The 10 Best Treadmills (Spring 2023 Update) – Fitnessnacks

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A treadmill is often a key component of many home gyms. Not only can it help you with your 5k training during a blizzard, but a good treadmill can also take your speed and endurance workouts to new heights. Combine a treadmill with your lifting equipment, and you’re set to conquer any at-home workout.

If you make the right purchase, a treadmill may end up being one of the best investments you can make for your health, but it’s important to consider your priorities when searching for the perfect fit. How much space do you have? Do you need your treadmill to fold? Will you be using the tread for walking or running, and how often? Do you want high-tech streaming options, or a simple no-frills, budget machine that gets the job done? We’ve rounded up the best treadmills on the market to help make your decision easier.

Best Treadmills

Best Overall Treadmill

Sole designed the F80 to be a product that brings a ton of features to the table without sacrificing quality. This pick features a cushioned deck that reduces impact up to 40 percent, built-in heart rate sensors, Bluetooth capabilities, and a foldable design, all at a budget-friendly price. 

Sole F80

This treadmill comes with all the features that make a workout more enjoyable and approachable. The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces impact up to 40 percent when compared to running on asphalt, making it great for long-distance running, while the sturdy build and 3.5 HP motor ensure that this treadmill will last. This tread is also pretty tech-savvy offering Bluetooth capabilities, a USB plug-in, and built-in heart rate sensors. Also, the Sole Fitness mobile app is a great tool for the obsessive stat tracker. You can even fold it when you’re not using it to make room for off-treadmill work like dumbbell workouts. 

Sole F80 Treadmill

The Sole F80 treadmill is full of modern touches. It can withstand long runs, offers an incline range up to 15 percent and speed range up to 12 mph, and has a cushioned deck that makes running 40 percent less impactful on your joints than the outdoors.

The F80 is available for right around $1,700, which is cheaper than some of our other picks on this list, but don’t let that fool you. This treadmill is solid as a rock, and it includes a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and deck to ease any concerns you may have about longevity. It has a weight capacity of 375 pounds, offers up to 15 degrees of incline, and reaches a top speed of 12 miles per hour.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the F80 only features six preset workout programs and two customizable programs. So if you’re looking for more variety, you might want to consider a tread that offers a more stacked programming set. 

Who Should Buy The Sole F80

• Runners who want to soften the blow on their joints will enjoy the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which can reduce impact by 40 percent.
• Anyone looking for a product that will last will be happy with the durability of the steel frame on this tread. Plus, the lifetime warranty is an added security blanket. 
• Folks who prioritize versatility will find the F80 capable of meeting their needs. You can reach 12 miles per hour during your workouts, adjust your incline up to 15 degrees, and fold it for storage to make the most of your space.

Who Shouldn’t Buy The Sole F80

• Athletes who want a lot of preset workout programs may want to look elsewhere. This tread only features six preset programs, two customizable workout programs, and two heart rate programs. 
• Even though this treadmill can be folded to create more space, it still might dominate too much space for some people. 
• People on a tight budget may want to consider a more cost-effective option. The F80 is cheaper than many comparable models but still costs a pretty penny.

This treadmill fits most runners’ needs with durability, quality, and high-tech features, making it one of the most functional and adaptable finds on the market. With its mobile app, shock absorption, and long-lasting deck, you likely won’t be disappointed with any feature in this pick.

Read our full review of the Sole F80 Treadmill.

Most Versatile Treadmill

This treadmill really can do it all, whether you want to stream workouts, hop on and run, or buff up with some off-treadmill circuits. It also offers access to a seemingly endless number of iFit workouts on its 14-inch touchscreen monitor. 

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

The NordicTrack 1750 is designed for the runner who wants their treadmill to be able to do it all. The 14-inch touchscreen monitor can be tilted to your comfort level, and it rotates 360 degrees, so you can tackle both on and off-machine workouts. You can stream running workouts on the treadmill as well as participate in any of the strength training, stretching, or yoga classes that iFit offers on the floor of your home gym. With a free one-month iFit membership (a $39 value), you won’t be hard-pressed to find a class to spice up your routine. If you’re someone who needs some solid cushioning to keep their joints strong, you’ll like the cushioned running surface the 1750 has. 

