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Our home gym enthusiasts researched the best treadmills on the market today, then purchased the top 8 for side-by-side testing and comparison. A quality treadmill can be a great way to maintain your exercise regimen or reach your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home, but which model is right for you? After assembling each treadmill, our testers used them for months on high-intensity runs, casual walks, and everything in between. We analyzed their running surface, speed range, program workouts, companion apps, controls, features, and noise levels in an effort to help you find the right treadmill for your needs and budget.
Huge running surface, -5 to +20% incline, 400-pound weight limit, 22-inch touchscreen, works with JRNY app (comes with a free year membership), excellent warranty
Large tread surface, works with iFit app, 14-inch touchscreen, adjustable fan, -3 to +15 incline, AutoAdjust speed/incline changes
Excellent screen, 12.5 mph top speed, speed and incline adjustment knobs, works with Peloton app, lots of safety features, fairly compact considering belt size, attractive design
Folds small for storage, easy to move around, good size running surface, 12 mph top speed, works with Echelon app
10 mph top speed, up to 10% incline, fairly large tread surface, connected features, 300 lb weight limit
Cons
Expensive, very heavy, large-even when folded, doesn't really work without JRNY membership
Fairly expensive, iFit app adds monthly cost, speed and incline controls could have better ergonomics
Does not fold - larger footprint, very expensive, delivery and assembly costs extra, Peloton app adds monthly cost, very expensive
Less cushioned than other high-end models, doesn't feel as sturdy as some, ongoing cost of Echelon app (if you choose to use it)
Using iFit app adds monthly cost, 10 mph top speed may not be enough for serious runners
Bottom Line
A high-end, commercial quality treadmill with a massive tread surface, large incline adjustment range, and compatibility with JRNY and some third-party apps
A commercial quality treadmill that integrates with the iFit app through its swiveling touchscreen for a unique and immersive exercise experience
A sturdy and sleek high-end treadmill for those seeking the Peloton experience
A compelling option for those with limited space though not without some minor compromises
A reasonably priced model with a great exercise quality enhanced by connected features
Transport wheels, folding design, 2 bottle holders, integrated device holder, safety stop lanyard, metal safety bracket underneath running deck to prevent objects from being pulled under
Folding, soft-drop, device shelf, bottle holders, transport wheels, safety shutoff lanyard, speakers, auxilary input, Flex Select cushioning, heart rate sensors, Bluetooth, works with iFit
Warranty
Frame and motor: 15 years, Mechanical parts: 5 years, Labor: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Labor: 1 year
12-month limited warranty
12-month limited parts and labor
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Labor: 1 year
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Belt Dimensions: 60" L x 21.5" W | Speed Range: 0-12 mph
REASONS TO BUY
Huge running surface
-3% to +15% incline
14-inch tilting and rotating touchscreen
Integrates with the iFit app
AutoAdjust speed and incline changes
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Large and heavy
Screen only works with iFit or manual workouts
The latest version of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has a sleek, modern design, and quickly became one of our favorite treadmills for the quality workout it provides and the unique immersive training experience of the iFit app. Boasting a big 60" x 21.5" tread surface and belt speeds up to 12 mph, it can easily handle everything from walking to serious indoor training without restricting stride length and less fear of accidentally catching the side rails. The tread deck has Runners Flex cushioning for added comfort, with incline up to 15% and decline down to -3% for hill workouts and to simulate the terrain in the iFit videos. The swiveling console features a 14-inch HD touchscreen that is used to select and view iFit workouts. You can easily do manually controlled workouts, but the highlight is the iFit app which offers a unique style of trainer-led scenic videos that are a departure from the studio-style programs of the competition. The engaging and motivating trainers lead you on runs, walks, and hikes in beautiful locations all over the world, and the AutoAdjust feature changes speed and incline based on the terrain in the video and prompts of the trainer for an immersive experience that makes you almost feel like you're there. There are thousands of videos to choose from with all the variety you could ever need with different instructors, types of workouts, landscapes, music, and durations to choose from. The console also features quality speakers, quick jump speed and incline buttons, an adjustable cooling fan, and bottle holders to help you stay hydrated. The screen also swivels to optimize it for viewing the wealth of off-treadmill workouts on the iFit app.
