The Best Folding Treadmills in 2024, According to Experts

Claudia Fisher
·33 min read

Courtesy of the brands

Having limited space doesn’t have to be the Achilles heel of your plan to work out at home. But we’ll admit, it’s a lot easier to squeeze a rack of light dumbbells and a rolled up yoga mat into the corner of your living room than it is to camouflage a bulky piece of cardio equipment. Folding treadmills, which are designed to be easily stowed away, can therefore help you hit the ground running with your home fitness routine—and they can be just as effective as traditional treadmills in getting your heart pumping.

The most compact folding treadmill options are small enough to store against a wall or entirely out of sight, like under a couch or bed, when they’re not in use. And as an added perk, many are also more budget-friendly (though they sometimes have more limited speed and incline ranges), allowing you to incorporate regular exercise into your day without shelling out a month’s worth of rent.

To help you find the best foldable treadmill for your needs and routine, our experienced product testers tried them out. Below, get our thoughts on each winner’s size, design, and how it performs during a workout. All that’s left for you to figure out is where, exactly, you’re going to put your new piece of equipment.

Top picks for the best folding treadmill

In this article

Best Folding Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Commercial 1750

$2299.00, NordicTrack

Pros

  • Has hands-free, auto-adjusting technology

  • Declines up to -3%

  • Wide range of iFit class options across all levels available via the touchscreen

  • Cushioned deck with a stable belt

Cons

  • Quite large

  • Might be hard for one person to move

  • Higher price point

With a sturdy design that caters to both running and walking, a stable “gritty” belt tread to prevent slipping, a cushioned deck to help protect your joints, and smart features that provide high-tech programming, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 came out on top in our testing as the best folding treadmill overall. “This [treadmill] can work for a wide variety of people, from someone who just wants to walk to someone who wants to train for a race to someone who really loves to hike and wants that setting,” one tester says. “There’s just a lot you can accomplish with this treadmill.”

To address the elephant in the room immediately, we know the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is one of the most expensive folding treadmills on the list. But, as our tester says, "you get what you pay for." Its screen is enabled to stream iFit, a personal training app that offers a variety of on-demand classes (and is free for the first month); you can play it through the built-in speakers or your own headphones, thanks to the tread’s Bluetooth capability. Another cool feature: The machine automatically adjusts its speed and incline for you during iFit workouts, letting you remain hands-free and focused on the class. You can cross-train, too; the screen rotates 360 degrees so you can do other iFit classes, like strength and yoga, off the machine.

If you don’t want to do an interactive coach-led exercise, you can opt to use the manual setting to customize your workout on your own. Quick-jump buttons for speed and incline, both next to the touchscreen and on the handlebar, make it easy to adjust your settings and DIY your run.

Testers also appreciate that the belt declines up to -3%—a feature that only two other treadmills on this list offer (the ProForm Pro 9000 and Bowflex Treadmill 10)—and how quiet the machine is, with one saying that even with the machine moving at a high speed setting, she barely heard a thing—a win if you plan to use it while kids are asleep in a nearby room or while on a work call.

Product specs

Size: 80” L x 38” W x 65” H | Tread belt: 20” W x 60” L | Weight capacity: 400 lbs | Max speed: 12 mph | Decline/incline: -3 to 12% | Display: 14-inch Tilt & Pivot HD touchscreen | Shipping: Standard (no assembly) or white glove delivery (in-home setup) | Warranty: 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, 1-year labor warranty | Membership: 30-day iFIT trial included, $39/month afterward

Best Folding Treadmill for Running: Horizon 7.4 Treadmill

7.4 Treadmill

$2399.00, Horizon

Pros

  • Large, cushioned deck is great for HIIT workouts and sprints

  • Can quickly incline and change speed with no lag time

  • Pairs with various fitness apps

Cons

  • The built-in programming controls aren’t entirely intuitive

  • It’s on the bigger side even when folded, so you can’t store it underneath other furniture

With built-in workouts as well as the ability to connect with guided-fitness apps like Peloton and Zwift, the Horizon 7.4 is a great pick for runners. Kai Ng, a USA Track & Field (USATF)– and RRCA–certified running coach based in New York City, previously told SELF that runners should look for treadmills with at least 3.0 continuous horsepower (CHP)—and this machine packs a 3.5 CHP motor.

