You're not alone if you've decided to take the plunge and buy one of the best treadmills for home use. Exercise gurus and couch potatoes alike are finding the treadmill ever more alluring – even treadmill desks are a hit.
There's a wealth of options to suit all budgets and uses. Firstly, it's important to have a financial figure in mind with gym equipment, as it's especially tempting to overspend when faced with so many innovative high-end features. Secondly, you'll need to narrow the options to great models from reliable brands. That's where we come in.
With so many treadmills, deciding what's right for you can be a little daunting. You might be looking for one to complement your home multi-gym or one that will fit snugly into the corner of your lounge or bedroom. And a lot will depend on what kind of runner or walker you are, with varying levels of incline and speeds on offer. Therefore, sifting through all of the options can seem as exhausting as a full cross trainer workout at times. But our experts are here to help.
Best treadmills for home use at a glance:
• Best overall: NordicTrack T – View on Amazon
• Best budget: Nero Sports – View on Amazon
• Best durable: Xterra TR4500 – View on Sweatband.com
• Best for regular runners: JTX Sprint-5 – View on Amazon
• Best interactive: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 – View on Amazon
We've collected everything you need to know to explain the best treadmill for home use, show you what to look for, and which features are important. There's a buyer's guide at the end of the article too. We've selected the very best below, including basic, folding, budget and top-of-the-line. Let's get things running.
The best treadmills for home use in 2024:
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall
The NordicTrack T Series Home Treadmill is more than just a piece of exercise equipment; it's your gateway to a transformative fitness journey, right from the comfort of your home. This model can support users up to 137 kg, so it's robust and stable for a wide range of body types.
With dynamic incline adjustments, the T Series offers the potential for an intensified workout that mimics natural terrain, pushing your limits and maximising calorie burn. This NordicTrack is also Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to sync up your devices for a seamless, entertaining run. You can blast your motivational playlist or follow along with professional trainers thanks to the interactive personal training powered by iFIT. With a 30-day iFIT membership included, you gain instant access to live, studio, and global workouts, making each run a new adventure.
We can't forget the foldable design, which is perfect for tight spaces in the home. Simply lift the deck and store it away to free up room. This portability, along with its durable build and innovative training options, makes the NordicTrack T Series Home Treadmill a stellar choice for anyone serious about their home fitness.
Pros
- Foldable
- Plenty of power
- Excellent weight capacity
- Good incline settings and cushioning
Cons
- No touchscreen interface
Dimensions | 72.8 x 35.8 x 54.3 cm |
Max. user weight | 137kg |
Motor power | 2.6CHP |
Maximum incline | 10 |
Best budget
If you're just starting out or need something that costs considerably less than £500, this treadmill from Nero Sports is hard to resist. It's taken the prize for our best budget treadmill for a number of reasons, not just the incredibly affordable price. Firstly, this is motorised and compact. So, if you're looking for something that you can put in the comfort of your own home and get the job done, this treadmill is for you.
The build, whilst not matching more expensive models, is clean, simple and reliable. As you'd expect for a space-saving budget option, it has a relatively conservative 105 x 35 cm running surface, so if you're on the larger side with a longer stride, you may need to check the dimensions. There are three levels of incline, so if you're a seasoned runner, you probably want to look at other models on our list. But for anyone who needs a 12-program motorised treadmill with a computer that measures speed, time, distance and calories, this is the one to go for.
But the features don't stop there – not only does this Nero Sports treadmill come 99% pre-assembled, but it also has Bluetooth connectivity to Kinomap and Zwift. So, put your tablet on the convenient stand and get ready for some seriously fun fitness routines.
Pros
- Super value product
- 12 programs
- Pulse sensors
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Foldable
Cons
- Limited incline settings
- Running surface on the small side for those with longer strides
Dimensions | 126 x 60 x 120 CM |
Max. user weight | 110 Kg |
Motor power | Not specified |
Maximum incline | 3 |
Best folding
Your search for a great folding treadmill is over. The FLYLINKTECH 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a class above the rest, with full LCD display, wide running belt, transport wheels, and high-end Bluetooth capability.
This beauty uses a super sturdy stainless-steel frame, a silent force motor and a 100cm multi-layer running belt that absorbs shock, helping to reduce knee damage on those long runs.
With the FS Sports app, you can control the treadmill through Bluetooth. App control not only monitors your exercise data, but also keep your workouts fresh. Make use of a diverse range of programmes and difficulty levels to ensure you're never bored.
There are 12 exercise modes in total, including running mode for speeds between 4km/h and 14km/h, and walking mode, for speeds between 1km/h-4km/h. The foldable design means it can also be used as an under-desk treadmill, should you want to boost your step count while you're working.
