These Are The 8 Best Folding Treadmills To Keep Moving At Home
The best folding treadmills are designed to provide an effective workout without taking up too much space in your home or apartment. Best-selling models use large displays, Bluetooth speakers and live classes to deliver an inviting experience that encourages you to train consistently. Our top pick for 2024 is the NordicTrack Commercial 1250, a full-size model that our expert tester says is comfortable, immersive and easy to store after use. In addition to the 1250, this guide suggests seven other folding treadmills for runners and walkers looking for efficient home workouts.
While our top pick is a full-size model, compact folding treadmills come in many shapes and sizes, so we recommend measuring your space to understand what will (and won’t) fit. All in all, our team of fitness editors and contributors researched and evaluated over 20 folding treadmills. We also personally tested three of the top-ranking models. The team includes fitness and gear editor Cam Vigliotta as well as senior strategy editor and ACE-certified personal trainer Katie Simpson. We were able to narrow the contenders down to the eight best folding treadmills of 2024. For more guidance on home gym machines, we’ve also reviewed the best treadmills of 2024, the best walking pads and the best treadmills for runners.
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Best Folding Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1250
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Best Value Folding Treadmill: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT
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Best Compact Folding Treadmill For Small Spaces: Xterra Fitness TR150
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Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000: Horizon Fitness T101
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Best Folding Treadmill For Running: Bowflex Treadmill 22
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Best Folding Treadmill For Walking: ProForm City L6
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Best Quiet Folding Treadmill: Sole F80 Foldable
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Best Folding Treadmill For Beginners: Go Plus 2-In-1 Folding Treadmill
Best Folding Treadmill Overall
Capable, Compact And Complete With A Few Noteworthy Features
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
Dimensions: 78.5 x 35.6 x 64.7 inches | Max user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0.0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -3 to 12%
Pros:
- Versatile speed and incline range
- More storage-friendly than others on this list; folds to nearly half its size
- Comes with complimentary 30-Day iFIT trial
Cons:
- More expensive than other models on this list
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 may not be the brand’s top-of-the-line treadmill, but it masters the basics and tosses in a few extra features, all while folding away compactly when it’s not in use. Boasting a 10-inch HD touchscreen that tilts and pivots, it offers unparalleled access to interactive workouts and routines whether you’re running on the platform or stretching off to the side. With ActivePulse and AutoAdjust technology, your workout intensity dynamically responds to your performance, providing a seamless and customized experience.
Designed for comfort and performance, the Commercial 1250 features a low step-up height, a spacious 20 x 60-inch tread belt and an AutoBreeze fan to keep you cool during those intense sessions. Its powerful 3.0 CHP motor and 12% incline to -3% decline capabilities with 31 levels of adjustability ensure a challenging yet comfortable workout for users of all abilities. And with premium audio speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and a 30-Day iFIT trial included, it integrates entertainment and technology seamlessly, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking a versatile, compact, space-saving machine.
What our editors say: “The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 has everything you need in a folding treadmill—a big screen to watch your favorite shows while you work out, a fan that keeps you cool and plenty of adjustment levels for athletes of all abilities,” explains Vigliotta. “If that weren’t enough, the fact that it folds away when you’re done means you don’t have to sacrifice space to get a comprehensive workout. It’s the best of both worlds, and one of the best folding treadmills on the market right now.”
Best Value Folding Treadmill
A Model That Blends Price And Practicality
Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT
Dimensions: 76.5 x 36 x 59 inches | Max user capacity: 325 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 12 mph | Incline range: o to 15%
Pros:
- Affordable
- Connects to companion apps like Peloton and Zwift
- Versatile incline and speed range for any workout
Cons:
- No built-in touchscreen
- Heavy; not easy to move after setup
This may not be the cheapest treadmill on the market, but if you’re a serious runner that requires a treadmill with an incline that can also handle high running speeds, the cheapest treadmills out there simply won’t cut it. Unlike other models in this price range, which tend to be better suited for walking and jogging with minimal or no incline, the Horizon 7.0 AT has a speed range of o.5 to 12 mph and an incline range of 0 to 15% so it’s suitable for serious runners. It features easy-to-use quick dials to adjust its speed and incline, it can handle up to 325 pounds and the design utilizes a three-zone variable response cushioning system to support comfortable, consistent running for miles on end.
The treadmill seamlessly syncs to an iPad or Android tablet so you can connect it to apps like Peloton or Zwift, or run while listening to music or streaming movies. This clever machine also employs convenient thumb dials on the hand grips so you can quickly toggle speed and incline without breaking your stride or fussing around with a clunky console.
What our editors say: “Treadmills like the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT don’t win many awards, but they’re great for people who need a value-driven treadmill that does what it’s supposed to and saves space when it’s not in use,” says Vigliotta. “It doesn’t feature a touchscreen display or Bluetooth connectivity, but these are luxuries that drive up the sticker price—if you don’t truly need them, pick up this treadmill and spend the money you saved on new running shoes.”
