The Best Treadmills for Home Use in 2021 – The Ultimate List!
Cold or rainy outside? Or just a long way to the local gym? A running treadmill machine in your own home is what you need for workouts! This article will give you the information you need to decide which is the best treadmills for home use.
A treadmill is a fantastic tool for running inside if you want to maintain weight, burn calories and enhance your cardiovascular system. I have done my research and made a list of the 9 best treadmills for home use 2021 in many different price ranges so you don’t have to.
When purchasing a new treadmill, there are a few things to consider. It is important that you are really sure that you want one and that you are committed to using it and that you have enough room for it. Read reviews to make sure you find the right one. If you have your own home gym, I would say that a treadmill is an essential part of the training equipment along with for instance a rowing machine.
At the bottom of this article is a buying guide checklist I have created, which I suggest you read before buying your new treadmill.
Now, to the list of affordable and popular running machines, starting with my favorite treadmill for home use:
1. NordicTrack C 1650
Popular treadmill with lots of features with full color touch screen display, adjustable cushioning of the belt and good incline and decline!
The NordicTrack C1650 is by many considered to be the number one treadmill for home use. Looking at the design and features, it makes perfect sense.
It is a strong midrange treadmill with a 3.5 continuous horsepower engine that suits both beginners and regular runners. The price is a bit higher than starter models but much lower than their commercial-grade treadmills.
NordicTrack C1650 is foldable for simple stowaway and storage.
The 60-inch-long and 20-inch-wide belt is particularly useful for taller walkers and runners. Keep in mind that the maximum weight is 300 pounds (136 kg).
While running, you have a full 10″ color console in front of you with touch screen and web browser. This machine has built-in Wi-Fi! A tablet holder above lets you place your iPad if you want to watch movies, surf or read emails there instead. It is smart if you want to watch you running metrics and statistics on the treadmill itself at the same time.
The treadmill is preloaded with 34 workout programs made by professionals. If you want more, the compatible iFit Premium service let you download new workouts from the Internet. It also tracks workouts over time and lets you watch famous landmarks fly by on the screen as you run famous routes. This membership costs extra, but it is not that expensive – $99 for a year.
A great feature is the adjustable cushioning which let you adjust how it feels to run on the belt. You can change between hard and stiff belt equivalent to a road or softer feeling of grass and nature. The top speed is 12 mph (19 kph).
The treadmill offers an impressive 15% incline and a 3% decline which lets you build in more cross-training. There is a heart rate (HR) sensor in the handlebar, but you can also hook up wireless chest straps bought separately.
2. LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill
Affordable entry level, foldable treadmill for home users – good value for money!
If you are looking for an affordable, entry-level treadmill under $1000, the LifeSpan TR1200i is a good choice. Actually, it was awarded “Best Treadmill under $1,000” in 2011. It was a few years ago, but it is still an awesome product!
The foldable treadmill comes with a durable 2.5 hp engine and a 56 inch belt that counts your steps with the Intelli-Step system. The Intelli-Guard system pauses the machine automatically when you step off, and it supports weights up to 300 pounds.
Other nice features are magazine rack, cup holders, and headphone output. There is no cooling fan.
It has a rather small multicolored LCD which tracks time, calories burned, speed, distance, and more. While you run, you can change speed both on the console and on the handlebars. Next to the display, are speakers you can use for playing music from a USB stick for instance.
Yes, the treadmill comes with a USB port. You can download data and log them on the LifeSpan app if you want.
The treadmill lets you sweat up to 15% incline with three intensity levels. It comes with 21 built-in workout programs designed to boost your health and burn fat.
With the lifetime warranty on frame and motor, I think this product gives you great value for your money and fits walker, joggers, and runners.
3. Sole F85 Treadmill
Strong, reliable, treadmill with cooling fans, strong motor and a deck that takes care of your joints.
Serious runners that want their home gym to look professional should take a look at Sole F85. It’s a durable treadmill with a powerful 4.0 chp motor and a thick deck, called the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which supposedly reduce the impact on your joints by 40% compared with running on hard asphalt.
Sole has built up a strong brand in the fitness equipment market and trust their products. You get a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor and deck and five years on the electronics.
The cushioned and shock absorbing belt is large enough for taller athletes with its 20” by 60” size. You can run in 12mph at most and in 15% incline. The weight capacity is 180 kg.