One of our biggest gripes with the Commercial 1750 is the ergonomics of the controls. The speed and incline adjustment buttons aren't quite as user-friendly or easy to reach while running as other models that have them located on the side handrails. Of course, this doesn't matter as much when using iFit and its AutoAdjust feature, but we feel it's notable nonetheless. Though not overly difficult, the assembly process was also quite involved and time-consuming. It's also one of the biggest and heaviest models we tested. It is somewhat difficult to move around once assembled, and it takes up quite a bit of space, even with the deck folded up for storage. Regardless, if you've got room for it, we feel this is an excellent option for any fitness level or training program, and a great way to experience the immersive workouts of the iFit app.
Belt Dimensions: 60" L x 20" W | Speed Range: 0.5-12 mph
REASONS TO BUY
Large running surface
Bluetooth to connect with a variety of fitness apps
30 programs
Auto incline
350 lb weight limit
REASONS TO AVOID
Less sleek appearance
No touchscreen
Fairly large and heavy
The XTerra Fitness TRX3500 is a moderately priced option that impressed us with its exercise quality and connected features. Its 60" x 20" belt allows for easy strides with less chance of snagging the edge. It is suitable for folks of all fitness levels due to the wide speed range of 0.5-12 mph, allowing both 5-minute milers and casual walkers to hit their stride. Incline adjusts with the push of a button with 12 levels from 0-12%. You can do targeted heart rate training with the built-in heart rate sensors, and it also includes 30 programmed workouts. Whether on a manual or pre-programmed workout, the display includes all the data you need on a brightly lit, easy-to-read, 6.5-inch blue backlit screen. The controls are intuitive, with quick-jump speed and incline buttons on the console, along with easy-to-reach handrail-mounted adjustment buttons. The XTerra features Bluetooth FTMS connectivity to sync to apps like Zwift, Peloton, Runkeeper, and Strava (paid subscriptions may be required) through your own device for interactive, live streaming, or on-demand workouts and activity tracking. The console's multiple add-on features include an integrated fan, device shelf, auxiliary input, speakers, and dual bottle/cup holders to enhance your workout session. The running deck has XTRA Soft cushioning and a lift-assist and soft-drop feature for easier folding and unfolding. The TRX3500 is also impressively sturdy and stable with robust construction and a user weight limit of 350 lbs.
The assembly of this treadmill was quite involved. The instructions are well-detailed, and all the necessary tools are included, but it still takes a fair amount of time (it took us about an hour) and several steps require an extra set of hands. The TRX3500 is also quite large and heavy. We recommend putting it together in the location where you'll use it because moving it once assembled can be a pain. Though the running deck folds up when not in use, it still takes up a significant amount of space. However, if you've got room to spare, we feel the XTerra TRX3500 is an excellent treadmill that will help take your home workouts to the next level without breaking the bank.
With a large running surface, 0.5-12 mph speed range, and a feature-packed console that includes 30 program workouts and Bluetooth connectivity to sync with popular training apps, the XTerra TRX3500 is a great option at a reasonable price.
