11 Best Treadmills Reviews and Buying Guide

Why Do You Need a Treadmill at Home?

Nowadays, most of us follow a busy lifestyle. But, many of us are also aware of the importance of following a regular workout session. Thanks to the treadmill, which functions as at-home fitness equipment for many people worldwide. When some have it at their homes, some regularly visit a gym to work out on this fitness equipment. The good thing about this equipment is that it lets you walk and run and climb right in the comfort of your home. If you plan to buy this equipment for setting up your home gym, you will find different options available in the market.

The treadmill was introduced before the development of powered machines for harnessing the power of humans or animals to do work. This type of fitness equipment of often a kind of mill operated by an animal or person treading the steps of a treadwheel for grinding grains. To help you find the best treadmill, we have reviewed the best available options.

Quick Summary

As you intend to shop for the best treadmill, here is the list of the top options available from different brands:

1. The best treadmill that comes with Expert Assistance for workouts:  T Series Treadmills from NordicTrack
2. Treadmill with Large LCD Display: SF-T4400 Treadmill With Device and Tablet Holder from Sunny Health & Fitness
3. The Best Treadmill with Wider Walking and Jogging Surface: TR150 Folding Treadmill from XTERRA Fitness
4. Treadmill with 10” Interactive Screen:  NordicTrack Commercial Series
5. Treadmill with Speed and Incline Control in the handlebar: TR300 Folding Treadmill from XTERRA Fitness
6. Treadmill with the Best Shock-absorption to prevent joint pain:  SF-T7705 Portable Treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness
7. The Best Treadmill with Intuitive and Feature-Focused Display:  810 Treadmill from Schwinn Fitness
8. The Best Treadmill with High Weight-Bearing Capacity:  T7643 Walking Treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness
9. 10. The Best Treadmill with Multiple Set of Features:  Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill
10. Treadmill with Powerful Motor:  TRX3500 Folding Treadmill from Xterra Fitness
11. Easy to Install Treadmills:  1012EB and 5108EB Treadmills for Home from OMA

Editor Picks Treadmills – Detailed Reviews

Now, you know the best treadmills and how they are better. You can get a better idea only when you thoroughly review each of these treadmills above. But, to relieve you of this task, we have reviewed these 12 treadmills here:

1. T Series Treadmills from NordicTrack

The unique feature of the T-Series treadmills from NordicTrack is that when you buy any unit that belongs to the T-Series range, you will get a 30-day iFIT Membership free. With this membership, you can stream on-demand and live workouts on your treadmill with Studio Classes and Global workouts. You can get your fitness equipment adjusted by Elite Trainers.

With 10% OneTouch Incline control in this unit, the iFIT trainer will automatically adjust your incline and speed when working on this treadmill through a smart Bluetooth connection. This unit comes with Smart-Response Motor to control endurance training, interval, and speed effectively. You can get plenty of elbow and leg space running in this unit. To safeguard your joints, it comes with FlexSelect Deck Cushioning.

The unique feature of this unit is its innovative SpaceSaver design. The unit comes with EasyLift Assist. It means that when not in use, you can go for simple and compact storage of this unit. It has dual two-inch speakers and an auxiliary music port for workout entertainment. The 300-pound user capacity unit comes with a 10-year frame warranty, two-year parts warranty, and a year labor warranty.

Pros:

• Comes with 30-day iFIT Membership with many benefits
• Smart response motor
• Innovative space-saving design
• Impressive 300-pound user capacity
• Dual two-inch speakers
• Auxiliary music port

Cons:

• Cannot use headphones during iFit Training sessions. Only on speakers

2. SF-T4400 Treadmill With Device and Tablet Holder from Sunny Health & Fitness

If you would like to invest in the best treadmill that will provide you with a large LCD from which you can get a lot of information like your pulse rate, calories you burn, speed, and distance you have covered after each workout session, you can go for this unit. It allows you to engage in different types of workouts. It comes with 9 built-in workout programs. To ensure that you can do more when you work out, like watching videos and listening to songs, this unit comes with a convenient tablet and smartphone holder to fit tablets and smartphones of different sizes.

The handrail controls in this equipment help you control not only speed but also the starting and stopping of this unit. You can even pause in the middle of your workout session. Nothing will happen to your running stats and present data when you pause. With the pause function, you can stop the belt from running for a while so that you can take a rest in the middle.

You can unfold the unit hands-free and safely with its soft drop system and easy folding mechanism. It has been designed to hold the utmost user weight of 220 lbs.

