Best treadmills 2022

The best treadmills make you want to go for a run even when it’s cold outside, you’re tired or simply not in the mood to exercise. That’s the beauty of a home running machine – you don’t need childcare, it doesn’t matter what the weather is like, and you can easily fit a workout around your schedule.

Running on a treadmill is an awesome cardiovascular exercise that strengthens the body’s circulatory system (the heart and blood vessels). It doesn’t require a commute, all fitness levels can do it and it could even help blast belly fat, according to a Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise study.

Personal trainer Lucy Arnold, founder of activewear brand Lucy Locket Loves, told Live Science: “Treadmills are so popular these days especially in the winter months when the dreaded snow and ice hit, or for those days when you just can’t leave the house - childcare, pet care, short on time? Treadmill day it is!” 

Plus, treadmills are great for getting strong, toned legs as they work the lower body, particularly the calves, quads, hamstrings and glutes. Lucy says: “Depending on the type of treadmill you have, you can set an incline and work those muscles even harder.”

Best treadmills

Best treadmills: NordicTrack Commercial 2950

(Image credit: Amazon)NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Our top-rated treadmill packs in all the features you need to improve your running performance.SpecificationsDimensions: 201” x 99” x 170”Weight: 337lbs / 152kgTread belt size: 22” x 60”Max user weight: 297lbs / 135kgDisplay: 22” HD touchscreenSpeed: 0-13.6mph / 0-22km (80dcb)Incline: -6-15%Other features: Bluetooth connectivity, dual 3” speakers, dual AutoBreeze fans, Runners Flex cushioning, 30-day iFit Family Membership and free wireless heart rate strap included.TODAY'S BEST DEALSPrimeView at AmazonView at Best BuyLow StockView at WalmartSee all prices (4 found)313 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆Reasons to buy+High-end features+Great incline and decline rangeReasons to avoid- Bulky - Needs iFit subscription What the users say

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 scores 4.8 out of five stars on NordicTrack. Positive reviews said the treadmill was “sturdy, smooth and chock full of features”. One reviewer praised the “ginormous” screen and said the list of online classes was “almost overwhelming”. 

If you’re after a home running machine that delivers on design, functionality and performance, add the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 treadmill to your wish list right now. Just make sure you’ve got room for this beast of a machine as it has a 201” x 99” x 170” footprint.

This is a gym-quality treadmill that pulls out all the stops and offers a premium running experience. It comes with an awesome incline and decline range, quiet 4.25 HCP motor and shock absorbing cushioning system to protect joints and bones.

The 22” HD touchscreen is a standout feature – with crisp graphics, easy to use features and a wealth of online content via the iFit app (30 days free trial with your purchase), you will never get bored of all the workouts on offer. Choose from 40 pre-programmed workouts, daily live classes or work your way through over 16,000 on-demand ones to get the most out of this high-end treadmill. It stood out as a clear winner in our testing, although a machine of this quality doesn't come cheap and will take up quite a bit of room in your home.

  • Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 2950 review

Peloton Tread

(Image credit: Peloton)Peloton Tread The Peloton Tread model has a sleek, pared-back design and offers some seriously high-energy classes.SpecificationsDimensions: 173cm L x 84cm W x 157cmWeight: 291lbs / 132kgTread size: 150cm x 50cmMax user weight: 304lbs / 136kgDisplay: 23.8” HD touchscreenSpeed: 0-12.5mph (20kph)Incline: 0-12.5% grade (no decline)Other features: Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, Tread Lock (prevents unauthorized access), 16 GB internal flash storage, front-facing stereo speakers, 2.2 Channel with rear-facing woofers, USB-C charging port, 3.5 mm headphone jackTODAY'S BEST DEALSCheck AmazonReasons to buy+ Crisp HD touchscreen + Huge array of live and on-demand classes Reasons to avoid- Expensive - Doesn’t fold or declineUser reviews

The Peloton Tread scores 4.2 out of five stars on Peloton. Positive reviews praise the choice of workouts, as well as off-treadmill classes, guided runs and the motivational Peloton instructors. Negative reviews wished for a steeper incline option to make workouts more challenging. 

The Peloton Tread is a sleek and well-made treadmill that offers a satisfying running experience for all fitness abilities. It comes in Peloton's signature black and red colors and has a striking minimalist design. We particularly liked the machine's fuss-free touchscreen, which is easy to navigate. 

Speed and incline dials are positioned on the handrails, so there is really very little to distract you from that shiny display. It doesn't have any kind of base at the front of the tread, so you can run along its full length—useful if you have a particularly long stride. 