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is made for the tech-loving runner. This high-tech treadmill features a touchscreen monitor that can tilt and rotate, and offers automatic incline, decline, and speed adjustments based on the workout you choose. 

During the iFit run workouts, your trainer will automatically adjust the speed, incline, and decline for you based on each specific workout, but you can always utilize the manual adjustments when necessary. The 1750 also has a hydraulic lift system, so you can make the most of your space when you’re ready to store it — though it still has a fairly large footprint even when folded.

The base price for this tread is right around $2,300, but the final price tag can include optional additional warranties, your iFit membership plan, and white glove assembly. Those who are limited on space and working with a tight budget may want to consider another option on this list, but at the end of the day, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 gets the nod for versatility. 

Jake tests the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 at the BarBend garage gym

Who Should Buy The NordicTrack Commercial 1750

• Runners who like incorporating streaming services into their workouts.
• Athletes who are training for an outdoor race and need to mirror specific terrain in their home training will enjoy the integration of Google Maps. This feature allows you to select essentially any city in the world and map out your own virtual route. 
• Anyone who wants a solid range in both incline and decline will enjoy the -3 percent decline to 15 percent incline.

Who Shouldn’t Buy The NordicTrack Commercial 1750

• Buyers who don’t want any fancy technological frills to interfere with their workouts.
• Despite its ability to fold, this is still a pretty large treadmill. So those who are limited on space may want to find a smaller option.
• Folks working with a tight budget may want to find a cheaper treadmill.

If you’re looking for a product that has it all and can do even more, The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is durable, comes packed with technology, and can add variety to your runs. This tread offers automatic incline/speed adjustments during trainer-led iFit workouts, and the hydraulic lift system helps you fold and stow your tread easily. 

Read our full review of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill.

Most Durable Treadmill

Durability is a huge factor when it comes to finding the right gym equipment. The Life Fitness T5 treadmill is known for its sturdy steel frame, cushioned deck, and high weight capacity. Another awesome feature with this treadmill is that it’s designed to reduce energy by as much as 90 percent. 

Life Fitness T5 Treadmill

The Life Fitness T5 features a steel frame that can withstand daily exercise, and accommodate users who weigh up to 400 pounds. Life Fitness includes a lifetime warranty on the frame of the T5, a 10-year warranty on the drive motor, seven years on parts, and three years on the console. 

Life Fitness T5 Treadmill

The Life Fitness T5 is a solid treadmill with a lasting build. It sports great cushioning (with adjustable settings), an energy-saving motor, a high weight capacity and the option to choose from two different consoles.

The FlexDeck® cushioning allows you to adjust the firmness of the deck to mimic running on grass, a track, or pavement. So whether you’re training for a cross-country run, a track meet, or a marathon, the T5 has you covered. The base console is not the most high-tech option out there since it doesn’t offer any type of Bluetooth capabilities, only has 13 pre-loaded workouts, and one custom workout for each of the two user profiles that can be created. But if you’re looking for some added features (such as fitness app compatibility and heart rate monitoring), you can upgrade the console. Keep in mind that this upgraded console will cost you about $500.

Who Should Buy The Life Fitness T5 Treadmill

• Heavy runners who need a strong build and a higher-weight capacity treadmill. 
• Long-distance runners who need a machine that can withstand a lot of endurance exercise.
• Athletes looking for added cushioning to protect their joints will enjoy the FlexDeck® that can mimic running in grass, on a track, and on pavement.

Who Shouldn’t Buy The Life Fitness T5 Treadmill

• Someone who needs all the latest high-tech features on their treadmill may want to look elsewhere.
• Buyers looking for a low price point — you pay for durability and longevity here.
• Those who are looking for a treadmill that can fold will want to check out some other options.

