If you’re planning to purchase a treadmill for your home, you should know that it’s no small investment. But with the high level of competition in the marketplace and more stock available than years past, now is a perfect time to take the leap. Whether you want to train for a marathon, build endurance with intense weighted-vest walks on an incline, get the blood pumping between errands, or all of the above, there’s a machine out there for you.
Out of all the treadmills we’ve tested, we believe that the NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill is a reliable choice for most people to use at home, given its durability, performance, and overall value. Its design is simplistic and user-friendly, with a modest touchscreen that offers preset programs and entertainment. For those seeking an added layer of motivation, an optional subscription for on-board workout content is available as an add-on. Keep reading to discover the six best treadmills for your home gym.
What to Consider
Dimensions
When you are building a home gym, space is a precious resource, and treadmills can take up a significant amount. Be sure to check the dimensions of any treadmill you’re currently shopping. Be sure to add at least 1-2 feet in every direction and three feet or more behind the treadmill (the area you step on to the machine from) for maximum safety.
One thing buyers also tend to overlook is the height. You’ll want at least 15” inches above your own height when standing on the treadmill. So, if you’re 5’10” (70 inches), make sure your ceiling height is enough to accommodate 85 inches, plus the height of the treadmill belt. This is especially important if you’re planning to use your treadmill for running.
Lastly, be sure you are considering the amount of space you are going to need for storage if you aren’t planning for the treadmill to be left out when you aren’t working out. There are some great folding treadmill options, and models that can be moved or positioned easily, that can help you make the most of the space between runs.
Deck Size
Looking for a treadmill suitable for running? Or maybe you just want a reliable machine to walk on while you watch TV. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll want to ensure the deck size suits your activity preferences (and your height). The industry standard for a walking treadmill deck is 55 inches by 20 inches, and at least 60 inches by 20 inches for running. You may be able to get away with running or walking on shorter decks, but this means altering your stride length, which means you’ll have to think about every step you take.
Stability
This might seem obvious, but double-check that all four corners of the treadmill are firmly in contact with the floor after setup. Many home floors aren’t 100% level (you’d be surprised). You want to make sure that your treadmill is well-planted to minimize the risk of slippage, shifting, or tilting.
Noise
Treadmills can—and often do—make a lot of noise, especially for your downstairs neighbors (if you live in an apartment) or housemates (if you live in a multistory house). If you think this might be an issue, consider a treadmill mat to help minimize the noise. These simple and usually affordable mats can help deaden the sound and vibration on the floor beneath a treadmill. However it won’t quiet down the belt itself, and we’ve made a point to suggest models that won’t screech above your gym playlist.
Power Required
Treadmills—especially large and commercial models—can draw significant power. If your home’s electrical setup allows, dedicate one circuit to just your treadmill. This will help ensure that other power-hungry devices potentially on that same circuit don’t blow a fuse.
Speed & Incline
Nobody wants to drop the money for a treadmill that isn’t going to keep up with their workouts. Be sure to decide what kinds of speeds and inclines you are going to require for your training goals. The fact is treadmills will have different capacities when it comes to these features, and while 12 mph might be enough for some, it may not be enough for sprinters. The same goes with inclines. Most brands are transparent about the motor’s horsepower but some don’t disclose on the treadmill’s spec sheet. For reference, you should look for at least a 3.0 CHP motor if you plan to run or sprint regularly.
Warranty
The industry standard for a treadmill frame warranty is 15 years to life. This is the standard for mid- to high-dollar treadmills, but if you’re buying some random machine off of Amazon for $200, don’t expect this type of guarantee. We also recommend immediately registering your machine on the brand’s website after purchasing to make sure you’ll be able to cash in on the warranty if you ever need to do so.
How We Selected
For the past 24 months our Men’s Health fitness team, comprised in part by former athletes, marathoners, and certified trainers, conferenced on the best treadmills for all types of use. Over the years, our dedicated editors have been rigorously testing treadmills from reliable, top-rated brands to evaluate them on their performance, user experience, size, durability, and overall value.
