They’re smarter than ever, giving you plenty of training options if you prefer to move your winter running indoors.
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Running outdoors is the most refreshing. But with cold winter weather here, putting miles in on the treadmill is better than putting up excuses for not running at all.
There are a ton of treadmills on the market right now, and they’re better than they’ve ever been. They have more features, use less electricity, and are more versatile than ever before. Some are virtually personal trainers in and of themselves.
Over the last several months we've tested a new batch of treadmills, putting miles on them in our office and as part of our own training. And we’ve added the ones worth recommending to our reviews below.
Looking for a more heavy-duty treadmill that can handle higher speeds, longer miles, and more complex training plans? See our guide for the best advanced treadmills, which cost more but offer more training features and sturdier builds.
A few questions you need to ask yourself before you buy the treadmill is how you want to use it, how long your stride is, if you want entertainment or training built in, and what you need as far as weight limits are concerned.
Size of the Running Surface
Having a comfortable treadmill means having one with a deck large enough to suit your stride. You don’t want to feel like you’re chasing to stay near the bar and not slip off the back, and you should ensure it’s wide enough that you can shake into your run without concern that you’ll step off the belt.
Having a running surface at least 20 inches wide is the bare minimum, and only for runners and walkers who have a consistent gait and few distractions when they run. It’s great for space to have a slimmer belt, but like running on a narrower trail, it requires concentration.
The length of the deck is a trickier monster. What you need is largely dependent on the length of your stride, where you like to land in relation to your center of gravity, and your height/limb length. Having a deck that is too short puts you at risk for falling. Alternatively, it might have you trying to run up against the bar, which can affect your cadence and speed work, as you are essentially trying to outrun the machine instead of following its speed.
If you’re planning on using the treadmill for running, you’re going to want at least 55 inches of deck length. If you’re just using it for walking, 45 to 50 inches should suffice.
If you’ve ever uttered the word “fartlek” out loud, you, my friend, need a treadmill that has easily adjustable speeds, and many of them at that. Do you need it to go all the way up to 12 miles per hour (generally the fastest speed on any treadmill) to hit that 5-minute mile? Probably not, but you at least want it to hit your top speed, and you want it to do it smoothly and easily.
Running is a sport of efficiency, and having to stop just to punch buttons that are not immediately responsive or they’re difficult to find will take away from your training.
Incline training is great for a lot of reasons, not least of which is preparing to run a hilly course. The majority of commercial treadmills offer some level of incline capability. Higher end models can reach a maximum of a 15 degree incline, designed to test the limits of your quads and glutes. Some models also give you the ability to do the opposite—offering decline modes—but those are pretty rare.
Treadmills offer more programming and entertainment than ever. Treadmills are no longer just a belt, motor, and bar. They are now Wi-Fi-compatible machines with programming capable of creating entire running plans and helping you execute them.
On-board systems like NordicTrack’s iFit are designed to help runners (and walkers) on their journey by providing them with tools like heart-rate monitor based workouts, whole-body fitness programs for runners, and responsive tech that monitors intensity, adjusting for your needs as you go.
And perhaps more importantly for many of us, a lot of treadmills can connect to streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, and more. Nothing will get you running quite so fast as watching Annabelle while you’re hitting your miles, though it may artificially elevate your heart rate, causing the machine to tell you to slow down. (Yes, this happened. That movie is terrifying.)
Motors are a critical element to the design and functionality of the treadmill. There are typically two motors on each treadmill—one for running the belt and one to power the incline. The motor running the belt is the one taking the heaviest damage and using the greatest amount of energy, so it needs to be robust.
Speed and motors are closely related—in order to give the user an option to hit higher speeds, the treadmill needs a stronger motor to keep up. Most motors are between 1.5 and 4 horsepower. We should note that the majority of treadmills with higher weight limits (north of 300 pounds) tend to have higher horsepower.
We have found in our testing that higher-power motors can also take a lot more abuse, staying right and ready for more miles. Unfortunately, this does typically mean that the treadmill itself may be more expensive, but for larger-bodied individuals, distance runners, or speedrunners, it’s worth the cost of admission.
At Runner’s World, we’ve spent decades covering everything related to running, and our test team has evaluated gear from running shoes to smartwatches to sports bras. We are a team of runners writing for other runners and we understand what you are looking for when it comes to your gear.
If you’re going to buy a piece of equipment that potentially costs thousands of dollars, you want to know that you’re making a good investment. That’s why we test these so hard and make so many demands of the product. We routinely speak to the manufacturers, coaches, and other runners just like you to ensure that our content and recommendations are the best you’ll find.
