The 11 best treadmills for home in 2024, written and reviewed by fitness experts | Fortune Recommends Health (2024)

Mostly associated with steady-state cardio sessions, treadmills offer far more possibilities, especially since many are compatible with workout apps that deliver live and on-demand classes. To help you find the best treadmill for your home, our team assessed more than 50 models on key factors like value, durability, adjustability, and programming.

Our comprehensive list includes everything from the best treadmill for running to our No. 1 choice if you’re shopping on a budget.

Our picks for the best treadmill

• Best overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best folding: Sole F63
• Best for running: Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT
• Best smart treadmill: Pro-Form Pro 9000
• Best manual treadmill: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite
• Best compact treadmill: WalkingPad A1 Pro
• Best for walking: Echelon Stride-4s
• Best curved treadmill: TrueForm.Trainer™
• Best cushioned treadmill: BowFlex Treadmill 10
• Best under-desk treadmill: LifePro PacerMini
• Best budget treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150

Compare treadmills

	NordicTrack Commercial 1750	Sole F63	Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT	ProForm Pro 9000	Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite	WalkingPad A1 Pro	Echelon Stride-4s	TrueForm.Trainer	BowFlex Treadmill 10	LifePro PacerMini	XTERRA Fitness TR150
Rating	4.5/5	4.3/5	4.2/5	4.5/5	4/5	3.9/5	4.3/5	4/5	3.7/5	3.5/5	3.5/5
Maximum speed	12 mph	12 mph	12 mph	12 mph	N/A	3.72 mph	12.4 mph	N/A	12 mph	3 mph	10 mph
Maximum incline	12%	15%	15%	12%	N/A	N/A	12 incline levels	N/A	15%	7% (fixed)	3 incline settings
Maximum user weight	400 pounds	325 pounds	350 pounds	300 pounds	400 pounds	300 pounds	325 pounds	400 pounds	400 pounds	220 pounds	250 pounds
Price	$1,999	$1,199.99	$1,599	$1,999	$3,999	$530	$1,614.99	$2,995	$1,499	$319.99	$479.99

Best treadmill overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Why we like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 as best overall

Three members of our testing team rated their workout experience on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 five out of five stars. It’s no surprise that this treadmill is our top overall pick. Despite costing about $2,000, it still provides excellent value given its adjustability, dynamic programming, and tech capabilities.

Equipped with cooling fans, built-in speakers, WiFi connectivity, and a powerful 3.5 continuous horsepower (CHP) motor, the Commercial 1750 can go from a -3% decline to a 12% incline and up to a maximum speed of 12 mph. Other treadmills may go higher, but few offer decline capabilities, which more closely mimics running outdoors.

However, according to Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, associate professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University, “Running on a decline is what we consider an eccentric exercise. Typically, eccentric exercises involve the lengthening of a muscle while the muscle is developing tension—think of lowering into a push-up or a squat. When running on a decline, your legs work significantly more eccentrically to help control your body. This can result in delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. So, it’s best to practice decline running in small doses before incorporating too much into your training to avoid extensive leg soreness.”

Our team tested the full range of incline and decline options during workouts at different speeds. They noted little to no shaking and less noise than most commercial-grade treadmills. The top speed of 12 mph is standard based on what we’ve seen on other treadmills.

The iFIT integration captured our team’s attention the most. This interactive training platform provides a personal trainer-like experience from your treadmill. It offers a wide variety of on-demand workouts that go beyond just running. For example, you can find high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength, yoga, and rowing machine classes.

Our expert reviewer tried the iFIT walking series and enjoyed the pace of the beginner-level class. The intermediate class ramped up the speed (and her heart rate), with the treadmill automatically adjusting the incline to keep pace with the instructor. This auto-trainer control helped keep our tester fully engaged throughout the workout and made the experience quite enjoyable.

The Commercial 1750 comes with a 30-day iFIT family membership trial, allowing you to set up three user profiles. Although the annual subscription isn’t cheap ($396 for a family plan or $180 for individuals, which can be similar to the annual cost of a gym membership), this can be a great way to get your family involved in improving their health.

