What is the best treadmill for home use? Tough question, right?
Well, let me tell you something: It isn’t.
Because I have done all the heavy lifting for you! I’ve read next to fifty different product descriptions, countless user feedbacks – and I’ve physically tried a fair share of treadmills as well.
All of this to come up with a list of the top three treadmills for home use.
UPDATED 2024: Due to its superb value, costing less than 500 bucks – a fourth treadmill has been added to the list.
Here’s a quick look at them:
- NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill: THE EDITORS CHOICE
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill
- XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
- Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Contents
Comparisons Table Of The Best Treadmill For Home Use
The Ultimate Buyers Guide to Purchasing a Treadmill For Use at Home
Your first priority when finding the best treadmill is evaluating your own fitness needs and goals.
This might seem pretty basic, but way too many people end up with the “wrong” treadmill as they skip past this step.
Although a particular treadmill you evaluate might be well constructed with a great motor and a fancy HD touch panel – it may be a bad fit if the running mat is too small to accommodate your stride…
Do you see my point?
So:
It is advisable to examine any special needs you might have so that you can approach your search for the best treadmills from an informed perspective.
Here are some guidelines for you to follow before purchasing a treadmill for home use:
Cost of The Treadmill
The treadmill’s cost is perhaps the most important thing of all in helping you narrow down, which is the best treadmill for you:
If you are like me, the first thing you do before digging deep into each model is filter on price. Treadmills are available at a wide range of prices, so knowing your budget can really help you limit your search considerably!
It is regularly said that you get what you pay for – some of the best-recommended treadmills are those with incredible hi-tech features. But don’t assume that a smaller budget will limit your options.
There are loads of models out there at affordable prices offering more than enough finesse for an “average Joe”!
The Running Mat Size
What is your height, and how long are your legs?
While it might sound ridiculous, this is one of the essential questions when finding a treadmill that perfectly fits YOUR needs.
The running mat size of a treadmill differs from one machine to another. Taller people usually have a longer stride, requiring more space for convenient running. Pretty obvious, or what?
You should know that exercising will be no fun if you can’t stretch your legs properly!
Maximum Capacity of the Treadmill
Many of us purchase a treadmill to burn excess fat and shape up.
But if you are overweight, it is recommended for you to choose a treadmill that will be able to carry your weight while still serving you with a good workout.
Most machines specify their maximum capacity – be sure the treadmill you choose can carry your load while still providing the features it is supposed to!
** If you are in the market for a treadmill with a high weight capacity, you should read my best treadmill for heavy person review.
Treadmill Motor Power
Do you want to walk, jog, run, or SPRINT?
Are you a guerrilla cardio kind of guy/ girl loving those HIIT workouts?
Treadmills are available with a wide variety of different motor powers. While a lower horsepower motor will probably be cheaper, you will need a motor of at least 2.0 HP to support regular running.
I usually recommend people buy a machine with a higher horsepower motor. This will provide you with the opportunity to do both light strolls and heavy HIIT.
Just think about it:
It’s frustrating if you two years down the line want to do sprints, but your treadmill does not support it.
Treadmill Electronics and Treadmill Display Console
Display consoles vary a lot from manufacturer to manufacturer. What makes for a good console depends a lot on you.
Do you get bored easily with your workouts?
Then a treadmill console that lets you change between 11 workout programs is better than one with 4!
Your treadmill should be equipped with enough features to keep YOU motivated to use it!
What suites you might not be the perfect fit for your neighbor.
Slope Level / Incline
The incline is another crucial treadmill part to think about.
Cheaper models generally only have two or three slope levels, and you will need to adjust it by hand (placing books under the treadmill is generally not a good idea).
The better models are equipped with “automatic slope” (also named “electric slope”). This suggests they have an added small motor to raise it up and down while you jog.
When I think about it:
The capacity for a treadmill to incline is one of its most valuable attributes! It enables you to carry out hill training regardless of where you reside.
And it certainly brings a whole new element to your workout!
Space Required
Space is an important consideration when choosing a treadmill for your home.
Some treadmills require quite a bit of space, and you might later hate the machine if it dominates your home!
So if you have little space, choose one of the folding models available.
After your workout, easily fold it and roll it into a dark corner of your home.
Other Factors
You should test the stability of the brand of your treadmill while wearing your workout shoes and clothes.
A shaky and unstable ride is not good!
The handle rails should be sturdy enough to support the user’s weight, and the belt should also be wide and long enough for your strides.
