If you want to optimize your at-home fitness routine without sacrificing space, consider investing in a folding treadmill. The best folding treadmills are less bulky and more portable than regular treadmills, and many are equipped with powerful functionality and advanced features to enhance your cardio workouts.Some options feature running belts that fold up to a 45-degree angle to save some room, while others collapse entirely to fit under a sofa or into a closet to maximize your floor space. To find the best folding treadmills on the market, we first consulted experts for their advice on which key features to look for when shopping. Then, we compared dozens of top options from popular fitness equipment brands. Finally, we tested 33 expert-approved folding treadmills at home in our various living spaces. When testing treadmills, we evaluate each one for its ease of setup, ease of use, features, foldability, and overall value. We also had a certified personal trainer from ourReview Boardreview this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in folding treadmills and how to properly operate them. Our Top Picks Most Quiet: Easiest to Use: Best for App Connectivity: Best for Small Spaces: Best for Guided Workouts: Best for Walkers: In This Article Our Picks What to Look For How We Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Pros Smooth, quiet operation Very user-friendly Ideal for multiple users Cons Membership required for streaming workouts Can’t download other apps Dimensions: 70.8 L x 34.9 W x 59.7 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 10 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for shared living spaces, since this tread is durable, feature-packed, and ideal for all fitness levels. NordicTrack’s EXP 10i Treadmill is our top overall pick for its user-friendly design, easy folding, various user profiles, and ample comprehensive features. During testing, several users (of varying body types and fitness levels) logged miles on this treadmill—and it remained stable and sturdy regardless of speed or incline. We were impressed by the treadmill’s quiet and smooth operation, allowing us to walk and run without disturbing other housemates. The cushioned belt also provides ample support and shock absorption, even for one tester who is prone to shin splints. A large, swiveling touchscreen displays motivating metrics like speed, distance, calories burned, and more. You can also connect to the compatible iFit app to stream workout classes. Plus, we love that you can create profiles and save workout preferences for different users. Other convenient features include two built-in fans, two cup holders, and a device shelf. The treadmill is easy to fold by simply pulling up the back of the treadmill deck and pushing it until it locks upright. “I like how this treadmill fits everyone in my family. We are all different sizes and workout levels, and it works for all of us!” —Stacey Wegner, Verywell Fit product tester Pros Sturdy and comfortable Very user-friendly Compact and portable Cons Membership required for streaming workouts Small screen Dimensions: 74 L x 35 W x 59 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for users who want a compact, durable treadmill packed with features, all at a comparatively low price point. We love ProForm’s Carbon TLX Treadmill for its intuitive controls, reliable durability, and compact design. Despite being one of the more budget-friendly options we tested, this treadmill proved to be sturdy, comfortable, and loaded with features. Whether walking or running, the belt provides a stable and well-cushioned surface with plenty of give that helps protect against knee or foot pain. This treadmill also boasts a clear display and large buttons that make it easy to view our stats and change the speed or incline mid-workout. And we love using the iFit app for training sessions and workout classes. We found it easy to fold and compact enough for smaller spaces. Still, the belt feels wide and long enough with plenty of room to run hard without fear of missteps. We found folding this treadmill simple and intuitive: Just grab the back edge of the track and start lifting it up until it clicks. “My favorite thing about the treadmill is how comfortable it is to run on. There is definitely a sufficient amount of give in the track that allows me to run further without getting pain in my feet and shins.” —Grant Gordon, Verywell Fit product tester Pros Easy to adjust speed and incline 26 pre-set workouts Large running deck Cons No workout display screen Emergency stop is too sensitive Dimensions: 78 L x 37.6 W x 62.8 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 15% | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for multitasking, whether it’s walking during phone or video calls or in shared home or office spaces. Choosing a quiet treadmill is important to avoid disturbing and distracting yourself or those around you, whether on calls or in a shared space. Not only is Bowflex's BXT8J Treadmill running belt silent, but it also features easy-to-adjust speed and incline settings that remain quiet during transitions. We initially didn't even realize the incline was working because there was no noise. When you’re done with your workout, the treadmill is quick to fold up and wheel to another spot. Although it’s fairly compact, the belt feels wide and long enough for taller users. Plus, there’s plenty of room on the console to hold your water bottle, gym towel, phone, and tablet. We also like that the user-friendly, easy-to-read control panel makes it easy to track your stats. And you can choose from 26 pre-set workout programs. We found it easy and intuitive to fold—all you have to do is lift the back up, and once it reaches a certain spot, the hydraulic kickstand locks it in place. “I think this is a high-end, entry-level treadmill at a really good price. I