The Best Treadmills of 2021: Top Performers for Getting Fit This Year
Our expert advice will help you find the best treadmill for your home. Whether you’re looking for a budget pick or an interactive powerhouse, we’ve got you covered.
Buying a treadmill is not an easy task. For starters, all treadmills look virtually the same — dark-colored, oversized, mechanical conveyor belts. Trying to decipher between makes and models is all but impossible for most. Digging into some of the specs requires nothing short of a degree in mechanical engineering.
To help sort through the options, we tested multiple treadmills, completed hours of research, and reached out to four experts for advice on what people should look for in a treadmill.
Our staff is stocked with experienced runners, and we’ve collectively logged years running both on treadmills and outside, on road and trail, garnering context and perspective in the category.
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We know that the best treadmill for home use needs to fit your space, perform consistently, and stay within budget. And depending on your fitness goals and style, it’s important to find a treadmill with the proper speed, incline, and power.
Plus, the growing market of connected fitness has turned even ordinary treadmills into online fitness studios. While there isn’t a single treadmill that fits every user, we’ve broken this list into useful categories to help you find the best option.
- Best Overall
- Runner-Up
- Best Budget
- Best Budget Warranty
- Best Premium
- Best Premium – Runner-Up
- Best Folding
- Most Durable
- Most Popular Connected Fitness Model
- Best Low-Tech
The Best Treadmills for Home Use of 2022
Best Overall: NordicTrack T 6.5 Si
For general use walking and running, the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si ($999) is our top pick. For starters, NordicTrack is among the most trusted brands in fitness equipment. Its parent company, ICON, is the largest producer of fitness equipment worldwide, making up 67% of all sales.
The T 6.5 Si has a 2.6-CHP (continuous horsepower) motor with NordicTrack’s Smart Delivery Drive System. This delivers plenty of power for smooth belt motion and a maximum speed of 10 mph. This is a lot of motor for the money and really makes the T 6.5 Si stand out.
A great feature is the one-touch speed control. Instead of having to hold down the up or down speed button to adjust, you can quickly ramp up or down with the turn of a dial. This is a welcome feature when changing paces.
And in terms of connected fitness, NordicTrack’s iFIT is hard to beat. With a Bluetooth connection and a 10-inch HD screen, you can stream tons of on-demand workouts, take live interactive cardio workouts from world-class trainers, and even map out custom street-view routes via Google Maps.
NordicTrack trainers can even auto-adjust your speed and incline during the classes. You get a one-year iFIT membership included with the purchase; it’s $39 per month after that.
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Runner-Up Best Overall: Sole F65 Treadmill
If you’re not overly interested in the connected fitness experience, the Sole F65 Treadmill is hands down the best price-to-performance running machine. The specs for a $1,400 treadmill are phenomenal.
It has a 3.25-CHP motor with a maximum speed of 12 mph. And what really surprised us was the 22-inch-wide running deck. Most treadmills, by contrast, offer just 20 inches.
Sole treadmills aren’t the most technically advanced, but this one does offer some cool features. Atop the 7.5-inch LCD console sits a tablet holder with USB-charging capabilities.
The console comes standard with Bluetooth speakers that give you the ability to connect your tablet or phone to listen to your music directly off the console. Another strong selling point is Sole’s rock-solid lifetime motor and frame warranty.
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Best Budget Pick: Schwinn 810
There’s always a risk of issues when buying anything budget-priced, especially things with moving parts. But the Schwinn 810 ($1,299) is one of the best price-to-reliability treadmills on the market.
Schwinn is part of the Nautilus and Bowflex family, so it has corporate support behind it. As an entry-level treadmill, it features a 2.6-CHP motor that maxes out at 10 mph. Serious runners may want more power and speed for some workouts.
It comes standard with 16 preloaded workouts in its built-in blue backlit LCD screen. For an additional $10 per month, you can gain access to the Nautilus Explore the World app.
Using a tablet or phone, you can virtually run routes anywhere in the world. And the Schwinn 810‘s integrated Bluetooth data streaming means you can connect to popular third-party apps — allowing you to ride or run with trainers from Peloton, for example. You can also interact, train, and compete against others on Zwift.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a solid, budget-friendly traditional treadmill for walking or jogging, this is the one.
