The 5 Best Treadmills of 2025

Best Treadmill for Home Use

Echelon Stride 6

SPECIFICATIONS

Top Speed	20 km/h | 12.4 mph
Belt Dimensions (LxW)	60.5 in. x 20.5 in.
Motor power	2.5 CHP
Measured Minimum Incline	1 %
Measured Maximum Incline	10.5 %

Echelon did something different with the Echelon Stride 6. Unlike most treadmills with a motor cover at the front of the tread deck, the Stride tucks the motor underneath, giving you a running deck that measures 60.5″ of usable running space. While the NordicTrack 1750 has the same length tread deck, its design sometimes causes runners to kick the motor cover at the front of the machine. Our testers all agreed that avoiding kicking the plastic ferring was liberating. At 64.75″ long, this isn’t even close to the largest machine we’ve tested, but it has the longest-running surface. The Stride 6 doesn’t have the heavy-duty feel (or 400-pound weight limit) of the NordicTrack X16, but its exercise quality is particularly good for its footprint.

A revised 2.5 CHP motor gives the treadmill enough power to push the belt through our toughest workouts, and handrail adjustments make it exceptionally easy to use. We measured the top speed of the belt at 12.4 mph, which only a few of our most athletic testers could sustain. The DuroFlex running deck uses elastomers between the wooden deck and steel frame to create above-average compliance; we tested the force required to deflect the deck 1/2″ at 658 Newtons of force. While slightly stiffer than the NordicTrack EXP 7i, which required only 609 Newtons of force to flex half an inch, both offer above-average compliance. The maximum incline of the deck measures 10.5% (5.99 degrees), letting you emulate glute-busting hill climbs. While not quite as steep as the Sole F80’s 12% (6.84 degrees), the Stride gets to maximum incline in half the time. This feature-rich treadmill has the fastest setup time and smallest storage footprint of any full-sized machine we have tested. The Stride folds down slim enough to slide underneath a piece of furniture, lean against a wall, or even behind a door, making it ideal for those who do not want to devote an entire room to a treadmill.

The Echelon Fit app is a key Echelon Stride 6 experience component. It allows you to participate in studio, live, and on-location classes, providing a variety of workouts to keep your routine fresh and exciting. There is an abundance of classes with varying themes, durations, and musical genres, catering to a wide range of fitness preferences. I particularly liked the diversity of offerings; Echelon Fit keeps your workout fun and engaging but isn’t as robust as the Peloton app. You’ll need to provide a tablet, phone, or smart TV for video content, as the treadmill has no screen. One of the things that really stood out about the Stride 6 is that it isn’t locked into an app ecosystem; you’re free to use any app you want, no app, or even use it without an internet connection. Since monthly subscription fees can add significantly to the cost of ownership, this is an important distinction.

“I found the Stride 6 exceptionally easy to move around thanks to four sets of transport wheels that allow you to tilt, roll, or slide it sideways when standing on end; no other full-sized treadmill has this feature or ease of movement,” one of our testers remarked. Being able to tuck the 184-pound machine away when not using it puts it in a class of its own. Relocating the 400+ pound NordicTrack X16 would be a job for professional movers. The Stride 6 is one of the quietest treadmills we’ve ever tested, measuring only 60 dB with a tester jogging at four mph.

The Stride 6 makes minor compromises in exchange for convenience but still provides an excellent fitness experience. The foldable frame isn’t as solid as other full-sized treadmills, especially for runners nearing its 300-pound weight limit. While the handrail controls are easy to reach and operate, I felt like they had a bit of a learning curve, and they’re not as intuitive as the adjustment knobs on the Peloton Tread. Unless you use a treadmill daily and can dedicate an entire room to indoor running, this is likely the best machine for your home or garage gym. Based on our extensive testing, the Stride earns our Editor’s Choice award, but given its price, it would also easily be the Best Buy for a full-sized treadmill.