Each and every treadmill on this list has been thoroughly evaluated by our team of editors at Runner’s World. Runner-in-chief Jeff Dengate devised the testing protocol and has logged serious miles on most of these treadmills. In addition, I put hours on many of them as part of testing and my own training for upcoming races. Additionally, we solicited input from other staff at our office, like news editor Theo Kahler, who has a PR of 14:20 in the 5K.
The team and I evaluated each treadmill, running for miles in every conceivable combination of uses. We evaluated how they feel, how well they change speeds and inclines, and even how they sound when they’re running. I then gauged that performance against their prices, customer service, and setup and delivery.
On that note: I know that not everyone who runs is going to be able to move around a piece of equipment that weighs hundreds of pounds. As someone with a partially paralyzed left hand, I cannot handle the set up and assembly of a treadmill, so good customer service is a highly important factor. I want to make sure that you’re not just getting a good ’mill, but a good overall experience.
Dengate says that this treadmill has “Goldilocks-level” cushioning on its long 60-inch running surface. Yes, you feel the deck as you run, but it’s not going to drain you or make your run feel unstable. It’s simply providing enough response to lessen the impact.
The length of the belt means that even the 6-footers on our test team were able to stay centered and felt as though they had plenty of room to kick out. I loved this feature of the 1750. I am 6 f00t and have a stride that some have referred to as “stupidly long,” and I’ve also been told “it looks like I’m trying to jump hurdles.” I had no problems staying on this treadmill, in spite of my drunken-gazelle stride.
Both Dengate and I love the slimmed down features of the treadmill. They make it fab for runners who tend to stay close to the controls and the console. It has a Z-shaped console and handlebar style with a decently large 16-inch screen that sits high enough that you don’t feel like you’re craning your neck from watching shows while you run.
The two built-in cup holders could be deeper and a little wider in our opinion, but they’re not so shallow that your standard water bottles are going to fall out. If you run with something larger—like an Owala or Nalgene—you’re going to be out of luck.
The slim arms are long enough that you can grab them for stability when you need to, but they never feel like they’re caging you in. They have an almost pebbled plastic feel under your hand, similar to the arms of an office chair, and it felt like I could get a good grip on them even when my hands were sweaty or wet from an icy drink.
When it comes to adjustments, this treadmill is fairly average. It goes from 6 to 12 mph in 8 seconds. This is great for 400- to 800-meter training, and even the occasional fartlek, but not ideal for someone who does intense speed training and needs those pickups to come more quickly.
We love that you can keep the quick keys overlaid on top of whatever you’re watching on Netflix for easy access, with no need to click away to different screens to adjust your speed or incline. They are responsive and easy to manage—with one exception, according to Dengate. He notes: “On this machine, the max speed is 12 mph, but it doesn’t have quick keys for 10 and 11. That’s odd, because the keys are stacked on the right side of the screen and you have to scroll vertically to get to the extremes anyway. So, it’s a little annoying to have to jump to 9 mph, then hit the + button to get to 10.”
We’re fans of NordicTrack’s iFit program. If you’re buying this machine, we really do recommend that you invest in iFit. It makes for a much better experience all around. The program can read your runs and help you adjust where needed, and though we weren’t sure about that feature at first, we found it to be really helpful during training.
The combination of the high horsepower motor and the Bluetooth speaker projecting the running programs does mean this machine is a bit on the loud side. But if you’re using it for walking and wearing headphones instead of using the speakers, it’s not distractingly loud.
The 1750 is a pricey piece of equipment, but it is built like a tank and can elevate your runs in ways you’re not expecting. Both Dengate and I loved using this treadmill for training and non-training runs. The Netflix feature makes miles fly by (we actually both watched the Menendez movie on recent runs on this ’mill!), and our joints thanked us for the cushioning.
Overall this machine is the total package, and a great buy for most runners. Yes, there has been some noise recently about NordicTrack’s customer service falling short when machines malfunctioned, but that’s not been our experience, and we haven’t heard anything about it in a while.
If you’re looking for a solid machine, but don’t want to shell out $2,500 for it, the Horizon 7.0 is your best option. It’s a solid ’mill with a long 60-inch deck that I found to be suitable for my long stride, though the narrow 20-inch belt does feel a bit tight if your mind tends to wander on your runs. The deck itself has a nice amount of cushioning, making longer runs feel less taxing overall. However, I did notice a bit of bounce when you increase the incline over 5 percent, so if you’re a runner who likes to do speedy hill work or training for Pikes Peak, this is not your machine.