found this incredibly easy to use, and the belt and motor seemed very high quality.” —Jodi Espinosa, Verywell Fit product tester Pros Easy to adjust speed and incline Smooth, quiet operation No subscription needed Cons Fan angle isn’t adjustable Easy to overshoot target speed and incline Dimensions: 76 L x 37 W x 63 H inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 15% | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best if you want features to make your workouts more enjoyable, like Bluetooth connectivity, integrated speakers, app compatibility, and more. Horizon Fitness’s 7.4 AT Treadmill is feature-packed, making our workouts more convenient and enjoyable. Our favorites include Bluetooth connectivity, a rapid-charge USB port, integrated speakers, and 10 pre-set workout programs. We also love that the one-step hydraulic folding system makes the tread easy to fold up. Beyond nice-to-have features, this treadmill also excels in basic functionality. Quick-dial controls on an arm near the panel enable smooth and quiet speed and incline adjustments, ensuring uninterrupted workouts. And the easy-to-use control panel and media shelf enable us to connect to our devices and apps without needing an added subscription. This treadmill begins to fold automatically as you lift it up. “This treadmill is really loaded with features. I also like how smooth and quick all of its transitions are, as it soundlessly adjusts the incline and speed.” —Riddley Schirm, Verywell Fit product tester Pros Automatically adjusts speed and incline Large, clear touchscreen display Smooth, quiet operation Cons Membership required for streaming workouts Dimensions: 78.5 L x 36 W x 65 H inches | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: -3% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best if you want a high-tech treadmill packed with intuitive features—especially if you’re a runner and want to stream workouts. If you want a feature-packed, easy-to-use treadmill, we recommend NordicTrack’s 1250 Treadmill. Beyond its intuitive design, the tread moves smoothly and quietly, even when changing speed and incline. These settings also automatically adapt based on your workout history. And we love that the running belt is well-cushioned and offers ample room for comfortable, long strides. The treadmill comes with a free 30-day iFit membership, giving you access to various workouts and on-demand studio sessions. We love streaming from the 10-inch touchscreen because it tilts and swivels so we can follow along on and off the treadmill. Another bonus? A pair of four-speed fans keeps us cool during sweaty runs. The treadmill features built-in hydraulics that make it easy to lift and fold. It locks in place when the treadmill deck reaches a 45-degree angle against the console. “It's incredibly easy to use this treadmill. This machine tracks your previous runs and adjusts the incline and speed based on what it assumes would work best for your fitness level. It's quite intuitive, and I love this functionality.” —Stella Yu, Verywell Fit product tester Pros Large, clear touchscreen display Simple and straightforward to connect to apps Easy to fold and transport Cons No digital display for stats Dimensions: 74 D x 31 W x 53 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 10% | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best if you want to track and stream various workouts. Echelon’s Stride-4S+ Treadmill stands out for its metric tracking, connectivity features, and powerful performance—all packed into a compact footprint at a competitive price. It supports many third-party apps, including Strava, Spotify, Netflix, and more, offering endless options for workouts and entertainment. During testing, we found it easy to connect to the apps on the large, swiveling touchscreen display. With auto-fold functionality and built-in transport wheels, the treadmill is easy to fold and move when not in use. We also appreciate the easily accessible speed and incline buttons that are adjustable from the screen and handrails. Plus, the long and wide belt provides comfort and assurance, allowing for worry-free running at various speeds. To fold this treadmill, you simply lift the rear of the base as far as you can until the hydraulic latch clicks into place to lock it. “The ability to access social media, streaming services, and listen to Spotify or Audible out loud or via a connected Bluetooth earpiece is a huge plus to make the experience more entertaining.”—Henry Yung, Verywell Fit product tester Pros Easy to fold and transport Good shock absorption Very user-friendly Cons Limited features Dimensions: 78.5 L x 34.5 W x 58.5 H inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Max Speed: 10 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Best if you live in a small space and prefer a treadmill with straightforward functionality over digital features. We love Life Fitness’s F3 Folding Treadmill for anyone with limited floor space because it's compact and easier to fold than others. In testing, we effortlessly folded up the tread thanks to gas-assisted springs that smoothly lift and lower the deck. After workouts, folding and rolling the treadmill to a new sport using the four transport wheels is a breeze. Despite its portability and compact footprint, this treadmill doesn’t skimp on durability, quality, or performance. It features a shock-absorbing system, which is designed to reduce knee and joint stress. The running belt feels comfy and cushioned, with plenty of room for running. We also like that the tread comes with 15 pre-programmed workouts, as well as a device shelf and two cup holders for your entertainment and refreshments. The treadmill is very easy to fold: simply pull and raise a lever on the side, and it securely locks into place. “My favorite thing about the treadmill is that it’s on the smaller side and not