If you’re searching for a treadmill that will last long enough to make your purchase worthwhile, the Life Fitness T5 Treadmill may be the way to go for you. Along with the hefty steel frame that will keep this machine running for a long time to come, you can also expect great cushioning, a high weight capacity, and all the incline and speed options you need to conquer any HIIT, endurance, or strength workout. However, it wasn’t designed to be super high-tech or fold up to be stowed away when not in use. 

Read our full review of the Life Fitness T5 Treadmill.

Best Treadmill for the Money

Anyone looking to make the most out of their budget may want to strongly consider the Sole F63. It comes at about half the cost of what you’ll pay for other treads on this list, but its features definitely aren’t lacking. 

Sole F63

The F63 is a treadmill with many of the features and capabilities of a high-end model that comes at a much lower price — about $999.99. You also have the option to finance the cost for as low as $54 per month, pending credit approval. If you want coach-guided streaming workouts, you can try out the Studio­™ streaming service for free for 30 days. After that, it’s $19.99 per month, which is around half the price of other popular workout streaming services. 

Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space. 

The machine components are well-appointed, too, with a 3.0 HP motor that can crank up to 12 miles per hour at 15 different incline levels. When you’re working out, you can use the Bluetooth speakers to listen to music or follow along with workouts with your smart device placed on the integrated tablet holder. The 6.5-inch display shows key information about your workout, including speed, incline, distance traveled, calories burned, pulse rate from hand-grip heart rate monitors, and pace. When you’re finished, you can store the F63 conveniently with easy-assist folding.

Who Should Buy The Sole F63

• Anyone looking for a budget-friendly treadmill that still offers many high-tech features will be hard-pressed to find a better deal than this one. 
• Streaming enthusiasts will like the cost-effective Studio™ streaming service and Bluetooth integration.
• Those who want a treadmill that stores away easily without sacrificing function. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy The Sole F63

• Runners who want a higher incline potential than 15 degrees can find steeper inclines on other treads on this list. 
• Even though Sole packed a lot of high-tech features, some people may still want an integrated screen and automatic adjustments. You can generally find those on more expensive models.
• Folks who want a decline option on their treadmill won’t find one here. 

For those of us who aren’t working with an unlimited budget, finding a high-quality yet budget-friendly treadmill can be a challenge. The Sole F63 includes many of the most sought-after options while still remaining rather affordable.

Read our full review of the Sole F63 Treadmill.

Best Treadmill for Streaming

If streaming fitness classes keeps you motivated and on your game, the NordicTrack 2450 might be the best fit for you. This tread features a 22-inch touchscreen monitor loaded with iFit workouts that can tilt to fit your needs, and it rotates 360 degrees for any workout that requires you to hop off the tread. 

NordicTrack Commercial 2450

Though you’ll be paying a little bit extra for this treadmill, you’ll get a solid number of high-tech features, such as automatic adjustments to the incline, decline, and speed settings during virtual workouts — on top of the 22-inch touchscreen monitor, of course. This pick is definitely for the tech-obsessed runner who thrives when someone is coaching them through hill intervals on-screen. On top of that, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 has ActivePulse™ technology that allows the treadmill to auto-adjust the resistance in order to maintain your optimal heart-rate zone — you’ll just need to purchase a SmartBeat™ heart rate monitor to use this feature. 

NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill

The NordicTrack 2450 is one of the most high-tech treadmills on the market. It features a 22-inch touchscreen display that can tilt to your comfort level, and rotate 360 degrees. Your purchase includes a free month of iFit, and all of your trainer-led classes offer automatic adjustments to the incline, decline, and speed settings.

The -3 percent decline and 15 percent incline are great for those who want to incorporate some strength work in their runs, and the integration of Google Maps™ allows you to travel the globe while you’re running — virtually of course. You can pair your favorite Bluetooth headphones for a more immersive streaming experience, and the foldable platform allows you to store the 2450 away when it’s not in use. 

Who Should Buy The NordicTrack Commercial 2450

• Tech-obsessed runners who want their treadmill to offer automatic adjustments during their virtual workouts. 
• Buyers who want a large HD display screen for easy stat-viewing and streaming.
• Athletes who like streaming classes, and prefer to have a coach to push them through tough running and strength workouts.