Belt Dimensions: 60" L x 22" W | Speed Range: 0-12 mph
REASONS TO BUY
Massive running surface
-5% to +20% incline range
22-inch touchscreen
Works with the JRNY app
Capable of streaming entertainment and working with 3rd party apps
REASONS TO AVOID
Very expensive
Very large and heavy
The Treadmill 22 is a fully-featured high-end treadmill with all the bells and whistles. It has a large 60" x 22" running surface that offers ample space for long strides and running at any speed. A 12 mph top speed and smooth-rolling belt is suitable for power walking, endurance runs, high-intensity intervals, and everything in between. This sturdy model boasts a 400-pound weight limit, and the tread deck features Comfort Tech cushioning that does a fine job of absorbing impact, with decline to -5% and incline up to 20% to simulate glute busting climbs and moderate downhills. A 22-inch HD touchscreen serves as the main interface for choosing workouts through the JRNY app and viewing them while you work out. Well-placed speed and incline controls on the handrails and the extended handlebar grips, plus quick jump buttons on the lower console make them easy to adjust, even while running. The JRNY app is more affordable than other competitors, and while it isn't the most impressive, it offers a good variety of studio-style classes, virtual coach programs, Explore the World scenic runs, and lots of off-treadmill workouts for total body fitness. One unique aspect of the JRNY app is that you can stream your favorite entertainment from popular services like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, and more through the screen (subscriptions required), and it works with third-party training apps like Zwift through your own device. We love the versatility of this platform, and the options it provides. It also comes with features like a heart rate armband, a small cooling fan, a USB charging port, front-facing speakers, and plenty of places to keep things at arm's reach.
The Treadmill 22 is the largest and heaviest model we tested and it is best suited to a dedicated workout space. The tread deck folds up to reduce its footprint by about half, but it's still a sizeable machine. Assembling it isn't particularly difficult, but it is quite time-consuming, and once it's assembled, moving it around is certainly no easy task. It's also quite expensive, and while we feel it is the best we tested, it may be more than many people need. That said, if you take your indoor training seriously, we think the Treadmill 22 is the way to go.
Belt Dimensions: 55" L x 20" W | Speed Range: 0.5-12 mph
REASONS TO BUY
Impressively small when folded considering its belt size/performance
Works with the Echelon app
Relatively large running surface
12 mph top speed
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as well cushioned as other high-end models
No touchscreen
Slightly shorter tread than high-end competition
Limited incline adjustment
The Echelon Stride is a very compelling option for those who prioritize storability and don't want to sacrifice too much in the way of performance. Apartment dwellers or those short on home workout space will most appreciate this model's impressive ability to fold down to just 10-inches thick so it can be leaned against a wall or slid under a bed when not in use. It comes pretty much ready to use in the box and it is quick and easy to fold the console, handrail, and support arms up or down, and two sets of transport wheels allow you to roll it fore/aft and side to side. It also comes with a safety strap to secure it to your wall if you choose to store it vertically. Of course, it does make some minor compromises in trade for its storable convenience, but it's still capable of providing a solid workout. Considering its lighter weight and compact folded dimensions, it still boasts a sizeable 55" x 20" tread surface, up to 10% incline, and a top speed of 12 mph. The tread surface is somewhat limiting compared to the largest we tested, but we still felt comfortable doing sprints, high-intensity intervals, and endurance runs. It has a wide console that shows all of your in-workout metrics in large bright numbers with quick jump speed and incline buttons plus easy-to-reach handrail mounted controls. The Stride is also designed to work with the Echelon app when paired with your tablet or smartphone through a Bluetooth connection, and a device shelf/holder makes it easy to view. The Echelon app consists primarily of studio-style workouts with live classes daily and thousands of on-demand videos to choose from. There's a huge variety of class types, music genres, and durations offered with engaging instructors to keep you motivated.
While it has a 300-pound weight limit, the Stride doesn't feel quite as sturdy as models that weigh roughly twice as much. The tread deck is relatively thin, it doesn't offer the same cushioned feel, and the incline adjustment is limited to 10%. Those with particularly long strides may feel somewhat limited by the 55-inch tread length, and serious runners looking to do intense endurance or speed training sessions might be better off looking elsewhere. That said, we feel this unique model should still be suitable for most people's needs, particularly those who value its impressive storability.
