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Jul 27, 2023

9 Best Treadmills of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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Whether you're a walking enthusiast or a competitive marathoner, we've got top picks for every home gym.

A treadmill is a typical home gym go-to for many, and rightly so. Whether you're looking to get in some extra steps at the end of the day or are training for a half-marathon, having the convenience of a high-quality treadmill in the comfort of your own home can be a fitness game changer. Not only does it provide the benefit of working out at home and not having to head to the gym, but it can also help keep you active during the colder months and throughout bouts of inclement weather when you can't run outside.

But a high-quality treadmill doesn't typically come cheap, and they also take up a considerable amount of space in your home. You want to be sure that you're making the best choice for your workout needs, home layout and more. That's why our fitness pros, including certified personal trainers and technology experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab, evaluated a wide variety of treadmills to find the best ones for every type of living space and every level of physical activity. We chose picks that offered high-quality performance, a wide range of speeds, incline capabilities, substantial running belts and extras like built-in screens and connected features.

You can learn more about how we evaluate treadmills — including tips for selecting the best treadmill for your home gym — at the end of this guide. Looking for even more compact choices? Check out our top picks for the best foldable treadmills.

NordicTrack treadmills have performed well in our previous treadmill tests, and the Commercial 2450 is the ultimate addition to any home gym. It does come at a premium, but you'll get to utilize a ton of sophisticated features like a 22-inch rotating touchscreen, incline and decline capabilities, hands-free automatic adjustments and more.

Let's start with the build: The sleek design offers solid construction and a substantial-sized running belt for comfortably running at speeds up to 12 mph. You'll also get access to thousands of iFIT workouts with this machine (30-day trial included, with a $39/month charge after that for access to iFIT), including scenic runs through breathtaking destinations around the world. What's more, the treadmill offers incline and decline capabilities to simulate outdoor terrain and can be automatically controlled and adjusted by your iFIT trainer during the workout.

The ultra-large screen is particularly noteworthy and provides an immersive experience, especially during those scenic runs. Plus, the screen pivots and tilts so you can complement your runs with strength training exercises for runners and other classes off the machine. Another useful feature is that the Commercial 2450 does fold slightly upright, which can allow you to make room for other fitness equipment when the treadmill isn't in use.

Coming in at a very affordable price compared to most treadmills, this option from Sunny Health & Fitness makes a great machine for walking or jogging. Those tight on space will appreciate that this machine is foldable, too. It folds upright and features a soft drop hydraulic mechanism which the company says is designed to help the deck gently lower itself to the floor.

The console is complete with a digital monitor and tracks metrics like time, distance, speed and calories on the LCD screen. You can take advantage of nine built-in programs for some workout guidance too. This treadmill is also complete with pulse sensors, dual water bottle holders and more. And while this treadmill won't endure the fastest sprints and will only take you up to 9 mph, we like that it features a display where you can quickly adjust your speed with the push of a button.

One thing to note about this option is that it features a manual incline that you can adjust to three unique heights, though you can upgrade to a model with an automatic incline for an extra cost. The machine doesn't have as high of a weight capacity as others. The running belt is 49 inches long (about 4 feet) and narrower than most, so it may feel small if you’re used to a larger running belt.

Run at speeds up to 12 mph and 15 incline levels with the F63 Treadmill from Sole Fitness. You won't find a smart screen on this device, but the 6.5-inch LCD display does note metrics like speed, incline, time, distance, calories and pace. It's chest-strap compatible and features pulse grips, too.

You can work out with six built-in standard programs, but if you want to stream running and walking classes on your preferred fitness platform, you can place your tablet in the dedicated tablet holder on the console. Plus, there is a USB port for charging and Bluetooth audio speakers.

Our experts say that, for the money, you'll get a solid treadmill that provides a decent amount for the value and a nice-sized running belt. Plus, we liked that the tablet holder is at eye level for viewing, which is a small feature but can make a big difference during your runs so you can keep your neck in a neutral position and not have to look down. You won't find tons of high-end features on this pick, but it's a great basic treadmill to keep you active at home.

You'll find all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a high-end smart treadmill in the Bowflex Treadmill 10. The adjustable 10-inch HD touchscreen comes complete with JRNY content, and your membership is free for the first year. But if you're looking for an even larger screen, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 features a 22-inch immersive console (though at a higher cost).

