The Ultimate Buying Guide To Best Treadmills

This guide for the best treadmill was put together by research, user testing and reviews. Some use researching to find the product they are looking for. Other shoppers make the mistake by buying impulsively, which may cause them to make a purchase that is not suitable for their needs.

Many of the treadmills in this article have features that are often deemed as essential when looking for a treadmill. In addition, many of these treadmills offer modern apps that work with smart devices. We only review the treadmills that give you the most utility.

Throughout this article, you should have a clear understanding of what you want in a treadmill. We've found and compiled our information from verified sources to give you a clear and concise review. Also, we've used consumer opinions to fill in the gaps that we may have missed in our review.

*Notice: On mobile devices, scroll right to see entire table

What Are The Best Treadmills For Running?

Here are a few aspects to consider when you are out shopping for a treadmill.

Self-Folding System

Treadmills that can fold themselves allow users to store the treadmill after using it. It offers the advantage of being compact and mobile.

Most self-folding treadmills come with rolling wheels for easier transportation. When folding, the wheels make it easier for the user to push the treadmill towards their desired direction. For people who have limited space within their households, this is a great alternative.

Self-Folding System

The issue that comes with self-folding treadmills is the lack of quality. Since the treadmill is foldable, it lacks some features that advanced treadmills have. Since they aren’t stationary, manufacturers have yet to create a mobile treadmill that has the power to run intense exercises.

Durability is another issue when looking at self-folding treadmills. Users report that the treadmill belts are of low-quality. This is dangerous because an unsteady belt causes slips when in use. To prevent this, constant lubrication is needed to keep the belt aligned right. Proper maintenance is necessary when dealing with this form of treadmill.

Yet, self-folding treadmills offer a large benefit in maneuverability. Some shoppers find it useful to have a treadmill that they can take with them. It’s one of the best treadmills for running because it’s easy to install and uninstall for a quick workout.

Vibration Resistance

The fastest way to cause an injury is through vibration. Vibration throws a user off because it makes the exercise a dangerous affair. The user’s motion is received, but in a manner, that is harmful towards them. Make sure that your treadmill offers vibration resistance so that you can ride safely.

Vibration is an annoyance because it increases the noise while working out. Imagine yourself riding a treadmill and then you hear a whirring sound. As you begin to run, the sound comes off even louder. Because of this, vibration is a disturbance and can destroy one’s workout plan.

Your experience is the most important thing to keep in mind. If a treadmill is too loud, it can ruin said experience in an instant. Vibration is the most common problem amongst treadmill users because the loud noises make it awkward to exercise properly.

Fortunately, there are methods that reduce the vibration in your treadmill. High-quality treadmill mats offer support and protection against loud vibrations. This allows you to enjoy a smooth and quiet ride when using a treadmill.

If you are experiencing this issue, plan on buying a mat replacement. It’s a treadmill accessory that allows the user to work without the annoying vibrations. After that, remove the previous mat from the treadmill. Then, add the new mat onto the belt so that you can experience a noise free workout.

Treadmill Size & Workout Space

Check out the size of a treadmill when looking at a treadmill that works for you. Measuring your floor space makes it easier to get a treadmill that fits with your home. If considering a folding treadmill, check the dimensions (L x W x H).

Treadmill Size

Understanding the dimensions of the treadmill makes you a more informed shopper. It allows you to find out the space needed for it to run in your home. Shoppers who forget this rule are making a huge mistake. You’ll need to find the dimensions so that you don’t risk getting a treadmill that won’t fit.

Remember that your running space is another important decision when getting a treadmill. For wide belt runners, a 22” wide belt is recommended. If you plan on walking, then a 20” wide belt is a good choice. While you can run on 20”, it leaves less room for you to commit errors.

Here is a rule of thumb. Walkers require a minimum of 50” to operate correctly. If you are considering running, then a 55” treadmill size is recommended. For users that are over 6 feet tall, plan on buying at a size of 60” to get the most out of a treadmill.

A question shoppers commonly ask is “How big is a home treadmill?”.

Standard treadmills are 3 feet wide and 7 feet long. Other treadmills are shorter, but provide the same quality when in use. Make sure to measure the workout space before buying a treadmill. If you are low on space, consider getting a foldable treadmill that you can store easily in your home.

Treadmill Reviews

Check out the reviews of the treadmill you desire before purchasing. The reviews give insight on the treadmill in all aspects. For instance, the pros and cons are spoken in high detail. Reading customer reviews makes you more of a rational shopper when it comes to buying the treadmill that you need.

Find the top rated positive and critical reviews when searching. This gives you a quick perspective of what you are going to get out of the treadmill. If the negative reviews outweigh the positives, plan on looking for a different treadmill.

Lastly, try to find out exactly what the customer likes about the treadmill. Some reviews are vague, meaning that the reviewer displays limited knowledge about the product they are using. We suggest reading multiple reviews to understand the average expectations when using that specific treadmill.