Assembling and moving the Commercial 1750 isn’t the easiest job due to its large footprint (80” L x 38” W x 65” H) and weight (339 pounds). But if you have the space in your home and budget, the modern conveniences, customization options, and comfortable running experience make our highest-rated treadmill a wise investment.

What customers are saying

The Commercial 1750 receives high marks from users for its iFit compatibility, easy (though still two-person) assembly, and high-tech features.

“The NordicTrack 1750 treadmill has been a game-changer for my home workouts, seamlessly blending high-quality performance with user-friendly features. Despite its sophisticated technology and sturdy frame, I found assembling the treadmill to be quite manageable, which was a pleasant surprise. Although it does need two people to set it up. The intuitive touchscreen and the vast array of workouts available through iFit have made every run exciting, catering to my fitness goals with precision and variety. The incline and decline capabilities add a realistic dimension to my runs, challenging me just enough to keep pushing my limits. It’s more than just a treadmill; it’s a motivational tool that fits perfectly into my lifestyle, encouraging me to stay active and healthy. For anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich treadmill that won’t be a hassle to set up, the NordicTrack 1750 is an excellent choice,” wrote Prakhar, an Amazon verified purchaser.

Some reviewers, though, were frustrated with the iFit app. They found that the NordicTrack treadmill isn’t worth its spendy price tag because its functionality is tied to a paid subscription app.

“In spite of the fact that it costs a thousand dollars more than my previous model, it does FAR less because almost every single function is locked behind a paywalled subscription. You’re paying at least an $800 premium for an 11″ display that serves only to tell you what features you aren’t allowed to access without a $40/month subscription…Also, it’s no quieter than any other treadmill, tough to move around our workout room, doesn’t fold up as nicely as my previous treadmill, and NordicTrack has a history of bricking devices with patch updates, so I can’t even be confident that it will last me as long as my old clunker did. Assembly sucked, but I can’t say it was worse than any other treadmill,” Horace Griggly, an Amazon verified purchaser.

Specs

Best folding treadmill: Sole Fitness F63

Why we like Sole Fitness F63 as best folding treadmill

The Sole F63 might be large (77” L x 35” W x 67” H), but you can reduce its footprint by folding it up when it’s set at the lowest incline level. Once you lift the deck until it locks into the center tube, you can easily roll the treadmill on the attached wheels. Our team had no trouble folding and moving the F63 but did note that it is quite heavy at 224 pounds.

The quality of some of the tech components shocked our testing team, given the F63’s $1,200 price tag. With high-quality built-in speakers that sounded excellent, an LED screen for tracking progress, and heart-rate monitoring pulse grips, this budget-friendly treadmill earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for value.

Despite a sturdy construction, the treadmill shook when used at the highest incline (15%) and speed (12 mph) settings. Though noticeable, it didn’t throw our testers off balance or make them feel unsafe. And overall, they found the incline process smooth and painless.

Furthermore, that higher incline can be beneficial. “Research has shown the effects of incline treadmill running results in increased muscle activation and work performed at the ankle, knee, and hip when compared to running on a level grade,” says Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. ( 1 )

Sole includes seven preset workout programs and two user-defined programs that range from muscle toning to calorie burning. One tester tried the hill climb and HIIT options and found them to be about what you’d expect from a standard treadmill workout.

You can ramp up your workouts on the F63 for about $39 a month with a subscription to Studio. Studio partnered with Sole in 2022 to provide interactive programming. Not only does Studio offer treadmill-based workouts, but it also has options for indoor cycling, yoga, rowing, boxing, strength, and elliptical training. However, this treadmill doesn’t have a touchscreen. You’ll need to access the classes on your phone or tablet.

With the F63, you can also use the free Sole+ app to access hundreds of free fitness classes that range from 10–60 minutes. The app is compatible with Sole’s exercise bikes and ellipticals, too.

Overall, between being foldable, affordable, and highly adjustable (maximum incline of 15%), the F63 is one of the best treadmills for home gym owners who want the most bang for their buck.

