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Treadmills are generally synonymous with running, but you can also get a great workout by simply walking on one. Walking can improve your circulation, strengthen your joints, and boost your cardiovascular health. (1) But sometimes, the weather just won’t accommodate a nice stroll outside. Having a walking treadmill in your home gym can help you get a cardio workout no matter the season.
Whether you’re walking to build up to running or just trying to get your 10,000 steps in for the day, finding a treadmill that fits your goals and budget is key. We did the legwork to find out what you should look for in a walking treadmill, how they’re beneficial, and which ones will work best for you. Read on to see our picks for the best walking treadmills on the market.
Best Walking Treadmill Picks
Best Walking Treadmill Overall
The best walking treadmill has to hit a lot of important marks; it should be versatile and affordable, and it shouldn’t take up all the space in your home gym. The Sole Fitness F63 hits all these points and then some, making it our favorite option for someone who wants to get their steps done at home.
Sole Fitness F63
Sole’s F63 does a great job of packing a lot of features into a sub-$1,000 treadmill. First off, while this treadmill can go up to speeds of 12mph, its starting speed of 1mph is ideal for a nice warm-up, very mellow walk, or some tread side shuffles. It can also go up to a 15 percent incline, so you can work some hills into your walks. This incline also makes this a great tread for hikers who want to get some training in for their next summit push.
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
The 6.5? LCD screen can display your speed, incline, time, distance, calories burnt, pulse, and pace. To keep you entertained, the console boasts built-in speakers that allow you to play music from your media device. The Sole Fitness F63 has six preset programs, including Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT. Plus, you can place a tablet or smartphone in the built-in tablet holder and watch your favorite shows or follow walking programs on your preferred app.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 to 15 percent
Top Speed: 15mph
Weight Capacity: 325lbs
Price: $999
Pros
The low starting speed of 1mph is ideal for walkers.
The incline goes up to 15 percent, which is perfect for adding intensity to your walks.
Built-in fans keep your indoor walks from feeling too stuffy.
Cons
While the treadmill folds up, it’s a bit bulkier than others.
The user weight limit is 325lbs, which may not work for larger athletes.
There is no large media screen included, so you’ll need to use your own tablet.
With a walking-friendly starting speed, various incline settings, and a tablet holder so you can stream media during your workout, the Sole F63 offers great features at a solid price. Plus, if you want to build up to running, the Sole F63 has more than enough power to accommodate, which makes it not only our favorite treadmill for walking, but one of the best ones for running as well.
Read our full Sole Fitness F63 review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Folding
A treadmill that can fold up can make a huge difference for people living in small spaces. And while there are a lot of folding treadmills on the market, the ProForm Cily L6 stands out in that the entire upper folds down flat, allowing you to completely hide it under a bed or a couch when not in use.
ProForm City L6
Most folding treadmills save space by lifting the running platform up and out of the way. This does open up some room, but you’ve still got a treadmill sitting in the room. The ProForm City L6 stands out by going in another direction — instead of the run surface going up, the entire upper console folds down. This creates a flat piece of equipment that you can easily slide under a bed or a couch, so you can place the treadmill out of sight when you’re not using it.
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
The City L6 has a top speed of 8mph, so you can work up to a light jog if walking isn’t doing it for you anymore. Plus, with the integrated tablet holder, you can stroll along while watching your favorite shows or movies. This tread also comes with a 30-day free trial for iFit, which offers thousands of live and on-demand workouts that you can stream through your personal device.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 percent
Top Speed: 8mph
Weight Capacity: 250lbs
Price: $599
Pros
The treadmill folds nearly flat, so you can store it under a couch or a bed.
This treadmill is less bulky than most of its competitors.
A free iFit trial and Bluetooth capabilities allow you to stream walking classes from your own device on this tread.
Cons
The max user weight of this treadmill is 250lbs, which is on the lower end of the spectrum for treadmills.
If you’re looking for tech features like an integrated touchscreen, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
There are no incline settings on this treadmill.
Having a great treadmill for walking that you can move around and easily hide if needed can be appealing to walkers who are working with small spaces. With this treadmill, you can store it completely flat and slide it under furniture, saving more floor space than you would with a vertical fold treadmill.
Read our full ProForm City L6 review.
Best Cushioned Treadmill for Walking
A walking treadmill with a nicely cushioned deck can minimize the wear and tear on your joints, and make your workouts more comfortable. The Sole Fitness TT8 is our choice for best cushioned treadmill thanks to its plush Cushion Flex Whisper Deck and soft, 2-ply belt.