Give Your Treadmill A Test Drive

It’s a smart choice to try out a treadmill before placing it in your home. Shoppers who forget this often receive treadmills that don’t meet their standards. Test the treadmill in person and buy it online to make the most rational decision.

Treadmill Test Drive

When testing out your treadmill, ask questions in regards to its usage, lifespan and if it comes with a warranty. You’ll want to know these aspects before buying a treadmill. These aspects give you a clear understanding on what you need when making a final purchase.

Look out for the salesperson when testing for new treadmills. Salespersons give the rundown on all the features you can expect out before buying a treadmill. Ask them about the features that the treadmill provides and what to expect out of it.

Warning: Don’t let the salesperson trick you into buying the treadmill. They are paid on commission to sell anything in the store. By avoiding their sales tactics, you avoid getting a treadmill that might not provide what you need.

Giving your future treadmill a proper test drive offers a myriad of benefits. It gives you the benefit of seeing how it works before placing it inside your home. Don’t make the mistake of not testing your treadmill as it can lead to unexpected difficulties when it reaches your home.

What Is The Best Treadmill For The Money?

Your purchasing decision is important. We give advice to help you understand what you need in a quality treadmill. For instance, good treadmills need to have a sturdy belt to make sure that you want in a treadmill.

Best Treadmill

Shoppers often ask “What are the best treadmills I can get the most value of?”. To be honest, most of it depends on your budget. We suggest getting treadmills that are above the $200 range. Cheaper treadmills are low-quality because they start to show signs of damage within a short period.

The best treadmill for your money respects the features that you are looking for. Research treadmill based qualities such as:

  • Number of Programs
  • Apps that are included in the treadmills
  • Holders for Beverages and your phone
  • Amount of Horse Power/Continuous Horse Power
  • Warranties Offered

While these qualities are important, there are a lot more to understand getting a treadmill of quality. After finding treadmills that you like, pick 2 treadmills that align with what you want. You’ll have one that gives you the most utility no matter which treadmill you buy.

Buying Treadmills Online

To buy a treadmill online, get involved in finding one that you value the most. Make sure that the site is from a verified source so that you receive your treadmill on time. Amazon treadmills offer this security by guaranteeing that the user will receive their treadmill in less than a week. Thus, try out certain websites before making a purchase.

The best rated treadmills under 1000 on the market will be reviewed in this article. One thing that we notice is that they provide a high value despite its low price. While price is one of the deciding factors when getting a treadmill, it doesn’t make or break the treadmill you want to choose.

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill

Technical Specs

  • 20 Workout Programs
  • Compatible with iPod Plugin System
  • 2.6 GHP System
  • 20x55 treadmill belt
  • Adjustable incline up to 10%

Overview

Beginning our list is the NordicTrack Treadmill. It consists of over 20 workout apps that target different muscle groups. In fact, it comes with an iFit app that allows users to workout anywhere in the world. If you’re looking for a treadmill that handles a variety of needs, this is an ideal choice.

Nordictrack Treadmill
4.5

The main advantage lies in its versatility. For instance, it comes with multiple features such as cup holders, iPhone/MP3 plugin systems and a heart rate sensor. These features make the treadmill great for all-purpose use as it keeps the user exercising at a proficient level.

Nordic track treadmills are known for their reliable usage. The 5-inch backlight display measures the user’s heart rate, distance, time, speed and calories burned. After measuring the user’s progress, it creates a workout plan to suit one’s needs.

Consumers across the board complained about the complications installing the treadmill. When installing, shoppers found issues with it working. We suggest using a hired professional to install it because the treadmill weighs over 200 pounds.

Nordictrack commercial 1750 treadmills is versatile exercise equipment. It consists of a 2.6 GHP system that gives the user a customized workout plan. While it’s hard to set up, it grants the benefit of a complete workout guide to help improve your body.

Review
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Nautilus T614 Treadmill

Technical Specs

  • Data export to Nautilus.com and MyFitness.com
  • 2.75 CHP
  • Supports up to 300 lbs
  • Backlight LCD monitor
  • Ranges from 0 to 10MPH

Overview

The Nautilus T614 Treadmill fits any user’s specific needs. It consists of internal speakers to amplify the sound a user inputs. Also, the Backlight LCD monitor tracks the work throughout the exercise. This treadmill guarantees to provide a smooth run once in use.

Nautilus Treadmill
4.2

An advantage consumers spoke about is the noise cancellation. Loud noises are a nuisance when working out as it distracts the user from running properly. When in use, it prevents loud sounds from occurring throughout the room. Thus, it works perfectly in apartments where noise might be an issue.

Another feature consumers liked is the customization the treadmill offers. It allows the user to create 4 custom profiles that creates a specialized workout plan. This helps when you have multiple people who want to have their own personal exercises when using the treadmill.

