Last Update: September 11, 2023
A lot goes into choosing the quietest treadmill. Considering the motor noise is important, but it is not the only source of noise on a treadmill. You must also consider the incline motor, foot noise, button feedback, and training content. We prioritize a quiet motor over the other variables, but we consider the total noise production of the treadmill.
There are many reasons you may be looking for the best quiet treadmill, and we have done our best to compile a list that addresses many of these issues. You may live in an apartment, condo, or townhome where you are trying not to disturb neighbors. There may be a young child sleeping. If you have roommates, you may not want to bug them with your treadmill usage, even if they are just watching TV. With the rise of remote work and health-minded workplaces, you may be exercising where others are working. The following treadmills represent the best of the best to solve all of these various problems.
Here’s Our List Of The Best Quietest Treadmills 2023
- Best Quietest Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
- Best Quietest Folding Treadmill: LifeSpan TR5500iM Treadmill
- Best Quietest Treadmill for Apartments: Echelon Stride Treadmill
- Best Quietest Treadmill Under $1500: Sole F63 Treadmill
- Best Quietest Treadmill for HIIT Workouts: Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
- Best Quietest Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack X22i Treadmill
- Best Quietest Treadmill for Running: Bowflex Treadmill 22
- Best Quietest Manual Treadmill: TrueForm Runner Manual Treadmill
- Best Quietest Treadmill for Walking: ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill
- Best Quietest Small Treadmill: WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill
Best Quietest Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 reigns as a top treadmill in many categories. It helps that this treadmill is also very quiet. The soft, cushioned deck reduces foot noise while the gentle motor sounds are not overly disruptive. The treadmill has Bluetooth, allowing users to pair headphones for quiet listening. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 minimizes its overall noise, earning it recognition as the Best Quietest Treadmill.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has a quiet motor, a discreet incline transition, and Bluetooth audio.
No one (hopefully) leaves their treadmill running unattended without being used. However, if you did, you would find that the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is very quiet. Perhaps even more importantly, it remains quiet when you are running on it. The shock absorption in the deck minimizes the loud impact of every foot strike. The treadmill has a speed range of 0 to 12 mph, and I was pleased to find how quiet the treadmill remained as I ran at those high speeds.
A loud incline motor can ruin an otherwise quiet treadmill. Fortunately, the NordicTrack 1750, has an incline motor so quiet, I had to double-check to see if it was actually inclining. The incline range is -3% to 12%. One of this treadmill’s best features is the training content’s ability to match the real terrain of the routes displayed on the screen. The downhill capabilities give walkers and runners a great training variable not present on every treadmill.
iFIT provides the onscreen content for the Commercial 1750. The content consists primarily of training videos that follow top coaches as they complete interesting running routes around the world. While you train, the coaches provide helpful advice and information about the location you are virtually running. iFIT also includes Feed.FM radio with genre and decades music stations. The treadmill user can control the coach and music volume level separately to hear more of one or the other. Bluetooth keeps this treadmill quiet by allowing users to pair Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. It is very easy to do from the settings menu or while in a workout.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a top-running treadmill. It folds compactly with help from a hydraulic arm and uses two transport wheels for relocation, The 1750 has a 14-inch touchscreen display, which offers iFIT content to monthly subscribers. The 1750 is an impressive treadmill with a quiet construction and features.
+ PROS
- The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has a quiet motor and incline.
- The soft cushioned deck helps reduce foot noise.
- The treadmill is Bluetooth for quietly listening to audio.
- The HD touchscreen display measures 14 inches.
- The 1750 is built with a SpaceSaver folding frame.
- The speed range is 0 to 12 mph, and the incline range is -3% to 12%.
– CONS
- iFIT content requires a monthly subscription to access.
- The screen only displays iFIT content or a manual activity screen.
Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Here
Best Quietest Folding Treadmill: LifeSpan TR5500iM Treadmill
The LifeSpan TR5500iM Treadmill is a great folding treadmill from LifeSpan. It has a large deck and console, but it folds compactly. The LifeSpan TR5500iM is our pick for Best Quiet Folding Treadmill. It has a very quiet motor and low foot noise. As a loud runner, I was pleased with how quiet it made me. Runners will appreciate this treadmill’s sturdy and powerful build.