Who Shouldn’t Buy The NordicTrack Commercial 2450

• People who want a simple machine without all the bells and whistles may want to find a more basic treadmill.
• Heavier users (300-plus pounds) who need a higher weight capacity.
• Anyone who is working with a tight budget will want to source a cheaper alternative.

This treadmill comes with a free one-month iFit subscription, which allows users to stream over 16,000 live or on-demand fitness classes on the 22-inch touchscreen monitor. The automatic incline/speed adjustments are great for those who want some variety during their virtual workouts, as well. Due to its high-tech nature, you’ll be spending about $2,600 on this treadmill, but if you can stomach that price tag, we think this tread is well worth it.

Read our full review of the NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill.

Best Folding Treadmill

A lot of treadmills can fold for better storage, but none get it done like the Sole F63. The hydraulic system here makes folding an easy one-person job, and the tread is still as stable as they come. 

Sole F63

The Sole F63 doesn’t have a lot of fancy features, but that’s not why we picked it. This treadmill is for anyone in search of a treadmill they can easily fold up and store while they aren’t using it. In addition, it also remains stable when it’s in use — unlike a lot of cheaper folding treadmills that wobble when you run. Fancy features aside, it’s solid, space-saving, and gets you off and running. It also features a max incline of 15 degrees, and a price tag of about $1,100, which is a pretty sweet deal.

Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space. 

Bluetooth capabilities make it possible to pair your phone up and blast your own music through the built-in speakers — plus, the 3.0 HP motor is relatively quiet during use, and offers smooth adjustments. Despite the lack of streaming options on the console, there is a tablet holder, so you can watch your favorite shows while working out. One thing that people may be bummed out about is that the fan is located on the top of the console and cannot be tilted down, which may hinder its ability to cool you off.  

Who Should Buy The Sole F63

• Athletes looking to save some space when they aren’t using their treadmill will be thrilled with the foldability of the F63.
• Runners who need a foldable treadmill that can also hold steady for sprints will be happy with the steel framework here that is designed to maintain stability.
• People who don’t want a lot of technological frills on their machine and just want to get to work will like the straightforward nature of this treadmill. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy The Sole F63

• Consumers who prioritize the latest and greatest when it comes to technology may want to look elsewhere. This treadmill doesn’t offer any type of workout streaming. 
• Those who are looking for more decline options as this treadmill doesn’t offer decline adjustments.

While you may not get anything fancy with the Sole F63, you will get a sturdy, foldable treadmill that will save you space and help you work up a sweat. This treadmill features a lifetime warranty on the frame and the motor, plus it can hold up to 325 pounds. The ability to fold into a compact v-shape when you’re not working out is a game changer for those who are tight on space, and you won’t have to worry about it wobbling when you’re running at high speeds. It’s also available for around $1,100, which is much less expensive than many treadmills on this list. 

Read our full review of the Sole F63 Treadmill.

Best Self Powered Treadmill

This next pick is a bit of an outlier on this list since it doesn’t feature a motor that drives the belt. If you’re looking to prioritize conditioning, improve your stride, and set the pace of your runs, then this motorless treadmill from Assault Fitness is the pick for you.

Assault AirRunner Treadmill

Motorless treadmills are designed to be powered by the runner’s stride and strength instead of an electric motor. If you want to go faster, you move your legs faster. If you want to slow down, just slow your steps. There isn’t a whole lot of added technology or features that come with the Assault AirRunner, but it does offer interval programs, heart rate programs, and Bluetooth capabilities to track your heart rate variability. 

Assault AirRunner Treadmill

This Assault AirRunner is built for those looking to perfect their stride, zero in on their form and improve their overall running performance. With no fancy frills, this curved-deck machine will have you sweating and striding properly in no time.

