The 12 Best Treadmills, Tested and In-Depth Reviewed

Whether you’re training for a race, doing interval workouts, or just trying to hit your daily step goal, a treadmill can be one of the smartest investments for your home gym. But finding the best treadmill for your space can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, from compact walking pads to feature-packed machines, it can be tough to figure out which treadmill is right for you (and actually worth the investment).

That’s where we come in, doing the legwork for you (literally). We spoke with fitness experts to learn which features actually matter and which ones you can skip. Then, we tested 18 top-rated treadmills from trusted brands — walking, jogging, and running on each — to see how they stacked up. We evaluated performance, features, and design so you can find the best treadmill for your space, budget, and fitness goals.

Credit: Amazon

Why We Like It

• Simple, intuitive controls

• No added costs or memberships

• Compact and foldable

Dimensions: 62″ L x 25.5″W x 50″H | Weight capacity: 220 lbs. | Maximum speed: 9 mph | Incline: 0 to 4.3

The Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill proves you don’t need a bulky, high-tech machine to get a solid workout at home. It’s compact, easy to set up, and refreshingly straightforward — just plug it in, pick your speed, and go. We liked how intuitive the buttons were, with quick-start and stop functions right on the handles.

While the incline range is limited and must be adjusted manually, this treadmill impressed us with how responsive it was to speed changes, making it a strong everyday option for walking and jogging without any extra bells, whistles, or subscriptions.

Shape

Credit: Amazon

Dimensions: 69.1”L x 35.6”W x 56.7”H| Weight capacity: 275 lbs. | Maximum speed: 10 mph | Incline: 0 to 10

Walking on the Schwinn 810 felt like strolling through the park, thanks to its sturdy build and generously wide belt. The cushioned deck offered noticeable joint relief during walks, jogs, and even light sprints — making it one of the most comfortable treadmills we tested.

Assembly took some muscle, and portability isn’t its strong suit given the heavier frame. But as a reliable, gym-quality treadmill designed to stay put in your home, it earns a solid thumbs-up.

Credit: Amazon

Dimensions: 62.4″D x 26.8″W x 50.2″H | Weight capacity: 285 lbs. | Maximum speed: 9 mph | Incline: 0 to 3 

If you’re on a tight budget but still want a reliable treadmill, the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Motorized Treadmill delivers. Priced under $500, it’s one of the most affordable full-sized models available and still comes with helpful extras like step tracking, calorie counting, and Bluetooth app compatibility.

We did run into a couple of drawbacks: the manual incline was inconvenient to adjust mid-workout, and the control panel felt a bit confusing at first. Still, we appreciated how easily the treadmill folded up, making it a solid pick for smaller spaces

Credit: Egofit

Why We Like It

• Can fit almost anywhere

• Has a remote and display that tracks distance, speed, and more

• Easy to move between spaces

Dimensions: 38.39″D x 21.85″W x 6.89″H | Weight capacity: 220 lbs. | Maximum speed: 3.11 mph | Incline: 0 to 5

If you’ve seen the TikToks about under desk treadmills you’ve probably seen the Egofit Walker. Unlike traditional treadmills, this walker doesn’t have an interface but a remote control that allows you to control the speed and incline and a side display that shares the data of calories, time, steps, distance and speed. 

We loved that the remote had a strap so we could have it on our wrist and not drop it. It’s super easy to put away, too. Our tester used it on their guest room, balcony, and main room and moving between spaces was seamless. We easily slid it under the bed and found it doesn’t take much space and it’s not that heavy. 

Credit: Amazon

It’s Worth Noting

• Lower max speed

• No incline option

Dimensions: 39″D x 21″W x 3.5″H | Weight capacity: 350 lbs. | Maximum speed: 3.8 mph | Incline: No incline

Smaller and slower than a traditional treadmill, the Sperax Walking Vibration Pad is ideal for getting in steps almost anywhere. At just a few inches tall, it’s lightweight enough to move from room to room with ease (just stop us before we haul this thing into the shower with us). Because it’s so simple to use, we found ourselves hopping on it nearly every day. 

The most shocking part? This tread doubles as a vibration plate, so you can add light vibration during your walk or use it as a standalone recovery tool. But if you’re looking for features like incline training or higher speeds, you won’t find them here — its top pace maxes out at 3.8 miles per hour.