Everything is controlled by the console in front with a blue, backlit, 9-inch LCD and lots of buttons. The console has speakers on each side where you can listen to your favorite music from an MP3 player or such. The treadmill does not have a USB port for uploading more training programs, but it comes with six standard training programs, two custom, and two heart rate programs.
Other features are cooling fans, control buttons on the side arms for speed and incline and heart rate monitor on handles in front. You can also hook up wireless heart rate sensors.
Some say it is the best folding treadmill there is. Check the recent price on Amazon.
4. ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
Reliable, high performance, and comfortable treadmill with 22” wide running deck, good looking console and both incline and decline.
The ProForm Pro 2000 is an excellent treadmill in many ways. It is manufactured by ProForm which has been a leading brand for over 30 years. This machine has several ‘Best buy’ awards and is one of the most bestselling treadmills on the market. But enough of that… Let us look at the features.
The running deck is 60” long and 22” wide which is wider than other brands. It has a folding design and is lighter to lift than many other models. It has great shock-resist technology. The motor is delivering 3.5 chp, and the frame can handle 350 pounds. Both have a lifetime warranty.
The belt speed is 12 mph as many other models. It’s adjustable to 15% incline and 3% decline.
I like the design of the touch console with a 7” display and easy to access buttons. It is iPod, iPhone, and smartphone compatible and has two 3 inch speakers. The Pro 2000 has no USB charger port or headphone jack, which is a small drawback.
With the iFit application, you can download hundreds of other workouts in addition to the preinstalled 24 programs, and run in Google Maps Street view. This is a subscription service thou.
Remember to read through my buying guide checklist at the bottom of the article.
5. Horizon Fitness Elite T9 Treadmill
Easy to use and quiet treadmill for home use built for speed and foldable for easy storage if you have limited space.
If you are looking for a quiet treadmill which is easy to use, easy to stow away, the Elite T9 from Horizon Fitness might be the best choice for you. The 60” long and 20” wide deck is feather-light and easy to lift up when stored. The frame which can handle a 350 lbs runner is sturdy and high quality built.
The motor is a robust and silent johnson motor which doesn’t produce much heat. Therefore, there is no need for noisy cooling fans. It is digitally controlled which start-up and stops more smoothly than other models.
The belt itself has integrated hard wax with excellent traction and don’t need to be routinely lubricated as ordinary belts. That is a big plus for me.
The console in front has a 10” touchscreen that displays data and statistics like time, date, distance, incline, speed, pace, calories and heart rate. With the Passport Virtual Active technology, you can go sightseeing and watch nature fly by in video format on the display in the speed you are running. Kind of cool.
Check out this video to learn more about Virtual Active:
The Elite T9 has an integrated workout-tracking calendar and 44 preinstalled training programs. The handlebars have contact grip heart rate monitor built-in, or you can hook up your Polar chest strap sensor.
Other specifications are the incline range from 0-15% and the speed up to 12 mph. The product has a lifetime warranty on frame and motor with five years on parts and two years of labor.
Buy the Horizon Fitness Elite T9 Treadmill on Amazon. Be sure to check out the other positive user reviews!
6. 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill
The Rolls Royce of treadmills for home use!
If you have a dedicated home gym room and a feel for quality products, the 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill will satisfy your indoor running needs. 3G and Cardio are companies that have over 50 years of experience combined with many 5 star products.
The running machine is commercially-graded and a footprint that is slightly larger than usual home-based treadmills. However, don’t let that stop you from getting this excellent piece of training equipment, you just need to think of where to place it.
It comes with a powerful club rated 4.0 hp motor, and the frame is quite heavy. The max user weight is 400 lbs (181 kg) which will fit most users. The running platform has the longest belt on my list over best treadmills for home use with 62”! The width of the smooth running surface is 22”.
You get heart rate monitor both as contact grip and with wireless chest straps. It also has USB ports and all the basic buttons ready to be pushed on the console. 8 built-in workout programs are waiting for you.
Features like speed up to 12 mph, incline up to 15% and fast acceleration rate which means that it goes up 1 mph in 1.5 seconds tells me that this luxury version of a treadmill is worth the money.
It has a long warranty too with lifetime on both motor and frame and 10 years on parts.
7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Treadmill
Very cheap treadmill for beginners and people with small space.
