Last Update: March 19, 2024
Not everyone has an entire room they can dedicate as a home gym. I know I don’t! Treadmills often require a lot of space, but for those of us who do not have enough to spare, compact treadmills are here to make sure all your walking and running needs are met. ‘Compact’ can mean a lot of different things to different people, so we have done our best to cover every category for every scenario. The treadmills below have a variety of methods of folding to keep your space as usable as possible when the treadmill is not in use. Whether you have half a room, a corner, or only under a bed to spare, this list has it all. Don’t think that compact treadmills are only for walking; there are plenty of compact options for running.
Here’s Our List Of The Best Compact Treadmills 2024
- Best Compact Treadmill: ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill
- Best Compact Folding Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill
- Best Compact Treadmill For Walking: Horizon T101 Treadmill
- Best Compact Treadmill for Running: Echelon Stride-6S Treadmill
- Best Small Treadmill For Home: Sole F63 Treadmill
- Best Incline Compact Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
- Best Compact Treadmill For Small Spaces: WalkingPad R2 Pro 2in1 Foldable Treadmilll
- Best Small Treadmill For Apartment: Sunny Health & Fitness Interactive Slim Treadmil
- Best Compact Treadmill For Beginners: WalkingPad X25 Treadmill
Best Compact Treadmill: ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill
The ProForm Carbon TLX has a lot going for it: a folding frame, an affordable price, and a 3 HP motor for running. Together these points confirm the Carbon TLX as our top pick for the best compact treadmill. We looked for a treadmill that supported walking and running and inclined, so you don’t have to compromise your workout for a treadmill’s compact size.
ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill
The ProForm Carbon TLX is a running treadmill at a budget-friendly price that folds compactly.
Priced right around $1000, the ProForm Carbon TLX is a budget-friendly running treadmill. It is built on a compact folding frame. It has hydraulic assistance to help lower the deck to the ground. The deck is not too heavy to lift back into place. It weighs less than 250 lbs, so it’s not too hard to tilt and roll around. The TLX’s dimensions are 74.3” long x 35.1” wide x 59.1” tall. Its footprint shrinks substantially when it is folded.
The Carbon TLX is suitable for walking and running. It has a 3 horsepower motor, a 20” x 60” running deck, and a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour. The incline range is 0 to 12%. The deck has a low step-up height of 7.75 inches. This height makes the treadmill more compact and more easily accessed by users with mobility restrictions. The cushioning is firmer than other ProForm treadmills, but it feels very smooth to run on.
iFIT is an optional subscription service that you can pair with the TLX for smart training. While it may be a hassle for some users, the TLX must be initially paired with iFIT to turn on. You can make a free account to avoid subscribing. However, the treadmill comes with a 30-day free trial, which I recommend making use of. iFIT has thousands of training classes for on and off of the treadmill. The TLX connects via Bluetooth to the iFIT app on your phone or tablet. The speed and resistance will automatically adjust to keep up with the trainer’s cues. It’s a really fun and effective training service.
+ PROS
- The ProForm Carbon TLX folds compactly thanks to its low deck height.
- The TLX is reasonably priced for its capabilities.
- The motor is 3 HP, suitable for running.
- The ProForm Carbon TLX pairs with iFIT for access to thousands of treadmill classes and other training classes.
- The folding frame uses hydraulic assistance to softly lower the deck to the ground.
- The running surface is 20” x 60”.
– CONS
- You have to create a free iFIT account to unlock the treadmill when you first buy it.
- There are no onboard training programs outside of manual training.
Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill Here
Best Compact Folding Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill
You don’t need a ton of space to accommodate a NordicTrack treadmill. The compact EXP 10i is a great option for walkers and new runners who want the full treadmill experience without losing the full footprint of a large treadmill. The EXP 10i is fairly lightweight and easy to move when folded so you can keep your exercise space tidy.
NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill
The NordicTrack EXP 10i has most of the same features as NordicTrack’s Commercial series treadmills with a small footprint.
Walkers and new runners will benefit from the NordicTrack EXP 10i’s cushioned deck. It feels softer than other treadmills in its price range. The deck is 20 inches wide and 55 inches long. The deck is a little shorter than most standard treadmill decks we see. This makes it more compact, but it also makes it too short for some users to run. With a 2.75 HP motor, the NordicTrack EXP 10i is better for walking and very light running instead of intense, long-distance running.
iFIT is more than just coaching videos. The treadmill’s speed will automatically adjust to the trainer’s recommendations. If you need to override the speed setting, iFIT will remember your feedback to create a better experience for the rest of the workout and future workouts, so you can perform workouts tailored to your fitness level. The incline (0 to 12%) will match the real-life terrain of the trail as closely as possible. These training capabilities just skim the surface of iFIT’s features.