Considering its relatively large tread surface, 12 mph top speed, up to 10% incline, and connected features, the Stride folds down to be very slim and storable.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Best on a Tight Budget
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill
Belt Dimensions: 49" L x 15.5" W | Speed Range: 0.5-9 mph
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Relatively easy assembly
Easy to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller tread surface
Manual incline adjustment
220-pound weight limit
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill presents a solid value for those on a tight budget. Although this affordable model may not include all the bells and whistles of its pricier competition, it can still provide a great workout. The tread surface is 49" x 15.5", and the speed ranges from 0.5-9 mph, suitable for both walking and light running workouts. There are three levels of manually adjustable incline and a choice of 9 pre-programmed workouts. The console has quick-jump speed buttons, program, mode, and start/stop buttons, and the handrails have supplemental buttons for adjusting belt speed or starting/stopping more conveniently. A bright LCD screen clearly indicates time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate (when using the heart rate sensors on the handles). You can also select time, distance, or calorie goals for a manual workout. The console features two water bottle holders and a device shelf for a phone or tablet so everything you need can stay within arm's reach. If space is limited, the SF-T4400's belt can fold up or down easily via a soft-drop system, and there are transport wheels to make moving it around less strenuous.
This model does not have any connectivity, so you are limited to manual or the program workouts that come on the machine. The tread surface is relatively narrow, just 15.5" wide, so attention is required to avoid stepping on the side rails while running. We found this option works best for walking and running at slower speeds. While it is nice to have three manually adjustable incline levels, the need to adjust it by hand means that doing any sort of hill workout is a complicated process. There is also a weight limit of 220 lbs. Despite these issues, we believe this is a good and affordable option for walkers or moderate pace runners.
Belt Dimensions: 40" L x 16" W | Speed Range: 1-12 km/h (0.6-7.5 mph)
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile, 2-in-1 design
Small, easily storable folded size
Bluetooth speaker
REASONS TO AVOID
Short and narrow belt surface
Must remove handles to fold handrail
Speed and distance displayed in metric units
Display is in a hard to see location
The Goplus SuperFit 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill is an impressively compact and convenient 2-in-1 treadmill. It can be used with the handrail folded down as a walking treadmill or in the upright position as a light jogging treadmill. In walk mode, it has a speed range of 1-4 km/h and can be used anywhere, including under a desk in your home office. In run mode, the speed range increases up to 1-12 km/h (7.5 mph max), making it capable of moderate running speeds. The handrail has a quick-release lever, so switching between modes is fairly easy. The SuperFit is very slim and small with the handrail folded down, easily tucking away under a couch, bed, or in a closet when not in use. Its integrated transport wheels and smaller size and weight also make it easier to move around than the competition. Its small LED screen at the front of the tread belt displays time, distance, speed, and calories burned. There are no controls on the handrail; instead, it uses a small handheld remote to change speed and start/stop a workout. It also has a small Bluetooth speaker and a phone holder so you can listen to music while you exercise. Despite its diminutive size, the SuperFit has a weight limit of 265 lbs.
While it is very convenient and storable, this treadmill is not without faults. The 40" x 16" belt surface is by far the shortest of all the tested models. The belt's size limits it to walking and light jogging with a relatively short stride and moderate speeds. Taller users, those with a long stride, or anyone who wants to really run will quickly find its limitations. The folding handrail is a nice feature, but if you attach the handles to it, you will need to remove them to fold it into the down position, which requires a tool and is somewhat inconvenient. Additionally, the display only provides speed and distance information in km/h and kilometers and can't be changed, which can be confusing for those unaccustomed to the metric system. Otherwise, we feel the SuperFit is a good option for users who value convenience, versatility, and storability for walking and light jogging.
The Goplus is really all about convenience. It is best suited for walking and can even be used at a standing desk.
Credit: Laura Casner
Compare Products
The treadmills in this review were all put through the same rigorous testing process.
Credit: Jason Peters
Why You Should Trust Us
After researching the most popular and highly regarded treadmills on the market, we purchased 8 for testing. At GearLab, we don't just regurgitate manufacturer's specs and consumer reviews; we rigorously test each product to identify their strengths and weaknesses for ourselves. We handled each treadmill from unboxing to extensive in-house testing and hours of use, and we even took our own measurements.
