The 12 Best Treadmills Reviewed

If you don’t want to spend too much time selecting a treadmill and would prefer to just get something that will work for you, this is the one to look at first. While there isn’t much that makes it stand out from this selection of 12 well-designed, top-selling treadmills, you’ll find that it consistently manages to be just a little above average in every area that matters.

A quick look at our specifications table will show you exactly what we mean. It does have a few more preset programs than many of the others, which doesn’t hurt its overall appeal. It’s also foldable and has an automatic incline of up to 10% – perfect for mimicking small hills and burning more calories in less time.

With a maximum running speed of 10 miles an hour, this treadmill should more than satisfy most people in terms of pace. In any case, exercise isn’t always about speed as much as it is about the length of time spent running, and 10 miles an hour is actually pretty fast.

The 2.6 CHP motor is equivalent to somewhere around 3HP, which is quite sufficient to power this treadmill for long periods without overtaxing it and reducing its lifespan. The 25-year motor warranty Nordic Track has included with the purchase of this equipment proves this as well as anything could.

And It’s iFit Compatible!

This is, by no means, the only treadmill on our list which can connect to iFit, but since we’ve already made the point that this treadmill is unexceptional in most ways, we should really emphasize this feature.

Specifically, iFit is more than just a fitness log, allowing you to access simulations of running tracks, roads, and pathways all around the world, complete with visual images of those places (thanks to a Google Maps connection.) Along with a generally high standard of workmanship, this feature nudges the NordicTrack T6.5S towards the front of the pack.

As we reviewed the treadmills on this page we certainly paid attention to the price tags on each, especially since they vary so much from one model to the next. This one is on the high end, but we think that it’s worth its price and then some.

Though they aren’t as visible as the bright yellow shock absorbers built into NordicTrack equipment, the discreet shocks on this LifeSpan treadmill greatly outnumber the shocks on either of the NordicTracks and in fact all those we’ve selected. These eight shocks absorb the impact of running to reduce wear on both the machine and your joints.

The 2.75 continuous horsepower motor is equal to over 3 regular horsepower, meaning that it’s plenty strong enough to power your running machine for extended periods of time, even at higher speeds. Speaking of intense workouts, the LifeSpan is able to reach up to 12 miles an hour (that’s almost 20km per hour, for our metric friends).

If you are training for sprint running, this could be a good way to build your form and stamina. High top speeds like this are also useful for very intense cardio workouts. In case you’re wondering, we’ve reviewed four other treadmills capable of 12MPH; they are the 3G Cardio Elite, Nautilus T614, NordicTrack C 1650, and ProForm Pro 2000.

The built-in fan on this machine blows toward your midsection. Whether this is better or worse than being aimed at your face, like that on the 3G Cardio Elite, is a matter of personal preference. We’re just happy to see it has a fan at all; many of the other treadmills on this page do not.

Get Connected

This treadmill connects to your cell phone or tablet via Bluetooth to send your workout information to your favorite app. Whereas some treadmills with connective abilities require you to use a specific app, this one is compatible with a wide variety of them, including Apple Health and Google Fit. Data recorded include your step count, distance covered, calories burned and intensity, along with your pulse if you choose to use the heart rate monitor grips on the front bars.

Are you in the market for a reliable, well-built treadmill with a decent number of extra features at a price that won’t make your wallet weep? The Weslo Cadence G 59i seems to be built for those working on a tight budget who want a durable, entry-level treadmill. After all, treadmills can cost quite a bit and are (ideally) used for hours every week. You need to know it can handle the pounding it’ll receive.

Let’s start with its motor: even if this machine had little else going for it, its power rating already makes it a good buy. Capable of 2.5CHP (the equivalent of 3HP), this motor is plenty strong enough to keep a running belt turning without burning out. You’ll be able to run on this treadmill for very long periods of time at its maximum 10MPH speed without damaging it.

In fact, if motors were the only thing we looked at, we might have crowned this one as “Best Budget Treadmill”, but the Sunny Health & Fitness won by a nose thanks to its superior shock absorption system.

Best Value In Several Other Ways

We’ll be honest: this isn’t the absolute best treadmill on our page. For a machine that crams in a lot of special features and interesting abilities, you’ll need to turn your attention to something that costs a little more (like the 3G Cardio Elite or the ProForm Pro 2000).

On the other hand, with this Weslo you can take home a well-built treadmill with two automatic incline positions, 6 preset programs, and a max speed of 10MPH, all at a very reasonable price. It even has a built-in heart rate monitor. Unfortunately, this heart rate monitor does not use grips like many of the others. You can place your thumb on a special sensor on the console, meaning that it’s difficult to get a continuous reading.