The body of the Horizon 7.0 folding treadmill is on the bulkier side. It resembles something closer to what you’d expect at your local YMCA. But the integrated features make for an easy setup and run. One thing about the body we appreciated was the fact that when you put your tablet in the tablet holder, it is nearly eye-level with most runners. I only had to slightly cast my gaze down to watch the programs I was playing on my iPad.
Below that tablet holder is the combination digital and manual console, fan, Bluetooth speakers, and two cup holders that are generously wide but still a bit shallower than I would prefer. There is enough room to hold your water bottle, earbuds case, and a towel in the cupholders, though, which kind of makes up for the shallow basins.
As for programming, this treadmill stands out for its ability to link to Peloton, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy watches. (Yes, it has a few canned running options that are exactly what you’d expect from this style of treadmill.) You can read your calories, distance, and more right in front of you. I ran a few Peloton classes on this machine, and the sync was smooth and the transitions easy.
Another gem about this machine: knobs on the grips easily allow you to increase your pace without interrupting your stride. It is the easiest speed adjustment on the market, but we did notice that there is some lag when bumping down to a slower speed than with some other treads. It’s a subtle lag, though, and if you’re running that top speed of 12 mph regularly, you likely won’t even notice.
For about $1,000 on sale, it is going to be hard to find a more capable treadmill. The combination of convenience and comfort make this ’mill a standout. I do suggest the white-glove delivery service because assembly is a bit of a pain, and this thing is heavy as heck.
Let us introduce the NordicTrack 2450 if you’re looking for a folding treadmill that can handle the abuse of a marathoner or even a family of runners. It’s durable, with fantastic mid-level cushioning that is neither too responsive or too firm, a large running surface area of 22-by-60 inches, and even though there’s no cushion adjustment, your runs will remain bounce free.
Are you a console hugger? Me too. There’s nothing that’s going to be in your way, and you’re not going to step on the belt cover either thanks to the Z-shaped handlebar and crossbar design that positions you in the right place to keep those feet on the belt, even if you tend to stay at the front of the ’mill. It’s a fairly minimalist design with everything out of the way but still easily in reach, even for taller runners. (You won’t need to reach to grab your water like you do on the Centr below.)
For speedwork, you’ll find the speed and incline adjustments pretty standard for the species. It can go from 6 to 14 mph in under 10 seconds, a solid speed adjustment for those 400s and 800s, letting you fall into stride comfortably.
One thing we love is that you can pre-program your own course. That’s only when it comes to time, speed, and incline, though. This ’mill has the same quick keys as the 1750, with the same ease of use, but also the same drawbacks with needing to skip around to find the right speed.
The NordicTrack is better with its iFit programming, though. There are thousands of workouts available, including marathon courses like Boston and New York City. Dengate quips: “On one run, I joined my buddy (and host of RW’s Master the Half Marathon video series) Knox Robinson for a mountain run in South Africa. He didn’t know we were running together!”
Yes, there is an additional cost for this service, but the way it keeps you motivated and interested is worth it in our opinion.
The display is large and in charge. And one of the fun things about it is that you can stop running and leave the entertainment going. Kahler loves the fact that he can step off for a strength training session and keep his Netflix show on play. Binge viewing has never been better for your health.
I do need to mention that this is a thing to assemble. The instructions are reasonably clear, but there’s a lot going on. NordicTrack does have builders in most areas of the United States, and unless you’re handy and strong, I’d suggest you go that route. Also, while this isn’t the loudest machine on our list by a long shot, you’re not going to want to do even a walking workout with someone sleeping in the house. As a mom, I've made the error in my parenting life of trying this with different ’mills. It’s almost never a good idea.
The Sole F80 is a sturdy treadmill that’s made to be easy to move around. The wheels really do work on this machine, and whether you’re moving it to store, or just adjusting for daylight, you can maneuver it.
It features a road-like feel underfoot. In that regard, it’s more like the Centr than the NordicTracks. Unlike the Centr, though, this ’mill is less compact, with a 22-by-60-inch running area. It is quite a bit bulkier than the Centr, too, but the Z-shaped body keeps you from running up onto the front of the machine, and it brings everything up a few inches, making it far more comfortable for taller runners. I had my 6-foot-4 brother-in-law hop on for a few runs, and he was able to stay on the belt, reach the controls and handlebars, and grab his drink easily.