To determine the best treadmills in our test group, we operated each contender over the course of several months with walks and runs of varying lengths and intensities. While testing, we analyzed the controls and consoles, touchscreens, companion apps, features, ease of use, and the quality of the exercise experience each model offered. We compared notes at the end of our test period and zeroed in on our favorites.
Our testing of treadmills is divided across five rating metrics:
Exercise Quality (35% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Use (25% weighting)
Features (15% weighting)
Assembly (10% weighting)
Storability (10% weighting)
Noise Level (5% weighting)
Our treadmill review was led by our Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor, Jeremy Benson. Despite an addiction to long rides on two wheels, Benson mixes his fitness routine up with weekly trail runs and has been known to jump into the occasional 10k running race. His home gym includes a treadmill, which he uses during the long winter months to stay fit and break up the monotony of skiing every day. Former GearLab review editor and photographer Laura Casner also tested and provided feedback for this review. Casner is a seasoned marathon and ultra-marathon runner. While working in the running industry in NYC, she began road running and racing marathons. In 2010 she qualified for the Boston Marathon but quickly traded city streets for trails after running her first of many ultra-marathons. Laura has supplemented her outdoor training with indoor workouts on treadmills at home, commercial gyms, and hotels for over a decade.
Each model was shipped to us in a box, and the first step of the testing process was to complete the assembly.
We measured each model's belt length and width, as well as their open and closed dimensions.
While testing, we used a sound level meter to analyze the noise output of each treadmill at various speeds.
Analysis and Test Results
We focused on several key performance attributes to compare the treadmills in this review. We analyzed each model for exercise quality, user interface/ease of use, features, ease of assembly, storability, and noise level to determine the best and rank the lineup.
Value
The treadmills we purchased for this review span a wide range of prices. Modern commercial-quality treadmills with integrated touchscreens, connected features, and companion apps can be quite expensive. Price and performance often go hand in hand, as is the case with higher-end models like the Bowflex Treadmill 22, NordicTrack Commercial 1750, and Peloton Tread, but you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great workout at home. Despite costing roughly half the price, the XTerra Fitness TRX3500 proved itself an excellent option. It lacks a touchscreen, but it offers competitive performance thanks to its large tread surface, 12 mph top speed, 30 programs workouts, and FTMS Bluetooth capabilities that make it compatible with third-party training apps. If you're on an even tighter budget, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 is even more affordable and can get the calories burning, though with its lower maximum speed and small tread surface, it is best suited to walking and light jogging — but that may be all that many folks actually need.
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 topped the charts for its exercise quality with a huge tread surface, 12 mph top speed, large incline adjustment range, and integration with the JRNY app through its 22-inch touchscreen.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Exercise Quality
Since exercising is the primary objective when using a treadmill, we feel the quality of the exercise experience is the most important element of its performance. Therefore, results from this test metric make up 35% of a product's overall score. Our analysis of exercise quality is multi-faceted. It includes factual measures like the dimensions of the running surface, speed range, program workouts, and incline levels. It also includes the quality and smoothness of the belt at various speeds, deck cushioning, the difficulty of the workout programs, and connected features and companion apps. Collectively, these elements play a role in the overall quality of the exercise experience.
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 took top honors in this metric with a huge 60" x 22" running surface and 12 mph top speed, with -5% decline to +20% incline to simulate steep hills and moderate descents. The deck is well cushioned, and this sturdy contender has an impressive 400-pound weight limit. No matter your fitness level or training goals, this machine is equipped to handle it. The 22-inch HD touchscreen integrates with the JRNY app for studio-style classes, adaptive virtual coach workouts, and scenic runs, plus it has the unique ability to stream your favorite entertainment and work with third-party training apps. This flexibility allows you to choose the exercise experience that best suits your needs.
