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Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just looking to take better care of your health, there are a number of reasons you may want to consider adding a treadmill workout to your daily routine. With the current size of the online market and five-star product reviews galore, it can feel impossible to know where to start and which products are actually worth your money. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you (no pun intended) and curated a detailed list of the best treadmills that will fit into your individual lifestyle—whether that’s a treadmill for runners or a budget-friendly option. So pull up a seat, and let’s jump in!
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has been the talk of fitness communities far and wide, and was largely regarded as the best treadmill overall in 2023. This high-tech treadmill features a 14-inch Tilt and Pivot Smart HD Touchscreen, built-in speakers, SmartAdjust technology, and tons of iFit classes to choose from.
With the Commercial 1750’s in-depth personalization technology, it’s an ideal fit for anyone seeking a workout tailored to their individual goals.
This treadmill is easily one of the most high-tech options you can scoop up for under $500. Compact and foldable with an auto-incline feature and built-in heart-rate monitor, you’re sure to get the most bang for your buck with this 12-program option.
For a budget-friendly option, the Sunny Health and Performance Treadmill is a highly efficient option that will help you get your steps in, without breaking the bank.
The XTERRA folding treadmill is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a compact, transportable machine. Lightweight, with built-in wheels and an easy-pull knob, this treadmill is a cinch to move on a whim.
While not as high-tech as some of the smart treadmill options listed, the XTERRA’s low cost and quiet motor makes it a desirable and accessible option for anyone living in a shared space, such as an apartment or condo.
The Sole F63 is a cult favorite among runners and trail walkers for a reason. Featuring a six and a half-inch LCD screen with a user-friendly interface, as well as six in-depth programs to help you customize your workout, there are endless possibilities when it comes to tailoring your workout to your needs.
The F63 is a great option for anyone looking for a quiet, simple treadmill that’s comparable to what you’d find in a commercial gym.
The TR1200 is a great option for those looking for a smaller walking pad for their standing desk. Small and lightweight, this treadmill is the perfect choice for those working in a shared space, as it is designed to be extremely quiet and won’t disturb your team (or family) while you’re using it.
This high-tech iteration gives you more ways to track your workout than the standard walking pad—the only downside is that it’s a bit on the pricier side.
If you’re looking for something with a quick setup, the Horizon Fitness T-101 is the treadmill for you. Reviewers loved the shock-absorbing features of this treadmill, and many raved about its quiet motor and the hydraulic system for easily lifting and lowering the track.
This tiny treadmill can handle intense walking and running, making it a great option for someone looking for something lightweight yet heavy-duty.
The Sole F-80 is a popular option for incline walkers and runners. With an incline up to 15, this machine is known in the fitness community for its hardiness and resilience, as well as its versatility and the fact the treadmill deck folds up and locks into place when not in use.
Read the full review: Sole F80 Treadmill Review: Commercial Quality, Home Gym Convenience
While some users say this device doesn’t provide as much cushioning as some of its competitors, its durability and incline range is a strong selling point for many.
This treadmill has a wide walking pad, which makes it accessible for walkers and runners with mobility or stability issues. It comes with a free 30-day membership to the Echelon Fit app, and includes space for your water bottle, smartphone and tablet. It’s also easy to fold up and store away when not in use. Shopping tip: The Echelon Stride also made our list for the best folding treadmills—specifically as the best option for small spaces.
The Echelon Stride is great for those looking for an easy, moderately-priced treadmill for low-impact walking exercises.
The YOSUDA T5 is a super-convenient, budget-friendly option for anyone who works from home and is looking to purchase a quality walking pad. This machine can handle more weight than the average walking pad, and features a large walking surface that makes it even more user-friendly.
Overall, the YOSUDA T5 is a great walking pad for remote workers who want to stay fit while working. The large surface and durability makes it suitable for most users.
When looking for the perfect treadmill, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right one for your lifestyle. Here are some key things to think about:
Determine how much you’re willing to spend on a treadmill. Prices can vary widely, so having a clear budget in mind will help narrow down your options.
Treadmills require quite a bit of space, so make sure you take the dimensions of the treadmill into account before making the big purchase.
There are three main types of treadmills: manual (non-motorized), folding, and standard (motorized). Each has its benefits and downsides, so it is important to do your research to find the one that’s right for you.
A treadmill with an incline option can add intensity to your workout and help you build stamina. Different brands and models come with varying incline options, so if incline walking or running is a core part of your workout, make sure you consider this in your search.
A treadmill with good cushioning and shock absorption can reduce impact on your joints, making your workouts more comfortable and reducing the risk of injury.
It’s important to decide if you’re looking for something with tons of features, or something more simple. These days, treadmills allow for bluetooth connectivity, have attached fans, personalized workout programs, and much more. If features are a game-changer for you, and your budget allows, it may be worth looking into a more modern, high-tech treadmill.
Consider the noise level of the treadmill you’re purchasing. If you plan to use it in a shared space or while watching TV, quieter operation might be a priority. Some factors that can affect the noise level of your treadmill include the type of flooring your treadmill will be on (it’s always recommended that you use a mat for noise reduction and shock absorption), motor power (the larger the motor, the louder it will be), and the overall installation of your treadmill.
It’s important to note that treadmills often become louder when they need maintenance, as the constant vibration will loosen up the nuts and bolts over time. For this reason, it’s also important to make sure that you keep up with regular maintenance, such as tightening parts and lubricating your treadmill’s belt and bearings when necessary.
Motor power is a huge factor to consider when looking for the right treadmill. The higher the motor power, the faster your treadmill can run. You’ll see motors measured in both HP and CHP. HP, as you may have guessed, stands for horsepower. CHP, in comparison, stands for continuous horsepower.
So what’s the difference, you may ask? CHP can deliver the maximum horsepower for extended periods of time, while HP measures the amount of power that the machine can go up to, but not necessarily sustain for long periods. Therefore, for a runner who is looking for a machine that can handle distance running, it may make more sense to get a machine that has a higher CHP. For sprinters, HP may be good enough. With the average treadmill motor being 2.5 HP, this should be substantial enough to meet the average person’s fitness goals.
For even more details about what to look for when making your purchase, check out our treadmill buying guide.
To find the best treadmills, we conducted extensive research into online fitness communities and discussions. After careful research and Q&A with fitness enthusiasts and casual gym goers alike, we were able to discern the most sought-after features in a treadmill, to compile a list of the most-loved treadmills on the current market.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is currently the most popular home-use treadmill on the market, and for good reason! This high-tech treadmill has tons of advanced technology such as Auto-Adjust, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, Google Maps workout technology, a 30-day iFit subscription, and so much more. The Commercial 1750 is perfect for both new athletes and seasoned runners alike, making it a must-have for fitness fanatics.
The average lifespan of a treadmill is approximately ten years, but with proper care and cleaning, you can potentially get even more years out of yours.
Not only is it okay, it’s encouraged by many doctors and fitness coaches alike! Walking on a treadmill is a great way to build up your endurance and fit a healthy amount of movement into your day.
This depends on your flooring. If you’re working with rubber flooring, you may not need a mat for your treadmill. However, if you have hardwood or tile floors, a treadmill mat is highly recommended to prevent scratching, minimize noise, prevent sliding, ease vibrations, and lessen dust buildup.
The most popular treadmill brand of 2023 was NordicTrack, a brand featuring many high-tech treadmills with tons of customizable features.
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