Read more: Echelon Stride 6 review

Best Budget Treadmill

Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill

SPECIFICATIONS

Top Speed	14.5 km/h | 9 mph
Belt Dimensions (LxW)	49 in. x 15.5 in.
Motor power	2.2 HP
Measured Minimum Incline	0.2 %
Measured Maximum Incline	4.37 %

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill is a light-duty, budget-friendly machine that still offers a solid workout. The running deck measures 49″ x 15.5″ and can range from 0.5-9 mph, making it suitable for walking and reasonably fast running workouts. Sunny named this a folding treadmill, but it doesn’t fold flat like the Urevo 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill. There are three levels of manually adjusted incline and nine pre-programmed workouts. The console has full controls, while the handrails feature additional buttons for a more convenient way to adjust the belt speed or start/stop a workout.

A moderately bright LCD shows relevant workout data and your heart rate if you put your palms on the pulse sensors. Pre-programmed workouts are basic but can be selected based on time, distance, or calorie goals. There is a spot to place your phone or tablet and two water bottle holders. The running deck uses a soft-drop system to fold, reducing the machine’s footprint from 1643 to 918 sq. inches. Transport wheels make moving the 103-pound treadmill less strenuous, but it’s still not as compact or easy as the Echelon Stride 6. The elastomer-supported running deck offers minimal shock absorption for users up to 220 pounds.

This model we tested has no connectivity, so you are limited to manual or programmed workouts or selecting one of the “Smart” models available for a few dollars more. The narrow 15.5″ tread surface required some focus from our testers to avoid kicking the side rails while running. This machine was most suitable for walking and jogging at medium speeds; faster strides were anxiety-inducing. As we wrote in our full review, having three manually adjustable incline levels is nice, but as tester Joshua Hutchens says, “I feel they’re almost more trouble than they’re worth; having to jump off and adjust by hand is a pain.” Despite a few mild drawbacks, this is an affordable option with respectable quality. Its prices are close to the UREVO 2 in 1, with the main differences being the UREVO folds down smaller, has a shorter but wider tread deck, and has a lower 7.6 mph top speed. When we crunch the numbers, we see how impressive the Sunny treadmill was to our tester team. This machine may fit the bill if you’re in the market for a light-duty machine without app connectivity.

Read more: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill review

Best Heavy-Duty Use Treadmill

NordicTrack X16 Treadmill

SPECIFICATIONS

Top Speed	19.3 km/h | 12 mph
Belt Dimensions (LxW)	60 in. x 22 in.
Motor power	4.25 CHP
Measured Minimum Incline	-5.7 %
Measured Maximum Incline	38.4 %

The NordicTrack X16 is an extremely capable, gym-quality treadmill that is also extremely large. With a 60″ x 22″ SpringFlex running deck, the usable running belt is on par with the largest treadmills we’ve tested. There are no limits to your output on this machine; you can dig into all-out sprints on the 4.25 CHP motor or sled push to the sky with its 38+% incline. You can also run at a decline, which our ultra and trail runners found beneficial for training. A unique cantilevered design makes the deck more comfortable than most while isolating the screen from vibrations.

Boasting a 400-pound weight limit, the X16 is the most powerful and stable treadmill I’ve tested. The X series is available with a 16″ or 24″ HD touchscreen, your portal to iFit, the most immersive, engaging, and impressive fitness app to date. The treadmill integrates seamlessly with the app, automatically adjusting your speed, incline, and even your fan speed, leaving you free to get lost in your run. You can stream Netflix and Prime video through the display if you tire of beautiful scenery, engaging instructors, and fitness classes.

The X16 has a simple console with physical sweat-proof buttons, two recesses for a water bottle or phone, dual 5.1cm speakers, USB-C charging, and a powerful fan. The screen swivels for viewing off-treadmill strength or yoga classes. I tested the 16″ screen and have no complaints, but I’d recommend the 24″ screen for a more immersive experience or doing non-treadmill workouts. After testing the machine’s speed accuracy, deck deflection, noise levels, and incline range, it was clear that this is the ultimate platform for hardcore training. Professional distance runner and GearLab treadmill tester Amber Weibel pushed the X16 to its limits and was wowed by its power and comfort. The rest of our testers loved this platform’s stability and ease of use; I found the iFit Series workouts to feel like virtual fitness travel.