Our team of testers love this treadmill for speed work. It has manual speed adjustments like those featured on the Horizon above, with the toggle right at the bar, allowing for completely seamless, interference-free speed adjustments. The time between speeds is quick, and just a bit faster than that of the NordicTrack models. It goes all the way up to 12 mph, so you’re able to basically fly on this ’mill.
Annoyingly, though, the large buttons on the side of the console skip speeds, choosing some common choices and prioritizing those. If you want to go between those speeds, you need to use the toggle to do so. Also, where is the manual volume button for the speakers?
Sole Studio programming is available for about $40 per month. And the basic Sole+ is also pretty good, especially for the price (free!). But you don’t need it to hop on and get going. You can choose one of the 10 pre-programmed runs, or connect your phone and use the screen mirroring function to follow along a Peloton or other app’s workout.
One feature I liked was wireless charging. It kept my phone going through all 20 miles of my workout, even while running multiple apps, and makes up for the fact that the 10-inch screen is a bit on the small side. The Bluetooth speakers, though, have some oomph, and combined with the fact that this is a quieter treadmill, the sound shines.
There is a tablet holder, and our testers found it fit most of the tablets we put in it, and that once we placed our tablet, we cared not at all about the small screen and lack of programs, because we let our apps lead the way.
One thing about the console I really didn’t like is the fan. It doesn’t do a great job, and really, if you grab this treadmill, you need a fan in the room.
That being said, this ’mill has a robust warranty and is good value all around. We suggest paying the extra for assembly, which is $350 through Sole. It’s simply too easy to mess up, and too heavy to maneuver before it is put together.
The NordicTrack XP 10i treadmill is for runners who want the top-of-its-class features and quality of brand, but don’t have the size or cash for one of its commercial treadmills. This is a slimmed-down, more-compact model that folds up and stores more easily than the 1750 or 2450 models.
This does mean that the running surface is smaller at 20-by-55 inches, and it tops out at 10 mph, but this is still a good size machine and just right for most runners. It has everything you expect from NordicTrack machines, including easy-to-operate controls, smooth transitions between speeds and inclines, a Z-shaped body that keeps you on the belt, and just enough cushioned responsiveness to take a little of the pressure off of your knees and hips.
iFit is available on this ’mill, instantly upgrading the experience. The screen is quite a bit smaller on this machine than others, as is the whole console. At 10 inches, it’s not a tiny screen, but also not the greatest for your theatrical experience—especially if you’re near-sighted.
I noticed is that, when you raise the incline, it sounds kind of like a trumpeting elephant. It’s oddly loud, and kind of startling at first, but it has no bearing on the quality of the incline, speed with which it rises, or performance. It’s just weird.
The Bluetooth speakers pack some punch as well, so if you turn it all the way up thinking you need to make up for the fact it’s smaller and less costly than the commercial treadmills, hold onto your hat.
At $1,500, this is still not an entry-level treadmill. But there are often big sales on these bad boys that make up the difference.
The Pro-Form Carbon TLX is a great machine that’s solidly built and offers great performance, but with few bells and whistles. And basic, simple treadmills for runners can be a beautiful thing. Limiting distractions during a workout can keep you focused in ways you don’t expect.
Sure, you can connect your phone or tablet to control the machine, and you can even link it to iFit or other apps. But at its core, the Pro-Form Carbon TLX is a ’mill for the ’mill’s sake. It’s a workhorse that you can hop on at any time, get a solid few miles in, and hop back off without any fuss.
It has a fairly responsive and cushioned surface that tends towards bounciness at higher speeds. But our testers noted that even with the softer surface, they fell into their run fairly easily thanks to the larger 60-by-20-inch deck. I did note that I occasionally felt like I was going to run up onto the front of the treadmill, so if you’re a console hugger, consider the Horizon above instead.
This tread is a speed runner’s dream. The Carbon TLX gets up to 12 mph in a matter of seconds, and smoothly gliding between speeds with easy manual buttons on the front. The incline rises up to 12 percent, so if you want to really feel your butt for a few days, have at it. Even running at decent inclines feels good (as good as running uphill can ever feel).
I loves the fan on this treadmill. It hits all the needed spots for me, and it really blows that air. Any woman who has done the “lift the boobs to get air” maneuver will know what I’m talking about.
If you’re looking to buy your first treadmill, or maybe you’re just looking to stay in budget, it’s hard to do better than the Carbon TLX for the money.
