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Best treadmills for home gyms 2024

By Kristine Golden | Last updated 3/11/24

Affiliate Disclosure Statement: If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a share of the revenue from our affiliate partners.

This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.

At-home treadmills, the tried-and-true powerhouse in the realm of cardio workouts, are a popular go-to choice for those looking to level up their workout routine. Whether you are short on time or the cold weather makes an outdoor run less than enticing, getting that run or walk in from home is incredibly convenient. And, with the rise of high-quality, engaging, and varied treadmills for home gyms on the market, this option is appealing to even those who have previously not enjoyed treadmills for the home.

A simple Google search will bring up hundreds of options to choose from when looking for treadmills for your home. They vary in size, cost and features, making it especially challenging to choose the best treadmill for your home gym. Not to worry. This is where we take the reins. We have done all the research for you and narrowed down a list of the five best treadmills for your home gym.

Before we dive into these products, it is important to understand exactly what a treadmill is and what benefits it offers.

Treadmills overview

At-home treadmills are a great way to include cardiovascular exercise into any fitness routine regardless of the time of day, weather, or possible other constraints that may make getting outside or to a gym difficult. More than just being convenient, treadmills offer people at every fitness level a slew of noteworthy benefits. Studies have shown that both running and walking can not only improve your overall health but even extend your lifespan. Additionally, according to the American Heart Association, incorporating this type of cardiovascular work leads to better heart health.

Other notable benefits include but are not limited to maintaining healthy bone density, weight loss, better mental well-being and strength gains. Still not sold? Consider the convenience that having a treadmill at home affords. You can control your own workouts to enjoy solo or become part of a virtual global fitness community, taking part in a variety of group workout types. You are able to take charge of your own fitness routine, tailoring it precisely to fit your specific goals, wants, and needs.

How we chose the best treadmills for home gyms

As a seasoned runner, I have put in my fair share of miles on treadmills. There are several factors I have always found to be the most important ones to consider when choosing the best treadmill for your home gym. When researching and narrowing down the list of the best treadmills of 2024, these are the things I assessed to ensure I was identifying the very best for you.

Durability: If you are investing in a treadmill, you want one that will last. Specifically, I looked at weight capacity, the strength of the motor and user reviews on sturdiness.
Features: I not only looked at high-tech (or lack thereof) features such as interactive programming, automatic trainer controls and incline/decline options but also added conveniences such as water bottle holders, fans and quick controls.
Size and cost: You do not have to break the bank to find a quality treadmill, nor do you need a huge home gym space, so when considering the best treadmills for your home, I looked to include ones that vary in size and cost.

Top treadmills for home gym

Best treadmill overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Best treadmill for walking: Sole Fitness F63 Treadmill
Best treadmill for running: ProForm Pro 9000
Best treadmill for small spaces: Horizon Fitness T202
Best for those on a budget: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

Best treadmill overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 continues to top the charts year after year as one of the best treadmills for your home gym. This powerhouse of a machine boasts some remarkable features, the most notable of which is its powerful 3.5 CHP motor. With a top speed of 12 miles per hour, this motor also offers an impressive range of decline and incline capabilities spanning from negative three percent to 15 percent.

Thanks to its 14-inch HD touchscreen loaded with 50 onboard workout programs and the iFit (an interactive training platform) fitness platform, users have access to thousands of diverse workouts led by world-class trainers from around the world. In addition, iFit is integrated with Google Maps, which allows users to choose and mimic terrain from all over the globe. Want to run on the beaches of Fiji or climb the mountains in Europe? It is easy to do so on the 1750.

Other noteworthy features include premium audio speakers built into the tilt and pivot monitor, AutoAdjust technology, a cooling fan, Bluetooth headphone support, heart rate connectivity and an integrated console tray, all of which contribute to an unparalleled cardio experience. As an added perk, your purchase of the NordicTrack 1750 comes with a free 30-day iFIT membership.

But the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is more than just a technology-rich machine. Its construction is as impressive as its features. A generous 22-inch by 60-inch cushioned running surface caters to the majority of potential users. For those training for road races, there is an option to deactivate the cushioning, which more closely aligns with the real feel of pounding the pavement.