Sole Fitness TT8
If you’re looking for a softer walking surface than you’ll find on most treadmills, the Sole Fitness TT8 might be your best bet. This is thanks to the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which Sole claims can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 40 percent. The cushioning is further enhanced by the tread’s soft 2-ply belt, which further absorbs footstrike impact.
Sole TT8 Treadmill
This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work.
This treadmill is no softie, though — you can set it to an incline of up to 15 percent and if you feel like running, the 4.0 HP motor will have no trouble cranking up to its top speed of 12mph. While you work out, you can use one of the nine pre-programmed workouts to help you hit your target heart rate to work toward your weight loss or endurance goals. Plus, the included 10.1? TFT Touch Panel +Android System display will allow you to view your heart rate, elapsed time, distance, calories burnt, and pace as you go.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 to 15 percent
Top Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 400lbs
Price: $2399.99
Pros
This treadmill can accommodate users up to 400lbs.
The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck may reduce impact on joints up to 40 percent.
An extra wide running surface makes use more comfortable for some users.
Cons
You must use your own tablet if you want display features.
At 375 pounds, this treadmill is a beast to move around.
The oversized hood can get in the way if you have a long stride.
This treadmill offers a cushioned deck that is built to reduce joint impact as well as a 2-ply belt for added softness. Plus, it has both incline and decline capabilities so you can ramp up the intensity as needed.
Read our full Sole Fitness TT8 review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Streaming
If you want to stream workouts while you walk, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 was made for you. Not only does it allow you to stream thousands of live or on-demand iFit workouts, it also provides guided hikes and scenic walks through locations around the world.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
But if you are going to be spending a lot of time on your treadmill, it might be a good idea to seek out features that will keep you excited about using it regularly. The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is loaded with these features, starting with it’s 10” tilt and pivotHD touchscreen and iFit compatibility.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is made for the runner who loves tech. This tech-loaded treadmill's HD touchscreen monitor can tilt and rotate, plus it offers automatic incline and speed adjustments based on your workout.
This screen offers workouts for both on and off the treadmill, but its most impressive feature for walkers is the scenic walks that let you traipse around the world from jungles in Borneo to exploring the pyramids of Giza. Even better, during these hikes, the treadmill will utilize its AutoAdjust™ technology, to automatically adjust the speed and incline to better mimic the terrain that you’re walking on.
Specs
Incline Range: -3 to 12 percent
Top Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Price: $1999
Pros
The incline and speed can automatically adjust when following iFit workouts.
A progressive series program within the treadmill is designed to transform you.
The screen can rotate so that you can stream workouts both on and off your treadmill.
Cons
Users over 300lbs are not suitable for this treadmill.
The price of this treadmill may not be within some people’s budgets.
You will need a decent-sized area to use this treadmill.
Having easy streaming on your treadmill is great for when you plan to do long walks or hikes. The built-in touchscreen display on the Commercial 1250 does a great job of pairing with iFit to take your daily walks to exotic locations all around the world.
The Best Incline Walking Treadmill
While walking on a flat surface does the trick for some people, others want to amp up their indoor walks by increasing the incline. Many treadmills have this capability, but the NordicTrack Commercial X22i takes inclines to the next level.
NordicTrack Commercial X22i
One of the best ways to ramp up a walking workout is by cranking up the incline, and NordicTrack’s Commercial X22i has one of the most aggressive inclines we’ve seen on a treadmill. While most treadmills’ inclines top out at 12 to 15 percent, the X22i’s goes up to a staggering (literally, if you’re like our tester) 40 percent.
NordicTrack X22i Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is built for those who want to climb. The machine inclines up to 40 percent and declines down to -6 percent. It features a Sled Push option where you can power the belt with your own leg drive, and it has a 22-inch touchscreen display where you can follow your workout and take iFit classes.
This comes in handy if you pair it with NordicTrack’s iFit application, which offers live and on-demand classes as well as scenic hikes in locations around the world. During testing, the 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen highlighted the beautiful locales while the treadmill automatically adjusted to mimic the trail’s terrain, providing an immersive experience while firing up the calorie burn. While it’s one of the more expensive treadmills on this list, the huge incline, and ability to walk in locations around the world make it worth the investment.
Specs
Incline Range: -6 to 40 percent
Top Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Price: $3499
Pros
The incline here can go up to a whopping 40 percent, which is great for building strength during walks or training for a big hike.
This treadmill includes a 22” Smart HD Touchscreen to take you on virtual walks around the world.