Pricewise, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Treadmill is in another league than the other treadmills above. If you look at the features and specifications, they are lower as well. But if this is within your budget, it will absolutely do the job. If you feel extra feminine, it comes in pink color too.
The motor delivers 2.2 horsepowers, and the running surface is 15.75” wide and 48.82” long. It is easy to fold when not in use and a soft drop system let you unfold it safely. The maximum runner weight is 220 lbs, and the top speed is 9 mph. Choose between three levels of incline.
It has a large LCD display and nine pre-installed workout programs. To adjust speed, start and stop, it also has control buttons on the handrails.
8. Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Motorized Treadmill
Best seller treadmill on Amazon and so cheap everyone can afford it.
Here is an even cheaper treadmill than the previous one – the Weslo Cadence G5.9. It is a great entry-level machine and suitable for people that don’t have that much space available. It is sturdy and secure with manual incline for running uphill. It is also very useable for long walks and a quick jog. The secure clip stops the machine quickly if you need to.
It comes with a 16” x 50” tread belt and a 2.25 hp impulse motor. The top speed is 10 mph, and since that is faster than most users need it is good enough. Top models use to go to 12 mph.
It has 6 preprogrammed workout programs if you don’t want to set the speed manually on the console. The console is quite small, but all the necessary buttons are available to you.
The Weslo Cadence G5.9 is very competitive among products in this price range and is an Amazon Best Seller with thousands of positive reviews.
9. ProForm Boston Marathon Treadmill
A cool, heavy, and sturdy running machine that will boost your training to the next marathon! With amazing 15 mph top speed, indreicle incline range and futuristic design.
Treadmill design is usually quite traditional and different models tend to look the same. That is not the case for the ProForm Boston Marathon Treadmill. It is the official training treadmill for the Boston Marathon and is basically it is the coolest running machine I have seen so far. The design is gorgeous and the features even so.
It is super heavy which makes it sturdy and with no shaking. It has an impressive incline range up to 20% which is steeper than most other competitors. It also declines down to 6%, and it adjusts quickly. The belt is by the way 62” by 20”, is a non-stretch tread belt with Runner Select impact control. Choose between running on soft ground or hard road simulation.
If you are up to the task, the top speed allows you to run at 15 mph. Everything is powered by a 4.25 continuous horsepower motor.
Onboard marathon training and routes are of course standard and are visible on the 10” full-color touchscreen display. In the last version of this treadmill, you can put on a gadget called the SpeedRing which allows you to change the speed when running without having to hit buttons on the console.
This is truly an impressive machine and a treadmill for the future. The price is quite steep, but if you have a few thousand dollars to spare, you will probably have the best running machine in your neighborhood.
Also Read: 130 Best Running Blogs You Should Read For Inspiration
Let us wrap it up with this product video of the Boston Marathon machine:
What to look for when you want to find the best treadmill for home use
Here are a few things to consider:
-
Spend some time researching the products before you buy. Check user reviews.
- Buy a treadmill from a well-known brand. Use my list for guidance!
- Test the equipment if possible in a store, but it is usually cheaper to buy online.
- Buy a treadmill with a readable display and with buttons that make sense to you. Look at pictures or check the manual.
- A good shock absorption system is necessary that makes the walking and running experience comfortable.
- Check the features! Do you want fans, safety features, heart rate monitoring, and preprogrammed interval programs? Or not.
- Good enough motor! At least 2.0 horsepower, but try to look for a 3.5 or 4 for better durability.
- Is it possible to fold it for later storage if you need to?
- How many degrees of incline and decline do you want?
- Check what the warranty cover of the motor, frame, belt, and electronics.
I hope that gave you some ideas on what to think about. All the treadmills in my list are from reputable brands and considered great products with good enough motor and the features you need.
Also,
Read my treadmill training advice for usage and workout advice.
If you have any questions, concerns or comments, leave them below, and I will answer as quickly as possible. 🙂 Check out my practical infographic belonging to this post on Pinterest.
Please share and link to this article. Run safe!
I have gotten a little lazy recently and have put on quite a bit of weight which lets be honest, isn’t good at all!
I have been looking into home fitness as I would feel more comfortable working out at home rather than being in a gym but my problem is I have never actually used work out equipment! I used to just run and do exercises at home.
Which treadmill would you recommend for someone who is new to fitness equipment?
