Best Incline Treadmills 2024

Last Update: October 25, 2023

Treadmills aren’t just for getting faster, and increasing the speed is not the only way to up the intensity. Incline training is a great way to become tougher and stronger without going faster. Hikers and trail runners in particular will benefit from adding hill training into their treadmill routine because it will better replicate the terrain they train on outdoors. Incline training is also excellent for low-impact training as it allows walkers to achieve a higher heart rate without resorting to running. In this list, we have assembled the best incline treadmills. These treadmills will help you reach your goals and climb that mountain.

Here’s Our List of the Best Incline Treadmills for 2024

• Best Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X22i Incline Treadmill
• Best Folding Incline Treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 22
• Best Decline Treadmill: Sole F85 Treadmill
• Best Fast Incline Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
• Best Content Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Treadmill
• Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Sole F63 Treadmill
• Best iFIT Incline Treadmill: ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
• Best Compact Incline Treadmill: Echelon Stride-S Auto-Fold Treadmill
• Best Premium Incline Treadmill: Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill

Best Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X22i Incline Treadmill

The NordicTrack Commercial X22i Incline Treadmill is the obvious choice for this award due to its impressive 40% maximum incline and -6% decline. This range is only matched by the NordicTrack Commercial X32i, which we have also included on this list, but the X22i is the more affordable of the two options. While the X22i is certainly a high-end treadmill, it is the best you can get for your money when it comes to incline training. This powerful treadmill is perfect for trail runners, hikers, and low-impact, high-intensity trainers.

If you are looking for the best of the best when it comes to incline training, the NordicTrack X22i is truly the top dog. It is $1k less than the X32i, which has the same specs. To support this intense type of training, the X22i is equipped with incline handles and a larger running deck than found on NordicTrack’s other treadmills, measuring 22” x 60”. The speed range is 0 to 12 mph, but it becomes more limited at the extremes of the incline for increased safety. For example, the steeper the decline, the slower the treadmill’s maximum speed becomes. The same goes for the incline. I do not feel limited by this restriction on the X22i, because the grades are challenging enough that few runners are going to reach those speed limits, especially upwards of a 30% incline.

The NordicTrack X22i is a powerful treadmill with a 4.0 CHP motor. Yet, the X22i is not all about making your walk or run as hard as possible. It has a very soft deck to cushion each and every step you take. You will want some help with that 40% incline, so the deck is also bouncy. This design hardly detracts from the difficulty presented by the X22i’s intense incline. In fact, it is a great complement to the training of trail runners who may be conquering more forgiving surfaces than they would encounter in an urban setting, such as loose rocks and dirt, snow, or grass. As a result of all these impressive specs, the X22i is unfortunately not a folding treadmill. It will require a large dedicated space in your home, but it could be worth it if you truly want the best of the best.

iFIT puts the vast incline range of the X22i to good use. This treadmill has a 22-inch HD touchscreen display to present virtual, coach-led training programs. As you hike virtual destinations from around the world, the treadmill’s incline automatically adjusts to match the real-life terrain shown on the screen. Between the large screen, the Bluetooth speakers, and the automatic speed and incline adjustments, the X22i is truly immersive. iFIT content adapts to you by learning your fitness level based on any changes you make to the speed during a workout. You can also join challenges and series for more motivation and ongoing training. The X22i is best when used with this premium digital fitness platform, but it is remarkable on its own.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack Commercial X22i Incline Treadmill Here

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Best Folding Incline Treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 22

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has the highest incline we have seen on a folding treadmill as well as a great decline. The Treadmill 22 has a large frame and deck to provide maximum stability while training. JRNY provides all of the smart training and entertainment content. The Treadmill 22 is consistently one of our favorite treadmills for runners, but walkers will also enjoy the vast range of features it provides.

If you want a great incline treadmill but don’t quite have the space needed for a non-folding treadmill, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 might be for you. This treadmill is large and heavy, so don’t plan on moving it often, but the deck uses a unique folding design to reduce the space it takes up. The deck hinges in front of the motor hood, keeping the motor hood parallel to the floor as the rest of the deck folds upright. The treadmill must also be placed in its maximum decline position to fold as compactly as possible. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has hydraulic-assisted folding, so you don’t have to worry too much about how heavy the deck is.

The incline and decline range is -5% to 20%. While there are treadmills that incline higher, most runners and walkers should find that 20% is more than enough to meet their training needs. If you don’t believe me, check out the average grade of the routes you commonly run and hike. A 20% grade is difficult. The speed range is 0 to 12 mph, which runners should be able to make full use of with the Treadmill 22’s powerful motor and 22” x 60” running surface. All of these features are combined into one solid treadmill with an impressively sturdy console.