The NordicTrack X16 is massive; it weighs over 400 pounds, has the highest step-up height of any machine I’ve tested (13″), and may require high ceilings to use at a steep incline. At 2722 sq in, it doesn’t have the largest footprint of the machines we’ve tested, but it doesn’t fold and is quite difficult to move. To say it needs a dedicated workout space is an understatement; NordicTrack recommends 2 feet of clear space on each side of the machine and 8 feet behind. The handrails have no controls, but the screen has quick jump buttons for rapid speed and incline changes. If the size and expense of the X16 feel too daunting, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is also great for heavy-duty use and folds for storage. While the JRNY app pales compared to iFit, the machine is excellent and costs several hundred dollars less.

Read more: NordicTrack X16 review

Best Treadmill without the Apps

Horizon 7.4 AT

SPECIFICATIONS

Top Speed	19.6 km/h | 12.2 mph
Belt Dimensions (LxW)	60 in. x 22 in.
Motor power	3.5 CHP
Measured Minimum Incline	0.7 %
Measured Maximum Incline	14.7 %

The Horizon 7.4 AT is a full-sized, gym-quality treadmill that relies on the user for entertainment, but that doesn’t mean it lacks technology. With the machine’s Bluetooth FTMS, you can connect to the app of your choice or skip the apps entirely and pay no monthly fees. Linking to applications like Peloton or Zwift is easy and provides some incentive and entertainment. The silicone-belted tread deck measures 60″ x 22″ and sits atop a 3-zone variable cushioning deck that flexes beneath your stride like a running shoe. During testing, our runners commented on how comfortable and compliant the running surface is and found it suitable for everything from power walks to sprints. The machine’s distinctive rolling control wheels are a highlight; our runners ranked them higher than the scroll wheels on the Peloton Tread and Echelon Stride 6. The console isn’t technologically impressive, providing necessary data and little else. However, Connecting your tablet gives this machine all the functionality you’d find on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. This feels like a hack, and you can integrate this high-quality machine with various apps and not be stuck with one subscription.

We found assembly of the Horizon 7.4AT to be moderately difficult. With a 2701 sq. in. footprint and weight of 318 pounds, it makes sense to have a dedicated workout space where you will assemble it. In sound testing, it produced 61.4 dB, which makes it the second quietest of all the full-sized treadmills we’ve tested, behind the Echelon Stride 6, which produced only 60 dB. “This machine feels simple but solid and well-built with no fuss,” according to professional distance runner and tester Ryan Weibel. The 3.5 CHP and steel frame are strong enough to support our heaviest runners and most intense training. Even when loaded to its 350-pound weight limit, the incline motor made adjustments quickly, raising to the full tilt of 14.7% (8.36 degrees) in half the time of the Sole F80.

According to lead tester Joshua Hutchens, “The main downside of this treadmill is the lack of integration, which creates additional startup time.” Machines like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 have an integrated screen with loaded software, albeit with a monthly fee. You start up and go while there is a bit more button-pushing with the Horizon. If you don’t mind more footwork, the Horizon is great for runners wanting to commit to indoor running, not a monthly app subscription.

Read more: Horizon 7.4 AT review

Best Walking Treadmill

UREVO Strol 1 Pro Foldable Treadmill

SPECIFICATIONS

Top Speed	12.2 km/h | 7.6 mph
Belt Dimensions (LxW)	42.25 in. x 17 in.
Motor power	2.5 HP
Measured Minimum Incline	3.3 %
Measured Maximum Incline	6.9 %

The UREVO Strol 1 Pro expands on the appeal of the UREVO 2 in 1 treadmill we reviewed previously. The Strol 1 Pro adds a three-position adjustable incline and a sturdier handrail that you can use for walking or jogging. The compact machine has a 2.5 hp motor and a slightly larger tread surface. The extra money you’re paying for this machine is mostly for the incline adjustability, so if you don’t want or need that feature, save some dough and look at the 2 in 1 or Sperax Walking Pad.