An automatic adjustment feature mimics the terrain on your virtual hikes.
Cons
The large price tag may be out of budget for some users.
Due to its size, this treadmill is not ideal for very small spaces.
You cannot fold this treadmill up for easy storage.
Walking is truly more enjoyable when you can get outdoors, but sometimes that’s not an option. Luckily, with the awesome 40 percent incline that this treadmill offers, you can bring the outdoors to your living space and enjoy sites from around the world while upping your steps.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial X22i review.
Best Under Desk Walking Treadmill
With so many remote jobs, getting movement in during the work day can be challenging. A great solution for this is adding a walking treadmill like the GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill to your office supply list.
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
This treadmill is unique compared to some other walking treadmills on our list, in that it doesn’t have an elevated console or handrails, making it perfect for going under a desk. The quiet motor won’t disturb your Zoom meetings (or your housemates), and the 12 inch-console workout programs can provide you with some direction.
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
Designed for use under a work desk, this treadmill has a speed range of 0.5 to 6mph. And with a weight of just 50 pounds, it's easy to move it out of the way on rest days.
The lowest speed is 0.5mph, which is ideal for getting those steps in while you spend hours at your desk. If you want to turn up the intensity on your lunch break, you can crank the treadmill up to 6mph for a light jog. The display screen shows your time, calories burned, steps, distance, and speed, and you can use Bluetooth to connect to your phone and play music. Plus, it has a remote, so when you are walking on the treadmill, you will not have to disrupt your pace to adjust the speed.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 percent
Top Speed: 6mph
Weight Capacity: 220lbs
Price: $318.99
Pros
An included remote control makes changing pace while in use easy.
A low speed option of 0.5mph makes easing into walking while working doable.
The super sleek design makes this treadmill a major space saver.
Cons
This treadmill is not suitable for running.
Due to its minimal structure, this tread can only accommodate users up to 220 lbs.
The deck of this treadmill is not very wide.
This treadmill has a minimalistic design, making it perfect for walking at your desk throughout your work day. Plus, it weighs right around 50lbs, so you can move it out of the way if you want to take a rest day.
Best Walking Treadmill for Small Spaces
Treadmills tend to take up a lot of room, which can be a deal-breaker for people with small spaces. A treadmill like the ProForm City L6 solves that issue with the ability to fold down flat for easy storage.
ProForm City L6
When in use, this walking treadmill is 29 inches wide, 70 inches long, and 44 inches tall, which is similar to most treadmills. But what makes it perfect for small spaces is what happens when you put it away — the console and grip bar fold down even with the treadmill deck into a nearly flat position, reducing the height to just 12.5 inches. This allows you to slide the treadmill under a bed or prop it up into a closet when you’re not using it. While it’s great for walking, the motor can power up to 8mph, so if you feel ready to start running, it’s got you covered.
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
The LCD screen is fairly minimal, but it still shows your distance, time, and calories burned. There is a tablet holder, so you can use your favorite fitness app or utilize the included free 30-day iFit trial to engage in live or on-demand training sessions, or stream your favorite media content while you work out.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 percent
Top Speed: 8mph
Weight Capacity: 250lbs
Price: $599
Pros
At around $600, this is one of the more affordable treadmills on this list.
When you fold the console down, the treadmill is just over a foot tall, making it easy to store it out of sight.
If you want to spice up your walk, this treadmill goes up to 8 mph.
Cons
The weight capacity of this minimal treadmill is 250lbs, which is on the lower end of the spectrum.
There are no incline or decline options.
If you’re worried about having enough space for a treadmill, the ProForm City L6 is a great choice. The super sleek design of this treadmill makes it easy to use in a small place, and its fold-down feature makes it even easier to store when not in use.
Best Budget Walking Treadmill
Treadmills are a great tool for walking indoors, but they can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, a no-frills treadmill like the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill is a solid option.
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
If you’re trying to get a treadmill without breaking the bank, the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill should be your go-to. This treadmill punches above its price range with great features and will cost you under $400. Many treadmills in this price range only go up to 6mph, but you can hit speeds of up to 9mph if you feel like taking a jog. If you are committed to walking but want a bit more intensity, it also has three incline settings — 0 percent, 2 percent, and 4.37 percent — that you can adjust manually.
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
This machine offers speeds up to 9mph, and three manual incline levels (0 percent, two percent, and 4.37 percent). There’s a console that includes nine built-in workout programs with a large LCD display, and this tread provides a tablet holder for streaming fitness classes.