The Peloton Tread provides a great workout that is due in large part to its integration with the Peloton app and all of the great classes and instructors.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 came in a very close second in this metric. Serious runners will appreciate the large 60" x 21.5" tread surface and 12 mph top speed, as well as the -3% decline to 15% incline adjustment range. The swiveling console is home to a 14-inch HD touchscreen, and it integrates with the popular iFit app for a unique, immersive training experience, or it can be operated manually for any workout you want. The Peloton Tread also provides an impressive workout. This sleek treadmill has a deceptively large 59-inch by 20-inch wide running surface, 12.5 mph top speed, and adjustable incline up to 12.5%. The impressive 23.8-inch HD touchscreen seamlessly integrates with the Peloton app, and speed and incline changes are incredibly easy with the unique adjustment knobs.
Despite its compact storable size, the Echelon Stride still manages to provide a great workout.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The XTerra TRX3500 has a 60" x 20" tread surface that won't limit your stride, and the 0.5-12 mph speed range ensures you can run as fast as you want. It also has 12 levels of auto incline from 0-12%, along with 30 included workouts that automatically adjust belt speed and incline as you go. Its Bluetooth connectivity is one of its best features and allows you to use various workout apps for interactive, on-demand, and studio workouts or fitness tracking. Despite its impressively storable size, the Echelon Stride still manages to score well here. It still boasts a 12 mph top speed, and while the 55" x 20" running surface isn't the biggest, we found it to be adequate in most situations. It wouldn't be our recommendation for super serious runners, but it still provides a solid workout, especially considering its storable convenience.
Training apps are quite popular, and Peloton is one of the best.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Connectivity/Companion App
These days, many treadmills come with integrated touchscreens or are Bluetooth enabled to pair with devices for use with companion apps or other third-party training apps. Whether for motivation or distraction, the exercise experience that an app provides may be just as important as the treadmill itself for many users, while others with a regimented training program may not want or need them at all. The majority of these apps are not free, but most cost less than a monthly gym membership, and can often provide a greater value given the ability to use them at your convenience in the privacy of your own home. Most apps have a huge variety of class types, music genres, class durations, and instructors to choose from, and in addition to treadmill workouts, they include off-treadmill exercises for total body fitness. Think of it like having an entire personal training staff at your disposal. These apps are all somewhat different, of course, and personal preferences vary, so we judged the models we tested more on their ability to integrate with them rather than the quality of the apps themselves.
Some treadmills, like the Echelon Stride, use Bluetooth to connect to apps through your own device.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Several of the models we tested are designed specifically to work with their own companion apps, and we tested each with its respective app. Most treadmills can be used without the apps as well, although their functionality is a bit more limited, and realistically, the point of getting a fancy connected treadmill for most people is for the connected experience they provide. All of these apps have an ongoing monthly or yearly cost to consider, and they range in price from $20 to $44 a month with some giving a slight discount when billed annually. The screen-equipped models, like the Bowflex Treadmill 22, NordicTrack Commercial 1750, and Peloton Tread, use WiFi to connect to their apps, while the connected models without screens, like the Echelon Stride, NordicTrack T6.5 S, and XTerra Fitness TRX3500, use Bluetooth to connect to an app through your tablet or smartphone. During testing, we used iFit, Echelon, Peloton, JRNY, and Zwift.
With the proliferation of touchscreens, like the one on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, the way we interact with our exercise equipment is changing.
Credit: Chris McNamara
User Interface/Ease of Use
If a treadmill is user-friendly, we think there's a greater chance you'll use it and enjoy the experience. We feel the screen/display and controls of each model play a large role in their ease of use and overall performance. Whether starting a manual workout or navigating an app to choose a workout, each model has its own subtleties in its operation. Fortunately, the treadmills in this review are all relatively easy to use. Results from this test metric hold a 25% weighting of a product's overall score.
Not surprisingly, the touchscreen-equipped models scored the highest in this metric. The Peloton Tread impressed us the most with its quality 23.8-inch HD touchscreen and excellent, unique controls. With excellent resolution, color, and touch sensitivity, navigating the Peloton app is straightforward and it almost feels like you're in the studio with the instructors. Front-facing speakers and rear-facing woofers provide the audio, or you can pair wireless headphones or earbuds and heart sensors through the screen. The handrail-mounted knobs for speed and incline are easy to reach while running and make adjustments very straightforward.