Pros:

• It comes with 9 built-in workout programs
• Large LCD to know the pulse, calories burnt, time, speed, and distance covered
• Easy folding mechanism
• Soft drop system
• Can handle users up to 220 lbs
• Three manual options to adjust inclines

Cons:

• The holes provided for holding a water bottle and phone are not deep enough.

3. TR150 Folding Treadmill from XTERRA Fitness

The good thing about this unit is that it has a large 16“x 50” running/walking surface. With its large space for a workout, this unit can easily accommodate users of different stride lengths and sizes.

This treadmill comes with an intuitive 5” LCD. Apart from being easy to read, this display provides complete details like your pulse rate, calories you burn, the distance you cover, and how long you workout. Even you can know the speed and the present incline you are walking at.

You can expect different workouts as it comes pre-loaded with 12 different programs and three manual incline settings. You can expect an unmatched variety of workouts with this single unit. To ensure that you can easily fold away this unit when not in use, it comes with an easy pull knob. It releases the deck not only for folding but also for unfolding.

The TR150 comes under the category of compact series treadmills from XTERRA Fitness. The quiet high, and smooth torque 2.25 HP Motor in this unit helps the treadmill run at speeds between 0 and 10 MPH. For a calorie-burning workout session, you can expect smooth performance due to this unit’s durable heavy-gauge steel frame.

Pros:

• Large running and walking surface
• Comes with 12 different built-in workout programs
• Has preset speed buttons
• Three levels of manual incline
• Uses XtraSoft Cushioned Deck Technology for the utmost impact absorption
• Easy-to-read display with an intuitive and simple interface

Cons:

• Heavyweight
• Needs at least two people for initial installation

4. NordicTrack Commercial Series

This unit comes with an immersive 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen. The unit can stream iFIT workouts on demand straight to your equipment with this screen. Even it helps with easy tracking of your statistics. This unit comes with a SMART-Response motor to help with effective cardio and running training.

This best treadmill comes with 12 MPH Smart OneTouch Speed Control and -3 to 15% OneTouch Incline control. This feature will help your iFIT trainer auto-adjust your incline and speed to meet real-world terrain and training needs. You might wonder whether you must register with iFit membership to get a personal trainer. You will receive a 30-day iFIT Family membership with this unit.

With this membership, you can enjoy on-demand and live workouts on this treadmill with Studio Classes and Global Workouts. The unique thing about this membership is that it allows four other people to be included in the iFit membership. So, you can gain fitness as a group.

Pros:

• 10-Inch Interactive HD Touchscreen
• -3 to 15% OneTouch Incline Control
• 300-pound user capacity
• EasyLift Assist and SpaceSaver Design
• iFit membership for 5 users
• Workout with personal trainer guidance
• Smart Response Motor

Cons:

• The tablet holder and heart rate monitor are not part of this unit.

5. TR300 Folding Treadmill from XTERRA Fitness

The unique feature of the TR300 treadmill from XTERRA Fitness is that it offers incline and speed control right on the handlebar. It means you can get a secondary location to change the intensity of your workout. It comes with a display that is intuitive, simple, and easy to read. From this monitor, you can see the most crucial statistics, including calories you burn, the distance you cover, the speed at which you work out, and the time.

This best treadmill from XTERRA has incline and speed buttons on the console for easy and direct updates. This unit comes with XTRASoft Cushioned deck technology. This facility makes sure that you can get the utmost impact absorption. So, you can keep your joints comfortable when working out.

Further, this unit has a built-in cooling fan that keeps you motivated and cool to work out for longer. For added comfort, this unit comes with an accessory holder and an integrated bookrack to keep your remote control, reading material, and anything you need close to you.

Pros:

• Incline and speed control in the handlebar
• Built-in cooling fan
• Integrated bookrack and accessory holder
• XTRASoft Cushioned deck technology for impact absorption at the max.
• Facility to plug a portable device into the console jack in the treadmill

Cons:

• The speed and incline control is not satisfactory

6. SF-T7705 Portable Treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness

This unit has the best shock absorption to prevent joint and pain issues associated with running on a platform. You can work out for longer on this treadmill without experiencing any joint pain. It has a built-in device holder to comfortably place your phone or tablet close to you when working out.

With this treadmill, you will get the opportunity to improve your cardio routine. Yes, along with auto-incline, it has 15 incline levels that create a lot of resistance to help you achieve the utmost burn at any time.

You can keep track of your body fat percentage, steps, incline/calories, distance, time, and speed when you choose to work out in this unit. The reason is that it comes with a digital monitor that displays some details. Also, you can gather more information from the Sunny Fitness App.