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Best Budget Treadmill Warranty: Sole F63 Treadmill
When it comes to standing behind its equipment, no other brand offers more in terms of warranties. Backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor; 3-year deck, parts, and electronics; and one-year labor warranty, the Sole F63 ($999) is a reliable choice as a running or walking treadmill.
This electric treadmill features a solid 3-horsepower motor that tops out at 12 mph with a 15% incline. It also folds up for easy space-saving storage.
It’s not the most feature-rich treadmill on the market, but if all you’re using it for is to put one foot in front of the other, it’s more than capable.
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Best Premium Pick: NordicTrack Commercial X32i
If you’re looking to spare no expense, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i ($3,999) is a great high-end model. Despite the lofty price tag, the bang definitely lives up to the buck.
The X32i’s 32-inch interactive HD touchscreen is bright and responsive, which helps create a more immersive experience during “global” runs. These prerecorded workouts are a delight, taking you on guided runs and hikes anywhere from the Austrian Alps to the African savannah.
The 4.25-CHP motor offers a max speed of 12 mph, and the incline goes up to a whopping 40% (very handy for simulating the hike to Everest’s base camp). A 22-inch-wide deck is bolstered with Reflex cushioning, which kept runs feeling springy and responsive.
During workouts, the X32i automatically adjusted the speed and incline according to the workout specifications or to simulate the terrain. Simply put, this thing is loaded with numerous features and varied settings.
While the X32i’s hardware is impressive, NorticTrack’s iFIT software really shined in testing. In addition to on-demand studio workouts, the programming includes simulated runs in beautiful locations all over the world as well as guide-led hikes through historical locations like Egyptian pyramids and “haunted” locations in Georgia. If virtual settings are a must for you, it doesn’t get much better.
With the purchase, you get a one-year membership to iFIT. After the year ends, the membership costs $39 a month. It’s not the most budget-friendly treadmill on this list, but it’s an excellent choice if you can swing it.
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Best Premium Pick Runner-Up: Woodway 4Front
If I ever win the lottery, this is the treadmill I’d put in my new beachfront mansion. Designed for top commercial settings and athletic performance labs, the Woodway 4Front ($8,299) is the ultimate high-end treadmill.
Woodway’s patented running surface is made from interlocking slats of vulcanized rubber instead of the typical single piece of material that other manufacturers use. The 4Front’s deck claims to hold up for up to 150,000 miles. While this treadmill is much more expensive than other options, you’ll probably never need to replace it.
Underfoot, the running surface is roomy at 22 inches wide and 68 inches long. The 4Front comes equipped with three different training modes including traditional, dynamic, and resistance.
Best Folding Treadmill: Life Fitness F3 Folding
Not everyone has enough space to dedicate solely to a treadmill. If that’s the case, a folding treadmill is a great option.
Unfortunately, folding treadmills often sacrifice frame stability for compactness. But not the Life Fitness F3 folding treadmill ($3,200-3,700). As one user review noted, “I’m beyond impressed with its sturdiness and how quiet it is.”
In terms of power, the F3 puts out 3 horsepower continuously with a peak of 6 horsepower, making it a great option for both walkers and runners. One downside is that the maximum speed tops out at 10 mph, which is a 6-minute-mile pace. This presents a limit for the fastest runners.
Life Fitness gives you the choice to pick between two consoles depending on how many preloaded and custom workouts you want. The more expensive one, Track Connect, will connect with a mobile device for real-time tracking.
Both consoles are clean and uncomplicated, making them very user-friendly. But if you’re looking for an HD screen and a fully featured connected experience, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
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Most Durable: TrueForm Trainer
It’s no coincidence that the most durable treadmill also happens to be the one without a motor. As one user review so aptly said, “It’s built like a tank.” Manual treadmills use a curved running belt, and the power of your feet moves the belt. This means fewer parts and less need for repair.
It uses replaceable batteries for its control panel but no power outlet is required, letting you put this unit anywhere.
It’s a different kind of running workout. Some of your effort is put toward moving the tread. TrueForm ($4,995) claims you’ll burn 44% more calories than with a motorized treadmill.
A downside is the lack of programmability of workouts and no connected fitness experience. Aside from a Bluetooth-enabled heart-rate monitor, you’re on your own for workout programs.
Regardless, running on a nonmotorized treadmill is certainly a different experience. And some love it. “I’ve had my TrueForm Trainer for about a month now, and it has changed the way I run and I feel great,” one tester noted.