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is so named for its large 22-inch touchscreen display. The treadmill also has Bluetooth speakers, an included heart rate monitor, and multiple handles to support your incline training. These features also support training with JRNY, the digital fitness platform that gives users access to the Bowflex Treadmill 22’s training content and entertainment apps. You can exercise with trainer-led programs or on virtual scenic routes. You can also catch up on your favorite streaming services, like Netflix, Disney+, Prime, and Hulu. JRNY is an affordable alternative to other digital fitness apps with access to entertainment apps that most competitors don’t offer with or without an active subscription.

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a great option for walkers or runners who want to combine their incline training with fun training or entertainment content. If a foldable frame is a must, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 has the highest incline offered on a folding treadmill.

Read Our Full Review Of The Bowflex Treadmill 22 Here

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Best Decline Treadmill: Sole F85 Treadmill

Our pick for the best decline treadmill goes to none other than the Sole F85. The competition isn’t so steep (pun intended) when it comes to decline, but we think the F85 makes the best use of the decline feature. It also has an abundance of tech features we love. Additionally, the F85 is one of the best incline treadmills without subscription training content. There is a lot to love about the Sole F85.

The Sole F85 is a folding treadmill with 15 levels of incline and 6 levels of decline. The console can be a little deceptive, as it does not have buttons for these maximum values, which is slightly frustrating. Yet, you can easily access the highest and lowest grades by adjusting the treadmill with the incline plus and minus switches. In addition to a great incline, the Sole F85 has a 4.0 HP motor, so you can make full use of the 0.5 to 12 mph speed range on the regular. The Sole F85 is a great choice for runners as its 22” x 60” running surface lets runners stretch out their strides at those faster speeds. The underfoot feel is a bit firm, which may not suit all runners and walkers. Overall, the Sole F85 has great performance features.

Though Sole does not offer a subscription training platform for its cardio equipment, the F85 makes use of onboard training programs and third-party apps to direct your run. The onboard programs include speed and hill intervals, military fitness tests, and customizable workouts. The Sole F85 also supports Kinomap, a virtual outdoor training platform. This app, as well as the other third-party apps, may require a separate subscription to access their content. For entertainment, the Sole F85 has Netflix, Hulu, Prime, YouTube, and more. The Sole F85’s 15.6” touchscreen provides more freedom than we see on almost any other home treadmill.

The Sole F85 has even more features! It has Bluetooth speakers, a wireless charging pad, and heart rate monitor connectivity. If the options presented onscreen aren’t enough, the F85 also has a tablet rack for viewing any content you might want on your own smart device. The features are not restricted to the console alone. The F85 has one of the best features on any treadmill, and I do not understand why more treadmills don’t include this: four transport wheels. You don’t have to tilt the F85 to move it; just push it. Sole has done a fantastic job of making the F85 a treadmill that meets walkers’ and runners’ wants and needs.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F85 Treadmill Here

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Best Fast Incline Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

Horizon’s treadmills have some of the fastest speed and incline changes of any home treadmill With the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill, you get a 0 to 15% incline range for a reasonable price. As a part of Horizon’s Studio Series, the 7.0 AT is designed for runners, but walkers are also sure to enjoy the quality performance and construction of the 7.0 AT. The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill keeps things affordable by not requiring a subscription but does give you free rein to train as you wish.

If you want more than just incline training, you want interval training, the Horizon 7.0 AT might just be the right treadmill for you. Tackle a tough 15% incline and then drop to a flat grade for sprints, this treadmill is ready for almost anything. The 7.0 AT has QuickDials and interval keys to get you from one speed and incline setting to the next with a spin or a single press of a button. The Horizon 7.0 AT uses 3-zone variable response cushioning to soften your impact but provide a stable push-off zone toward the rear of the treadmill. The difference is subtle and creates a moderately cushioned underfoot feel. Horizon covers its treadmills with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, so you can be assured of this treadmill’s quality.

The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill has onboard training programs. These are the standard type found on most gym treadmills like target programs, fat burn, hill climb, and heart rate training. These programs are nice, but the 7.0 AT really excels at supporting third-party training apps. Whether you pay for a subscription platform or train with free online content, the Horizon 7.0 AT’s fast incline and speed transitions keep you on pace with your instructor. The integration between the 7.0 AT and specific apps may vary, but all apps can be used in some capacity with built-in features.