Best Compact Folding Treadmill For Small Spaces
A Compact, Entry-Level Machine For Basic Exercise
Dimensions: 63.4 x 28.75 x 51.4 inches | Max user capacity: 250 pounds | Speed range: 0.0 to 10 mph | Incline range: 3 manual settings
Pros:
- Compact; good for smaller homes and apartments
- Under $500
- Fitted with everything beginners need
Cons:
- Not a lot of deck cushioning; not the best choice for running
The Xterra TR150 serves as a great compact solution for fitness enthusiasts seeking quality performance at an entry-level price point. With its small folding design and a powerful 2.25 HP motor, this treadmill offers an impressive range of features tailored for those looking to save both money and space.
Boasting a speed range up to 10 mph and three levels of manual incline, the TR150 delivers basic versatility to accommodate various workout intensities. Its user-friendly console, complete with a 5.1 by 1.3-inch LCD display, effortlessly tracks essential metrics such as program details, time, speed, distance, calories and pulse. With 12 preset programs and direct speed buttons, you can easily customize your workouts to meet your goals. Plus, with a folding frame and compact dimensions, including a folded dimension of just 28.5 x 28.75 x 61 inches, it represents the epitome of space-saving convenience.
What our editors say: “If you live in a small home or apartment with limited space and want to make the most of at-home workouts, a compact, folding treadmill is a great solution,” says Vigliotta. “While the TR150 may not support long runs due to its firm belt, it’s perfect for quick workouts at a moment’s notice.”
Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000
An Mid-Level Model That Works For Most People
Horizon Fitness T101
Dimensions: 70 x 34 x 55 inches | Max user capacity: 300 pounds | Speed range: 0.5 to 10 mph | Incline range: 0 to 10%
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Beginner-friendly
- Heart rate monitor in hand grips
Cons:
- Deck may be too small for taller people
- No built-in screen
You’ll be hard-pressed to find another treadmill that offers as much as the Horizon Fitness T101 at this price point. Clocking in at a compact 20 by 55 inches when folded, it’s on the smaller side but still manages to have key essentials like a 2.25 horsepower motor, 10 mph speed capacity and incline angle of up to 10%. Heart rate is measured through the hand grips, and a small built-in fan helps keep you cool through strenuous workouts. Add in an easy-to-use center console, 30 preset workout programs and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you play audio from your phone through built-in speakers, and you have a seriously impressive treadmill for a shockingly low price.
The weight capacity, speed and incline ranges aren’t as impressive as the NordicTrack Commercial 1250, nor does this model have a large screen that can connect with streaming services (however, there is a device holder where you can mount your own phone or tablet). But, given that it’s a fraction of the price, it’s probably the best deal you’ll find out there.
What the experts say: “If you’re looking for an affordable option that can still deliver an effective workout, the T101 is a great choice,” says Simpson. “It might not be the best pick for all runners since the speed range is limited to 10 mph, but for beginners or anyone looking to get a moderate to high-intensity workout in, it more than gets the job done.”
Best Folding Treadmill For Running
A Full-Size Model That’s Packed With Features
Bowflex Treadmill 22
Dimensions: 85 x 39.6 x 70 inches | Max user capacity: 440 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 12 mph | Incline range: -5 to 20%
Pros:
- Wide speed and incline range
- Above average weight limit
- Variety of entertainment and class options to choose from
Cons:
- Expensive
- Larger model than others; not as space-saving
Unlike so many high-end treadmills that won’t budge once they’ve been installed, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 has the ability to fold away when it’s not in use, making it a perfect pick for runners in need of lots of high-end features. It would be unreasonable to expect a machine of this size and stature to fit underneath a bed or inside a closet, but when the treadmill’s incline is dropped to -5%, the running deck easily folds up to decrease the overall footprint of the machine by more than 40%.
The Bowflex 22 is a beast of a running machine that is well-suited for both serious runners and newbies alike. It can handle up to an impressive 440 pounds of weight (most machines max out around 250 pounds), and it has larger incline angles and speed ranges than virtually every other treadmill on the market. Add in loads of fun features like the ability to take instructor-led classes or watch Netflix and Hulu, plus a smart, intuitive design that allows you to adjust speed and incline without breaking your stride, and you have yourself one incredible folding treadmill.
What our experts say: “Whether you’re logging a few miles to stay in shape through winter or training for a marathon, the Treadmill 22 will most certainly meet your needs. As a commercial-quality piece of equipment, it’s versatile and ready to perform,” says Cassandra Brooklyn in our comprehensive review of the Bowflex Treadmill 22.
Best Folding Treadmill For Walking
A Compact Model For Basic Movements
Dimensions: 70.25 x 29 x 44.5 inches | Max user capacity: 250 pounds | Speed range: 0 to 8 mph | Incline range: N/A
Pros:
- Quiet motor
- Easy to store; folds nearly flat
- More compact than other options
Cons:
- No incline
- Self-assembly can be tricky
The
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