Pros:

• The Best Shock Absorption to keep joint pain at bay
• The device holder helps you place your smartphone or tablet comfortably
• Hassle-free folding design and wheels for easy transportation.
• Sunny Fitness App and digital monitor
• It helps to improve cardio routine.
• Built-in speaker and auto incline

Cons:

• The platform for walking and running is narrow

7. 810 Treadmill from Schwinn Fitness

If you are looking for the best treadmill with a feature-focused and intuitive display, this unit from Schwinn Fitness can help. With this unit, you will get the option to choose your exercise adventure with 16 different programs. This unit can provide you with the variety you expect to keep your workouts fresh, irrespective of your fitness level and goals.

The unique feature of this treadmill is that it will let you explore different world destinations when you work out. You can explore places at your own pace with Explore the World Subscription. With this subscription, you can get the opportunity to discover a wide range of route lengths as new destinations are added every month. Further,  you can capture the global routes you have covered and share your results with your friends and family.

Pros:

• Intuitive and feature-focused LCD
• LCD with blue backlit.
• Displays 2 user profiles and 16 workout programs
• Larger running path with Cushioning system
• The integrated heart rate monitor contacts the grips
• Rolls away for easy storage

Cons:

• It is not possible to save distance, minimum/maximum speed

8. T7643 Walking Treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness

Are you looking for the best treadmill with a high weight capacity of around 350 lbs? If so, this unit can meet your requirement. Apart from being suitable for overweight people, this unit, with its 44.5 L x 19.5 W can easily move from one place to another. This is because of the transportation wheels part of this unit. With its soft drop mechanism, this unit will make it easier to fold and unfold.

It comes with big cup holders to help you keep hydrated when you work out. Further, it has the biggest tablet holder integrated to place your tablet or phone when you work out. Even you can place a 2-in-1  laptop with a maximum of 13 inches of screen capacity.

Pros:

• High weight-holding capability
• Transportation wheels make moving easier
• Easy to fold and unfold
• Big cup holders
• Integrated tablet/phone holder
• Facility to place a two-in-one laptop

Cons:

• Belt alignment is not easy and should be done repeatedly
• The instruction manual is not user-friendly

9. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill

If you are looking for a treadmill with multiple features and facilities, this Sunny Health & Fitness unit can meet your needs. It also offers phone function, auto incline, pulse, LCD monitor, Bluetooth, and speakers. The speed range is from one to 8 miles per hour. It also has an integrated body mass index calculator with reference value alone.

Along with twelve levels of incline, it offers a quick button auto incline facility as well. Its three countdown modes let you know the calories you burn, workout time, and speed. Not only Bluetooth connectivity, but it also offers a pulse-grip heart rate monitoring facility.

Pros:

• Multiple sets of features
• The soft drop hydraulic mechanism for easy folding and unfolding
• Treadmill cushioning to let you work out longer without fatigue
• Emergency stop clip to bring the unit to an immediate halt
• Phone connectivity
• Device holder and digital monitor

Cons:

• The speakers sound bad

10. TRX3500 Folding Treadmill from Xterra Fitness

This unit from Xterra Fitness uses a powerful and smooth 3.0 HP Motor with high torque. Further, the LCD in this unit has a reader-friendly design with a bright blue backlight. The display is 6.5-inches which gives a clear description of pulse, incline, calories, distance, pace, time, and program profile. It comes with 30 pre-set motivating programs and a single heart rate monitor.

The incline and speed controls in this unit are handlebar-mounted. Further, the built-in Bluetooth is a valid facility. Associates with third-party FMS apps like Tracx, Zwift, and Kinopma.

Pros:

• Smooth 3.0 HO Motor
• High torque motor
• Weight capacity of 360 lb
• Large 20” x 60” space for workout
• LCD with blue backlight

Cons:

• The CPU Fan is made out of plastic and is not sturdy
• The heart rate monitor does not work properly

11. 1012EB and 5108EB Treadmills for Home from OMA

Are you looking for the best treadmill that you can easily install? If so, you can choose one of these models of treadmills from OMA. This brand aims at producing the best quality, dependable treadmills for use at home. So, this brand can produce treadmills that families love.

These treadmills have been designed to produce continuous output for continuously supporting more than an hour of exercise. The units use the powerful high-performance DA-2.25 HP motor. So, you can enjoy your workout sessions without being disturbed by external noises or disturbing others.

Pros:

• Easy to install
• Heavy-Duty steel treadmill to support up to 300 LBS of weight
• Passed through thousands of tests
• 36 preset programs for hassle-free workout sessions
• 6-layer wider running belts make these treadmills good for knees

Cons:

• The parts in these units are not sturdy

What is a Treadmill?

