Today we’re going to take a look at the best folding treadmills on the market that fold up and store away.
The treadmill is an iconic piece of exercise equipment that we don’t see getting replaced anytime soon or maybe ever. They’re used for weight loss, fitness, as a replacement for walking outdoors, and are a phenomenal training tool for athletes. Pretty much every gym around the world offers treadmills to its members and it’s probably the most common cardio fitness machine used in homes too.
But they do typically take up space due to their design. That shouldn’t deter anyone from considering getting a treadmill though, especially since a lot of models easily fold up and/or can be stored away when not in use. Plus we think the benefits of having a treadmill for any time use far outweigh any potential cons, which are usually very few.
In this guide, we’ve explained the benefits and drawbacks of treadmills, included our favorite folding treadmills, and described what to look for when choosing one of these incredible cardio machines.
Folding Treadmills for 2022:
- Editor’s Choice – Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
- Best Bang For The Buck – Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T7603
- Best High End Treadmill – NordicTrack Commercial Series 2950
- Best Lightweight Manual Treadmill – ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill
- Best Mid-Priced Treadmill With High End Features – Echelon Stride
- Best For Runners – 3G Cardio Pro Runner
- Most Built-In Workouts – Advenor Treadmill
- Most Affordable – Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill
Treadmill Benefits
The versatility of a treadmill makes it superior to any other cardio fitness machine in our opinion. We’ve explained the many benefits of using one below.
Weight loss
This is quite possibly the most common reason that people use a treadmill whether in the gym or at home. A treadmill is an effective option for burning lots of calories and dropping pounds because you can walk at various speeds, use inclines to increase the level of difficulty (If the treadmill has this feature), and customize your workouts.
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The only drawback to using a treadmill for weight loss is that many overweight, obese, and out of shape people will hop on and start jogging and/or running. This is not recommended due to the high-impact nature of jogging and running which, in combination with carrying excess body weight, places a lot of additional stress on the joints.
For these people, walking at various paces is the best option.
Related: The Top 20 Simple Weight Loss Tips
Cardio and health
Whether your goal is to drop some pounds, or improve/maintain your cardiovascular health and fitness, treadmill sessions can help you achieve either goal.
One of the biggest advantages of having a treadmill in your home is you can avoid the outside elements which means there are no excuses for why you cannot exercise every day which is a crucial component of good health and staying trim and fit.
Convenient
Whether you are trying to escape the natural elements or avoid the gym, treadmills allow you to exercise in the comfort and safety of your own home.
But you can also customize your sessions by adjusting the settings such as the speed and incline and there are various modes with pre-programmed workouts. This helps to prevent boredom as you’re exercising in your personal space.
Athletic Performance
Athletes can also greatly benefit from what the treadmill has to offer. It’s a great choice for recovery between activities, but endurance is a must for performing at a high level, not to mention, jogging or running on a treadmill replicates what you would do on the court, field, track, and you get the point.
Avoid injury
There’s nothing like the great outdoors, however, rocks, stumps, and slippery and uneven surfaces can be dangerous especially when you’re running. You cannot spot every imperfection to prevent trip ups, falls, and injuries.
Treadmills typically have a padded surface that can reduce the impact on your joints and you know it’s a flat and not uneven surface.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Treadmills are great for being active in between hard runs and grueling activities. They are also used for rehabilitation purposes.
Treadmill Drawbacks
There are, of course, a few drawbacks with a treadmill machine.
Often misused
In an effort to lose weight, a lot of people buy a treadmill, hop on it and start jogging or running. However, most people do not know how bad that is for the joints while carrying a lot of extra body weight. But even for those who are a normal and healthy weight, jogging and running is something that you should learn how to do first. It’s also not something you should just jump right into.
Moving parts
Treadmills are machines and have a lot of moving parts and components, especially the motorized versions. They do require some maintenance and sometimes the electronics may give out or not work as they should.
1. Editor’s Choice – Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
XTERRA fitness has made its way into a few of our product reviews and hence we trust including them as one of our recommendations. Their TR150 happened to be our top pick in this category, however, that doesn’t mean it’s superior to the other choices on this list.
Let’s talk about what you can expect from this treadmill aside from the sub $400 price point.
