Best treadmills 2024 for walking and running at home

The best treadmills can help you get road fit and improve cardio health without even leaving the house

Woman running on best treadmills
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Best treadmill 2024: Jump Menu

NordicTrack 2950 treadmill

(Image credit: NordicTrack)

00. The list in brief ↴
01. Best overall: NordicTrack 2950
02. Best affordable: JTX Sprint 3
03. Best premium: Life Fitness T3
04. Best folding: Echelon Stride
05. Best for cardio: Assault AirRunner
06. Best spec: ProForm Pro 1000
07. Best mid-range: Kettler Sport Arena
08. Best for HIIT: Horizon 7.4AT
09. Best for intense running: Reebok ZR8
10: Best under-desk: Mobvoi Home
11. How we test the best treadmills
12.
How to buy the best treadmill for you
13.
FAQs

Getting your hands on one of the best treadmills is an excellent way to keep fit from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a keen runner, are learning or you simply want to keep fit without stepping foot inside a gym, a treadmill can help with all the above. They are, however, an expensive purchase, so navigating which is best suited to you and your home is essential before making any decisions.

Space is one of the key things to consider when buying the best treadmill as, let’s be honest, they’re not the smallest pieces of home gym equipment. Some models can be quite bulky, while others that have a wide incline variety will require greater space. If you feel this is something you’re lacking, then a folding treadmill may be a better option. Or even an under desk treadmill if you’re just looking to get some extra steps in. Speeds will vary on different models too, so make sure you take them into account, as there’s nothing worse than if you’re training for a marathon but finding you can outrun your treadmill. 

Below, we’ve tested various treadmills on the market taking speed, price, size and functionality all into the equation to help you make the right purchase. Whether you’re looking for something on a budget, want to splash the cash on a premium product or need one for speed, checkout our roundup of the best treadmills. 

T3 Active Writer
Bryony Firth-Bernard

As someone who spends 95% of their time in the gym, I've been able to test and trial a variety of strength, functional and cardio equipment, so I know exactly what to look (and not to) when it comes to choosing your very own treadmill for your home; ideal for getting in your daily steps, improving your aerobic fitness levels and perfecting your running technique.

T3's top 3 treadmills

From the best for most people, to the best budget option, and the best premium pick, here's a quick rundown of the top three treadmills 2024, followed by more in-depth analysis of a fuller list for those who want a deep-dive with additional context on a per-device basis.

Best treadmills to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

NordicTrack 2950 on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: NordicTrack)
Best treadmill overall

Specifications

Max speed: 13.5 mph (22 km/h)
Incline: -3-15%
Power: 4.5 HP
Running deck: 60" x 21"
Max user weight: 135 kg
Dimensions (W x L x H): 39" x 84" x 67"

Reasons to buy

+
Foldable
+
Commercial-grade quality
+
1-year iFit Live subscription included
+
Large display 

Reasons to avoid

-
Three times as expensive as some other treadmills on this guide

In our review, we gave the amazing Nordictrack 2950 four stars and said if you have serious amounts of cash to spend on a treadmill, you should consider the NordicTrack 2950 Treadmill. This commercial-quality running machine excels in every category, whether it's running speed, incline capabilities, or entertainment.

The 4.25 CHP DurX Commercial Plus motor is built to deliver speeds up to 13.5 mph, plenty fast enough for most runners who might consider running on a treadmill. For comparison, Eliud Kipchoge's 2-hour barrier-smashing pace was 13.16 mph, so even if you can run that fast, the NordicTrack 2950 Treadmill will be able to keep up with you.

As for entertainment, most of the middle console is taken up by a massive 21.5” full-colour capacitive touch display. As well as that, the NordicTrack 2950 Treadmill also sports built-in speakers with Bluetooth connectivity so you can blast your music as well as listen to instructions coming from the iFit workouts streamed on the treadmill's gigantic screen. You'll also get a 1-year iFit Live subscription included in the price, and there are also 40 pre-programmed workouts on the treadmill.

The NordicTrack 2950 Treadmill is pretty bulky, mind, and as mentioned above, it's not too cheap either, but should you have the money and the space, this will be the last treadmill you'll ever have to buy.

Read our full NordicTrack 2950 Treadmill review.