The Strol 1 Pro arrives completely assembled; you can use it within minutes of opening the box. You can walk at speeds up to 3.8 mph with the handrail down, and with the handrail up, you can crank it up to 7.6 mph, but the short running deck makes it hard to utilize that speed fully. The treadmill works well for under-desk use but might feel cramped if you’re also using the incline feature. While not the quietest treadmill we’ve tested, emitting 61.5 dB at four mph, it’s quiet enough to use while on a call or working near others.

Tester Gena Bradshaw shared this feedback, “The Strol 1 Pro is so quick and easy to jump on, I can discreetly walk during meetings and easily push it out of the way when I’m done. My only complaint is not being able to use the remote from the desktop.” The remote control uses IR signals that don’t work through a desktop like the RF remote on the Sperax Walking Pad.

There are wheels on the front of the treadmill, and the handle locks in place when folded flat, allowing the machine to roll easily. An LED display on the machine shows relevant workout information, and while not feature-rich, you can set a time, distance, or calorie goal and work toward it. The 2.5 HP motor provides plenty of power for users up to 265 pounds and uses an integrated fan to keep it cool during heavy usage.

We found the Strol 1 Pro to be particularly comfortable; the deck required significantly less force (514 Newtons), while the Sperax required almost 75% more force to deflect the same amount. The treadmill can run faster, but its 42.25″ tread deck feels further from ideal the faster you run. If you want a machine for more than the occasional jog, the Echelon Stride 6 would be a far better choice but sacrifices the under-desk capabilities. The Stride’s running surface is almost 20 full inches longer, and there is no motor cover to kick at the front of your stride. The Strol 1 Pro is a compelling and convenient option for home or office use.

Read more: UREVO Strol 1 Pro treadmill

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How We Test Treadmills

We constantly examine the most popular and highly regarded treadmills; when we find compelling models, we buy them and subject them to extensive testing. At GearLab, we don’t just regurgitate manufacturer’s specs and consumer reviews; we rigorously test each product to identify their strengths and weaknesses for ourselves. We handle each treadmill from the unboxing process to extensive in-house testing and hours of use. We take our measurements, disassemble machines to check their componentry, compare electronics, and sweat the details.

To determine the top treadmills in our test group, we operate each contender with walks and runs of varying lengths and intensities over several months. While testing, we analyze the controls and consoles, touchscreens, companion apps, features, ease of use, and the quality of each model’s exercise experience. We compare notes at the end of our test period and zero in on our favorites. Testing is ongoing as we constantly look for updates to models and their software.

Our testing of treadmills is divided into five rating metrics:

• Exercise Quality (35% of overall score weighting)

• Ease of Use (25% weighting)

• Storability (10% weighting)

• Noise Level (5% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Pro runner Amber Monforte Weibel is an integral member of our testing team. A three-time winner of the Ultraman World Championship, she’s completed four Ironmans in Kona, eight Xterra World Championships, and 50 ultramarathons. She currently has the Unsupported Fastest Known Time on the John Muir Trail (221 miles) and the Tahoe Rim Trail (173 miles), she knows running. She lives in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with her husband and two children and finds time to work as an RN.

Ryan Weibel provides his knowledge and insight on running and treadmills while sweating all over them. He has completed over 30 ultramarathons with multiple spots on the podium, including the Bear 100 and Tahoe Rim Trail 100. He trains obsessively and spends more hours on a treadmill than many of us do in our offices. He is often spotted on the trails around Lake Tahoe with his kids in tow or chasing his stud of a wife, Amber.

Our treadmill review was led by our Senior Review Editor, Joshua Hutchens. While Hutchens is best known for his work on two wheels, he spends a fair bit of time chasing trails on foot. His fitness routine mixes trail running, yoga, weight lifting, and cycling, and he’s found treadmills to be an excellent source of cardio, especially during the frigid months. His home gym includes a treadmill, a mid-range spin bike, free weights, and access to almost all of today’s top fitness apps. His favorite studio workout comes from Peloton, while he prefers iFit for stimulating scenic runs while he sweats. He runs casually, joining 10k and fun runs throughout the year and pacing friends in longer runs.

