2023's Top 12 Treadmills: Comprehensive Testing and Reviews

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People's opinions about the treadmill can be quite contrasting. Some runners and gym enthusiasts view it as an indispensable machine, particularly when the weather is not appropriate for outdoor workouts. The treadmill has recently gained more appeal as it presents a unique tool for home workouts. Whether you are preparing for a race, investing time in interval training, or merely trying to achieve your daily steps regardless of weather conditions, a treadmill is highly suitable. Among its numerous benefits, a treadmill allows you to rack up a significant number of miles without stepping outside your home.

We embarked on an analysis of 14 renowned treadmill models to help you ascertain the most suitable one, regarding available space and targeted fitness goals. Our study factored in the key attributes of a treadmill and sought professional advice to maximize your home workout experience. NordicTrack EXP 7i emerged as the best choice due to its variety of workout options for different levels of runners.

Find the best treadmills as recommended by Shape testers below.

Although treadmills might be daunting for beginners, the NordicTrack EXP 7i is our top pick due to its easy-to-use design that doesn't compromise on performance. It responds rapidly to adjustments in incline and speed, with a high-speed limit of up to 12 MPH and a 12 percent incline. Despite not being a compact model and not being suitable for smaller spaces, it provides are comfortable and secure experience for users during a run. 'This treadmill is among the top-tier ones I've used in terms of quality and value. I felt great during my workout sessions,' claimed our tester. 'I would have no reservations buying this machine if I needed an in-home workout device and had adequate space.'

This smart device connects to Wi-Fi and supports a plethora of features and apps that can be accessed on its 7-inch touchscreen. It comes equipped with 'iFit;' a series of immersive personal training sessions that can be carried out at home. For slightly over $1,000, it provides numerous useful features for a reasonable price in its category.

The Bowflex 10 is an all-inclusive treadmill, featuring a user-friendly interface on a 10-inch HD screen that provides voice commands. It offers three ways to adjust the speed and incline – through digit pads, handlebars or handrails.

Our tester lauded it for its easy operation and spacious, comfortable belt that reportedly offers excellent shock absorption without making a lot of noise. The treadmill has the highest weight limit amongst our tested models – up to 400 pounds. Our tester highlighted its comprehensive features, including automated A.I., preset workouts, custom profiles, and even support for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other streaming platforms. Our tester appreciated the fan, which helps to keep excessive sweating in check.

The foldable treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness is an ideal compact choice that boasts impressive features for its size and price. In terms of slope adjustments, it falls short as it can only be set up manually. However, it is simple to use, without requiring Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities, and can be folded to accommodate small spaces when not in use. Its affordability and easy operation make it attractive for fitness beginners or those wishing to design a home gym with budget constraints.

The treadmill we're evaluating costs over $2,000 but its range of attributes as well as its user-friendly and comfortable design justify the price. The treadmill's incline can be adjusted to a maximum of 20, and it also has a decline feature of -5 percent, making it top tier in incline training range. Our reviewer mentioned that this treadmill gave them a realistic hiking experience.

The treadmill offers a variety of workout programs, ranging from self-directed ones to instructor-guided classes. Some of these features, however, are only available if you have a subscription to the Bowflex platform. Also offered is the choice of various scenic routes worldwide to enjoy on the expansive 22-inch screen, or to watch streaming services like Hulu or Netflix.

Even taller individuals found the treadmill belt steady and comfortable. With the easy access buttons for instant speed and incline changes on the body, and knobs on the side as well as buttons on the heart rate grips, our tester found it easy to navigate through the options.

They also noted that given its price, and the additional subscription, this machine might be more suited to serious runners who would use the treadmill daily. The speed adjustment is slightly slower compared to other models tested, making it less ideal for intensive interval speed training.

If limited room space is a concern, Sole F80, our best rated folding treadmill can provide a solution without compromising on features. Not only is it capable of reaching 12 mph and an incline of 15 degrees, it also has cooling fans, controls for speed and incline on the armrests, built-in speakers, and even a tablet holder. A USB port is also included, ensuring your device does not run out of battery.

According to our tester, the controls on either side of the armrests were very convenient for speedy and easy changes in speed and incline. The console was user-friendly and the machine had good shock absorption, something not often seen in compact models, as reported by our tester.