This tread features a corrosion-resistant alloy steel frame, and the belt is made from a thick rubber that provides solid traction, designed to last for 150,000 miles. Another selling point for a self powered treadmill like the AirRunner is that it provides a more comfortable feel with your stride during your runs. The curved design of the belt allows your stride to feel more natural when your feet strike the surface. Some people may be surprised to find out that this treadmill is over $4,000 since it doesn’t have many high-tech features, but that price tag is driven by the durability of the rubber tread, and the solid steel framework. 

Who Should Buy The Assault AirRunner Treadmill

• Athletes who are looking for a treadmill to incorporate into HIIT workouts. The self powered nature of this treadmill makes it perfect for that style of cardio.
• Those who don’t want a treadmill with a bunch of technology will enjoy the straightforward approach Assault Fitness took with the AirRunner. 
• Anyone looking for a heavy-duty, lasting belt that will keep you stable and be able to endure lots of tough workouts — the thick rubber belt here has a 150,000-mile lifespan.

Who Shouldn’t Buy The Assault AirRunner Treadmill

• This treadmill has a different feel than a traditional treadmill. So less experienced runners may want to go a different route.
• Folks who want a high-tech piece of equipment will want to check out some more modernized options on the market. 
• Since the AirRunner does not feature incline adjustments, those who want to incorporate that style of training into their runs will want to look elsewhere. 

Popular in CrossFit style training and workouts, this motorless treadmill is powered by the runner’s stride. You can speed up or slow down the belt with your own leg drive, making it perfect for HIIT workouts. It doesn’t have the features that many of the products on this list have, but it does feature a durable rubber tread that is built to last for 150,000 miles. If you’re looking for a treadmill that offers the most natural feel when running, we think the Assault AirRunner is a great option to consider. 

Read our full review of the Assault AirRunner Treadmill.

Best Treadmill for Running

For those looking to channel their inner Usain Bolt while running on a treadmill, this next pick from Life Fitness might be the best option for you. The 4.0 HP motor can reach up to 8 HP during peak performance, making it great for both long-distance running and interval training. 

Life Fitness Platinum Club Series

While it may feature the highest price tag on this list of around $11,000 — the Platinum Club Series may be worth every penny for hardcore runners. The 3.5-inch rollers here are built for the long haul (as well as long-distance runs), and the deck features eight shock absorbers to reduce impact by 30 percent. The 21.5-inch touchscreen monitor features Bluetooth capabilities for your headphones and heart rate monitor, but you can also pair your phone to stream your favorite tunes or Netflix shows among other popular streaming services. You’ll also gain access to on-demand classes from Life Fitness — and they are always adding more to the monitor free of charge.

Life Fitness Platinum Club Series Treadmill

The Platinum Club is the treadmill for you if you want a powerful motor, smart compatibility, easy stat tracking using an array of apps, cushioning for your joints, and more.

This treadmill was definitely built to last. It has a sturdy steel frame, can hold up to 400 pounds, and features an extremely powerful 4.0 CHP motor that can carry out long endurance runs and tough interval work on a daily basis. Its running area is extra wide at 22 inches, and it’s compatible with most third-party fitness apps, so number-motivated runners can easily stat-track with this tread. The FlexDeck® shock absorption system is also a great feature for runners since it reduces the impact that your joints endure when running outside. 

Who Should Buy The Life Fitness Platinum Club Series

• Long distance runners who are putting in lots of miles daily will enjoy the FlexDeck® shock absorption system. 
• Those who are wanting a treadmill that offers streaming are bound to love the included on-demand workouts at your disposal on the touchscreen monitor here. 
• Athletes who want their treadmill to feature a strong motor will be thrilled with the 4.0 HP motor on this tread.

Who Shouldn’t Buy The Life Fitness Platinum Club Series

• Those who are working with a tight budget will need to look elsewhere. This treadmill costs around $11,000. 
• Anyone who isn’t keen on dealing with a lot of high-tech features on their console should look for a more basic option.
• Since this treadmill is focused around runners, hikers may want to check out some other options that offer decline adjustments. 