Ian Anderson, noted Physical Therapist and co-founder of PT Revolution, shared his thoughts about the biomechanics of treadmill workouts and showed us how gate mechanics are affected by running on a belt. Understanding that a treadmill shouldn’t be part of your workout routine was among his poignant advice.

Analysis and Test Results

This review focused on several key performance attributes to compare the treadmills. We analyzed each model for exercise quality, user interface/ease of use, features, ease of assembly, storability, and noise level to determine the best and rank the lineup.

What’s the Best Value?

The treadmills we reviewed in this article cover a wide range of prices. High-end commercial treadmills with touchscreens, connected features, and companion apps can be expensive. Models like the Bowflex Treadmill 22, NordicTrack X16, and Peloton Tread offer excellent performance but can be quite pricey. You needn’t break the bank to get some quality cardio; models like the XTerra Fitness TRX3500 provide an excellent workout at about half the price. While it lacks a touchscreen, its 12 mph top speed, 30 programmed workouts, and large tread surface offer competitive performance. This machine also has FTMS Bluetooth capabilities that make it two-way compatible with third-party training apps; you’ll need to supply the tablet. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 is an incredibly affordable option to help you burn calories. It has a lower top speed and a smaller tread surface, but we found it perfect for walking and light jogging, which may be all some people want.

How Subscription Prices and 5-Year Costs of Ownership Compare

For some treadmills, the upfront cost is all you pay. For many others, the purchase price is just the beginning of your financial relationship with your machine. The monthly subscription costs add up.

Below, we highlight the different subscript costs. We lead with the monthly subscription cost at the “recommended” level. Most people will choose this level to get the most out of their machine. The minimum cost is the cheapest way to subscribe to the app (this won’t connect with your machine but will let you watch classes). For example, the Peloton can be used for $20 a month with the Peloton App, but you won’t be able to connect with your treadmill or use its screen. You would need to use your own device to view classes, and it’s not recommended, but we’re aware that some users are doing this to avoid the high monthly cost and, in some cases, the used equipment activation fees. In the table below we show the cost of the recommended subscription.

Subscription Costs

Next, we dive into the 5-Year Costs of Ownership for more detail. Again, we use the subscription levels most people will want to get the most out of their machine for the subscription costs. As you can see, most low-cost models with no monthly subscriptions cost less than $10. Meanwhile, most premium models range from $50-100 a month when both the treadmill and the monthly subscription cost are factored in.

5-Year Cost of Ownership

Exercise Quality

When using a treadmill, a quality exercise experience is paramount. This accounts for 35% of the product’s overall score. Our analysis takes into account a number of factors, such as the size of the running surface, comfort of the deck, speed settings, workout programs, and incline range. We also evaluate the smoothness and feel of the belt at different speeds, the difficulty of the workout programs, and any connected features and companion apps. All of these elements play a significant role in determining the overall quality of the exercise experience.

The NordicTrack X16 stands out with its impressive features. It boasts a large running area of 60″ x 22″ and a top speed of 12 mph. It features a 7% decline and 40% incline, allowing you to simulate steep hills and moderate descents. The SpringFlex deck has ample cushioning and an impressive 400-pound weight limit, making it suitable for users of all fitness levels. The 16-inch HD touchscreen integrates with the iFit app, which offers on location scenic workouts, fitness challenges, and studio classes. Moreover, it has the unique ability to stream Netflix and Prime Video providing you with the flexibility to choose the exercise experience that best suits your needs.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 also scored very high in this category, with a large 60″ x 21.5″ tread surface and a top speed of 12 mph. It’s capable of a 3% decline and 15% incline and uses Runflex cushioning to provide elastomer-dampened comfort. The console can be swiveled, and its 14-inch HD touchscreen can be used for off-treadmill workouts. You have integrated access to the iFit app that provides a unique, immersive training experience. The Horizon 7.4 AT also provides an impressive workout experience with a 60-inch by 22-inch wide running surface and a top speed of 12.2 mph. The wide incline adjustment range will please trail runners and hikers alike. The screen feels low-tech in comparison, but this machine costs much less and lets you choose to subscribe to a fitness app or not.