The EXP 10i also has a tablet rack, so you can view non-iFIT content on a smart device. This is particularly handy if you decide to cancel your membership at any point. It has features like Bluetooth audio and heart rate monitoring, too. These features make it a great compact alternative to NordicTrack’s larger machines.
+ PROS
- The NordicTrack EXP 10i folds easily for compact storage.
- The EXP 10i has a 10-inch display that showcases iFIT training content.
- There are thousands of classes available on iFIT’s platform for training on and off of the treadmill.
- The deck has soft cushioning to help you hit your training goals in comfort.
- The NordicTrack EXP 10i has Bluetooth audio for headphone listening and Bluetooth heart rate monitoring.
- The EXP 10i has a tablet rack so you can view your own content if you choose not to subscribe to iFIT.
– CONS
- The 10-inch display only shows iFIT content.
- The 2.75 HP and 55-inch long deck may not be suitable for all runners.
Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill Here
Best Compact Treadmill For Walking: Horizon T101 Treadmill
The Horizon T101 Treadmill is one of the best value treadmills. Though almost every treadmill is suitable for walking, it is this value that inspires us to pick the Horizon T101 as the Best Compact Treadmill for Walking. The T101 is budget-friendly but packed with features. The Horizon T101 is a folding treadmill with a small footprint.
Horizon T101 Treadmill
The Horizon T101 is an affordable folding treadmill with great features for walkers with varied training preferences.
The Horizon T101 is priced well below a thousand dollars, and it offers a lot for its low price. No ongoing subscription is required to use the T101, so it really is a great pick for shoppers on a budget. Horizon backs the T101 with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, proving the treadmill’s value. A lifetime warranty is rare among much more expensive treadmills, so to find it on a treadmill as affordable as the T101 is impressive. The T101 has a 2.5 HP motor, which is great for daily walking use. The frame is not the sturdiest for running, but it is plenty supportive for walking. It also has a low step-up height for users with mobility restrictions. It weighs only 180 lbs for ease of movement. The T101 is compact and affordable.
The Horizon T101 has a simple console loaded with features. The T101 is part of the Go Series, which is designed for users who want to get to their workout as quickly as possible. Walkers can quickly start a manual workout, choose one of the built-in programs on the T101, or connect their smart device via Bluetooth for training with a third-party app. The T101 is all about freedom of training. The console provides a port for USB charging and an audio jack for another audio option. The speakers and fan are a little underpowered, but the overall quality of the console and its features offset this issue.
The T101 is great for walkers who do not want to be tied down to a specific training platform. Exercisers can train in manual mode and watch entertainment or listen to music on their device with the help of the large tablet rack. The low console height also makes the T101 a good choice for users who wish to place their treadmill in front of a TV.
If you would prefer to subscribe to a third-party training platform, the T101’s EasyDial controls support quick transitions in speed and incline so you stay on pace. The T101 has a speed range of 0 to 10 mph and an incline range of 0 to 10%. It also has some of the fastest speed and incline transitions further improving its ability to keep up with non-native content. The T101 is perfect for walkers looking for a compact treadmill with versatile training features.
+ PROS
- The T101 is a compact folding treadmill with a low console height.
- The T101 is very affordable and requires no ongoing monthly subscription to access its features.
- The frame and motor are covered by lifetime warranties.
- The step-up height is only 7 ? inches.
- The EasyDial controls make training alongside third-party content a breeze.
- The T101 has many features like USB charging, Bluetooth audio, a tablet rack, and more.
– CONS
- The T101’s build is not ideal for running.
- The folding deck could use a handle for easier transportation.
Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon T101 Treadmill Here
Best Compact Treadmill for Running: Echelon Stride-6S Auto-Fold Treadmill
The Echelon Stride-6S takes the prize for Best Compact Treadmill for Running. It has a horizontal folding design that can be lifted for completely vertical storage. This treadmill can be stored in a closet, propped against a wall, or stashed behind a couch. The Echelon Stride-6S is the perfect high-performance treadmill for the runner without a lot of space.
Echelon Stride-6S Treadmill
The Echelon Stride-6S is a running treadmill with a small footprint and Echelon’s smart and engaging training platform.
The Echelon Stride-6S folds with the press of a lever. Instead of the deck folding up to the console, the console folds down to the deck for super compact storage. Some users may not be able to lift the treadmill to its vertical storage position on its own. It weighs 156 lbs, so consider this when deciding how practical it is to store this treadmill vertically at the end of each session.
Even though the Stride-6S stores very compactly, you still get incredible performance features. The treadmill has a maximum speed of 12.4 mph. There are 12 levels of incline. The motor is a 3 HP brushless motor, which should be more than sufficient for running. The rolling dials make adjusting the speed and incline more intuitive and less intrusive into your workout.
A membership to Echelon’s training platform is required for the Echelon Stride-6S and must be purchased along with the treadmill. This requirement makes sense for runners looking for subscription training content, but it may not appeal to those looking for a compact running treadmill at an affordable price. Runners can train alongside Echelon trainers’ guided studio runs. There are regular live classes and tons of on-demand classes.
+ PROS
- The Echelon Stride-6S can be stored vertically or horizontally.
- The Stride-6S has an auto-fold feature that lowers the console easily to the treadmill deck.
- The Stride-6S works with Echelon training content for trainer-led workouts and more.
- The maximum speed is 12.4 mph, and there are 12 levels of incline.
- The motor is 3 HP, which is good for running.
– CONS
- An Echelon membership is required to use the treadmill. It is hard to get around the membership to use the treadmill without it.
- The treadmill may be too heavy for some users to lift vertically after each workout session.
Read Our Full Review Of The Echelon Stride-6S Treadmill Here
Best Small Treadmill For Home: Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is not the most compact treadmill, but it has a secret weapon: four transport wheels. The Sole F63 is our pick for the Best Small Treadmill for Home. Sole makes long-lasting products with great features. If you are searching for a compact treadmill because you need a treadmill you can move around often, the Sole F63 might solve your problem without sacrificing any specs or features.
The Sole F63 is a folding, running treadmill with a 20” by 60” deck. This treadmill has one of the largest footprints on this list, but it deserves its spot for its inclusion of four transport wheels. When it comes time to relocate a treadmill, we are always confused why so many brands stick to only two transport wheels. Having to tilt a treadmill to move it is difficult and sometimes impossible for users. Sole smartly includes four wheels, so you just have to push the F63. If you need a treadmill that can be moved from one space to another, the F63 might be a good option as long as there are no stairs in the way!
The F63 has an abundance of features. The console uses an LCD screen instead of a touchscreen, but it supports connectivity with your smart devices in a few different ways. First, the speakers are Bluetooth, so you can hear your audio over the motor and foot noise. There are two tablet racks for ease of viewing your tablet or phone. The F63 has a USB charging port so your device will stay powered for however long you decide to train. The F63 also has a limited integration with the Garmin Connect app, a popular watch brand among runners. You can combine your heart rate and treadmill data with Garmin or you can use the built-in EKG pulse grips on the handles. The F63 has great features at a great price.
The Sole F63 is a durable treadmill with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. It is very sturdy, whether you are training at its 15% maximum incline or sprinting at its maximum speed of 12 mph. The deck is firmer than other treadmill decks. It creates a more road-like running experience. Runners who are training for road races will find that their paces and experience on the F63 translate better to their event than running on an overly cushioned treadmill. The F63 is a great choice for runners who need a portable folding treadmill.
+ PROS
- The F63 has four transport wheels which make it easier to move.
- The motor and frame are covered by lifetime warranties.
- The F63 can support walking and running.
- The Sole F63 has many features like Bluetooth speakers, USB charging, two device racks, and more.
- The F63 can use heart rate data from Garmin watches and the Garmin Connect app.
– CONS
- The F63 is not as compact as the other treadmills on this list.
- The F63 only has basic onboard training programs.
Best Incline Compact Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Maximize your incline at a low cost and small footprint. The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill has a maximum incline of 15% for just under a thousand dollars. The Horizon 7.0 AT may take up considerable space when it is unfolded, but folded, it has a length of only 44 inches. The Horizon 7.0 AT is a great running treadmill with a spacious deck that minimizes your cost and space requirements.
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT has a maximum incline of 15% at a reasonable price and footprint.
If you dream of faraway mountains and conquering steep climbs but can’t allocate the space to an incline trainer like the NordicTrack X32i, the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill may be the answer. A 15% incline is still a substantial challenge, especially when running. Incline training is a great way to increase intensity without having to increase speed. The 3.0 HP motor can support running and regular use.