The treadmill changes quickly between speeds and inclines, which is a must when you’re moving at a quick pace or focusing on interval training. One tester found it took just 15 seconds for the Horizon to reach its max height. “There was no lag in the machine, and the buttons were easy to press,” they say.

This tread’s construction also offers benefits to runners. The belt’s wide and long running surface gives ample space for people with bigger strides, while the shock-absorbing cushioned deck can relieve some of the impact on your body. “It’s just so comfortable that it’s hard not to love this machine,” one tester says.

And it’s also in the running to be the most polite roommate ever. It’s “one of the quietest treadmills I’ve ever used. You can barely hear yourself walking on it, and the incline is so quiet,” one tester says. "Even when I got to a jog or run, it was still so quiet. I barely heard anything except for my feet hitting the tread.”

To fold this treadmill, you lift the running deck from the back and it snaps into place, with a lever that locks the position. While it’s on the heavier side at 318 pounds and too big to tuck under a bed or roll into a closet, its wheels allow you to move it to the corner of a room (or otherwise out of the way). “This machine might be a two person job for the average person,” one tester advises. “It is definitely built to be able to be portable or moved from space to space but it takes a little bit of grunt work.”

Product specs

Dimensions: 76” L x 37” W x 63” H | Tread belt: 22” W x 60” L | Weight capacity: 350 lbs | Max speed: 12 mph | Decline/incline: 0 to 15% | Display: 8.25’’ LCD screen | Shipping: Standard, in-room, and white glove (with assembly) delivery options | Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor warranty, 5-year parts warranty, 2-year labor warranty | Membership: Compatible with various fitness apps

Best Smart Folding Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill

Pro 9000 Treadmill

$2299.00, ProForm

Pros

  • The 22-inch HD touchscreen offers high-quality visuals on a large screen

  • Integrates with iFIT to stream workouts with hands-free, automatic adjustments

  • Shock-absorbing cushioned belt deck

  • Declines to -3%

Cons

  • Higher price point, in line with the NordicTrack Commercial 1750

  • WiFi connectivity can be spotty, according to reviewers

  • Assembly is a two-person job

The ProForm Pro 9000 is a high-end do-it-all treadmill. Like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 (our top pick), this smart machine comes with a 30 day trial of iFIT (after which it’s $39 a month) so you can reap the benefits of personal training right at home. As you follow along with the trainer-led classes, the Pro 9000 automatically adjusts the speed, incline, and decline along with the instructor’s cues. In addition to the iFIT classes displayed on the 22-inch high-definition touchscreen, this treadmill features some basic built-in workouts that one tester says might satisfy your programming needs if you don’t feel like extending your iFIT membership after the trial expires.

The Pro 9000’s powerful 3.6 CHP motor (NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and the Horizon 7.6 both feature motors with 3.5 CHP) is built to support every type of running exercise, from sprints to hills to long jogs. The cushioning material used on the deck is designed to be shock-absorbing, and our tester confirmed their running experience was a comfy one.

When you’re done using the tread for the day, you can fold its base up to reduce the machine’s overall footprint (its dimensions). And thanks to the treadmill’s built-in lift assist, getting back some of your floor space will be no sweat. While the price point is on the higher end, testers compare ProForm’s Pro 9000 to equipment from other top-of-the line brands like NordicTrack, Peloton, and Sole.

