The Best Treadmill For Home Use In 2022

Are you looking for the best treadmill for home 2021? We have you covered! This page features the top-rated treadmills, brands, types of treadmills, and more.

Read on to find out.

But before we get to the best in-home treadmills, did you know treadmills have been around since 1818? Surprisingly, the early treadmills served as punishment tools for prisoners rather than training machines.

They were built around the idea of walking up an endless staircase. Walking up the ”eternal staircase” essentially produced energy, which could pump water and grind grain.

The first training treadmill was patented in 1913 in the US. Treadmills for exercise did not receive much attention until after Dr. Robert Bruce developed a medical treadmill in 1952.

The popularity of exercising treadmills grew even further in the 1960s, following the availability of home equipment through Aerobics, Inc.

What are the benefits of treadmills?

Running on a treadmill can help you achieve many fitness goals and objectives, regardless of your skill level. The health benefits of treadmills include:

Weight loss

Aerobic exercises like running can make a difference in the number of calories you burn. Incorporating HIIT workouts when exercising on treadmills can help you drop extra pounds more quickly. Generally, treadmill exercises can increase your overall caloric burn than other forms of aerobic activities.

Improve cardiovascular health

Treadmill workouts provide cardiovascular conditioning. The exercises improve blood circulation while strengthening the heart muscles, blood vessels, and lungs.

With treadmills, even people diagnosed with cardio issues can exercise more safely because they can monitor and maintain their heart rate.

Muscle building

When you exercise on a treadmill, you engage different key muscle groups like glutes, calves, quadriceps, and hamstrings. The running machines can provide a well-rounded workout depending on how you choose to customize your exercising regime.

Better bone density

Easy access to training equipment can encourage you to run regularly, which may help increase the mineral content in the bones. More minerals make your bone stronger. That way, you could reduce the risk of diseases like osteoporosis.

Top 10 Rated Treadmill

We know finding the best treadmill for home can be overwhelmingly challenging. We’ve conducted thorough research on your behalf, and here are the top 10 rated treadmills on the market.

1. NordicTrack Commercial X32i

Commercial X32i is a firm favorite among fitness freaks. That’s because the treadmill is not only designed with high-end features but also reasonably priced. It’s the best overall.

Featuring an iFit technology and a 32-inch interactive HD touch screen, X32i allows you to track performance and watch on-demand or live stream workouts from a dedicated app. Users get free access to the resourceful iFit technology for one year.

This NordicTrack uses a powerful 4.25 CHP Smart-response motor. It can propel you to a top speed of 12 mph. The unit provides low-impact reflect cushioning and can accommodate long strides.

You can adjust the incline up to 40%. What’s more, the treadmill has sled grips and push bars. There’s a variety of workouts to this model.

2. Nautilus T618

While the T618 treadmill does not have a touch screen display, this mid-range price running machine is built with quality in mind. We rank it as a runner-up. It’s a sturdy treadmill with a 3.5 CHP quiet motor and a durable belt.

With the backlit dual display, you can easily monitor performance metrics, including heart rate, speed, fitness score, calories burned, and training time. The system takes into account the five previous workouts.

Nautilus T618 treadmill is Bluetooth enabled. This provides an additional way for tracking performance by synching workout data to third-party fitness apps.

The treadmill features 26 built-in workout programs. It provides a 15% incline, with a maximum speed of12 mph.

3. Sole F80

When it comes to the category of the best folding treadmill, you cannot go wrong with the Sole F80 treadmill. The running machine makes the folding and unfolding process easy, thanks to an all-gear rack and pin system with a secure locking mechanism.

Besides the folding aspect, Sole F80 can reach up to 12 mph and allow a 15% incline, like the T618 treadmill.

The model has an LCD touch screen display with preset fitness programs. There are no extra subscription fees. Sole has included a dedicated fitness app that syncs with Apple Health, FitBit, and Record.

You can also connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth. There’s even a built-in tablet holder.

F80 has a powerful 3.5 HP motor. It can support multiple users or withstand abuse from extended workouts. The rails are pretty short, but the overall construction of this unit is durable.

4. Horizon T202

Horizon T202 ranks high in the budget-friendly aspect.

Featuring a 2.75 CHP motor, this treadmill is ideal for walkers and runners. It comes with nine pre-programmed workouts.