For smaller spaces, the Xterra Fitness Treadmill is a great choice due to its ability to fold and wheel away. Features include a straightforward interface with speed choices up to 10 MPH and three different incline levels. This efficient yet strong budget-friendly machine can reach 10 MPH quickly and is very easy to assemble.

The Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT is a dream machine for serious runners. It can achieve 12 MPH and an incline of 15 degrees, and it has an extra long belt for extra room during HIIT and speed workouts. A side dial is available to adjust speed quickly and precisely for sprints.

The treadmill's standout aspect is its twist controls, found on two separate arms jutting out from control panel. One side handles incline, the other speed. Adjusting the incline and speed is almost effortless, and our testing found quick and accurate response from treadmill. The transitions when adjusting incline and speed are smooth and quiet. Additionally, two non-slip device holders provided a secure area for electronic devices during workout sessions.

The Egofit Walker, a popular choice seen on TikToks about under desk treadmills, differs from traditional treadmills. It lacks an interface, instead offering a remote control to adjust speed and incline, with a side display that lists calories, time, steps, distance and speed.

A strap is provided for the remote to prevent dropping it. The Egofit Walker is very portable, easy to store, and is not heavy. Our tester had no trouble moving it around, from the guest room to the balcony to the main room. It can also slide under a bed, taking up minimal space.

This compact treadmill packs a punch with its top-notch functionality, all at a quarter of the standard cost. Although the Sunny Health & Fitness 8730 Treadmill is foldable, it displays a robust structure when in use. Capable of accommodating a load of up to 220 pounds, it also offers a multitude of speed variations. Although devoid of a touchscreen, the handlebar houses a sleek monitor that keeps tabs on time, speed, calorie count, distance, and heart rate. A tablet or phone can also be charged and connected via Bluetooth. We were especially charmed by its noiseless operation, yielding it the perfect candidate for a treadmill beneath the $500 mark.

We were quite taken with the superior quality and smooth operation of the Schwinn Fitness 810 despite its lower price tag. Fitted with the necessary features for an enjoyable experience, the treadmill’s maximum inclination and speed is limited to 10, which makes the 12-3-30 workout infeasible but is quite agreeable considering the sub $1000 cost. The 10-inch screen provides access to 16 distinct workout routines and syncs with the Explore The World™ app for a virtual global running experience on various tracks.

The NordicTrack brings an ingenious design with its easily movable touchscreen that integrates Google Maps, enabling a virtual run from any chosen location worldwide. The bluetooth-ready structure also supports Heart Rate Connectivity. Another highlight is the technology that allows the treadmill to automatically enhance speed and inclination depending on your ideal heart-rate zone, which comes as a separate purchase. Despite this, the remarkable capabilities make it a perfect treadmill for tracking progress over time. 

The Peloton Treadmill is ideally suited for the regular enthusiasts of Barry’s classes or HIIT workouts. This smart treadmill is armed with cutting-edge features and provides a vast array of classes for a home workout, although membership can be costly. We found the exercise selection to be quite straightforward, with Peloton facilitating numerous classes ranging from walking to running, that accommodate all fitness levels. With live classes round-the-clock, and the 'on demand' availability of past classes, users can tailor their total body workout as per their fitness objectives. The Tread also keeps count of the user's progress, regardless of whether classes are chosen or individual runs are preferred.

In-house lab tests on 14 popular treadmills were carried out by a diverse group of testers at varying fitness levels. Evaluations ranged from the maximum speed to the degree of gradient, comfort levels and set-up ease. Notably examined aspects included ease of assembly, comfort and features, user-friendliness and overall value.

Walks, jogs and runs on the treadmill were timed and noted by the tester for stability and transition period from one speed to another. The different gradient levels were also tested for their change rates and stability. Once all the categories received individual ratings of 1-5, we calculated an average and selected the top five most highly-rated treadmills for this list.

Cost: Treadmills span a price range of $400 to $3500. On our list, we have options under $500 (Sunny Health & Fitness 8730 Folding Treadmill) and $1000 (Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill).

Dimensions: On an average, treadmills require a room measuring at least 7' x 12', with a minimum clearance of 8' for the ceiling to provide adequate walking or running space above your head and around the machine.

Guarantee: Warranty periods can vary between brands and different models. Most models offer a frame warranty between 5-10 years and a 2-3 year (or more) warranty for motor.