Pros
- The ideal folding treadmill
- Lovely LCD display
- Intuitive Bluetooth
Cons
- Somewhat simple in terms of advanced settings
Dimensions | 132 x 64.5 x 13.5 cm |
Max user weight | 300lb/136kg |
Motor power | 2.25hp |
Max incline | n/a |
Best no-assembly
No set-up, no hassle, no stress. No need to even worry about installation issues. The portable treadmill comes fully assembled and can be used immediately after unboxing. Transport wheels mean that it's so convenient to move and store, which will only do wonders for freeing up some floor space.
Shining Bright is a multi-layer shock-absorptive running belt, which actually absorbs the force of your steps and works to protect your joints/ligaments from injury.
The Dskeuzeew Ultra Slim Walking Running Machine is ideal for home use and storage. The value for money here is fantastic too, just take it easy the first few runs, as there is nothing to hold on to.
Pros
- Absolutely no assembly required
- Easy to store
Cons
- Can cause an accident if you lose balance
Dimensions | 121 x 50 x 13 cm |
Max. user weight: | 110kg |
Motor power: | 1.5HP |
Maximum incline: | None |
The Xterra TR4500 is a highly tempting choice of folding home treadmill. A 160kg user capacity is practically unheard of at this price, and it means it's about as sturdy as you can get as well. The reliable 3.25HP motor produces the kind of performance you'd expect from an elite commercial unit too. Yes, there're some subjective design choices that won’t be everyone's cup of tea, but the TR4500 brings more than enough to the table – all at a very nice price point.
Usability and ease-of-use go hand in hand with this Xterra treadmill. You can manually set up a journey in well under a minute, or take your pick of 34 original programmes that are even quicker to fire up. This seamless get-on-and-go experience lends itself to the simple and direct LCD display, it might not be for everyone aesthetically, but it makes the treadmill absolutely effortless to engage with.
Read more on what we thought about this treadmill in our full Xterra TR4500 Review.
Pros
- 160kg user capacity is almost unheard of at this price
- Well-built and sturdy design makes for a very smooth ride
- Very user-friendly and responsive
- 34 exercise programmes to pick from
- Brilliant value for money
Cons
- LCD display won't be to everyone's taste
- Lacklustre built-in fan
- Those over six foot tall may struggle with the low console
Dimensions | L196cm x W90cm x H142cm |
Max user weight | 160 kg |
Motor power | 3.25hp |
Max incline | 15 levels |
Best for regular runners
The JTX Sprint-5 Home Treadmill is designed with regular runners in mind, whether you're a beginner or training for a half marathon. This is great value for money, with a power incline and 18kph top speed. There are 43 pre-set programmes, so you can keep your fitness constantly improving with different options, or, if you already know what you want, you can save up to three custom programmes to keep yourself on track.
In addition, Zwift & Kinomap connections are possible via Bluetooth. But the features of this treadmill don't stop there, as it can fold away with a hydraulic assist lift and Soft Drop system. There's also Cushionstep suspension – meaning an eight-point rubber shock absorption reducing impact by up to 30 per cent – and a silent motor will keep noise to a minimum. If you're reading this but already know that impact-heavy exercise isn't for you, we recommend one of the best exercise bikes instead. But if you're up for a sprint with some entertainment, you can play music on a newly integrated speaker system, and there's an app tailor-made for the treadmill.
Pros
- 43 pre-set programmes
- Large LCD monitor
- Connect to Zwift & Kinomap via Bluetooth
- Cushionstep suspension
Cons
- Only recommended for up to half-marathon runners
- Limited incline
Dimensions | 83 (w) x 174 (l) x 157 (h)cm |
Max. user weight | 120 kg |
Motor power | 2.5 Horsepower |
Maximum incline | 12 |
Best interactive treadmill
If you desire a treadmill with integrated interactive training, then we suggest sticking with NordicTrack and their Commercial 1750. It gives you an upgrade on the S 25i hardware and also a big 14-inch screen and speakers from which you can follow your iFit training. So, while the 1750 isn't the cheapest treadmill on the block, you do get more than just a colourful screen. It's also great value compared with far more expensive models.
The upgraded hardware means a 3.5 CHP motor and a bigger 152cm running space. Top speed and maximum user weight remain the same, as do the frame and motor warranties. With the 14-inch HD screen, you’ll be integrated with on-demand workouts led by rather intense-looking trainers.