Why we like it

Strong motor
Decline and incline capabilities
Large running area that can be folded up
Cushioning can be turned on and off
Pre-programmed treadmill workouts outside of iFIT

What to consider

Warranty is disappointing
Assembly is reported to be time-consuming
Even though it folds, it is heavy and difficult to move when not in use

Best treadmill for walking: Sole Fitness F63 Treadmill

For those looking to snag an affordable yet high-quality folding treadmill well-made for walking, the Sole F63 is a worthy contender. Powered by a 3.0 CHP motor, the Sole F63 supports speeds up to 12 miles per hour and offers 15 levels of incline. Combined, the 3.0 CHP motor provides more than enough power for any vigorous walking or jogging session but lacks the capacity to sustain any strenuous running.

Selling for just a bit over $1,000, the F63 comes loaded with functionality. With features like cooling fans, conveniently placed speed settings, incline controls on the armrests, an integrated device holder, Bluetooth audio speakers and a USB port for charging, the F63 offers a lot of bang for the buck. It is equipped with a small 6.5-inch LCD monitor that displays essential information during workouts, including speed, incline, time, distance, calories, pulse and pace, in addition to housing seven pre-programmed and two user-defined workouts.

While the Sole F63 may lack the bells and whistles of more technologically advanced and pricier treadmills, it does come with a solid range of features. For my fellow metric nerds, the F63 comes equipped with Bluetooth technology, with which you can sync your fitness data to the Sole fitness platform or transfer it to other platforms like Fitbit, Record, MapMyRun, or Apple Health. Additionally, thanks to the included chest strap, you can more accurately track your heart rate to monitor your efforts during your next walk.

The Sole F63 boasts a spacious 20-inch by 60-inch patented cushioned running surface. According to Sole, this cushioning reduces the impact on joints by a whopping 40 percent. Although we can’t attest to the precise accuracy of this assertion, the overwhelming majority of users report an extremely comfortable running experience on the F63.

All in all, the Sole F63’s sturdy frame, user-friendly EasyAssist folding deck design, lightweight build, quality components and transport wheels make it an excellent choice for walkers aiming to save both space and money.

Why we like it

Cushioned and roomy running surface
Great return on investment
Solid range of incline and speed

What to consider

Some users found the Sole fitness platform glitchy
Fans are reported to not be strong
Will not support heavy or consistent running

Best treadmill for running: ProForm Pro 9000

Serious runners with an affinity for high-tech features will be impressed with the ProForm Pro 9000. Boasting a 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen, this monitor delivers a high level of clarity and vivid images, which allows users to experience the interactive training opportunities available via the iFit training platform. iFit houses thousands of live events, on-demand global workouts and studio classes that can be enjoyed on or off the treadmill. It does require a paid membership, but included with your purchase is a 30-day trial.

The ProForm Pro 9000 is a lot more than just a technology-rich treadmill. Its solid construction and engineering include a 3.6 CHP, Mach Z, with a top speed of 12 miles per hour, as well as a 12 percent incline and a negative three percent decline. Such a variety of speed and incline ranges not only enables a lot of variety and really intense training but also allows you to match the terrain of whatever iFIT class you are taking.

Other specs appreciated by many users include a console cooling fan, two integrated Bluetooth speakers, and QuickSpeed button controls for both speed and incline. The 300-pound user weight limit and generous 20-inch by 60-inch running surface make this treadmill a solid choice for the great majority of potential users. In fact, many user reviews rave over the running deck, which has ReBound Pro cushioning, ensuring a comfortable run. When not in use, the Pro 9000 can easily be stored out of the way thanks to the EasyLift one-step folding system and patented SpaceSaver design.

Why we like it

Large touchscreen monitor
Interactive and immersive training opportunities
Cushioned running deck that folds and can be stored vertically
Automatic trainer controls via iFit

What to consider

Some reports of the screen shaking at higher speeds
Expensive

Best treadmill for small spaces: Horizon Fitness T202

Traditionally, one thinks of treadmills as large and cumbersome machines, which makes them less than ideal for those in smaller dwellings looking for an at-home treadmill. But, with the rise of high-quality compact treadmills, you no longer need to sacrifice functionality for size. The Horizon Fitness T202 stands out as one of the best treadmills you can get when constrained by space.