Other features include a 12% incline, 12 mph, Bluetooth connectivity, and an audio jack.

If you want to use an external heart rate monitor, you can easily connect it via the free Sports app and then export your workout data to other fitness apps like FitBit.

The treadmill is easy to fold and store away.

Unlike other brands in the same price range, Horizon T202 provides a more extended running area that can accommodate taller runners.

5. GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding

Users highly laud GoPlus 2 in 1 as the best under desk treadmill. It is designed for both running and walking, particularly for users who are okay without incline features.

By folding the riser, the unit becomes an under desk treadmill. If you raise the handrail, you can run a maximum speed of 7.5 mph. However, the running area may be insufficient for taller users.

With the built-in LED display, users can monitor time, speed, distance, caloric burn, etc. The treadmill also comes equipped with a phone holder, Bluetooth speakers, and remote control.

GoPlus 2 in 1 treadmill produces minimal noise, thanks to the multi-layer belt and ultra-quiet 2.25 HP motor.

6. ProForm 705 CST Folding Treadmill

ProForm 705 CST is a top-of-the-line treadmill model when it comes to interactive training. It’s an excellent alternative to the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

The treadmill is spatially friendly with a 5-inch display for streaming iFit workouts and tracking your performance in real-time. You can stream the interactive training sessions and exercises directly on your phone or tablet.

This unit supports sprinting up to 12 mph. Its heavy-duty drive system can handle quick incline changes up to 12%, allowing you to optimize cardio workouts. The system is self-cooling.

Another feature worth highlighting is that the treadmill is designed for users weighing up to 325 pounds. And it comes with a 30-day iFit trial membership.

7. 3G Cardio Elite Runner

For those looking for the best high-capacity treadmill, the 3G Cardio Elite Runner is a beast. With a 4.0 HP motor, this treadmill holds up to 400 pounds. The motor and frame have a lifetime warranty.

Users have access to manual and pre-programmed fitness tests and courses. The speed of this treadmill ranges from 5 to 12 mph. You can expect a comfortable run, as the manufacturer used a thicker belt with excellent shock suspension properties.

The treadmill inclines to a maximum of 15%. Essentially, its belt adjusts to a 1% gradient every 1.5 seconds.

This unit comes with a lot of customization and entertainment features to kick out little boredom. You can even create your own workouts.

8. Sunny Health & Fitness 7700 Asuna

Asuna 7700 is one of the best non-motorized treadmills. It is a heavy-duty yet simple unit with different inline levels for low and HIIT training.

Built with high-grade construction materials, this manual unit can accommodate a maximum of 440 pounds. Sunny Health & Fitness 7700 Asuna has dual flywheels for smooth belt movement.

9. Woodway Curve

Curved treadmills tend to have a hefty price tag, and WOODWAY Curve is no exception. It is a rich-feature unit that’s more appealing to professional sports teams and athletes. It can support high-speed workout sessions, HIIT, as well as group training.

WOODWAY Curve has distinctively responsive training programs that analyze your current workout data and sets new targets for you. It uses a unique fatigue index to tailor more customized challenges.

Curve comes with USB ports, which you can use to save and export workout data. The unit is also compatible with many third-party fitness apps for tracking performance and long-term progress.

10. The Platinum Club Series

If you’re in the market for the most durable high-end treadmill, the Platinum Club Series might be a perfect addition to your workout settings.

It is a worthwhile purchase for professional long-distance runners or running-obsessed fellows. The treadmill has a 4.0 CHP motor. That’s an extremely powerful motor to withstand tough or long workouts daily. It provides excellent levels of shock absorption

The unit is loaded with high-tech features you may need to track every little statistic of your training sessions and progress.

Treadmill Brands

NordicTrack

NordicTrack is a widely trusted brand in the fitness world. It provides a diverse range of products, including treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, and exercise bikes.

The company has two series of treadmills: T Series and Commercial treadmills.

Here is more information on who sells Nordictrack treadmills.

Headquartered in Logan, Utah, NordicTrack began its operations in 1975. ICON Health and Fitness, a highly coveted fitness equipment manufacturer, acquired NordicTrack in 1998..

Golds Gym

Golds Gym has been around since 1965. Its headquarters relocated from California to Dallas. The company runs a chain of co-ed fitness centers, which offer a variety of workout equipment.

They typically sell entry-level treadmills that come from ICON. Their treadmills are good options for walkers and light runners.