Velocity: The speeds of the featured treadmills range from 0 to 12 MPH. Trained runners may prefer a treadmill such as the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 with high speeds, while a walking pad like the Egofit Walker may suit those who prefer a sedate 3 MPH.

The general dimensions of a treadmill are approximately 78' in length x 36' in width. Anything narrower than 16' may not be ideal for walking, while 20' is better suited for running. Walkers can manage well with a 48-inch belt, although a longer length is best for jogging or faster. If you are taller, opt for more length but also consider the width for passage through the door if it comes fully assembled.

In order to accommodate a treadmill comfortably, most homes will need a ceiling height of around eight feet. Most homes on average already feature ceilings which range from eight to nine feet in height. However, for tall users or treadmills with a step-up feature, more room may be essential. A good measure to abide by is to ensure there is a clearance space of 6 inches above your head when the treadmill is at its maximum incline.

When it comes to purchasing a treadmill, consider its speed and incline characteristics. A typical walking speed on a treadmill is usually between 3 and 4 mph, while a running speed falls between 6 and 8 mph. For incline, a 15 percent capacity is ideal, as it can help to diversify workouts, build stronger and leaner legs, and allow for the emulation of hilly running routes or specific workouts like Lauren Giraldo’s 12-3-30. Determining your desired walking or running speed and key features will aid in selecting the perfect treadmill for your home.

'There is no definitive time for treadmill use; it’s entirely up to the individual. The key is to start slowly based on your current fitness level and gradually build your speed and duration,' advises Kim Chinn, a running coach at treadmill-focused fitness studio, Mile High Run Club. She suggests newcomers start with intervals of walking and running, beginning with a 20-minute run, and gradually increasing the running interval over time. Gradual time increases can also be implemented.

For runners who are new to the treadmill, Chinn recommends including hill intervals in your routine. Although the best part of using a treadmill might be the flat running surface, incorporating hills can mimic outdoor running circumstances. This can be easily achieved by incorporating 2-minute intervals of running on a 2.0 or 3.0 incline, followed by flat ground running; extremely useful for those living in flat areas but training for events with hilly terrain.

Barry’s instructor Virginia Preston advises adding an additional six feet to the back and two feet around the sides and front of the treadmill to the machine’s dimensions. These measurements are to accommodate different movements, mount and dismount of the machine, as well as space for ventilation. Similarly, other professionals like Dilan Gomih of Barry’s and Global Nike Trainer Lauren Schramm suggest placing your treadmill in a room with an 8 foot tall ceiling, considering the incline capabilities of most machines.

Though each treadmill will come with cleaning instructions specific to its model, a few general tips to upkeep your treadmill include wiping it down with a clean towel after every run to remove sweat. Lauren Schramm recommends avoiding the direct application of cleaners to the belt, instead using water or non-abrasive cleaning solutions applied to a rag which is used to clean the belt manually. Gomih suggests having a separate pair of shoes specifically for treadmill use to prevent debris from dirtying the machine and ensuring the treadmill belt is completely dried before its next use.

The average lifespan of a treadmill as stated by most manufacturers is 10 years, however with proper maintenance, this can be extended. Often, a broken component can be replaced or fixed, enabling further usage of the treadmill. Regular lubrication of the treadmill belt, for instance, can prevent it from sticking and maintain its smooth operation.

A common treadmill issue is the ‘sticking’ of the belt, causing jerky movement. Lubricating the belt of the treadmill with 100% silicone lube or spray every three months or when the inner surface is dry can prevent this. This involves turning off and unplugging the machine, separating the belt from the deck, applying the lubricant from the middle towards the edge of the treadmill belt, repeating the step on the other side, and running the treadmill for a few minutes to evenly spread the lubricant.

Brooke LaMantia is a journalist writing about all things culture, fashion, and lifestyle. She grew up playing sports and rowed at the University of Texas Austin before transferring to New York University. Since then, she's become an avid runner, and while she loves to spend time doing so at the East River Park, spends just as much time on treadmills in the winter.

To create this list, Shape did a lot of research on the top-rated and best-selling models available. The team narrowed those options down to the 14 we wanted to test in our lab and at-home. Our final guide to the best treadmills was based on our in-house tester ratings and quotes. LaMantia also consulted four running experts to weigh in on the best ways to use a treadmill as well as how to keep it clean.