Best Treadmills 2023 | Chosen By Our Fitness Experts

Nordictrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

Dimensions: 80 x 38 x 65 inches | Max user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -3 to 15%

We recommend the 2022 NordicTrack Commercial 1750 for most people looking for a solidly built treadmill that’ll stand up to many years of use. It has a 3.5 CHP motor and a 22-by-60 inch running path that automatically adjusts your incline, decline and speed. That means it greater resembles running (or walking) on the open road; take it up to 12 mph and simulate hilly runs with an incline of up to 15% or decline down to -3%.

“The automatic adjustment feature is great for any runner or jogger, but it’s especially helpful for folks who aren’t used to running or jogging on a treadmill,” says senior strategy editor and certified personal trainer (CPT) Katie Simpson. “It’s a bit of a safety hazard to adjust the speed or incline while you’re mid-run during a HIIT- or interval-based workout, which makes the auto-adjustment feature that much more appealing. It’s also easier to perform interval-based training because you don’t have to worry about waiting for the treadmill to catch up to a higher speed or slow down to a lower one—it takes care of the adjustment for you.”

Besides the track and motor, the treadmill features a large 14-inch touchscreen display that swivels so you can see it anywhere in the room, which is especially useful if you opt into NordicTrack’s iFit app. Choose from HIIT, strength training and yoga classes, in addition to cardio, or create custom workouts and save for future use. “Treadmills aren’t quite as entertaining to run on as the outside world, so if you do invest in a NordicTrack, I highly recommend using the iFit program. The built-in workouts come in a variety of intensities—great for running novices or marathoners—and the Google Maps integration makes for a much more engaging workout,” shares Simpson.

What the reviews say: “Have had this thing a few days now and am freakin’ in love with it. I doubt I’ll lose interest…even if I cancel iFit after the year trial,” says one buyer, adding that they’re free to walk or run “without being hindered by weather, time of day [or] personal safety.”

Pros:

• Durable to withstand heavy use
• Quite motor won’t disturb your neighbors
• Large deck can fit most running strides
• Incline, decline and speed adjusts automatically during workouts 
• iFit app offers a variety of built-in workouts, plus Google Maps integration

Cons:

• Expensive; costs over $2,000
• Large; not the best for small spaces

Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill

Dimensions: 70 x 34 x 55 inches | Max user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 10 mph | Incline range: 0 to 10%

While you can certainly find less expensive treadmills, we like that the Horizon Fitness T101 hits the best intersection of price and features. It offers speeds up to 10 mph and inclines up to 10%, which is ideal for most walkers and joggers. We also like that the Horizon Fitness T101 comes with 30 pre-set programs, so you don’t need to plan your workouts entirely on your own.

“For beginners who are just getting into cardio, pre-set programs are a game changer,” says CPT and senior strategy editor Katie Simpson. “Oftentimes, folks struggle to stick to a regular exercise program because they don’t know where to start. Pre-set programs take the guesswork out of your programming by offering workouts at different levels, plus you can work your way up to more advanced workouts as you become more accustomed to cardio.”

Outside of its programming, the Horizon T101 also comes with shock absorption, which is a fancy way of saying it softens each step (great for seniors or those concerned about their joints.)

What our editors say: “It’s a solid model for the price and definitely good for anyone who’s okay with not having anything too high tech,” says senior updates editor Karen Tietjen.

Pros:

• Affordable; $600 when on sale
• Great for beginners; fitted with all the basic features
• Foldable; takes up less space than the Nordictrack Commercial 1750
• Hand grips monitor heart rate

Cons:

• Taller people may find the deck too small
• Belt likely isn’t durable enough for high-intensity workouts or long bouts of running
• No built-in screen

Dimensions: 28.5 x 63 x 7.25 inches | Max user capacity: 350 pounds| Speed range: 0.4-4.0 mph | Incline range: No incline

We named the Lifespan TR1200 DTC the best under-desk treadmill overall because of its quiet motor, compact size and wide belt. Those worried about disturbing colleagues with loud mechanical sounds will especially appreciate the treadmill’s six impact-absorbing shocks, which help limit noise and also support your joints by cushioning each step. 

To keep tabs on your progress, the LifeSpan TR1200 DT3 comes with a portable console that shows your steps, time, distance, calories burned and the speed you’re walking. It’s worth noting that this treadmill is on the heavier side at 115 pounds. But, it does have front wheels that can help you adjust the position of the treadmill or put it away. “Under-desk treadmills are a great option for remote workers. If you can afford to, I recommend splurging on a standing desk if you don’t already have one so you can limit the amount of hours spent sedentary and hit the NHS-recommended 150 hours of physical activity per week,” shares Simpson.

What the reviews say: “This walking pad is very smooth, quiet, and easy to use,” writes one reviewer, calling it the perfect walking pad for work. “I walk at least six to seven hours a day on this and love the experience.”

Pros:

• Wide belt allows for full strides while working
• Quiet motor and shock absorbers limit noise
• Portable console displays progress

Cons:

• Heavy, but comes with front wheels to help with adjustments
• Pricey for an under-desk treadmill

Sole F80 Treadmill

Dimensions: 80 x 33 x 58 inches | Max user capacity: 375 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0 to 15%

While you can technically use any treadmill for walking, we like how the Sole F80 keeps your feet comfortable during longer, slower workouts. “People may only spend 15 to 20 minutes on a treadmill during a higher-intensity workout like HIIT, but if you’re performing more low-intensity, steady-state cardio (LISS), you may clock 30 to 40 minutes on a treadmill,” says CPT and editor Katie Simpson. “That makes the treadmill belt all the more important. You’ll want something that cushions and supports your joints.”

