Choosing the best treadmill with the features that are most useful for your space and routine will make an excellent addition to your home gym. We tested a few treadmills to find the best options for various needs, ranging from a folding treadmill that can be stored in small spaces to one with all the bells and whistles to improve your speed and incline.
If you’re a runner, you’ve probably used a treadmill at some point, whether you’re training for a race or just want to go for a quick run at home. Though I prefer outdoor trails for the majority of my runs, treadmills are also useful. If you want to own a treadmill, many models are designed for home use. The majority of these treadmills have been modernized and incorporate cutting-edge technology such as touchscreens, workout programs, specialized hardware, streaming platforms, and more.
I tested treadmills by running, jogging, and walking on them to see which ones were worth purchasing. I considered a variety of factors, such as who they are best suited for and what to think about before making a purchase. Check out our top picks below.
Best Treadmills For Home
Life Fitness F3
The Life Fitness F3 Treadmill is a rare breed. This foldable treadmill, unlike others, features high-quality engineering and electronics. Another main factor is FlexDeck shock absorption which distinguishes it from cheaper folding treadmills.
PROS:
- High quality
- FlexDeck cushioning
- 0% to 12% Incline
CONS:
- Track is 55″ long
- When it isn’t folded up. Its 78.5″ x 34.5″ footprint is large.
The Life Fitness F3 has a sturdy base and two consoles: “Go” and “Track”. The treadmill track measures 55 inches and the unit has a footprint of 78.5 x 34.5 inches.
The Go console has basic options, but it includes everything you need to have a good workout. There are twelve programs, including three classics, two advanced, three goal-oriented, and five HeartSync™. The GO console allows two users to save their own individual profiles so they can get started quickly; a Quick Start button displays preferred settings for walking, jogging, and running.
The Track console builds on the Go’s strong core. It connects to other Android and Apple devices and supports workout apps. That means you can use a limitless number of third-party training apps on the F3 Treadmill! You can also get personalized exercises and real-time workout tracking using LFConnect. The Life Fitness Track console is ideal for advanced trainees and anybody seeking additional workout diversity.
Sole F80 Treadmill
The Sole F80 is a high-end treadmill for commercial and home use. It’s suitable for most fitness levels or training programs. With a size of 60″ x 22″, 12 mph top speed, and up to 12% incline, it can offer everything from casual walks to intense workouts.
PROS:
- Large running surface
- 350 lb weight limit
- No membership fees
CONS:
- Large footprint
- Tall folded height
- No Bluetooth FTMS
This treadmill has a weight capacity of 350-pound, It has a comfortable Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, and a convenient folding tread surface. It also comes with a 10.1″ Android display, easy-to-use rocker controls, two holders for water bottles, and a wireless charging pad for a smartphone. The 3.5 HP motor provides consistent resistance on the belt, but the incline adjustments feel inadequate. Overall, the Sole was well-built and easy to use, but lacked some of its competitors’ power and immersive technology.
The F80 is a solid machine with some useful features. The F80 shines for those who don’t want to be tied to an app; it’s not the only treadmill that can be used without an app, but fitness machines with no monthly fees are becoming increasingly difficult to find. We appreciate the freedom of not being tied to a single app, and the entertainment apps help to break up the monotony of fitness classes.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a great treadmill in its own way, but it’s an especially appealing option for those who want to use the iFit app. The 60″ x 21.5″ tread surface, 12 mph top speed, and -3% drop to +15% slope make this an excellent choice for users of all fitness levels, including hardcore runners with rigorous training schedules.
PROS:
- Large tread surface
- Works with iFit app
- 14-inch touchscreen
- Adjustable fan
- -3 to +15 incline
CONS:
- Fairly expensive
- IFit app adds monthly cost
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is one of the best treadmills under $2000. NordicTrack claims the Commercial 1750 has a 60-inch long by 22-inch wide running surface, but our measurements showed that it is actually 21.5-inches wide, as the side rails cover just a tiny bit of the belt on both sides.
Regardless, it’s still one of the largest tread surfaces we tested, and we never found the missing half-inch to be an issue. Whether walking at a brisk pace or hammering out a sprint interval, the large tread was comfortable and didn’t restrict our stride length with little fear of accidentally catching the side rails. NordicTrack has equipped the tread deck with Runners Flex cushioning to help reduce the impact on your joints, but unfortunately, users no longer have the ability to turn the cushioning off as they could on the previous version.
Horizon Fitness T202
I am honestly shocked that this treadmill cost only $800. Spec for spec, the Horizon Fitness T202 is comparable to more expensive name-brand models.
PROS:
- Frame and motor warranty
- Large running space
- Budget friendly
CONS:
- Low amount of programs
The Horizon T202 treadmill has been improved with a 2.75 CHP motor, which, while not commercial standard, provides consistent staying power for a variety of exercise loads. This motor does not support flat-out running, so if you need to run, continue shopping. Walkers and joggers, on the other hand, will like the spacious 20″ x 60″ running space, which allows individuals with longer legs to stretch out without fear of slipping off the edges. Horizon continues to enhance the T202 with a higher speed capacity of 12 MPH and a 12% inclination range. Both help to intensify workouts, burn more calories, and allow users to focus on lower-body conditioning.
The Horizon T202 features a backlit LCD screen and three display windows. It has 5 built-in programs and monitors users’ heart rates with easy contact grips. Other basic amenities that appear insignificant until they are missing include an audio port, Bluetooth speakers, tablet rack, water bottle holder, and fan. All of these qualities make this a credible rival in the sub-$1000 price category for people searching for a long-lasting, low-cost machine.