Whether you want to recreate the full gym experience or you just want something cheap and cheerful to keep active at home, there’s a treadmill out there to suit your fitness needs.
While there’s definitely a lot of joy in getting out and going to the gym or for a jog around the park, it’s nice to know that if it’s raining or cold, or it’s late or early, or frankly, we just can’t be bothered, we don’t need to compromise our entire fitness routine by staying inside.
While a treadmill can cost a bit up front, it is a savvy investment to amp up your home workouts. With the best treadmill offering a range of speed and incline settings, you can genuinely challenge yourself like you might on an outdoor run, except this time you can watch Netflix while you’re doing it. Not only that, many treadmills now offer a range of workout programs or even compatible apps so you can see your workout data and train to your goals, whatever they are.
There are a lot of treadmills out there to choose from, because we all have a lot of different goals and preferences when it comes to the choosing the best treadmill for us. While some of us want a high tech treadmill to see all of our workout stats and calories burned during treadmill workouts, others of us might be looking to folding treadmills for some cosy cardio that doesn’t take up too much space. Others again might want a heavy duty treadmill to get our home gym looking more like a commercial gym that we can really kick goals in.
Whatever your fitness routine, here are nine of the best treadmills for all fitness levels, health goals and budgets that are perfect for the home gym (just call us your Fairy Jog-mother).
OUR TOP PICKS
Best treadmills overall
Endurance Spirit Treadmill, Amazon, $1,299, Amazon
Why we love it: Features a lifetime warranty.
Worth noting: Not the most compact treadmill.
Max speed: 20kmph | Belt width: 46cm | Incline: 15 levels | Weight capacity: 140kg
What you need to know:
With a 15-level automatic incline and in-built fitness programs, its Pro Cushion Suspension System is great for reducing the impact a run has on your joints. This treadmill has more than 100 positive customer reviews and while it’s not the most compact on the market, it will fold in half and it can be transported. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and those who have bought it have raved, saying, “this treadmill packs in the features, and for the price, you will not get any better.”
Lifespan Fitness Apex Treadmill, $2142 at Myer
Why we love it: Wide belt width gives ample space if you find yourself running off-centre.
Worth noting: Doesn’t completely fold up.
Max speed: 18kmph | Belt width: 51cm | Incline: 18 levels | Weight capacity: 160kg
What you need to know:
A highly-rated treadmill at Myer, this has a max speed of 18kmph and features 18 inclination levels. With a 51cm treadmill belt width, you’ve got plenty of room to move, while hand pulse sensors measure your heart rate. Shock control and an advanced cushioning system carry you on every step, and despite the heavy duty motor, reviewers report this treadmill to be nice and quiet in the home.
With a 4.5/5 star rating on Myer, one buyer raves, “this is my 2nd lifespan purchase and I could not recommend his treadmill more. The wide belt, programs and cushioning make it a dream to walk or run from the comfort of home. The ledge for my ipad keeps me entertained. The machine is sturdy and quiet. Love this treadmill, great value for money.”
Nordictrack X221 NT21 Treadmill, $4,499 at Rebel Sport
Why we love it: Powerful speed and incline capabilities can really level up your workout routine.
Worth noting: On the pricier side.
Max speed: 22kmph | Belt width: 55cm | Incline: -6% / +40% | Weight capacity: 136kg
What you need to know:
Now, you might be balking at the price tag, but this high-end treadmill has the features to back it up. Sure, it has a 22 inch HD touchscreen monitor, bluetooth capabilities and an AutoBreeze integrated fan, but here’s what you really need to know: this treadmill can have you running up to 22km per hour if you so please, with an incline of a whopping 40%, or even a decline of 6%. So if a hardcore, uphill run is what you’re looking for in a smart treadmill, this Nordictrack treadmill is up for the job.
One reviewer wrote, “highly motivating with IFIT and the machine is so (quiet)! Be aware this machine is addictive!”
Best affordable treadmill
Everfit Electric Treadmill, $359.95 at Amazon
Why we love it: Great budget friendly treadmill with fitness tracker to reach your fitness goals.
