Few things are more disappointing than wanting to take a run on your favorite trail, only to realize that the weather isn't cooperating. When you want to go for a good run, but you're not so keen on heading to the the gym or even a public track, a dependable treadmill that you can keep at home is always a smart option. (Fortunately, most home treadmills fold up for easy storage.) There are a few features to consider—basics like weight limits and top available speeds—but today's treadmills can be as bare-bones or loaded with tech as you like. Some come with WiFi, Bluetooth, and memberships to on-demand workouts. Other treadmills simply give you a sturdy space to run and offer basic tracking stats. Amidst the seemingly endless list of options, we've chosen our favorites for every runner's needs.
The sleek, black console on Goplus's folding treadmill is free of clutter and extra buttons, which should appeal to task-focused runners. An LED display shows you important metrics like time, distance, and calories. There's a lot to like about this one, including a powerful but quiet motor.
With the handrail folded down, this treadmill can provide walking speeds up to 3.7 mph. Raise the hand rail, and you can run up to 7.5 mph. It has built-in Bluetooth speakers, an LCD monitor, and a button on the bottom rail that allows you to start and stop the treadmill with your foot.
Set your book, remote control, tablet, phone, or drink on the console, choose from one of 12 preset programs, and get ready for a serious workout. The Xterra's large 16- x 50-inch belt is comfortable for runners of all sizes, holds up to 250 pounds, and can reach up to 10 MPH. Its five-inch LCD display tracks your speed, time, distance, and calories. A simple knob release allows the treadmill to fold down for easy storage.
Key Specs
Top Speed
10 MPH
Weight Limit
250 pounds
Fitness Programs
12 presets. Tracks speed, incline, time, distance, calories, pulse.
For a treadmill that fits in smaller spaces, this size-conscious option is a great pick. Featuring a foldable design and transportation wheels for easy mobility, storing this treadmill is a breeze. It also has a multi-functional display that allows you to track speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned and it supports a maximum weight of 265 pounds.
We love this one for how easily the controls adjust the machine to suit your needs almost instantly. Increase your tempo or use one of the 12 helpful automatic incline levels to find a challenge that's most comfortable for you.
Key Specs
Top Speed
7.5 MPH
Weight Limit
220 pounds
Fitness Programs
Tracks time, speed, distance, calories burned, heart rate, BMI
Connectivity
USB, Bluetooth
6
Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna SpaceFlex Running Treadmill
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Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna SpaceFlex Running Treadmill
The LED window on the Asuna shows you important metrics like time, distance, and calories. There's a lot to like about this one, including built-in speakers and the ability to stand upright in living rooms that really don't have the space for a full-time treadmill.
The 17-inch wide belt with silkworm shock absorbers on this Ovicx treadmill ensures that your run is both safe and quiet. It comes with 15 exercise programs, and all of the info tracked by the treadmill can also be shared via Bluetooth to your phone so you can easily compile your progress over time. You'll also love that it folds and can stand on its own, or lay flat.
Key Specs
Top Speed
9 MPH
Weight Limit
300 pounds
Fitness Programs
90-day Ovicx membership with on-demand workouts and performance data included
Connectivity
Bluetooth
8
Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Space Saving Treadmill
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Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Space Saving Treadmill
With a powerful motor and foldable design, the Space Saving version of the Asuna gives you both easy storage when needed and a machine capable of keeping up with a strenuous workout. A small, simple window shows you your metrics as well.
Fold the handle down, and this treadmill fits easily under your desk and provides a walking speed up up to 4 MPH. Raise it up, and the belt can hit speeds up to 7.5 MPH. Control everything with the remote control, or use the controls on the dashboard, which also has a display to track your time, calories, distance, and speed. It comes fully assembled, folds flat, and supports up to 220 pounds.
Key Specs
Top Speed
7.5 MPH
Weight Limit
220 pounds
Fitness Programs
12 presets. Tracks time, calories, steps, speed, distance
You might be tempted to pick up a cheap treadmill for occasional jogs or walks, but the price is right when it comes to the extra features on this one. It has 12 programmed workouts that track time, distance, and calories burned. It holds all your devices with ease and, best of all, fits neatly under a tall desk so you can multitask.
Key Specs
Top Speed
6 MPH
Weight Limit
220 pounds
Fitness Programs
12 presets. Tracks time, calories, steps, speed, distance
Rhythm Fun's slim treadmill is great for walking, but if running is your goal, you'll appreciate the extra features on this compact model. It can reach speeds up to five miles per hour, and its shockproof and anti-slip belt ensure a safe workout. In addition to space for your phone or tablet, the treadmill also runs quietly—no more worrying about waking other people up with your morning run.
Key Specs
Top Speed
5 MPH
Weight Limit
220 pounds
Fitness Programs
Tracks speed, time, distance, calories. Download the Rhythm Fun app for workout programs and more stats.
A lot of treadmills now offer classes, but NordicTrack's iFIT membership offers daily workouts that you can stream live or watch on demand, both designed to keep you on track for your goals. The 14-inch HD touchscreen is easy to read, and once you connect to WiFi and plug in your headphones, you won't miss a minute of your iFit workout. Another perk: The 22- x 60-inch running path was designed to simulate running outside, and it offers 19 levels of incline, even downhill.
Key Specs
Top Speed
12 MPH
Weight Limit
300 pounds
Fitness Programs
40 presets. 30-day iFIT membership with 1000s of on-demand workouts and performance data included.
Twelve HIIT running modes designed to mimic natural terrain will keep you moving on this smooth, comfortable treadmill. The cushioned anti-slip belt is easy on your knees, and the steel frame can hold up to 220 pounds. When you finish your workout, the Urevo folds flat and stores easily.
Key Specs
Top Speed
6.2 MPH
Weight Limit
220 pounds
Fitness Programs
12 HIIT running modes. Tracks time, distance, speed, and calories.
Mary O'Brien is a commerce editor for Hearst Magazines based in northern Virginia. When she's not scouring the internet for the best deals and shopping trends, she is over-caffeinated with her nose in a book.