There are nine built-in workout programs, so you can have some guidance during your walk. Plus, this treadmill has a soft drop system that allows you to unfold it hands-free. You can also pop a tablet into the device holder and watch your favorite show as you work toward your step goal.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 to 4.37 percent
Top Speed: 9mph
Weight Capacity: 220lbs
Price: $384.99
Pros
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better treadmill for under $400.
You can go up to 9mph on days when a walk is not enough.
The hands-free unfolding technology makes getting started with your walk safe and easy.
Cons
The weight capacity of this budget walking treadmill is 220lbs.
There is no Bluetooth connectivity option.
There is no decline setting option.
From the onboard workout programs to the handy device holder and top speed of 9mph, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better treadmill at this price point. If you’re looking for a treadmill, but don’t want to spend a lot, the Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill is a great choice.
How We Chose The Best Walking Treadmills
While walking on a treadmill may not be as intense as running on one, finding the right treadmill for your walking workouts is still an important decision. With so many options out there, it’s important to decide what you need for walking, as well as what you don’t. When we were looking for the best walking treadmills, we considered many factors, including price, ease of use, and features.
Price
Deciding to add a treadmill to your home or office is an investment. While some people have the funds to invest several thousand dollars, others are more limited. We wanted to ensure that our list catered to various budgets, so you’ll have treadmills across the price spectrum here.
Credit: ZoranOrcik / Shutterstock
And while there are a couple of low-cost options, we made sure that a price drop didn’t mean a drop in quality.
User Friendliness
We wanted to make sure that all of the best walking treadmills on our list were user-friendly so that beginner users would be able to use them without issues. While some of the walking treadmills we chose are a little more complex due to their tech features, all of them are fairly easy to assemble without professional assistance and include great written instructions or videos that explain how to use the different features.
Features
You don’t necessarily need a ton of fancy features to get a solid walk in on a treadmill — but some can be nice. Features like auto-adjust technology, touch screens, built-in fans, and incline capabilities are highly preferred by some users. Other users are partial to a treadmill that can fold down and roll out of sight, or have readily available virtual run and walk options. We made a point to compile a list of walking treadmills that included all of these features, even though most treadmills do not include all features.
The Benefits of Walking Treadmills
There are a lot of benefits to having a walking treadmill in your home, but some of the best ones revolve around convenience. Having a treadmill in your house allows you to experience the health benefits of walking at all hours without worrying about your safety. Walking treadmills are also accessible for all levels of fitness, and you don’t have to drive anywhere to get your workout done.
Fitness
You don’t need to run to experience the benefits of a treadmill. Studies have shown that brisk walking can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and body composition. It may also have a positive effect on balance, muscular endurance. (2)
Safety
We know that not everyone has access to areas where they can walk and feel safe. For some people, the area where they live may be congested with cars or riddled with crime and walking outdoors may feel too risky. Having a treadmill where you can walk indoors eliminates the risk without eliminating movement. Some people also have limited time in their schedule and can only walk when it is dark outside which may not feel comfortable for them. Luckily, when you have a treadmill at home, you can walk at any hour and feel safe.
Accessibility
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise there is. While it can take years to learn to do a muscle up, walking is something that most people have mastered early on in life. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good workout. Walking on a treadmill is a great way to strengthen your legs and burn calories for anyone at any level of fitness.
Convenience
Look, sometimes you just don’t want to go to the gym. Whether you don’t have time to head out, or you just don’t want to find the traffic, it’s a lot easier to justify skipping a workout when you have the extra step of having to commute. Having a treadmill in your own home makes it a lot easier to hop on and get a quick walk in without having to get dressed and hop in the car.
How Much Do Walking Treadmills Cost?
While some walking treadmills are as cheap as $300, others can cost close to $4,000. The cost of a walking treadmill is very dependent on what brand you choose and which features are important to you in a walking treadmill.
Best WalkingTreadmill Overall
Sole Fitness F63
$1,199.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Folding
ProForm City L6
$599.00
Best Cushioned Walking Treadmill
Sole Fitness TT8
$2399.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Streaming
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
$1,999.00
Best Incline Walking Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial X22i
$3499.00
Best Under Desk Walking Treadmill
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
$318.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Small Spaces
ProForm City L6
$599.00
Best Budget Walking Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
$384.99
There is truly a treadmill for every budget. You may have to sacrifice some features when hitting up the lower end of the budget, but regardless, you will definitely be able to add up some serious steps with whichever one you choose.