To ensure a comprehensive and thorough assessment of each product, the team has put each treadmill through the wringer with a variety of workouts, including sprints, long-distance runs, and tempo runs. This was done at home, in the Men’s Health gym, and various training facilities around the world. Collectively, we’ve logged hundreds of miles on each tread, allowing us to gain valuable insights into how it stacks up against other options on the market. We also made sure we’re up-to-date on industry standards (motor horsepower, warranty, incline/decline options, and speed) and the components that make up an excellent treadmill versus a ‘meh’ one. From that research and testing we deduced the front runners and best treadmills in the pack.
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Best Treadmill Overall
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
Now 13% Off
Cons
- 10-year frame warranty is subpar
The NordicTrack 1750 has been a long-standing favorite among MH fitness editors and hardcore indoor runners for years, and with good reason: It’s an all-around winner. The 16-inch touchscreen is responsive and compatible with iFIT programming, and the newest edition features both incline and decline.
The 1750 is one of the most stable treadmills we’ve ever been on, likely thanks to its durable build and powerful 3.5 CHP motor. The frame doesn’t buckle or shake at all when you are putting in those hard miles. Other things to love include the 22-inch by 60-inch deck, which is outfitted with generous cushioning, and the new lower step up height, making it more accessible for all runners.
We enjoy how cushioned the landing feels with our feet being cradled with each stride. This treadmill offers speeds of up to 12 MPH and an incline of up to 12%, meaning it can keep up with most running goals. This treadmill is much quieter than other models that we’ve run on in the past. Whether we’re doing incline jogs or finishing with sprints, it can handle it all.
NordicTrack’s iFit content bring a lot of value, and the addition of this programming to your use of the treadmill can really elevate it. Most of the time, when you are getting technology with next-level technology, you have to be delicate with the machinery. But the 1750 is built like a tank, and in our testing was able to withstand our most punishing sprint sessions.
The only two things we’d change on this machine would be to extend the 10-year frame warranty (we’d love for it to be 15) and make the machine easier to move. Otherwise, this treadmill is a sure-fire winner.
Read more: Best Exercise Bikes
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 80 x 38 x 65 inches |
|---|---|
| Item weight | 310 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Display | 14-inch Tilt & Pivot HD touchscreen |
| Max speed | 12 MPH |
| Incline range | -3% to 12% |
Best Budget Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill
Need an affordable treadmill that can satisfy tight space constraints? The XTERRA TRX3500 is the best machine we’ve tested that fits the bill, all for under $1,000. Even less if it happens to be on sale. Despite its low cost, it delivers a level of reliability that is uncommon in similarly-priced treadmills.
During our testing, we were surprised at how quiet the belt and motor performed when maxing out at 12 MPH and 12% incline, though the machine did whine a bit as it adjusted to ourdesired incline. It is extremely lightweight and compact, yet the steel frame feels solid, and the foldable design adds to its practicality for home use.
The ‘Lift Assist and Safe Drop’ mechanism exceeded our initial expectations, making it ridiculously effortless to fold and unfold the machine. It also has wheels. This is a machine that won’t cause stress, a ton of logistical planning, and doesn’t require multiple hands if you ever need to relocate from one room to another. One person could manage it alone, no problem.
Unlike treadmills with interactive touchscreens, this model is a little less tech-savvy, with a 6.5-inch LCD display. While it does offer some built-in training programs and Bluetooth connectivity for third-party apps that we found intuitive to work, it lacks the smart features and finishes of higher-end models. But after all, at this price point, it isn’t pretending to compete in that class of cardio machines.
Above all, this treadmill boasts a great value. In our experience testing budget to premium treadmills, a lower price tag often comes at the expense of build quality, weight capacity, and deck size. The TRX3500 defies this trend. Its 350-pound user weight capacity surpasses the industry standard, the 60-inch by 20-inch deck offers ample space suitable for taller individuals, and it provides enough power to meet most training needs.
Read more: Best Treadmill Desks
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 77.2 x 35.5 x 56.1 inches |
|---|---|
| Item weight | 213.9 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs |
| Display | 6.5-inch bright blue backlit LCD screen |
| Max. speed | 12 MPH |
| Incline range | 0% to 12% |
Best Treadmill For Beginners
NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill
Now 13% Off
The NordicTrack EXP 10i takes the lead in the tech-forward, reasonably-priced EXP series. For those who would like a slightly smaller, less expensive version with all the same high-tech features that the Commerical 1750 comes with, this is the treadmill for you.