Well, to start off, it has a powerful 2.25 HP motor that propels the belt at speeds of 0.5 – 10 MPH. This should be adequate for most people who like a mix of walking and faster-paced activities. Speaking of activities, the TR150 has a display that shows performance stats plus 12 pre-set programs that offer workout variation to challenge yourself and prevent exercise boredom.
The company also wanted to ensure that users will have a comfortable experience of which they used XTRASoft cushioned deck technology. This is supposed to lessen the impact of your joints making contact with the surface of the treadmill.
And, of course, it’s always nice to have the convenience of a bookrack and accessory holder. So you can have entertainment, catch up on reading your favorite novel, or both.
While this model isn’t the most optimal for those who weigh more than 250 lbs, it’s a good value overall that most people will find to be a perfect fit for their home space.
- Assembled dimensions: 63.4″ L x 28.75″ W x 51.4″ H
- Folded dimensions: 28.5″ L x 28.75″ W x 61″ H
- Assembled weight: 108 lbs
- Recommended max user weight: 250 lbs
- Motor: 2.25 HP
- Speed: 0.5 -10 MPH
- Warranties: Lifetime frame, 1 year motor, 90 days deck, 90 days in-home labor
Product features
- 50″ deck length
- 16″ inch wide
- 3 incline levels
- 5″ LCD console
- 12 preset programs
- Quick start buttons
- Handgrip pulse sensors
- XTRASoft cushioned deck
- Made from heavy-gauge steel frame
Pros
- Large walking/running surface/ideal for most users
- Versatile
- Springy, cushioned deck minimizes impact
- Pulse grips help to monitor activity
- Folds up
- Has a warranty (check description in link)
Cons
- No soft dropdown/hydraulic feature
- You have to manually adjust the incline levels
- Only recommended for up to 250 lbs
About the brand
Based in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the focus of Xterra Fitness is to “Make fitness accessible to everyone”. Their product line consists of workout machines that range from affordable and compact to more higher end options. They also take pride in having US-based customer service that is unrivaled.
2. Best Bang For The Buck – Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T7603
Next on our list is a treadmill from the popular workout equipment company Sunny Health and Fitness. It’s loaded with great features such as two bottle holders to ensure you stay hydrated, a shock-absorbing deck to minimize joint impact, adjustable incline, and soft drop-down deck technology to name a few.
The SF-T7603 has an LCD screen with built-in workout program and the pulse sensors monitor heart beat during your training sessions. A feature we really like that is not offered on all treadmills at gyms is the multifunctional handrail that allows you to quickly change the speeds.
It’s also a compact design and folds up nicely and the soft-drop system prevents the decks from slamming down onto the ground.
There’s also a safety clip that can be pulled to stop the machine which is a really great feature.
This machine has lots of awesome features and we highly recommend it.
- Assembled dimensions: 62L x 27W x 47H in
- Folded dimensions: 32.5L x 27W x 58H in
- Assembled weight: 103.6 lbs
- Recommended max user weight: 220 lbs
- Motor: 2.2 HP
- Speed: 0.5 – 9MPH
- Warranties: 8 year structural frame / 180 days other parts and components
Product features
- 49L x 16W running surface
- Digital monitor
- Pulse sensors
- Dual bottle holders
- Non-slip handlebars
- Shock absorption deck
- Adjustable incline
- Soft drop system
- Transportation wheels
- Emergency stop clip
Pros
- Built-in workout programs offer fun training options
- Two water bottle holders are great for reminding you to stay hydrated
- Three incline settings offer exercise versatility and increases difficulty
- Soft-drop deck prevents slamming
- Emergency stop clip is a great safety feature
Cons
- Few complaints about customer service/support
- May not last as long compared to more higher end option but a good value overall
About the brand
Sunny Health and Fitness is a popular and established brand that’s been around for over 18 years. They offer a variety of quality training equipment for a fair price.
3. Best High End Treadmill – NordicTrack Commercial Series 2950
If you’ve been researching treadmills to buy then there’s a good chance NordicTrack products have popped up. That’s because they’re an industry leader in treadmill technology.
While they offer many great options, our pick was the Commercial Series 2950.