What to Consider Before Buying Walking Treadmills
Buying any treadmill is an investment, so you want to make sure you buy the right one for you. When you’re thinking about buying one, you should consider what goals you have, how much space you have for your treadmill, and how much you’re willing to spend on it.
Personal Goals
There are various reasons that someone could be in the market for a walking treadmill. Perhaps you are on a weight loss journey, and you are looking for a way to burn more calories early in your journey.
Credit: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock
Or you may be someone who is coming back from an injury and wants to build strength and coordination through walking. You may even be training for an upcoming hiking trip. Whatever your reason is, you should make sure the walking treadmill you choose has any features you need to accomplish your goal.
Workout Space Available
Space is a huge factor when you are considering buying a walking treadmill. Be sure to take measurements of your available space so that you can compare the treadmill measures to ensure your choice fits. Concerning the space, you also want to consider whether or not being able to store it out of sight is a requirement. If so, there are a few on this list that can easily be stowed out of sight when you’re not using them.
Personal Budget
While treadmill prices can and do range up into the thousands, you don’t have to empty your savings account to get one that’ll get the job done. Be realistic about how much treadmill you can afford, then find one in that budget that has the features you need. If you’re under budget, you can kick down a little more for one with some extra features that you’d like.
Final Word
Having a treadmill for walking at home can make a huge impact on your fitness. Walking has a ton of health benefits, and if you walk consistently enough, you may see results like weight loss, improved endurance, or improved strength in your lower body. Whatever your reason is for wanting to log more miles by walking, having a treadmill can help you succeed in that mission.
But with so many out there, it can be hard to dial in the right one for you. When you’re shopping for a walking treadmill, measure your space, decide your budget, and create a checklist of what features you absolutely must have. Once you have those nailed down, you can use this list to help you hone in on the perfect walking treadmill for you.
FAQs
How much do walking treadmills cost? Walking treadmills run as low as about $300, but they can also get up to well over $5,000. Brand name, special features, as well as size and durability, have a lot to do with the price tag.
What is the best walking treadmill? The best walking treadmill will depend on a lot of factors, but overall, the Sole Fitness F63 is our pick for the best walking treadmill. It’s on the lower end of the price range, but it still has a stack of handy features as well as generous speed and incline settings.
How often should you use a walking treadmill? If your body continues to feel good, you can easily walk every day. You should slowly work up in mileage so that you do not burn out too quickly. You can start by walking 10 minutes daily and add one to two minutes each week. This slow progression should help you to stay uninjured. Remember, if you start to experience pain, you should consult your doctor before continuing your walking routine.
References
Murtach, E.M., Murphy, M. H., Boone-Heinonen, J. (2011) Walking – the first steps in cardiovascular disease prevention Current Opinion in Cardiology Sep; 25(5): 490–496.
Bai, X., Soh, K., et al. Effect of Brisk Walking on Health-Related Physical Fitness Balance and Life Satisfaction Among the Elderly: A Systematic Review (2022). Public Health, 31 January 2022. Sec. Aging and Public Health. Volume 9 – 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.829367
Treadmills are generally synonymous with running, but you can also get a great workout by simply walking on one. Walking can improve your circulation, strengthen your joints, and boost your cardiovascular health. (1) But sometimes, the weather just won’t accommodate a nice stroll outside. Having a walking treadmill in your home gym can help you get a cardio workout no matter the season.
Whether you’re walking to build up to running or just trying to get your 10,000 steps in for the day, finding a treadmill that fits your goals and budget is key. We did the legwork to find out what you should look for in a walking treadmill, how they’re beneficial, and which ones will work best for you. Read on to see our picks for the best walking treadmills on the market.
Best Walking Treadmill Picks
Best Walking Treadmill Overall
The best walking treadmill has to hit a lot of important marks; it should be versatile and affordable, and it shouldn’t take up all the space in your home gym. The Sole Fitness F63 hits all these points and then some, making it our favorite option for someone who wants to get their steps done at home.
Sole Fitness F63
Sole’s F63 does a great job of packing a lot of features into a sub-$1,000 treadmill. First off, while this treadmill can go up to speeds of 12mph, its starting speed of 1mph is ideal for a nice warm-up, very mellow walk, or some tread side shuffles. It can also go up to a 15 percent incline, so you can work some hills into your walks. This incline also makes this a great tread for hikers who want to get some training in for their next summit push.
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
The 6.5? LCD screen can display your speed, incline, time, distance, calories burnt, pulse, and pace. To keep you entertained, the console boasts built-in speakers that allow you to play music from your media device. The Sole Fitness F63 has six preset programs, including Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT. Plus, you can place a tablet or smartphone in the built-in tablet holder and watch your favorite shows or follow walking programs on your preferred app.