LifeSpan TR5500iM Treadmill
The LifeSpan TR5500iM is a quiet running treadmill with a low console and hydraulic-assisted folding.
The LifeSpan TR5500iM has a very quiet motor. Typically when I test a treadmill, I am impressed with its noise minimization until I start running. With the TR5500iM, my footsteps were quieter than most other treadmills! I was very pleased. Then, the incline further impressed me by keeping the treadmill quiet even during the transition. The downside is how slow the treadmill inclines and declines. For this reason, it is not ideal for short and fast hill intervals. The LifeSpan TR5500iM is a great endurance running treadmill with a quiet and powerful build.
The TR5500iM is a folding treadmill. It uses two hydraulic arms to assist the users in lifting and lowering the deck. This technology allows the deck to softly drop to the floor without user intervention once it is released from its folded position. The TR5500iM is a powerful folding treadmill with a 4.0 continuous horsepower motor and a 20” x 60” running deck. It has great speed (0 to 13.5 mph) and incline (13 incline levels; 2 decline levels) ranges.
LifeSpan does not make subscription training content. Instead, the 10-inch touchscreen display has 50+ training programs. It also has screencasting, so users can mirror YouTube videos from their phones onto the screen. The speaker quality is nice, and the overall noise production of the treadmill allows you to keep the audio really low and still hear it. The LifeSpan TR5500iM has two other unique features: IntelliGuard and IntelliStep. These features allow the deck to detect user activity. IntelliGuard stops the belt if no user activity is detected for 20 seconds. IntelliStep counts walking or running steps to present a total at the end of the activity. The LifeSpan TR5500iM has great training options and features for runners and walkers.
+ PROS
- The LifeSpan TR5500iM has a quiet motor, belt, and incline.
- The motor is a 4.0 CHP motor, designed for running and multi-user households.
- The treadmill folds compactly with a low console height for convenient storage.
- The 20” x 60” belt provides runners with plenty of striding room.
- You can screencast YouTube videos to the 10-inch touchscreen display.
- IntelliGuard stops the belt when no movement is detected, and IntelliStep counts users’ steps during an activity.
– CONS
- There is no subscription training content.
- The TR5500iM is a bit expensive.
Best Quietest Treadmill for Apartments: Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill
The Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill is a very compact folding treadmill with a surprisingly great performance. The Echelon Stride’s size makes it perfect for apartment living. The Echelon Stride is for walkers or runners. It uses an upbeat training platform to enliven your workouts. The Echelon Stride is the perfect quiet treadmill for small spaces.
Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill
The Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill is a quiet and compact folding treadmill compatible with premium content.
The Echelon Stride Auto-Fold is not like most other folding running treadmills you have seen. Its console folds down to its deck for compact horizontal or vertical storage. It even has two sets of transport wheels, so you can push the deck forwards and backwards or side to side when it is upright. When the treadmill is folded down to the ground, it is only ten inches high. The Auto-Fold portion of the treadmill comes from the simple release lever mechanism of the console. The user just presses down on the lever, and the console will softly lower to the deck. The Echelon’s extreme portability and compact style make it perfect for apartment living.
The Echelon has a low-powered motor that made us skeptical of its performance as a running treadmill. Fortunately, we were pleasantly surprised. The 1.75 CHP motor has a 2.5 HP peak. This adaptability keeps the motor performing smoothly and a bit quieter during running activities. The Echelon Stride has 12 levels of incline with a maximum incline of 10%. For a treadmill as compact as the Echelon Stride, these performance features are phenomenal.
Echelon requires their customers to sign up for a membership with the purchase of their cardio equipment. The Echelon Stride, despite not having a built-in screen, is no exception. Echelon’s content is high energy and set to great music. The classes are filmed in a studio with trainers leading the workout. The Echelon Stride pairs with a smartphone or tablet to stream the Echelon classes. There are on-demand and live classes. There is even scenic content for users who prefer a non-guided workout. Echelon takes the features of a large, cumbersome treadmill and shrinks them down to a more apartment-friendly size.
+ PROS
- The Echelon Stride’s console folds down to the deck for compact storage.
- The motor is smaller but powerful enough to support running.
- The treadmill belt is very quiet, ensuring you don’t disturb your neighbors.