Hi, Cherilyn. You are not alone. 🙂 Getting in shape can be tough, but running indoor and outside is my favorite training activity.
For beginners, I would recommend that you take a look at number 7, Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400. It is not too expensive. Of course, if you want to put more money into it and have enough space, all the top three on my list are perfectly fine for beginners as well. My favorite is – no surprise – number one which has Wi-Fi and the possibility to entertain you when you run.
Andreas
I found this site to be very interesting. It has a very professional and edgy look, a lot of information about different treadmills and fitness gadgets for people who are very athletic and those who are beginners. It offers detailed information on the best treadmills to use. It even gives the price range of all the treadmills and even tells you the quality of each one. I would highly recommend this website to anyone deciding to purchase a treadmill. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the free E-book.
Thanks for the comment, Shalanda. 🙂 I tried to find something for everyone and products in every price range.
Hi, My daughter has came to me recently and is looking for a treadmill to get fit while the weather is still bad. There is not much space in her room but I think we could fit the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 into her room. Do you have any idea what size of motor is in this treadmill and are spare parts easy to come by worldwide?
Hi! Great question.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 is a good choice if the room isn’t too big. The motor has 2.2 peak horsepower, which is in the lower range, but is powerful enough. I use to recommend that a motor should be at least 2 hp. The treadmill is covered by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty for the frame and a 90-day warranty for parts and labor. Spare parts can be bought from the manufacturer after the warranty period.
Check out the Weslo Cadence G5.9 as well on place 8. About the same size and quite cheap.
Andreas
Good article! I have been a keen runner for a number of years and although running outdoors is more interesting for me most of my running these days is on a treadmill. Due to the cost and space needed for them, I use my local gym instead. I know over time I pay more but they tend to have well-built machines with larger belts. Plus lots of other equipment too! You have given me food for thought, though.
Hi, Rob! Sounds like you have lots of experience with treadmills. Running on them at the gym is absolutely an option, especially if you don’t have the space. But it is also great to be able to just wake up in the morning and go for a run on your own treadmill. 🙂
Andreas
I absolutely love this site. It is very informative and has really opened my eyes as to all what a treadmill can do. There are some many different settings and levels its amazing. I never really paid attention to all that when i went to the gym. Great post!
Thank you! I’m glad you liked my post. 🙂
Only if i had room to put one of these treadmills inside our house. I like how your post was filled with content but at the same time was really structured.I also like your website design, I can get a few ideas from you. Keep up the good work and have a nice day.
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, a treadmill need space. I wouldn’t recommend buying one if you need to tuck it away after every training session. Eventually, it will not get used at all. If you decide to buy one after all there are small but good treadmills like Weslo Cadence G5.9 and Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 (7 and 8 in my list).
Have a nice day you too. 🙂
Wow! Some of these treadmills are built like exotic sports cars with WiFi and full color displays. My temperament and budget leans me towards the more simple machines but that Boston Marathon Model Caught My eye.
I like the advice to try before you buy but I always feel guilty when I try items in a retail store and use the results to buy online. But I still do it anyway. LOL
Hi! The Boston Marathon treadmill is fantastic. I guess it’s not for everyone, but it is an awesome piece of training equipment.
I agree. 😉 I once went to an electronics store to check out a product and ended up buying it online through one of the iPads showcased in the warehouse. I felt a bit guilty as well after that and have only done it once.
Andreas
I am interested in getting a treadmill. I’ve invested in one before but it was so poorly made, I felt like it was hard on my joints. I switched to a recumbent bike. Lol. I don’t think its the same cardio burn though. I want something that I can use that will not be to hard on my legs. Is this something I should expect with all treadmills?
You need a treadmill with cushioning! Not all treadmills have that feature, but many of them do. You can adjust the stiffness of the band to replicate either hard asphalt or softer grounds.
Check out NordicTrack C1650 or Sole F85 which has Cushion Flex Whisper Deck technology.
Andreas
Thanks for such an informative and in-depth review!
One of the things I am always sceptical of with regard to buying a treadmill for home – is what happens when it breaks down, how to get it fixed, how much will the repairs cost etc…
I note some of the treadmills you have reviewed have a lifetime or other sort of warranty but the NordicTrack you listed first doesn’t.
Is it better to go for a machine that does offer a warranty – I have heard from my local small PT gym, that treadmills need a lot of TLC.
