Best Treadmill For Walking in 2024

Last Update: March 14, 2024

Treadmills for walking have the benefit of being more compact and affordable than running-specific treadmills. Of course, they don’t have to be. Almost every treadmill suitable for running is also suited to walking. Yet, walkers have the benefit of requiring less deck space and a less powerful motor. Many entry-level treadmills make great walking treadmills, even for serious walking. We have included our favorite walking treadmills on this list, with and without content, high-tech and low-tech, and touchscreens and LCD/LED screens.

Here’s Our List Of The Best Treadmills for Walking 2024

• Best Treadmill For Walking: Horizon T101 Treadmill
• Best Smart Walking Treadmill: ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill
• Best Cushioned Walking Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
• Best Walking Treadmill Under $1500: Sole F63 Treadmill
• Best Compact Walking Treadmill: WalkingPad X21 Treadmill
• Best Under Desk Treadmill For Walking: LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp Treadmill
• Best Treadmill For Walking Under $1000: Sunny Health & Fitness Auto Incline Treadmill
• Best Treadmill For Hiking: NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill
• Best Walking Treadmill Honorable Mention: Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill

Best Treadmills For Walking 2024

Best Treadmill For Walking: Horizon T101 Treadmill

The Horizon T101 is a phenomenal walking treadmill, delivering unbeatable features and quality for its price. It is one of the best value treadmills. The Horizon T101 Treadmill secures its spot as our overall Best Treadmill for Walking. The low-tech console is approachable. As a part of Horizon’s Go Series, the T101 is ready to go when you are.

The Horizon T101 is priced well below $1000. It is one of the most well-built treadmills in this price range. It has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The treadmill has a 2.5 HP motor with a spacious 20” x 55” deck. It can support some light running if users occasionally mix higher-paced activity into their routine, but it feels sturdiest as a walking-only treadmill. It weighs only 180 lbs but can support a maximum user weight of 300 lbs.

The T101 is a compact treadmill. It folds using a hydraulic assist arm to make lifting and lowering the deck much easier. Its relatively light weight allows users to tip it onto its two transport wheels for relocation. This type of transport is much easier with the T101 as opposed to bulkier models. While unfolded, it is only 57 inches tall with a deck height of just over 7 inches. The console is then only about 50 inches tall, a great height for a treadmill positioned in front of a TV.

No subscription content is required to use the Horizon T101. It has three LED windows instead of a smart touchscreen. The T101 has five types of training programs besides manual training: calories, distance, fat burn, hill climb, and intervals. The speed and incline adjustments are impressively fast, allowing walkers to quickly change their settings to match any third-party training classes. The Bluetooth audio, USB charging port, and tablet rack encourage users to bring their own entertainment or training classes. The T101 uses EasyDial controls which are intuitive to use.

The T101 Treadmill has a low-tech treadmill great for the less tech-savvy user. The lack of subscription is great for walkers dodging monthly fees or exercisers who like to jump from subscription platform to subscription platform without the long-term commitment. The T101 is an excellent walking treadmill that provides a spacious deck but a compact folded footprint.

Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon T101 Treadmill Here

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Best Smart Walking Treadmill: ProForm Carbon TLX

Use iFIT to reach your training goals on the ProForm Carbon TLX. This versatile treadmill invites you to pair the training service’s app on your phone or tablet with the treadmill. The TLX upgrades smart features and guided workouts. This powerful treadmill can also be used for running and is reasonably priced.

The ProForm Carbon TLX is this reputable brand’s most affordable treadmill. While it can support running, it is a solid walking treadmill. It has a folding deck with soft lowering assistance. The motor is 3 HP. It has a speed range of 0 to 12 miles per hour. The deck inclines from 0 to 12%. These are nice performance features that likely exceed what most walkers will need for a great workout. If you are doing the 12-3-30 (12%, 3 mph, 30 minutes), the Carbon TLX is a great choice.

There is no touchscreen display on the Carbon TLX. Instead, you will need to pair a phone or tablet with the iFIT app downloaded for your training classes. The TLX connects to the app via Bluetooth and makes automatic speed and incline adjustments based on the workout you are following. iFIT is an excellent training service and provides content for on and off the treadmill.