- The speed range is 0 to 12 mph while the incline can reach a maximum 10% grade.
- The treadmill can be stored vertically or horizontally and uses two sets of wheels to squeeze into small spaces.
- Echelon makes upbeat and engaging training content.
– CONS
- Echelon requires a membership to be purchased alongside the treadmill, so it may not be for users who do not need a subscription service.
- The Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill does not have a built-in touchscreen for viewing content.
Best Quietest Treadmill Under $1500: Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 Treadmill is not just under $1500, it is hundreds of dollars under $1500. This folding running treadmill earns its place on our list with its quiet motor and incline. There is no built-in audio content, so you don’t have to worry about muting or pairing headphones to the treadmill. The F63 has a great range of training content and features for a nice price.
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 Treadmill is a folding treadmill with a maximized build and features for its price range.
The Sole F63 Treadmill is a sturdy running treadmill at a reasonable price. It has a 3.0 HP motor for moderate running but may not be to marathon training standards. The belt is a roomy 20” x 60”, so you can really stretch those legs out when making use of the 0 to 12 mph speed range. The Sole F63 has 15 levels of incline. The speed and incline adjustments are rather slow, but this keeps the motor very quiet. There is a little bit more foot noise due to the firm belt, but the amount of noise generated will vary a lot from user to user. If you are walking, the F63 should be a very quiet option!
Sole does not offer a subscription training platform for its treadmills. Neither is there a touchscreen display on the F63. Instead, the 6.5” LCD provides all the metrics you could want to view while training on the F63. There are onboard programs that follow a basic speed or hill interval structure. The user is given control over the program’s maximum speed and length to make sure the program is attuned to their fitness level. The F63 is an awesome low-tech treadmill for runners and walkers.
The F63 has an abundance of storage. To make up for its lack of onscreen entertainment, the treadmill comes with two device racks for convenient entertainment or training streamed from your phone or tablet. There are two cup holders to keep all of your most urgent belongings nearby. A crossbar reinforces the two uprights and is covered by a large storage tray, so you have even more room! If you plan on using the Sole F63 for long durations, you can bring everything you need with you!
The Sole F63 is a great treadmill. Sole surely thinks so, too. It offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The Sole F63 folds, supports running, and is very quiet. Overall, it packs a lot of value into a decent price.
+ PROS
- The Sole F63 is reasonably priced for its offerings.
- The motor is quiet and powerful enough to support running.
- Lifetime warranties cover the frame and motor.
- The Sole F63 does not require a subscription to access any of its features.
- The F63 has an abundance of storage.
- The F63 has 15 levels of incline.
– CONS
- The incline and speed adjustments are slow, though this is part of the reason they are so quiet.
- There is no touchscreen, only an LCD screen.
Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F63 Treadmill Here
Best Quietest Treadmill for HIIT Workouts: Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill is our top pick for HIIT workouts. It is quiet but with ultra-fast speed and incline changes. The Horizon 7.8 AT is high-powered without being overly loud. The Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill is ready for all of your running, whether they are steady-state, long runs or speed workouts.
Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill is a powerful running treadmill with quick and quiet speed and incline transitions.
If you are looking for a way to do a discreet HIIT treadmill workout, you have met your match in the Horizon 7.8 AT. This treadmill has QuickDial controls and interval keys to take you from one speed to another in a jiffy. Horizon does not have subscription training content, but its fast adjustments allow it to keep up with third-party content easily. Fortunately, you aren’t sacrificing the quietness of this treadmill for this feature.
The Horizon 7.8 AT has a 4.0 HP motor, perfect for running high mileage or interval workouts. The deck is a large 22 by 60 inches. The 7.8 AT can support users up to 375 lbs, which is well over the standard for residential treadmills. The frame and motor are covered by lifetime warranties. Add in the speed range of 0 to 12 mph and incline of 0 to 15%, and you end up with a fantastic treadmill build. The Horizon 7.8 AT is sturdy and powerful.
Horizon may be a comparably low-tech treadmill brand, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on features. The Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill has two tablet racks, USB charging, and Bluetooth or an audio jack for audio input. The console also has ample storage. The 7.8 AT overdoes it a bit with displaying metrics by providing both an LCD screen and LED windows. The majority of the features are designed to create a smooth integration between content you may be viewing on your phone or tablet and the treadmill. The Horizon 7.8 AT provides great freedom of training.