Specs
Read our full Sole Fitness F63 review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Folding
A treadmill that can fold up can make a huge difference for people living in small spaces. And while there are a lot of folding treadmills on the market, the ProForm Cily L6 stands out in that the entire upper folds down flat, allowing you to completely hide it under a bed or a couch when not in use.
ProForm City L6
Most folding treadmills save space by lifting the running platform up and out of the way. This does open up some room, but you’ve still got a treadmill sitting in the room. The ProForm City L6 stands out by going in another direction — instead of the run surface going up, the entire upper console folds down. This creates a flat piece of equipment that you can easily slide under a bed or a couch, so you can place the treadmill out of sight when you’re not using it.
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
The City L6 has a top speed of 8mph, so you can work up to a light jog if walking isn’t doing it for you anymore. Plus, with the integrated tablet holder, you can stroll along while watching your favorite shows or movies. This tread also comes with a 30-day free trial for iFit, which offers thousands of live and on-demand workouts that you can stream through your personal device.
Specs
Read our full ProForm City L6 review.
Best Cushioned Treadmill for Walking
A walking treadmill with a nicely cushioned deck can minimize the wear and tear on your joints, and make your workouts more comfortable. The Sole Fitness TT8 is our choice for best cushioned treadmill thanks to its plush Cushion Flex Whisper Deck and soft, 2-ply belt.
Sole Fitness TT8
If you’re looking for a softer walking surface than you’ll find on most treadmills, the Sole Fitness TT8 might be your best bet. This is thanks to the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which Sole claims can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 40 percent. The cushioning is further enhanced by the tread’s soft 2-ply belt, which further absorbs footstrike impact.
Sole TT8 Treadmill
This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work.
This treadmill is no softie, though — you can set it to an incline of up to 15 percent and if you feel like running, the 4.0 HP motor will have no trouble cranking up to its top speed of 12mph. While you work out, you can use one of the nine pre-programmed workouts to help you hit your target heart rate to work toward your weight loss or endurance goals. Plus, the included 10.1? TFT Touch Panel +Android System display will allow you to view your heart rate, elapsed time, distance, calories burnt, and pace as you go.
Specs
Read our full Sole Fitness TT8 review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Streaming
If you want to stream workouts while you walk, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 was made for you. Not only does it allow you to stream thousands of live or on-demand iFit workouts, it also provides guided hikes and scenic walks through locations around the world.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
But if you are going to be spending a lot of time on your treadmill, it might be a good idea to seek out features that will keep you excited about using it regularly. The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is loaded with these features, starting with it’s 10” tilt and pivotHD touchscreen and iFit compatibility.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is made for the runner who loves tech. This tech-loaded treadmill's HD touchscreen monitor can tilt and rotate, plus it offers automatic incline and speed adjustments based on your workout.
This screen offers workouts for both on and off the treadmill, but its most impressive feature for walkers is the scenic walks that let you traipse around the world from jungles in Borneo to exploring the pyramids of Giza. Even better, during these hikes, the treadmill will utilize its AutoAdjust™ technology, to automatically adjust the speed and incline to better mimic the terrain that you’re walking on.
Specs
The Best Incline Walking Treadmill
While walking on a flat surface does the trick for some people, others want to amp up their indoor walks by increasing the incline. Many treadmills have this capability, but the NordicTrack Commercial X22i takes inclines to the next level.
NordicTrack Commercial X22i
One of the best ways to ramp up a walking workout is by cranking up the incline, and NordicTrack’s Commercial X22i has one of the most aggressive inclines we’ve seen on a treadmill. While most treadmills’ inclines top out at 12 to 15 percent, the X22i’s goes up to a staggering (literally, if you’re like our tester) 40 percent.
NordicTrack X22i Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is built for those who want to climb. The machine inclines up to 40 percent and declines down to -6 percent. It features a Sled Push option where you can power the belt with your own leg drive, and it has a 22-inch touchscreen display where you can follow your workout and take iFit classes.
This comes in handy if you pair it with NordicTrack’s iFit application, which offers live and on-demand classes as well as scenic hikes in locations around the world. During testing, the 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen highlighted the beautiful locales while the treadmill automatically adjusted to mimic the trail’s terrain, providing an immersive experience while firing up the calorie burn. While it’s one of the more expensive treadmills on this list, the huge incline, and ability to walk in locations around the world make it worth the investment.