Most of the full-sized treadmills offer excellent workout quality, but the Echelon Stride 6, with its 60.5″ x 20.5″ tread surface can also be folded flat for easy storage. With a speed range of 0.5-12.4 mph and an incline range of 1 to 10.5%, it’s far more capable than you might think a folding treadmill can be. We found its compliant running deck, taking only 658 Newtons of force to deflect .5 inches, to be smooth and wildly comfortable.

Connectivity/Companion App

Many of the treadmills we test have built-in touchscreens or are Bluetooth-enabled to connect devices for use with companion or third-party training apps. For some users, the app experience can be just as crucial as the treadmill itself, whether for motivation or distraction purposes. However, if you have a structured training program, you may not want or need them. While most of these apps come at a cost, you might be able to justify it as costing less than a monthly gym membership, and they’re available on demand in your own home. Most apps offer a wide range of class types, music genres, class durations, and instructors, including off-treadmill exercises for total body fitness. These apps vary in many ways, and personal preferences differ, we evaluated the models we tested based on how seemlessly they integrate with the treadmills.

We tested several models designed specifically to work with their companion apps, and we tested each with its respective app. Most treadmills can also be used without the apps. However, their functionality is more limited, and realistically, the point of getting a fancy connected treadmill for most people is for the connected experience they provide. All of these apps have an ongoing monthly or yearly cost to consider and range in price from $20 to $44 a month, with some giving a slight discount when billed annually. The screen-equipped models, like the Bowflex Treadmill 22, NordicTrack Commercial 1750, and Peloton Tread, use WiFi to connect to their apps, while the connected models without screens, like the Echelon Stride 6 use Bluetooth to connect to an app through your tablet or smartphone. Some models, like the XTerra Fitness TRX3500 and Horizon 7.4 AT use Bluetooth FTMS which allows for two way communication so the workout your doing can adjust the speed and incline of your machine automatically. We’ve thoroughly evaluated apps from iFit, Echelon, Peloton, JRNY, and Zwift.

User Interface/Ease of Use

If a treadmill is user-friendly, there’s a greater chance you’ll use it and enjoy the experience. Each model’s screen/display and controls play a large role in their ease of use and overall performance. Whether starting a manual workout or navigating an app to choose a workout, each model has its subtleties. Fortunately, the treadmills in this review are all relatively easy to use. Results from this test metric hold a 25% weighting of a product’s overall score.

Not surprisingly, the touchscreen-equipped models scored the highest in this metric. The Peloton Tread impressed us the most with its quality 23.8-inch HD touchscreen and excellent, unique controls. With excellent resolution, color, and touch sensitivity, navigating the Peloton app is straightforward, and it almost feels like you’re in the studio with the instructors. Front-facing speakers and rear-facing woofers provide the audio, or you can pair wireless headphones or earbuds and heart sensors through the screen. The handrail-mounted knobs for speed and incline are easy to reach while running and make adjustments very straightforward.

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 features a large 22-inch HD touchscreen, as well as multiple controls for adjusting speed and incline. You can easily select a workout on JRNY or choose your entertainment using the large display. The side handrails, extended handlebars, and lower console have speed and incline controls, making it easy to adjust your workout wherever you place your hands. The NordicTrack X16 has a console that swivels and comes with a 16-inch HD touchscreen that integrates with the iFit app. With the AutoAdjust feature, you don’t have to manually change the speed or incline during iFit workouts. The console also has quick jump speed and incline buttons, as well as adjustment buttons below. Although the ergonomics of the controls aren’t perfect, they’re still easy to use. The NordicTrack X24 is the same treadmill as the X16 with a 24″ screen, it’s highly recommended.

The Echelon Stride and the XTerra TRX3500 are also quite easy to use, with straightforward controls and simpler digital displays that are easy to read. Starting manual workouts is particularly straightforward, although using Bluetooth to connect any of these models to training apps adds an additional step and a little time at startup.