The Horizon 7.0 AT has Bluetooth speakers, USB charging, and a tablet rack to keep you supported no matter how you train or stay entertained. The console provides two tablet racks for viewing any content you want. The Horizon 7.0 AT has assisted folding and unfolding, so the deck can softly lower to the ground when released from its upright position. The Horizon 7.0 AT has a low step-up height of only about 8.5 inches. All these features converge to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Here

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Best Content Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Treadmill

The NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Treadmill earns our recognition as the best incline treadmill with content for its integration with the iFIT platform. Runners and walkers looking to maximize the incline feature and train with instructor-led content should check out the X32i. Its large touchscreen display and smart features create a captivating workout. The X32i is a high-end treadmill with high-tech features and training.

Beautiful training content meets a top-tier incline range in the NordicTrack Commercial X32i. NordicTrack falls under the iFIT umbrella, which allows the brand to pair its treadmills with iFIT’s instructor-led training programs. The 32-inch touchscreen on the X32i feels like a portal into faraway trails as the treadmill belt automatically inclines and declines to copy the terrain pictured on the screen. It’s a luxurious experience to partake in. The large screen does shake more than that of the X22i, because of its extreme size, but it doesn’t ruin the experience. The X32i is truly a high-end incline training treadmill.

iFIT is a subscription-based platform that is free for your first thirty days. Not only are you given content that will perfectly complement the X32i, but iFIT also provides content for training on other cardio machines or rounding out your workout regimen with strength and yoga classes. iFIT classes are filmed all around the world with trainers who guide you every step of the way. They combine motivational, instructional, and educational talks into their classes, so the content and the X32i can help you reach new heights.

The X32i is designed to deliver the best walks and runs possible. It has a 22” x 65” running belt, which is 5 inches longer than what is typically found on residential treadmills. The motor is 4.25 CHP, perfect for all your walks or runs or sharing with the household. The deck is very cushioned. I consider it one of the most cushioned treadmills I have ever been on. It is soft and bouncy, making this treadmill as good for intense training as it is for recovery days. The X32i is a large non-folding machine that will require a lot of floor space and adequate ceiling clearance. Yet, it is one impressive treadmill.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Treadmill Here

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Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 Treadmill is our pick for the Best Budget Incline Treadmill. The Sole F63 is one of the best-value treadmills on the market. If you don’t need a built-in touchscreen display and subscription training content, the F63 is a great way to save money and have a quality treadmill. A treadmill with above-average incline features does not have to break the bank.

The Sole F63 has 15 levels of incline. One oddity of the F63 is that its deck feels a little inclined even when it is supposedly set at a neutral grade. We are unsure whether this applies to all F63 treadmills. Yet, there is one advantage to this: it mimics the demands of outdoor running more accurately. Experts recommend setting your treadmill to a 1% incline or so to offset the advantage of running without air resistance or the assistance of the belt moving under you. The Sole F63 also has a firmer running deck that will better translate to outdoor running. For structured training, it has onboard training programs with some customization options. The Sole F63 is a good incline treadmill for a road runner.

The Sole F63 Treadmill has a steel frame construction with substantial uprights, reinforced by a crossbar covered by a storage tray. The motor is located in the front of the treadmill beneath a sloping motor hood. The motor is 3.0 HP, which should be sufficient for low-mileage running and regular walking. Sole covers the frame and motor with a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure that the F63 is a quality treadmill. The running deck is large but firm. It measures 20” x 60” and provides plenty of room for running. The maximum user weight is 325 lbs. Not bad for a more affordable treadmill.

The F63 may not have a touchscreen, but it has a lot of other console features. The F63 has two device racks for your phone and/or tablet. It has spacious storage in addition to the storage tray covering the crossbar. There are Bluetooth speakers, a USB charging port, and pulse grips. Sole has even added integration with Garmin watches, so you can train via heart rate and export your Garmin watch data to the Sole+ app. The Sole F63 has great features for its price.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F63 Treadmill Here

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Best iFIT Incline Treadmill: ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill

The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill is our pick for the best incline treadmill with iFIT. Most of iFIT’s content is suitable for a treadmill with a -3% to 12% incline range, and the Pro 2000 has just that. The Pro 2000 is also one of the most affordable dedicated running treadmills compatible with iFIT. If you are looking to make the most of the iFIT training program but save money on other features, the ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill is the treadmill for you.