+ PROS
- The Horizon 7.8 AT’s QuickDial controls and interval keys allow the treadmill to match third-party training content quickly.
- The speed and incline transitions are some of the fastest. They are also very quiet.
- The deck is a spacious 22” x 60”.
- The treadmill’s Bluetooth, device rack, and speakers support third-party content viewing.
- The 4.0 HP motor is great for runners and long-distance walking.
- The 7.8 AT has a maximum user weight capacity of 375 lbs.
– CONS
- The Horizon 7.8 AT may be more low-tech than some treadmill shoppers prefer.
- The console looks a little dated, which may not appeal to users trying to keep a consistent aesthetic in their homes.
Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill Here
Best Quietest Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack X22i Treadmill
The NordicTrack X22i Treadmill is our (obvious) pick for best quietest incline treadmill. It has a record-setting incline range of -6% to 40%. Such a high-tech, high-end treadmill looks like it should sound like a rocket ship, but it is actually very quiet. It is quieter than its counterpart, the X32i. The X22i is a phenomenal treadmill.
NordicTrack X22i Treadmill
The NordicTrack X22i Treadmill is an incline trainer with a tremendous incline range of -6% to 40%. It’s built for intense training, but it isn’t loud about it.
I’m going to say it again–this treadmill’s incline is -6% to 40%! It is an extraordinary treadmill that hikers and trail runners can put to good use as they train for high elevation gain. Users looking for a way to increase their intensity without increasing their speed have a great solution with the incline capabilities of the X22i. Get your heart up with high without increasing the impact on your joints. The speed is limited when training at a high incline or at a decline, but the grade is challenging enough that you probably won’t notice.
The X22i has a 22” x 60” deck that is highly cushioned. It is one of the softest treadmills I have had the pleasure of testing. Runners and walkers will feel bounced from one foot to the next as they progress through their workouts. Trust me, at that 40% grade you will need all the help you can get. Thankfully, the X22i also has incline handles to provide extra stability when you are tackling those hills. The cushioned deck reduces foot noise as a bonus of absorbing some of the shock of the impact. The incline is a little noisier, but that is to be expected.
The NordicTrack X22i depends on iFIT for its onscreen content. iFIT classes transport subscribers around the world to train virtually. The X22i’s 22-inch touchscreen is a great way to view this content. The treadmill’s speed and incline settings adjust to match the trainer’s recommendations and the real terrain. iFIT expands its offerings with off-treadmill classes, Google Maps routes, and Feed.FM radio. All of this is available with a single subscription. Even better, keep your audio silent by pairing Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. Stay quiet but train hard on the NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill.
+ PROS
- The NordicTrack X22i has a -6% to 40% incline range.
- The deck is very cushioned, reducing foot noise.
- The HD smart touchscreen is 22 inches!
- The incline handles provide plenty of stability for elevated training.
- iFIT provides personalized training content, displaying beautiful locations around the world.
- The 4.0 CHP motor is prepared for high-intensity training.
– CONS
- The X22i is quite expensive, but it’s an understandable expense for such a high-end treadmill.
- The X22i is not a folding treadmill and requires a lot of space.
Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack X22i Treadmill Here
Best Quietest Treadmill for Running: Bowflex Treadmill 22
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has a spacious running deck and impressive performance features. Runners will have a lot of fun testing their limits on the Treadmill 22. This treadmill garnered our attention as a powerful running treadmill with a quiet motor and incline. The frame and console are incredibly sturdy, and we are tempted to accuse the Bowflex Treadmill 22 of being overbuilt.
Bowflex Treadmill 22
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has a great incline range and a fantastic balance of training and entertainment content. Its powerful motor is also very quiet.
The Bowflex Treadmill has a motor that performs on par with a 4.0 HP motor. It is suitable for the longest of your runs or for multiple walking or lighter running activities if you have more than one user in your household. The deck is firm but very spacious. Depending on the shoes you are wearing and how hard you land, the foot noise might be a bit louder. The motor is very quiet. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 performs well and is much quieter than a typical treadmill.
