Buying guide for Best treadmills
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If you want to exercise regularly but don’t want to spend money on a gym membership, you may be considering a treadmill for at-home use.
When you own a treadmill, you can exercise whenever you wish. You can plant your treadmill directly in front of the TV or store it in the basement where your workouts won’t be disturbed. Today’s at-home treadmills offer a bounty of features and controls to make your workout fun and fulfilling.
Our top pick is the Peloton Tread, which features an immersive 24-inch screen that you can view Peloton's exclusive exercise classes on.
Best Treadmills available now
Pinpointing your goals
If you were to own a treadmill, what would you use it for? If you just want to get some extra walking in, you might be fine with a basic, less-expensive treadmill that gets your legs moving. If you’re interested in running on a treadmill, you’ll want a sturdy machine with a quality motor. And if you want a treadmill that allows you to train for a marathon, it’s a good idea to choose the highest-quality treadmill you can afford.
When shopping, it’s also important to consider the number of people who will use the treadmill. The more users there are, the tougher and more durable the treadmill should be. The reason: putting too much strain on a treadmill motor will cause it to break down sooner than it otherwise would.
Key considerations
Here are the most important product features to evaluate when you’re shopping for a treadmill.
Control panel and interface
Every treadmill has some sort of control panel. It’s up to you to decide which type of control panel suits you best. Some treadmills have built-in color screens, such as the Peloton Tread, that allow you to view your progress in real time. Other treadmills, such as the affordable XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill, feature simple displays that give basic stats such as distance traveled and pace.
Decide what kinds of controls feel most natural to you, and make sure they are easy to press. Unresponsive buttons could spell trouble when you’re running fast and need to slow down.
Noise output
All treadmills produce some kind of sound. The sturdier the machine, the less rattling there will be. But regardless of which treadmill you buy, be prepared to accept some degree of noisiness from your treadmill. If noise output is one of your top concerns, it’s a good idea to physically test a treadmill so you can hear for yourself how loud it is.
Impact protection
Training on a treadmill puts less stress on your body than outdoor running. The surface is softer than pavement, and it’s more forgiving on the joints. If you’re concerned about protecting your joints from impact, test out a treadmill before you buy it. Most treadmills should provide plenty of shock absorption, but the best way to gauge this is by feel.
Expert Tip
To simulate running or walking outside, set the treadmill incline to 1% since it will provide a more accurate “outdoor” running or walking experience. If the goal is to compare indoor miles to outdoor miles, this setting is very effective.
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Motor
For most at-home treadmill users, a 2-continuous-horsepower motor should suffice. Walkers don’t need to worry too much about the motor, but avid runners and those who intend to share the treadmill with multiple people should opt for the most powerful motor they can afford.
The Peloton Tread and NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill offer 3 horsepower, the Sperax Under-Desk Treadmill offers 2.5 horsepower, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill offers 2.25 horsepower and the Sunny Health and Fitness Premium Folding Incline Treadmill offers 2.2 horsepower.
It’s also important to take note of the treadmill’s warranty. Make sure there is a warranty for the motor and that it lasts longer than a few years. Along with the electronics, the motor is often one of the first components to fail on a treadmill.
Size
How big or small should your treadmill be? There are compact treadmills available, but they’re not suitable for all people.
For example, taller runners may find that a compact treadmill limits their stride. The length of the belt should accommodate a walker or runner’s stride.
- The Peloton Tread has a 59-inch belt.
- The NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill has a 55-inch belt.
- The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill has a 50-inch belt.
- The Sunny Health and Fitness Premium Folding Incline Treadmill has a 49-inch belt.
- The Sperax Under-Desk Treadmill has a 40-inch belt.
The width of the belt is important, too. You may be tempted to buy whatever treadmill would fit into your intended workout space, but it’s very important that you feel comfortable walking or running on your new equipment.
If space is an issue, there are also great folding treadmill options available. These types of treadmills are ideal for users with limited space.
Expert Tip
Don’t underestimate the benefits of moving air to cool the body and simulate an outdoor workout.
Fans will keep your core temperature at a manageable level and help you experience the best workout. After all, slowing down because the room’s temperature is too hot can prevent you from reaching your optimum exercise output.