bulky. It is a comfortable run and great for a small space.” —Lauren Coughlin, Verywell Fit product tester Pros No subscription needed for the first three years Large, clear touchscreen display Ideal for multiple users Cons Can’t download other apps Small screen Dimensions: 75 L x 35 W x 64 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best if you enjoy instructor-led classes to stay motivated and engaged during at-home workouts. If you enjoy instructor-led workouts from the comfort of your own home, consider ProForm’s Trainer 12.0 Treadmill. It includes a free 3-year iFit family membership, giving you virtual access to certified personal trainers who lead studio classes while automatically adjusting your speed and incline. We were impressed by the quality of trainers and workouts, which cater to all fitness levels and feature stunning locations worldwide. This treadmill is easy to use (even for beginners) thanks to its user-friendly console and simple folding process. We love the large, high-definition touchscreen for streaming workouts and the powerful dual fans to cool down. Plus, the belt is well-cushioned for comfort and shock absorption during runs. We found it easy to fold the treadmill by grabbing the back of the deck and lifting it up. A support bar locks into place when the treadmill is vertical. “I think this is an all-around great treadmill for everyone: There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts for people of all ability levels. I was also impressed with the quality of the workouts, the coaches, and the beautiful scenery that I was able to take part in during the workouts.” —Nicole Oswald, Verywell Fit product tester Pros Easy to fold and transport No assembly required Budget-friendly Cons Low maximum speed Limited features Dimensions: 62 L x 31 W x 45 H inches | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Max Speed: 8 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 10% | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for avid walkers who want a compact, easy-to-move treadmill for upping their step count at home. Xterra’s WS200 WalkSlim Treadmill is sturdy, durable, and user-friendly. It has all the basic features that fitness walkers need to get in their daily steps. It arrives fully assembled, with no tools required. During testing, we were impressed with its quiet operation and clear LED display, which tracks speed, time, steps, distance, and calories. We appreciate that this treadmill is simple to fold down and compact enough for smaller spaces. Plus, we were pleasantly surprised that we were able to easily move it from one room to another, thanks to the smooth transport wheels. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly options on our list, making it a solid steal for walking more in your daily routine. We found it easy to fold the treadmill by folding the arms down and then collapsing the entire console so the treadmill lays flat. “The machine is super easy to use—I just turn it on and go. The speeds go up and down quickly, and the machine is fairly quiet. Moving it around is extremely easy due to the wheels.”—Sabrina Szriftgiser, Verywell Fit product tester To find the best folding treadmills, we tested 33 options from top, trusted fitness equipment brands. Our testing process spanned 112 hours, during which we assessed each treadmill based on the following critical criteria: We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting for this story. Some helped us better understand why users might opt for a folding treadmill and what features to look for when shopping. Others helped us inform our testing process. While we always choose products independently, expert insights help inform our decisions. Folding treadmills offer compact convenience for at-home workouts, making it easier to reap the health benefits of running or walking, such as lower blood pressure. They can be easily stored and transported in small spaces when folded. They're also more cost-effective compared to regular treadmills yet provide similar functionality and features for diverse fitness needs. Yes. Most folding treadmills are just as effective as regular treadmills since foldability has very little to do with a treadmill’s ability to deliver a good workout. It’s more important to consider factors like incline, speed, and added features, which will determine the quality and effectiveness of your workout. An avid runner, certified running coach, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, loves researching and testing the latest and greatest fitness equipment and gear. Her decades of running experience and training athletes have helped her understand the value of using the best gear and products for optimal performance and comfort. Although she prefers running outdoors, she enjoys doing interval workouts on the treadmill.Best Overall
NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
How It Folds
Most Valuable Insight
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
How It Folds
Most Valuable Insight
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
How It Folds
Most Valuable Insight
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
How It Folds
Most Valuable Insight
Easiest to Use
Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
How It Folds
Most Valuable Insight
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
How It Folds
Most Valuable Insight
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
How It Folds
Most Valuable Insight
Best for Guided Workouts
ProForm Trainer 12.0 Treadmill
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
How It Folds
Most Valuable Insight
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
How It Folds
Most Valuable Insight
What to Look for When Shopping for a Folding Treadmill
How We Tested the Folding Treadmills
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of folding treadmills?