Thanks for your help! Its such a tough decision!
This review is very informative and in-depth! My wife and I mostly cycle outside. There are times when the weather is not great for cycling that we exercise in the house. Due to this low level of use for our treadmill, it has lasted a long time. I should note that we don’t run on the treadmill and it is used almost exclusively for walking. Given that picture, which treadmill do you think would be best for us?
Thank you.
Miles
Hi! Cycling is a great activity and one of my favorites as well. Since you are not going to do heavy running on the treadmill you don’t need to have a very large motor or long belt. I would recommend the Weslo Cadence G5.9 for your use. Check out more details here.
Andreas
Hi Andreas, great post!
You have selected some of the best treadmills I know! I use to exercise myself about 2/3 times in a week, but now i’m thinking about buying my own treadmill for me and my husband!
I have only a problem, I don’t have much space for storage and I don’t want to spend a lot of money in a treadmill. Which one do you recommend?
Thank you so much.
Alex
Hi! Thanks for your comment. For people who wants cheap treadmills which are small and easy to store, I tend to recommend the Weslo Cadence G5.9 or the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 (7 and 8 in my list).
If I have to choose between these to I would go for the SF-T4400, but it is a bit more expensive than the also popular Weslo Cadence G5.9.
I hope that was helpfull. 🙂
Andreas
I’ve always preferred the home keep fit options as some of the gyms out there are just too uncomfortable. You know the ones – guys at no more than 5 foot tall with huge compensating arms and chest! There is a unpopular gym near me that I sometimes go to – quite and your left to your own devices! This treadmill options looks like an awesome choices for home fitness!
If you have space, a treadmill is an excellent way to exercise at home. 🙂
Andreas
Great article and I really like your website as I am currently building one on a similar subject. I don’t really have any advice your site works great and is easy to navigate and looks professional good job. I hope my site will look as good when I’m finished. Sorry I can’t offer any advice as I am still in the building stage and aiming to have a site kinda like yours.
Hi! Glad you stopped by anyway. 🙂 Give me a shout when you have your own site up an running.
Andreas
really enjoyed this post. I thought your list of top treadmills was well thought out and gave a good variety of premium and more affordable options. Also appreciated the fact that you have reviews on strength training equipment as well. Will definitely read through those. Would you mind doing a post on the top free standing pull up bars?
Hi Alec! Glad you liked my gym equipment posts as well. 🙂 Good idea! I will try to write a best of post about free standing pull up bars soon.
Andreas
Hi Andreas! What an outstanding comparison review that you did for your readers interested in finding out more info on quality treadmills.
I was amazed at some of the prices for the equipment, mid $3,000s for several models, although without a doubt they are technically advanced.
I am familiar with NordicTrak myself just by brand name as back in the late 1990s/2000’s I owned one of their skiers.
Without a doubt especially in the northeastern part of the U.S. where I resided for most of my life having a treadmill is essential for the athlete training in the winter months and often because of snow/ice on the ground making it impossible to workout outdoors.
You also provided a great source of knowledge near the end of the article when you provided info to the readers about what they must look for when trying to find the best possible treadmill to cover their needs. Especially paying attention to the warranty details regarding each of the components of the machine would be an essential thing to do before purchasing a specific treadmill. Not all warranties are the same.
Jeff
Thanks for the informative comment. The treadmill warranty is important and no warranties are the same as you mention.
Andreas
Your site is one of the best that I have seen on here. You have a niche similar to mine and a layout similar but I am not done with mine still building it because I have 3 other sites I work on to. it takes a lot of time. Anyway, my niche is SUPER COOL GEAR. It focuses on different products other than stuff like soccer balls and normal sports.
I layout my site using amazon products like you but they are items like electric powered skateboards and jet powered surf boards. It is fun I like doing it all as it appear you do to. Your site content is terrific and your ads are place perfectly. It is actually fun scrolling down through your site and I cannot say that about many other sites.
Thanks for your comment! I will check out your site too. 🙂 Super cool gear sounds like a fun thing to write about too.
Andreas
Hi
I am currently training for an Ironman. I do all my running outside currently. But I do a lot of Cycle training indoors as I like the convenience it provides and also the winter weather and dark nights are drawing in. however I am worried Treadmill training does not have the same training effect running out doors provides. Do you think treadmill running is just as good ?