There are a few limitations to the ProForm Carbon TLX. For one, you need at least a free iFIT account to unlock the treadmill. You do not need a subscription, and you can continue to use the treadmill without paying for it. There are no built-in workouts, unfortunately. The speakers are also not Bluetooth, which is kind of annoying. However, the storage and simple display are pretty user-friendly.

Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill Here

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Best Cushioned Walking Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill

The NordicTrack EXP 7i is our pick for Best Cushioned Walking Treadmill. It has plenty of bounce with every stride, reducing shock and impact on your body. The EXP 7i is has a variety of other comfort features, from Bluetooth audio to an integrated device shelf. It is notably a part of the NordicTrack+ program. NordicTrack’s program offers one free cardio machine with the purchase of a 4-year iFIT family membership. This program is similar to the ProForm+ program, which is also under the iFIT umbrella.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i is a great treadmill with soft cushioning. The deck gives a little with each step and springs back to help your walks feel smoother and easier. The deck is 20” x 55”, which is great for long walking strides. The motor is a powerful 2.6 CHP, more than sufficient for the hardiest of walking routines. The construction and cushioning of this treadmill will encourage users to go faster and farther than ever before, thanks to the increased comfort.

As a part of the NordicTrack Plus program, exercisers can pay for a 4-year iFIT family subscription and receive the NordicTrack EXP 7i for free. The family subscription gives users access to multiple profiles and iFIT’s full content library. The classes are led by trainers from various sports backgrounds. iFIT is known for its worldwide locations. The content provides training instruction and information about the routes you explore vicariously through the trainer. I have added many destinations to my bucket list based on iFIT’s fantastic content.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i smartly integrates the content. It is far beyond simply watching videos on the EXP 7i’s 7-inch touchscreen display. The treadmill automatically adjusts the speed to match the trainer’s directions as well as your fitness level. If you need to slow down or speed up the treadmill manually to meet the suggested intensity level, iFIT will remember your input for next time and adjust the current workout. The incline automatically adjusts to match the real-life terrain seen on the screen. The NordicTrack is limited to a 0 to 10% grade, so these adjustments are as close as possible, with declines on a flat grade. Overall, the NordicTrack EXP 7i is a great treadmill for walkers looking to maximize smart features and comfort.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Here

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Best Walking Treadmill Under $1500: Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 is our top pick for treadmills under $1500. It stays true to its price point by not requiring an ongoing subscription to access content and, instead, offers plenty of free training options. The Sole F63 also supports third-party content fairly well, so users can train how they wish and change their minds in the future. Sole has packed the F63 with features, making it a standout at its price point.

The Sole F63 is one of the sturdiest treadmills. While running on it, I did not notice shaking in the console, even at high speeds or when landing on my heels. It has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, promising many, many miles of enjoyment. This treadmill is on the best walking treadmill list, but the 3.0 HP motor is powerful enough to support running if you occasionally dabble in faster paced activities. It would be great for walk/run intervals. It has a large 20” x 60” deck, sufficient for most walking (and running) strides.

Though no subscription is required to train on the F63, it has Bluetooth speakers and a tablet rack to support third-party training. The 6.5” LCD screen display is quite busy, showing all the metrics and every format for those metrics someone could want. It combines a graph view, ¼ mile track view, and large number readouts. The console buttons allow users to toggle through program settings at the start of their workout. The programs available are hill, fat burn, cardio, strength, HIIT, and heart rate (with a compatible monitor). The speed range is 0 to 12 mph, and the incline reaches a maximum of 15% for great training variability.

The Sole F63 has a firm deck, best for walkers trying to replicate the feel of outdoor activity. The deck does fold. My favorite part of the F63’s storage and portability is the four transport wheels. This makes moving the machine around far easier than other full-sized treadmills, even though it weighs 267 lbs. The deck folds using a gas shock for assistance. It uses a kick release to lower from its upright position. The Sole F63 is a great treadmill for walking, especially walkers who want a full-sized treadmill but need to wheel it around a lot.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F63 Treadmill Here

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Best Compact Walking Treadmill: WalkingPad X21 Treadmill

The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill folds into a nifty square, more compact than most treadmills on the market. It can be stored in a closet or under a bed! The WalkingPad X21 is ideal for walkers with small spaces or who move frequently. The WalkingPad X21 has a unique folding design combined with futuristic aesthetics.

