IF YOU’RE trying to get more cardio into your workout routine, you’re likely to put in some time in on a treadmill. Love it or hate it (some lovingly refer to it as the ‘dreadmill’), it’s actually one of the most diverse cardio machines you can use. Whether you prefer to log long miles, run sprint circuits, or throw on a weighted vest and crank up the incline, you’re going to burn some serious calories.
Maybe you have a running goal this year (like running your first half marathon or full marathon), or you’re trying to increase your daily step count (nope, you don’t have to hit 10,000 steps a day to lose weight). You might just like the ease of working out at home rather than hauling your butt to the gym. Either way, your body will thank you for the time spent getting your sweat on. And if you don’t have a treadmill in your home gym, but are considering adding one, we know that it’s no small investment. For the past five years, we’ve been trying and testing over 100 treadmills to narrow down our selection. On top of that, we also reached out to Men’s Health’s fitness editors and advisors like Deventri Jordan, as well as Garage Gym Reviews founder Cooper Mitchell, to weigh in on some of these picks, so you know these treadmills are the best of the best on the market.
Read More: Best Home Gym Equipment
Combining a deep knowledge of fitness brands and high-quality standards, we won’t steer you in the wrong direction. If you’re ready to make the investment and add a treadmill to your home gym, this comprehensive list will help you pick the best one for your needs. Here are the 13 best treadmills to buy now.
Read more: Black Friday Treadmill Sales
Best Overall Treadmill
NordicTrack
EXP 14i Treadmill
| Dimensions | 79.9 x 35 x 59.25 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 229 pounds |
| Display | 14″ HD Smart Touchscreen |
| Max speed | 12 MPH |
Best Compact Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness
TRX3500 Folding Treadmill
| Dimensions | 85 x 39.6 x 70 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 336 lbs |
| Display | 22″ HD Touchscreen |
| Max speed | 12 MPH |
Most Durable Treadmill
Bowflex
Treadmill 22
| Dimensions | 64.5 x 29 x 55.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 118 lbs |
| Display | LCD Display |
| Max speed | 12 MPH |
Best Treadmill for Walking
Weslo
Cadence G 5.9i Folding Treadmill
| Dimensions | 64.5 x 29 x 55.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 118 lbs |
| Display | LCD Display |
| Max Speed | 10 MPH |
Best Starter Treadmill
ProForm
Smart Treadmill 2000
| Dimensions | 79.9 x 35 x 59.25 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 229 pounds |
| Display | 14″ HD Smart Touchscreen |
| Max speed | 12 MPH |
Best Treadmill for Sprinting
Trueform
Runner
NordicTrack
Commercial 2450 Treadmill
Assault Fitness
AirRunner
Most Versatile Treadmill
Life Fitness
Run CX
NordicTrack
Commercial 1750 Treadmill
What to Know Before Buying a Treadmill
Buying a treadmill is a big investment—maybe not as much as buying a puppy or a new SUV, but there’s still substantial commitment involved. Here are a few things to consider before bringing home your first (or next) treadmill:
Know the Dimensions
Most home gym equipment takes up significant floor space. That’s doubly true for treadmills. Check the dimensions of any treadmill you’re currently shopping. Be sure to add at least 1-2 feet in every direction and three feet or more behind the treadmill (the area you step on) for maximum safety.
One thing buyers also tend to overlook is the height. You’ll want at least 15” inches above your own height. So, if you’re 5’10” (70 inches), make sure your ceiling height is 85 inches or more to give you plenty of head clearance, especially if you’re planning to use your treadmill for running.
Keep it Stable
This might seem obvious, but double-check that all four points of contact under the treadmill are firmly in contact with the floor. Many home floors aren’t 100% level. You want to make sure that your treadmill is well-planted to minimize the risk of slippage, shifting, or tilting.
Mind Your Neighbors
Treadmills can—and often do—make a lot of noise, especially for your downstairs neighbors (if you live in an apartment) or housemates (if you live in a multistory house). If you think this might be an issue, consider a treadmill mat to help minimize the noise. As the name implies, they’re simple and usually affordable mats designed to deaden the sound and vibration underneath a running treadmill.
Let the Experts Move It
Moving a treadmill into a confined space, like a small bedroom or basement, can be challenging. Often, it makes sense to hire experts to do it for you. If you’re the handy type, you can opt to disassemble the treadmill. Start by moving, then reassembling the deck, then the uprights, then the console, in that order. Just be sure to allow the minimum recommended clearances we mentioned above.
Be Mindful of Your Power
Treadmills—especially large and commercial models—can draw significant power. If your home’s electrical setup allows, dedicate one circuit to just your treadmill. This will help ensure that other power-hungry devices potentially on that same circuit don’t blow a fuse.
For the past 24 months, we consulted with Men’s Health‘s Fitness Director Ebenzer Samuel and Fitness Editor Brett Williams on the best treadmills for all types of use. They evaluated several treadmills and tested their performance, durability, and special features. We also considered top treadmills that had high praise from reviewers on e-commerce websites we trust.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S.
Ebenzer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men’s Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience.