Top 12 Best Treadmills of 2025 for Runners, Walkers, and Beginners

Of all the treadmills we researched, the DeerRun Q1 Mini was the most affordable option that still delivered on features.

If you’re short on space but still want a treadmill for walking that feels solid, this one is the most budget-friendly option. Its upgraded base is sturdier, resulting in less wobbling when walking. The 4.13-inch profile allows for storage under a bed or couch. Just pull it out when needed or use it as an under-desk walking pad. Plus, the quiet motor, under 45 decibels, won’t annoy a roomie.

The LED screen tracks your workout with calories burned, speed, distance, and duration. You can also opt for tracking in the app or sync your fitness tracker. You can even use it with the PitPat app, where you can gamify your walking workouts.

If you’re training for a marathon, need a running treadmill, or want one that inclines, this isn’t the one for you. But if your fitness goal is to get in more steps, whether you’re working at a desk or just want to sneak in more steps without dedicating an entire room to gym gear, the DeerRun Q1 Mini is a nice, affordable choice.

The Horizon T101 Treadmill is the kind of no-drama machine that’s great for beginners and anyone new to using this type of fitness equipment.

Of all the starter treadmills we looked at, this one stood out because it feels sturdy and smooth, has beginner-friendly controls, and won’t overwhelm you with features you may not need. 

This treadmill also features a good speed and incline range of 0.5 to 10 mph, which you can easily adjust using the handle dials. Plus, it has cup holders, a spot for your tablet or phone, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth speakers.

The three-zone cushioning makes it really comfortable to walk, jog, or run on. Easily check your heart rate with the hand grips for real-time feedback.

The optional app connectivity with Peloton, JRNY, atZone, and Zwift allows for personalized workouts. While it doesn’t fit under furniture for storage, it does have one-step hydraulic folding, so you’re not lifting the weight of the treadmill when you need to put it away or take it out.  

The WalkingPad P1 earned our top spot for the best treadmill for small spaces due to its compact, folding design. It measures 56.37 x 21.5 x 5 inches unfolded, and just 32.5 x 21.5 x 5 inches when folded — the size of a suitcase. It’s available in silver or pink, so you can match your aesthetic. 

This walking pad has simple, easy-to-use controls with the app or remote. The remote display shows your calories burned, distance, time, and steps. While you won’t be running or incline walking on this treadmill, it’s ideal for getting more steps in while working or watching TV. The brushless motor is so quiet you could walk while your partner sleeps. 

It does have some limits: The weight capacity isn’t as high as bigger treadmills, and our research found the remote can be a little touchy at times.

But honestly, if you’re just looking for an easy way to stay moving while you work or watch TV, and you’re below the weight capacity maximum, those downsides aren’t deal breakers. For everyday walking in small spaces, the P1 really nails it.

If you’re looking for a treadmill that feels like a luxury fitness studio dropped right into your home, the Peloton Tread+ is the one that takes the crown.

Of all the treadmills we considered, this one easily stood out as the best for interactive classes. Between the huge HD screen, the live and on-demand workouts, and the smooth slatted running belt, it’s basically a treadmill you’ll actually want to use every day.

The classes are genuinely motivating with expert instructors, and the leaderboard adds a competitive edge if that’s your thing. The rubberized slat belt feels softer than traditional treadmill belts, so long runs don’t feel punishing.

Plus, the 32-inch touchscreen is massive and crystal clear, making it easy to follow along whether you’re walking, jogging, or sprinting. And it tilts for easy viewing.

Of course, it comes with a few caveats. You need the Peloton membership to really get the most out of it. It’s also a big, heavy machine, definitely not for small apartments or people who need something portable.

But if you want a treadmill that combines world-class workouts with top-tier performance, this one’s hard to beat.

The Redliro BalancePlus Rehabmill is our top choice if you’re looking for a treadmill that has the best safety features, whether you’re an older adult, have balance issues, or are recovering from surgery or injury.

The low deck is easier to step up on than some other treadmills, and there’s also a safety key that cuts power instantly if you need it. The user-friendly controls are helpful for seniors who may not want to fuss with a lot of features.

You can choose from 12 preset options, offering enough variety to keep it interesting. Plus, it’s foldable and on wheels, so you can tuck it away after use and roll it wherever you want with minimal effort.

While it has no bells and whistles like incline or speed, you may not want those features if you’re recovering from an injury or have balance issues. It’s a dependable treadmill with long handrails, a safety shut-off key, a cup holder, heart rate monitor grips, and built-in buttons so you don’t have to remove your hands from the handrails to adjust.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is ideal if you want a treadmill that feels like a true gym machine but still fits into a home setup.

Out of all the treadmills we looked at, this one was the best mix of power, durability, and tech features. It’s strong enough for serious runners and loaded with smart extras that make workouts engaging.

Serious runners can train up to 12 mph with an incline of up to 12 percent. It’s sturdy enough that it won’t wobble even at max speed and switching inclines. And with incline and decline options, it goes beyond most treadmills in its range: It lets you mimic outdoor terrain, which is great training for marathons or trail running.

“Incline capability is a must, but decline is a hidden gem for runners,” notes Seaton. He explains, “Training downhill builds eccentric quad strength and prepares your body for real-world terrain.” Seaton also recommends looking for a treadmill that allows for quick toggling between speeds and inclines to support your interval training. 

The 16-inch touchscreen and iFit integration really set it apart from other treadmills. You can stream live or on-demand classes and explore scenic runs around the world.

However, this isn’t a good option if you’re low on space, and you’ll miss out if you don’t have the monthly iFit subscription for those epic workouts. 

Bowflex Treadmill 22 is hands-down the best choice for anyone who won’t settle for just any screen. Of all the treadmills we looked at, this one stood out for its 22-inch HD touchscreen and all the benefits that come with it. 