Weslo

Founded in 1977, Weslo is a Utah-based company dealing with economy line treadmills. Weslo is one of the brands operating under ICON.

Smooth Fitness

The Smooth Fitness treadmill brand opened its doors in 1984, selling treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and other fitness pieces of equipment. In 2012, Smooth Fitness closed down business but returned quickly under the ICON umbrella.

ProForm

ProForm specializes in budget-friendly and feature-rich home treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, rowers, and cross-trainers. ICON Health and Fitness is the manufacturer behind the ProForm treadmill models: Pro Series, Carbon Series, and City Series.

Epic

Formed in 2004, EPIC Fitness is another brand that’s part of ICON. It was founded in San Diego but later relocated to Arizona. Like other brands under ICON, EPIC sells different fitness units, including home and commercial-grade treadmills.

Walmart

Walmart stocks a variety of treadmills from many industry-leading and relatively unknown brands. Buyers have access to running machines at various price points.

The retail corporation buys units in bulk. That’s why it sells individual products at heavily discounted rates, especially during Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and Labor Day.

Bowflex

Bowflex began its journey in 1986. It sells fitness training equipment manufactured by Nautilus, a Vancouver-based company. Bowflex has three treadmills: TreadClimbers (hybrids of treadmills and ellipticals), Max Trainers, and Results treadmills.

Costco

Initially, Costco Wholesale Corporation was known as Price Club. The predecessor operated from 1976 to 1983. After Costco took over, the retailer changed the headquarters from San Diego to Seattle, Washington. Costco is among the leading retailers in the world.

Like Walmart, Costco buys in bulk. However, this retailer offers two treadmills from NordicTrack and ProForm.

Horizon

Horizon is a Wisconsin-based fitness equipment manufacturing company.

The brand offers budget-friendly, in-home treadmills that suit both beginners and experienced athletes. Horizon treadmills are categorized into the Go Series and Studio Series.

Woodway

Headquartered in Wisconsin, Woodway opened its doors in 1975. It specializes in high-end running machines for all skill levels. Woodway is an international brand, with its treadmills built in the USA, Japan, and Germany.

IFit

Treadmills brands connected to the iFit technology take the guesswork out of training. This technology tracks your progress, guides you, suggests customized meal plans and workouts. The machines with iFit can automatically adjust things like treadmill speed, incline level, and resistance.

Sole

Based in Utah, Sole Fitness is an established manufacturer, producing top-notch quality treadmills and more since 2001. The treadmills are suitable for home and light commercial uses.

Nautilus

Nautilus, Inc. sells its fitness equipment under brand names Bowflex, Nautilus, Schwinn, and Octane Fitness. The Nautilus brand, created in the 1970s, shares a name with the parent company.

Its home treadmill offerings include the T6 series. Some of the Nautilus models like T514 and T516 are out of stock, and the company will no longer manufacture them.

Nautilus treadmills are usually valued in the upper mid-to-high price range.

True

Launched in 1981, True Fitness is a multinational supplier of club-quality running machines for home and commercial settings. True is located in St. Louis, Missouri. It distributes four series of treadmills: PS, M, Z, and ES.

GoPlus

The GoPlus brand was formed way back in 2008. While the company is now under Costway, the fitness products remain traded using the original brand name (GoPlus). The company offers entry-level treadmills and is well-known to offer attractive prices.

Best Buy

Best Buy is a Minnesota-based international retailer.

It has been around since 1966. The company sells treadmills of other brands, including ProForm, Nautilus, Bowflex, and NordicTrack.

Amazon

Amazon is an online store with practically the same business model as Walmart.

The company buys products directly from manufacturers, individuals sellers, or businesses at wholesale rates. Amazon inventory features a wide range of brands and models for essentially every price range.

FreeMotion

FreeMotion is one of the brands operating under ICON Fitness. It has been around since 1999, producing high-quality running machines with decent features. It has four treadmill models, and all are compatible with the iFit technology.

Peloton

Established in 2012, Peleton offers stationary bikes, treadmills, and online classes. Currently, the brand sells only one high-end treadmill – Peloton Tread+. However, there are plans to extend the treadmill range.

Echelon

While Echelon has been around since 1988, it does not offer variety in the treadmill category. Like Peloton, the company provides only one treadmill- the compact size Echelon Stride.