If you’re a hardcore runner, we believe the Life Fitness Platinum Club Series Treadmill is the best option for you. The FlexDeck® shock absorption system is designed to soften the blow on your joints when running, and the 4.0 HP motor is great for both long-distance runs and interval training. However, it will cost you a pretty penny, so you’ll want to be sure you’re dedicated to your running routine before snagging this machine.  

Read our full review of the Life Fitness Platinum Club Series Treadmill.

Best Value Treadmill

When looking for the best value, we tend to look for a high-quality tread that has numerous features for a relatively inexpensive price tag. While this next pick may not offer a built-in option to stream workout classes, it does have Bluetooth capabilities, a tablet holder, speeds up to 10 miles per hour, and inclines up to 10 percent for under $1,000.

Horizon T101

The Horizon T101 features a much lower price tag than any other treadmill on this list, sitting under $1,000 — but that doesn’t mean it’s poorly made. You won’t find a touchscreen monitor on this model, but you do have a tablet holder, so you can stream your favorite movies and shows while working out. The T101 also has three different ways to adjust the speed and incline settings. You can utilize the up and down arrow buttons on either side of the console, the buttons underneath the cup holders, or the knobs located on the ends of the heart-rate-sensing handles.  

Horizon T101 Treadmill

The T101 from Horizon has a solid mix of tech and running features. Whether you’re looking for integrated bluetooth speakers, or a reliable motor to keep you moving, the T101 has something for everyone. 

The 55-inch running area may be a little shorter than some other treadmills, but the three-zone cushion system is pretty unique. The “impact zone” towards the front of the tread provides softer cushioning, while the “push off zone” on the back of the tread is more firm, leading to a solid amount of flex and support during your runs. The ability to fold this tread after usage is also clutch for those who are looking to make the most of their available space at home. You toss in ten degrees of incline, and a top speed of 10 miles per hour, and you have yourself a pretty sound product for a very reasonable price.  

Who Should Buy The Horizon T101

• Buyers who are looking for a budget-friendly option will be thrilled to find that this treadmill is less than $1,000.
• Folks who want to just get to work will like the straightforward nature of the T101.
• Anyone who wants a treadmill that will support their joints when running will like the three-zone cushion system on this tread.

Who Shouldn’t Buy The Horizon T101

• Anyone looking for a treadmill that offers decline adjustments, has more incline capability, and a faster top speed will want to look at more advanced options.
• Someone who likes to have the latest and greatest in technology featured in their console will want to keep looking since this console is pretty basic.

The Horizon T101 is going to get the job done at a low price. Coming in at under $1,000, this tread won’t have all the fancy features of more expensive treadmills. However, it still offers great cushioning and a tablet holder, so you can stream workout classes like you might on a more advanced tread. 

Read our full review of the Horizon T101 Treadmill.

Best Treadmill for Incline Training

If intensity is the name of the game for you, then you may not want to look past this next pick. The NordicTrack X22i features a max incline of 40 degrees, and a decline of -6 degrees. It’s also super durable and sturdy, meaning it’s bound to last you a lifetime. 

NordicTrack X22i 

The NordicTrack X22i is a standout piece of equipment for its incline abilities and its sled push option. This machine can climb all the way up to 40 percent in incline, which is shockingly high for a treadmill. It can also decline down to -6 percent, which isn’t even an option on most treads. With a max speed of 12 miles per hour, you’ll also be able to bust out a sprint after your workout for a solid cardio finisher. The sled push option here also allows you to use your own leg drive to move the tread.

NordicTrack X22i Treadmill

The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is built for those who want to climb. The machine inclines up to 40 percent and declines down to -6 percent. It features a Sled Push option where you can power the belt with your own leg drive, and it has a 22-inch touchscreen display where you can follow your workout and take iFit classes.

NordicTrack also included a 22-inch touchscreen monitor on this tread for you to browse a virtually endless number of trainer-led iFit workouts in a live and on-demand fashion. Due to the high level of technology on this machine, you’re going to have to pay over $3,500 to add it to your home gym. But, if you have the budget for it, and are dedicated to incline training, we think the X22i is the best option out there. 