JRNY provides the onscreen content for the Bowflex Treadmill 22. Unfortunately, there is a beeping noise when you are adjusting and selecting certain buttons. I could not find a way to turn this feature off during my testing, so hopefully this is something Bowflex will fix with a software update. The treadmill is Bluetooth-compatible, allowing users to pair earbuds or headphones for private listening. With the onscreen content, you can access guided training, music stations, and entertainment streaming apps. JRNY is a more affordable subscription platform than its competitors with a lot of options.
The console has a lot of storage. First, there is a really nice, textured tablet rack directly under the 22-inch touchscreen. If you want to watch non-JRNY content, this tablet rack sits at a decent height for viewing. It can accommodate anything from a phone up to a large tablet. There are dual cup holders and pockets. The crossbar between the uprights has a really expansive storage tray with multiple compartments. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 ensures you are equipped with hydration, nutrition, entertainment, and more for your longest runs
+ PROS
- The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has a powerful build capable of supporting long runs or multiple users.
- The motor and incline are very quiet.
- The touchscreen is 22 inches.
- JRNY is more affordable than other treadmill subscription platforms and has entertainment and training content.
- The audio is Bluetooth, so users can listen with headphones or earbuds.
- The console has an abundance of storage.
– CONS
- Some buttons make an unnecessary beeping noise with no obvious way to silence it.
- The treadmill is very large, but it does fold.
Read Our Full Review Of The Bowflex Treadmill 22 Here
Best Quietest Manual Treadmill: TrueForm Runner Manual Treadmill
The TrueForm Runner Manual Treadmill is one of the quieter manual treadmills. We have designated it as our Best Quiet Manual Treadmill. TrueForm is known for its low curvature design that still allows the TrueForm Runner to perform effectively as a curved, slat belt, manual treadmill. Unlock unlimited speed with the TrueForm Runner Manual Treadmill.
TrueForm Runner Manual Treadmill
Eliminate motor noise entirely with the TrueForm Runner Manual Treadmill.
The TrueForm Runner Manual Treadmill isn’t silent, but the gentle rumble of a manual treadmill is a bit more discreet than the high-pitched whine a lot of motorized treadmills have. The low slope of the Runner seems to reduce some of the noise. The deck is also very cushioned, which reduces foot noise. You also don’t have to worry about playing content out loud, because the console is very basic.
Manual treadmills, like the TrueForm Runner, have limitless speed capabilities. Since you control the speed of the slat belt, you can walk, run, or sprint to your heart’s content. The Runner is more difficult to train on than a motorized treadmill or outdoor running. It will take new runners some time to learn the right form and get used to the increased difficulty. Yet, the TrueForm Runner provides training possibilities that motorized treadmills simply can’t match.
There are a few different reasons you might choose a manual treadmill, and the TrueForm Runner in particular, over a motorized treadmill. First, manual treadmills do not require electricity. You are the motor! Secondly, manual treadmills are great for short, fast intervals; they change pace as quickly as you can. Finally, the TrueForm Runner comes with a few different belt options. There is turf, track, and traditional tread. You can also get the TrueForm in almost any color you would like! The TrueForm Runner is a fun and quiet manual treadmill.
+ PROS
- The TrueForm Runner has no motor, so there’s no motor noise, only the soft rumble of the slat belt.
- The TrueForm Runner has limitless speed potential.
- No electricity is required to use the Runner.
- You can choose between a tread, turf, or track surface belt.
- The slope of the TrueForm Runner is less distinct than most other curved manual treadmills.
- The TrueForm Runner can be customized with a variety of frame colors and decals.
– CONS
- The TrueForm Runner Manual Treadmill is very expensive and large, making it impractical for many users.
- Running on a manual treadmill is harder than outdoor or motorized treadmill running, which may be discouraging.
Read Our Full Review Of The TrueForm Runner Manual Treadmill Here
Best Quietest Treadmill for Walking: ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill
The ProForm Carbon T7 is a compact treadmill with a deck and motor size ideal for walking. Yet, running on it was far more pleasant than I anticipated. It’s a great dedicated walking treadmill or a first treadmill for a runner. The ProForm Carbon T7 is quiet, too. The ProForm Plus program offers the Carbon T7 for free with a three-year family subscription to the iFIT training platform. It’s a great deal!
ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill
The ProForm Carbon T7 is the perfect introductory treadmill to the iFIT platform and smart training.