Best affordable

JTX Sprint 3 reviewT3 Award

(Image credit: Sabi Phagura)

2. JTX Sprint-3 Treadmill

Best affordable treadmill

Specifications

Max speed: 10 mph
Incline: 0-12%
Power: 2 HP
Running deck: 50.8" x 8"
Max user weight: 120 kg
Dimensions (W x L x H): 29" x 63.8" x 59"

Reasons to buy

+
Compact yet well-built
+
Comes with 40 built-in workouts
+
Heavy duty for a comfortable run

Reasons to avoid

-
Short deck unsuitable for taller runners
-
Top speed is just 16km
-
Lacks Bluetooth or app connectivity

For an entry-level model, the JTX Sprint 3 is a cracking machine which is both robust and affordable. It is suitable for most people and will provide an excellent cardio workout for those looking to get or stay fit from the comfort of their homes. The folding deck means you don’t have to sacrifice much space, and it can be easily stored away in a cupboard. 

It may not have the luxurious Bluetooth connectivity, but this is not too much of an issue with the built-in speakers and a dedicated place to pop your device for an enjoyable heart-pumping workout. This is a high-quality machine that is built to last and has the bonus of a two-year warranty. There really is not much not to like with this treadmill as it’s functional and does exactly what it is meant to do. It will offer most runners a solid experience for a quality workout every single time.

Read our full JTX Sprint-3 review.

Best premium

Life Fitness T3 on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Life Fitness)

3. Life Fitness T3 Treadmill

Best premium treadmill

Specifications

Max speed: 12 mph
Incline: 0-15%
Power: 3.0 HP
Running deck: 60" x 20"
Max user weight: 350 lbs
Dimensions (W x L x H): 34.5" x 79.5" x 57.5"

Reasons to buy

+
Slick Track console for stat fans
+
Comfy FlexDeck running surface
+
Reliable brand

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite heavy unit, making it hard to move around
-
Less than stellar display (for a premium treadmill)

A name that will be familiar to anyone who frequents the gym, Life Fitness produces top-quality equipment that can also be introduced to the home with minimum fuss. The standout feature of this model is the Track console, which easily connects to smartphones and tablets in order to harness the power of the excellent Life Fitness app. A powerful FlexDeck shock absorption system is said to reduce the impact on joints by 30 per cent. It's fairly expensive, but you get what you pay for. Oh, and you'll need a decent amount of room at home because this is, quite predictably, a big ol' unit. 

Best folding

Echelon Stride in a small roomT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Deanna deBara)
Best cheap treadmill that folds completely flat

Specifications

Max speed: 12 mph
Incline: 0-10%
Power: 2.5 HP
Running deck: 55" x 20"
Max user weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Dimensions (W x L x H): 69.3" × 31" × 10.25" (folded)

Reasons to buy

+
Auto-fold option makes storage fast and simple
+
Great for smaller spaces
+
Echelon Fit offers a wide variety of fun, challenging classes

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited incline
-
No built-in screen

The Echelon Stride is a solid running machine for most casual runners. It offers a full-sized running area and enough speed for most. It also benefits from Echelon United – a series of online classes that you can access via the app for a monthly fee. The 0-10% incline might be a little limiting for more hardcore runners, and the Stride doesn't have a built-in screen either, so you need to use your own phone or tablet to access the classes. "However, none of this matters as this treadmill is that it folds down flat to just over 10 inches – meaning it will easily slide under a bed or stand up in a closet", we concluded in our Echelon Stride review.

Best for cardio

Assault AirRunner on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Wolverson Fitness)
Best treadmill for maximum cardio load

Specifications

Max speed: User powered
Incline: N/A (curved running surface)
Power : User powered
Running deck: 62" x 17"
Max user weight: 160 kg (350 lbs)
Dimensions (W x L x H): 33" x 70" x 64"

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent choice for HIIT workouts
+
Self-powered
+
Smooth

Reasons to avoid

-
Curved belt takes some getting used to
-
Noisy

The Assault AirRunner does so much more than a standard running machine. It doesn't sport the typical motor-powered belt like others but instead feeds off user input to crank up the resistance and adapt with effort. It feels like running on air, while the slightly kicked-up design means there is no limit to how hard you can push yourself on it. Designed with HIIT in mind, it is excellent for cranking up the pace in a split second without the awkward wait for a belt to catch up.

Worried about parting with the dosh? Its steel frame and handrails, corrosion-resistant hardware and a slat belt running surface are built to last up to 150,000 miles of use, so, despite the higher asking price, the Assault AirRunner is an excellent value for money running machine – no wonder we gave it four stars in our Assault AirRunner review.

