Are you looking to step up and own your fitness this coming year? An at-home treadmill does wonders to help. There are a variety of workouts you can do using a treadmill including walking, running, and as a part of your HIIT workout. It is a compact piece of equipment that can help you increase your cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
You can get a home treadmill for quite cheap or choose to splurge on a more heavy-duty and multi-functional one. Whether you choose a budget or luxury option, your physical and mental health will benefit.
The best treadmill you can invest in is the one that you will stay motivated to actually use. We want to help you pick the right home treadmill to ensure you do not come to regret your purchase and end up with an expensive clothes rack. In this post, we cover the best home treadmills, things to consider before purchasing a treadmill, and home treadmill maintenance and care.
5 Best Home Treadmills
We reviewed over 15 home treadmills and these are five that stood out:
- Best Overall Home Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000
- Best Compact Home Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150
- Best Walking Home Treadmill: UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
- Best Budget Home Treadmill: Sunny Health SF-T7603
- Best High-End Home Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
Best Overall – ProForm Pro 9000
The ProForm Pro 9000 is a solid piece of equipment built with serious runners in mind. The cushioned deck and extra shock absorption will help take some of the pressure off of your joints when you’re hitting those marathon distances!
The running deck is an impressive 20” by 60” surface powered by a 3.6 CHP motor that had no trouble supporting my large frame and ungraceful stride without slipping. The deck ranges from a 3% decline to a 12% incline.
This is a large home treadmill, weighing 236 lbs, and is ideal for those with enough workout space, but not all that easy to move around. The large 22” HD touchscreen display allows you to follow an iFIT workout or enjoy virtual views if you pay for the $39/month membership.
Before you commit to the iFIT membership, ProForm includes a 30-day trial with access to strength training videos as well as studio classes, scenic locations, and interactive training where the coach will adjust your speed, incline, and decline throughout the workout.
Product Specifications
Deck Size: 20” wide x 60” long
Max Speed: 12 mph
Max Incline: 12%
Max Decline: 3%
Workout Programs: Yes, with iFIT membership
Motor: 3.6 HorsePower
Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Pros
- Large touchscreen display
- High-quality sound
- Durable and Sturdy
- High incline and speed
- Wide deck suitable for intense and prolonged training
- Thousands of workout classes are available
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Heavy to move around a room
- iFIT membership is required at $39/month
Best Compact – XTERRA Fitness TR150
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 is a lightweight and easy-to-assemble home treadmill and ideal for smaller homes. It has a narrower body and is foldable for easy set-up and set-down. The small, 5” LCD allows you to see your stats and keep track of your workout.
It has 12 preset programs for whenever you don’t have a workout in mind. The incline has three manual settings and an easy-pull knob allows you to fold or unfold the treadmill quickly. The XTERRA TR150 is a great home treadmill for beginners or those who want to jog and walk occasionally.
Product Specifications
Deck Size: 16” wide x 50” long
Max Speed: 10 mph
Max Incline: 5%, manual
Max Decline: N/A
Workout Programs: Yes, 12 preset
Motor: 2.25 Horse Power
Warranty: Lifetime – frame, 1-year motor, 90-days deck, 90-days labor
Pros
- Lightweight
- Foldable
- Easy to assemble
- 10mph top speed
- Affordable
- Compact
Cons
- Manual incline adjustment
- Narrow belt best suited for walking and occasional jogging
Best Walking – UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
If you want a treadmill for walking that can fit under your desk, the UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill will work well. It is a small walking pad with a foldable bar you can set up when jogging. It has five layers of non-slip running belt and column support made of Silica gel that offers great shock absorption.
The top speed of 7.5mph is not that fast but this treadmill is mostly designed for walking, as is evident with the 16.9” belt that is a little small for running. It easily fits under a standing desk, and you can walk during your office and study hours, or while watching TV.
The UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill has a max weight limit of 265lbs. It also comes with a remote control and LCD. It comes fully assembled.
Product Specifications
Deck Size: 16.9” wide x 42.5” long
Max Speed: 7.5 mph
Max Incline: N/A
Max Decline: N/A
Workout Programs: No
Motor: 2.25 Horse Power
Warranty: 1-year
Pros
- No setup
- Less noise
- Can fit under a desk
- Affordable walking treadmill
Cons
- Cannot run on the treadmill
- No workout programs
Best Budget – Sunny Health SF-T7603
The Sunny Health SF-T7603 is an extremely affordable and highly-rated home treadmill. It is foldable and has an incline of up to 4%. You do have to flip a lever under the deck to adjust the incline but for the price, this is a small sacrifice.
You can run at a speed of up to 9mph which is not too bad. However, this speed limit plus the narrow deck make this home treadmill unsuitable for high-intensity training. The Sunny Health SF-T7603 has nine pre-set programs, a pulse grip, and an LCD monitor.
It is a sturdy, quiet, and compact home treadmill option. For the price, it allows you to get in a consistent cardio workout without breaking the bank when you’re stuck inside during bad weather.
Product Specifications
Deck Size: 16” wide x 49” long
Max Speed: 9 mph
Max Incline: 4.4%
Max Decline: N/A
Workout Programs: Yes, 9 pre-set
Motor: 2.2 HorsePower
Warranty: 3-year frame, 180-days other parts and components
Pros
- Well-rated and reviewed across the board
- Very affordable
- Perfect for apartments
Cons
- The narrow belt makes it hard to sprint
- Maximum speed is only 9mph
Best High-End – NordicTrack Commercial 2450
If you are looking for a durable, dependable, well-crafted home treadmill, consider the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. A part of the Commercial series, this treadmill is sturdy, with a 22” by 60” deck. The belt cushioning is adjustable and can be as bouncy or firm as you need it to be.