Are you tired of seeing only treadmills that simply aren’t made for your body type? Whether their maximum weight capacity is too low or the belt isn’t long enough to accommodate your long stride, this is a frustration many larger people experience. If this describes your treadmill search so far, it’s probably time to turn to the 3G Cardio Elite.

Capable of supporting up to 400 pounds, this treadmill is perfect for the overweight person who’s committed to getting into shape. Built of high-quality materials, it can be expected to stand up to years of demanding use.

Do you measure six feet or over? The extra-long 62-inch running platform will accommodate even the longest strides. This is crucial to preventing accidents, and no less importantly, allows long-legged runners to train without cramping their natural motion.

Plenty to Brag About

We can also say that this isn’t some kind of specialty treadmill; it lacks nothing when compared to the others. In many cases, finding a product suited to your body type means having to give something up. That is not the case here. In fact, this treadmill is one of the best we’ve seen (and perhaps the single best choice depending on your preferences).

Its strong 4HP motor not only helps it support extra weight but helps it run for extended periods of time without risking damage. Tied with the ProForm Pro 2000 and NordicTrack C 1650 treadmills, which each have 3.5CHP motors, this equipment has the best motor longevity of all on this page.

The 12MPH maximum speed lets you train hard, even for sprints. You can raise and lower this setting as necessary, along with the incline, using simple one-touch buttons on the advanced console. You can also select from one of 8 different pre-programmed courses, a fitness test, and music.

Using the audio-in jack, you can connect your cell phone or tablet to play music or route the sound from your television to the treadmill’s own speakers. You can also adjust the volume and switch songs without having to place your sweaty hands on your phone, thanks to the console’s special music buttons.

Of all the treadmills we’ve chosen, this ProForm has one of the simplest designs. It features simple one-touch buttons to select and adjust speed and incline levels. The different built-in programs can be accessed using their own individual buttons, too: controlling the machine is about as simple as can be.

Using easy-to-understand pictures, these buttons let you choose between cardio sessions, endurance training, strength building, and several other workouts. There are a total of 18 different preset programs built into the machine, which offers pretty good variety even when the system isn’t connected to iFit.

When using iFit, however, you gain access to a nearly infinite number of programs, each designed from real routes all over the world. A few of the other machines you’ll find here can also connect to iFit (most notably the NordicTrack T 6.5 S, NordicTrack C 1650, and the ProForm Pro 2000).

Though there are plenty of fitness apps out there capable of tracking your heart rate and running distance, iFit can give you an advanced experience complete with a video display of these exotic running courses. This functionality and entertainment value places this Proform machine a cut above several similarly-priced treadmills.

Once you know that a treadmill can also charge your cell phone or tablet as you run, it seems like an obvious feature to include. Most of those we’ve deemed worth reviewing allow you to connect your cell phone or tablet in one way or another, but don’t actually charge them.

Some sync via Bluetooth to relay workout information to the fitness app of your choice. Others are hooked up with an auxiliary cord so you can play music through their built-in speakers. But with the treadmill itself being plugged into an outlet, why shouldn’t it act as a charger while it’s sending data like steps walked and calories burned to your phone? We’re very pleased that at least one company has thought this through.

Much More Than a Cell Phone Charger

By now, you probably know that it takes more than one useful attribute to be included on our top twelve treadmills list. While the ability to charge your device certainly makes this one stand out somewhat, it isn’t enough to make it superior to the hundreds of other treadmills out there.

So, in addition to its charging function, this treadmill has a handful of features that impressed us. The unique console design and docking center look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Though some people may find it a little confusing, others will enjoy the level of control it offers. You can switch between different preset programs to select the speed, adjust the incline, and choose among 4 different user profiles.

Like only four others on our list, this machine lets you run up to 12 miles per hour. Most treadmills will only let you hit a maximum of 10 m.p.h, making this a better choice for people who would like to improve their sprint performance. Its maximum incline of 12 percent is also shared by few other treadmills. This setting gives you a more intense training session and helps prepare you for tackling hills out in the real world.

Though it cannot connect to iFit to entertain you with a wide array of simulated running courses, it does include 22 preset programs, which helps prevent boredom. It will also store up to four user profiles; this is virtually unheard of when it comes to internal storage. Usually, treadmills require you to connect to some online service to log this type of information. Not many even allow you the ability to record data on more than one person, which can make tracking your performance a real hassle.