If you cannot test the machine, be sure to read the specifications before making the purchase thoroughly!
Now:
2024 Reviews of the Best Treadmills for Home Use
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive deep into each model and find out which is YOUR perfect fit:
NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill
THE EDITORS CHOICE
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill is a well-built machine with all of the features you’d want in a quality cardio machine.
The machine is equipped with a 2.6 CHP motor and can get you to a running speed of 10 mph and provide an incline of up to 10%.
This treadmill motor also provides smooth and quiet operation.
The large running surface uses the FlexSelect cushioning system normally found on most NordicTrack treadmills. This cushioning system imparts a soft surface that is easy on the joints but can also be set to offer a firm surface more like running outdoors.
Quick Facts:
- Length: 73″.
- Width: 35.75”.
- Height: 67.5″.
- Running surface: 20″ x55″.
- Item weight: 203 lbs.
- Max user weight: 300 lbs.
The features:
- Heavy-duty drive system featuring the 2.6 hp motor that delivers a pleasant and powerful drive system with self-cooling capability.
- The balanced non-flex rear rollers assist in extending the motor and drive system’s life and reduce wear and tear on the tread belt.
- This machine accommodates walking, jogging, and running speeds up to 10 mph.
- Quick adjustment of the inclination between 0 and 10% to target specific muscle groups and burn more calories.
- One-touch controls adjust your speed and angle of inclination in seconds at the touch of a button.
THE PROS
- Affordable price.
- It has pace saver features for small spaces.
- EasyLift Assist tech provides easy folding.
- A cushioned deck protects the joints.
- Embedded with speakers to play music.
- 20 workout programs available on the machine.
- Quiet and efficient operation.
- Powerful motor with good speed.
- The display is easy is read.
THE CONS
- The power cord is not more than 4-foot in length.
- It has no fan to keep you cool.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill
THE BEST BUDGET TREADMILL FOR HOME USE
So, it’s time for the best budget treadmill:
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill offers all of the necessary features for a fantastic cardio workout with any and everything all at-home fitness enthusiasts could wish for.
This machine is a reliable, well-built home treadmill with a nice 2.20 HP motor that provides a smooth and convenient running experience.
This motor allows you to run up to 9 mph with incremental adjustments of 0.1 mph. The speed can be controlled from the console with quick adjustments, or you can use the convenient controls on the handgrips allowing you to maintain your full concentration.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill also provides three incline levels so that you can adjust your intensity to burn those excess calories.
This Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 treadmill has made exercising in the comfort of your own home easy, convenient, and fun.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 47″.
- Width: 27”.
- Length: 62″.
- Running surface: 16″ x 49″.
- Item weight: 103 lbs.
- Max user weight: 220 lbs.
The features:
- The 2.20 HP drive system powers the treadmill from 0.5 to 9 mph capability with 0.1mph increments.
- It has quick speed buttons to automatically jump to 2, 4, and 6 mph or use convenient handrail control keys to start, stop and adjust the speed.
- It can be folded up and moved easily with transport wheels for quick storage.
- The Soft drop mechanism guarantees safe, hassle-free unfolding every time.
THE PROS
- Provides all the fantastic features of high-end treadmills at a low price.
- Free folding and unfolding are very easy every time.
- Built-in hand grip pulse sensors are included to monitor your heart rate in real-time during workouts.
- 9 pre-defined workout programs along with manual mode to help you in achieving your fitness goals.
- Quick speed buttons, using them you can easily change from walking to jogging to running.
THE CONS
- This Sunny model has a narrow and short track of dimension 15.75″ x 48.82″, which may create a problem for a tall user.
- The product accommodates low weight capacity and a shorter warranty of 3 years on frame and 90 days for other parts and components.
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCKS
XTERRA is one of Dyaco International’s products, a worldwide leading company that specializes in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of commercial and home fitness equipment.
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill combines the comfort, quality, and performance you desire with the flexibility of a machine that can be easily folded up and stored away.
This machine is specifically designed for the home environment; the TR150 has numerous thoughtful features developed with your performance and comfort in mind.
The console was designed for easy utilization while still providing you with all the features you deserve:
A large LCD displays the necessary workout feedback. The intuitive button layout incorporates Direct access speed buttons for quick access to your favorite speeds – this is great for interval training!
The incorporated bookrack and accessory holders keep your reading material, remote control, and anything else you want close by, right where you need it.