The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill has an aluminum alloy frame paired with a black belt and side rails. There is also a black stability bar and console combo that is black with white LED lights. The speed dial has a green light. The dial will also provide messages related to when the belt will start moving and how much the speed has been increased with each turn. Though the console is very simplistic, it combines with the rest of the treadmill’s design to create a striking, futuristic-looking treadmill.

The Walking Pad X21 folds twice for extremely compact storage. First, the deck folds in half. This process does not harm the belt. Then, the entire deck is folded onto the motor hood and beneath the console. The belt sometimes makes a loud noise or feels a little stiff when being unfolded. This is perfectly fine, as it does not harm the belt, and we have not noticed any negative effects to the treadmill’s performance. The treadmill is secured in its upright position with a lever, so the deck doesn’t fall unexpectedly. The folding and unfolding process is very easy to master. This treadmill is great for storing in the closet or behind furniture.

Though it is small, it is a powerful treadmill. The WalkingPad X21 has a speed range of 0 to 7.45 mph. I don’t like running on this treadmill due to the deck’s small size and lack of supportive handles, but it can be done with a short stride. The X21 performs much better as a walking treadmill. You might be able to feel the creases beneath the belt where the deck folds. This won’t be an issue for most users. I notice it when my feet are really tired or sore but not so much at other times. If you wear highly cushioned shoes like Hokas, you probably won’t notice it at all.

The WalkingPad X21 has a maximum user weight capacity of 240 lbs despite its low weight of 82 lbs. The deck is 18.1” x 47.6”, providing plenty of room for a casual to brisk walk. The X21 has a brushless motor to keep the treadmill as quiet as possible. I recommend this treadmill for small homes and apartments or for users who need a very portable treadmill.

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Best Under Desk Treadmill For Walking: LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp Treadmill

The LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp Treadmill is a large under-desk treadmill. Due to its size, it may be most suited to remote workers, private offices, and large spaces. The TR1200-GlowUp has a portable console that attaches to the treadmill deck via wired connection. It is perfect for setting on your desk and making adjustments to the speed as needed.

The LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp Treadmill has a 20” x 50” walking deck with an overall footprint of 63” x 28.5” x 7.25”. It feels very sturdy and can support a maximum user weight of 350 lbs. The TR1200-GlowUp feels like a regular treadmill with the uprights and console removed. It has a recommended use limit of 6 hours per day, which is likely more than most users will need. It has two transport wheels to assist in relocating the treadmill. The deck has a low step-up height of 5.25 inches.

The TR1200-Glowup has a portable console attached to the treadmill deck via a wired connection. It is rather simplistic with only a few buttons and metrics displayed on the screen. There are 3 setting preset buttons, up and down arrows, a ‘set’ button, a pause button, and a start button. The console is designed to sit on top of the desk under which the treadmill is located. This design makes it incredibly easy to control the treadmill. Other brands use apps or remotes to control the treadmill, but this console feels much more convenient.

The treadmill requires the user to stand on the side rails to start the treadmill. This safety feature prevents the user from accidentally starting the treadmill and falling. The deck also tracks steps for users who have a daily step goal. If you step off the treadmill, the belt will automatically stop after 20 seconds of inactivity. These safety features make the LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp ideal for a workspace by preventing accidents from occurring while multitasking. This treadmill is a great choice for walkers looking for a large under-desk treadmill.

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Best Treadmill For Walking Under $1000: Sunny Health & Fitness Auto Incline Treadmill

The Sunny Health & Fitness Auto Incline Treadmill is a great affordable treadmill with a compact design. It is well under $1000, and at times, tips below $500. The design of the Auto Incline Treadmill is a bit dated, but it is ideal for walkers who care more about sticking to their budgets than adhering to current treadmill trends.

Not everyone needs a treadmill with the latest bells and whistles. The Sunny Health & Fitness Auto Incline Treadmill is a great bargain option. It has a compact folding design and a low product weight (123.5 lbs). It can accommodate a maximum user weight of 240 lbs. The folding mechanism is hydraulic for ease of lifting and lowering. When released from its upright position, the Auto Incline Treadmill softly lowers to the ground. Thus, the Auto Incline Treadmill is user-friendly.

The Auto Incline Treadmill has decent training capabilities. It does not require an ongoing subscription to access its features or content. There are 12 built-in programs. The Auto Incline Treadmill has an incline range of 2.6% to 12% and a speed range of 0 to 8 mph. There are four quick speed and incline buttons each. For more training content, Sunny Health and Fitness has an app with training videos. It is not on par with paid content but can help new exercisers become more comfortable on their treadmills.

