The Very Best Treadmills

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Belt length:22” W by 60” L |Footprint:80” L by 38” W by 65” H |Standout features:Built-in workout and training programs |Max belt speed:12 mph |Storage:Folding frame

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 was the top choice in our roundup of thebest treadmills to use at home, according to personal trainers. Given NordicTrack’s history as a reliable brand and designer of treadmills, it makes sense that the 1750 comes recommended to us by fitness experts like David Roche, coach and founder of theSwap running teamand co-author ofThe Happy Runner. New York–based personal trainer Miriam Fried says it’s a solid all-around option that fits her criteria: “You’ll want something that ideally goes above ten mph and a 10 percent incline, especially if you have more specific fitness goals in mind,” she says. Ava Fagin, a personal trainer and functional-strength coach, also recommends the 1750, highlighting its built-in workouts and interactive classes (it comes with a free 30-day iFit membership). The 1750 is all that most people need for walking or running sessions at home. The newest version of the 1750 — the 2045 — has a larger 24-inch touchscreen compared to the 16-inch screen on the 1750 and the 10-inch version on even older models. The screen also swivels, which could come in handy if you’re following an iFit class from your yoga mat.

Belt length:20” W by 55” L |Footprint:73” L by 35.8” W by 67.5” H |Standout features:Built-in workout and training programs |Max belt speed:10 mph |Storage:Folding frame

At just under $800, the T 6.5S is one of NordicTrack’s most affordable treadmills. Compared to the Commercial 1750, the T 6.5S is more compact overall: It has a smaller footprint, a lower maximum belt speed, and a smaller screen (it also comes with a free one-month iFit subscription). This is the ideal treadmill for a runner or walker who might spend most of their time working out outside but wants a treadmill for rainy days or winter months. Rellosa has done a handful of easier runs on this treadmill, and he particularly liked the feel of the belt. “Its rubber is not too grippy as to feel sticky on your shoes, but my feet never felt like they might slip or slide while running,” he says. If you plan to have lighter workouts that won’t require a speed beyond ten mph, the T 6.5S is definitely worth considering.

Belt length:17” W by 62” L |Footprint:67.8” L by 33.6” W by 70.1” H |Standout features:Runner-powered belt |Max belt speed:No max speed |Storage:Transport wheels, no folding frame

Woodway is well known in the running community for its range of motorized and manual treadmills that have softer slat-belt surfaces. I’m a big fan of the brand’s original Curve — it was the first non-motorized (a.k.a. self-propelled) Woodway I ever tried in my college training room. But in 2023, the brand released the Curve LTG, which is lighter weight and considered a better bet for home gyms or smaller spaces. In my experience, it’s extremely hard to beat Woodway’s unique slat belt, which feels similar to running on a track or a soft grass trail outside. However, your first time running on a manual treadmill might feel a bit different than on a treadmill with an electric belt, because you control the pace, not the belt. Since the belt moves only when you do, the Curve LTG is best for walking, light running, and sprints, but it’s never been my favorite option for longer distances because its self-paced nature can feel a bit demanding. If you’re someone that loves HIIT or sprint intervals, the curved shape of the manual Woodway will activate several muscle groups, from your calves to your hamstrings and glutes, and encourage natural running mechanics.

Belt length:17.1” W by 62.2” L |Footprint:69.9” L by 32.8” W by 64” H |Standout features:Runner-powered belt |Max belt speed:No max speed |Storage:Transport wheels, no folding frame

The AssaultRunner is another treadmill that doesn’t have a motorized belt. Ben Unger, a personal trainer and nutrition coach based in New York City, recommended this treadmill with a slightly curved belt to Strategist senior editor Hilary Reid and former writer Karen Iorio Adelson for at-home use. Unger explained that because the runner powers the treadmill, and not an electric belt, “way more calories are burned than on an electric treadmill in the same amount of time.” There’s no maximum speed, so this is a good option for those looking to practice sprints or tempo workouts. Like the Woodway above, the AssaultRunner might feel a bit awkward at the beginning: It took Rellosa a few sessions on this manual treadmill to get used to slowing down the belt by slowing down his stride (rather than pressing a button to turn off the treadmill or stop the workout).