Barbend tests the NordicTrack X22i treadmill

Who Should Buy The NordicTrack X22i

• Anyone who is keen on building up their incline work will find the option of raising the tread to 40 percent incline to be an ideal feature. 
• Athletes who want to mimic outdoor running and hiking will find the automatic adjustments to the incline and decline settings to provide a pretty natural outdoor feel during your virtual workouts. 
• Anyone who enjoys a coached workout will appreciate iFit’s library of 16,000+ live and on-demand fitness classes.

Who Shouldn’t Buy The NordicTrack X22i

• Joggers who prefer flat ground may find the incline and decline options to be excessive and not necessary in their workouts. 
• Users who don’t want any fancy technological frills to come with their tread purchase may be better off looking for a more basic treadmill.
• Folks who are looking for a budget-friendly treadmill will want to look somewhere else. This tread starts at $3,500, and will feature an even steeper price tag once you add on your iFit membership, any additional warranties, and white glove assembly. 

If you’re an avid hiker or want to increase the strength of your posterior chain as much as possible, the NordicTrack X22i is likely the best fit for you. This treadmill offers an incline as steep as 40 percent, a max decline of -6 percent. While it’s pretty pricey, we think all of these luxury features make it well worth the money for serious incline trainers.

Read our full review of the NordicTrack Commercial X22i Treadmill.

What are the Benefits of Treadmills?

Despite their unfairly received bad rap, treadmills are a great tool for people of all fitness levels. Even low- and moderate-intensity walking, when done consistently, can have important cardiovascular health benefits. (1) Having a high quality treadmill in your home that you can walk (or jog/run) on while catching up on your favorite show or listening to the BarBend podcast is a potentially easy way to improve your health and fitness.

Image via Brian A Jackson / Shutterstock

If you’re training for a certain goal or simply enjoy running, having a high-quality treadmill can be a great solution when the weather isn’t quite right for outside running. No one wants to injure themselves running when it’s icy, or slippery and wet outside — plus, it’s not easy (or safe) to run in a foot of snow or 100-degree heat. It may not be the exact same as outdoor running, but you can still train despite Mother Nature trying to say otherwise. A treadmill is a must for those who train in areas that can have inclement weather for days on end.

How We Chose the Best Treadmills

No matter where you’re looking to put a new treadmill, it will automatically be a key component in any gym. Here are all the qualities we look for when choosing the best for this list. 

Price

High-quality treads don’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve included options on this list that are both affordable and durable for those who aren’t interested in breaking the bank over a new piece of fitness equipment. When looking at those lower prices, we look for the qualities of higher-priced treadmills and consider these low-cost options a steal. Of course, there are also some options that are extra sturdy and/or include high-tech add-ons that are worth the additional spend. Rest assured, no matter which treadmill feels like the best option for you, all of these picks go above and beyond the call of duty.

Special Features

Some people are looking for modernized technological features, while others just want a machine that lets them run without a massive HD screen staring them in the face. Both types of treads are included in this list to satisfy all types of users.

Image via Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock

The “bests” of the high-tech treads are great for things like streaming, Bluetooth connectivity, and display screens. Some of our picks also feature inclines of up to 40 percent, or belts powered by the user instead of the motor. There are a ton of high-tech options out there, and we have rounded up treadmills with some of the coolest features for this list. But any runner who doesn’t want to complicate their workout with technology can find a pick on this list for them, as well.

Build

When you’re dishing out a good chunk of change for a new piece of fitness equipment, you want to ensure its build is both durable and of high quality. All of the treadmills on this list — even the cheaper options — feature high-quality construction. 

Durability

Obviously, there will be differences in the frame build and deck durability based on the price range. If you’re paying more than $2,000 for a treadmill, you’re likely going to get a tread that lasts longer than if you’re paying less. However, most treads on this list have 10-year warranties, meaning the companies ensure the treads will last at least 10 years. But if you’re looking for a machine that could potentially last longer, some of the high-end options on this list should endure the test of time.

How Much Do Treadmills Cost?