Treadly

Treadly offers two types of high-tech, ultra-slim, portable treadmills: Treadly and Treadly 2. This company is based in New York. The in-home Treadly 2 generation is available in the basic and pro version.

Dicks

Dicks is a sporting goods store. Buyers can visit local stores or make purchases online. Dicks Sporting Goods allows buyers to search treadmills by brand, weight requirement, desired features, and more. The store sells running machines from well-known brands, including NordicTrack, Horizon Fitness, BowFlex, Sole, and Sunny.

LifeSpan

PCE Health and Fitness was incepted in 1994. This Utah-based company Introduced a line of fitness equipment under the brand name LifeSpan.
Its product line includes basic models to advanced home treadmills classified as the Home and Pro series.

To find out more about their treadmills here is a page on the lifespan fitness brand.

TechnoGym

Founded in 1984, TechnoGym is an Italian-based fitness equipment company. Its equipment manufacturing stays global. The brand specializes in high-end home and commercial treadmills, exercise bikes, gym benches, and more.

Relaxe

Relaxe offers budget-friendly running treadmills and desk treadmills.

The company manufactures quality products, although there are limited options.

Life Fitness

Based in Rosemont, Illinois, Life Fitness entered the industry in the 1970s. It manufactures and distributes cutting-edge training machines, including ergonomic treadmills.

The brand’s product line features six treadmill models: FI, F3, T3, T5, Club Series, and Platinum Club series.

The machines are not only available online but also at specialty fitness stores.

Sunny

Sunny Health & Fitness, headquartered in Los Angeles, was founded in 2002. It’s a reputable brand with a diverse network of manufacturers, supplying various locally made and imported workout equipment.

Besides treadmills, Sunny also distributes stationary bikes, rowers, ellipticals, steppers, and fitness accessories. Its feature-rich treadmills are accessible to customers with a budget.

3G Cardio

3G Cardio is a fitness and training equipment company located in Phoenix, Arizona. The company released its first running machine in 2015. Since then, it has launched a series of home treadmills for walking, jogging, light running, and more intense training.

Types of Treadmills

Here, you’re spoiled for choice. There’s a type for every need.

Features vary to some extent. That’s why it’s imperative to understand how each treadmill class differs from another before buying one.
Listed below are the various types of treadmills you will find on the market today.

Folding

A foldable treadmill is an excellent option for people with limited storage spaces. The decks lift and fold away. These machines usually have transportation wheels. So, there’s no need for a heavy lift.

Click the link if you want to know the differences between non folding and folding treadmills.

However, the frames of some folding treadmill models may be less sturdy. Those with more robust frames tend to cost more.

Portable

Portable treadmills can come with transportation wheels, or they can be portable enough to be carried around to wherever you choose to train in your home. However, not every portable machine is foldable.

Incline

Doing the same thing over and over again can breed boredom. Incline treadmills provide new challenges that can keep workouts exciting while forcing the body to engage different muscles.

Running on incline treadmills is like running uphill. The difference is that you’re in control of the gradient. The workout equipment allows you to introduce different difficulty levels in your running, jogging, or walking.

Desk

Also known as treadmill workstations, desk treadmills are designed to help reduce the time spent sitting while working.
This treadmill type isn’t only for office workers.

Anyone looking to change their sedentary lifestyle associated with a prolonged period of inactivity can walk on the treadmill as they perform tasks in homes.

Not quite sure about these? Here is a good guide to help you determine if a treadmill desk is worth it for you.

Compact

They usually require less storage space and are lightweight. Many models in this class are foldable.

Some compact treadmills have as many features as larger models and cost less than a standard treadmill.

The downside of compact models is that they may not provide enough striding space for taller people.

Click the link if you are looking for some really good small and compact treadmills.

Cheap

Treadmills tend to be expensive in general, but you can find quality workout equipment without breaking the bank.

While such lower-priced models will get the job done, they may lack some features and functions for an overall satisfying workout.

Click the link to find the best cheap treadmill.

Manufacturers tend to use lighter materials in the construction of cheap treadmills. As such, they may feel less stable. Some budget models may also have shorter running decks.

Walking

The term desk treadmill is often used interchangeably with a walking treadmill. This type of unit is meant to be used at low speed, usually under 4 mph. The machines typically don’t have safety handles like the running models. Here is a good guide if you are looking for the best treadmill for walking.