For those who love immersive interactive experiences, the large 22″ HD screen really stands out amongst this option with other useful bells and whistles. You can pair it with their iFit membership option that allows the user to experience virtual, on-demand trainer-led sessions that also take you through a variety of terrains and environments. You can add up to 5 users so it’s a great treadmill for family use.
But what’s insanely cool about the iFit feature is that the virtual trainers can adjust the speed and incline of your machine.
Note: You will have to pay for the iFit membership.
The Commercial Series 2950 can decline and incline from -3-15% and the treadmill has a space-saving design and easy lift feature to easily fold up the deck and make more space.
- Assembled dimensions: 79.5L x 39.2W x 66.6H
- Folded dimensions: Not sure
- Assembled weight: Not sure
- Recommended max user weight: 300 lbs
- Motor: 4 HP
- Speed: 0 – 12 MPH
- Warranties: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor
Product features
- 22″ HD screen
- 22 x 60″ tread belt
- iFit feature offers live classes and virtual experiences
- -3-15% digital incline control
- Folding space saver design
- Cushioned flex deck
Pros
- iFit feature offers live classes and virtual experiences
- Large 22″ screen
- Cushioned deck minimizes joint impact and makes for a more comfortable experience
Cons
- iFit membership is not free
- Not affordable for everyone
About the brand
NordicTrack is a premium workout equipment brand and household name. While they offer a lineup of various cardio machines, they are most known for their industry-leading treadmill technology.
“NordicTrack is proud of our cardio legacy; we proudly craft the best treadmills that give you a treadmill training and workout experience as valuable as your time. From our incline treadmills with an industry-leading 40% incline to our FreeStride Trainer Ellipticals that give you a heart-pumping workout with zero impact, there is a product for everyone.”
One thing that especially stands out about NordicTrack is the iFit experience that’s let’s users have an interactive experience led by live trainers.
4. Best Lightweight Manual Treadmill – ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill
The ProGear 190 manual treadmill works by human power so it’s simple in design, low maintenance, and has a small footprint which is great for extra small spaces.
It also only weighs 49 lbs! So it’s a really lightweight device. This model has a digital display that shows speed, distance, time, calories and odometer. Oversized rollers supposedly allow the belt to run smoothly and not get caught up or stuck which is a real pain.
You also get two manual incline options – 6 and 10 degrees. When using a manual treadmill, using the incline feature typically makes it easier to get the belt moving but it also provides some walking resistance if you’re looking to get a harder workout. This device does not offer a flat walking surface for this reason.
The handrails are wide which may add to the comfort of using the ProGear 190 and you can fold it up and wheel it away.
- Assembled dimensions: 47″L x 23″W x 51″H
- Folded dimensions: 21″L x 23″W x 51″H
- Assembled weight: 49 lbs
- Recommended max user weight: 230 lbs
- Warranties: 1 year limited
Product features
- Deck length: 43 inches
- Deck width: 13 1/4 inches
- Dual cast iron flywheels
- Digital monitor
- Steel frame with powder coat finish
- Wide side rails
- Oversized belt rollers
- Long handlebars w/ foam grips
- 6 and 10 degree incline
- Foldable w/ wheels
Pros
- Low priced compared to motorized treadmills
- Two-level adjustable incline
- Oversized belt rollers help w/ consistent and smooth functioning
- LCD display tracks progress and performance
- Batteries are included for display
Cons
- Not ideal for runners or heavier individuals
- Cannot adjust to flat walking surface
About the brand
“Stay fit, spend less”… ProGear is a value brand that offers training equipment that’s affordable but still functional.
5. Best Mid-Priced Treadmill With High End Features – Echelon Stride
Another very big name in exercise equipment and treadmills, Echelon offers top-notch stuff and makes our list of best folding treadmills.
The Stride is a popular mid-priced option. Right off the bat, we noticed they offer a free 90-day trial to test and try out their premier membership that features over 3,000 live and on-demand instructor-led classes. So you can sign up to do real time sessions or if not there are plenty of great on-demand workouts to do.
And what’s really cool is classes range from 5 to 45 minutes in duration which seems to fit most people’s needs whether they want a quick exercise session before work or full workout experience several times per week. This option supports up to 5 users so family and friends can enjoy the classes and get fit too.