Horizon does not have a subscription platform of its own for treadmill training content. Instead, the brand promotes using third-party training services with their equipment. The QuickDial controls are intuitive to use. Users can scroll from one speed to another or use the interval keys to change speeds. The 7.0 AT has Bluetooth speakers, USB charging, and two tablet racks to make using your phone or tablet for training even easier. By not offering its own training platform, Horizon has allowed users to train with increased freedom.
The Horizon 7.0 AT has a lifetime warranty on its frame and motor. The deck is 20 inches by 60 inches with a step-up height of 8 ? inches. With a maximum speed of 12 mph, runners should have plenty of room to stretch out their strides. The console is simple and intuitive for users to navigate. There are LED windows and an LCD screen but no touchscreen. The media controls actually control your paired smart device, so you don’t have to reach out while exercising to change songs or pause the content. The Horizon 7.0 AT balances built-in features and support of third-party content.
Overall, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a compact folding treadmill with impressive abilities. Runners and walkers will enjoy a wide range of features without having to sacrifice too much space in their homes.
+ PROS
- The Horizon 7.0 AT has a maximum incline of 15%.
- The Horizon 7.0 AT is reasonably priced.
- The motor and frame are covered by lifetime warranties.
- The QuickDial controls and interval keys make changing speed and incline convenient.
- The deck is a spacious 20 by 60 inches with a step-up height of only 8 ?”.
- The 7.0 AT has built-in features that support third-party content use.
– CONS
- The Horizon 7.0 AT has a great incline for a folding treadmill but still may be too large for users with very restricted spaces.
- Running at the 15% incline does not feel as stable as it does on large machines.
Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Here
Best Compact Treadmill For Small Spaces: WalkingPad R2 Pro 2in1 Foldable Treadmill
The WalkingPad R2 Pro 2in1 is designed with users who have very little space for a treadmill. The deck folds in half and the console folds down to the deck for the most compact storage on this list. WalkingPad is known for its sleek and small designs. The 2in1 portion of the R2’s name describes its function as a walking and running treadmill! That’s right–this tiny treadmill has a maximum speed of 7.45 mph.
WalkingPad R2 Pro 2in1 Foldable Treadmill
The WalkingPad R2 Pro 2in1 Foldable Treadmill is for walking, running, and storage so discreet you might forget you have a treadmill when you aren’t using it.
The WalkingPad R2 transforms from a neat little rectangle to a walking and running treadmill in just a few seconds. The deck folds in half, but the seam will not disrupt your exercise. The R2 can be stored horizontally or vertically, so you have options for storage. The R2 could fit in a closet, under a tall bed, or tucked in a corner. The treadmill only weighs 80 lbs so it can be rolled or carried. The black and anthracite design creates a sleek and modern look that won’t be too loud in any room.
The R2 is little, but it is also a surprisingly versatile cardio machine. It can be used as a walking treadmill with the console elevated to store your phone and add stability, or the console can be folded down to use the R2 as an under-desk treadmill. The console height is adjustable so you can place it at a comfortable height. To put the R2 in running mode, the console should be elevated. This console bar isn’t super strong, but it adds a little more security and allows you to use the safety key while you run. The R2’s small size limits the stride length it can support. Some users may not feel comfortable using the running mode or reaching its maximum speed, but it is nice that the R2 offers it.
The R2 has a couple of accessories. First, it comes with a remote for controlling its speed. The remote is very simple to use and prevents users from having to bend down or step off their machines to make adjustments. Even better, the R2 allows users to control the speed with their feet while the treadmill is in walking mode only. If you move forward on the belt, the treadmill speeds up. Step in the middle, and the speed will be maintained. Finally, if you move toward the back of the belt, the treadmill will slow down. For more training features, connect the WalkingPad R2 2in1 Foldable Treadmill to the KS Fit app. That’s a surprising amount of features for such a little treadmill.
+ PROS
- The R2 folds twice for the most compact storage on this list.
- The R2 can support walking, under-desk walking, or light running.
- The speed can be controlled by the remote or your feet (in walking mode only).
- The R2 weighs a modest 80 lbs.
- The maximum speed is 7.45 mph, which is pretty fast for a treadmill of this size.
– CONS
- Some runners may not feel stable enough to run on the R2.
- The KS Fit and WalkingPad apps have poor reviews, and it appears the Apple app is superior to the Android app.