Product specs

Dimensions: 77.3” L x 35.3” W x 59.6” H | Tread belt: 20” W x 60” L | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Max speed: 12 mph | Decline/incline: -3 to 12% | Display: 22’’ smart HD touchscreen | Shipping: Free standard delivery, in-room, assembly, and disposal options | Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | Membership: 30-day iFIT trial included, $39/month afterward

Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Sole F63 Treadmill

F63 Treadmill

$1150.00, Amazon

Pros

  • Convenient speed and incline controls on the handlebars in addition to on the console

  • Good value for the price

  • Has an integrated tablet holder and ample storage for accessories

Cons

  • No touchscreen

  • Can get a little shaky at high running speeds

  • Might need two people for setup

We recommend the Sole F63 for low-intensity tread workouts like walking. This tread doesn’t have super-high-tech smart features, like a touchscreen or app-connectivity, but the Sole F63 does come with plenty of built-in workout programs that instruct you to make certain speed and incline adjustments, as well as a manual mode—and our testers say they’re all intuitive to use. “Everything is pretty self-explanatory,” one tester says. “Once you get on the machine, all the buttons are very clear and easy to see and operate.”

Offering plenty of storage, this treadmill has spots on the console for your water bottle and your phone or keys as well as a shelf underneath with three additional compartments. Testers also say that it’s easy to use a bar at the back to fold the treadmill (although wheeling it might require a little help from a friend). It’s main drawback: Our testers say it gets a little shaky at faster paces (starting around 9 mph), so runners might prefer a sturdier piece of equipment.

For anyone who wants to work out at home without overcomplicating the process, the Sole F63 is a solid choice. “I feel like this would work for a wide variety of people,” one tester says. “It’s very basic, but if you know what you’re doing and know what your goals are, it will suit you just fine.”

Product specs

Dimensions: 77” L x 35” W x 67” H | Tread belt: 20” W x 60” L | Weight capacity: 325 lbs | Max speed: 12 mph | Decline/incline: 0 to 15% | Display: 6.5’’ backlit LCD | Shipping: Free curbside shipping | Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor warranty, 2-year deck and parts warranty, 1-year labor warranty

Best Folding Treadmill for Small Space: Echelon Fitness Stride 4s

Stride 4s

$1499.99.00, Echelon Fitness

Pros

  • Super-compact folding saves space

  • The 22-inch HD touchscreen rotates 180-degrees

  • Vast library of trainer-led classes, including running, yoga, HIIT, and strength

Cons

  • You need a subscription to access the classes

  • No fan

  • The console isn’t super user-friendly

If you’re in the market for an interactive treadmill that offers lots of features (like wide speed and incline ranges and an interactive display) and can still be easily stored out of the way, the Echelon Stride 4s is a solid bet. Its convenient fold-up design and front and back wheels make it manageable to push or pull into a corner: Echelon shoppers call this treadmill a “space-saving superhero” because its running deck folds upright into the treadmill’s frame at a high angle, whereas others, like the Horizon 7.4 and Bowflex 10, are bulkier even when folded.

To access Echelon’s programming, you’ll need a membership, which starts at $11.99 per month and grants you access to up to 40-plus daily live classes and over 15,000 on-demand classes that span running, HIIT, yoga, and strength training for folks of all levels. That’s a lot to choose from, and while some folks might find the smorgasbord of offerings exciting, our testers think beginner treadmill-owners could feel overwhelmed. If you know you want as simple a machine as possible or are planning only to do manual workouts, the ProForm Carbon TLX or the Sole F63 might be better options for you.

But outside of the potentially “intimidating” amount of classes available and icons displayed on the home screen, our testers say the Echelon Stride 4s is easy and enjoyable to use. Handlebar controls make it simple to change the speed, incline, and volume mid- stride and the 22-inch HD touchscreen swivels 180 degrees so you can take your workout off the treadmill without missing a beat. While our testers say the machine’s arms wobble a little when you increase speeds, it overall felt “stable.” The tread also makes very little noise when changing between settings, and one marathon-running tester shouted out the “nice shock absorption” of the cushioned running deck in their review.