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Popular Connected Fitness Model: Peloton Tread
If participating in live classes led by fit, attractive, world-class instructors motivates you to put on your running shoes and get it done, then check out the Peloton Tread ($2,495). More commonly known for its Peloton Bike, the company launched the Tread model to bring its connected-fitness concept to running.
Broadcast through a beautiful 32-inch 1080p HD screen, the Peloton model is one of the best-looking treadmills we found. Access to a full suite of live and archived classes is an additional $39 per month on top of the cost of the treadmill.
The hardware story is less impressive. Of all the treadmills here, the Tread has the lowest horsepower rating at 2 horsepower. That’s below even our budget options, which cost a quarter of the price.
This raises some longevity and performance concerns for heavy-use runners, fast runners, and bigger runners. And if issues arise, Peloton’s limited warranty is the shortest of all the treadmills we researched (5 years on the frame and one year on parts and labor).
Still, plenty of runners have a positive experience with the Peloton Tread. The content is fun and motivating — just know there are better-built treadmills out there for a fraction of the cost.
Best Low-Tech Pick: Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Treadmill
If simplicity is your jam, the Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Treadmill ($1,999) is a nifty no-frills machine. In lieu of an in-console screen, the 7.8 AT has two humble storage shelves.
This design is based on the concept that a treadmill’s main purpose is to provide high-quality exercise — not screen-based entertainment. Plus, users can always set up their own smartphone or tablet and follow along with a program of their own choice (like the Nike app or Zwift).
Overall, this is an extremely easy-to-use treadmill. There are quick-change buttons on both sides of the console to adjust speed and incline, plus buttons for controlling your music on the center of the console.
If you’re not inclined to wear an HRT, metal sensors in the handles keep tabs on your heart rate. Our tester found the speed and incline adjustment dials are almost too accessible — he occasionally made unintentional adjustments while running at a full clip and swinging his arms.
The platform is also extremely cushy (but not as sweet as the NordicTrack X32i), and the 4-horsepower motor was very quick to make speed and incline adjustments.
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How to Choose a Treadmill: A Buyer’s Guide
Walking vs. Running
Before you consider specific products, you’ll want to have an understanding of how you’ll be using the treadmill. The main thing you need to know is whether you’ll be walking or running. Walking generates considerably less strain on the mechanical parts, allowing you to get away with more of an entry-level treadmill.
The faster the speed and heavier the use, you’ll need the higher-class treadmill to keep pace without the likelihood of having issues. If you have multiple people using the treadmill or are a larger-bodied user, you’ll want a higher-class treadmill to handle the additional load.
Ease of Use
As they say, the best piece of fitness equipment is the one you actually use. When purchasing and setting up a treadmill, it’s important to prioritize ease of use.
Before you choose a specific treadmill model, consider where you will put it. We recommend that you measure your available floor space. Treadmills come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and some will fit into your space better than others.
We recommend that you put your treadmill in a comfortable and well-lit area. Avoid dark and uninviting spaces such as unfinished basements and garages. Large windows and plentiful natural light are ideal.
In 2022, many treadmills are outfitted with plentiful technology and infinite program options. While tech features can be useful, some treadmill users simply don’t want (or need) them.
We recommend that you select a treadmill that feels approachable and inviting. Avoid models that feel overly complex or overwhelming.
Specs to Consider
Once you’re clear about how you’re going to use the treadmill, it’s time to dig into the ever-intimidating treadmill specs. Don’t worry — you don’t need to look at all of them, just a few key ones.
Entry-level treadmills that are more suited for walking will be on the lower range of the below specs, while runners and heavy users want to stay on the upper range.
We recommend going directly to the manufacturer’s website to find the weight capacity and other specs, rather than a middleman like Amazon or a distributor, to ensure that they are accurate.
Size: Greater Than 8 Inches Overhead
This may seem obvious, but before you even start your research, make sure you measure out the entire space you have for your treadmill. Perhaps the biggest unknown when determining if a treadmill will fit is the head height from the ceiling.
In general, most runners will bounce around 5 inches above standing height when running, so ideally aim to have at least 8 to 12 inches of space between your head and the ceiling to be safe.
Motor: 2.6 to 4 Continuous Horsepower
The motor powers the treadmill. Pretty much every treadmill expert we spoke with recommended a 3- to 4-horsepower motor for runners and at least 2.6 horsepower for walking only. Runners will start to see performance issues and premature mechanical problems on anything less than 3 horsepower.