The ProForm Carbon T7 excels as a walking treadmill or for very low running mileage. If you are just adding some running intervals to your typical walking routine or have a really high step goal, this treadmill is a great pick. It has a 2.6 CHP motor which is just below our recommended threshold for running but still quite powerful. The speed range is 0 to 10 mph while the incline range is 0 to 10%. I really enjoyed running on the Carbon T7, though it is not ideal for very long efforts.
The Carbon T7 is a folding treadmill, but it does not have the hydraulic or gas shock assistance found on many residential treadmills. Instead, it uses manual folding, so don’t drop this deck once it is released. You will have to lower it to the floor yourself. The deck latches into place with a lock and pin mechanism. You need two hands to work this folding design. The Carbon T7 has a 20” x 55” deck, which is shorter than most running treadmills have, but it makes the treadmill quite compact.
The best way to get ahold of a ProForm Carbon T7 is to take part in the ProForm Plus Program. For a three-year family subscription to iFIT, walkers and runners can get a free Carbon T7. The iFIT training program provides virtual training from coaches in locations around the world. The Carbon T7 has a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth audio, so you can train smartly and quietly. The Carbon T7’s incline and speed adjust automatically to the iFIT trainer’s suggestions, allowing you to train hands-free. iFIT allows the Carbon T7 to deliver training content on par and features on par with ProForm’s pricier treadmills.
+ PROS
- The ProForm Carbon T7 is offered for free when ProForm customers buy a three-year family iFIT membership.
- The Carbon T7 has a compact folding build.
- iFIT provides fun, trainer-led treadmill classes on the 7-inch touchscreen.
- The treadmill deck feels smooth and nice underfoot.
- The audio is Bluetooth-compatible, allowing users to train quietly.
- iFIT allows users to train hands-free with automatic speed and incline adjustments.
– CONS
- The ProForm Carbon T7’s touchscreen is a little small and may be difficult for some users to see or navigate.
- The folding mechanism is manual which may be more difficult for some users to manage.
Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill Here
Best Quietest Small Treadmill: WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill
If you need compact and quiet, the WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill is a great choice. The X21, as the name suggests, folds twice into a small rectangle. It is small enough to be stashed in a closet, under a bed, or behind a couch. The WalkingPad X21 has a sleek, modern design that will blend nicely into a modern home if you choose to display it instead.
WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill
The WalkingPad X21 folds twice for ultra-compact storage. Its brushless motor keeps it very, very quiet.
The WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill uses a unique design. It allows the deck to fold in half for incredibly compact storage. The minimal console has a dial for adjusting speed and provides a small amount of stability. The deck is only 18” x 48”. The folded dimensions are 39.6” x 28” x 8.9” whereas the unfolded dimensions are 39.6” x 28” x 55.9”. The WalkingPad X21 really is small enough to store in a closet or under a bed. It weighs 82 lbs, so some users may even be able to carry it. If not, the treadmill does roll on two small wheels.
The size of the WalkingPad X21 makes it best suited for walking activities only. Yet, the speed reaches a maximum of 7.4 mph, so you can run on it. The motor is underpowered for high-mileage running, but it is brushless for a very quiet workout. WalkingPad measures the sound output to be 75 dB.
The deck will be too short for some users to get comfortable, but it is a good option for those without space for a larger running treadmill. The seam can be felt underfoot where the deck folds, but if you are wearing cushioned shoes, you might not notice too much. The belt glides very smoothly despite the folding design.
The console has LED metrics that display your pace and total time. The speed setting can be adjusted with the dial on the console. It is a sleek design that I really like. It is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. For another way to display the metrics, the KS Fit app is compatible with WalkingPad products and can be downloaded for free from Apple and Android app stores. There is no training content on the treadmill, but we don’t really miss it. The X21 shines for its compact folding design and generous speed capabilities.
+ PROS
- The WalkingPad X21 generates 75 dB of noise.
- The double-folding design lets the X21 fit under a bed, in a closet, or behind a couch.
- The speed range is from 0 to 7.4 mph.
- The sleek design makes the X21 a discreet fixture in a modern home.
- The console design is low-tech, nice to look at, and easy to use.
– CONS
- The X21 is not large enough to support running for many users, but we do appreciate the ability to go faster if possible.