The Treadmill 10 model has decline and incline capabilities to mimic real-life outdoor runs, as well as a speed range of up to 12 mph. It's also Bluetooth capable so you can link certain smart devices and heart rate monitors. All of these premium features make this machine ideal for serious runners, and we appreciate the solid build and longer and wider running belt compared to other competitors. But if you're a beginner or intermediate runner, you'll still be able to find a wide variety of appropriate class content and guidance through the JRNY platform.

This option is also great for the whole family, since JRNY gives you access to entertainment options as you run, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu so you can watch your favorite shows and movies while getting a workout. Another bonus is that the Treadmill 10 is foldable, so you can make room for other home gym equipment when it's not in use. It's an investment but one that will likely pay off to keep you and your family motivated to consistently exercise.

If you're looking for a treadmill with smart capabilities at a more affordable price, look no further than the ProForm Carbon T10. This model has a built-in smart 10-inch touchscreen plus Bluetooth audio capability. You'll be able to participate in immersive workouts with iFIT, which is included for the first 30 days ($39/month after that, plus tax).

iFIT trainers can control your incline and speed during the workouts, which can be especially helpful during interval-style runs. Another benefit is being able to virtually run through scenic locations all around the world through the platform. This model also folds for a space-saving solution.

Most importantly, everyone from beginners to avid runners will appreciate that this machine is able to work up to a 12% incline and speeds up to 12 mph. The built-in fan can come in handy during those longer runs, and you'll find plenty of room in the console to store two water bottles and anything else you may need like a small sweat towel. It's a capable smart treadmill at a lower price, and the iFIT instructors are top-notch and can level up any home workout.

This is our pick for the best foldable treadmill since this new model from NordicTrack is packed with special features and saves space in your home gym. The EXP 7i has a built-in EasyLift mechanism for storage, so you can fold it up when you're done. It has a relatively compact footprint when folded upright so you can make room for other home gym equipment when it's not in use.

Although this pick is foldable, you'll be able to take advantage of high running speeds of up to 10 mph and an incline of up to 12 percent. Plus, the belt can accommodate those over 6 feet tall which is a big bonus. The sleek design of the EXP 7i also features a 7-inch HD touchscreen that gives you access to the robust iFIT workout platform, where you can run alongside trainers and access hundreds of on-demand workouts.

The iFIT membership isn't free but will certainly help you get the most out of this machine, with over 17,000 available workouts with automatically adjusting incline and speed. And if you have other members in the household who want to use the machine, you can now add up to five adult profiles. We also appreciated other useful features like Bluetooth connectivity for your headphones and a built-in workout fan to stay cool.

This budget-friendly option from XTERRA still delivers great quality and performance with special features like built-in Bluetooth to connect to your favorite workout apps and a small LCD display that shows time, speed, pace, distance, calories, incline and more.

Whether you're looking to start incline walking (this treadmill has 12 incline levels) or are starting a running routine, you can go at your own pace and know that the TRX3500 will keep up with you as your speed increases (the machine goes up to 12 mph). Beginners will also appreciate that the machine has 30 pre-set workouts. The running belt is a nice size, and there is a cooling fan to keep you comfortable on those longer runs.

You can fold up the treadmill with the Lift Assist frame design, and there is a Safe Drop feature to slowly lower the deck back down when you're ready for your workout. At a decent price, the TRX3500 offers a good quality treadmill with the basics that any beginner runner or walker will need. Though there is a reading shelf your tablet or magazine will block some of the display.

The 7.0 AT Treadmill from Horizon Fitness was a winner in Good Housekeeping's 2022 Fitness Awards. Coming in at just under $1,000, this durable treadmill features advanced Bluetooth technology so you can connect to apps on multiple devices and stream through the machine's speakers. And you can place your device in the convenient rest, which is at eye level

Runners who like to take advantage of an incline will appreciate that this model not only goes up to a 15% incline but also features a QuickDial control for a smoother transition in both speed and incline adjustments between intervals. The dial on the right rolls forward to increase speed and back to decrease speed, and the dial on the left rolls forward to increase incline and back to decrease incline.

The running deck is substantial and shock-absorbing and the frame is also quite durable. Another added bonus: The 7.0 AT is foldable too so you can save some space in your home workout area when it's not in use. The 7.4 model is also a favorite of ours and comes with a few other features — and a higher price.

Those looking for a serious incline on their walk or run can turn to the NordicTrack Commercial X22i, which wowed us with its 40% incline capability. Speeds go up to 12 mph and you'll get all the other high-end features, like a large 22-inch touchscreen, speed, and include auto-adjust and easy-to-access controls.