Walkers can afford to be a tad under 3 horsepower, while heavy-use runners want to stay closer to 4. Make sure the horsepower rating is for continuous duty, not absolute horsepower, meaning the motor puts out the rated horsepower continuously versus at its peak.
If the specs don’t list horsepower in either CHP or HP continuous duty, odds are it’s not rated for continuous duty.
Rollers: Greater Than 2 Inches
Rollers are what the belt is wrapped around on either end. Generally, the larger the roller, the better. A higher diameter means less tension is created. This results in a smoother, longer-lasting belt and motor.
Belt Size: Greater Than 20 Inches Wide
The belt size determines your running surface, or how much ground you’ll have under you. Small belts can make your run feel cramped or even cause you to step off the belt.
Larger, taller people require wider and longer belt sizes because their strides are longer and wider. An average person’s foot stance width is roughly 16 inches, so choose a belt size no narrower than 20 inches.
Generally speaking, 20 x 55 inches is considered the entry-level ideal for walking and light jogging, with 22 x 60 inches being a standard size for the average-height runners. Extra-tall runners with a long stride may need even more than 60 inches, such as the Landice L8, which has a 22 x 63-inch belt.
Speed
The speed range of a treadmill varies by brand and model. Typically, less expensive and lower-end models will top out at around 8 mph. While 8 or 10 mph may be plenty for speedwalking and jogging, it won’t be enough to fulfill every runner’s needs.
If you are looking to train for high-level races at high speeds, we recommend a mid- or high-tier treadmill that can max out at 12 mph or more.
Most treadmills offer easy-to-adjust speed settings. Before you make a purchase, be sure to check out the speed settings to ensure that they are easy to use and appropriate for your needs.
Incline
Speed is not the only treadmill adjustment that can alter the difficulty of your workout. Many treadmills provide the option to change the incline angle of the platform. With a quick adjustment, you can shift between a flat, inclined, or even declined surface.
Walking or running on an incline can help you break through plateaus and stay motivated. Compared to flat terrain, an inclined treadmill can help get your heart rate up, burn more calories, and activate underdeveloped muscle groups.
Most treadmills offer settings that start at 0% incline and adjust by 0.5% increments to a maximum incline of around 15%. If you are training for outdoor terrain with a varied grade, treadmill incline adjustment is an important feature.
Choosing Between Brands
Stick with the name brands. It’s not that smaller brands are necessarily bad — it’s just that larger brands offer more features and will be easier to repair if something breaks.
Two brands we recommend are NordicTrack and Nautilus. Others include Sole, Life Fitness, Precor, Spirit Fitness, and Landice.
Buying New vs. Used
Buying a used treadmill can be tempting due to the lower price, but in general, I would avoid buying used treadmills if possible.
Unlike a car, where the odometer clearly identifies how often it’s been used, it’s not as clear to tell how much a treadmill has been used. Furthermore, manufacturers’ warranties are only valid to the original buyer — they don’t roll over.
Connected Fitness Is the Trend
A big trend in home fitness is a move toward a connected fitness experience — the ability to participate in coached workouts on a screen or virtually run routes all over the world.
In some cases, the treadmill speed and incline settings automatically adjust based on the virtual terrain, your workout, or a built-in heart-rate monitor.
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Some treadmills have preloaded cardio workouts or courses in the console. But in most cases, access to the full content is an additional subscription fee on top of the purchase of the treadmill. Usually, the more expensive the treadmill is, the more you get bundled with the purchase price.
Nowadays, the virtually accessible content is pretty impressive — so much so that GearJunkie’s founder, a diehard outside trail runner, became a convert.
Pricing
If you skimp on cost upfront, there’s a good chance you’ll spend more on repairs or end up with a shortened lifespan for your treadmill. Generally speaking, a quality entry-level treadmill will retail around $800. And a higher-end treadmill will reach above $2,000.
Entry-level treadmills are most suited for light usage walking and light single-use jogging. As the treadmill gets used more or the pace run on it increases, the more you should spend on a treadmill.
Delivery
I would highly recommend buying your treadmill directly from the manufacturer to ensure that it doesn’t get broken in transit. Given the large size, weight, and number of mechanical parts, treadmills are not an easy item to ship and require special handling care.