Are folding treadmills as effective as regular treadmills?
Why Trust Verywell Fit
FAQs
Are folding treadmills worth it? ›
While they take up less space than their more stationary counterparts, folding treadmills are sturdy pieces of exercise equipment that offer an excellent workout. The Nordictrack Commercial 2450 is an investment, but if you plan to max out the virtual workouts, you've created a full-fledged home gym.
How much space do you need for a home treadmill? ›The ASTM (formerly called the American Society for Testing and Materials), recommends having at least 19.7 inches of open space on each side of the treadmill as well as 78 inches behind it with no obstructions. Many brands, like NordicTrack and Horizon Fitness, also include suggested spacing in their owners' manuals.
What is the disadvantage of folding treadmill? ›They're Not Very Durable. One of the main disadvantages of using a folding treadmill is that they're not very durable. This is especially true for the cheaper models on the market.
Can you run on folding treadmills? ›Yes, you can run on a compact treadmill. However, remember that not every compact treadmill offers the same speed levels, so check out the maximum speed for your treadmill of choice to ensure it goes as high as you would like for your cardio workouts.
Is a walking pad better than a treadmill? ›For individuals with health or physical limitations, the choice between a walking pad and a treadmill can be significant. Walking pads, being low-impact and generally having a lower maximum speed, are often better suited for older adults, those with joint issues, or anyone returning to exercise after an injury.
Are folding treadmills as good as non folding? ›The main difference that any folding and non-folding treadmill comparison is likely to highlight, will be how stable and sturdy the deck is. As a larger and fixed deck machine, a non-folding treadmill will operate at high speeds, with incline, with the heaviest of users, without wobbling or shaking.
Where is the best place to keep a treadmill in your house? ›Put your treadmill in the living room. If you don't have a spare bedroom or office, put your treadmill in your living room. Folding models don't take up much floor space when not in use. Conceal it under a pretty cloth cover, or hide it behind a screen or plants.
Where should a treadmill be placed in a small room? ›Choose a Folding Treadmill
Tuck it in a corner, under the bed, or even in a closet. This convenience creates the perfect balance between a home gym and a living space.
Storing your home treadmill in the garage could expose it to more elements like dust and even void certain warranty stipulations. There is also the fear of flooding in basem*nts. These factors can shorten the life of your treadmill compared to it being in a temperature-controlled environment.
What should I look for in a folding treadmill? ›Folding: A quality folding treadmill will have a sturdier design for light running, additional features such as hydraulic assistance to easily fold it down for quick and easy storage, a convenient heart rate monitor, and compatibility with a wider range of health and fitness apps.
What equipment is better than a treadmill? ›
Both pieces of equipment will give you a heart-pumping aerobic workout. But while a treadmill can improve running performance and build endurance, the elliptical is better for improving overall muscle strength and coordination, Coronel says.
What are the benefits of a foldable treadmill? ›- Space-Saving Design. ...
- Easy Storage. ...
- Easy to Transport. ...
- Affordable Pricing. ...
- Quality Construction. ...
- Increased Safety. ...
- More Stable. ...
- Greater Incline Options.
Yes. Most folding treadmills are just as effective as regular treadmills since foldability has very little to do with a treadmill's ability to deliver a good workout. It's more important to consider factors like incline, speed, and added features, which will determine the quality and effectiveness of your workout.
Should I get a folding treadmill? ›When deciding between a folding or non-folding treadmill, some factors to consider include space availability, portability, stability, and incline experience. If you have limited home gym space, a folding treadmill gives you the option for a cardio workout routine without monopolizing the room.
Are walking pads worth it for weight loss? ›It's simple – when you walk, you burn calories, and burning more calories than you consume leads to weight loss. The Numbers: A brisk 30-minute walk on a walking pad can burn around 150 calories. Do this daily, and you're on your way to creating a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss.
What are the cons of a curved treadmill? ›Cons for Curved Treadmill Running
Curved treadmills don't provide the vertical force oscillation necessary to help with replicating maximal speed development, and can't provide acceleration postures necessary for short sprinting.
The manual treadmill can help you expend more energy and give you that high-intensity burst that's an integral component of interval training, while a motorized treadmill can help build your running economy or provide a much-needed recovery.