When using this machine, we were impressed by the solid build and easy-to-use controls. The touchscreen display is flanked by quick key buttons to adjust speed and incline to your likeness in one touch, instead of repeatedly pressing a button while trying to speed up or slow down.
Equipped with a 2.75 continuous Hp motor, this treadmill offers the industry standard speed of up to 12 MPH and an incline of up to 12%. Much like other models in the NordicTrack system, this piece of equipment handles impact well. Like the more expensive options from the brand, you feel cushioned and cradled with each stride.
One of the great features of this model is its storability, which comes without sacrificing a whole lot of features. But a factor to keep in mind is that the deck is 55 inches long rather than the 60-inch decks we see in the larger NordicTrack models. This may be a small hinderance for more seasoned runners. If you’re tall or looking for a treadmill to log serious training on, this length might clip your stride short. But for most every day running and casual runners, the length won’t be an issue.
This model also features a 10-inch HD touchscreen display that provides on-demand instructor-led classes and programs to guide your runs at any time. The touchscreen display is smaller than other high-tech models, but gets the job done.
Read more: Best Folding Treadmills
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 70.8 x 34.9 x 59.7 inches |
|---|---|
| Item weight | 230 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Display | 10-inch HD Smart Touchscreen |
| Max. speed | 10 MPH |
| Incline range | 0 – 12% |
Best Curved Treadmill
Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
The AssaultRunner Pro presents a more budget-friendly alternative (yes, $3,000 for a manual treadmill qualifies as affordable in comparison) to some of the pricier curved treadmills available today. Plus, it’s one of our favorite treadmills (manual or traditional) of all time.
You might already be acquainted with the AssaultRunner Elite, which is essentially the more premium version of this machine. However, we found that opting for the more cost-effective model from AssaultFitness didn’t sacrifice much. We still enjoyed an exceptionally durable steel frame, backed by a 150,000-mile belt warranty, and Bluetooth connectivity.
When we say durable, we mean it. This manual machine can support users up to 350-pounds, and we never had to worry about its tech features glitching or lagging—because there aren’t any. Since this machine relies entirely on the user’s power (not an external power source), I could maneuver it on its wheels from the garage to the driveway for a breath of fresh air whenever I felt like it.
It’s worth noting, however, that relocating this treadmill up or down a flight of stairs without multiple pairs of hands is not advisable. It weighs in at 373 pounds and lacks any folding or compacting capabilities, meaning it requires a team to unbox and setup, as well as a permanent space ready to house this beast.
Read more: Best Curved Treadmills
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 70 x 33 x 64 inches |
|---|---|
| Item weight | 280 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs |
| Display | 7-inch Hi-Contrast, UV Resistant Console Screen |
| Max. speed | 20 MPH |
| Incline range | N/A |
Best Treadmill For Streaming Classes
Peloton Tread
Now 7% Off
Cons
- Extremely short warranty of 12 months
- Technology issues frequently arise
- Doesn’t fold
The Peloton Tread takes on the familiar feeling of a live studio experience, initially popularized by the Peloton Bike and compatible app. We recommend the Peloton Tread for those that like a group class environment from the comfort of their own home.
We found that the massive 23.8″ HD touchscreen simulates the camaraderie of running in a race better than any other machine, fostering a competitive-yet-supportive class environment. This experience helps to increase how much people actually use their treadmills. Translation: Sure, this baby is expensive, but it’s worth the money. It’s an experience unlike any other that pretty much everyone has tried to copy.
The 59-inch by 20-inch deck is large enough for almost any sized runner, and the 300-pound user weight capacity hits the industry standards we’d expect to see. The newly-added Tread lock makes this machine (now) safe to have around kids and pets who may be tempted to climb and play on it.
Despite the lofty price point, be sure to avoid the temptation of buying a discounted used machine and get yours new. In the past, it’s unfortunately been prone to maintenance-related issues, so you’ll want a warranty in case anything happens to yours.
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 68 x 33 x 62 inches |
|---|---|
| Item weight | 290 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Display | 24-inch HD touchscreen |
| Max. speed | 12.5 MPH |
| Incline range | 0% to 12.5% |
Most Durable Treadmill
Bowflex Treadmill 22
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy and difficult to move
If you’re a serious runner looking for a tread to hold up to serious training, this is it. It’s an absolute powerhouse. The frame itself is exceptionally sturdy, and we didn’t detect any shaking even when running at push pace (it goes up to 12 MPH). We also find this tread especially great for interval training and hills when we want to switch things up, given its broad decline/incline range.