Credit: Amazon

Dimensions: 78.5” L x 35.6” W x 64.7” H | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 mph | Incline: -3 to 12

With a responsive motor and a tilting touchscreen, the NordicTrack 1250 is a runner’s treadmill through and through. It supports both incline and decline training, automatically adjusting during workouts, and connects with heart rate monitors to provide optimal training zones.

While some advanced features require additional subscriptions, the treadmill itself is packed with training power and stability, making it one of the best choices for serious runners.

Credit: NordicTrack

Dimensions: 77.3″ L x 35.3″ W x 59.6″ H | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 mph | Incline: 0 to 12

Treadmills can be intimidating to use, especially for someone just starting out, but the NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill is easy to use while still performing at a top level. It strikes a balance between beginner-friendly usability and high-performance training. It adjusts quickly to speed and incline changes, reaching speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and inclines of up to 12 percent — making it versatile for walkers, joggers, and seasoned runners.

Though its size makes it less practical for small apartments, the larger deck creates a secure and comfortable running experience. If you’re ready to invest in a treadmill built to grow with your fitness goals, this one is a reliable long-term pick.

Credit: Amazon

Why We Like It

• High weight capacity (400 pounds)

• Maximum speed is 12 miles per hour

• Stable and smooth even at high speeds

Dimensions: 85″ L x 39.6″ W x 65.3″ H | Weight capacity: 400 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 mph | Incline: -5 to 15

The Bowflex 10 Treadmill goes above and beyond standard machines with its impressive incline and decline range, intuitive controls, and durable build that doesn’t rattle even at top speeds. It also has one of the highest weight limits of the treadmills we tested.

We liked its mix of performance features—AI coaching, preset workouts, and app syncing—plus entertainment perks like Netflix and Hulu integration. While some premium features require a subscription, the Bowflex 10 still feels like a gym-level machine for the home.

Credit: Courtesy of Dick’s

Dimensions: 82″ L x 37″ W x 66″ H | Weight capacity: 375 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 mph | Incline: 0 to 15

The Sole F80 Treadmill combines the convenience of a folding treadmill with the durability of a traditional model. It offers a strong motor, a cushioned deck, and an incline of up to 15%, plus thoughtful extras like a tablet holder and a USB port for streaming or following workouts.

We found the console to be straightforward, and the toggles on the arms convenient for quickly changing speed or incline. While the treadmill gets louder at faster paces, its sturdy build and compact fold make it one of the best options for small spaces.

Credit: Amazon

Specs: 63.4″L x 28.75″W x 51.4″H | Weight capacity: 250 lbs. | Max speed: 10 mph | Incline: 0 to 3

For anyone short on space, the XTERRA TR260 Treadmill offers a reliable workout without dominating your living room. We loved how it seamlessly folds to under 30 inches and easily rolls into a closet or corner (thanks to the convenient wheels).

Despite its compact size, it still reaches speeds up to 10 miles per hour and has three incline levels. It’s less incline options than others, but still a solid value. Plus, setup is simple, and the sturdy design makes it a strong budget-friendly choice for walkers and light joggers.

Credit: Horizon Fitness

Dimensions: 76″ x 37″ x 63″ | Weight capacity: 350 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12 mph | Incline: 0 to 15

Designed with serious runners in mind, the Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT is perfect for interval and HIIT training. Its extra-long belt gives you room to stride at top speeds, and the twist controls on the arms make it easy to adjust incline and speed mid-workout.

We were impressed with how smoothly and responsively the machine operated, quickly adjusting without jolts or noise. It’s a strong pick for anyone who loves fast-paced, challenging workouts.

Credit: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Why We Like It

• Maximum speed is 12.5 miles per hour

• Oversized screen helps limit distractions

• Can customize total body workouts

Dimensions: 68″ L x 33″ W x 62″ H | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Maximum speed: 12.5 mph | Incline: 0 to 12.5

If you’re a regular at Barry’s classes or other HIIT workouts, a smart treadmill might be the best option to invest in. The Peloton treadmill offers an array of classes on a state-of-the-art belt for the ultimate home workout (though the membership can be a bit pricey). We found that choosing workouts is very easy, since Pelton offers multiple classes with different trainers at all levels for walking, hiking, and running.