Treadmills are stationary exercise devices that can carry out walking, running, climbing, etc. without worrying about space. They are large devices on which a movable track loop is set which anyone can use to exercise without moving any further from the device. In the present form and pattern, Treadmills were built in 1913. It was in the June of 1913 that a patent for a ‘training machine’ which is quite similar to the design of a treadmill was registered in the United States of America.

Treadmills are mostly motor-driven. Several other models can only be used with manual power and are called manual treadmills. But the most common one is the motor-driven one that has to its core, a running deck that keeps rotating on a belt that lets the person using the machine run or walks in the same place without moving any further. All treadmills have a power panel on the machine that the user can operate in a standing position. The power panel contains information and control switches regarding various treadmill settings like the using time, speed of the track, the elevation of the track, etc. The user can adjust each setting before using the machine for a convenient and comfortable workout session.

A treadmill also sports several safety features to ensure the user’s safety. The subject or the person who uses the treadmill can connect a safety clip attached to the treadmill on one end to the cloth wearing. It switches off the machine immediately if the person wearing the clip dozes off or faints, or in any other way happens to abruptly remove the clip. Such safety features are very common with every treadmill and are one of the major reasons they are very popular among customers.

Treadmills are one of the most sold exercise devices across the globe. Several surveys recently estimated that over 60 million households worldwide presently use treadmills, and the number is rising. This ever-growing popularity of the treadmills is mostly due to their convenience of carrying out an exercise comfortable indoors without worrying about external conditions like the weather.

There are many variations to a treadmill too. There are different types like manual treadmills, motorized treadmills, underwater treadmills, omnidirectional treadmills, etc. Each of them serves a specific purpose and caters to the needs of a fixed set of people. Despite the differences in the design or build of these treadmills, they all offer a long-lasting service if maintained correctly by cleaning, lubricating, aligning, and maintaining the belt’s tension.  

How Does a Treadmill Work?

Treadmills are complex machines that involve regular human interaction. They might or might not be used by multiple people, and thus, safety and efficiency are the primary concerns for reputed treadmill manufacturers. The efficiency of a treadmill is all dependent on the components that it has. A treadmill’s major parts are crucial in providing the best service for the user. Some major parts of a treadmill are the treadmill frame, motor, running deck, rotating belt, lower board, impact controller, etc. Let’s look deep into the major components of a treadmill below.

The frame of a treadmill

The treadmill’s frame is one of the most crucial parts of the device. It provides strength and support to the rotating deck and the person using it. As durability and strength are primary for the frame, it is usually made of high-quality treated steel which can withstand high pressure and extreme conditions. Pieces of steel are welded together, covering the electric connections and circuits beneath it.

Motor

The motor’s power is extremely important for the better functioning of a treadmill. Multiple models of treadmills come with different horsepowers and different types of motors. Despite the differences, they are all responsible for facilitating the rotating belt’s rotation and the running deck’s continuous movement. Motors are available in both Ac and DC formats.

Running deck

The running deck is the part of a treadmill subjected to constant movement when in operation. It is generally made of plywood material and particleboard. But the recent models come with medium density fiberboard, a combination of wax and resin binder. Also, as they are subjected to constant pressure and hold much weight, they are given a protective polymer coating with materials like phenolic resin.

Safety clip

A safety clip is one of the crucial parts of the safety system employed with the treadmill. It ensures the machine is stopped immediately when the user falls or stumbles accidentally. It is positioned in such a way that a part of it is inserted into the machine, and removal of it, under any cause, would cause the sudden halting of the machine.

Quick control panel

The quick control panel comes on the front of the treadmill and contains all the information required regarding the functioning of the treadmill at the moment. It also comes with one-touch buttons that can control almost all machine settings.

What Are the Benefits of a Treadmill?

Treadmills are the most sold exercise equipment worldwide, and the reason for that is the multitude of advantages they bring with them. Some of those advantages or benefits of owning a treadmill are detailed below.

Easy to use

A treadmill is one such piece of equipment that requires no expert assistance. The manual itself is enough to understand the operation, and once the control panel is familiarised, it is such an easy device to use for people of any age. No setup or no initial programming is required for this machine.

Fully customizable

One of the biggest advantages of a treadmill is that even though the user made a random purchase with a treadmill, it does not affect the user in most cases. Because these machines are extremely flexible and customizable. They can be used in whichever time settings or other settings by the user. It is totally up to the user as to how to use it.

Multiple users possible

With a treadmill, there is no need for separate machines for separate people. Everyone in a family or a co-living space can use the same machine without changing the orientation or set-up of the machine in any way. This flexibility is offered by very limited exercise devices only.

