill is ideal if you're looking for an entry-level workout machine and aren't particularly obese. You can even measure your speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories with the help of an integrated digital monitor.
XTERRA — Best for Beginners
Key Features
- The cost is quite reasonable
- Speed, incline, and time are visible on the 5-inch LCD monitor
- A variety of rates from 0.5 to 10 mph makes it suitable for people of any fitness level
- The 12 pre-programmed workouts provide unrivaled diversity
XTERRA Fitness TR150 is a good option if you're brand new to treadmills. Features that aren't often seen on treadmills for under $500 are included with this model. For example, EKG heart rate grips are included with the TR150 instead of the less expensive thumb plate. In addition, the Xterra TR150's construction isn't shoddy. However, the TR150's warranty is what we're most excited about.
Goplus — Easiest to Assemble
Key Features
- Large LCD screen display
- Bluetooth speakers may be used to connect to other electrical devices
- Its 5-layer jogging belt is both non-slip and shock-absorbing
- 3-in-1 design
The Goplus treadmill has a 2.25 HP motor that is both strong and silent. A variety of exercise modes and phone holders allow you to listen to music or watch your favorite movies while working out. When not in use, it's easy to store or move because of its foldable form and swiveling wheels. Working, jogging, and running are all made easier with the tables that can be removed. Bluetooth can be used to pair your treadmill with your phone so you can listen to music hands-free as you work out
SereneLife — Best Incline
Key Features
- Hydraulic folding design makes it simple to set up and store
- Preset training modes are included.
- Touch-sensitive buttons accompany the treadmill's LCD digital display
- It’s possible to set the incline manually by using the adjusters
With the SereneLife Smart Digital Treadmill Machine, you can have the physique of your dreams from the convenience of your own home. The sleek, modern folding design along with the solid, durable frame make it easy to store.
It has a powerful yet quiet engine and an easy-to-read display for keeping track of things like time, calories burned, distance traveled, and speed. It also connects to your phone through Bluetooth, so you can record and monitor training data and share fitness statistics on social media with the FitShow app.
How to Find a High-Quality Treadmill: A Buyer's Guide
Deciding on the right treadmill for you might seem like a daunting task. There are many reputable treadmill manufacturers and a large number of treadmill models to choose from. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself much more perplexed than when you started. This treadmill buying guide is a great place to start if you're looking to buy a treadmill for your house for the first time and aren't sure what questions to ask.
Considerations You Should Keep In Mind
You may find treadmill specifications or "specs" on the box. In the end, it's up to you to choose the right treadmill for home usage based on your exercise regimen and goals. Take a look at these qualities to evaluate if the treadmill you're considering is worth your time and money.
Motor
A tread's motor drives its track. Power output can be expressed as either CHP or hp (horsepower). In this case, the CHP must be considered since it reveals how much continuous power a motor can generate compared to its peak output.
However, how much motor power do you require? Depending on your body weight and the type of training you intend to engage in, you may or may not need a powerful motor. The following is the suggested motor power for users up to 200 pounds in weight:
- At least 3.0 CHP is required to run
- 2.5 CHP or more required for jogging
- 2.0 CHP or more required for walking
Furthermore, a motor's lifespan is shortened if it is operated at or near its maximum capacity regularly. As a result, if you're over 200 lbs, we recommend upgrading your treadmill by 0.5 CHP.
Size of the track
Walkers aren't as concerned with distance as they are about the size of the running track, so a treadmill track of roughly 55 inches is suitable. Consider a treadmill with a 58-to-60-inch track size if you want longer strides. Treadmills with a 63-inch path are also available from some of the most popular manufacturers of household treadmills. Finally, choosing a treadmill with a shorter track might save money for walkers. Runners, on the other hand, need a more significant amount of space.
Tread belts
Thickness, lubrication, and metal rollers are all things to keep in mind regarding the treadmill belt.
- Thickness: When it comes to thickness, two- or four-ply belts are more durable than single-ply belts.
- Lubrication: Treadmill belts require lubrication, just like any other piece of gear, to keep them running at their best. For the finest treadmill for home usage, the track should be lubricated with silicone or any other equivalent lubricant.
- Metal rollers: Metal rollers drive a track. As a result, the motor's lifespan can be extended by using larger-diameter rollers. A roller diameter of roughly 2.5 feet should be sufficient for residential treadmills.