Product specs

Dimensions: 74” L x 31” W x 53” H | Tread belt: 20” W x 60” L | Weight capacity: 325 lbs | Max speed: 12.5 mph | Decline/incline: 0% to 12% | Display: 22-inch HD touchscreen | Shipping: Free standard shipping and a premium in-home delivery and assembly option for $300 | Warranty: 1-year equipment, 5-year crank arms and motor, and 10-year frame, with options to buy extended warranties | Membership: Echelon Fitpass and Premier memberships from $11.99-$39.99/month

Best Folding Treadmill for Seniors: ProForm Carbon TLX

Carbon TLX

$999.00, ProForm

Pros

  • Lift assist makes it easy to raise and lower the deck

  • Very responsive controls and simple to navigate

  • Integrates with iFIT

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a screen to display iFIT classes

  • Too big to store under furniture when not in use

This is a great pick if you’re looking for a sturdy, smart-tech enabled machine for under $1,000. And because of its lower step-up height and EasyLift assist feature—which uses hydraulics to help you raise and lower the deck when folding and unfolding—it’s an A-plus folding treadmill for seniors. Really, given that it’s simple to navigate, super responsive, and has large console buttons, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for an uncomplicated and easy way to get some extra movement in at home.

The ProForm Carbon TLX comes with a 30-day free trial of iFIT so you can try various workout types, including basic walks or runs as well as intervals and hikes. Because there’s no screen on the console, you’ll have to download the app to your phone or other smart device to stream the coach-led programs. “The iFit programming is great,” one tester says. “There were tons of different classes to choose from and it was easy to navigate.”

Another benefit of the ProForm Carbon TLX is what one tester calls the “pretty cushy” deck. “​​When I was running, I felt supported, and it didn’t feel hard on my joints,” she adds.

Product specs

Dimensions: 74.3” L x 35.1” W x 59.1” H | Tread belt: 20” W x 60” L | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Max speed: 12 mph | Decline/incline: 0 to 12% | Display: 7’’ display | Shipping: Free white glove delivery (in-home setup) | Warranty: 10-year frame and 1-year parts and labor warranty | Membership: 30-day iFIT trial included, $39/month afterward

Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

7.0 AT

$2100.00, Horizon

Pros

  • Inclines up to 15%

  • Good price point for durability and motor power

  • Has Bluetooth connectivity to pair with fitness apps like Peloton and Zwift

  • Responsive speed and incline buttons

Cons

  • No touchscreen

  • The deck isn’t as cushioned as others

  • Heavy, so not super portable

What makes the Horizon 7.0 AT a solid treadmill for beginners is that it offers everything you really need from a piece of cardio equipment without bells and whistles that’ll drive up the price. “I would recommend this machine to someone who is just starting out their journey and dipping their toes into fitness,” our tester says.

Among its key features are the joystick-like QuickDial that lets you swiftly transition your speed and incline, which our tester says happens almost silently. The machine also offers both preset programs and can connect via Bluetooth on your smart device to apps like Peloton and Zwift. The responsive 3.0 CHP motor is particularly standout, as experts say you don’t usually see this power at this price point. Plus the smooth, stable surface of the machine makes it a great pick for beginners.

One thing to note is that this is on the heavier side (332 pounds). Even though it has wheels, it’s not super portable, so you’ll likely want a dedicated space for it. That said, the deck does fold up and click into place to give you back some floor space (the length drops from 76 inches to 44 inches when folded).