Pros
- DurX commercial motor
- Exceptional build quality
- HD touch screen
- Large 55 x 152 running surface
Cons
- 12% incline is good, but some might want more
Dimensions | H162 x W90 x D199cm |
Max. user weight | 135kg |
Motor powe | 3.5 CHP |
Maximum incline | 12 |
Best value treadmill
When it comes to value, what we don't mean is 'cheap'. Cheap treadmills can be found for £100 or less. However, with machines like these, you need something that's safe, well-built and reliable that gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Enter the JLL S300. To start with, the UK brand gives you a five-year warranty on the ample 2.5 CHP motor, plus a two-year parts and labour warranty and a confidence-boosting lifetime warranty on the frame.
On the features front, you get a well-cushioned 122 x 41 cm running belt, which can range between 0.3 and 16km/h (10mph). A selection of 15 programmes gives you fairly good flexibility for workouts, helped by the fact three of them are customisable.
On the deck, you will find a surprising array of goodies. No big screen, but there is a holder for your devices and a USB and aux connection. Why? Because the JLL S300 has built-in speakers, of course. The frame is alloy steel, and the maximum user weight is 120 kg.
Pros
- Warranty
- Quality construction
- Foldable
- Up to 20% incline
Cons
- 122cm/41cm belt is not ideal for tall runners
Dimensions | 158 x 70 x 128 cm |
Max. user weight | 20kg |
Motor power | 2.5 CHP |
Maximum incline | 20 |
Best walking pad
The JTX MoveLight is a compact, lightweight walking treadmill designed for easy storage and convenience, perfect for home or office use to stay active throughout the day. At a great price, you're getting a seriously intuitive experience thanks to the high-tech remote control function.
Pros
- Best walking pad variant
- Quiet operation
- Intuitive remote control function
Cons
- Not the most lightweight despite size
Dimensions | 14x60x12.5 cm |
Max. user weight | 100 kg |
Motor power | 1 HP |
Maximum incline | None |
Best commerical-grade
Behold, the NordicTrack Commercial Series 2450, the 2023 model designed to optimise your home workout experience to a near professional level. This treadmill is a powerhouse, it combines advanced technology with user-friendly features which can suit any fitness enthusiast's needs.
At the heart of the 2450 is a trusty 3.6 CHP motor, engineered for reduced noise and includes self-cooling capabilities. This means you can push your limits without overheating the equipment or disrupting the peace in your home. The sizeable 22-inch interactive HD touchscreen is a standout , transforming your exercise routine into an immersive experience. Whether you're navigating through scenic global routes or following intense studio classes, every workout feels personal and engaging.
Despite the sturdy build, this treadmill doesn't sacrifice space for functionality. Its foldable design allows for easy storage.
The NordicTrack Commercial Series 2450 is an exceptional choice for anyone serious about achieving their fitness goals. Ready to dive into a world-class training session? Unfold your NordicTrack, power up the touchscreen, and start your journey towards true fitness.
Pros
- Commercial build but perfectly suited to homes
- Immersive 22-inch interactive HD touchscreen
- High-tech self cooling motor made to last
Cons
- Building the treadmill can be a challenging job
Dimensions | 199 x 90 x 162 cm |
Max. user weight | 135 kg |
Motor power | 3.6 CHP |
Maximum incline | 12 |
11.
Technogym MyRun
Best high-end
Despite looking like a commercial treadmill and being built just as solidly, this is the best of the home-use machines we have here. Why? Because it's extremely well designed with top high-tech features such as automatically turning on when stepped on. Not to mention the true integration of the machine with tablets. Then there's access to Zwift and ROUVY routes for maximum immersion while you're running. A real bonus here, especially for those dodging the bad weather, is that it can use your personal route data from devices like a Garmin to reproduce that route for you.
Spec-wise, this has a 3.0 HP motor capable of 12.4 mph– so plenty of room there to challenge hardcore runners. The deck is a generous 19.7 x 56.3 inches too, so it's in that sweet spot between being usable for most stride lengths and fitting into your room without hogging too much space. The Technogym App is also present for access to interactive training routines. Best of all, consider this a professional gym treadmill but slightly scaled down to fit a home gym perfectly – and all without compromising on build or features.
Pros
- Commercial quality yet well suited to homes
- Quiet operation
- Auto-on when stepped onto
- Reproduces your own real-life routes
Cons
- Users with very long strides may find it a little limited
- More technical features mean more complexity
Dimensions: | 1760 x 785 x 1260 mm |
Max. user weight: | 140 kg |
Motor power: | 3 HP |
Maximum incline: | 12 |
Best incline treadmill
The NordicTrack EXP 5i Treadmill is one of the brand's most compact designs, making it suitable for most homes. And as you'd expect from the brand, this treadmill is loaded with features. In our view, it's one of the best treadmills for incline currently available.