Additionally, Peloton offers live classes around the clock, and we can also store past classes to access them “on demand” later. Classes can also be stacked ahead of time, allowing you to customize a total-body workout based on your fitness goals. And if you don’t want to take a class at all, you can use the Tread’s Just Run mode or go for a scenic or timed run by yourself, without an instructor.

What to Know About Treadmills

• Dimensions: While you can get a treadmill in different dimensions to best fit a space, the average treadmill is around 78 inches long by 36 inches wide. When it comes to width, anything less than 16″ wide is difficult to walk, and going up to 20″ is ideal for runners. While walkers can do well with a 48-inch-long belt, if you’re planning to run faster than a jog, more length is better. If you’re on the taller side, go for an even longer length. However, keep in mind the width when getting it through the door if it comes already assembled.
• Ceiling height: Most homes will need an 8-foot ceiling to comfortably use a treadmill. For reference, most homes have an eight to 9-foot ceiling, on average. Tall users or treadmills with a step-up may require more space. A general rule of thumb is 6 inches of clearance above your head when the treadmill is at its maximum incline.
• Speed and incline: Depending on what you want your treadmill for, it’s important to think about the speed and incline capabilities a treadmill has. The typical speed for walking is between 3 and 4 miles per hour, and between 6 and 8 miles per hour for running. When it comes to incline, going up to a 15 percent incline would be ideal, especially for different types of training, to develop strong lean legs, or if you want to emulate running on a hilly route or try Lauren Giraldo’s 12-3-30 treadmill workout. Knowing your running or walking speed and required features can help you narrow down the machine that’s right for your home.

How We Tested the Treadmills 

We wanted to make sure our recommendations weren’t just good on paper — they had to hold up in real life. Each treadmill went through an in-depth testing process that covered setup, everyday usability, comfort, and long-term value. Here’s how we did it:

• Ease of Setup: We unboxed each treadmill and recorded the time it took to assemble, noting whether extra tools were required or if the instructions were confusing. For models that offered white-glove delivery, we also noted how convenient it made the process. 
• Ease of Use: A treadmill should make it simple to move more — not create frustration. We tested how intuitive the controls were, whether it was easy to adjust speed and incline, and how quickly the machine responded to changes. 
• Storability: The ability to fold and store a treadmill is a major space-saving bonus. Our testers kept careful notes on how easily various machines folded up and how compact they became afterward.
• Features: While a treadmill doesn’t have to come with bells and whistles, extra perks can make workouts more engaging. We evaluated streaming capabilities, fitness app syncing, Bluetooth and speaker quality, and the usefulness of preset programs. 
• Comfort: Comfort determines how likely you are to keep using a treadmill. We walked, jogged, and ran at different speeds, assessing belt cushioning, stability, noise levels, and overall feel. We also checked whether the deck and handles were supportive enough for longer sessions.
• Value: Finally, we considered price. Every treadmill we tested retails for under $4,000, but we didn’t stop at sticker cost. We compared performance, durability, and features against the median price to decide whether each machine was truly worth it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best treadmill for home use?

  The best treadmill for home use really depends on your needs. Think about your priorities — whether that’s price, size, foldability, or extra features like streaming workouts — and choose a model that fits your lifestyle and space.

• Are more expensive treadmills better?

  Not always. Higher-priced treadmills often come with perks, like built-in workout programs, larger touchscreens, incline/decline ranges, or longer warranties. But if your main goal is simply walking, jogging, or running indoors, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable treadmill.

Why Trust Shape

Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, is a nutritionist and health and wellness writer in Mesa, Arizona. As a regular runner and off-and-on treadmill owner, she’s personally tested dozens of treadmills. She believes that, for running or walking, a simple, no-frills option is all you need. She’s thrilled to recommend budget-friendly treadmills to help people of every fitness level boost their health from the comfort of home. 

Additional reporting by Brooke LaMantia.

Brooke LaMantia is a journalist writing about all things culture, fashion, and lifestyle. She grew up playing sports and rowed at the University of Texas Austin before transferring to New York University. Since then, she’s become an avid runner, and while she loves to spend time doing so at the East River Park, spends just as much time on treadmills in the winter.