The price of treadmills can range more than nearly any other type of fitness equipment. There are some budget-friendly options that you can get away with spending under $1,000, but that’s usually the floor for most high quality treads. On the other hand, you can spend $3,000 or even over $10,000 on a high-end, tech-heavy treadmill with tons of gadgets and features.

Of course, it’s important to consider the cost of the actual machine, but an increasing number are limited in their use or outright not usable without a streaming membership. The price of the membership you’ll likely have to purchase is another factor to keep in mind when selecting your treadmill as it will end up costing more than the machine over time in many cases. These memberships do have a pretty standard range of $30 to $50 per month, though some companies offer a discount for annual enrollment.

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill

Before dropping a bunch of money on a new treadmill, make sure you’re getting what you want out of your machine. Here are a few things to think about before you hit the market.

Size

Size is definitely a factor when it comes to building an at-home gym or adding to a commercial space. You’re going to want to gauge how much room you have, if you need your treadmill to fold, and if you’d like to store it in a different spot than you keep it when it’s in use. The footprint dimensions, folding capabilities, and presence of wheels for maneuvering should help you decide what size treadmill you need for your space.

Quality Build

You’ll definitely want to make sure your treadmill is built to last if you plan on spending a lot of money on it. A solid steel frame, a sturdy deck, a reversible belt, and a powerful motor are all aspects you want to note when looking for durability. The last thing you want is to drop thousands of dollars on a machine that doesn’t last longer than a couple of years.

Image via Skylines / Shutterstock

Another thing to consider when it comes to durability is who will be using the treadmill. Long distance runners? Sprinters? Walkers? If you’re using the tread for endurance training, you’re definitely going to want a machine that can withstand a lot of daily miles. If you’re only using it for sprints in between your workout splits, you can buy something with a less powerful motor or a slightly less durable belt.

Electric vs. Motorless

There are two types of treadmills: Treadmills with motors and treadmills without motors. Those with motors are likely what you’ve used or seen in your average commercial gym. They’re electric, plug into a wall outlet, and are powered by a motor. You can set your pace using the speed controls, and the belt just moves at the selected speed beneath you.

The motorless treadmills, on the other hand, don’t require a plug, but they do require a bit more of an advanced technique. These kinds of treadmills are powered by the runner, meaning the speed and strength of your legs are what move the belt. It takes more effort to run than an electric tread, and you’ll need to be able to hold your own pace because there are no speed controls.

Final Word

Buying a treadmill is a big decision no matter the price tag. Even if you’re going with a more cost-effective option, you’ll have it with you for many years to come, so you want to make sure you’re checking off the right boxes. 

Finding a durable machine with the features you need to fit your experience level and workout preferences is key. Before going into a store or scouring the web, make a checklist of must-haves. Once you know what features are a priority, use this list to help make your search a lot less stressful. Whether you want to find the best deal possible, are looking for the treadmill that offers the most technology, or just need something that’s going to allow you to make the most of your space — we have you covered. 

FAQs

How much do treadmills cost?

High quality treadmills can range in price from around $1,000 for a budget version up to $3,000 to $5,000 for those with lots of tech and features. We’ve included a wide range of treadmills varying in price on our list to accommodate nearly anyone’s budget.

What is the best treadmill?

That really depends on your individual needs and what’s important to you, as well as your training style. We’re fans of the Sole Fitness F80 right now as it has nearly everything we could ask for in a high-quality treadmill — included technology, a durable build, and user-friendly features with a foldable design to save space when you’re not using it.

Will I save money if I cancel my gym membership and buy my own treadmill?

If you’re going to the gym just to use the treadmill, a single treadmill purchase could pay itself off in no time. But even if you go to the gym to use the barbells and squat racks, if you start adding those pieces to your home gym bit by bit, it could still end up being cheaper than a monthly gym membership when you factor in how often you go to the gym and how long these items will last you.

References

1. Rippe, J. M., Ward, A., Porcari, J. P., & Freedson, P. S. (1988). Walking for health and fitness. JAMA, 259(18), 2720–2724.

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