Incline
You can intensify your treadmill exercises by increasing the incline. Utilizing an incline not only helps you burn more calories, but it also stimulates various muscles in your body, creating a much more effective workout. Consequently, you'll be able to build greater muscle mass while simultaneously lowering the potential of injury by reducing the strain on your joints and ankles.
A lot of treadmills nowadays have an incline feature, but how robust that feature is can depend on the price of the treadmill. The manual tilt is more common in lower-priced treadmills, while the automated incline is more common in more expensive treadmills.
Speed of the track
Most walkers can get by with treadmills that only go up to 10mph. For those that take longer steps on the tread or who like to jog or run, you'll want a peak speed of 12mph.
Pre-configured programs
Pre-loaded training routines are available with several of the top treadmills for home usage. Whatever your exercise objectives may be, these programs can help you reach them.
How do these routines work? Pick one, and the treadmill's speed and inclination is set automatically. In addition, treadmills equipped with iFit or Virtual Active technology may potentially be used for immersive exercises. With many additional features, iFit allows you to use Google Maps in your workouts without any restrictions. Virtual Active treadmills, on the other hand, present stunning scenery on the integrated screen while automatically adjusting your workout intensity and tempo to match.
Warranties
The warranty on a treadmill provides information from the manufacturer about how long it will last. The motor, frame, labor, and parts are all covered by a conventional treadmill guarantee. They vary by brand, however, so always do your due diligence.
Capacity for weight
On average, treadmills can sustain a user weight of between 220 and 330 pounds. We recommend a treadmill that can hold at least 45 pounds more than your weight.
Portability and storage
You’ll find both inexpensive and expensive treadmills that have folding capabilities. When you're done working out, use them to fold the deck back up. Some treadmills have power-assist technology that removes the need for manual-folding, however, some are also portable, with lightweight construction and wheels for easy movement.
Finding a Treadmill Within Your Budget
To begin your treadmill search, you’ll need to set a budget for yourself. Do not fall in love with a treadmill to find out later that you can’t afford it. So, before you begin your search for a treadmill, we propose that you consider your budget.
Under $500
There is a good chance these treadmills are built with substandard components and will not survive more than a year of regular use.
Between $500-$700
Between $500-$700, the treadmills typically have a maximum speed of 10 MPH and an incline range of 0% to 10%. In this pricing bracket, warranties tend to be shorter as well. Those who want to use a treadmill like this for a long time should limit their workouts to jogging and walking.
Under $1000
Treadmills for less than $1,000 may be found in a broad range of quality models. These treadmills have a noticeable improvement in cushioning quality, several of which have proprietary cushioning technology. As well as speeds up to 12 MPH, you'll also notice that some can only achieve an incline of 10 percent. Walking and jogging are the best uses for these treadmills. If you are a frequent runner, they may not last as long as they would if you were not.
Under $1500
This price range is where our testers locate the treadmills they need for their active lifestyles to fit their budgets. As a result, these treadmills are referred to as "people pleasers" because of their affordability and ability to suit various fitness levels, while still lasting a while.
Under $2000
The treadmill amenities you get in this pricing category are touch displays, 35+ training programs, and 15% incline levels. These treadmills are built to last, with heavy-duty frames built to withstand the rigors of daily use. This pricing range is ideal for households with numerous treadmill users who use the treadmill daily and is excellent for walkers, joggers, and runners.
Under $2500
Treadmills that cost less than $2,500 tend to be of the "light commercial" variety. It means they can handle a lot of wear and tear, but they're not quite up to the rigors of treadmills found in commercial gyms. The quality and features available at this price point are much improved, though, allowing you to choose things like the console type and software add-ons.
What is the Return Policy of the Seller?
Buying a treadmill doesn't mean you'll be returning it, but understanding the return policy ahead of time might help you decide where to buy it. Manufacturers typically require customers to pay for return freight or a restocking charge, or a combination of the two, because treadmills are large and expensive to transport and are therefore difficult to return. Before making a purchase, make sure to familiarize yourself with the return policy and any associated penalties.
What are the Benefits of a Treadmill?
It is beneficial to walk, jog, or run daily as part of a healthy lifestyle. Running is a great way to shed pounds while toning up at the same time. Other advantages of a running machine include:
- Running indoors is more convenient than running on the street or in bad weather
- Walking and running burn calories even on a level surface, but an inclined treadmill might help you obtain even more outstanding results
- It is possible to connect your smartphone to a treadmill's built-in speakers so that you can listen to music while exercising
- Select a preset workout plan and let the treadmill adjust the speed and incline for you, rather than continually tapping the controls