Features

In our tests, we evaluated several models of treadmills that offer different features to enhance the exercise experience or make the machine more user-friendly. These features vary from model to model, including built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, water bottle holders, heart rate sensors, and more. Our top-rated treadmills come with all the bells and whistles, while even the most basic models have at least a few features. Additionally, most of the treadmills we tested are designed to fold up for easy storage and have transport wheels to make them easy to move around. Most models also have soft-drop systems that ensure the deck is secured in the raised position and lowers slowly to the ground. This test metric accounts for 15% of a product’s overall score.

With all the bells and whistles, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is the most feature-rich model we tested. Not only does it have a huge tread surface, excellent cushioning, and -5% to +20% incline, but it also comes with a 22-inch touchscreen, WiFi to connect to the JRNY app, and Bluetooth to connect to wireless accessories. It comes with a heart rate armband and heart rate sensors on the extended handlebars. It also has front-facing speakers, a USB charging port, a small cooling fan, and more places than you’ll ever need to hold water bottles and other items. The NordicTrack X16 is similarly equipped but has even more incline range. The swiveling ability of the console is a highlight, as it allows you to view iFit workouts off the treadmill more easily. It also has quality speakers, a surprisingly effective AutoBreeze fan, and two bottle holders for refreshments.

The Peloton Tread has a best-in-test tilting touchscreen with excellent speakers, two bottle holders, and a small phone or other items shelf. Peloton has also taken steps to make it as safe as possible with features like a Tread Lock passcode required at startup or after it sits idle for 45 seconds, a tread sensor that stops the belt and activates the Tread Lock after 10 seconds of inactivity, a magnetic safety key/lanyard, and multiple safety prompts in every workout from the instructors. The Echelon Stride‘s most notable feature is the folding design, making it much more compact and storable when not used. On top of that, it has two bottle holders and Bluetooth to connect in integrate with the Echelon app through your own device.

Ease of Assembly

Most of our test models arrive in large boxes with some assembly required. After unboxing each treadmill and removing protective packing materials, we complete the assembly ourselves. All of the machines we’ve tested thus far have come with adequate assembly instructions, and most come with all of the tools required to complete the remaining tasks. Beyond their weight and size, none of them have been all that difficult to assemble, although some are more involved and time-consuming than others. This test metric holds a 10% weighting of a product’s overall score.

When you purchase the Peloton Tread you also have to pay for delivery and professional assembly. Since the assembly is done for you, it doesn’t get much easier; you can be sure that it gets done right, and you don’t have to deal with moving this heavy machine in its shipping box, but you’ll pay the $199. The Echelon Stride comes pretty much ready to go in the box. You’ll need to remove it from the box and packing materials, of course. Then, all that’s left is to unfold the support arms, handrail, and console and plug it in. Similarly, the UREVO models are ready for use right out of the box. The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 aren’t far behind, with only a few bolts needed to secure the support arms and console once you unbox it, taking a total of 31 minutes.

Most other models had more steps and required significantly more time to complete. Most notably, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 and the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 were by far the heaviest and most difficult to move. Each took about 2 hours to assemble and required the assistance of another person for several of the steps.

Storability

The size of your home and your available space to dedicate to a treadmill will dictate the importance of storability in your purchase decision. The needs of apartment dwellers and those without a specific exercise space will certainly be different than those with a large house or dedicated workout room. Nearly every model we tested has either a folding tread deck or support arms that reduce their size when not in use, and they have integrated wheels that make it fairly easy to move them around on firm, flat surfaces. Storability makes up 10% of the final score.

The Echelon Stride scores extremely well in this metric due to its folding arm design that reduces it to just 10 inches thick. It’s still relatively wide and long, but it can be slid under a bed or leaned against a wall for storage. It’s also comparatively lightweight at 156 lbs, and a handle at the back of the tread and two sets of wheels at the front make it easier than most to move around. This is particularly impressive given that it still has a good-sized tread, a 12 mph top speed, and a 10% incline. Although it can’t compete with the Stride for exercise quality, the GoPlus Super Fit is even smaller and easier to move and store. It’s more of a walking/under-desk model and can easily be stashed under a couch or in a closet. For maximum storability, check out the impressively thin UREVO Strol 1 Pro that easily slips beneath a couch or under a bed.