The Auto Incline Treadmill has a few nice features to spiff up its otherwise basic construction. It has Bluetooth speakers, so you can jam out during your next workout. It also has an aux port for older devices (sometimes, an auxiliary port connection is just easier to use, too). There is a device rack for easily stowing your device or viewing it for online training content. A few membrane buttons on the console allow you to answer calls through the Bluetooth speakers and built-in microphone. Not many other treadmills have this feature and even fewer at this price.

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Best Treadmill For Hiking: NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill

The NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill is going to be overkill for most walkers, but it is a phenomenal machine with outstanding capabilities. This treadmill is great for hikers due to its record-setting incline range. The NordicTrack X22i is powerful and high-tech, offering the best of the best. For serious hikers wanting to replicate steep, mountainous terrain, there is no other treadmill (well, maybe the even more expensive X32i).

I don’t know if you are training to for Mount Everest or if you are just that serious about your low-impact exercise, but I cannot blame you for being drawn to the X22i. It is a striking treadmill with unbeatable capabilities. The NordicTrack X22i’s incline range of -6% to 40% is unbeaten by any treadmill on the market, save for its counterpart the X32i. However, I think the X22i is the better treadmill. It is more stable and the onscreen graphics are better. If you want a steep incline, the X22i is the way to go.

The X22i’s impressiveness doesn’t hinge on its incline abilities. It also has one of the most cushioned decks I have ever been on. I felt a bit like I was running in a pine forest with soft dirt and needles thrown over my path–that’s how cushioned this deck is. The X22i lets your legs feel the burn on the up and downhills, not because of the impact. Its deck is 22” x 60”, so you have plenty of space to work with and not feel like you are going to plummet from the summit (rhyme intended).

The X22i is made complete by iFIT’s extensive training library. With over 16,000 classes and over a hundred trainers, iFIT has all the on-treadmill content you need and still more. There are classes for most other types of cardio equipment and for strength training, yoga, and meditation. You are going to need some strength training and cross-training to support the intense uphill workout you get on the X22i. The X22i is a great machine, and undebatably the best treadmill for iFIT’s content.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill Here

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Best Walking Treadmill Honorable Mention: Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill

The Bowflex BXT8J earns mention as our honorable mention. It is hard to say which category it dominates, but if you found yourself unimpressed by any of the above treadmills, the BXT8J definitely deserves consideration. Bowflex makes solid treadmills with nice features. The BXT8J is Bowflex’s entry-level treadmill.

The Bowflex BXT8J cannot be left out of this list. It caught our attention with its good construction and impressive performance features. It has a large belt surface, measuring 20” x 60”. The incline rises to a maximum height of 15% instead of the usually 12%. It is a good option for hikers or incline trainers who don’t want to splurge on exorbitantly priced incline treadmills. The speed reaches the standard 12 mph, keeping the door open to running should you decide to incorporate speedier workouts in the future.

The BXT8J is a folding treadmill with a kick-release hydraulic arm. Thanks to this feature, you don’t have to worry about lifting or lowering the deck’s entire weight. We have been pleased with the sturdiness of Bowflex treadmills in the past and expect nothing less of the BXT8J’s durability. Though the BXT8J has the cushioned Comfort Tech deck, Bowflex treadmill decks tend to be on the firmer side. They are perfect for walkers trying to replicate the experience of walking outdoors.

The BXT8J does not require subscription content. However, Bowflex has a subscription program called JRNY. You can have two months free of JRNY training with your purchase of the BXT8J. There are also 26 built-in programs if you opt out of the JRNY platform. If you prefer other types of training content, there is a built-in tablet rack for better viewing. The Bowflex BXT8J is a sturdy and versatile treadmill with lots of training options.

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Factors To Consider When Finding The Best Walking Treadmill

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding on the right walking treadmill. Of course, you will want to consider factors like motor size, training content, and warranty lengths. We have also highlighted a few factors that apply specifically to walking treadmills and walkers.

What speed and incline abilities do you require?

Walking treadmills may have decreased speed and incline abilities compared to running treadmills. You can always choose a treadmill suitable for running, even if you do not plan on running. These treadmills will provide you with stronger motors, a good feature to have if you have more than one user in your household. If you are sure of your commitment to only walking, a treadmill with a lower speed requirement with or without incline capabilities can save you money and space.