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Safety features
Your treadmill should come equipped with some kind of emergency stop function. If, for any reason, you need to stop immediately, a safety key can be pulled and the belt will come to an immediate halt.
We advise potential buyers to choose a treadmill with an emergency-stop function and handrails for balance.
Furthermore, customers should make sure the belt of the treadmill is long enough and that they can reach the controls, even when running fast.
Incline capability
If you’re interested in serious training and have a goal in mind (such as a race or event), you’ll likely appreciate the ability to change the treadmill’s incline. Some treadmills even allow users to run or walk downhill.
If you’re looking for a treadmill for hill training, find out whether the incline of a potential purchase can be fine-tuned and what the maximum angle is.
Most treadmills are capable of producing at least a 5% incline. Serious athletes and users looking to lose weight may want a treadmill that can create an incline of up to 15%.
Expert Tip
If you stick to easy, mindless runs on the treadmill, you will likely get bored, which can lead to burnout. Many treadmills offer great programs and even customized settings that simulate running on a track or beautiful trails. Have a program in mind before you begin your treadmill workout.
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Additional treadmill features
We’ve discussed the main features you should look for in a treadmill, but what about all the extras? Here are a few add-ons you may wish to consider when shopping for a treadmill.
Water bottle holder
Most treadmills have a place to put your water bottle or sports drink. The size and placement of these holders will vary; we advise you to go with the option that makes the most sense for you.
Tablet holder
Having a spot to set your iPad for easy Netflix viewing can make a long run feel much shorter.
Built-in workout programs
Some treadmills come equipped with pre-loaded workout programs. Users can select training options, such as “hill training” or “fat burn,” to mix things up.
Treadmill prices
Budget
Budget treadmill options are available for under $500.
These cheaper treadmills often have less-powerful motors and are quite noisy, but they’re smaller in size, and some fold for storage. Inexpensive treadmills are best for exercisers who prefer walking over running. The Sunny Health and Fitness Premium Folding Incline Treadmill and Sperax Under-Desk Treadmill are both terrific budget models.
Expert Tip
Don’t ever underestimate the benefits of walking and running backward on a treadmill. Studies have shown that walking or running backward burns more than 30% more calories than going forward. It also provides a different experience, improves balance and agility, and works different lower-body muscles than a forward motion.
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Mid-range
In the range of $500 to $1,000, you should be able to find a good-quality treadmill with essential features and a decent motor.
Treadmills in this price range aren’t the type you’d typically see in a gym, but for most home exercisers, they are adequate. The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill and NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill are solid choices in this price range.
Expensive
If you venture above and beyond the $1,000 mark, you’ll find gym-quality treadmills with extra bells and whistles, such as the Peloton Tread.
These types of machines are appropriate for heavy training and/or households with multiple treadmill users.
Treadmill tips
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Stop safely: If you need to get off the treadmill at any point, stop the belt first, then step off.
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Don't get distracted: Stay focused on what your body is doing, especially when running at high speeds. Don’t stare at your feet, and keep your eyes ahead. This makes it easier to maintain your balance.
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Protect the kids: If you have children, remove the safety key when the treadmill is not in use.
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Consider your shoes: Use proper footwear when walking or running on a treadmill.
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Choose a safe spot: Make sure your treadmill is stationed on a stable surface; it shouldn’t wobble.
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Pace yourself: You might be tempted to ramp up your workout as soon as you install your new treadmill. However, to avoid injuries and burnout, it’s a good idea to increase your training load gradually.
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Take measurements: It's important to think about how you will fit on the treadmill based on your height, weight and stride. If you're relatively tall, consider a larger treadmill.
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Talk to your doctor: Always check in with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
FAQ
Q. Will I get a good workout running indoors on a treadmill?
A. Absolutely. While running indoors is certainly different from running or jogging outside, indoor treadmill training is still a great cardio workout. Not only is it extremely convenient, as you can use it no matter the weather, treadmills also offer excellent shock absorption, so it's easier on your joints.
Q. How fast should I run on a treadmill?
A. If you’re just starting out, run at a speed that feels comfortable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the “talk test” to ascertain your level of effort. Start at a speed that feels easy, and increase your effort gradually over time to avoid injuring yourself. Consider a run/walk program if you’re new to running.