The handgrip pulse sensors are conveniently mounted on the side handlebars to help keep you in your training zone.
The features:
- The 2.25 HP motor is covered by a full year motor warranty.
- Large 16″ x 50″ walking, jogging, or running surface.
- The Large 5″ LCD display output is effortless to read and keeps you updated on all the required information (speed, incline, time, distance, calories, and pulse).
- Speed range of 0.5 -10 mph allows for users of all fitness levels.
- Three manual incline settings allow for maximum variety of slope.
- 12 preset programs offer unique variety for your workouts, or just use the manual program.
- Direct access speed buttons enable instant access to speeds from 1mph to 9mph.
- Handgrip pulse sensors are mounted on the side handlebars, and these keep you in your training zone and achieving your goals.
- XTRASoft Cushioned Deck technology delivers maximum impact absorption, minimizing the stress on your joints and providing a more comfortable and pleasant workout.
THE PROS
- Assembling is very easy.
- It can be folded.
- It incorporates 12 workout programs.
- XTRASoft Cushion Deck for Impact Absorption.
- Three manually adjustable incline options.
- Speed adjustment increments of 0.1 MPH, which makes it possible to find the perfect pace for your workout.
- Quick asses to keys for speed adjustment for the 1-9 speed settings.
- The machine has low power consumption.
- It also has a Tablet holder.
- Twelve preset workout programs are present for the trainer.
THE CONS
- The console has no backlight.
- The calories reading is not efficient.
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
THE BEST TREADMILL FOR HOME USE UNDER 500
Although my reviews usually are a collection of the three best models – I just had to add a fourth one to this review.
The reason:
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill with Dual Display!
With this Goplus model, you will get a smart 2 in 1 machine – perfect for use either at the office or in your living room.
With a 2,25 HP motor and a maximum speed of 12 km/h – you can use this treadmill for both walking and running.
This treadmill is simply loaded with innovative technology and features created with one goal in mind: To make it the perfect home treadmill!
And I must say they hit the bullseye.
And the best part:
It cost under 500 dollars. That is just crazy!
Quick Facts:
- Height: 49″.
- Width: 27”.
- Length: 42″.
- Running surface: 16″ x 40″.
- Item weight: 103 lbs.
- Max user weight: 265 lbs.
Here is a quick summary of some of the cool features:
- Innovative 2 in 1 design! It can be used as an under the desk treadmill for taking walks while working or an ordinary treadmill for running.
- Powerful and super-quiet 2,25hp motor.
- Spacious 7 layer non-slip, shock-absorbing, ultra-quiet running surface.
- Non-complicated LED display.
- Remote control for easy speed adjustment and safety key for quick treadmill shut-down.
- Built-in Bluetooth speaker.
- Practical phone holder.
- Super compact and easy to store.
- Smart and beautiful touch screen on the armrest.
THE PROS
- Genius 2 in 1 design. It can be used to run in the living room or walk while working at the office.
- Amazing price!
- It becomes ultra-compact when folded. Easy to store away.
- Quiet motor and belt, perfect for home use.
- Excellent shock-absorbing surface.
- Thousands of customers love the treadmill!
THE CONS
- If the treadmill is primarily for home use, I find it hard to find any cons. The only would be that the display might be a bit too low on finesse for some.
Final Words: Did You Find Your Perfect Home Treadmill?
What is the best treadmill for home use?
Did you find the answer, and are you ready to splash the cash?
If your answer is NO – don’t worry…
There are literally hundreds of different models available at Amazon and your local gym hardware shop. Some cost a fortune, while others are pretty affordable.
But what they all have in common is their ability to provide you with a daily dose of cardio – something that can prolong your life and also do wonders for your mental health!
Some other models to consider are:
- Lifespan TR1200-DT5 Treadmill Desk.
- Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill.
- ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill.
- ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill.
- Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill.
- Merax JK1603E Easy Assembly Folding Electric Treadmill.
- LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill.
- Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill.
- Sole F65 Swift.
The cheaper alternative would be to consider one of the best manual treadmills. They cost WAY less but are still a good option.
Or if you are a runner searching for the perfect in-house running track, maybe one of these best affordable treadmills for runners will be a better match?
NO, SHOW ME SOMETHING ELSE INSTEAD!!!
Well – then you should check out my monster resource dedicated to at-home cardio archive, LOADED with tips, reviews, and equipment guides!