Commercial

Commercial-grade treadmills come packed with a mixed bucket of features that can help you get the most out of your workouts. These are pieces of equipment you will find in gyms and other fitness centers.

They include various parameters for tracking your performance. For example, they can show the distance yet to be covered, calories burnt, pulse rate, pace, and the incline.

However, the commercial treadmills do not come cheap. They’re often worth the extra cost, though.

Smart

These are high-tech pieces of training equipment paired with your phone or tablet. At the most basic, the devices connect via Bluetooth.

Smart treadmills often have Wi-Fi and work with companion apps to allow you to track your progressive workouts.

The machines can suggest workouts to follow or connect you to an online community with active members alike. Some will congratulate you when you meet your goals.

Quiet

Want to work out without waking up your family members or roommates? A quiet treadmill may be worth your consideration. The motors and running decks of such treadmills are designed to minimize noise levels.

Manual

Since they have no motor, they tend to make less noise.

The display to tracking your performance is usually battery-powered. Unfortunately, these models don’t provide you with extensive built-in apps, workouts, and other features you’ll get in most motorized machines.

In this category, you will find flat and curved treadmills. However, many prefer the latter.

Here is a good guide if you are looking for the best manual treadmill.

Flat treadmills are best suited for walking, as they generally have a less sturdy construction and shorter belts. Changing incline is also challenging because a user has to stop and get off. Well, this disrupts the training flow and form.

Curved

When exercising on a curved treadmill, each foot strike will propel the belt behind you.

The treadmill does not have maximum speeds. It encourages users to walk or run more naturally. However, the machine is built with HIIT in mind.
Many people find curved-belt treadmills physically taxing, but they create a notable difference in fitness levels.

Running

As the title suggests, running treadmills are designed to be used at fast speeds for short sprints and distance runs. The speed rate tends to be at least 4 mph.

Where to Buy Treadmills

When it comes to buying a treadmill, you have three main options to consider.

1. Sporting goods stores
2. Fitness specialty stores
3. E-commerce stores

Sporting goods stores

In this category, you’ll find companies like Dick’s Sporting Goods. The offline stores usually have different types of floor machines for testing purposes.

Unfortunately, many of the samples you’ll get may not be in the best condition. So, it can be confusing to tell the difference between a poorly built treadmill and the one subjected to abnormal abuse.

Fitness specialty stores

Like sporting goods stores, the fitness specialty shops also allow you to test-ride the treadmill. They carry multiple brands and types of treadmills.

The staff members are highly knowledgeable to offer educated demos and recommendations. They can help you choose the perfect treadmill within your budget range. However, expect to pay a premium to these stores.

Ecommerce stores

This is the most convenient way to buy a treadmill while saving money. You can thoroughly compare different models on online shopping websites like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.

While you can’t test equipment before purchasing, these sites allow previous customers to leave reviews and testimonials. From the feedback, it’s easy to determine if the treadmill can meet your expectations.

Once you’ve made the purchasing decision, all you need to do is submit your payment details and wait for the product. It can be at your doorstep or selected pick-up station.

How to Repair Treadmills

Your treadmill isn’t designed to last forever without hitches. Even your state-of-the-art unit is bound to develop issues at some point.

This section will briefly cover some of the common treadmill issues that users face and how you can respond to them.

· Erratic or inconsistent speed: Is the belt hitching? Replace it. If the belt appears to slow down suddenly or the unit stops running, have a technicians check the motor or circuit.

· Malfunctioning speed sensor: A jerking belt could be a sign of a dirty or disconnected speed sensor. Follow the user’s manual to locate the sensor to clean or engage it.

· Burning odor: A burning smell often happens when there’s excessive friction between the track and belt. Lubricating could help solve the issue unless it’s an electrical short that caused it. An electrical issue would require professional intervention.

· Belt slips: Make sure the belt is correctly aligned and not over-tightened. Lift the belt in the center and ensure the gap is 2-3 inches. Here is more information on why belts slip.

· Treadmill won’t turn on even when plugged in: It could be that the fuses are blown out. In this case, you can use a multi-meter to test the fuses before replacing them. If the fuses are working, then the problem could be with the display. Pay attention to wires between the treadmill and console display. Ensure they’re secure. If you notice any crimped cords, replace them.

If you have a question about treadmills then reach out to me on my contact page.