And that’s exactly what the Sole F80 offers with its double-woven 22-inch belt, which provides thicker cushioning for joints. In other words, this belt helps reduce the impact felt on your knees and ankle joints. Plus, with a 15% maximum incline, you’ll feel the burn at lower speeds. Of course, with a top speed level of 12 mph and a 3.5 CHP motor, it’s powerful enough for running or jogging, too.

What the reviews say: “I did not expect to receive such a high-quality unit that was priced so fairly. This is even nicer than most of the treadmills I have used in gyms and hotels before. Thank you, Sole. Very Very impressed with your product.”

Pros:

• Comfortable on joints, thanks to double cushioned deck 
• High incline % allows for an effective workout at low speeds
• Powerful enough to support running and jogging, if you choose

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a built-in touchscreen

Dimensions: 69.3 x 31 x 49.2 inches | Max user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: 0 to 10%

“If you live in a smaller home or apartment and want to make the most out of your at-home workout, a compact treadmill is a great solution,” says CPT and editor Katie Simpson. Of all the compact treadmills on the market, we appreciate the how the Echelon Stride can fold down to its belt at the press of a button until the entire treadmill is no more than eight inches tall, so you don’t have to strain after working out to store your treadmill.

Other than its folding abilities, the Echelon Stride features a top speed of 12 mph and has a maximum incline of 10% that’s versatile enough for most workouts. Although you can use the Stride without it, we think you’ll get the most effective use if you sign up for Echelon’s on-demand fitness program. (It does cost $40 per month or $29 per month if you commit to a two-year plan.) You get access to live classes as well as streaming on-demand sessions, and you can compete on the leaderboard with your own social circle.

What the reviews say: “The Stride is perfect for my needs: fits small space, easy to fold, good for walking/jogging, can be used as desk,” writes one reviewer. “We both have Apple watches and like to track our activity. We connected the Echlon App on our iPad to Strava so our Apple Activity rings update.”

Pros:

• Compact; folds to 8-inches thin 
• Easy to store in small homes and apartments 

Cons:

• Motor isn’t as powerful as others on our list
• No built-in monitor

Bowflex Treadmill 22

Dimensions: 85 x 39.6 x 70 inches | Max User Capacity: 440 pounds | Speed Range: 0 to 20 mph | Incline Range: -5 to 20%

The Bowflex 22 is our favorite folding treadmill because it can shrink up to nearly half its size without skimping on power, speed or incline range. In fact, the Bowflex 22 has a larger speed and incline range than many other treadmills on our list, making it a versatile choice for many users. Plus, it features a larger-than-average, 440-pound weight limit, so it works well for heavyweight individuals who need a more durable machine as well. 

If you’re someone who prefers to follow along with guided workouts, we recommend opting into Bowflex’s JRNY membership. This includes instructor-led classes and the option to stream Netflix on its 22-inch display. The downside to this treadmill, though, is its near $3,000 price tag. If the Bowflex 22 exceeds your budget, consider the Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill. It also folds and offers many of the same features, but won’t have you sweating bullets over the cost.

What our writers say: “Its display is captivating, its subscription service is incredibly robust and the design contains every single premium feature you could ever hope for,” says contributor Cassandra Brooklyn in her review of the Bowflex Treadmill 22. “Whether you’re logging a few miles to stay in shape through winter or training for a marathon, the Treadmill 22 will most certainly meet your needs.” 

Pros:

• Folds to nearly half its size
• Good for heavier people; 440-pound weight limit
• Wide speed and incline range suit a variety of workouts

Cons:

• Expensive; second highest priced option on our list
• Heavy; not good for moving after set-up

Dimensions: 68 x 33 x 62 inches | Max user capacity: 290 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12.5 mph | Incline range: 0 to 12.5%

The Peloton Tread is our top treadmill for runners because it’s incredibly versatile with a maximum speed of 12.5 mph and a 12.5% maximum incline. Walk, jog, run and sprint however you see fit, plus you can easily adjust the speed without slowing down thanks to the knobs on each side of the handrails. For safety-conscious folks, the Tread also requires a safety key and passcode in order to turn on the treadmill. 

However, according to our audience development director, what really makes the Peloton Tread stand out is its classes. Similar to Peloton’s exercise bikes, the Tread offers an array of interactive running classes designed to keep you motivated and engaged in your workout. It’s worth noting, though, that these classes require a membership that’ll cost you $44 a month. “There’s a reason Peloton rules the cardio space,” says CPT and editor Katie Simpson. “Not only are the machines top-notch from a construction and durability standpoint, but the classes, though pricey, are incredibly encouraging. I often hear clients who typically hate cardio comment how quickly time flies when using their Peloton.”

What our team says: “The Peloton Tread is one of my happy places. It’s a solid, sleek piece of hardware, but it’s the software that makes the Tread worth the investment. From livestream workouts to Peloton’s huge catalog of classes to games like Lanebreak, the Peloton Tread offers something for any level of fitness. Plus, it’s not just for running—you can stream yoga, strength and other off-tread workouts using the treadmill’s large hi-def screen,” says audience development director Spencer Dukoff.

Pros:

• Classes keep runners at all levels engaged and motivated
• Knobs make it easier to adjust speed and incline while running
• Compact, quiet and sleek enough to fit into most homes

Cons:

• Most expensive treadmill on our list
• No pre-programed workouts; need the subscription membership to take advantage of classes