Highlights include speed variation up to 16km/h, variable 10 per cent elevation, and 20 different levels of incline, to make it as hard (or easy) as you need. There are 40 user programmes, while a digital console displays speed, incline, time, distance covered, and calorie expenditure.
If you wish, you can pay extra for an iFit subscription to gain access to a variety of predesigned workouts set in a variety of exotic locations. These workouts will automatically adjust to mirror the iFit trainer as they lead you through the route.
A 140cm long and 51cm wide running surface means it's big enough to accommodate most users, and can support a maximum user weight of up to 135kg. At 90kg, it isn't the smallest or lightest machine. But EasyLift assist helps take away some of that weight so you can easily fold it away after use.
Pros
- 20 different incline levels
- Plenty of speed settings
- Lots of user programmes
Cons
- Very heavy
- iFit subscription costs extra
Dimensions | 152x87x180cm |
Max user weight | 135kg |
Motor power | 2.6hp |
Max incline | 20 levels |
Buyer's guide: the best treadmills for the home
Check under the hood
First and foremost, what’s underneath is most important. It might look like a Lamborghini on the outside, but it’s a waste of time and money if the running mechanics are cheap and nasty. For example, one indicator of a treadmill that's built to last is the continuous horsepower rating (CHP).
Treadmills that can hold a strong, consistent power output don't have to work as hard as those with less power. You should aim for a CHP of at least 2.5 if you plan on using it daily. And don’t mistake horsepower ratings for CHP either – the former likely indicates peak power, and if the treadmill you’re looking at doesn’t list CHP, you should be dubious about it.
Consider performance goals
Does a treadmill meet your standards as a runner and allow enough room for plenty of improvement? What speeds can it achieve? How loud is it? How much can it incline, or even decline? By the same token, what is its shock absorption like to reduce the strain on joints? And of course, once you've answered all of these, it's important to invest in the best running shoes so that you can keep up in comfort.
Research belt speed and sizes
The general rule is the higher the speed, the higher the price. But when it comes to belt sizes, these are more important because taller and faster people will need a longer belt. For the tall and long striders, try to steer towards treadmills with belt sizes of around 152cm/60 inches. Consider weight limits too. Naturally, this is important for the machine to be able to take your weight, but the other thing it is indicative of is the quality of the frame.
Programme functions
More functions and large screens showing online workout sessions are what many people want. You can get a good range of programmes on entry-level machines, but of course, those who want an integrated screen should expect to pay more. One way around this is to simply use a tablet or mobile phone.
Don't buy then get bored
Running when you’re outside is often stimulating, but addressing boredom during an indoor treadmill run can be challenging. We aren’t all blessed with spare room views of the Carpathian Mountains or the Mediterranean Sea. There are a number of high and low-tech remedies to address the potential boredom that can curb our enthusiasm. You can put up posters in front of you to look at while you run, blast some music, or even connect with others with the Zwift app. And if you're already a fan of that app, you should probably check out some of the best Turbo Trainers for Zwift too.
FAQs
How do I maintain a treadmill?
As with all home gym equipment, your first port of call should be the user manual. The build and maintenance of a treadmill will vary from one brand to another, and one model to another too. Obviously, keeping the machine clean and free from debris and anything that could become entangled is a good idea. But one of the user-serviceable pieces of maintenance you can look into is lubrication.
Predictably, this is a very simple yet important part of treadmill maintenance. Therefore, JLL and NordicTrack provide instructions on how to best lubricate their treadmills. JLL also have a handy general treadmill maintenance video on YouTube with useful tips (lubrication is at 1 min 35).
Here's our pick of a good lubricant that's easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas.
Achieve smooth, silent treadmill function with Spot On 100% Silicone Treadmill Belt Lubricant. This 120ml formula reduces friction, prolongs belt life, and optimises overall machine performance.
Pros
- Easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas
- Precision cap
Cons
- None we can think of!
Quantity: | 120ml |
What's the best way to workout on a treadmill?
At least initially, it’s good to have a set workout regime. Understandably, most beginners often don’t know where their benchmarks sit, or where to begin, and have to battle the mental wall that hinders persistence.
Finding yourself a suitable workout schedule helps you stick to your ability (which is not the same as pushing yourself). This, therefore, makes your workouts far more enjoyable. There are numerous online resources available, including the Nike Run Club app and iFit.
Are treadmills safe?
As long as they're well maintained and periodically checked for mechanical or software issues, a treadmill for home use is as safe as you are when you use it. Therefore, consider where you place your treadmill – make sure that there's nothing placed close by that would be dangerous if you were to fall off. If you're put off by the moving belt, perhaps consider one of the best stepper machines instead for a more stationary challenge.
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Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness writer for What's The Best_._ From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma's not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She's also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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