Hi! I guess running on a treadmill gives you the same training experience, but if you have the oportunity to run outside I would probably prefer that. 🙂
Andreas
have been wasting a lot of cash paying for gym without knowing that i can save those money and by my own property and after just reading this article i have found it more useful and it have given me clear guide to what to order and which will be good for me
thanks for the information provided
cheers
Jose
Hi again Jose! I’m happy you like my articles and contribute to my site. 🙂 A treadmill is great for home us if you don’t like or have the possibility to go the gym. If you are a serious runner you should put in a bit of money since the best treadmills that will last longer costs a bit more. Andreas
I absolutely love this site. I run on a treadmill every sing day. But its not listed on here. Its called the “CURVE” i forgot what brand but its not electric powered. You run and it generates power, i think thats how it works. But it allows you to control your pace.
Hi Lorenz! I’ll check out the “Curve” treadmill. A treadmill that lets you control the pace and don’t just run on it’s own actually sounds very clever.
Andreas
I have been holding off on buying a treadmill to figure out what would be best.
Having a list of all the top choices makes it much easier to compare and get information on each for comparison. Your list of things to check for will certainly make the decisions easier as some of the things you mentioned I was not even thinking about such as good shock absorption system and safety features.
It looks like I have some further research to do starting with checking out other parts of your site and equipment.
Thanks for the comment Travis. Research and product comparison is crucial before buying a treadmill. You don’t want to end up with a machine you are not satisfied with.
Andreas
Hi Andreas, as someone who likes to run, but hates to run in cold weather, I’m now looking for a treadmill. So your review is perfect timing! I like that you recommended your top three, but also listed other good options for consideration. And the list of what to look for when wanting to find the best treadmill was so helpful. It made me think of things I hadn’t previously considered. The links and feedback included are really helpful. Thanks! I think I know which treadmill to get. 🙂
Thanks for the kind comment Maggie! It is great to hear that you maybe have found your next treadmill for your home. 🙂
Andreas
Such a useful post. I have been thinking about getting a treadmill but have found the choice quite overwhelming and I really didn’t know where to start! You have definitely helped me a lot in narrowing down my options.
I really like the sound of the Lifespan TR1200I, specifically the price and the fact it folds. Does the fact it doesn’t have a cooling fan matter? Would that have an effect on where I could put it in my home?
Hi! A cooling fan can be useful for running indoors on warm days, but it is not a necessity. Many people solve this by using an external desktop fan or something similar if they need it. You get an affordable and good treadmill in the Lifespan TR1200I. 🙂
Andreas
Thanks for a great review. After reading this the one that stood out most for me is the Horizon Fitness Elite T9 Treadmill for a couple reasons. I do not have an overly large home or a dedicated exercise space. So when I have company I would like to fold my treadmill down. And second its advertised as quiet which would be really nice after owning a treadmill that the neighbors could here (not joking). Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for the comment Joy. The Horizon Fitness Elite T9 is a great treadmill. It is, as you say, important to have a silent treadmill in smaller apartments so you can focus on running and not be afraid of disturbing your neighbors. 🙂 Andreas
Hi Andreas,
That is an amazing list of treadmills to choose from. If you can’t find one there, then you aren’t trying or looking hard enough. I wish I had a treadmill at home right now. Instead of typing I would be on it, lol.
In this world I think people should go for quality first. Buy the best quality you can with the money you can afford. If you cheap out chances are it won’t last. Is that a good strategy?
Thanks for this review of treadmills, really well done.
Thanks for the comment, Peter! Yes, I agree to your strategy – buy the best you can afford. It is with treadmills as with other product you buy – cheaper products are usually not as good as the more expensive ones. But a cheap treadmill is better than nothing. 🙂
Andreas
As a long distance runner, I’m not a big fan of treadmills because no matter how much they put into it to emulate a run, they can’t give you a changing view. I used to run on them until I became a long distance runner and now I get so bored watching the clock that never seems to move. I do think they have a purpose especially when the weather is bad. I don’t know, maybe I need to rethink this and invest in one again.
Hi, Robert! You have a good point. Nothing beats running in the outdoors and feel the ground move under your feet. I myself love running in the woods and not so much on pavement, but on cold days and when the rain is pouring down, a treadmill is an awesome substitute. 🙂 Andreas
Do any of these guarantee that I won’t end up using them to hang my dirty clothes? lol.