Worth noting: Incline settings are manual.
Max speed: 12kmph | Belt width: 40cm | Incline: 3 levels | Weight capacity: 100kg
What you need to know:
Small and quiet, this budget treadmill might be cheap but it still packs a punch. With 12 pre-set programs and speeds, the folding treadmill should be compact enough to fit under your couch and is designed with shock absorption to minimise impact on your joints. It also has a three-level incline, a safety key, a bright LCD screen and a fitness tracker to measure your progress.
Best folding treadmills
Treadmill Run100E Connected, $999 at Decathlon
Why we love it: Compact treadmill that doesn’t compromise on features.
Worth noting: Only 3% incline.
Max speed: 14kmph | Belt width: 45cm | Incline: 3% | Weight capacity: 130kg
What you need to know:
If you’re looking for the best folding treadmill that really isn’t going to take up a lot of space in your home, this is a great option by Domyos. A highly rated product, this is a compact treadmill that doesn’t compromise on capabilities for your best run (or walk). With a maximum speed of 14kmph and a 3% incline, this treadmill has a 45cm belt width, so you aren’t sacrificing your stride for space. With 30 integrated programs and app compatibility, there is a plethora of options for those wanting to diversify their workout routine.
Lifespan Fitness V-Fold Treadmill with SmartStride, $1388 at Myer
Why we love it: Has automatic and manual treadmill modes, and is seriously compact.
Worth noting: No incline.
Max speed: 12kmph | Belt width: 44cm | Incline: 0% | Weight capacity: 110km
What you need to know:
If you’re on the hunt for a treadmill that can basically morph itself into the most compact little pretzel that you barely know it’s there, this could be a strong contender. With a design 60% slimmer than Lifespan’s standard treadmill and 180 degree folding ability, this is a great treadmill if you don’t have a lot of space at home. Allowing you to move up to 12km per hour, this also works well as a walking treadmill or desk treadmill.
Best walking pads
If you don’t have a lot of space or you want something portable you can use while you work or on the go, a walking pad might be a great option.
Black Lord Treadmill Electric Walking Pad, $289.95 at Catch
Why we love it: Comes with bonus smart fitness watch and remote control.
Worth noting: Slightly slimmer belt width.
Max speed: 9kmph | Belt width: 38cm | Incline: 0% | Weight capacity: 120kg
What you need to know:
This walking pad was recently purchased by Body+Soul Partnerships Manager Madison Geros, who has since been converted to the walking and working lifestyle.
“Walking pads are the current ‘must have’ for every girl in their #hotgirlwalk era. I have seen this viral item floating around tik tok and a couple of my girlfriends caved, bought one, confessed to me that it changed their life… so obviously I had to see for myself. The Black Lord Walking Pad has not only helped me get in my steps but it has definitely also helped me start habit stacking; getting in steps and bingeing my favorite series, getting in steps and listening to a podcast, steps and WFH. The pad also has wheels so it can be easily put away and you can control the speed with a remote. If you’re in your hot girl walking era or want to start, I’d highly recommend it!”
Airhot Under Desk Treadmill, $229.99 at Amazon
Why we love it: Quiet and super slim.
Worth noting: Only gets up to 6kmph.
Max speed: 6kmph | Belt width: 40cm | Incline: 0% | Weight capacity: 120kg
What you need to know:
If you’re looking for an under desk treadmill with the option to have a handle for a more intense after work walk, the Airhot has what you need. Super slim, this has wheels so that you can store it in just about any space, and it’s also quiet at just 45 decibels, so you don’t need to worry about droning background noise. The desk treadmill is complete with anti-shock absorbers and a non-slip running belt to prevent injury, and gets speed up to about 6kmph.
One buyer said, “I did a lot of research before deciding to go with this treadmill. It is by far the best in its price bracket. It looks good but more importantly, it performs incredibly. The motor is nice and quiet, even and full speed, and it all feels very stable and cushioned, even when you get up to jogging speed. Delivery to Brisbane was extremely fast too, 3 days, amazing service.Very easy to set up, it’s not too heavy, and came with two bottles of lubricating fluid and easy-to-follow setup instructions. All in all I highly recommend, you will not regret it. A+.”