The machine doesn’t have quite as many features as we'd like to see at this price point, as it's lacking a decline option or in-built fan, both of which you can find in the slightly cheaper NordicTrack model above. You will also need a Peloton app subscription to access those famous virtual classes. All of that aside, it is a satisfyingly compact, stylish and quiet machine for runners of all ability. 

  • Read our full Peloton Tread review

Best treadmills: ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill

(Image credit: Amazon)ProForm 900 treadmill An marginally more affordable option that's brilliant for hill training. SpecificationsDimensions: 64” x 73.5” x 35”Weight: 194lbs / 88kgTread belt size: 20” x 55”Max user weight: 298lbs / 135kgDisplay: 7” color touchscreenSpeed: 0-12mphIncline: -3%–12%Other features: Bluetooth, wireless heart rate monitoring, 2-speed fan, speakers, iFit compatibility, foldableTODAY'S BEST DEALSPrimeView at AmazonView at Best BuyView at AmazonSee all prices (4 found)107 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆Reasons to buy+Affordable +Excellent motorReasons to avoid- Average belt size - Needs iFit subscription What the users say

Unfortunately there aren’t many reviews available for the ProForm 900, as the ProForm 9000 has succeeded it. One happy reviewer on the ProForm website said: “I live in a very remote part of Nevada and this treadmill saved my life. The Google Maps as well as just the simple fact that I can continue to be "active" during the snowy months.”

The ProForm 900 treadmill has a durable, foldable design with an adequate belt size and wealth of workouts to challenge you. Coming in at $1999 – plus $39 a month for an iFit subscription to access live and on-demand classes – it’s a decent running machine at a (relatively) affordable price.

The 3.0 CHP commercial DC motor comes with an internal cooling system to reduce vibration, wear and tear and noise levels, and that is one of the highlights of this treadmill. It’s fairly quiet even when running at full speed on an incline or decline. You can get up to 12mph, which is more than adequate for most runners.

The running area is slightly shorter than you might expect from a treadmill at this price point, but this won’t affect most runners up to 6ft. Any taller and you might find it difficult to get into your natural running stride without worrying about tripping.

  • Read our full ProForm Premier 900 review

Best treadmill: Image of ProForm Pro 2000 treadmill

(Image credit: ProForm)ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Cheaper than all of the above, the ProForm 2000 Smart will suit most indoor runners.SpecificationsDimensions: 35.3” x 77.3” x 59.6”Weight: 262 lb/ 119 kgMax user weight: 300 lbTread belt size: 20” x 60”Display: 10"Speed: 0-12mphIncline: -3% to 12%Other features: Bluetooth, dual speakers, built in fan, wireless connectivity, free 30 day iFit membership, foldable TODAY'S BEST DEALSView at WalmartPrimeView at AmazonView at Best BuySee all prices (4 found)Reasons to buy+ Smart features+ Shock absorbing beltReasons to avoid-Slightly small touchscreen -Need iFit subscription What the users say

The ProForm 2000 treadmill gets 4.3 out of five stars on Best Buy. Positive reviews said the treadmill is very intuitive with minimal noise when using the incline/decline. Negative reviews cite issues with carrying the treadmill into their home, as it is heavy and they had some difficulty assembling it.

The ProForm 2000 treadmill is cheaper than the Peloton Tread but has a lot of similar features. It’s easy to use, has a huge choice of workouts via the paid-for iFit app and delivers on design and performance.

We love that this treadmill has incline and decline options, it’s super quiet and you can fold it up and store it out of the way. While the 10” touchscreen could be bigger, the console is streamlined with most of the buttons hidden within the display.

It also comes with shock absorbing ReBoundPro cushioning to protect joints and the iFit’s live and on-demand classes make this running machine one of the best on the market, and well worth the money.

Best treadmills: Image of Sole F80 treadmill

(Image credit: Sole F80)Sole Fitness F80 In-built cushioning makes this machine ideal for long distance runners.SpecificationsDimensions: 82” x 37” 66Weight: 298lbs / 135kgMax user weight: 375lbs / 170kgTread belt size: 60” x 22”Display: 9” LCD screenSpeed: 0-12mphIncline: 0-15%Other features: Bluetooth speakers, USB charging port, heart rate pulse monitors, 10 inbuilt workout programs, shock absorbers, foldable, lifetime warranty on frame, motor and deck, two fans, tablet holderTODAY'S BEST DEALSView at Sole TreadmillsView at AmazonSee all prices (3 found)183 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆Reasons to buy+ Higher than average weight capacity + Extensive warranty Reasons to avoid- Simple console - No decline option What the users say

The Sole Fitness F80 gets 3.8 out of five stars on Amazon, with 38 per cent giving it a full five stars. Positive reviews praise the sturdiness of the machine and extra weight capacity, as well as it being easy to assemble and use. Negative reviews commented that they wished the fan system on this treadmill was more extensive.