Belt length:20” W by 59” L |Footprint:68” L by 33” W by 62” H |Standout features:0 to 12.5 percent incline, 24-inch touchscreen, Peloton app and class access |Max belt speed:12.5 mph |Storage:No folding frame or carrying handles

When it comes to at-home fitness classes,Pelotonand its ecosystem of live andon-demand classesis king. Just like the popular Peloton Bike, the Peloton Tread gives you access to guided workouts and live sessions — and not justrunning-specificworkouts. Stephen Pennington, a home-fitness enthusiast based in Dayton, Ohio, upgraded from his old treadmill to a Peloton Tread after he found himself frequently trying to replicate Peloton Bootcamp classes — which he says are similar to an Orange Theory class — on his treadmill via the mobile app. “My old treadmill only had speed and time functions,” says Pennington, who also frequently rides on hisPeloton Bike. “There are so many more features you can access on the Tread. Not only can you sync your heart rate and health data to the Tread, it also stores a lot of that information for you in your profile.” He adds that Peloton’s instructors are engaging and easy to follow. RapperSen Dogfrequently takes classes on his Peloton Tread and calls the brand’s equipment “above and beyond everything I’ve worked out with before.”

Belt length:22” W by 60”L |Footprint:81” L by 39” W by 76”H |Standout features:-5% to 40% incline, 22-inch touchscreen|Max belt speed:12 mph |Storage:No folding frame or carrying handles

The X22i offers a 40-percent maximum incline, which is the steepest setting we’ve seen available on a treadmill. “That wildly steep incline makes all the difference for me because being able to really crank that up simulates theskimo racesI’m training for,” says writer andOutsidemagazine gear columnistJoe Jackson. “I felt like I was getting a badass hiking workout but on a treadmill. If I was on a normal treadmill at the gym, I wouldn’t be able to do that.” The massive 22-inch touchscreen is ideal for classes and programs available through iFit. One of Jackson’s favorite features is the lineup of runs that simulate trail topography by increasing and decreasing the incline throughout the session. “On a climbing and skiing trip to Chamonix years ago, there was a trail that I wanted to run but never got to. I recently got to run that trail, virtually, thanks to the X22i’s super varied incline capabilities. It was cool to get that kind of workout.” Similarly, Rellosa actually revisited a hike he took in Patagonia back in 2018 via an iFit workout on the X22i. “The incline changed as I ran, mimicking the switchbacks on the trail. That feature, paired with a video of the running guide,Tommy, as he made his way up the trail, was a totally unique experience, especially compared to a regular treadmill run with no interactive component,” Rellosa says. We recommend the X22i to folks who want a premium treadmill experience that includes a crisp touchscreen, a reliable motor, and tons of incline options for hikers and trail runners alike.

[Editor’s note: We learned the NordicTrack X22i is no longer in production and has been replaced by the X24. The new version features a 24-inch pivoting touchscreen (versus 22-inch) and a more powerful 4.25 CHP motor (versus 4.0 CHP). Both offer the same 40 percent incline range.]

Belt length:20” W by 45” L |Footprint:58” L by 48” W by 60” H |Standout features:Desktop with adjustable height, USB charging port |Max belt speed:4.0 mph |Storage:Two transport wheels

In our roundup of thebest standing desks, we picked the LifeSpan as the best model with a treadmill. Daniel Huang, chiropractor atLevel Up Sports Chiropracticrecommends it and says a standing treadmill desk is a good way to stay active throughout the workday, which, for many of us, is usually spent sitting. “A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, joint pain, and other systemic issues that can be prevented if we just simply move,” Huang explains. The desk is adjustable and motorized and comes with four height presets, from 25 to 52 inches. While you won’t be running on this (its max belt speed is four miles per hour), it’s a great way to get steps in at your workstation. (LifeSpan also sells amanual versionof this treadmill desk for a few hundred dollars less.)

Belt length:17.3” W by 47.2” L |Footprint:57.1” L by 28.3” W by 51.2” H unfolded | 39.4” by 28.3” by 6.3” folded|Standout features:Pairs with app |Max belt speed:6.5 MPH max speed|Storage:Folds in half

The WalkingPad comes recommended by Strategist contributor Brittany Brown, who rounded up thebest under-desk treadmills. Its folding capability and relatively slim size makes it an effective walking treadmill — great for casual exercises and pairing with standing desks. “I could pretty much do any work task imaginable on this,” Brown writes. Because the belt speed is slower compared to other models on this list, and because the frame is less substantial, this isn’t a treadmill designed for running. Brown also notes one tradeoff with the folding construction: “You can feel the line in the belt where it folds. It didn’t exactly bother me while walking on it (in shoes or barefoot), but those used to working out on treadmills may find it distracting.”

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