I know Amazon’s one-click buy is tempting, but if something breaks in transit from a third-party delivery service, responsibility for fixing it can be tricky.
Another thing to think about it is setting up the treadmill. Treadmills are extremely heavy and large, making them difficult to set up. Standard delivery in most cases means delivery to the front door, leaving you responsible to set up the treadmill.
For a small fee, most manufacturers offer “white-glove” delivery options wherein a certified delivery person will set up the treadmill for you. It’s worth paying a bit more for this service.
Storage
Treadmills take up a lot of space. While you’re actively using your machine, its large footprint is warranted. However, you’ll want to make a plan for storing your treadmill when not in use.
Depending on how long you will be storing the machine, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Folding treadmills take up less space overall, which makes them ideal for smaller living spaces such as condos and apartments.
Proper storage improves the performance and extends the lifespan of a treadmill. Always keep your treadmill on a level surface in a climate-controlled setting.
If your treadmill has been stored unused for more than a month, we recommend lubricating the belt with silicone before using it again.
Treadmills Rule Home Fitness Equipment
Despite the rise in popularity of Peloton bikes, home treadmills still rule the personal fitness equipment universe. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, treadmill purchases accounted for 54% of all home fitness equipment sales in 2018.
On an instinctual level, this makes sense. As Colleen Logan, vice president of marketing at ICON Health & Fitness, explained, “Treadmills are a natural motion. We are human, we are upright, walking, jogging, and running. These are all natural motions we do. Other fitness category equipment is great (i.e., rowing, cycling, elliptical), but it’s not how we walk down the street. Treadmills are the most popular for that reason.”
Moreover, in terms of accessible home fitness, running remains one of the highest calorie-burners per hour.
FAQ
What Is the Best Treadmill for Home Use?
Our selection for the best overall treadmill for home use is the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si. At an approachable price point, this treadmill offers standard yet reliable features and holds up well to regular use over the years.
We recommend all of the treadmills on this list. The best treadmill for at-home use is the one that perfectly fits your budget, training needs, and available space.
Is It Worth Buying a Treadmill for Home Use?
If an at-home treadmill can allow you to meet your training needs in a way that fits your lifestyle, it may be a worthwhile investment. That said, treadmills are not cheap.
So, it’s important to be sure that a treadmill fits (both literally and figuratively) into your life. A good-quality treadmill is built to last for many years and can be considered a long-term investment.
Can You Use a Yoga Mat as a Treadmill Mat?
A treadmill mat prevents dust from building up underneath the machine. Also, a treadmill mat protects your floor and helps reduce vibration and noise. Many people use a yoga mat for this purpose.
While a yoga mat may do a decent job as a treadmill mat in the short term, yoga mats are generally softer and thinner than treadmill mats and will flatten over time. Look for a treadmill mat that is around ¼-inch thick and large enough to accommodate the entire footprint of your machine.
Will a Treadmill Damage Your Floor?
While some treadmills are more likely to damage your floor than others, it’s always a good idea to use a treadmill mat between your floor and your machine to prevent damage. A treadmill mat is roughly ¼-inch thick and dense enough to protect your floor from scratches and dents.
Additionally, a treadmill should always be set up on a level surface. Use a level to ensure that your floor surface is level. An uneven surface can affect your running or walking form, and it can also lead to floor damage.
Spinning vs. Treadmill Running: Which Is Better?
Running on a treadmill and indoor cycling each have their own advantages. Before choosing one over the other, consider your budget, training goals, and physical ability.
The quality of the workout depends on the intention and intensity of the user. Both of these kinds of equipment can offer a great workout and help you burn lots of calories.
Spinning is much easier on the joints. Running creates more impact than spinning and may not be the best option for those who deal with joint pain. That said, spinning can harm your posture, and those who sit at a desk all day may want to be upright during their workouts.
In the end, neither is necessarily better. Both activities offer a great workout that can be done at home. The choice comes down to the needs of the user and personal preference.
How Long Do Treadmills Last?
A good-quality treadmill should last at least 7 or so years, even with very heavy use. Many users report owning treadmills that last well over 10 years. Before you buy, check the treadmill’s warranty.
On this list, the Sole F63 Treadmill is our pick for the best budget treadmill warranty because it is backed by a lifetime warranty for the frame and motor. It also has a solid 3-year warranty for the running deck.
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