But you could also always just choose from the 8 programmed workouts too. And if we read correctly, there are 12 incline levels which is pure awesomeness.
The handlebars have built-in pulse sensors for heart rate monitoring which is a very welcome addition.
Echelon also included a metal safety bar under the deck to ensure nothing finds its way underneath the machine. This is a great safety feature.
We also just really like the extras they’ve included and we think most people would as well such as a USB charging port, Bluetooth capability, water bottle holders, and device holders.
The Stride is for those who want an interactive experience but who also like many of the useful bells and whistles too.
The company offers a 100% money-back guarantee for 30 days.
- Assembled dimensions: 69.3″ x 31″ x 49.2″
- Folded dimensions: 69.3″ x 31″ 10.25″
- Assembled weight: 156 lbs
- Recommended max user weight: 300 lbs
- Motor: 3.0
- Speed: 0.5 – 12 MPH
- Warranties: 12-month limited parts and labor
Product features
- 20″ x 55″ deck size
- Impact-absorbing deck
- 12 incline levels
- 8 programmed workouts
- Bluetooth
- Two water bottle holders
- Smartphone and tablet holder
- Autofold feature
- USB charging port
- Pull-out safety lanyard
Pros
- Meets international safety standards UL 1647 and EN20957.
- Free 90-day Echelon Premier Membership offers love and on-demand classes
- Exercise with live instructors with membership
- Autofold allows for quick and easy folding
- Just 10 inches tall when folded
- Heart pulse grips are great for monitoring heart rate
- Charge your devices with built-in USB port
- Off-equipment FitPass workouts
Cons
- Few complaints that the deck is heavy and not as easy to fold up as shown in the photos
About the brand
Echelon is a top exercise equipment brand that offers state-of-the-art fitness machines and some of the best immersive technology that connects users to live instructors or on-demand activities.
6. Best For Runners – 3G Cardio Pro Runner
The 3G Cardio Pro Runner is another really good mid-price option that comes with a lot of things we think most would like in a home treadmill.
This model is equipped with an LED/LCD display with 8 built-in programs and 2 custom programs. A cool feature is that it allows you to do a few fitness tests such as Gerkin, Cooper and BMI (Body Mass Index).
Other useful design features include hi/low fan, one-touch speed and incline, and a really awesome thing about the Pro Runner is that while it does have heart pulse monitors, you also get the option to use a wireless heart rate chest belt.
This machine unlike many of the other options on the market is built like a tank which is why it’s not as cheap.
Overall, the 3G Cardio Pro Runner doesn’t have the most bells and whistles, however, it’s more like a simpler, higher-end option that’s going to stand up to a lot.
- Assembled dimensions: 74” L x 35” W x 58.5″ H
- Folded dimensions: 40″ L x 35″ W x 65” H
- Assembled weight: 103.6 lbs
- Recommended max user weight: 350 lbs
- Motor: 3.0
- Speed: 0.5 – 12 MPH
- Warranties: Lifetime frame, 5-year parts, and 1 year in-home labor
Product features
- 20.5″ x 58″ running belt provides great running space
- Heavy-duty ortho flex suspension
- Lots of programs to test your limits
- Device console
- Multi-speed fan
- Space-saving fold up design
Pros
- Orthopedic belt may be better on the joints
- Option to use a heart rate chest belt
- Quiet and compact
- Supports users up to 350 lbs
Cons
- A bit heavy
- A little pricey compared to more budget options
About the brand
3G Cardio is run by exercise equipment experts who have over 50 years of experience in the industry.
“Our expertise gives us the skills to create fitness equipment that will always outperform our clients’ expectations, as well as a business model that delivers the best equipment, the best prices, and the best client service and support in the industry.”
7. Most Built-In Workouts – Advenor Treadmill
We would definitely recommend this treadmill from recognized brand Advenor.
The backlit display screen shows performance details and has an impressive 64 pre-set training programs in 8 modes with 8 different intensity levels offering something for users of all fitness levels. It’s great for mixing up your physical activities and keeping you motivated by preventing boredom.
