Treadmills are the most popular home gym equipment because of their versatility and reliability. Knowing you can get a great workout in rain or shine is a considerable advantage, but with thousands of options today, how do you choose the best treadmill?
In this guide, I'll walk you through the market's most popular and highest-rated treadmills. I'll also break down all the features you need to compare when shopping for treadmills and share my top picks for the overall winner and the best treadmills for beginners, compact spaces, joint health, and hardcore runners.
There are many things to consider when buying a hefty machine like a treadmill. Besides budget, there are a dozen or more features to compare and contrast.
You must think about your primary training style. If you're looking for a simple walking pad for casual strolls indoors, you're in a very different price range than a durable and well-equipped treadmill built for serious runners.
Here are 11 crucial features to consider when purchasing a treadmill.
Your training style will have big implications for your budget, as a walking pad can go for a few hundred dollars while a treadmill for runners can easily cost a few thousand.
Do you want to walk, jog, or sprint? That answer will help guide you in setting a reasonable budget.
Treadmill warranties aren't straightforward, as different parts of the machine are often covered by separate warranties.
The frame usually has a more extended warranty, such as 10 years or more, while the labor warranty (the cost of repairs) often only lasts a year. Typically, the warranty gets longer the more expensive a machine is, but be sure to read the fine print.
Shipping costs are a serious consideration when purchasing a treadmill. Companies that sell the bulkier and heavier traditional treadmills typically offer a shipping and set-up combination of some variety (if you think setting up an Ikea shelf is tough, try putting together a cardio machine).
Some companies go as far as white glove service, so review your options and factor the additional cost into your budget if you're not handy.
You must be aware of the dimensions of the treadmill in all positions. While many traditional treadmills are free-standing, some are meant to fold up for storage. Make sure no matter which style you choose, there is enough room in your designated home gym area.
The belt that you run on is called a deck. The length and width of the deck are crucial for runners as they must take longer strides, and also for anyone with long legs. Nothing is worse than having to awkwardly shorten your stride during a run!
A standard deck size on treadmills for runners is 55 inches long by at least 18 inches wide. If you only plan on using your treadmill for walking, you can get away with less.
Most treadmills top out around 12 to 15 MPH, with walking pads reaching 5 to 8 MPH. Again, know whether you'll use your machine primarily for walking, running, or sprinting before purchasing.
Commercial treadmills you'd find in the gym can usually create incline, and some premium brands even offer decline.
Having a treadmill with an incline can be helpful if you're preparing for a race with elevation or you're a hiker.
Another element to consider when purchasing home gym equipment is storage. A standard treadmill may suit you fine if you have ample space, while smaller folding options are great for tight spaces. Measure the space beforehand and pay close attention to the specs listing the treadmill's dimensions.
Many treadmills now come with premium features like Bluetooth connectivity, and some even integrate with their patented fitness subscription service.
If you have a fitness app that you love using, I recommend starting with their compatible treadmills and seeing if any of those options are appealing.
While some companies allow integrations with multiple fitness apps, it's rare. And you don't want to invest in a treadmill only to find you can't access your favorite workouts or trainers on your new machine.
Most well-built treadmills have around a 300 lb user capacity, so bear that in mind if you need a higher capacity.
Each treadmill was selected based on the following criteria and features.
I also evaluate exercise equipment based on my personal experiences, company reputation, and details from customer reviews and industry experts.