Best spec

ProForm Pro 1000 on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: ProForm)

6. ProForm Pro 1000

A pro-spec treadmill without the pro price tag

Specifications

Max speed: 12.4 mph
Incline: 0-12%
Power: 3.0 HP
Running surface: 60" x 20"
Max user weight: 135kg (298 lbs)
Dimensions (W x L x H): 36" x 81" x 64"

Reasons to buy

+
Can produce higher inclines
+
built-in fan to keep you cool as you run
+
Pro-grade motor

Reasons to avoid

-
Takes up a lot of space
-
It doesn't fold

The ProForm Pro 1000 isn't the cheapest machine on the list, but it is nowhere near the most expensive yet offers some extremely competitive features. These include a generous 12 per cent incline gradient, a built-in workout fan, 32 pre-set workout programmes and an LED display that offers all sorts of fitness metrics to suit various training regimes. Great for heavy use, the treadmill features a professional-grade motor built with high-grade components and f dynamically spin-balanced assembly (whatever that means) to power the treadmill up to a top speed of 22kph/13.6mph. That might not be a full commercial gym sprint pace, but it's more than enough for a domestic jog. 

Best mid-range

Kettler Sport Arena on white backgroundT3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: Kettler)

7. Kettler Sport Arena Treadmill

Second best treadmill overall

Specifications

Max speed: 11 mph
Incline: 0-12%
Power: 2.5 HP
Running deck: 58" x 18"
Max user weight: 135 kg
Dimensions (W x L x H): 25" x 73" x 52"

Reasons to buy

+
Slow starting speed
+
Shock-absorbing deck
+
Great for intense workouts & recovery

Reasons to avoid

-
Running surface is narrow

The Kettler Sport Arena Treadmill has one of the slowest starting speeds (0.3 km/h) on the market, making it ideal for recovery as well as complete beginners. With this running machine, you can gently ease yourself into running training without having to worry about the weather outdoors.

The fully shock absorbed deck will make running less demanding on your joints as well more pleasant for the downstairs neighbours. For added peace of mind, the Kettler Sport Arena Treadmill also comes with a 3-year parts and labour warranty including lifetime on the frame and motor.

On the other end of the intensity-spectrum, the Kettler Sport Arena Treadmill also offers seven HIIT (high intensity interval training) programs straight out of the box. HIIT training is an excellent way to lose weight and to maximise training efficiency, should you be pressed on time. HIIT workouts are made possible due to the high maximum speed (18 km/h) and the incline capabilities (up to 12%) of this treadmill.

The Kettler Sport Arena Treadmill supports Bluetooth connectivity so you can play music through the speakers of the running machine. Not only that but once paired, you can control the playback on the phone with the dedicated buttons on the console.

Best for HIIT

Horizon 7.4AT on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Horizon Fitness)

8. Horizon 7.4AT

Best treadmill for HIIT workouts

Specifications

Max speed: 12 mph
Incline: 0-15%
Power: 3.5 HP
Running surface: 60" x 22"
Max user weight: 325 lbs
Dimensions (W x L x H): 37" x 76" x 63"

Reasons to buy

+
Premium build
+
Lot of customisation options
+
Top HIIT running machine

Reasons to avoid

-
Comparatively small LCD screen
-
Requires a lot of floor space

The Horizon 7.4AT Treadmill features a 3.5 CHP motor and 500 lb thrust incline motor, which together create the "most responsive drive system available in a treadmill", Horizon claims. The Johnson Digital Drive System featuring Rapid Sync Technology responds "33% faster than other treadmill motors" – also according to Horizon – so in theory, you can keep up with the workouts you're streaming more accurately.

The treadmill can also be connected to training apps such as Zwift. The Horizon 7.4AT Treadmill features the integrated Sprint 8 high-intensity interval training that burns fat and builds muscles in just eight weeks (yet another claim from Horizon), "trimming body fat by up to 27% and significantly lowering bad cholesterol after just eight weeks of three 20-minute workouts per week."

Best for intense running

Reebok ZR8 on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Reebok)

9. Reebok ZR8

Best treadmill for intense running workouts

Specifications

Max speed: 10 mph
Incline: 0-12%
Power: 2.0 HP
Running surface: 50" x 16"
Max user weight: 110 kg
Dimensions (W x L x H): 29" x 65" x 56"

Reasons to buy

+
Cushioned running belt
+
Foldable
+
High-quality construction

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacklustre display
-
Max user weight is relatively low

Sitting comfortably at the 'affordable' end of the spectrum, this offering from Reebok packs some pro-spec features that feel rather generous for the money. A clever 'ZigTech' cushioning system on the deck disperses the impact energy across the length of the running deck, helping to protect your joints, while the safety cut off clip is something that is typically seen on more expensive models.