If the built-in profiles aren’t enough, or you want to integrate a record of your exercise with a diet plan and perhaps a wearable fitness tracker, you can also sync all or any of your four running profiles with an online MyFitnessPal account. MyFitnessPal is compatible with dozens of third-party apps that you may also use for tracking your overall health and well-being.

Since the manual incline adjustment may be a deal-breaker for some people, we want to explore this point before mentioning anything else about this treadmill from Sunny Health and Fitness.

Being able to change the incline of this machine is, of course, an advantage over working with a running surface that’s locked at some angle. However, many people are accustomed to changing the incline with the touch of a button. This machine requires you to physically get off the running platform, squat down, and lift the platform to a new position.

This can be a hassle, especially since it forces you to take a break midway through training. On the other hand, it’s also true that more mechanical moving parts mean more ways in which a machine can break down. Repairs can be quite costly, so simpler is better in that respect, especially when the initial purchase price is lower as well.

Simple, But with Advanced Shocks

The manual incline adjustment isn’t the only rather basic thing about this treadmill. As the second least expensive on our list, it’s no surprise that this machine doesn’t have some of the fancy features you’ll find on others.

It doesn’t have a ton of preset programs (only 9), doesn’t have a very large running surface, is rated for only 220 lbs, and using the tablet/phone holder means covering the display panel. This is perfectly adequate for some people, but certain things you need to keep in mind. If Sunny Health & Fitness were to address some of these shortcomings, this machine’s price would quickly skyrocket.

One area they decided not to skimp on, though, is the shock absorption system. You see, while Sunny Health & Fitness recognized that some people are happy to save some money by sacrificing frills, they also know that most of us value our bodies – why else would we be buying a treadmill?. Anyone can deal with a lack of variety in the preset programs, but few of us will be willing to risk our health and well-being.

For that reason, they decided to include a 6-point shock absorption system that takes a significant amount of strain off your joints as you run, making using this machine gentler and more comfortable than running on the road. At this price point, that’s nothing to sneeze at.

Sunny managed to incorporate an adequate motor and impact absorption system in a sturdy package by saving on less important, nice-to-have features. Whether this was the right decision depends entirely on what you expect from your treadmill.

Are you the type of person who likes to track your fitness information, but doesn’t want to fuss around with apps, Bluetooth, or WiFi connections while using your treadmill? If so, the LifeSpan TR1200i is just what you need.

While other treadmills allow you to transfer data like your step count, distance, and calories burned to your fitness applications by linking your devices or, in the unique case of the Nautilus T614, by connecting directly to the app using WiFi, this treadmill takes a different, offline approach to information syncing. Your information is stored on a USB stick that you plug into the side of the machine. It’s up to you to transfer this information to your computer later on.

Some people may find this extra step to be unnecessary trouble, but there is a certain set of people who will actually prefer things this way. Sometimes, it’s better not to be connected to the outside world while you exercise. If you can’t stand the distraction of phone calls, Facebook pings, and other annoying interruptions during your workout, leaving the phone in another room will look like a good idea.

That being said, tracking your progress can be immensely valuable. The only difference with this machine is that you’ll have to use a USB drive instead of an automatically-syncing app.

An Impressive 15% Incline

If you are an avid outdoor jogger, you’ll know the importance of simulating real-life, outdoor experiences on your treadmill as closely as possible. Training indoors all winter on a flat treadmill surface is very likely to leave you unfit and sore when you get out onto the hilly roads and pathways in the spring.

For this reason, LifeSpan has constructed this treadmill with a 15% maximum incline. You can set it to any angle with the push of a button, helping to condition your calves and ankles and prepare yourself for the open road.

Are you looking for a treadmill with a large display screen you can use for several different things? Love working with iFit, but hate trying to use it on a tiny display? With its outsized 10-inch screen, this treadmill might be the one for you.

Want to surf the web while you run, or watch a movie? No problem at all. The 10-inch display is web-enabled so that you can connect directly to a search engine, pull up your email accounts, or even watch TV shows and movies on your favorite streaming services. The screen is touch-activated, so that you can easily click on emails, rewind your movies, skip to new episodes of your television shows, or switch back to the workout and settings panel.

All the Bells and Whistles

Want to access a wide assortment of unique workout programs without going online? Want to start running right away instead of figuring out iFit and all of its settings? You can choose any of 34 (yes, you read that right) different preset running programs. That’s ten more preset programs than are built into the ProForm Pro 2000, which is the runner-up in terms of this spec.