Dengate says that this treadmill “is one of the firmest” he’s ever run on, and he appreciates that. He loves that the Runr-S is designed for road runners who don’t want a ton of bounce and cushioning, instead preferring the harder feel underfoot you get if you were running outside on the pavement. It is a firm and stable surface that lets you better gage how your body would feel if you were running outdoors. Though he did note that at 1 percent incline, it’s a bit softer and quieter.
The deck and the belt are a hair cramped. At 55 inches long and 20 inches wide, it’s at our minimum recommended size (for running). If you’re over 6-feet tall, have a longer stride, or if you tend to shift your stance, this isn’t your treadmill.
The body of the Runr-S is sleeker than most of the ’mills on this list, with thin handlebars and crossbar. This provides a more open feel when you’re on the treadmill, but the sleekness also makes the handles a bit lower, and the same is true for the console and water bottle holder. Anyone above 5-feet, 10-inches is going to need to reach a bit to get to them. This isn’t a problem when you’re adjusting your pace, but it is annoying when you’re reaching for hydration.
Speed changes are easy on this machine, but the max speed is 10 mph. That’s fine for the vast majority of runners, but if you’re a speed demon, you may be disappointed. The 3-horsepower motor lacks some of the get-up-and-go of pricier machines, taking about 10 seconds to get from a mid speed to the max speed, but unless you’re doing really serious speed work, you should be OK.
One thing you should know is that if you pause your workout, it will restart at whatever speed you were running when you paused—even 10 mph. It does warn you on-screen, but if you’re not paying attention you might end up starting out faster than expected. And the incline adjustment is, in Dengate’s opinion, “glacially slow,” taking 37 seconds to get to the max incline.
This is also one of the loudest machines we’ve ever tested. Like we mentioned earlier, there is some ability for mitigation of this by increasing the incline, but that’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.
The programs and options, though, are top shelf. Even though the screen is smaller than on some other machines, you can stream YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Max, and Hulu, get on Facebook, X, Instagram, Spotify, Chrome, and Kinomap. Centr has its own runners programming that you can tap into, and the volume controls are good. You cannot tilt the screen, though, which limits your viewing angle and can create some discomfort over a long haul.
This is a great option for road runners and walkers who occasionally need to take their training indoors. It’s a solid machine at a solid price, and it looks pretty good in your gym.
Sometimes, the smallest design choice can make a big difference to the overall feel of a machine. Such is the case with the Bowflex T9 treadmill, according to Dengate. On the belt of the ’mill is a red line in the center that acts like a guide to keep you centered. If you’re someone like Dengate or I, who happen to meander a bit during your runs, having something as seemingly insignificant as a dashing red line down the middle of the belt can help keep you on track.
As for how it feels when you’re running on that surface, it’s a firm, no nonsense, comfortable run. However, because of where the legs are on the machine, you may feel a bit penned in, because they are at roughly the same place where your feet land when you’re running. It’s not a huge impact, according to Dengate, but it’s noticeable. The handlebars are pretty short, but give you just enough “Oh crap, I need to grab on” space.
You may be a bit disappointed with the controls. Timely and responsive, they are not. It has a bit of a slower get up and go, and the same thing goes for the incline adjust. I found the speed decrease to be a bit more ready, but still, this could be improved in future models.
You can pre-plan a workout, and make use of the interval settings, which is nice. But as opposed to other ’mills that you set for distance or time with exacting specifics, with the T9, you’re limited to setting them to the tenth of a mile. Setting these intervals is also sort of a pain with button holding and speed setting that has you stuck holding the controls for a while.
That being said, this is a solid entry-level machine. While the controls are irritating, you get the ability to use the brand’s app, hook up to Peloton or Zwift, or set up your Apple watch to do your workout. The board is very similar to that of the Horizon, with an oversized tablet holder, and the toggles on the grips and on the board itself. It’s relatively quiet, folds up easily thanks to the hydraulic lift assist, and the 350-pound weight limit is impressive.
Treadmills are a big piece of exercise equipment, and they can be dangerous if not installed properly and monitored when in use. That is why we spoke with Ed Pryts, Chief Sales Officer at Gym Source, a 30 year treadmill industry veteran, to learn the most important safety factors before you purchase a new treadmill for your home.
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage. A true shoe dog, he's spent more than a decade testing and reviewing shoes. In 2017, he ran in 285 different pairs of shoes, including a streak of 257 days wearing a different model.
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