Product specs

Dimensions: 76” L x 35” W x 66” H | Tread belt: 20” W x 60” L | Weight capacity: 325 lbs | Max speed: 12 mph | Decline/incline: 0% to 15% | Display: 7.25’’ LCD screen | Shipping: Standard, in-room, and white glove (with assembly) delivery options | Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor warranty, 3 year parts and 1 year labor warranty | Membership: Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair any fitness app

Best Folding Treadmill for Tall Runners: Bowflex Treadmill 10

Treadmill 10

$1999.00, Bowflex

Pros

  • Widest incline range (-5% to 15%)

  • Extra large belt size

  • Support a max weight of 400 pounds

  • Sturdy and super stable, according to testers

Cons

  • 10-inch screen is smaller than others and doesn’t adjust or tilt

  • Reviewers say it’s difficult to put together and recommend paying for professional assembly

  • Takes up a lot of space

The Bowflex Treadmill 10 has the biggest footprint of all the treads on this list. But while the heftiness could be a drawback for some, the machine’s large belt (22 inches wide and 60 inches long) and tall height (65.3 inches) make it a perfect fit for folks with longer limbs. The big size also helps keep the treadmill stable, even as the pace picks up. “As I got to higher speeds, I didn't notice any sort of shakiness or unsteadiness,” one tester says. The obvious tradeoff here is that the Bowflex 10 is not as portable as lighter, smaller designs—but the deck does fold up toward the main frame, reducing the space it takes up when not in use. (Just bear in mind that folding it also increases the overall height; when folded, it stands at 70 inches tall).

Techy features that get a thumbs-up from our testers include a clear display that allows you to stream a ton of apps, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video (but you’ll need to subscribe to Bowflex’s JRNY program starting at $19.99 per month to do so), and a bevy of buttons for adjusting the speed and incline however feels comfiest. There are buttons on the console as well as quick-dials on the handlebars at the front and side of the treadmill.

The bottom line: Depending on your needs and space, the size of the Bowflex Treadmill 10 is either a major draw or a dealbreaker. If you’re tall and feel cramped on other treadmills or worry that they can’t support you during more intense, pavement-pounding workouts, the Bowflex could be just what you’re looking for to work out comfortably and confidently at home.

Product specs

Dimensions: 85” L x 39.6” W x 65.3” H | Tread belt: 22” W x 60” L | Weight capacity: 400 lbs | Max speed: 12 mph | Decline/incline: -5 to 15% | Display: 10’’ HD touchscreen | Shipping: Free standard delivery and a paid delivery with assembly option | Warranty: 15-year frame, 5-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics and HD touchscreen, and 2-year labor warranty | Membership: Can stream entertainment services with JRNY subscription, $19.99/month

Best Folding Treadmill for Under $500: Urevo Foldi 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill

Foldi 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill

$440.00, Amazon

Pros

  • Compacts down horizontally to a 5.5-inch height for hidden storage

  • Amazon reviewers say it only takes a couple of minutes to assemble

  • “Extremely helpful” customer service, according to shoppers

Cons

  • Smaller tread belt than most others on this list

  • Lower weight capacity at 265 lbs

  • No incline option

If you’re looking to up your step count without putting a foot outside or blowing your budget, this affordable folding treadmill is definitely worth considering. It might not be flashy, but the Urevo Foldi treadmill folds down horizontally to just 5.5 inches high, meaning you can actually hide it under a bed or in a closet when it’s not in use. Despite the compact size and light weight (it’s only about 85 pounds), this folding treadmill is far from flimsy. Its five-layer running belt is made of soft, shock-absorbing rubber.

Many people who own this folding treadmill appreciate how little space it takes up, with one happy customer comparing it to the size of a yoga mat and calling it “light and easy to move around.” Another person says it’s quick to set up: "I’m not gifted in putting things together, but once this baby was out of the box, it took two to three minutes to assemble.” Because the Urevo doesn’t offer incline and the max speed is 7.6 mph (which is just under an eight-minute mile pace), it’s better for those who prefer moderate cardio than it is for people looking to do exercises like sprints and intervals. If you fall in that latter camp, you might prefer the ProForm 9000, Horizon 7.4, or NordicTrack 1750.