Most other models we tested feature folding tread decks that reduce their overall footprint by nearly half. While they won’t disappear from view, they do open up some floor space when folded. The exceptions are the non-folding Peloton Tread, and NordicTrack X16. The Peloton has a fairly compact design for its tread size, making it less obtrusive than it could be. The X16 is another story, its massive in size. Below, we charted the area that each treadmill occupies when open and when folded; some models are more efficient with the space they occupy.

Noise Level

Using a sound level meter, we record the decibel level at varying speeds with the belt on its own and with a tester walking or running. The meter at a static position above the floor and diagonally 18 inches away from the motor. Decibel readings were recorded at 1, 4, and 7.5 mph. The majority of the models we tested fell within just a few decibels of each other, with the sound of a user’s footfalls causing a slight increase with each step. No treadmill will ever be silent, of course, but none of the treadmills we tested qualify as being excessively loud, either. Due to the relatively slight differences between models, the results from this test metric hold just a 5% weighting of a product’s overall score.

While the differences are slight, we found that the Echelon Stride 6 was one of the quietest. The updated 2.5 CHP motor sits below the belt and registers just 60 dB with a jogger at four mph. This comparatively low noise level only adds to its appeal for use in small spaces. With a 2.2 HP motor, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 measured 62.2 dB. The rest of the field registered within a few decibels, and none were so loud that you couldn’t have a conversation, but the Peloton Tread registered 65 dB.

How to Pick A Treadmill

Here are five key considerations when choosing the right treadmill for your space, budget, and running or walking style.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Treadmills vary greatly in the amount of space they take up. The smallest can easily fit under a couch or bed, while the largest ones can require an entire room and are still the size of a refrigerator when folded. Consider how much space you’re willing to dedicate to your treadmill. While treadmills that offer the best performance typically take up the most space, a more compact treadmill may suit your needs, especially if you’re mainly using your treadmill for walking. Most treadmills require two feet of clear space on each side and an additional treadmill length behind them, so plan accordingly.

How Important is the Incline?

The most expensive and high-performing treadmills allow you to run or hike at an incline of up to 40%. This is an awesome feature if you need it and have the headroom in your space. However, you can save a lot of money if you don’t require such steep inclines. Some of the more expensive treadmills also allow you to run at a decline, which can be helpful for trail and distance runners. Some of our least expensive have manually adjustable inclines, which is essentially putting blocks under one end. This can’t be done with all treadmills, as using them at an incline requires more power from the motor.

What Apps Do You Plan to Use?

The apps you plan to use can make a big difference in the cost and the likelihood you will work out. Many apps require a subscription, which can dwarf the cost of the treadmill itself. At the same time, if you find an app you love, it could be the difference between using your treadmill regularly or using it to collect dust. We recommend looking through all the available apps and ensuring you’re buying a model with the type of workouts you want. And, of course, if you don’t want or need any apps, you can likely save a significant amount of money.

How Fast Do You Run?

Most treadmills we tested go faster than most people run; a ten mph top speed is a brisk 6-minute mile. However, the smallest and least expensive models often have such a small running surface that your stride will be impeded at top speed. If fast runs are your thing, you’ll need a larger running deck. If you mainly want to walk, you might be able to get away with a very small and inexpensive option.

How Much Do You Weigh?

Most of the standard treadmills are rated for 300 pounds. The lighter models we’ve tested rate at only 220 pounds. The heavy duty models we’ve tested have 400-pound weight limits. A good rule of thumb is that you want a 50-pound buffer above the rated weight capacity. The treadmill works by pulling the rubber belt over a coated wood surface; too much weight can cause the motor to wear out prematurely.

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider when searching for a new treadmill, but finding the right one can genuinely enhance your at-home training. There are many excellent options on the market, and we hope this detailed comparative review helps you find the right model to meet your needs, fitness goals, and budget. We have a number of other fitness reviews outlining the top-rated dumbbells, as well as our favorite resistance bands, that will help you stay in shape. Our team of avid runners has also tested a wide variety of running gear, including many great running shoe varieties and running shorts to keep you comfortable through your workouts.