While the T202 does not come with the thrills and frills seen on more expensive machines, this affordable treadmill still offers a solid line-up of features. Most notably, the T202 comes with Bluetooth speakers and a secure device holder so that you can follow your own fitness classes virtually, listen to music, or watch your favorite show on your device. An ultra-quiet Johnson Drive System motor is said to recalibrate with every stride so that your run is smooth.

Adding to its level of comfort is its impressive extended 60-inch deck, a size not often seen on compact treadmills at this price point. The deck has three zones of cushioning support to absorb the shock of each footfall, whether you are running, jogging or walking. Additional conveniences include an audio jack, USB charging port, bottle holder, fan, and speech and incline EasyDial controls.

The overall design and motor may not support sustained high-intensity running. But, with speeds up to 12 miles per hour and decline/incline ranges from negative three to 12 percent, the T202 provides more than enough power to get in some tough sweat sessions.

Perhaps the most attractive feature to those who lack a lot of floor real estate is the T202’s compact footprint. Measuring just 76 inches long, 57 inches wide and 34 inches long, this treadmill uses a one-step folding mechanism, bringing it down to a mere 40 inches long, 34 inches high, and 62 inches wide.

Why we like it

Small footprint
Affordable
Roomy cushioned running deck
Incline and decline functionality

What to consider

Not ideal for high intensity running
May shake a bit at its highest speeds

Best for those on a budget: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

Looking for a treadmill that won’t break the bank and is built to last? The Horizon 7.0 AT checks both boxes, claiming the spot as the most budget-friendly option for home treadmills. While it is not the cheapest treadmill on the market, for under $1,000, it is an affordable model that embodies functionality, smooth operation and durability—all qualities in cardio machines that Horizon stands behind.

The Horizon treadmill features an easy-to-use folding design for convenient storage and easy transport without compromising on the rugged frame. Additionally, this treadmill is built with Horizon’s patented shock-absorbing three-zone variable response cushioning, which is stated to balance the ideal amount of flex with ultimate support for every footfall.

While the Horizon 7.0AT does not come with any fancy monitors or interactive training platforms, it does boast advanced Bluetooth, which enables you to connect to multiple devices and stream media through the integrated speakers. Horizon does have a free app that can control your workout and push data to your favorite fitness apps, including Strava and Peloton.

There is no need for any subscriptions with the 7.0 AT. It houses eight onboard programs and uses QuickDial controls and interval keys to control your workout easily. It comes equipped with the Johnson Drive System motor and is stated to recalibrate with every stride so that your run is smooth. This motor supports speeds up to 12 miles per hour and incline ranges up to 15 percent. Additional conveniences include a 7.25-inch high-contrast LCD monitor, an audio in/out jack, Bluetooth speakers, a bottle holder, an energy-saving mode, a fan, a tablet rack, and a USB charging port.

Why we like it

Affordable
Impressive lifetime warranty
Spacious running surface

What to consider

Lacks high-tech specs
Fan is reported to be weak
Speakers are not strong

How to choose a treadmills for home gyms

When choosing the best treadmill for your home gym, there are several factors you should use to guide your search. We recommend considering the strength of the motor, size of the running deck and your budget.

Motor: As a rule of thumb, we recommend looking for a motor over 2.5 CHP if you plan on using it for any running. Serious runners may want to look for motors over 3.0 CHP to support their training.
Running deck: If you plan on using the treadmill for walking only, a smaller running surface area of 50-55 inches should suffice. Runners and those with longer legs or a longer stride should look for a treadmill with a 60-inch running belt.
Budget: It always comes down to your bottom line. You can find high-quality treadmills at just about every price point, so be sure to look at treadmills within your budget.

Methodology

To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top treadmills on the market. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best home gym treadmills for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.

FAQ

Are foldable treadmills as good as regular treadmills?

By design, regular treadmills have a more rugged design but that does not necessarily mean folding treadmills are not as good as regular treadmills. There are an abundance of folding treadmills on the market that are exceptional.

Is running at home as effective as running outdoors?

Both running indoors and outdoors provide great cardiovascular and overall health benefits. At the end of the day, the decision to train in or outdoors depends on personal preferences, running habits and fitness/training goals.

How much should you pay for a home treadmill?

The price of a quality treadmill varies based on factors like brand, features, and warranty. Typically, you're looking at spending between $1,000 and $3,000 for a top-notch treadmill. That said, you can find solid home treadmills for significantly less.