I actually LOVE the ones that take you on a virtual hike. That is the best idea ever. I think the next step is that they’re going to upgrade from a screen to the whole virtual experience where you immerse yourself into a nature hike or a journey to any monument.
Sign me up for that! lol nice article. The Horizon Fitness Elite looks like a winner!
Hi Eric! Haha, no guarantees there. 🙂 But if you chose a treadmill that can easily be stowed away it might be less tempting to use it as a laundry rack.
I love the virtual hike idea myself. It’s great to have something to look at and get the feeling that you are going somehwere even if you are standing still.
Andreas
Hey. Thanks for the info. Like you said, the distance to the gym or inclement weather always turns the mood off. I do exercise myself but always take it to the nearest park for my runnings. The thought of a treadmill has crossed my mind. However, the challenge is the small space I have in my crib. Is there something that you can recommend which I can fold or dismantle easily after sessions?
Thanks for the comment, Shepnet. I love the idea of running in parks. I do that myself too. 🙂 Several of the treadmills are easy to store away. Like the LifeSpan TR1200i and the Elite T9. Simply grab the belt part and lift it up. Most of them need a place along a wall or in a closet to lean against. Andreas
I’m probably a few years out from buying a treadmill, mainly because of one of the issues you bring up: the space issue. Even the smallest model you suggest just would not fit right now. But eventually I will want one, and I’ll have to keep some of your suggestions in mind. I know I really like using treadmills at the gym, but don’t really know anything else about them. This article was very informative, and helped me understand what’s out there.
Hi, Shanna! Space is always and issue. Perhaps the number one reason why people don’t buy treadmills. Some of these are easier to stow away than others, so read my list again and check out the ones I point out that is easy to store. Maybe I should write an own article with treadmills that is easy to fold? 🙂 Andreas
Thank you for this review.
I have just started running regularly and I am loving it. But unfortunately I live in an area where there is always raining so I considered I should buy a treadmill for myself.
But there are so many nowadays and I do not know which is the best in price and quality for me.
You post helped me know what kind I am looking for so I would like to thank you.
Thanks for the comment, Albert. I’m so happy I could help. Andreas
Hey Andreas, great informative article on treadmills. I agree that the C1650 NordicTrack is #1. I was surprised by some of the others.
I currently have an S8100 Ancheer. It didn’t make your list. I’d like to know what you think about the S8100? Why didn’t it make your list?
Do you give reviews on any other home exercise equipment? Thanks for sharing.
Hi! S8100 Ancheer is a great treadmill too! I’m planning to update the list soon. Perhaps add some and remove others. My site is mainly about training gadgets like activity trackers, but I tend to write about other sports gadgets and training equipment too. Lots of articles coming up. Andreas 🙂
This is really cool. My wife and I been trying to lose weight for a while now.
We got a gym membership, but don’t ever go because were always working. And when we do go it’s always packed and the machines are all taken up.
So we decided to cancel the gym membership and build an in home gym now. We got most of the equipment and now were deciding on a treadmill.
I am glad i came across this post because you made my decision that much easier. Which treadmill you recommend most?
Definitely sending this to my wife. Great article, very helpful.
Thanks for the comment. 🙂 A home gym is an awesome idea. Let me know how it goes! Andreas
I was looking for a treadmill to workout will i watch Nfl games… this article is really interesting but i have a question between two of the models…
I really liked the sole f85 treadmill because the cooling fans but it seems that the nordictrack c 1650 is the better choice…
Can you tell me it the nordictrack c 1650 has a cooling system?
I sweat a lot and that’s a really problema that a cooling system seems to prevent…
Thanks for an awesome article and hope you have a fantastic day.
Thank you for breaking these down by price. It really depends on what type of budget you are working with when you are trying to get in shape.
While all of these treadmills will get the job done, some are more motivated then others. If you will use the treadmill everyday, a better quality treadmill is recommended.
For the more casual, or slower moving individual, one of the basic options will probably suffice.
Hi Ernest! I share your opinion on that one! But, I must emphasize that a very cheap an basic treadmill might ruin the experience too. I have personal knowledge in buying too cheap. With good and, of course, more expensive treadmills is the chance better that you stay on track and keep working towards your goals. Andreas