Although easily folded and stashed away, the running deck has been designed with long-legged joggers in mind and the unit has been rigorously tested to withstand users that weigh up to 17 stone. Alas, the digital display feels a bit cheap on this model and the myriad buttons aren't quite as neat nor easy to get on with as others on this list but then what do you expect of the world's 10th best treadmill? 

Best under-desk

Mobvoi Home Treadmill on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Mobvoi)
Best under-desk treadmill

Specifications

Max speed: 7.46mph (2.49mph walking mode)
Incline: Fixed
Power: 0.75 HP
Running surface: 15.75" x 39"
Max user weight: 120 kg (265 lbs)
Dimensions (W x L x H): 27" x 49" x 42"

Reasons to buy

+
Small footprint
+
Inexpensive
+
Easy to store

Reasons to avoid

-
Small running surface
-
Low max speed

For the space and budget-conscious that want a treadmill to take gentle runs or walks, the Mobvoi Home Treadmill is a great option. The unit folds flat and can be slipped under the bed when not in use. It can also be used in walking mode without folding up the handrail, so it's perfect to pair with a standing desk to get in your steps while you work. This won't suit everyone – the running area is on the small side, there's no incline, and the max speed is 12 km/h (7.46mph), but it's perfect as an affordable home runner.

Read our full Mobvoi Home Treadmill review.

How we test the best treadmills

Treadmills are some of the most complicated home gym equipment you can get; they are big, have many features and are often capable of producing various workout modes. Hence why we spend anything between 2-4 weeks with every machine before we decide where it fits in the current treadmill landscape. As well as testing the features, we look at how comfortable it is to run on the treadmill, how straightforward the user interface is, how easy it is to store and move the machine around, and whether it's a good value for money (or not). For more information on testing, we've put together a handy guide on how we test at T3.

How to buy the best treadmill for you

Naturally, the more money you spend on a running machine, the more technology is thrown at it. So if you like tracking stats, running along with a virtual partner or ingesting some multimedia, then it's worth opting for the machines with built-in screens or reliable smartphone connectivity.

Or, you can buy a basic model and also get an exercise bike, elliptical or rowing machine added to your pain cave. What are the differences between how treadmills, exercise bikes and ellipticals? We compared them to find out: treadmill vs exercise bike and treadmill vs elliptical.

RRPs can be punitive, but you'll find the usual online shopping suspects tend to offer enormous discounts on sports equipment of this nature. Just make sure there aren't any enormous delivery and set-up charges involved, especially for the larger, fancier stuff. Our price widgets will always pull in the lowest price offered by our retail chums.

One final tip: sports scientists have found that runners tend to exert less energy when pounding the miles on a treadmill, presumably due to the springy running board offering an extra boost. So, if you want to keep fit indoors, much sure you place the speed on a faster setting than you think you need.

And if it's the speed you are after, you will need some additional gear too, like the best running shoes and, for tracking heart rate accurately, the best heart rate monitors. If you need to isolate yourself from your surroundings at home, you might also want to wear the best running headphones.

FAQs

Which treadmill is best for home use?

Of course, something like the LifeFitness Platinum Club Series sits at the top end of the budgetary scale – it's got the word 'platinum' in it, so what did you expect? – but that's not to say there aren't great choices to suit less extravagant tastes.

Prices range from around £160 / $200 for the basic, self-propelled models. Still, these tend to offer a very unrealistic running experience and fall apart after a couple of uses, so really, the sweet spot between performance and price starts at around £600 / $700.

A good, mains-powered treadmill is judged on its running deck, which has to absorb the impact of a run while simultaneously representing an outdoor surface, as well as keeping the amount of noise it produces to a minimum.

For everyday use (as in, not hardcore running training), we would recommend the JTX Sprint-5 Home Treadmill: it strikes a good balance between quality, ease of use and price, offering a good value for money for people not willing to remortgage a house to get a new running machine.

Are treadmills bad for your knees?

No, they aren't! As a matter of fact, they are probably better for the knees than running on hard surfaces (e.g. tarmac). Modern treadmills have cushioned running decks to make home workouts less noisy and reduce impact force as you run. It's a different story if you try to run fast, but that will affect your knee joints on any surface. If you're concerned about your knees, try running slower and should you feel any pain or discomfort, consult a medical professional.

What shoes are best for running on a treadmill?

If you're using a treadmill for running, then a pair of running shoes are you best bet. Although, you won't need a pair with as much cushioning as you would need if you were running outside. Choose a pair that are lightweight, breathable and provide good energy return, like the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13, or if you're in need something more affordable, you can't go wrong with the Nike Pegasus 40. Make sure you don't wear trail running shoes on the treadmill though, as the lugs could ruin the running belt.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

With contributions from