What customers are saying

More than 600 people have reviewed the Sole F63 on Amazon, where it has an average rating of 4.1 stars. While many were pleased with its performance and integration with workout apps, customers consistently called out the F63 for being difficult to assemble. Several reviews also discussed disappointing and difficult encounters with customer service, though others had the opposite experience.

“I bought this due to the high end of weight. I am 6’7″ 310lbs, and finally something I can use and not be afraid it is going to break. This is a great product. I walk about 5-10 miles per week and have no issues,” wrote Dan, an Amazon verified purchaser.

Some reviewers noted delivery issues, including damages during shipment.

“The treadmill arrived in a crushed/damaged box…While the accessory arm supports and computer console were undamaged there was some cosmetic damage to the treadmill base. The right plastic end cap at the back of the treadmill was completely shattered. That damage and the state of the box led me to believe the box had been dropped or at a minimum, severely mishandled,” wrote Will Faulkner, an Amazon verified purchaser.

Specs

Best treadmill for running: Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT

Why we like the Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT as best treadmill for running

The mid-tier option in the Studio Series from Horizon Fitness, the 7.4 AT Treadmill includes the normal bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers, and a water bottle holder. What separates it from the pack for runners is its compatibility with fitness streaming apps. Because Horizon doesn’t require a subscription to use its cardio equipment, you can pair the 7.4 AT with everything from Peloton to Nike Run Club to Zwift. With this functionality, you can perform live and on-demand workouts and keep track of your steps, pace, and other metrics.

Two other features that make the 7.4 AT runner-friendly include the deck size and motor. At 22 inches wide and 60 inches long, the deck is roomier than other options. A larger deck can benefit taller athletes who take longer strides. In addition, the 3.5 CHP motor provides plenty of sustained power and is well-suited for athletes who train frequently. If you run at least three times per week, the 7.4 AT’s motor will provide a higher quality output than a traditional HP treadmill motor.

Plus, this treadmill also has 10 built-in programs, including an interval training program that our product review team deemed basic but effective. You can also design your own workouts. The QuickDial controls on the handles allow you to quickly change speeds and incline ranges. This feature is especially useful for HIIT-style training and is one of the reasons the 7.4 AT earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for adjustability and ergonomics.

While runners will appreciate the comfort of the responsive cushioning on the running deck, they may not like spending anywhere from $2,399 to $1,600 ($1,600 being a long-running sale price) on a treadmill that still needs an app to reap the full benefits. And with negative reviews calling out connectivity issues, that is a concern to consider if you’re adamant about using fitness apps.

What customers are saying

On Amazon, the 7.4 AT owns a 4.1-star rating based on 57 ratings. Customers find the treadmill easy to use, with a powerful motor.

However, other reviewers found assembly difficult and encountered design issues after using the treadmill for a while.

“This product has a design flaw that allows droplets of sweat, sports drink, water etc. to enter the console and fry the electronics. No, we have never *SPILLED* any liquid onto the console. I’m talking about an errant droplet of sweat that might swing off of your arm or nose and hit the console. That little drop or two will enter the console via the gaps between the main button array (start/stop/speed adjustment/ramp adjustment buttons) and the console housing. From there, the liquid will follow the slope downwards and settle between the Stop button and the circuit board,” wrote Kristin K, an Amazon verified purchaser.

Specs

Best smart treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000

Why we like the ProForm Pro 9000 as best smart treadmill

The Pro 9000 packs plenty of power and programming capabilities into a 77-inch-long package. It’s produced by ProForm, one of the best brands of treadmills when it comes to reliability, customization, and value. With an impressive overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from the team, this model combines a high-capacity motor and incline/decline capabilities with a high-quality 22-inch HD touchscreen. Together, these features give you ample options to customize your training experience.

Our testing team loved the amount of tech features, namely the built-in fitness programming by iFIT. However, they were disappointed that they couldn’t get the Pro 9000 to connect to WiFi to stream workouts from other devices. Still, with Bluetooth connectivity, detailed data tracking, and one year of an iFIT family membership, this treadmill earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for its tech capabilities.