The 22-inch touchscreen on the Treadmill 22 is great. Well-placed controls also make it easy to use.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Not far behind, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 has a big 22-inch HD touchscreen along with multiple controls for speed and inline adjustments. Selecting a workout on JRNY or choosing your entertainment is easy with a large screen for viewing. Speed and incline controls on the side handrails and extended handlebars along with quick jump buttons on the lower console make for easy adjustments. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has a swiveling console with a 14-inch HD touchscreen that integrates with the iFit app. When following iFit workouts, the AutoAdjust feature makes changes to speed and incline for you. Additionally, there are quick jump speed and incline buttons, as well as speed and incline adjustment buttons below the console. We found the ergonomics of the controls to be slightly lacking compared to some, but they are easy enough to use regardless.
Some models, like the NordicTrack T6.5 S, have more basic consoles, but you can still connect to fitness apps through a tablet or smartphone.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Echelon Stride, XTerra TRX3500, and the NordicTrack T6.5 S are also quite easy to use with straightforward controls and simpler digital displays that are easy to read. Starting manual workouts is particularly straightforward, although using Bluetooth to connect any of these models to training apps adds an additional step and a little time at startup.
The treadmills we tested all come with varying levels of features. Things like bottle holders, cooling fans, and integrated speakers are all appreciated.
Credit: Jason Peters
Features
All of the models we tested come with various features intended to enhance the exercise experience or user-friendliness. These features vary from model to model and include things like integrated speakers, Bluetooth, water bottle holders, heart rate sensors, and more. Most models have at least a few basics, while our favorites come with all the bells and whistles. Most of the treadmills we tested fold to reduce their footprint when not in use and have transport wheels to facilitate moving them around. Most of them also have soft-drop systems to lock the deck in the raised position and lower it slowly to the ground. This test metric makes up 15% weighting of a product's overall score.
With all the bells and whistles, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is the most feature-rich model we tested. Not only does it have a huge tread surface, excellent cushioning, and -5% to +20% incline, but it also comes with a 22-inch touchscreen, WiFi to connect to the JRNY app, and Bluetooth to connect to wireless accessories. It comes with a heart rate armband, plus it has heart rate sensors on the extended handlebars. It also has front-facing speakers, a USB charging port, a small cooling fan, and more places than you'll ever need to hold water bottles and other items. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is similarly equipped. The swiveling ability of the console is a highlight as it allows you to more easily view iFit workouts off the treadmill. It also has quality speakers, a surprisingly effective 3-speed adjustable fan, and two bottle holders for refreshments.
Not only is the Peloton Tread's touchscreen an excellent feature, but the Tread Lock passcode should help improve its safety.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The Peloton Tread has a best-in-test tilting touchscreen with excellent speakers, two bottle holders, and a small shelf for a phone or other items. Peloton has also taken steps to make it as safe as possible with features like a Tread Lock passcode required at startup or after it sits idle for 45 seconds, a tread sensor that stops the belt and activates the Tread Lock after 10 seconds of inactivity, a magnetic safety key/lanyard, and multiple safety prompts in every workout from the instructors. The Echelon Stride's most notable feature is the folding design that makes it much more compact and storable when not in use. On top of that, it has 2 bottle holders and Bluetooth to connect in integrate with the Echelon app through your own device.
Most models arrived looking like this. The remaining assembly was relatively straightforward for most of them, though some proved to be more involved and time-consuming than others.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Ease of Assembly
Most of our test models arrived in a large box with some assembly required. After unboxing each treadmill and removing protective packing materials, we finished the remaining assembly ourselves. All of them came with adequate assembly instructions, and most come with all of the tools required to complete the remaining tasks. Beyond their weight and size, none of them are all that difficult to assemble, although some are more involved and time-consuming than others. This test metric holds a 10% weighting of a product's overall score.