Best Small Treadmill For Apartment: Sunny Health & Fitness Interactive Slim Treadmill
The Sunny Health & Fitness Interactive Slim Treadmill is a narrow folding treadmill. The console folds down to the deck for a height of under ten inches. This extremely compact folding style allows the Interactive Slim Treadmill to be stored in a variety of ways, including under-bed storage. Besides, its compact folding and small footprint, this Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill is also very affordable.
Sunny Health & Fitness Interactive Slim Treadmill
The Sunny Interactive Slim Treadmill folds down to the floor for compact storage and is very affordable.
The Sunny Interactive Slim Treadmill a small treadmill at an affordable price. The treadmill comes in two different styles: fixed incline or auto incline. The fixed incline treadmill does not incline, as the name suggests. It is $100 cheaper than the auto incline treadmill and slightly more compact. Users looking for the most compact option should choose the fixed incline option if they can bear to go without an incline. The Auto Incline has 12 incline levels that reach a maximum incline of 12.27%. Other than the difference in cost, incline, and size, the two Interactive Slim Treadmills are very similar.
The speed range is 0.6 to 9.0 mph, giving users a decent amount of variability in their training. The motor is only 2.0 HP, so it will perform best as a walking treadmill. It is a brushless motor, which should make it quiet enough for apartment exercising. Consider placing a protective mat beneath the treadmill to protect your floor and minimize noise. The treadmill has quick speed buttons on its small console for adjusting your pace, and the Auto Incline treadmill has incline buttons as well.
Sunny Health & Fitness makes affordable treadmills. The brand sweetens the deal for consumers by providing free training content. The Interactive Slim treadmill has a device rack for viewing a phone or tablet. Downloading the Sunny Health & Fitness app provides users with treadmill training content and more. The app is really nice for being free. It also ties in a social aspect, so you can connect with other Sunny Health & Fitness customers. The Slim Interactive treadmill can pair with the app to store your workout history and display your workout metrics on the screen.
+ PROS
- The Slim Interactive treadmill is a compact folding treadmill that can be stored flat.
- The treadmill comes in a more compact, affordable Fixed Incline style or with auto incline abilities.
- The Slim Interactive treadmill is very affordable.
- The Sunny Health & Fitness app is free with a nice training and social interface.
- The motor is brushless for a quieter walk or run.
– CONS
- The 2.0 HP motor is not powerful enough for consistent, high-mileage running.
- The Slim Interactive treadmill may not feel supportive enough for larger users or runners with long strides.
Best Compact Treadmill For Beginners: WalkingPad X25 Treadmill
The WalkingPad X25 is a premium folding mini running treadmill. Its ultra-compact style makes it super portable, lightweight, and space-saving. The X25 is a great solution for a dedicated walker or a new runner. This compact treadmill is for users who are really strapped for space but want as many of the features of a full-sized treadmill as possible.
WalkingPad X25 Treadmill
The WalkingPad X25 has a double folding deck and a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour for runners with little space.
WalkingPad treadmills are known for their compact size and decks that fold in half. The X25 folds twice. First, the deck folds in half, and then the entire deck folds up to sit under the crossbar and between the uprights. You can then use the crossbar as a handle and wheel the X25 around on its little orange wheels. It only weighs 104 lbs, which isn’t bad considering its performance capabilities.
I was most impressed to see that the X25 had a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour. I don’t recommend trying to run at this speed, and I think that WalkingPad should have stuck to the X21’s 7.45 mph limit. The running surface is 17.32 inches wide and only 47.24 inches long. This is not enough room to run at that top speed. You would have to run with a very high cadence to manage it. Even running at 7 to 8 mph is pushing the limits of this treadmill. However, a careful runner could comfortably jog. It’s best for runners training at an easier pace, around 6.5 mph or less.
The motor is 2 HP. This is less than what we normally consider a running treadmill. The X25 is best as a walking treadmill or a solution for infrequent, light running. It can support a maximum weight of 300 lbs, an impressive capacity for this design.
The console consists of a phone rack, a speed dial, and an LED display. There is also a safety key and tether. The phone rack could hold a larger device, but I only recommend using it for a tablet when walking. The speed dial, which is also the start and stop button, easily adjusts the speed. There is no option to incline the treadmill. The LED screen shows your time, distance, speed, and calories burned. The WalkingPad X25 has only the essentials.
+ PROS
- The WalkingPad X25 is one of the most compact running treadmills available.
- The X25 has a maximum speed of 10 mph, though the practical maximum speed is probably closer to 8 mph or less.