The treadmill has a nice wide deck for optimal foot space during walks and runs and shock cushions provide comfort and ease joint impact.
You can manually adjust the treadmill to three incline levels for added resistance and exercise difficulty. Walking or running on incline is great for burning additional calories, getting a great calf workout and reducing joint stress from runs and faster-paced, higher-intensity activities.
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An awesome feature of this treadmill is you can easily change the speed of the belt using the buttons on the handrails without having to reach out in front of you to mess with the console. The built-in pulse monitors on the handles can also come in handy.
And like all of the options you’ll find in this review, the machine folds up.
- Assembled dimensions: 63.78″ x 27.17″ x 51.97″
- Folded dimensions: 34.25″ x 27.17″ x 54.72″
- Assembled weight: 99.2 lbs
- Recommended max user weight: 220 lbs
- Motor: 3 HP
- Speed: 1 -14 km/h
- Warranties: 12 months parts
Product features
- 47.3″ long and 17″ wide running deck
- Shock cushions under deck
- 3 manual incline options
- 5-inch backlit monitor
- 64 pre-set training programs
- Pulse sensors on handles
- Quick speed buttons on handles
- Audio and MP3 speaker
- Soft drop system
- Water bottle holders
- Device holders
Pros
- Quick speed buttons located on handles for easy adjustability
- Check your pulse during exercise
- Shock cushions great for alleviating joint stress
- Machine has water bottle and device storage
- Soft drop makes it easy to lower deck from folded position
Cons
- No auto incline
- Small display
About the brand
The motto of Advenor is “Commit to get fit”. The brand prides itself on offering quality workout equipment but at prices that are affordable, fast delivery times and great customer service. That’s confidence and peace of mind right there.
8. Most Affordable – Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill
The last option on our list is the TR1000 from Fitness Reality that also made it on our list of best manual treadmills. That means you have to do all the pushing to get the belt moving but not relying on electricity has its advantages for sure.
You can adjust the incline also it comes at a slight incline which, again, helps to get you started and going which would be much harder if using it on a flat level. The built-in twin flywheels help to operate the treadmill smoothly and quietly so you don’t have to worry about having a rough or distracting experience.
We do like the lightweight and compact design especially if you’re looking for something that’s a little easier to fold and store away out of sight.
It’s got a nice sized deck and LCD display which is expected. There aren’t many bells and whistles here, however, this is going to be one of the cheapest and most affordable options here.
- Assembled dimensions: 47″L x 23″W x 51″H
- Folded dimensions: 21″L x 23″W x 51″H
- Assembled weight: 49 lbs
- Weight limit: 230 lbs
- Warranties: 1 year limited
Product features
- 43″ deck length
- 13 1/4″ deck width
- Two cast iron flywheels
- Manual incline
- LCD display
- Steel frame with powder coat finish
- Long handles with foam grips
- Foldable with wheels
Pros
- Slimline compact design
- Incline adjustable
- Cast iron flywheels allow for quiet operation
- LCD display allows for performance and progress tracking
Cons
- Not ideal for running or heavier people
- Few complaints about parts
- Fixed incline/cannot walk flat
About the brand
According to the site, Fitness Reality products are a division of Paradigm Health and Wellness Inc located in Southern California. The company was founded in 2007 and it’s sold over a million pieces of workout equipment and the quality and innovation of their offerings is something they take pride in.
Their motto is “Real People, Real Results“.
Difference Between Folding and Non-Folding Treadmills
There are some key differences between a folding and non-folding treadmill that you may be curious to know about.
Folding
A few of the primary things that differentiate folding and non-folding treadmills is that the latter are typically smaller in size, weigh less and may not be as sturdy or robust compared to non-folding variations. They also have less powerful motors in comparison.
That does not mean they cannot handle intense exercise and last you for years though. In fact, you’ll find that we’ve included many quality options on this list from top brands.
However, folding devices usually have to compromise a little on stability due to the folding mechanism.
Most people looking to purchase a treadmill for home use will usually choose a folding treadmill as they’re cheaper in price and better suited for smaller areas plus they fold up and have wheels that make them easier to move around.
