The best treadmills are often compared to top exercise bikes as they both offer a great way to bring cardio-based training into your home gym.
In fact, treadmills are great for both slow and relaxed jogs, to more intense sprint sets to improve your speed and fitness.
If this sounds like your kind of cardio, then we're here to help with our list based on features, price, and reviews, helping you come to an informed decision on which exercise machine to go with.
From foldable equipment, like this JLL T350, to running machines packed with technology, like this NordicTrack Commercial Series, we've got everything you need right here.
Best Treadmill
- NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Si Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial Series
- XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
- IN10CT Health Runner Curved Treadmill
- CITYSPORTS Treadmill
- JLL T350
Best Treadmill All-Rounder - NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Si Treadmill
Brand: NordicTrack | Dimensions: 73" x 35" x 67.5" | Weight: 203 lbs | Max Weight: 330 lbs | Max Speed: 10mph | Max incline: 10% | Deck Length: 55"
As far all-rounders go, this treadmill from NordicTrack ticks practically every box you could think of for a good in-door, moderate-intensity piece of cardio equipment, but make sure you stay hydrated with your best water bottle whilst you exercise.
It features a decent incline percentage of 10 and a reasonably sized 55" deck length that should be more than enough when running or walking at up to 10mph.
For smaller spaces it conveniently folds up, so you can stash it away as best you can when you have guests.
On the fitness side, this is one of those 'slow and low' cardio machines, which are great for those early mornings or late evening sessions if you feel like you need to get some steps in for the day.
10mph is also quite fast, so if you do want to get some light interval training in this should still prove effective, and provide you with some more variety too.
Overall, we think this NordicTrack T Series looks like a good option to consider to accompany your top running shoes.
Best Premium Treadmill - NordicTrack Commercial Series
Brand: NordicTrack | Dimensions: 78.8" x 39.2" x 63" | Weight: 347 lbs | Max Weight: 350 lbs | Max Speed: 12mph | Max incline: 15% | Deck Length: 60"
When it comes to treadmills that make you feel like you're at the gym, machines like this Commercial Series entry from NordicTrack look like a popular choice.
This differs in a few distinct ways from the previous NordicTrack entry on the list, namely with a higher top speed of 12mph, an extra 5% incline (which trust us makes a huge difference!), and some more advanced tech elements too.
One of the standout features for us is its AutoBreeze workout fan and its impressive motor which claims to have both self-cooling technology and be on the quieter side.
You're also getting a 60" long tread belt, which should be enough to increase your stride length at some of the higher speeds available.
Again, this is foldable, but make sure you've got enough room for this impressive machine as it doesn't exactly slip under a couch!
For those who really love running and have the budget, we'd say this treadmill is very close to what you'd expect at a gym, much like NordicTrack's commercial bike we featured in our best exercise bikes list...all without having to pay membership.
Best Curved Treadmill - IN10CT Health Runner Curved Treadmill
Brand: IN10CT | Dimensions: 69" x 32" x 61.5" | Max Weight: 400 lbs
Not all treadmills are motorised and a big trend in the world of functional training involves the use of machines like this one from IN10CT.
Due to the curve, when you plant your foot in front of you the belt will move backward.
The more powerfully you drive off, the faster you go, just like if you were running on the ground.
These are great for those who want to add an extra layer of challenge into their cardio workouts and also a more 'natural' way to run.
It's also a real winner when it comes to saving electricity, which is great for the environment and also allows you to have this anywhere without tethering it to a power supply.
If cardio is more you're thing, or you're looking to warm up ahead of a tough session under your best squat rack, then a curved treadmill like this one from IN10CT is a great option to have.
Best Budget Treadmill - TR150 Folding Treadmill
Brand: XTERRA Fitness | Dimensions: 63.4" x 28.75" x 51.4" | Weight: 108 lbs | Max Weight: 250 lbs | Max Speed: 9mph | Deck Length: 50"
For one of the best treadmills under 500, it's hard to say no to this treadmill from XTERRA Fitness.