What we like best about the NordicTrack C 1650 is its versatility and entertainment options. You can watch TV, see movies, check your email, access iFit, use online workout programs, select one of 34 built-in programs, adjust the incline, attach a cell phone or tablet for a dual-screen experience – all using the same interactive interface.

Do you plan on squishing your workout area into a smallish living room, office or any other limited space? If you need a compact, portable treadmill that won’t crowd out your existing furniture, this Merax might be right up your alley.

As anyone who has ever lived in a tiny apartment or dorm room knows, finding a dedicated space for each of your various interests and tasks can be difficult. This conundrum is a big part of why folding treadmills are so popular. Between the inconvenience of going to the gym every day and the possibility of saving money (in the long run) by buying your own equipment, more and more people are choosing to exercise at home. Of course, this sometimes means thinking very carefully about where what can fit.

This small treadmill from Merax folds so that you can tuck it away in a closet or push it into a corner when it’s not in use. Weighing a total of 70 pounds (less than one-third the average weight of a treadmill), it’s easy to fold and move even without the assistance of a hydraulic lift system.

Of course, the frame and overall design of this machine aren’t nearly as durable and stable as the others we’ve selected. It would have been nice to include a lightweight machine that’s still capable of supporting a 350-400 pound load, but we’re unlikely to see anything like that in the near future. For the sake of safety and the longevity of this little machine, the manufacturer recommends it only for people weighing 220 pounds or less. While this does exclude a large portion of the population, we think this is an acceptable tradeoff.

Unsurprisingly given its low weight capacity, this machine is built for people who are rather short. With a running platform of only 43 inches long (the shortest on our list), people with long strides will find it uncomfortable to use. To put this in perspective, the 3G Cardio Elite (built for people with average to tall frames) has a 62-inch platform.

These limitations won’t matter to everyone, though: if you’re short enough to run on this treadmill safely and like the idea of a lightweight machine you can store out of the way, you are definitely in luck. It’s available at a great price, too.

Do you have balance issues and find it difficult to lift your hands from the bars on your treadmill without risking a fall? The special handlebar buttons on this model allow you to select different speeds without having to remove your hands. This lets you stay safe and feel comfortable while still being in control of your running or walking experience.

Of course, if you want to, you can also adjust the speed setting on the console’s main control panel. This is also where your heart rate (monitored from the handlebars), speed setting, program selection, distance, and calories burned are displayed.

The manual incline control means that you will have to get off the machine to change the incline setting. You will do this by removing a pin, lifting up the running surface and replacing the pin at a higher setting. Though this may seem like a lot of work and does take longer than simply pressing a button, it is also the most reliable type of incline control there is. Like the manual incline control on the Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill, this one will never break down due to a moving part wearing out, leaving you stuck with one setting.

Built-in speakers take this machine from average to something a little better. Using an auxiliary jack, you can play music or listen to the TV through the speakers without having to worry about annoying earbuds.

At 47 inches long, the running belt on this treadmill is shorter than any other we reviewed, with the sole exception of the Merax treadmill. This means that you should only use this treadmill if you are below-average in height or intend to use it only for walking, since your stride gets longer and less controllable when you run.

Or the Upgrade?

GoPlus also offers an upgraded version of this machine. For about $150 more, you can use the new model to connect to G-Fit and automatically adjust the incline setting of the running platform. The more expensive model has a few other minor improvements, too.

It’s hard to know where to start when discussing the ProForm Pro 2000. Covering all its features comprehensively would take too long, so we’ve done our best to talk about the most important information. Let’s focus on the major points, then:

Whereas many treadmills have one or two outstanding features, this machine offers the complete package. It is not the only one on this page with a 12MPH maximum speed, nor is it the only one with a 3.5CHP motor. It also isn’t the only one with a 350-pound weight capacity, a 15% maximum incline, multiple storage areas for your belongings, a large display, or a lifetime frame- and motor warranty. It is, however, the only one to offer all of those things. On top of that, of course, is the fact that it has a decline setting.

Yes, You Can Go Downhill

The ability to run or walk downhill on a treadmill is something very few manufacturers bother to include. For safety reasons, you won’t be able to set the decline to as steep an angle as you can the incline, but the ability to go downhill at all is impressive. When you’re out running on paths and roads competitively (or even just for fun), you typically don’t run only on flat terrain. Practicing this motion is why incline was added to machines in the first place.

Since running (or walking) downhill uses different muscles than running uphill or on flat ground, you may find that training on a traditional treadmill will leave you feeling tired and sore when you actually hit the road. That, along with its durability, is why this is one of our favorite choices for marathon runners.