From a performance standpoint, the Pro 9000 stood strong. Our testers were able to seamlessly change speeds with the “Quick Speed Controls” section below the touchscreen. They also found it easy to adjust between the -3% decline and 12% incline by simply pressing a button rather than using up and down arrows.

What customers are saying

We rounded up feedback from customers across various purchasing platforms. One person who purchased the Pro 9000 and had it assembled by a professional installer loved the vivid colors on the display and the easy-to-learn controls. Unlike our team, he was able to set up the WiFi connection, which allowed him to take full advantage of the iFIT platform.

Other users, though, noted poor customer service and low quality for the price.

“I owned this treadmill a little over a month ago expecting to get a few years out of an expensive piece of equipment. Will not power on and can not get a response from customer service. In this case price does not reflect a quality product,” wrote Jason, an Academy verified purchaser.

Specs

Best manual treadmill: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite

Why we like the Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite as best manual treadmill

Non-motorized or manual treadmills give you full control of how fast you go, offering the versatility to walk, run, or sprint on a more forgiving surface than the road. You can also use them to perform full-body exercises like farmer’s carries or overhead weighted walks. According to Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, both of these can be great additions to a simple walking or running routine.

“Farmer’s carries and weighted walks could improve posture, core strength, and grip strength,” Mohr says. “The latter is an important biomarker for older adults.”

Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, agrees that there are many reasons to consider buying a manual treadmill. “Non-motorized treadmills can offer great benefits compared to motorized treadmills, including higher intensity training, reduced impact accelerations, and increased knee flexion, which decreases injury risk,” she says. ( 2 )( 3 )( 4 ) “While the non-motorized treadmill may not best replicate overground walking and running, it may be a useful tool in rehabilitation or while training for differentenvironments.” ( 5 )

Out of the 12 manual treadmills we tested, the AssaultRunner Elite by Assault Fitness earned the top spot. Our product testers gave it a solid 4 out of 5 stars overall. They appreciated its durable design, user-friendly LCD console, and easy assembly.

Made with self-leveling feet that stabilize the machine on different surfaces, the AssaultRunner Elite has a heavy belt that creates more inertia to make the tread quicker. The thin gap between the slats on the running surface helps minimize noise—something our team noted during testing.

Though it requires almost zero assembly, this treadmill has a fairly large footprint (69.9” L x 31.7” W x 64.4”). We only rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability. At around $4,000, it’s certainly not a budget-friendly option. And after comparing their experiences with the AssaultRunner Elite and the AssaultRunner Pro (another manual treadmill in Assault Fitness’s lineup), our team felt the $1,000 difference in cost may not be worth it, as both treadmills have similar features.

Specs

Best compact treadmill: WalkingPad A1 Pro

Why we like the WalkingPad A1 Pro as best compact treadmill

You don’t necessarily need to get 10,000 steps a day , but you’ll certainly benefit from moving around more, especially if you work from home and live a sedentary lifestyle. The WalkingPad A1 Pro empowers you to do just that. Plus, its space-saving design makes it easy to fold up and store just about anywhere.

With a folding dimension of 32.5” L x 21.5” W x 5” H, the A1 Pro is ideal for people who have limited room yet still want to remain active. Available in two weight capacities (230 or 300 pounds), it’s easy to assemble and includes an upgraded brushless motor. The motor helps reduce noise and makes the treadmill more durable and sturdy. However, don’t expect to move fast on the A1 Pro. It has a maximum speed of just 3.72 mph.

Our top compact treadmill lacks high-end tech features. However, it comes with a sensor that changes the speed using an intelligent algorithm when you walk in a different zone. For example, the front of the treadmill is considered the acceleration area. The back is the deceleration zone. Walking in the middle position will provide a constant speed.

A no-frills tool that can help you reach your daily step goal, the A1 Pro also comes at an affordable price. For around $530, you can enjoy a more active workday experience without your cardio machine taking up too much room or generating too much noise.

What customers are saying

The A1 Pro has earned four stars based on 323 ratings on Amazon. Many users have been able to increase their activity rate and burn more calories by pairing this compact treadmill with an adjustable or standing desk.