The X22i also comes with two fans, premium speakers and a 30-day iFIT trial (membership after that costs $39/month) so you can take advantage of world-renowned instructors and immersive classes and running routes. You can also add up to five adult profiles to the machine.

The high price and intense incline aren't for everyone, but those looking to get an intense workout and mimic strenuous outdoor hikes and runs will appreciate all that the Commercial X22i has to offer. If you're looking for an even larger screen, the X32i offers an extra-large 32-inch HD smart touchscreen.

The fitness and tech experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test sports equipment ranging from e-bikes to exercise bikes and rowing machines. We vet treadmills for ease of use, performance and safety. For this round-up, we featured treadmills that we’ve personally tested, newer units of similar models we've evaluated, equipment from reliable brands that have tested well in the past and top-selling products whose specifications we’ve reviewed. We even send the units to testers across the nation for real-life feedback on functionality and performance.

We looked for options to meet every type of fitness level and home gym environment, whether you're looking for an advanced treadmill with all of the special features to support a serious run or a compact foldable option. We also included budget-friendly options that still provide an effective workout. Our evaluations did show that for the most part, price was a good determinant of how well-made the treadmills were but that mid-tier options still performed well. If you're looking for a more compact option, you can check out our top picks for the best foldable treadmills too.

A treadmill that fits into your budget is most important, and our top picks have a wide range of price options to choose from. There are a few other important factors you'll want to take into account too.

✔️ Size: Pay close attention to the dimensions of your treadmill so it's guaranteed to fit your space. Keep in mind that most treadmills have an incline feature so you'll want to have at least a foot of clearance above your height on the treadmill to the ceiling. Some brands will let you know how much clearance is needed. In addition to size, double-check the treadmill's maximum weight capacity to ensure you can use it safely.

✔️ Running belt: Make sure that the length of the running track is at least 4 feet long. If you’re over 6 feet tall, then the belt size should be even longer — around 4.5 feet. Running on a belt that's too short for your body may put you at risk of injury.

✔️ Speed: Some treadmills can go up to 12 mph or more, while others have a max speed closer to 8 mph. If you plan on running quickly, always double-check your treadmill's max speed setting.

✔️ Special Features: Features such as a touchscreen, built-in Bluetooth speakers and any other advanced settings will likely cost you extra. Decide whether you'll be satisfied with an LED display with standard buttons and controls or if you’d be happier with preset programs or a built-in screen offering on-demand workouts or training.

✔️ Incline/Decline: Being able to adjust the incline on your walk or run is one of the best ways to replicate an outdoor environment. Some newer models even offer decline capabilities to mimic real-life terrain. Our experts recommend walking instead of running on the decline setting when possible to help protect your joints.

✔️ Set-Up & Delivery: Treadmills can be heavy and difficult to set up alone. Most offer options for expert assembly, but that typically comes with an additional fee. If you do plan to assemble the treadmill on your own, consider recruiting a handy friend or two to help. If you plan to move the treadmill to a basement or small room in your home, double-check that the dimensions will fit through narrow hallways and around tight corners.

✔️ Warranty: Check the treadmill's warranty and prioritize products with a longer offering, especially for key parts like the motor or frame.

Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-certified personal trainer, she uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. From vigorously testing exercise equipment and apps to curating workout plans for GH readers, Stefani is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. After giving birth to her first baby a year ago, she actively used a treadmill at home to ease back into fitness postpartum when she couldn't walk outside in the colder months. Stefani especially loves foldable treadmill models that can be stored at home, making them a practical addition to any home gym.

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor's degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping's on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

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sophisticated features like a 22-inch rotating touchscreen, incline and decline capabilities, hands-free automatic adjustments and more. Those tight on space will appreciate that this machine is foldable, too. the 6.5-inch LCD display does note metrics like speed, incline, time, distance, calories and pace decline and incline capabilities to mimic real-life outdoor runs, as well as a speed range of up to 12 mph. iFIT trainers can control your incline and speed during the workouts The sleek design of the EXP 7i also features a 7-inch HD touchscreen that gives you access to the robust iFIT workout platform Beginners will also appreciate that the machine has 30 pre-set workouts. goes up to a 15% incline but also features a QuickDial control for a smoother transition in both speed and incline adjustments between intervals. wowed us with its 40% incline capability. ✔️ Size: ✔️ Running belt: ✔️ Speed: ✔️ Special Features: ✔️ Incline/Decline: ✔️ Set-Up & Delivery: ✔️ Warranty:
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