Best safety features

Safety is key to treadmill manufacturing, and unlike many other exercise machines, numerous safety features are employed within a treadmill. Some of them are using a safety key, a heart rate monitor, etc.

Not much space is needed

Unlike many other gym equipments that seems bulky and occupies quite a lot of space, a treadmill is designed to seem less bulky and does not occupy that much space. It requires less space than a couch and not an ordinate amount of space.

How to Choose a Treadmill?

Choosing a treadmill is not as simple as it seems. As it is a piece of exercise equipment and as the user’s safety is up to the condition and proper functioning of the treadmill, it should be given ample thought about the features to look for in a treadmill. There are several basic features and advanced features that should be attended to before purchasing any particular treadmill. Some of such major functions are described in detail below.

The peripheral aspects

The outermost layer or element of a treadmill is the frame or body. While buying a treadmill, the strength and durability of its body should be checked primarily. It is the treadmill’s frame that carries the load or weight of the particular person using the treadmill; thus, it is important for the frame to be made of strong materials. There are many subpar products available that come in a lesser price range but compromise on the quality of the building material. Such products should be avoided at any cost.

Size of the treadmill

The treadmill size and the space the buyer has to keep the machine are extremely important. Generally, treadmills for home come with a length of 7-inches and a width of 3-inches. If the buyer cannot afford to provide this much space, then he or she should go for treadmills shorter than those regular dimensions or choose models like foldable treadmills.

Motor power

Most buyers assume that it is always better to buy a treadmill with the highest horsepower. But it is not necessary at all. Treadmills with high horsepower are ideal for people working out on a treadmill for a long time. For others, who only spend a minimum amount of time daily on a treadmill, the lesser horsepower would be more than enough. With higher horsepower goes the price of the product up. So, understand the need for the treadmill and choose a horsepower accordingly.

Size of the running track

The length and size of the running track are important features that should be paid much attention to while purchasing. If you are planning to use the treadmill for a brisk walk, you can go for the regular-sized running tracks with a length of 55-inches. But if you are an intense runner or workout enthusiast who plans to use treadmills for hectic workouts or if your body is a bit on the larger side, it is ideal to choose a larger or wider running track to avoid feeling any kind of congestion.

Tread belt

The durability of the tread belt is something that should be checked at the time of purchase itself. The durability of the tread belt can be estimated primarily by the thickness of the belt. The most common tread belt used in home treadmills is the single-ply belt, which consists of a single belt layer. But now, there are recent additions like two-ply and four-ply tread belts. These multiple-layered tread belts are capable of offering more durability to the system. And a treadmill with a multiple-layered or reasonably thick tread belt tends to be quieter than a single-ply belted treadmill. So, make sure to check the thickness and durability of the tread belt of the treadmill that you intend to purchase.

Track cushioning

Track cushioning is extremely necessary for the safety of the legs of the user. As treadmills are involved with leg exertion, it is possible for the legs to face injuries, sprains, etc., and proper cushioning could save the user from having such troubles. It is estimated that a properly cushioned treadmill deck can reduce the impact on the leg by 15%- 20%. There are many models available that have adjustable cushioning. Check this feature thoroughly before buying any treadmill.

The incline of the track

The inclination is one of the common features offered by most treadmills. But the degree of inclination and the procedure of operating the inclination is important too. The most common inclinations offered are 10%, 15%, and 20%. But many other models offer more or less than these regular standards. If you plan to work out more and intend to burn more calories using a treadmill, it is better to have a treadmill that can be inclined to the maximum possible degree. Another important thing is the operation of the incline. Many models feature motorized operation of the incline, whereas several others feature manual incline operation. Even though treadmills with a manual incline are less expensive, the motorized incline feature could offer the user many conveniences, comfort, and ease.

Workout programs

Although the initial models of treadmills did not have any programs saved in them other than the basic working settings, the newer models consist of pre-set workout programs that aim for various workout goals like weight loss, weight gain, cardio training, etc. Buying a treadmill with such a feature would be an extra benefit for the buyer.

Treadmill FAQs

Conclusion

Now, which is the best treadmill for me will be your question. You can analyze your requirements and accordingly choose one. Here are some choices from our end for you:

• Treadmill with Wider Walking and Jogging Surface – TR150 Folding Treadmill from XTERRA Fitness
• Treadmill with Speed and Incline Control in the handlebar – TR300 Folding Treadmill from XTERRA Fitness
• Treadmill with Better Weight-Bearing Capacity – T7643 Walking Treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness.

Kinsley

I have covered home product technology for more than 3 years. I have a dangerous obsession with reviewing new gadgets and food!