Common complaints about the A1 Pro include a clunky app that crashes often and a remote control that has stopped working for several customers.

Specs

Best treadmill for walking: Echelon Stride-4s

Why we like the Echelon Stride-4 as the best treadmill for walking

Capable of reaching a top speed of 12.4 mph, the Echelon Stride-4s can allow even the fastest runners to get a challenging workout. However, you don’t need to move that quickly to get the most out of this USA-made treadmill. With the ability to set the incline level up to 12%, you can use the Stride 4-s to turn a brisk walk into a more demanding cardio session that will put your hamstrings and calves to the test.

Echelon designed this foldable treadmill with fine attention to detail. It includes a 22-inch touchscreen that not only tilts but also swivels and rotates 180 degrees. This feature is particularly useful for cross-training workouts off the treadmill. Plus, the HD display helps provide an immersive workout experience. The variety of on-demand, scenic routes makes you feel like you’re transported to another part of the world.

With a max incline level of 12%, the Stride-4s is on par with other models. The 3.0 CHP motor also falls in line with industry standards. However, it’s not quite as powerful as the motors on the ProForm Pro 9000, Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT, or NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

To take full advantage of the Stride-4s, you can purchase an Echelon Premier membership for about $40 a month. This membership gives you access to live and on-demand classes. Besides running and rowing, the platform also includes HIIT, yoga, strength training, and other types of workouts to help you round out your fitness routine. The most affordable plan starts at just $11.99 per month.

Specs

Best curved treadmill: TrueForm.Trainer

Why we like the TrueForm.Trainer as best curved treadmill

One of the main benefits of a curved treadmill is that it can help runners of all ability levels improve their form. It encourages them to land closer to their center of mass with a mid-foot strike. ( 6 ) The Trainer’s shallow deck, and smooth-moving, well-balanced belt assist in those regards.

Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, adds, “Another benefit and unique feature is that this is a non-motorized treadmill, which is associated with a higher cardiometabolic demand when compared to motorized options.” ( 7 )

Essentially a less-expensive (but still pricey) version of the TrueForm.Runner, the Trainer takes top honors in our best curved treadmill category. It offers a similar design and experience at a better price point.

Members of our testing team used this lighter-weight manual treadmill for sprints and long-distance runs. They rated their workout experience 4 out of 5 stars. Other than a bit more shaking due to its plastic construction, they couldn’t find any significant differences between the Trainer and the Runner.

TrueForm’s decision to use plastic instead of metal helped reduce the weight and cost. However, it comes at the expense of durability. The frame and bearings (the most vital parts of the treadmill) are made of steel just like on the Runner. But the Trainer’s shell has a lot of plastic, which lowered its durability rating to 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Two other lackluster areas include the monitor and the lack of customization options. A $3,000 treadmill should have more capabilities than simply tracking speed, distance, pace, and heart rate. The TrueForm.Trainer’s monitor may be easy to read and logically designed, but it could use an upgrade. For example, we’d love it if it tracked calories burned and offered dynamic programming.

Furthermore, the Trainer only comes in a black powder coat finish. Unlike the Runner, you can’t choose between multiple tread surfaces.

What customers are saying

Testimonials on Rogue Fitness’s website are mixed, with an average of 3.5 stars with eight reviews. Some speak highly of this curved treadmill’s performance and versatility.

Other reviewers, though, have encountered customer service issues.

“The treadmill began to squeak loudly a few months after purchase. Getting a response from customer service is extremely difficult. Eventually, they responded that the problem is likely a bad bearing. They sent me a replacement bearing and said that they would schedule a technician to perform the repair. After I sent several emails asking when that would be scheduled, Trueform eventually responded that I will need to perform the repair myself and they would send an instructional video. I am still waiting for that video,” wrote an anonymous Rogue Fitness reviewer.