When you purchase the Peloton Tread you also have to pay for delivery and professional assembly. Since the assembly is done for you, it doesn't get much easier, you can be sure that it gets done right, and you don't have to deal with moving this heavy machine in its shipping box. The Echelon Stride comes pretty much ready to go in the box. You'll need to remove it from the box and packing materials, of course, then all that's left is to unfold the support arms, handrail, and console, then plug it in. Similarly, the GoPlus Super Fit is virtually ready for use in the box, but you'll need to attach the handrails and phone holder if you intend to use them. The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 isn't far behind, with only a few bolts needed to secure the support arms and console once you unbox it.
The Stride shows up pretty much ready to go once it's removed from the box. All you've got to do is fold the support arms and handrail into place, then plug it in.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The remaining models all had many more steps in the process and required significantly more time to complete. Most notably, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 and the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 were by far the heaviest and most difficult to move, and each took about 2 hours to assemble and required the assistance of another person for several of the steps.
Short on space but still want a good workout? The Stride folds down to just 10-inches thick and can be slid under a bed or stood up against a wall for storage.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Storability
The size of your home and your available space to dedicate to a treadmill will dictate the importance of storability in your purchase decision. The needs of apartment dwellers and those without a specific exercise space will certainly be different than those with a large house or dedicated workout room. Nearly every model we tested has either a folding tread deck or support arms that reduce their size when not in use, and they have integrated wheels that make it fairly easy to move them around on firm, flat surfaces. Storability makes up 10% of the final score.
The Echelon Stride scores extremely well in this metric due to its folding arm design that reduces it to just 10 inches thick. It's still relatively wide and long, but it can be slid under a bed or leaned up against a wall for storage. It's also comparatively lightweight at 156 lbs, and a handle at the back of the tread and two sets of wheels at the front make it easier than most to move around. This is particularly impressive given that it still has a good size tread, 12 mph top speed, and 10% incline. Although it can't compete with the Stride for exercise quality, the GoPlus Super Fit is even smaller and easier to move and store. It's more of a walking/under-desk model and can easily be stashed under a couch or in a closet.
Some of the treadmills we tested in their compact storable positions. The differences are quite apparent. From left to right: Bowflex Treadmill 22, NordicTrack Commercial 1750, Peloton Tread, and Echelon Stride.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Most of the other models we tested feature folding tread decks that reduce their overall footprint by nearly half. While they will definitely never disappear from view, they do open up some floor space when folded. The exception is the non-folding Peloton Tread, although it has a fairly compact design for its tread size, making it less obtrusive than it could be.
We used a sound level meter to measure the noise of the models we tested. The differences were subtle.
Credit: Laura Casner
Noise Level
Using a sound level meter, we recorded the decibel level at varying speeds with the belt on its own and with a tester walking or running. The meter was positioned 24-inches above the floor and diagonally 18-inches away from the motor next to the tread deck. Decibel readings were recorded at 1, 4, and 7.5 mph. The majority of the models we tested fell within just a few decibels of each other, with the sound of a user's footfalls causing a notable increase with each step. No treadmill will ever be silent, of course, but none that we tested qualify as being excessively loud either. Due to the relatively slight differences between models, the results from this test metric hold just a 5% weighting of a product's overall score.
While the differences are very slight, we found that the Echelon Stride was one of the quietest. It has a smaller 1.75 CHP motor that emits very little noise with just the belt running on its own, 40, 54, and 62 decibels at 1, 4, and 7.5 mph, respectively, and it was the quietest with a runner at just 65.5 decibels at 7.5 mph. We think this comparatively low noise level only adds to its appeal for use in small spaces. With a 2.2 HP motor, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 measured almost the same noise levels as the Stride, although it was just a tiny bit louder, 67 decibels, with a runner at 7.5 mph. The rest of the field was only a few decibels higher, and none were so loud that you couldn't have a conversation.
No matter your health or fitness goals, adding a quality treadmill to your home gym can help you get there.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Conclusion
There is a lot to consider when searching for a new treadmill, but finding the right one can genuinely enhance your at-home training. There are loads of excellent options on the market, and we hope this detailed comparative review helps you find the right model to meet your needs, fitness goals, and budget.
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GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