Many people who use this treadmill are into the fact that it allows them to multitask while walking, thanks to the wide tray table and fold-down display screen that fits items like Kindles, TV remotes, phones, and laptops. And, with 12 preset programs, you can pick a workout to follow and then get back to focusing on something else, whether that’s answering emails or catching up on new episodes of your favorite show.

Product specs

Dimensions: 52.8” L x 28.3 W x 44.1” H | Tread belt: 16.5” W x 43.3” L | Weight capacity: 265 lbs | Max speed: 7.6 mph | Decline/incline: N/A | Display: Small fold-down screen to provide more table space | Shipping: Free shipping on both Urevo.com and Amazon | Warranty: 2 years extended warranty

Best Portable Folding Treadmill: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

$300.00, Amazon

Pros

  • Very affordable

  • Lightweight (69.5 lbs) and compact when folded, making it easy to move around and store

  • “Breezy” assembly; it’s pretty much fully built straight out of the box

Cons

  • Small size and features make it not the best option for running

  • No incline

  • Lower maximum weight of 265 lbs

The GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is not only compact and one of the more affordable options, but it’s also super popular, with thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. It’s built to be relatively unobtrusive in your home, with a quiet motor and smaller dimensions than the others on this list, and it’s well vouched for from shoppers who use it daily. One reviewer says, “I can use it in my apartment's spare room while watching a movie and no one can even hear me or it move.”

While the GoPlus 2-in-1 doesn’t offer a ton of bells and whistles (which makes sense, given its price), it can definitely help you get the job of daily movement done with the added benefit of fitting under most standing desks. So, you can exercise while on calls, answering emails, reading, or any other activity you want to bang out at the same time. Reviewers also say it’s intuitive to use, easy to set up, and lightweight, at 69 pounds, for convenient stowability (which the built-in wheels help with as well). The handrails can be laid flat with a little latch on the base of the treadmill, making it thin enough (at just five-inches) to slide under many pieces of furniture or tuck into a closet or the corner of a room.

It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a home treadmill that you can put away between uses. Just know that it lacks incline options and customers say it’s less sturdy than bigger models. Even though it does go up to 7.5 mph (which equates to running an eight-minute mile at 0% incline), experts who test the treadmill recommend it for walking over running because of its smaller size and motor.

Adding to its convenience, the GoPlus treadmill comes with a remote control you can use to change your speed and start and stop the machine. This treadmill also has connection capabilities with Goplus’s Gymax app, which allows you to record performance metrics, access training courses, switch speed units from miles to kilometers, and interact with fellow runners.

Product specs

Dimensions: 52” L x 29” W x 44.5” H | Tread belt: 16” W x 40” L | Weight capacity: 265 lbs | Max speed: 7.5 mph | Decline/incline: N/A | Display: LED screen | Shipping: Free standard shipping on GoPlus.com and available on Amazon | Warranty: 90-days limited warranty | Membership: Goplus’s Gymax

What are the benefits of using a folding treadmill?

A folding treadmill is exactly what it sounds like: a treadmill you can fold, either upright or down flat, to make it more compact and therefore easier to store. One of its key benefits is that it’ll save you space. Folding the treadmill will always shrink how much of your floor the machine takes up, but some machines can become thin enough that you can keep them under furniture, in closets, or in another hidden spot completely out of the way.

While not all folding treads are teensy machines, and you might not be able to completely hide them away, even vertical-fold options still grant you back some floor space with the running deck pushed up.

What to look for in a folding treadmill

Think about your fitness goals and how you’ll use the treadmill. Are you getting back into a cardio workout routine and just need an easy-to-use treadmill for walking or slower jogging? Are you mainly looking for a super-compact option to pair with your standing desk? Once you get a better idea of your priorities, you can focus on the details to make your final choice, like what class programming the tread offers, how wide the incline range is, and whether or not there’s an added subscription fee for accessing all of its offerings.