XTERRA featured in our best rowing machines list and, but their TR150 showcases a completely different set of XTERRA's expertise.
For general, low-intensity cardio this is a real winner and its foldable design makes it another great choice for smaller spaces.
It even goes up to 9mph and you can adjust the incline manually for some variety and comfort.
If you're after something to kick off or end your day on the right note, but don't want to break the bank for the privilege, then we think the TR150 is worth checking out.
Best Treadmill For Home Offices - CITYSPORTS Treadmill
Brand: Citysports | Max Weight Capacity: 260 lbs | Max Speed: 6 kmph / 3.75 mph
If you're like the many people out there who have found themselves spending far more time at home than in an office, you'll likely be feeling some of the less than stellar consequences of sitting down all day.
Although you may lace up your top gym shoes to get your weight-based workouts in over the weekend, you might want something to keep you moving during the week like this simple yet effective treadmill from Citysports.
These treadmills are designed for very low-intensity exercise where the benefits come from general movement in contrast to inactivity brought on by sitting down for too long.
You can slip this slim treadmill under your desk and thanks to the speed being lower you won't find yourself unable to work or type while on the move.
Granted, for intricate tasks such as designing, this may be more of a hindrance, but if you find yourself taking calls, doing research, or just surfing the web or watching TV, these are a great way to do so while getting your steps in.
Guilt-free binge-watching? Yes, please.
Best Folding Treadmill - JLL T350
Brand: JLL | Max Weight Capacity: 120kg | Max Speed: 18 km/h
The JLL T350 should be worth considering if you've got limited space and are in need of something to easily store away when not in use.
It comes with a 5" LCD monitor that displays time, speed, distance, heart rate, and calories, and 20 running programs to motivate you to push yourself further than ever before.
Moreover, the JLL T350 features 20 levels of incline which should be ideal for when you want to make your workouts a little more challenging.
On the whole, we feel the JLL T350 ticks a lot of boxes which is why it earns a spot on our list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Treadmills
When it comes to picking the best treadmill for you, there is certainly a lot to consider. Here are a few answers to some of the questions you may have, based on some somewhat sage advice from a fully qualified personal trainer (me in this case!).
Is a treadmill worth it?
As covered in our comparison of treadmills and exercise bikes, treadmills are on the whole a little expensive in comparison to stationary bikes for instance, but it's clear as to why they're expensive...and ultimately why they are worth it.
Walking, running, and jogging are all very familiar exercises that feel incredibly natural, so what you're not getting with treadmills is something that you have to 'learn' techniques before you use them.
Rowing machines for instance require form to be learnt for them to be effective (and look good while you're doing it!), as does something as seemingly simple as cycling, which requires pinpoint precision with seat height, stance, and much more.
Treadmills allow many people to jump on and get started easily. They provide a window into fitness that is accessible for beginners. There are even super-advanced treadmills with practically no top speed!
What is the best time to buy a treadmill?
There are excellent deals on treadmills all year round, but certainly, the winter months and New Year account for a lot of sales.
The weather and the start of the New Year often motivate many to take their running adventure indoors, so that can be a great time to make your purchase.
How much should you spend on a treadmill?
As covered in our comparison of treadmills and ellipticals, you can buy treadmills for anything between $250 to upwards of $1000, but you'll likely find a sweet spot between quality, size, and added extras like screens and fans at around the $1000 mark.
For more casual treadmills to introduce some activity into your day, you can get away with spending much less.
Is having an incline on a treadmill important?
Not massively in all honesty, but it does come in handy if you want to put more emphasis on your glutes or increase the challenge at lower speeds.
We'd say go for one if you're a bit more advanced, but for beginners, you should be fine with no incline and you can save a bit of money to spend on other workout equipment too (check out our best dumbbells for under 150 list for some ideas!)
Is running on a treadmill easier than outdoors?
Treadmill running can sometimes feel quite taxing but in reality, it is actually slightly easier on your body.
Unlike outdoors, running on a treadmill avoids a number of extraneous variables like the wind, uneven paths, and obstacles which can all slow you down and be physically challenging to avoid at times.
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