- The WalkingPad X25 weighs only 104 lbs and can be wheeled around easily.
- The 2 HP brushless motor is powerful for this construction and quiet.
- The X25 has a straightforward console that does not require a subscription.
- The maximum weight capacity is 300 lbs.
– CONS
- The WalkingPad X25’s short running surface is insufficient for higher running speeds.
- The WalkingPad X25 is as expensive as more powerful running treadmills, but it may be worth it for users with small spaces.
What To Look For In A Compact Treadmill
What does compact mean to you?
Many people are looking for ‘compact’ treadmills. The tricky thing when compiling a list like this is to represent all types of compact treadmills. For some a compact treadmill may just mean a folding treadmill, while others want the smallest feasible treadmill. For many, ‘compact’ means something in the middle. Deciding how compact a treadmill needs to be to suit your needs is the first step in your process.
Should the treadmill work for running or only walking?
Compact treadmills and running treadmills may seem like two categories of this cardio machine that do not overlap, but that is not always the case. We have listed some very compact treadmills that make running possible, such as the ProForm City L6, the Echelon Stride, and the WalkingPad R2. However, if you do not need to run, you have more options. Having an upright console is ideal for running, but it may not be necessary for users just walking. Many compact treadmills have collapsible consoles that fold down to the deck. This design is great for those who need it, but you may be able to save even more space without it.
Content or No Content?
The deck is essential to a treadmill, but the console is not as necessary. Losing the console often means losing content. For this reason, you should consider whether you need a treadmill with a screen and onboard programs or a larger touchscreen display. If you are looking for an under-desk treadmill or prefer to walk without a planned workout, you may comfortably forgo having a console. Subscribing to a subscription platform can help you adhere to a workout program by making the workout more entertaining and adding an ongoing financial commitment. Either choice is great. Just make the right one for you! Though they are compact, these treadmills are not meant to sit in a closet forever!
Where will the treadmill be used, and where will it be stored?
One reason you might be searching for a compact treadmill is that you do not want it to be always visible in your living area. If you plan to store your treadmill away from where it will be used, consider how movable the treadmill is. Even if you can lift or roll the treadmill around, it may be something you grow tired of doing after some time. The lighter weight a treadmill is, the more practical it will be. Also, look for handles and wheels to make moving the treadmill easier.
Bottom Line – Best Compact Treadmills
Compact Treadmills provide cardio solutions for users who may not have the space or budget for larger treadmills. These treadmills come in a variety of categories, from compact folding treadmills to treadmills that fold twice into the size of a suitcase. Compact treadmills do not require users to sacrifice their ability to run or enjoy premium training content. The most important factor when choosing a compact treadmill is the space you can allocate to the treadmill. Whenever you are shopping for a treadmill, it is important to find the best balance between a treadmill that makes you excited to walk or run and fits your space and budget.
How We Test Treadmills
Our treadmill testing consists of practical use of the treadmills combined with rigorous test procedures that we have developed over the years. We walk, we run, we measure, and we press all of the buttons. Our review process is also ongoing, so we continue to update and review products after our initial assessment. This keeps our reviews up-to-date and trustworthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are small treadmills worth it?
Small treadmills can absolutely be worth it! As with any purchase, it is important to make sure the treadmill is from a reputable brand. We have tested many small treadmills, and our favorite brands are WalkingPad, NordicTrack, Echelon, ProForm, and Horizon. We have a lot of our top picks highlighted on this list. Most small treadmills have weaker motors and lower weight capacities, so be mindful of that when making your choice. If you plan to use the treadmill daily for running, it may not last as long as a larger, more durable treadmill. However, small and compact treadmills can be great to supplement outdoor training or support low-mileage daily training.
What is the best small treadmill?
Our list points out the treadmills we have chosen as the best in the small and compact category, but the true best treadmill will be the one that works for you. There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a treadmill with or without content, walking or running speeds, incline or no incline, etc. Our goal is to share how treadmills performed for us, so you can have a sense of how they might work for you.
Can you run on a compact treadmill?
Yes and no. There are plenty of compact treadmills that do support running, even if they fold flat or fold even smaller. The main two factors that determine if a treadmill is a running treadmill are its speed range (of course) and its motor strength. A low-powered treadmill can support running, but it may prematurely wear out the motor. Even if you can run on a compact treadmill, not all users will feel comfortable doing so. The risks are low since compact treadmills are really low to the ground, but runners with long strides may be in danger of running out of room. Consider your comfort when deciding on a small treadmill for running.
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