Specs
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial X22i review.
Best Under Desk Walking Treadmill
With so many remote jobs, getting movement in during the work day can be challenging. A great solution for this is adding a walking treadmill like the GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill to your office supply list.
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
This treadmill is unique compared to some other walking treadmills on our list, in that it doesn’t have an elevated console or handrails, making it perfect for going under a desk. The quiet motor won’t disturb your Zoom meetings (or your housemates), and the 12 inch-console workout programs can provide you with some direction.
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
Designed for use under a work desk, this treadmill has a speed range of 0.5 to 6mph. And with a weight of just 50 pounds, it's easy to move it out of the way on rest days.
The lowest speed is 0.5mph, which is ideal for getting those steps in while you spend hours at your desk. If you want to turn up the intensity on your lunch break, you can crank the treadmill up to 6mph for a light jog. The display screen shows your time, calories burned, steps, distance, and speed, and you can use Bluetooth to connect to your phone and play music. Plus, it has a remote, so when you are walking on the treadmill, you will not have to disrupt your pace to adjust the speed.
Specs
Best Walking Treadmill for Small Spaces
Treadmills tend to take up a lot of room, which can be a deal-breaker for people with small spaces. A treadmill like the ProForm City L6 solves that issue with the ability to fold down flat for easy storage.
ProForm City L6
When in use, this walking treadmill is 29 inches wide, 70 inches long, and 44 inches tall, which is similar to most treadmills. But what makes it perfect for small spaces is what happens when you put it away — the console and grip bar fold down even with the treadmill deck into a nearly flat position, reducing the height to just 12.5 inches. This allows you to slide the treadmill under a bed or prop it up into a closet when you’re not using it. While it’s great for walking, the motor can power up to 8mph, so if you feel ready to start running, it’s got you covered.
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
The LCD screen is fairly minimal, but it still shows your distance, time, and calories burned. There is a tablet holder, so you can use your favorite fitness app or utilize the included free 30-day iFit trial to engage in live or on-demand training sessions, or stream your favorite media content while you work out.
Specs
Best Budget Walking Treadmill
Treadmills are a great tool for walking indoors, but they can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, a no-frills treadmill like the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill is a solid option.
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
If you’re trying to get a treadmill without breaking the bank, the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill should be your go-to. This treadmill punches above its price range with great features and will cost you under $400. Many treadmills in this price range only go up to 6mph, but you can hit speeds of up to 9mph if you feel like taking a jog. If you are committed to walking but want a bit more intensity, it also has three incline settings — 0 percent, 2 percent, and 4.37 percent — that you can adjust manually.
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
This machine offers speeds up to 9mph, and three manual incline levels (0 percent, two percent, and 4.37 percent). There’s a console that includes nine built-in workout programs with a large LCD display, and this tread provides a tablet holder for streaming fitness classes.
There are nine built-in workout programs, so you can have some guidance during your walk. Plus, this treadmill has a soft drop system that allows you to unfold it hands-free. You can also pop a tablet into the device holder and watch your favorite show as you work toward your step goal.
Specs
How We Chose The Best Walking Treadmills
While walking on a treadmill may not be as intense as running on one, finding the right treadmill for your walking workouts is still an important decision. With so many options out there, it’s important to decide what you need for walking, as well as what you don’t. When we were looking for the best walking treadmills, we considered many factors, including price, ease of use, and features.
Price
Deciding to add a treadmill to your home or office is an investment. While some people have the funds to invest several thousand dollars, others are more limited. We wanted to ensure that our list catered to various budgets, so you’ll have treadmills across the price spectrum here.
Credit: ZoranOrcik / Shutterstock
And while there are a couple of low-cost options, we made sure that a price drop didn’t mean a drop in quality.
User Friendliness
We wanted to make sure that all of the best walking treadmills on our list were user-friendly so that beginner users would be able to use them without issues. While some of the walking treadmills we chose are a little more complex due to their tech features, all of them are fairly easy to assemble without professional assistance and include great written instructions or videos that explain how to use the different features.
Features
You don’t necessarily need a ton of fancy features to get a solid walk in on a treadmill — but some can be nice. Features like auto-adjust technology, touch screens, built-in fans, and incline capabilities are highly preferred by some users. Other users are partial to a treadmill that can fold down and roll out of sight, or have readily available virtual run and walk options. We made a point to compile a list of walking treadmills that included all of these features, even though most treadmills do not include all features.