The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill has an incline range of -3% to 12%, which is just the right range to perfectly complement iFIT training. A -3% grade might not seem like much, but it does make a difference. It is also a safer limit for the treadmill since you don’t quite have the freedom of bombing downhill as you would outdoors. The Pro 2000 has a standard speed range of 0 to 12 mph and a 3.25 HP motor. These specs are great for walking or running, and iFIT has content for both.

iFIT is a premium virtual training platform with guided content. The video content is filmed on every continent, so it is difficult to get bored. iFIT classes automatically adjust the speed and incline for hands-free training. The incline matches the terrain seen onscreen as closely as possible. This comes especially in handy when you make use of the Google Maps integration. You can create a route anywhere in the world that has Google Maps data and run along with the Street View images provided by Google. The pictures will speed up if you do, and the incline matches the terrain just as it does in the iFIT classes. If you have a race you are preparing for, this is a great way to prepare.

The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill is built on a steel, folding frame. The folding design uses hydraulic assistance to lift and lower the deck. The cushioning is moderately soft, so you get a noticeable amount of shock absorption and bounce compared to outdoor training. The Pro 2000 also includes a few other comfort features like a fan and cup holders. The speakers are Bluetooth, so you can blare your music, or the audio can Bluetooth connect to your headphones. The ProForm Pro 2000 takes advantage of all of iFIT’s treadmill features without the premium price of other iFIT running treadmills.

Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill Here

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Best Compact Incline Treadmill: Echelon Stride-S Auto-Fold Treadmill

The Echelon Stride-S may be one of the most compact treadmills with an incline and a touchscreen on the market. Echelon has a patent on the design, so you won’t find these features elsewhere. The Echelon Stride-S folds flat to the ground. The Echelon Stride-S is the perfect compact treadmill with an incline.

The Echelon Stride-S Auto-Fold Treadmill is named for its console’s ability to automatically lower to the deck once released from its upright position. The uprights fold forward and the console folds back for the ultimate compact design. Even better, the Echelon Stride-S Auto-Fold can be stored upright against a wall when you are done using it. This treadmill is one of the best for users who have very little space to dedicate to a treadmill but are unwilling to compromise on features.

The Stride-S Auto-Fold has a maximum incline of 10%. This may not seem like a lot compared to the other treadmills on this list, but when you consider that this treadmill takes up a fraction of the floor space that the next smallest treadmill does when folded, the Stride-S is truly impressive. The Stride-S is also very stable during running at an incline. The Echelon Stride-S seems like a peek into the future of compact treadmills.

No Echelon treadmill is complete without an active Echelon membership. With a platform that rivals Peloton, Echelon requires customers to purchase a subscription along with any of their smart equipment. The Stride-S is designed to be used with this content and has very limited features without it. Thus, only users who are sure they want this type of training content should consider the Stride-S. We do wish that Echelon offered a free trial like all its major competitors do. Echelon treadmill classes are fueled by upbeat trainers and energetic music. Echelon also offers classes for off-treadmill training to replace going to the gym.

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Best Premium Incline Treadmill: Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill

The Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill is a commercial-grade product available for purchase as a residential treadmill. This high-end treadmill is a runner’s dream with impressive smart and performance features. The Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill is sure to tempt Orangetheory members, because it is the very one the popular gym uses. The price is the biggest con to the t22.9, but it has the features and specs to justify it.

The Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill allows you to bring a commercial-grade product home. This treadmill is perfect for the runner with a high budget and dedication to match this treadmill’s offerings. The 5.0 AC motor is enough to support intense daily use. Honestly, it is overkill for a single user. You need a household of dedicated runners and walkers for the t22.9. The 15% incline and 15 mph maximum are great for users ready to take their training to the next level, though I advise caution in combining the two.

The t22.9 has some of the best cushioning I have experienced on a treadmill. I could sustain a much faster pace with a much lower rate of perceived exertion thanks to the bounce the deck gives. The Freemotion t22.9 has a device rack, cup holders, USB charging, and headphone connectivity. There is a lot to love about this treadmill. It also has a unique feature that subscription training lovers will enjoy: a commercial version of iFIT included in the cost of the treadmill.

This version of iFIT is much like the version found on other iFIT-enabled treadmills. The few limitations are the lack of customization to the user, tracking performance, and non-treadmill workouts. Besides those features, you can still enjoy iFIT as you would on another device but for free. For users who do want those extras, you can opt for the paid version on the t22.9 instead. The t22.9 has a 22-inch touchscreen, the perfect display for enjoying iFIT content.

The Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill is a beast of a treadmill with stellar features. It’s an expensive machine, but with the features to match the cost.

Read Our Full Review Of The Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill Here

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What to Look for in an Incline Treadmill

Incline

How high of an incline do you really need? 12% is the standard, which may not seem like that much but it is pretty challenging. To get a good idea of what might be best for you, try finding a hill near you and using an online map (like AllTrails) to measure its average grade. Treadmills like the NordicTrack X22i have a maximum 40% grade, which is a lot rarer than you think it is unless you live in a very mountainous area. Another consideration to make is your personal goals. If you are a serious hiker or trail runner looking to take on very steep climbs you may want that 40% incline. The three trails that make up the triple crown of long-distance hiking (the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail) range from a 20% to 40% average incline at their steepest points.

Decline

Uphill running is quite difficult, but did you know that it is downhill running that makes you so sore afterward? In fact, researchers often used downhill running to elicit soreness in experienced runners who otherwise don’t experience soreness after their runs. Why does this matter? Because running on a treadmill with a decline can better prepare you for the demands of downhill running. Over time, your body becomes more adapted to this type of stress and less likely to get sore. A decline may not be something you need if you aren’t overly focused on performance or meeting the demands of outdoor activities. Yet, it can be a great way to create a more realistic run compared to road or trail running. Fun Fact: the Boston Marathon is a net downhill race!

Adjustment Speed

Most walkers and runners have probably encountered a hill that never ends. Meeting that neverending hill on a treadmill is a nightmare when the treadmill deck just isn’t adjusting fast enough. If you are trying to do swift intervals, faster incline changes will make a big difference, especially if you are moving at a quick pace. Horizon, NordicTrack, and Peloton have some of the fastest incline changes, while Sole and Bowflex are slower.

Cushion

Cushion doesn’t affect the incline/decline too much, but it is worth your consideration. A firmer treadmill is more comparable to road running while a softer treadmill might feel more like trail running. If the deck is also bouncy, this won’t translate as well to outdoor running, but it may help you log more miles and run faster. The cushion is personal preference, because all types have their benefits. Consider which type will suit you and your training the most.

Bottom Line – Best Incline Treadmills

Incline training is a great way to add intensity to your treadmill workout without upping the speed and consequently, the impact on your body. Incline treadmills are great for preparing for trail runs or hikes, challenging road routes, and more. There is a wide range of incline capabilities on home treadmills. Some may even include decline capabilities. Brands like NordicTrack and ProForm use the incline/decline settings to create a realistic virtual running experience that keeps the treadmill from getting too boring. Others like Bowflex and Echelon have innovated to increase what is possible with an incline on a folding treadmill, so you can train hard without sacrificing too much space. Incline treadmills take training to the next level, literally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are incline treadmills worth it?

Incline treadmills allow you to increase the intensity of your workout without increasing the pace. Training at an incline is also great for working the calves, quads, and glutes. You certainly don’t have to have an incline treadmill to reap the benefits of walking or running on a treadmill, but it adds a fun and effective training variable. Runners or walkers training for outdoor events should consider incline training to be better prepared. Whether or not it is worth it is up to you and your training goals, but we recommend it!

What is a good incline for a home treadmill?

It has become a common practice and saying in the running community that you should add a 1% incline to the treadmill to replicate the demands of training outdoors. It is not a perfect philosophy, but it has its place. This shows that even just a slight incline can be beneficial. For users wanting more intense incline training, a minimum of a 10% incline should help you feel the burn. 12% is the most common incline maximum on home treadmills, and most users should be able to get a difficult workout done with this setting. Unless you live in a hilly or mountainous area, outdoor routes probably won’t be much steeper. Trail runners and hikers may benefit from more advanced treadmill inclines. Finding a treadmill that aligns with your goals, specifically the type of terrain you want to conquer is really helpful. Apps and online maps like AllTrails let you preview the elevation gain and grade of trails, so you get a good idea of what you will encounter on the route.

What is the best treadmill for incline walking?

The best treadmill for incline walking (or running) is up for debate, but the NordicTrack X22i and X32i have the largest ranges of any home treadmill. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is the best incline range on a folding treadmill we have seen. The Echelon Stride-S Auto-Fold Treadmill has the best incline on a very compact treadmill. Yet, there are many other great incline treadmills that may suit your needs better. For instance, the Sole F85 has some of the best non-subscription-based training content for an incline treadmill. Horizon has the fastest incline adjustments at affordable prices.

Read More Treadmill Reviews:

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