Interval train uphill and downhill with a decline down to -5 percent and an incline of up to 20 percent. The 60-inch-long deck allows for long strides, and the SoftDrop hydraulic folding system allows you to fold and store it away when not in use. 

The JRNY experience is baked right in, so you get trainer-led sessions, scenic runs, and built-in access to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu (your own logins required), all up on that big screen.

Plus, it includes a Bluetooth heart rate armband, a fan, and solid deck cushioning to keep things comfy underfoot.

While it folds easily, this treadmill is heavy and difficult to move around, so it’s best to find a space for it and keep it there. You’ll also need a JRNY membership once the free two-month trial ends to access the full interactive experience.

But if what you want is a treadmill that’s sturdy, immersive, and entertainment-packed, this is the one.

This treadmill’s curved, cushioned belt is made with high-quality bearings, allowing you to run more efficiently — aka smarter, not harder.

This thing is solid, too. Built with a sturdy steel frame wrapped in tough polymer, it can support up to 400 pounds (lb) of user weight. And at nearly 300 lb, it’s not something you’d move around often.

The running belt is made from cushioned thermoplastic elastomer slats. It glides on 112 sealed steel ball bearings, so once you’re moving, it flows super smoothly. No motor means no plug, and your pace is all yours.

The deck is 17 inches wide by 54 inches long, a bit leaner than some motorized models, but it helps keep you centered and encourages proper foot placement. It also features a minimalist LCD display that tracks speed, time, distance, and heart rate when synced to a compatible monitor, keeping it simple and distraction-free.

Without a motor, it requires more energy, which is especially noticeable during walks or when easing into running. The display is basic — no fancy graphics or stats — but that’s kind of the point: It’s all about helping you focus on your form. 

For a treadmill with incline range, the NordicTrack X24 stands out. It offers a jaw-dropping 40 percent incline, which is virtually unheard of in home treadmills (and a -6 percent decline), so you can conquer even the steepest hills indoors.

According to Eden, this treadmill offers “a max cushion deck, a durable motor that can handle high running volume, a stacked library full of iFIT content to consume, and programs to complete for any level all around the globe.”

Plus, the massive incline range turns a simple walking session into a serious fitness challenge. Paired with the decline option, it gives you the chance to mix things up in ways a flat treadmill simply can’t. You can mimic some of the most challenging hikes and climbs. 

The powerful motor and oversized running deck also make it feel steady and smooth, even during fast sprints or long uphill grinds. Rapchak recommends looking for at least a 3.0 continuous horsepower (chp) motor if you’re running regularly on your treadmill. This powerful 4.0 chp motor gives you the power you need for regular runs.

Plus, the 24-inch HD touchscreen with iFIT programming adds over 10,000 personalized workouts to keep things interesting. However, it’s heavy and requires a good amount of floor space. It also relies heavily on the iFit membership to unlock its best features. 

If you want to get moving without turning your home office into a gym, go with the Bluefin Task 2.0.

We chose it because it’s compact enough to slide under your desk, yet still provides the peace of mind that comes with a handrail when you need it. Among all the under-desk treadmills we looked at, this was the one we’d actually reach for when we want to walk while typing or in a call.

Plus, this one goes faster than many other under-desk treadmills, with a max speed of 5 mph. 

The belt is solid enough that it doesn’t wobble, even when you’re midway through your workday. And the best part? That wristwatch remote. You can nudge your speed up or down without stopping your workflow. Add a tablet or phone in the holder, pair your Bluetooth buds or speakers, and you’ve got a smooth, multitasking workout.

The wrist remote is super clever, but if you want tracking, like exact speed or program details, you still need to glance at the display or pause your walk occasionally. 

This curved manual treadmill takes the trophy for balance of performance and build quality. It has a solid feel, great monitor, serious durability, and a strong warranty. It’s ideal for sprinting or high-intensity training sessions.

This machine is built like a tank. It features a solid steel frame, heavy-duty handrails, and a lifetime-warranty belt that can withstand over 150,000 miles. It supports up to 400 lb, which is impressive for a manual treadmill.

The curved deck, with rugged slat design over precision ball bearings, delivers shock-absorbing support and lets you dial in your pace based on effort. The belt feels smooth yet powerful, helping you crank speed quickly while keeping form tight.

We also loved that it has thoughtful touches, like water bottle holders, a storage tray, and a high-visibility console with Bluetooth and ANT+ for connecting to fitness apps or Zwift.

This treadmill does need some space at 70 x 32 inches. It also has a 12.5-inch step-up height, so it’s not suitable for low ceilings. But if you’re training for speed, working on form, or love high-energy, full-body workouts without relying on motors, this treadmill pays you back tenfold in performance and build quality.

Out of all the under-desk treadmills we checked out, the WalkingPad C2 stood out as the top pick for walking and working in tight spots.

What made it win? It’s tiny, folds cleanly in half, and delivers a smooth walking feel, all while looking sleek and staying quiet. If your top priority is getting steps in without cramped space or distracting noise, this is the one you’ll actually use.

Unbox it, plug it in, unfold it, and you’re ready to go in five minutes. The low-profile deck sits under 5 inches high, so it tucks easily under furniture or a desk, even when folded. The belt offers a solid walk whether you like a slow or fast pace. You can adjust speed with either a handheld remote or the KS Fit app, though auto-mode (where the belt adjusts to your pace) is there if you want a hands-free option.

There are just a couple of things to keep in mind: The walking surface is on the narrow side compared with full-sized machines, so big strides or very tall users might feel a bit limited. Also, the max weight capacity is 220 lb, so it’s not for folks with higher body weights. Finally, while the foot-sensing control feature is great, it does take some getting used to.