The Sole Fitness F80 is solid treadmill with commercial-grade components that is well made and sturdy enough for all types of running. It’s especially good for long distance running, interval and hill training thanks to its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which promises to minimize joint impact up to 40% (compared with road runs), as well as its 15% incline.

It has a 9” LCD display and a large 22” x 60” running surface and we love how quiet the treadmill is even at high speed. It has a springy and soft belt and is easy to fold away despite the extra length. Its higher than average weight capacity makes it a good choice for heavier individuals.

It doesn’t have a decline option and is slightly lacking in the high tech virtual classes we have come to expect from modern treadmills – it just has 10 pre-programmed workouts – but it comes with Bluetooth connectivity to use with the Sole Fitness app, which syncs with FitBit, Apple Health and other fitness apps. 

Best treadmills: NordicTrack T Series 6.5S

(Image credit: NordicTrack)NordicTrack T Series 6.5S This starter treadmill is great for those who want to use their machine for walking.SpecificationsDimensions: 67.5” x 35.75” x 73”Weight: 198lbs / 89kgMax user weight: 300lbs / 136kgTread belt size: 22” x 55”Display: 5” LCD screenSpeed: 0-10 mphIncline: 0-10%Other features: Bluetooth enabled, 20 inbuilt programs, Runner’s Flex cushioning, foldable, 30 day iFit membership, iPod compatible sound system, heart rate monitorTODAY'S BEST DEALSCheck AmazonReasons to buy+High weight capacity +20 inbuilt programs Reasons to avoid-Not suitable for intervals or long distance runs -No fan What the users say

The NordicTrack T 6.5S gets 4.5 out of five stars on Amazon, with 73 per cent giving it a full five stars. Positive reviews praise the treadmill for being well made and sturdy. One reviewer said: “It doesn’t shake when I run and is easily portable.” Negative reviews cited issues with the belt slowing down after regular use, and it being a noisy machine. 

The NordicTrack T 6.5S is a starter treadmill ideal for power walking or jogging (because of its small 2.6 CHP motor, 55” track and automated incline up to 10%). It’s worth mentioning that this model has been discontinued and replaced by the T 6.5 Si, but you can still buy it on Amazon.

It comes with 20 pre-programmed workouts – more if you subscribe to the iFit app, which opens an array of live and on-demand virtual classes (you get 30 days free iFit membership with your purchase).

The treadmill comes with a small 5” LCD screen, shock absorbers and a high weight capacity of 300 pounds, making it a good choice for heavier people. It’s a little on the noisy side, and doesn’t come with a fan but as it’s only really good for light exercise like power walking or gentle jogging this may not be an issue. We like the intuitive one-touch controls and the EasyLift hydraulics that do the hard work to get the treadmill folded away.

Best treadmills: Horizon Fitness T101 treadmill

(Image credit: Horizon Fitness)Horizon Fitness T101 Our favorite budget option, this model is fairly quiet and comes with an in-built fan.SpecificationsDimensions: 70" x 34" x 55"Weight: 165lbs / 74kgMax user weight: 300lbs / 136kgTread belt size: 20” x 55”Display: No screenSpeed: 0-10mphIncline: 0-10%Other features: Dual grip heart rate monitoring, 30 inbuilt workouts, Bluetooth speakers, rapid-charge USB charging port, headphone jack, one-touch controls, fan, foldable TODAY'S BEST DEALSView at WalmartView at WalmartView at AmazonSee all prices (13 found)Reasons to buy+ Very quiet + Affordable Reasons to avoid-No touchscreen -Not suitable for taller / heavier people What the users say

The Horizon Fitness T101 treadmill scores 3.2 out of five stars on Amazon, with 33 percent giving it 5 out of 5. Fans of the running machine praised it for being good value, quiet, sturdy and comfortable. One reviewer liked its no-frills design: “For walking or running, it just works. Nothing fancy; does the job great.” Negative reviews complained that the fan was “useless” and you can’t adjust its position and that the heart rate monitor was inaccurate. 