Folding treadmill features

Size and shape

To avoid ending up with a folding treadmill that’s too big for your home, Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT, lead in-house fitness instructor at Sunny Health & Fitness in California, tells SELF that you need to measure the spot you plan to put and store your tread and then cross-reference those specs with the product’s dimensions.

At first blush it sounds obvious, but you may need to put aside more room than you’d think, depending on how your machine compacts. “Very few modern treadmills fold completely up and will be more of a V-shape,” Garret Seacat, CSCS, head coach of Absolute Endurance in Manhattan, Kansas, tells SELF. That’s the case for models like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and ProForm 9000, which have to be stored upright and therefore need enough vertical and horizontal space to accommodate their shape. A machine that folds down flat, on the other hand, like Urevo’s Foldi 2, should be able to fit under your furniture.

Incline capabilities

Incline and decline capabilities vary widely among folding treadmills. For example, only three selects on this list offer the ability to decline at all (the ProForm Pro 9000, Bowflex Treadmill 10, and NordicTrack Commercial 1750). So if hill runs are important to you, take a close look at the fine print for this feature.

Weight capacity

Some of the most compact folding treadmills have lighter maximum user weights than non-folding models do. The GoPlus 2-in-1 and Urevo Foldi 2 treadmills can each only support up to 265 pounds, for instance. By contrast, the Bowflex Treadmill 10 and NordicTrack Commercial 1750, two of the biggest treadmills on this list, can support up to 400 pounds.

Advanced tech

Do you want to be able to stream live or on-demand workout classes on your tread? Or do you want to be able to connect Netflix to the touchscreen to easily binge Bridgerton while you jog? What about access to online communities where you can share your fitness goals and progress with other users? Smart features like these aren’t a given with folding treads.

Price

The cost of folding treadmills can range from just a few hundred bucks to several thousand, so there's something available for almost every budget. If keeping your price point low is a main driver in choosing your treadmill, some of the smaller options, like the Urevo Foldi and GoPlus 2-in-1, are a lot more affordable. Bigger models, like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and the Bowflex 10, skew pricier.

Other considerations to look for

Running versus walking capabilities

Experts say you want at least 3.0 CHP for interval training and 3.5 CHP for marathon training, but as a general rule: The more powerful the motor, the more (and faster) running your machine can withstand.

If you plan to use your folding treadmill for running, you’ll also want to consider its size and stability. Sometimes smaller, more lightweight treadmills, or those made of plastic instead of steel, get shaky as you amp up your speed and step impact. The relatively light Sole F63, for example, got a little shaky when our testers sped up, while the heftier Bowflex 10 had no wobbles. Also, the more compact running decks with shorter or narrower running belts may not be ideal (or safe) for longer strides.

Frequency of use

If you plan to use your treadmill daily and always put it away afterward, you should opt for one that’s lightweight, folds up compactly, and has wheels. If you’re training for a race or want to use your treadmill for rigorous exercise, you might choose to prioritize stability over portability and go with something bigger. Typically, heavier machines like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 or Horizon 7.4, weighing 340 and 318 pounds, respectively, are more durable and can withstand more intense use, but also take up more room and are harder to scootch around your home.

How we tested these folding treadmills

To save you the need to become a PhD of folding treadmills, our testers did the research for you. Here are three big factors we consider when rating the best folding treadmills:

Customization and technology

Because everyone’s fitness goals and levels are different, it’s important for the machines on this list to be able to adapt to unique needs. Our testers evaluate each for its range of incline and speeds offered, the responsiveness of its controls, and accessibility of buttons and handles. They also look out for any lags and jerky movements and test the tread’s Bluetooth capabilities for smoothness of setup.

Durability

Our reviewers endurance-test each machine’s construction by working out on each at various intensity levels. As they scaled up, they considered stability (did the machine wobble or shake?), noise level (how quiet were the machine’s transitions?), and safety (did the belt feel slippery at all?).