Non-folding
But the treadmills that are not made to fold are usually better built overall and therefore more robust and capable of handling the most intense activities. They also have more powerful and better quality motors that support higher speeds too. These are the ones you’ll find at your local gym and they cost a bit more than folding treadmills.
You can find similar features on both such as screens, speakers, water bottle and device holders, and pulse monitors to name a few.
How To Choose The Best Folding Treadmill For You
There are a few things to consider before purchasing a treadmill. Below we’ve detailed some things to think about.
Type of Treadmill
Before buying a treadmill, we recommend that you take the time to learn a little about these machines. The first thing you should know is that there are different types of treadmill. However, we did not include a treadmill from every category.
On this list of best folding treadmills you’ll find electric or motorized walking and running treadmills and also a few manual treadmills that do not run off of a motor but rather human power.
Check out these 12 Best Treadmills For Walking Reviewed For 2024
Below we’ve briefly explained the differences between walking and running treadmills.
Walking vs. running treadmills
In comparing walking vs. running treadmills, we’re referring to motorized machines as the motor determines whether a treadmill is designed for either walking or running.
What most may not know is that a running-dedicated treadmill isn’t designed to be used for slow speeds, especially for longer durations due to the motor specs not being able to support it. A walking treadmill needs to be low torque but it should have sufficient horsepower, typically no higher than 3.0 continuous horsepower (CHP).
It varies from treadmill to treadmill though.
Because most people walk at an average speed of 1.2-2 MPH, the belt speed of most walking treadmills is designed to top out at around 4 MPH. This prevents overheating and stress on the motor and electronics.
But some go a little faster and are good for walking and jogging but not running to not having fast enough speeds.
Many walking treadmills don’t have hand safety bars since walking is done at a slower pace compared to running and they’re usually quieter as well.
Motorized
We also wanted to talk about the other features of motorized treadmills in comparing them to manual options.
These treadmills are built with a motor inside the frame and have to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work. Also called an electric treadmill, the motor/s allow the belt to move on its own and the speed can be controlled with the press of a button located on the display panel. This is also where all of the other buttons are that allow the user to customize their experience and monitor their performance (distance, time, calories burned, etc) if there’s a built-in screen.
Motorized options have more features overall and compared to non-motorized machines depending on the model. These include things like an interactive console, wi-fi, Bluetooth connectivity heart pulse monitors, speakers, and more. But what most importantly separates motorized and manual options is that the latter typically offers power incline which raises or inclines the front of the deck by pressing a button.
This feature offers a lot for the user who likes to vary their workouts and create more of a challenge.
Motorized treadmills are usually a better choice than most manual devices for faster-paced and longer duration activities.
However, curved treadmills, a relatively newer option in the manual treadmill category, seems to offer many advantages to typical manual machines, and even rival a lot of motorized options too.
Manual
As we mentioned, manual treadmills work by human power. Your effort determines how slow or fast the belt moves. They are not necessarily ideal for beginner exercisers who are inexperienced or out of shape because the nature of using one of these machines requires the user to exert more force to move the platform unlike a motorized option. That means more stress on the joints, feet, and muscles. Not to mention, it’s not the best choice for longer cardio sessions as it can wear you out pretty quickly and burn much fewer calories as a result if weight loss is your goal.
Most manual treadmills are not ideal for faster-paced sessions and best for more advanced users and athletes.
One reason we’ve included a few manual options in this review is because they are typically much smaller and lighter due to their more simplistic design. Therefore, they take up less space and are easier to move around.
The newer curved treadmills, however, are bigger and seem to offer a lot of advantages over most manuals. They’re more technologically advanced, provide a smoother experience and reduce the amount of impact on the joints from jogging and running.
Learn everything you need to know about the advantages, drawbacks, and why curved treadmills are an amazing option here.
One big advantage is that they are easier to just hop on and start walking or running and you control the speed of the belt so no messing with buttons or the front panel.
They do require a learning curve (pun intended) however, but many do really prefer them over conventional motorized treadmills.
We could not include our curved treadmill pick in this review because it is not foldable.
However, you can check out our review of the 10 Best Manual Treadmills For 2022 where we included a great curved treadmill option.
Features
The great thing about treadmills is that brands offer them with a variety of features.