It has a 22” touchscreen display that allows for program, speed, and incline selection. The 2450 is a quiet machine, even when you adjust the incline. One of the biggest selling points is access to an ever-growing workout library. You can access different programs and classes led by iFIT trainers in some amazing locations. For me personally, any distraction from the fact I’m on a treadmill is very appreciated! You get 30 days of free access with your purchase to try out the programs.
The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is equipped with all other standard features such as a built-in fan, Wi-Fi connectivity, and premium audio speakers. If you have a Bluetooth heart rate monitor, you will enjoy the ActivePulse™ technology which automatically adjusts your speed and incline to maintain an optimal heart-rate zone.
AutoAdjust™ technology will automatically adjust your speed and incline throughout your workout and you get live feedback and tracking of your stats.
Product Specifications
Deck Size: 22” wide x 60” long
Max Speed: 12 mph
Max Incline: 15%, automatic
Max Decline: -3%, automatic
Workout Programs: Yes, iFIT Library
Motor: 3.6 HorsePower
Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Pros
- 22” touchscreen display
- Virtual running options
- Quiet
- Large running deck with a powerful motor
- AutoAdjust™ and ActivePulse™ technology
Cons
- Cannot display other entertainment on the screen
- On the pricier side
- Heavy machine to move around
- A $39/month iFIT membership is required to access workouts
What To Consider Before Buying a Home Treadmill
Before you pick one of the treadmills we reviewed above for your home, consider these five things:
Space
Even a compact, foldable home treadmill can take up a good amount of space. Ensure you have enough without having to move too many things. You want to be able to set up and use your home treadmill easily and regularly. You are less likely to use your home treadmill if you have to move multiple items around to set it up.
Noise Level
If there is an apartment or room beneath the room you will use your treadmill in, ensure you know the noise level before purchasing. Some buildings have noise level requirements that you do not want to break. You also do not want to interrupt someone’s sleep or work. Consider purchasing a treadmill mat with your home treadmill to cushion the noise while using it.
Electrical Circuit
Treadmills are machines that require a lot of power to run. Consider allocating a specific electric circuit in your house for treadmill use. If you can’t, unplug other high-power appliances and avoid charging other electrical equipment.
Training
Certain treadmills will be a waste of money depending on what training you intend to do. Some treadmills are best suited for walking and occasional jogging. Others can handle more intense running with incline and decline options. Usually, if you want to train intensely or regularly, you will have to spend a little more money. However, if you are simply looking to walk or jog a couple of times a week, you have more home treadmill options at a lower budget.
Home Treadmill Maintenance and Care
Doing regular maintenance on your home treadmill is the key to getting the most bang for your buck. Without proper care, your treadmill will wear down faster and cost you more money. Regular maintenance also ensures you can continue with your fitness routine uninterrupted.
Clean After Use
Every time you get off the treadmill after your workout, wipe it down. Keep a clean, dry cloth and all-purpose cleaning disinfectant near your workout station. You will also want to use a treadmill cleaning kit or damp cloth to get any debris, skin cells, or hair that may fall during your workout. Keeping sweat and dirt off the treadmill ensures it stays free of moisture which can lead to rust.
Inspect Your Treadmill
Check your treadmill about once a week to inspect it for any wear and tear. Inspect the belt, handles, and deck for any signs of damage. Scratches are just general wear and should not cause too much worry. Check that the belt is not crooked or lifting off on one side. This can cause you to feel like you’re slipping or slowing down your speed when using the treadmill. Immediately fix an unaligned belt as it can fray and lead to injuries if left as is.
Be sure to also inspect the frame nuts and bolts and ensure they are properly tightened and secure. They can vibrate loose with regular use so check them at least once a month. Use the walking belt adjustment wrench provided with the treadmill or consult the manual for the right size before you buy one.
Lubricate the Belt Regularly
Depending on how often you use your treadmill, you will need to lubricate the belt. Lubricate it every 3 months with daily use or twice a year if you use it weekly or less. Many fitness stores stock treadmill belt lubricant and you can also purchase it online. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly lubricate the belt to avoid damaging it.
Use Protective Gear
You can use a protective mat under your home treadmill to protect your floor from damage. If your treadmill is near a wall, pad the sides that come into contact with the wall to avoid damaging your wall. Buy a treadmill cover to help you keep dust, insects, and dirt off the treadmill when it’s not in use.
Safeguard Electrical Parts
Your treadmill has several electrical components. Ensure you keep them away from wet or moist areas and wipe them down after use. Use a surge protector to avoid short-circuiting your treadmill. If you notice a burning smell while using your home treadmill, immediately stop using it and unplug it from the outlet. Have an electrician have a look at the plug, your outlet, and the voltage of your home. Ensure you regularly check your power cords for any damage and replace them immediately.
Get Your Home Treadmill Professionally Serviced
While you can troubleshoot and resolve regular treadmill issues using the manual and online resources, you still need professional help from time to time. Professionals can resolve bigger issues, replace parts and run diagnostics. This will increase the lifespan of your home treadmill and give you peace of mind when using it.