The Horizon T101 inclines, a feature that many budget walking treadmills lack.

How much space can you allocate to a treadmill?

Walking treadmills come in a variety of sizes. They can be compact enough to fit in your closet or large enough to warrant a dedicated space. Larger treadmills are typically more durable and sturdy. Compact treadmills may be more practical for apartment living or shared spaces. Consider your stride length and size. Larger users may require a higher weight capacity or deck length for a longer stride. Consider your physical needs and space allowances before deciding on a treadmill.

The ProForm Carbon TLX is a compact folding treadmill with soft drop technology.

Are you focusing or multitasking?

A walking treadmill can deliver a focused workout. In this circumstance, you may want training content and a larger treadmill to support a serious workout effort. A smaller treadmill will be more suited to multitasking. A folding treadmill with a large deck but a short console can be set in front of a TV. Walking treadmills are great companions for standing desks. I recommend looking at treadmills without uprights and consoles,specifically designed for under-desk use. These compact treadmills are also great for moving from room to room. If you are exercising in a room with other people you are worried about disturbing, very compact treadmills will typically be less disruptive visually and audibly.

The Sole F63 has two tablet racks so you can watch any entertainment or training content you would like.

Bottom Line – Best Treadmills for Walking

One of the best things about walking is that you can do it on almost any treadmill, whereas running requires a more powerful cardio machine. Walking on a treadmill is great for your cardiovascular health. Having a treadmill in-home makes exercise so much more convenient, and it is far simpler than most cardio machines, as there is little to no learning curve. Treadmills give exercisers access to training and entertainment that is impractical for outdoor or non-stationary walking. Walking treadmills allow users to multitask, solving issues for exercisers with time constraints. A walking treadmill is a wonderful addition to your routine whether you have a simple step goal or more rigorous training targets in mind.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i feels soft underfoot, something a photo can’t tell you, but I can!

How We Test Treadmills

We evaluate treadmills for their performance, construction, and training. We use the treadmill like a walker or a runner would on any normal day. Then, we put our scientist hats on and take out the measuring tapes, decibel meter, and stopwatches. We take measurements of the treadmills’ noise level, step-up height, speed and incline adjustments, and more. Our goal is to use the treadmill as thoroughly as possible. We also continue to use products after our reviews are live so we get a better idea of long-term performance when we update our reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is walking for 30 minutes on a treadmill good for you?

Walking for 30 minutes is a fantastic form of low to moderate intensity cardio exercise. It can be hard to walk at a pace that increases your heart rate to vigorous exercise levels, but an incline solves that problem easily! A 30-minute walk can be as hard or as easy as you would like. When in doubt, start easy and slowly progress to a harder pace or incline grade.

Outdoor walkers moving their routines onto the treadmills should be able to keep up their previous pace and duration. Exercisers new to a walking routine should ease into it. Thirty minutes may be too much too soon for some, but it is a great starting point for many. When starting a routine, be conservative with your expectations to maintain it for the long term rather than burning out too quickly or getting injured.

What is the best treadmill for walking on an incline?

The best treadmill for incline walking will highly depend on what grade you want to train at. We have selected the NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill as our favorite for hikers due to its unbeatable incline and decline range of -6% to 40%. The 40% maximum is very intense. Most average walkers will be challenged more than enough by a standard 12% incline. Consider your training goals to find the right incline treadmill for you. If you want a treadmill with just a touch more incline, try the Sole F63 or the Bowflex BXT8J, which have 15% maximum inclines.

Is it better to walk on a treadmill or outside?

There are pros and cons to walking on a treadmill and walking outside. Walking outside can provide exercisers an opportunity to get some fresh air, soak up some sun, interact with their community, save on gas (if walking to a specific location), and more. Yet, walking on a treadmill overcomes many obstacles met by walkers every day. Walking inside protects exercisers from inclement weather, shared traffic routes, crime, and social concerns.

Snow, lack of city infrastructure to support pedestrians, unsafe neighborhoods, and shyness toward public exercise need not interfere with your routine. Walking on the treadmill can be a stepping stone to more confidence, so you can walk on sunny days, find safe parks and trails, and join a local social walking group. Besides, even if you stick to the treadmill 100% of the time, your health will be improved, and your schedule may be more practical.

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