Best folding treadmills 2024 to get you fit with limited space at home

The best folding treadmills can boost your cardio and pack away neatly when not in use

Best folding treadmill 2024: Jump Menu

Mobvoi Home Treadmill Incline

(Image credit: Amazon)

00. The Top 3 ↴
01. Best overall:  JTX Fitness Sprint 5
02. Best affordable: Mobvoi Home Treadmill Incline
03. Best premium: Bowflex Treadmill 22
04. Best supportive: ProForm Pro 2000
05. Best space-saving: Echelon Stride
06. Best performance: NordicTrack Commercial 2950
07. How we test the best foldable treadmills
08.
FAQs

The best folding treadmill could be the perfect solution if you want to get fit at home, but lack the space for a non-folding treadmill. Folding treadmills do exactly what they say on the tin – they fold up – making them more compact and easy to store. Many folding treadmills today also come with the same features that regular best treadmills offer, such as guided workouts, Bluetooth connectivity and interactive programming; the main thing is that they provide an easier storage solution.

The main things to consider when looking for the best folding treadmill are size, weight, speed and inclines (if you want a challenge). Once you’ve found a treadmill that ticks all these boxes, you’ll want to think about the workout experience it offers (do you want lots of pre-programmed workouts), the technology it comes with (heart rate monitors, touchscreen etc) and extra add-ons, like device holders.

Here at T3, we’ve tested a wide variety of foldable treadmills – ones for runners, walkers, ones that are ideal if you’re on a bit of a budget and others that are top in the game. The list below is the selection we’ve settled on as being ‘the best of the best’. Although, if you are looking to purchase a treadmill just to up your daily step count, then you may want to consider an under desk treadmill – as these little devices are even more compact. 

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 foldable 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 folding 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 foldable 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 folding treadmills to buy 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

JTX Fitness Sprint5 TreadmillT3 Best Buy Award badge

(Image credit: JTX Fitness)
Best folding treadmill overall for all standards of runner

Specifications

Max speed: 11.2 mph (treadmill displays speed in km/h only)
Incline: 0-10%
Max power: 2.5 HP
Running surface: 55 x 19 in
Max user weight: 120 kg
Dimensions: 32.6 x 68.5 x 62in
Type of fold: vertical

Reasons to buy

+
Good all-rounder
+
For all levels of runner

Reasons to avoid

-
If you have limited space
-
No live or on-demand classes

In our review, we said that this folding treadmill feels like running on a gym-based treadmill and will suit all levels of runners, from beginners to those looking to vary up their training with hill repeats, thanks to the upper incline limit of 12% or intervals. 

It also features 43 pre-loaded workout programmes with different inclines and speed settings to vary your training. As well as that, it syncs with the Kinomap app and Zwift via Bluetooth, so the JTX Fitness Sprint 5 will automatically adjust the incline as you run along the real-life routes on the app. Folding-wise, it folds vertically, but the footprint remains on the larger side, so if you are short on space, this may not be the best option.

Read our full JTX Sprint 5 review.

Best affordable

Mobvoi Home Treadmill Incline reviewT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best cheap folding treadmill

Specifications

Max speed: 8.7 mph (14 km/h)
Incline: 15%
Max power: 2.2 HP
Running surface: 16" x 43.3" (400 mm x 1,100 mm)
Max user weight: 220.5 lbs / 100 kg
Dimensions: 51.9” L x 26.2” W x 44.5” H
Type of fold: horizontal

Reasons to buy

+
Decent 2.2HP motor
+
Compact design
+
Bright LED display
+
Connects to Wear OS smartwatches
+
Quiet operation

Reasons to avoid

-
Comparatively small running deck
-
Too small for proper treadmill workouts, too big for an under-desk treadmill
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You can't pause a workout

Mobvoi's latest accessibly-priced running machine, the Home Treadmill Incline, might be too big for an under-desk treadmill and too small for indoor sprint workouts, but there is a broad spectrum of potential workouts you can perform on the machine, thanks to the comparatively powerful motor, incline capabilities and 25 pre-set programmes.

For the most accurate results, you might want to pair the treadmill with a Wear OS watch (like the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS); but even buying both would be cheaper than purchasing one 'big' treadmill, even for a discounted price. If you're after a decent, affordable incline treadmill for walking, jogging and occasional running indoors, check out the Mobvoi Home Treadmill Incline. You might want to invest in something more substantial for hardcore winter training, like the ProForm Pro 2000 or the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 (both featured below).

Read our full Mobvoi Home Treadmill Incline review.

Best premium

Bowflex Treadmill 22 on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Bowflex)

3. Bowflex Treadmill 22

Best premium folding treadmill

Specifications

Max speed: 12.5 mph
Incline: -5-15%
Max power: 4 HP
Running surface: 60 x 22in
Max user weight: 181 kg
Dimensions: 85in x 39.6 x 65.3in
Type of fold: vertical

Reasons to buy

+
For the multiple incline options
+
One of the most powerful foldable treadmills

Reasons to avoid

-
The premium price tag might be too expensive to justify for some
-
Sizable footprint, even when folded

This is a bigger treadmill that provides plenty of room for all kinds of different workouts. Bowflex’s Treadmill 22 has a wide range of incline options, going down to -5% if you want to simulate downhill running and up to 15% for grinding out hill repeats. It’s fitted with a 10-in touchscreen and hooks up to Bowflex’s training programme JRNY, which provides adaptive workout plans, outdoor video-based content that includes more than 50 global destinations and trainer-led videos for a monthly subscription. The folding mechanism includes SoftDrop, making folding easier. However, it hasn't got the smallest footprint when folded, and it’s a weighty beast, so bear that in mind if you’re short on space. 