However, consumers disliked the treadmill because of its complicated assembly. The directions were hard to read making it even harder to set up the treadmill properly. Also, users noticed that the belt slips on occasion which makes it an issue for intense exercises.

Despite its flaws, it’s one of the best treadmills for home. The treadmill supports up to 300 lbs which increases its durability. In addition, it grants customized workout plans for up to four users. We suggest hiring a professional to help assemble the treadmill because of its complicated installation guide.

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Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill

Technical Specs

  • Adjustable Incline
  • 16 x 50 Belt
  • Cell cushion deck for extra comfort
  • 2.5 CHP

Overview

Next on our list is the Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill. The treadmill consists of six different workout apps designed by a professional personal trainer. With its 2.5 CHP system, it has enough power for endurance, interval or speed training. No matter the level of exercise, it’s a great entry-level treadmill.

Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Folding Treadmill
4.2

Consumers praised the treadmill because of its installation process. Users found it easier to set up this treadmill in comparison to other products. The maximum time it takes to set it up is 3 hours. Thus, making this a good treadmill for those wanting something simple to use quickly.

Another plus lies in its sturdiness. When using the treadmill, users noticed no signs of tear or damage. Also, the cell cushion deck prevents injury by giving the user an extra layer of comfort. This treadmill is ideal for those wanting something that lasts for over 3 years.

While the treadmill is durable, the belt is prone to slips. This often causes a dangerous situation that often leads to injury. Use treadmill lubricant if this issue occurs. If the issue persists, manually adjust the treadmill back in place. For users concerned about their safety use this treadmill with caution.

The Weslo Cadence 5.2 Treadmill is one of the best treadmills under 500. It’s simple to install, making it easy to get started on your workout. In fact, it shows no signs of damage after extended use. While the treadmill is known for slips, a few adjustments will bring it back to working condition.

Review
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Best Choice Products Black 500W Portable Folding Electric Motorized Treadmill

Technical Specs

  • Supports up to 250 lbs.
  • Compact Design
  • Multi-Functional Display
  • Emergency Stop Key
  • 500W Motor

Overview

The Best Choice Products Folding Electric Motorized Treadmill is one of the best compact treadmills in the market. It’s a compact treadmill that can be folded after use. In fact, the treadmill has rolling wheels for simple transportation. This treadmill is great if you live in a house with limited space.

Best Choice Products Black 500W Treadmill
4.1

Users liked the inexpensive pricing of this treadmill when searching through treadmills for sale. While there are cheap treadmills for sale under 100, this treadmill creates more value than the price advertised. We recommend using this treadmill when you are on a budget.

Shoppers recommended this treadmill based on its Emergency Stop Key. The key prevents injury by acting as a surge protector to the treadmill. Because of its emergency usage, it saves the user from harm when doing intensive exercises.

There are a few issues when it comes to the deck and belt design. It lacks the refinement that higher quality treadmills produce. In fact, the treadmill overheats often and is prone to motor failure. We recommend using this treadmill for only short-term usage.

Remember, price is not the main factor when finding a quality treadmill. This Folding Electric Treadmill is a great example of that. It offers the user a compact piece of exercise equipment that can be used anywhere.

Review
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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515

Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline

Technical Specs

  • 12 user programs
  • 12 Adjustable incline levels
  • 2.2 HP motor
  • Supports up to 250  lbs

Overview

Last on our list is the Sunny Health & Fitness SmartTreadmill. The first thing you’ll notice is the program monitor. It comprises of 9 built-in programs to enhance the user’s riding experience. No matter your fitness level, this treadmill provides everything you need for an ultimate workout.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill
4.6

One thing consumers like about the treadmill is its easy assembly. For instance, it comes pretty much all set up. Simply add a few screws to complete the assembly. This might be a good choice for those wanting something that is simple to set up.

Another advantage lies in the versatile features this treadmill offers. It has a folding system that allows the user to store it after a tough workout. 

A great feature on this treadmill is its BlueTooth connectivity. The integrated speakers, microphone, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity allows user to answer calls and listen to music.

When searching for customer ratings of treadmills, some shoppers disliked the lack of durability. Some raved about the fantastic customer support they received.

This treadmill is one of the best treadmills for running. It gives the user complete control when selecting workout programs. In fact, the treadmill’s multiple features improve the user’s experience when working out on it. We think, it’s a great treadmill when you need a quick exercise.

Review
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The Verdict

The winner of this review is the NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill. We believe that this treadmill is a great entry level exercise tool for users. Also, it’s one of the top rated treadmills online. Consumers find a few flaws with it, but they are easier to fix.

Running On A Treadmill

When it comes to the future of treadmills, expect to see an increase in innovation behind each one. In the future, higher quality technology will be implemented in creating the best treadmills. Ultimately, purchasing a treadmill is a great investment that greatly improves your body.

Do you remember the first treadmill that you’ve purchased? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.