Specs

Best cushioned treadmill: BowFlex Treadmill 10

Why we like the BowFlex Treadmill 10 as best cushioned treadmill

The most notable feature of the BowFlex Treadmill 10 is its ultra-cushioned running deck. “Running on a cushioned treadmill is beneficial if you develop stress fractures in your feet often, as it reduces the stress experienced by the forefoot and mid-foot, particularly at higher speeds,” says Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, associate professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. ( 8 ) “It will also increase the intensity of your workout on the treadmill.” ( 8 )

At 22 inches wide and 60 inches long, the shock-absorbing belt helps provide a comfortable surface for walking, jogging, or sprinting. Plus, this durable treadmill can go from a -5% decline to a 15% incline. This wide range of settings helped it earn 4 out of 5 stars for customizations from our product testers.

Our reviewers rated the workout experience 4 out of 5 stars thanks to the stability of the deck and the powerful four HP motor. They enjoyed the T10’s tech capabilities, including streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+.

It also has JRNY built in, which is BowFlex’s competitor to iFIT. You do have to pay about $99 per year for this subscription-based programming platform. Our reviewers also found the instructors to be “a bit boring” and the classes to be just average. But they do like being able to stream apps like Netflix and Disney+ through JRNY.

The T10 has a few other noticeable drawbacks. First, it has a large footprint (85” L x 39.6” W x 65.3” H) and weighs 323 pounds. Assembling this heavy-duty treadmill takes at least two people and plenty of patience. Based on our challenging experience of putting it together, we recommend most consumers pay the extra $150—on top of $199 standard shipping—to have it built for them.

Still, the T10 represents rock-solid value based on its $1,499 price point. We appreciate the wide range of incline and decline options, durable design, and modern conveniences like heart rate monitoring.

What customers are saying

On Amazon, the BowFlex Treadmill Series has garnered an average rating of 3.6 stars based on 426 reviews. However, the cumulative rating also includes the BXT8J, T22, and T7 models.

However, some users ran into technical issues, and others didn’t like not being able to use the touchscreen to change the incline or speed settings.

“The treadmill worked for the first day of install (only used five minutes for testing purposes) and the next morning it stopped functioning and the screen was black. Can’t really use the treadmill without the screen and for the price… kind of expect a lot more resilience from the machine,” wrote Emmanuel, a Best Buy verified purchaser.

Specs

Best under-desk treadmill: LifePro PacerMini

Why we like the LifePro PacerMini as best under-desk treadmill

You can reap the rewards of walking while knocking items off your to-do list with the small but mighty LifePro PacerMini. At just 40 pounds, this tiny treadmill is ultra-portable and well-suited for keeping under your desk or in a smaller home gym. Plus, what differentiates this compact model from others is that it offers incline training. Walking at an incline can produce more lower-body muscle activation than walking on a flat surface. ( 9 )

Set to a fixed 7% incline, the PacerMini reaches up to 3 mph. The max speed is much lower than other treadmills that can reach up to 15 mph. But our testing team wouldn’t recommend going any faster on the PacerMini given the tiny deck size (27.6” L x 15.7” W).

The treadmill already has a small footprint of 32.7” L x 25” W x 41” H. Folding the handrail down reduces the height from 41 inches to seven. Surprisingly, though, our product review team didn’t find the PacerMini easy to move. When folded down, the handles don’t allow for easy maneuverability.

In addition, the lack of tech capabilities resulted in a low rating of 2 out of 5 stars. The PacerMini doesn’t have smart features like preset workout programs, heart rate monitoring, or Bluetooth connectivity. It’s also missing modern conveniences like a water bottle holder, device shelf, and built-in speakers. However, most under-desk treadmills sacrifice those features for the sake of space, portability, and price.

Overall, though, the PacerMini provided a comfortable workout experience that earned 4 out of 5 stars. A no-frills machine that includes a lifetime warranty, this model from LifePro may not blow you away. Still, it will get the job done at an affordable price point of about $320.

What customers are saying

LifePro earns 4.1 stars from a total of 88 ratings on Amazon. Reviewers love its compact size, impressive incline, and non-slip belt.

The glaring downside users identified is that the PacerMini likely isn’t a good fit for taller users. Multiple reviews found that the pad length isn’t enough for users taller than roughly 5’8”.