WalkSlim 410 Slimline Walking Treadmill, $771 at Appliances Online
Why we love it: Super slim to store away easily.
Worth noting: Currently available for pre-order.
Max speed: 6kmph | Belt width: 40cm | Incline: 0% | Weight capacity: 100kg
What you need to know:
Super slimline, this under desk treadmill stashes neatly away under a couch or a desk and is lightweight and easily whipped out when needed. It has a large LED display and Bluetooth to track your workout, along with a remote control to adjust time, distance and speed. With up to 6km per hour maximum speeds and a slim 12cm height that’s ideal for under-sofa storage, this is for the perfect match for a casual at-home stroll.
Best commercial treadmill
Bowflex T56 Treadmill, $4399 at Southside Fitness
Why we love it: The Bowflex treadmill has more luxury features than most treadmills.
Worth noting: Very expensive and not the most space-saving folding treadmill.
Max speed: 20kmph | Belt width: 56cm | Incline: -5% / +20% | Weight capacity: 182kg
What you need to know:
If you’re an avid treadmill runner and want to find the best treadmill out there with the bells and whistles akin to a commercial treadmill, this Bowflex Treadmill is a quality investment. One of the best treadmills out there for its high-tech capabilities, this heavy duty treadmill has a 22 inch HD touchscreen, offering everything from workout classes to streaming services like Netflix that you can enjoy while on the run, which is more than most other treadmills have to offer. Aside from the entertainment and virtual classes offered with a JRNY membership, this Bowflex treadmill also features a wide speed and incline range, with a top speed of 20 km per hour and a 20% incline and 5% decline.
What to look for in a treadmill
As home gym equipment goes, a good treadmill is probably one of the biggest investments you can make to round out your training routine. Here are some of the basic features to look out for when choosing the best treadmill for you.
Frame
The best treadmill will have a strong, sturdy frame to give you good treadmill workouts and greater durability. A quality treadmill should have a frame made from steel and it should be heavy, feature crossbars, have a wide base and a high weight capacity.
Motor
The quality of a treadmill and how the workouts on it feel is directly influenced by the horsepower of its motor.
The best treadmill needs a motor with at least 1.5 continuous-duty horsepower (CHP). If you plan on running on the treadmill frequently, you’ll be better off choosing 2.5 to 3.0 CHP. You’ll also need a more powerful motor depending on user weight.
Display
All the features like seeing your workout stats, speed ranges, calories burned and more, depend on the display on your treadmill. The best treadmill should have a display that is big enough and clear enough to read, and easy to use – the last thing you want is for information to be tricky to access mid walk or run. More expensive treadmills might have more high-tech features, like the Nordictrack Commercial X22i with a 22 inch hd touchscreen, to display workout stats and ifit workouts. However, Nordictrack treadmills can be pricier, and if you’re not looking for a commercial treadmill with streamed workouts, you might prefer to look to cheaper treadmills that offer the display you need with the basics like a great running surface and safety features.
Running belt
Before investing in a new treadmill, it’s important to consider the treadmill belt. Specifically, the length, width and cushioning of the running belt.
Length: If you’re a petite walker then you don’t need to worry too much about the length of the running belt. However, for those who run fast and/or take longer strides, it’s a critical consideration. An average regular treadmill is around 51cm wide and 152 cm long. And, while most runners find this size to be the best treadmill length for them, taller users would be better off with a 157cm-long running belt. Prefer to walk? A 40 cm x 127cm machine will be just fine.
Cushioning: The running surface should absorb shock and the belt shouldn’t move around with every foot-strike. You don’t want a running surface that makes you feel unsteady on your feet, and the best treadmill should have shock absorption and cushioning to help protect your ankles and joints on impact.
Speed and incline
The more speed and incline options a treadmill has, the more workout options you have. The best treadmill should have a top speed of at least 12 km per hour, and a decent incline range to give you scope for incline training and challenging yourself.