- The seam where the deck folds can be felt underfoot but is not overly disruptive to working out.
Treadmill Noise
Motor and Incline Motor
Most residential treadmills use a DC motor, which is quieter than their AC counterparts. Smaller treadmills may use brushless motors which further reduce motor noise. Many treadmills have separate incline motors, too. Even when the drive motor is very quiet, that incline motor might intermittently increase the noise production of the treadmill. For this reason, consider whether your treadmill needs to be quiet all the time or just most of the time.
Treadmill motor noise can change as the treadmill ages. To keep your treadmill running as quietly as possible, make sure you follow the recommended maintenance schedule that most treadmill manuals provide. This maintenance routine often includes removing the motor hood and vacuuming accumulated dirt and dust.
Foot Noise
One of the most complicated issues regarding treadmill noise ratings is foot noise. This can vary drastically from person to person. I worked in a running store for years, and I have heard large users run no louder than a mouse and young middle school runners clopping along. They were all running on the same treadmill! Your running style, footwear, and fatigue level can change how loud you are while running. Softly cushioned decks can minimize the noise some, but it isn’t guaranteed. Before you blame the treadmill, consider the other factors involved. The noise might be inevitable.
Training Content
More and more treadmills are including video training content on their touchscreen displays. They may also have music features. If you want to make use of this content but remain quiet, look for a treadmill with Bluetooth capabilities. The ability to pair earbuds or headphones can save the day!
Buttons
I will never understand why fitness manufacturers make buttons with loud beeping feedback without an option to turn it off. Yet, it is pretty common. An otherwise silent treadmill can be ruined by beeping signaling every button push. If you aren’t pushing buttons often, it might not be an issue. Yet, your interval workout might get a bit more noisy!
Noise Reduction
If you want to reduce the noise of your treadmill, we have recommendations and cautions. Most treadmill companies recommend using a noise reduction mat under your treadmill. This cuts down on noise and protects the treadmill and floor from each other. As previously mentioned, keep up on the treadmill’s maintenance. Read the treadmill manual to understand the proper use and the treadmill’s limitations. Improper use can cause parts to malfunction, creating creaking or squeaking noises.
A common solution for homeowners battling treadmill noise is to locate the treadmill far from living areas. This idea is great, but be cautious about placing your treadmill in a garage. Many treadmill manufacturers consider the treadmill’s warranty void if the machine is stored in a garage. Before deciding to place your treadmill in a non-climate-controlled environment, consider the repercussions.
Bottom Line – Best Quietest Treadmills
We fully understand why treadmill users are looking for the quietest products they can find. We do admit that even the quietest treadmills generate some noise. This list provides great treadmills that fall below the average treadmill noise production. These quiet treadmills also have great training content, sturdy builds, and great performance features. If all else fails and you aren’t satisfied with the noise level of treadmills, check out one of our other best lists for exercise bikes, rowers, and ellipticals–linked below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which treadmill makes less noise?
We hope this list gives you a good place to start when looking for a low-noise treadmill. These treadmills make less noise, but they are not silent, unfortunately.
How loud should a treadmill be?
You can expect a whirring motor noise, foot noise generated by your activity, a little extra noise when the treadmill is in the process of inclining or declining, and the onscreen content. If your treadmill is making unexpected noises, check the belt alignment, the cleanliness of motor area, and the leveling feet. Regular maintenance should cut down on any of these unexpected noises.
Are treadmills loud on the second floor?
If you live in an apartment or condo, consider purchasing a noise reduction mat for under your treadmill. Treadmills can be very loud on the second floor, but this can reduce the noise to some extent. If you are concerned about your neighbor’s comfort, just inform them of your exercise plans. Let them know when you plan to exercise and open communication with them, so they can let you know if they are being bothered. If you live in a house that does not share any walls with other homes, you are probably safe from disturbing your neighbors. Unless you have that Peloton volume cranked up to 100 and you are jumping up and down, they probably won’t have any idea. If you have others living in your home, you should also consider a noise reduction mat. It may not solve the problem completely. For instance, we have to be careful when testing treadmills not to disturb other reviewers who are filming content. Communication is key to using even the quietest treadmill to ensure your routine does not interfere with others’ schedules.
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