“The length is shorter than I expected, so I have to watch out for my foot otherwise it will slip outside of the pad,” wrote Viet Tran, an Amazon verified purchaser.

Specs

Best budget treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150

Why we like the XTERRA Fitness TR150 as best budget treadmill

After testing and researching more than 40 treadmills, we awarded the XTERRA TR150 our the best budget option. Available on Amazon for around $480, it includes a lifetime frame warranty that adds to its overall value score of 4 out of 5 stars.

The testing team also appreciated the user-friendly features. This treadmill comes with phone and water bottle holders, a magazine stand, and heart rate monitors on the handles. These conveniences are often available on high-end treadmills but less common on budget models.

However, you shouldn’t expect a 5-star workout experience from the TR150. While we liked the simplicity of the design, the running belt felt loose. Also, the deck didn’t provide much cushion. Though it works well for walking and light jogging, we wouldn’t suggest it for long runs or sprint workouts.

Another flaw our team identified during testing: a potentially hazardous folding mechanism. Unlike most folding treadmills, the TR150 does not have a gas shock to help it unfold slowly. Once you release the pin that allows it to lower, the 97-pound treadmill immediately falls to the ground. This can be dangerous if you have children or pets around. Thus, the TR150 only earned 2 stars for ergonomics.

Our team still stands behind the TR150 based on its value for a treadmill that goes up to 10 mph. But we caution against folding it up and wouldn’t recommend it for high-intensity training.

What customers are saying

With nearly 19,000 reviews and a 4.3-star rating on Amazon, the TR series has been put to the test by plenty of satisfied customers.

“I use it, my hubby uses it, my son uses it. It has survived everyone. I’ve trained for a half marathon, a marathon and many other races with this treadmill. It holds up, ”wrote Misse, an Amazon verified purchaser.

On the other hand, some customers felt limited by the three manual incline levels and lack of features on the console. A few reviewers also called out the console for failing to keep their phone or tablet secure. Other common complaints were warranty issues and unhelpful customer service.

“The belt that connects the motor to the treadmill has failed after less than six months of use. The belt is meant to last 1200 miles but barely made it to 300. After calling their support line, I would need to pay to have the part replaced despite how little time we have had it…The product arrived damaged, which means it either is a refurbished model, has poorly constructed parts, or is not properly packaged for shipping,” wrote Audrey, an Amazon verified purchaser

Specs

How we test treadmills

To put together our list of the best treadmills, our expert product testing team tested more than 50 models. With different tech capabilities, motors, footprints, and interactive programming options, each treadmill had to meet certain criteria.For an in-depth look at each factor listed below, check out our cardio equipment testing methodology page.

Here are the factors we ranked each treadmill by:

Performance—30%

Investing thousands of dollars on a treadmill doesn’t make sense if it won’t last or perform well. Our team rated each treadmill based on its ability to hold up over time by analyzing build materials and overall construction. We also consider preset programs, adjustment options, and additional tech features.

Here’s what we look for:

• Material quality
• Durability
• Versatility

Customer experience—30%

We examined every manufacturer’s warranty policy to see what type of coverage they include for each component of the treadmill. Lengthier policies that provide more extensive protection earned high scores from our reviewers. We also factor in customer service interactions, setup difficulty, and delivery options to provide a full picture of the user experience.

We look at the following factors:

• Warranty
• Shipping costs
• Equipment setup
• Packaging and delivery
• Customer service

Value—15%

The most expensive equipment on the market doesn’t always mean the best equipment on the market. We analyzed materials, features, and construction to land on each piece of equipment’s true value.

Size—15%

Whether you’re working with the corner of a room or an entire garage, equipment size matters. If a treadmill can provide superior performance while taking up less space, we give it a boost in its ratings. Additional space-saving features like portability and the ability to fold also matter.

Extra options—10%

Additional features like training programs, a slick app, or built-in speakers attest to a treadmill’s overall quality. Since our testers know what’s “typical,” they’ll let you know when a product is better-than-average.

FAQs