Footprint and foldability

Every treadmill on this list folds, but they don’t all do so in the same way or require the same amount of elbow grease. Our testers checked out how intuitive the folding function was, how secure it felt, and how much space collapsing the machine saved. Our testers tried treadmills that fold up vertically but likely need to remain in just one place and lighter-weight options that compress so flat, they can be stored under furniture or in a closet. Depending on your preferences, how small the machine gets when folded could be a major determining factor.

For more specifics on how our testers score these factors along with more details on what goes into our testing for gym products of all types, not just treadmills, check out our fitness equipment methodology page.

How to care for your folding treadmill

After powering off your folding treadmill, you should clean any high-use areas like the handlebars, running belt, drink holder, and console by spraying a non-acidic cleaner onto a soft cloth (not directly onto the treadmill). For more specific care instructions, make sure to read your equipment’s user manual; it’ll have more deets about how often upkeep should be performed and what it should entail.

FAQs

We get that sometimes you just want fast facts to help you make a quick choice. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the best folding treadmills; if you skip everything else, read this.

How much should I spend on a folding treadmill?

“Your budget is dependent on your individual financial situation, but should also match your goals,” Erica Coviello, a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA)-certified running coach and personal trainer tells SELF. “Is this [piece of equipment] going to bear the brunt of your very-important-marathon training? Do you see yourself using it often or long-term?” If so, it’s likely worth it to shell out more for a higher-quality machine, she says. But if it won’t be your main method for logging miles, “maybe you can go for a mid-range treadmill that will be reliable and last long without the heavy hit to the wallet.”

Are folding treadmills worth the money?

Short answer? Yes, a folding treadmill can be just as functional as a traditional model, which makes having one a worthy investment. Longer answer? The most important consideration you'll need to make before deciding to buy a folding tread actually has nothing to do with the machine, but with whether you can commit to regularly hopping on for a run. As Kiersten McCartney, DPT, a certified personal trainer and physical therapist based in Delaware, previously told SELF, "The most effective pieces of home exercise equipment are the ones you’re going to use, and use appropriately.”

What is the average size of a folding treadmill?

The options on our list range from 85-inches long and 39.6-inches wide to 49-inches long and 27-inches wide when assembled. Running experts consider 60 inches to be the ideal length for at-home treadmill belts and warn that lengths under 50 inches may limit how fast you can move on the machine.

A smaller tread might make sense for you (and your home) if you have limited room and aren’t looking to become a marathon runner. Shorter belts and more petite frames accommodate tighter spaces and makes the machines really convenient to store. Treads that collapse horizontally can morph into a thin enough profile to fit under furniture, and those that fold up vertically will still grant back some floor space, even if you can’t completely hide them out of sight. Keep in mind, folding up usually adds a few inches of height to the machine.

Double check your space before ordering a new piece of equipment as well as the “dimensions of the whole product when assembled and folded,” Coviello advises.

Are folding treadmills hard to assemble?

We’ll be honest—it depends on both the machine and whether or not you identify as someone who’d put “Ikea enthusiast” on your dating profile. Typically, the bigger machines with more features will take more effort to assemble, and may even be a two-person job due to the size and weight of the parts alone. Most of the bulkier machines offer delivery-with-assembly options, though, if you’re willing to pay extra.

Are folding treadmills noisy?

Just like how you might hear the engine purr or rumble when you turn on a car, when you power up a treadmill and hit your stride, sometimes that comes with a humming side effect. That being said, some are louder than others. (In the market for a super-quiet machine? Try the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, which testers say makes “hardly any noise”.) The sturdier the machine, the less likely it is to wobble or rattle, which helps it stay quiet. Running deck cushioning can also help reduce the thumping noise of your steps, as can placing the tread on carpet or a rubber mat instead of hardwood and lubricating its belt to prevent squeaking.

With reporting from Sara Coughlin.

Originally Appeared on SELF

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