The Horizon Fitness T101 is a budget-friendly entry-level treadmill ideal for anyone new to fitness who wants to build up strength and endurance slowly. It has a rather small 2.5 HP motor so is probably better suited to smaller users, walking and light jogging, but on the plus side it’s super quiet – just 56 decibels (dB) at 5mph, about the same as an electric toothbrush.

We love that despite its low price tag it has a 10% incline, which is more than enough to work up a sweat and it’s compact and it’s foldable, so you can store it away when you’re not using it. It comes with a decent Bluetooth speaker system, inbuilt workouts and lifetime warranty on the frame and motor (1 year on parts and labor). It has an 8” step up height which makes it easy to get on and off especially for people with joint issues.

Our main complaints are that the tread belt is not long enough for tall people, and it’s not recommended for heavier individuals, people who want to run long distances or do interval training. It also doesn’t have an inbuilt screen or access to live or on-demand classes. It comes with shock absorbers, but we found the deck wasn’t super thick. 

Best treadmills: Image of Echelon Stride treadmill

(Image credit: Echelon)Echelon Stride This space-saving model is great for anyone who needs something compact for their living space.SpecificationsDimensions: 69.3” x 31” x 49.2”Weight: 156lbs / 70kgTread belt size: 20” x 55”Max user weight: 300lbs / 136kgDisplay: No screen, digital touch consoleSpeed: 0-12mphIncline: 0-10%Other features: Bluetooth connectivity, live and on-demand classes via Echelon Fit app (subscription needed), USB charging port, foldableTODAY'S BEST DEALSView at WalmartPrimeView at AmazonView at Best BuySee all prices (4 found)Reasons to buy+  Compact +  Motivating exercise programming Reasons to avoid- Small motor - No screen What the users say

The Echelon Stride scores 3.6 out of five stars on Best Buy, with only two reviewers giving it a full five stars. Positive reviews said the treadmill was very easy to set up, quiet and compact. However, negative reviews complain it’s overpriced and the deck is quite hard. One reviewer said: “This is just one step above walking on pavement. I’ve owned $1200 treadmills with great suspension and soft decks so it’s a bit frustrating it’s like this for the price.” 

The Echelon Stride is a compact and foldable treadmill, which is ideal for people short on space. It measures 69.3” x 31” x 10.25” when folded and can even fit under a bed (if you have 11 inches of height to spare).

As with all Echelon products, to access the virtual classes you need to subscribe to the Echelon Fit app ($26.45pm for two years). These are Peloton-style workouts that have motivating and engaging instructors and tons of variety to challenge you.

The Echelon Stride doesn’t come with an in-built touchscreen but it has a touch console with key metrics including speed, distance, steps and heart rate. It also has pulse monitors. The running deck is slightly shorter than average, but if you’re under 6ft it’s adequate enough. The treadmill also lacks a bit of oomph thanks to the small 1.75 HP motor, but this makes it a quiet machine – also useful for those living in apartment blocks.

Best treadmills: Image of Bowflex 22 treadmill

(Image credit: Bowflex )Bowflex 22 Featuring Amazon Prime, Netflix and Disney Plus integration, this is a good option for those who like to be entertained while they run.SpecificationsDimensions: 85” x 39.6” x 70”Weight: 336lbs / 152 kgTread belt size: 22” x 60”Max user weight: 400lbs / 181kgDisplay: 22” HD touchscreenSpeed: 0-12mphIncline: -5-20%Other features: Bluetooth connectivity, wifi, 2 month trial of JRNY app, heart rate sensors, Disney, Netflix & Amazon Prime integration, foldableTODAY'S BEST DEALSView at Best BuyPrimeView at AmazonSee all prices (3 found)Reasons to buy+Disney Plus, Netflix & Amazon Prime integration +Powerful motorReasons to avoid- Expensive - Need app to access content What the users say

The Bowflex 22 scores 3.5 stars out of five on Amazon, with 45% giving it a full five stars. Positive reviews praise it for its large rollers, quiet operation and sturdy construction. Negative reviews complained that streaming apps like Netflix and Disney Plus were locked behind a JRNY app pay wall. Other reviews said the touchscreen was too high and not adjustable.

The Bowflex 22 treadmill is a sturdy beast of a machine with a price tag to match. You have to sign up to 12 months of Bowflex’s JRNY app to access content, which is quite a lot to as for upfront, but it’s worth it to make the most of this high-end, gym-style running machine.