Opt for an incline that goes up to 10 percent or higher (if you have the budget, a decline feature, like on this Nordictrack Commercial treadmill, is a good inclusion as it offers a better simulation of outdoor running conditions). If you’re not interested in incline training and just want something to simulate a flat path, something like this Everfit Electric Treadmill should be fine.
For speed, think about your usage. A typical walking speed is anywhere from 4 km to about 7 km per hour, while a running pace of 12 km per hour is considered a good pace for a recreational runner. If you’re just looking for something to get some steps up during the day, a walking pad like this Black Lord treadmill with a top speed of 9km might be the best treadmill for you.
Workout programs
A good selection of treadmill workout features can help to keep you motivated to use it. Some basic programs include speed-based – where the machine changes speed intermittently for more authentic interval training; incline-based – where the incline changes to simulate running outside through hills, or a combination of both; and ‘Heart Rate Control’, where you can specify the heart rate you wish to train at and the treadmill varies the speed and incline to keep you within that range. There are also treadmills that link with Google Maps, allowing you to go for a ‘virtual run’ anywhere in the world.
Some of the best treadmills even have apps or services that you can connect to like iFit or JRNY which offer virtual classes run by a coach or personal trainer.
How much should you pay for a home treadmill?
How much cash you should drop on a home treadmill largely depends on what you’re going to use it for. If you plan on using your shiny new treadmill occasionally for walking, a cheaper treadmill (still with safety features) or walking pad should be fine. However, keep in mind that like other big electrical purchases, the pricier a treadmill is, the better the quality is likely to be. According to Runner’s World, you need to spend between $1,000 and $2,000 to get quality or features; while dropping more than $2,000 will get you both a quality treadmill and cool features.
How do I choose a home treadmill?
The main factors to consider when finding the best treadmill for you are space and budget. Treadmills can be super affordable or a big investment purchase. If you’re after a great workout that’s regularly high intensity, it’s probably worth spending a bit more for a sturdier machine with more features. It’s also really important to think about how much space you have at home and where you plan to keep your treadmill. If you don’t have a lot of room (or if you are a regular gym goer who is only buying their own device to supplement their exercise routine) then you probably want the best folding treadmill that can be moved in and out as needed. Remember, if you buy something that ends up being too bulky for the space, you’re more likely to leave it in a cupboard and let it gather dust. Most treadmills will be able to fold in one way or another, but some can certainly be more compact than other treadmills.
If the best treadmill for you is something that does have more features than less, the big things you want to be looking out for are speed and incline settings (most treadmills offer a top speed of around 12 km per hour, but some can even get up to 20 km per hour); shock absorption and cushion on your running surface; a belt width big enough for your running style; and a comprehensive display. The best treadmills should offer you all of these great features, but you do get what you pay for.
Is tech important in a treadmill?
Again, it depends on what you want out of your machine and what other tech you already have in the house. If you have wireless headphones or you plan to have your treadmill in the living room in front of the TV or near a speaker, you probably don’t need one with inbuilt speakers or bluetooth. What is important is the tech in your digital display, as it’s good to be able to watch and track your workout. It’s also good to consider how many programs are built into your machine. If you’re using your treadmill to get some extra steps in on the days you can’t get out, you likely don’t need a fancy treadmill with 22 different workout programs, but if you’re using your home gym as the basis for a new healthy lifestyle, it’s great to have lots of programs to challenge your progress.
Is walking on a treadmill 30 minutes a day enough?
To lose weight you need a calorie deficit, either by eating fewer calories than you burn or by exercising more to burn off calories with activity, or both. According to Nardine Presland, an exercise scientist and physiologist with Exercise & Sports Science Australia, “Just 20 minutes on a treadmill with hard and easy repetitions is great for fat-burning and will also boost your cardio fitness.”
How we chose these products
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and looking at customer reviews. Once the list of important features is narrowed down, the search starts for the best range of products.
In my experience as a health and fitness editor with a love/hate relationship with jogging, I’m no stranger to the treadmill.
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