Some are simpler in design with fewer bells and whistles while other options are totally loaded with features and things that may make your experience more convenient and enjoyable.
It really all comes to what you think you’d want and, of course, cost is many times a factor. The less fancy options will typically cost less while you’ll have to shell out a bit more for something with more options, and that’s also higher quality.
That doesn’t mean cheaper options are no good because that’s simply not true. These days, top companies offer a lot of value with their offerings. You may want things like USB charging, water bottle holders, heart pulse monitors, the option to have immersive live and on-demand workouts, power incline and more.
Most treadmills come with at least a performance display that shows you the speed, distance, duration, calories burned and possibly more.
Make sure to check the descriptions of each treadmill in this review list especially if you’re looking for specific features.
Speed
This is something you’ll need to determine based on your goals as treadmills vary in speed. You’ll notice that some of the options on this list go up to 8 MPH while others go 12 MPH. The higher speeds are typically found in the bulkier treadmills that are better suited for faster paced activities.
Also read the section about where we described the differences between walking and running treadmills.
Incline
Having the option to incline the running deck can make a big difference in your experience. Walking or running on an incline creates resistance that you have to overcome which strengthens the leg muscles, but it also causes you to work harder which burns more calories, and is arguably easier on the joints due to the shorter distance between your feet and the surface.
Inclining the machine also offers some exercise versatility and keeps things fun and challenging.
Folded size and portability
If you’re considering buying a treadmill to use in your home, then you’re probably not too worried about having the space for it. However, it’s possible that some people may have to cram it into a smaller space. Folding it up will reduce the footprint significantly but if you are concerned about the area it’ll be used in and where it will be stored, definitely check the dimensions and measure your space.
We’ve included the dimensions for each of the products we listed.
Also keep in mind that just because these treadmills fold up, that doesn’t mean they are small enough to fit in any closet or small space. They can still be rather large.
Make sure to also check the treadmill weight if you’re concerned about moving around a heavy machine. The weight varies between the different options.
Durability and weight capacity
Treadmills have weight capacities but it varies by machine and we’ve included this information for each of our picks.
Machines with a higher recommended weight capacity are typically larger, heavier and more durable and robust as they’re designed to support heavier users. Those lighter in weight may still function great and be durable too but they are likely to not stand up to as much heavy use.
Warranty
Companies typically offer warranties on their equipment. This is important information to know before making a purchase.
You’ll most commonly see warranties on the frame, parts, and labor.
For frame/structural, lifetime warranties are ideal, however, 10+ years is pretty good too. Then for the parts, it’s usually anywhere from 2-5 years warranty on average.
Some offer a warranty on the motor, like our Editor’s choice – Xterra Fitness TR150. However, motors are usually the more expensive part to replace which is probably why they offer a 1 year warranty on it.
Labor, such as when technicians are involved, will also cost more and that’s why you’ll typically see a 1 year labor warranty for a lot of these options. Some treadmills also come with a 1 year limited warranty so it’s good to check what’s included.
Price
As with any piece of exercise machinery, the price tags vary between different options. Some are on the lower end, while you’ll find mid-tier treadmills and, of course, higher end machines. The quality and features largely determine the cost.
The more features a machine has and the better quality it is the more it’ll likely cost while something with less bells and whistles and not as great build quality and attention to detail will typically be lower priced.
That doesn’t necessarily mean a cheaper option is a bad option. It’s just that you can expect quality, performance, and durability relative to the price tag.
On this list, you’ll find treadmills that cost a few hundred and some that cost a few thousand dollars. But we think each one performs according to its price and build quality.
We understand that budget is an important deciding factor for most people and there’s something here for everyone.
Pick The Best Folding Treadmill For Your Goals
Whether your goal is to walk, run, burn calories, exercise in the comfort of your own home, or do it all, we put together a hand-selected list of what we believe to be the best folding treadmills on the market for 2022.
The beauty of folding treadmills is that they’re the perfect choice if you have limited space or want to easily store them away when needed. They’re also usually more affordable compared to their motorized counterparts and while not as robust, will still give you a really good workout for years if you choose a quality product.
We hope that this guide was helpful in your choosing a folding treadmill.
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