For those big guys looking to up their cardio, this treadmill has a 400-pound user weight capacity, which surpasses the industry standard by 100 pounds. On top of that, it was built to take a beating, giving it the ability to withstand any exercise that you can throw at it, no matter the intensity.
The downside of the durability and solid feel of this machine is that it’s (unsurprisingly) quite heavy. Weighing in at 336 pounds, moving it requires at least two pairs of hands (and some gusto), even with the included transport wheels. For this reason, you’ll need to designate a dedicated spot for this treadmill, as it’s not as compact as some other models when folded. That designated spot will need to be quite spacious as well, as this tread is wider (and a tad longer) than most comparable home machines.
On the plus side, the extra-large 22-inch by 60-inch deck more than compensates for its substantial footprint. We can open up our stride on this machine and never feel crammed or cut short. Bowflex’s commitment to quality is evident in the warranty offering a 15-year frame coverage (which is on par with the industry standard).
It’s also remarkably easy to setup thanks to straightforward assembly instructions, taking less than an hour to complete from start to finish.
Read more: Exercise Machine Guide
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 85 x 39.6 x 70 inches |
|---|---|
| Item weight | 336 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 400 lbs |
| Display | 22-inch adjustable HD touchscreen |
| Max. speed | 12 MPH |
| Incline range | -5% to 20% |
Should I Buy a Curved Treadmill?
Maybe. It all depends on your personal fitness level and goals. Curved treadmills are non-motorized. They rely instead on you walking or running, and the belt being pushed backward manually with every foot strike on the sloped surface. While this might not seem as “fancy” or high-tech as a powered treadmill, this design has its benefits.
“Curved treadmills tend to recruit more muscles due to the shape of the belt and the act of propelling against it,” says Eric Sung, C.S.C.S., a member of the Men’s Health Strength in Diversity initiative and trainer at Performance Lab in New York City. “It also eases the strain of your joints because of the curvature and is often better for users with varied joint pain.”
By some reports, exercising on a curved treadmill burns 30% more calories over a traditional powered treadmill.
“One drawback of a curved treadmill is that it is difficult to achieve higher speeds (sprints) with proper technique. This can impact front side mechanics with one’s stride through by ‘reaching’,” explains Sung. Another thing to consider: Because curved treads are motorless, they also don’t allow for incline or decline capabilities.
Does Running on a Treadmill Affect Running Mechanics?
Yes, although not critically, according to David Siik, founder of Precision Run by Equinox.
“To create a sense of security, people tend to run far too close to the front of the treadmill,” he explains. This can lead to a compressed posture, restricting the range of motion in your arms. Siik recommends maintaining at least one foot of distance between your belly and the treadmill monitor.
Treadmills may require slightly less engagement of our hamstrings compared to outdoor running, though the difference isn’t substantial, Siik tells us.
“Another important point we emphasize with our runners and walkers is the importance of avoiding the habit of constantly staring at your phone while using the treadmill.” Over time, this posture can strain your neck.
Benefits of Running on a Treadmill
Jonathan Cane, an exercise physiologist, running coach, and founder of City Coach Multisport in New York City, highlights several benefits of running on a treadmill. He mentions that treadmills allow for the simulation of terrain, making them valuable for training when natural hills or elevation changes aren’t readily available. This feature is particularly useful for preparing for hilly races.
“Walking up a grade can have comparable cardiovascular benefit to running flat, yet doesn’t have the associated orthopedic stress, so it can be a great way to get a workout without all the pounding you might have with running,” he explains.
Siik explains that the benefits of running and walking on an incline boil down to the increased energy spend (remaining calories burned) caused by the increased power needed to climb vertically.
“Variation is key to experience the full benefits of incline. Steep inclines have wonderful energy burning benefits but also can destabilize the knees over time if done frequently,” he explains. “This is why the treadmill is beautiful for incline training; it allows you to play with such a spectrum of programming.”
Treadmills also offer the advantage of being weather-independent, with modern models featuring softer surfaces that are gentler on the body compared to running on hard asphalt or concrete. (Remember: Running outside exposes you to the elements, which can have additional mental and physical benefits, so do it when possible.)
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men’s Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He’s logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men’s Health, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
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