It comes with a bright 22” HD touchscreen, which is perfect for the instructor-led classes, doing scenic runs and even watching Netflix or Disney Plus (subscription needed). There are no live classes, but enough on-demand workouts to keep you busy.

Despite being huge, the entire treadmill folds with Bowflex’s ‘soft drop system’. This is a really solid, high performing running machine that will last for years – if you’ve got the space for it.

Best treadmills: Lifespan Fitness treadmill

(Image credit: Lifespan Fitness )Lifespan TR3000i Easy to fold up and store, this smaller machine is very compact but probably best-suited to people under 6ft.SpecificationsDimensions: 33” x 42” x 67”Weight: 211lbs / 96kgTread belt size: 20” x 56”Max user weight: 350lbs / 159kgDisplay: 7” TFT touchscreenSpeed: 0-12mphIncline: 0.5-15%Other features: Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitoring, USB port, audio jack, 3-speed fans, speakers, iPod and MP3 compatible sound system, device holder, 21 pre-programmed workouts, shock absorbers, foldableTODAY'S BEST DEALSCheck AmazonReasons to buy+ Well made + Easy to use console Reasons to avoid- Small treadmill belt - Short handrails What the users say

The Lifespan TR3000i gets lots of five star reviews on Lifespan with fans praising it for its excellent cushioning, perfect size and easy assembly. Negative reviews cited issues with it being very heavy, and that the display doesn’t show pace. One reviewer said: “The console is pretty simple and doesn’t have an overabundance of features.”

The Lifespan TR3000i is a budget-friendly, space saving machine with a quiet 2.75 CHP motor. It has EZfold technology, which makes it, you guessed it, easy to fold up and store away. It comes with a good range of pre-programmed workouts and a 15% incline.

A total of eight shock absorbers help cushion bones and joints from the impact of running, and you can measure your heart rate through the pulse grip and wireless chest strap (not included). Handlebar controls make it easy to change speed and incline mid-run and you can enjoy your playlists by connecting your iPod, MP3 or other smart devices.

It doesn’t have a touchscreen but the LCD display provides all the key metrics from distance, steps, calories, speed, incline and heart rate. It also has an ‘intelli guard’ safety feature which automatically pauses the running belt if you step off the treadmill. The handrails are short and the deck itself is quite small which makes it a better choice for people under 6ft.

How to choose the best treadmill for you

 Buying a running machine is a big expense so will need to make sure you choose something that has everything you are looking for.

"Before buying, take a free taster session at your local gym to try out the treadmills to see if you enjoy running on one, as they are very different to road running." Personal trainer Lucy Arnold told Live Science. "Treadmills are a great investment for home workouts, especially if you have limited time, can’t get outside or don’t like running in the dark."  

So what features should you look for in a treadmill? “Depends on what you want to achieve and how often you’ll use it,” says Lucy. “If it’s going to be your main exercise as you can’t get outside much, then a treadmill with all the bells and whistles may benefit you - screen, inbuilt classes, inclines, speed options, motorized belt… but with this comes expense. If it’s for the odd occasion, consider buying a foldaway, non-motorized treadmill. They’re cheaper and take up less space.”

What should you do first if you want to buy the best treadmill? Lucy says: “Do your research: decide what features you want and set a budget. Also, measure your space to make sure you can fit one in.”

Another consideration is noise. The bigger the motor, the louder the treadmill but if you’re a serious runner you’ll want a decent size motor for it to power the belt. Also, check the weight capacity. Larger individuals will require a treadmill with a higher max weight.

Running belt size is another consideration. Look for at least 48’ by 18” for running, and if you are over 182cms (6ft) then you will need at least a 52-inch belt for walking, and a 54” one for running.

Round up of today's best dealsReduced PriceNordicTrack Commercial Series...NordicTrack 2950Amazon$1,999$1,599ViewSee all pricesReduced PriceProForm - Pro 9000 Treadmill...Proform SMART Pro 9000Best Buy$1,899.99$1,799.99ViewSee all pricesReduced PriceProForm Pro 2000 Smart...ProForm Smart Pro 2000Walmart$1,499$1,299ViewSee all pricesSole F80 TreadmillSole Fitness F80 TreadmillSole Treadmills$1,499.99ViewSee all pricesHorizon T101 Model Number...Horizon T101Walmart$19.99ViewSee all pricesReduced PriceEchelon Stride Sport Smart...Echelon StrideWalmart$699.99$627.30ViewSee all pricesReduced PriceBowflex Treadmill 22Bowflex Treadmill 22Amazon$3,599$2,699.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by Live Science

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