Best supportive

ProForm Pro 2000 in a small living roomT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Future)
Best folding treadmill for cushioning

Specifications

Max speed: 12 mph
Incline: -3-12%
Max power: 3.25 HP
Running surface: 60 x 20in
Max user weight: 135 kg
Dimensions: 77.3in x 35.3in x 59.6in
Type of fold: vertical

Reasons to buy

+
Sleek, foldable design
+
Cheaper than Peloton
+
Free 1-year iFit sub
+
Generously sized, shock-absorbing belt

Reasons to avoid

-
Touchscreen is a bit small
-
Expensive

A higher-end treadmill that features the ability to fold into a smaller space via its intelligent SpaceSaver Design, the ProForm Pro 2000 Folding Treadmill makes it easy to quickly shrink it down in size. It also features EasyLift Assist, which aids you in moving the treadmill once it’s folded. The higher price point of this machine means that it’s aimed more at the more serious runners in the treadmill market – those looking to maximise their time on the belt and get the most out of different types of running workouts.

It features a 7-inch touchscreen which links to iFit, which, for an annual extra subscription cost, will supply you with a wide range of live or on-demand workouts (although it comes packaged with a 12-month subscription for free). You can dial the speed up to 12 mph, which will suit all but professional runners. The belt surface features ReBound Pro cushioning to absorb extra impact, making it one of the kindest folding treadmills on your knees available.

Read our full ProForm Pro 2000 Folding Treadmill review.

Best space-saving

Echelon Stride on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Echelon)
Best space-saving folding treadmill

Specifications

Max speed: 12 mph
Incline: up to 10%
Max power: 1.75 HP
Running surface: 55 x 22in
Max user weight: 136 kg
Dimensions: 69.3 x 31 x 10.25in
Type of fold: vertical

Reasons to buy

+
The 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

Another foldable treadmill that connects to a training app – in this case, Echelon’s own training app – and offers live and on-demand workout options. In our review, we said "that access to online classes is not via an inbuilt touchscreen but rather via your phone or tablet, adding an extra layer of planning and organisation to your workouts to ensure everything is charged and connected."

It’s a dinky treadmill when compared to some of the others on this list, but it folds up tidily with the press of a button. Once folded, it’s only 10 inches (26 cm) thick, and you can store it upright or lie it down to slide it under the bed, making it a great option if you can only fit it in a small room.

Read our full Echelon Stride review.

Best performance

NordicTrack Commercial 2950 treadmill on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Amazon)
Best performance foldable treadmill

Specifications

Max speed: 12 mph
Incline: -6-15%
Max power: 4.25 HP
Running surface: 60 x 22in
Max user weight: 135 kg
Dimensions: 81.25 x 39.25 x 62.75in
Type of fold: vertical

Reasons to buy

+
Extra-cushioned belt
+
Low noise output
+
Wide incline range

Reasons to avoid

-
Wasn't designed with small spaces in mind
-
Heavy to trolley around

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is on the higher end of the price range for folding treadmills, but if you can afford it, this is a well-designed, high-performing running machine it will last a lifetime. Big on design, performance and features, the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 treadmill offers bang for your buck on every level. Just be sure you have room to house this beast of a machine, which takes up 201” x 99” x 170” floor space.

With the amazing decline and incline ranges (-6-15%), speeds of up to 12mph, and a quiet but powerful 4.25 CHP motor, this treadmill pushes you to your limits, and that’s before you’ve even got started on the thousands of on-demand and live classes via the iFit app (for which a subscription needed). The 22” touchscreen is a huge draw with its crisp graphics and intuitive controls, and you’ll never get bored with the wealth of iFit’s online content to smash through.

Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 2950 review.

How we test the best folding treadmills

Folding treadmills in this guide have been thoroughly tested by T3's fitness experts, including their features, build quality, workout performance and more. For more information on how we test at T3, click on the link now.

FAQs

Is a folding treadmill worth it?

If you are limited for space yet want to run indoors, a foldable treadmill is the ideal solution. It can make the perfect addition to your home gym as many of them can be stashed away out of sight when not in use. Some are also extremely reasonably priced, meaning you can invest in treadmill technology at a low price.

The concession you may have to make with some foldable treadmills is that you will be running on a smaller belt than regular fixed treadmills, and it may not have the speed or incline capabilities of its bigger brethren due to reduced power. The more expensive treadmills have more power to go faster, but the flipside is they take up more space. But you’re still getting a treadmill for less money and one that takes up less space, so some things have to give.

What is the best fold flat treadmill?

Echelon's Stride (retailer link) treadmill might not be the most robust running machine, but its folding mechanism is certainly a cut above the rest. This treadmill not only folds to just 10" deep for easy storage, but it also has what's called an auto-fold feature that allows the treadmill to fold automatically. Pretty cool!

Howard Calvert
Freelance fitness writer

When not seeking out new running and cycling trails, Howard writes about all things health and fitness. As well as T3, he's written for a plethora of websites, newspapers and magazines including Runner’s World, Cycling Weekly, Trail Running, Women’s Running, ShortList, Fit&Well, Red Bulletin and Wareable. When not running ultramarathons he's taking on MTB singletrack trails and hiking all around the world. As a side hustle, Howard is also on an ongoing quest to find the country’s best cinnamon bun.

With contributions from