The Benefits of Walking Treadmills
There are a lot of benefits to having a walking treadmill in your home, but some of the best ones revolve around convenience. Having a treadmill in your house allows you to experience the health benefits of walking at all hours without worrying about your safety. Walking treadmills are also accessible for all levels of fitness, and you don’t have to drive anywhere to get your workout done.
Fitness
You don’t need to run to experience the benefits of a treadmill. Studies have shown that brisk walking can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and body composition. It may also have a positive effect on balance, muscular endurance. (2)
Safety
We know that not everyone has access to areas where they can walk and feel safe. For some people, the area where they live may be congested with cars or riddled with crime and walking outdoors may feel too risky. Having a treadmill where you can walk indoors eliminates the risk without eliminating movement. Some people also have limited time in their schedule and can only walk when it is dark outside which may not feel comfortable for them. Luckily, when you have a treadmill at home, you can walk at any hour and feel safe.
Accessibility
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise there is. While it can take years to learn to do a muscle up, walking is something that most people have mastered early on in life. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good workout. Walking on a treadmill is a great way to strengthen your legs and burn calories for anyone at any level of fitness.
Convenience
Look, sometimes you just don’t want to go to the gym. Whether you don’t have time to head out, or you just don’t want to find the traffic, it’s a lot easier to justify skipping a workout when you have the extra step of having to commute. Having a treadmill in your own home makes it a lot easier to hop on and get a quick walk in without having to get dressed and hop in the car.
How Much Do Walking Treadmills Cost?
While some walking treadmills are as cheap as $300, others can cost close to $4,000. The cost of a walking treadmill is very dependent on what brand you choose and which features are important to you in a walking treadmill.
Best WalkingTreadmill Overall
Sole Fitness F63
$1,199.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Folding
ProForm City L6
$599.00
Best Cushioned Walking Treadmill
Sole Fitness TT8
$2399.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Streaming
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
$1,999.00
Best Incline Walking Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial X22i
$3499.00
Best Under Desk Walking Treadmill
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
$318.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Small Spaces
ProForm City L6
$599.00
Best Budget Walking Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
$384.99
There is truly a treadmill for every budget. You may have to sacrifice some features when hitting up the lower end of the budget, but regardless, you will definitely be able to add up some serious steps with whichever one you choose.
What to Consider Before Buying Walking Treadmills
Buying any treadmill is an investment, so you want to make sure you buy the right one for you. When you’re thinking about buying one, you should consider what goals you have, how much space you have for your treadmill, and how much you’re willing to spend on it.
Personal Goals
There are various reasons that someone could be in the market for a walking treadmill. Perhaps you are on a weight loss journey, and you are looking for a way to burn more calories early in your journey.
Credit: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock
Or you may be someone who is coming back from an injury and wants to build strength and coordination through walking. You may even be training for an upcoming hiking trip. Whatever your reason is, you should make sure the walking...
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Whether you’re walking to build up to running or just trying to get your 10,000 steps in for the day, finding a treadmill that fits your goals and budget is key. We did the legwork to find out what you should look for in a walking treadmill, how they’re beneficial, and which ones will work best for you. Read on to see our picks for the best walking treadmills on the market.
Best Walking Treadmill Picks
Best Walking Treadmill Overall
The best walking treadmill has to hit a lot of important marks; it should be versatile and affordable, and it shouldn’t take up all the space in your home gym. The Sole Fitness F63 hits all these points and then some, making it our favorite option for someone who wants to get their steps done at home.
Sole Fitness F63
Sole’s F63 does a great job of packing a lot of features into a sub-$1,000 treadmill. First off, while this treadmill can go up to speeds of 12mph, its starting speed of 1mph is ideal for a nice warm-up, very mellow walk, or some tread side shuffles. It can also go up to a 15 percent incline, so you can work some hills into your walks. This incline also makes this a great tread for hikers who want to get some training in for their next summit push.
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
The 6.5? LCD screen can display your speed, incline, time, distance, calories burnt, pulse, and pace. To keep you entertained, the console boasts built-in speakers that allow you to play music from your media device. The Sole Fitness F63 has six preset programs, including Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT. Plus, you can place a tablet or smartphone in the built-in tablet holder and watch your favorite shows or follow walking programs on your preferred app.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 to 15 percent
Top Speed: 15mph
Weight Capacity: 325lbs
Price: $999
Pros
The low starting speed of 1mph is ideal for walkers.
The incline goes up to 15 percent, which is perfect for adding intensity to your walks.
Built-in fans keep your indoor walks from feeling too stuffy.
Cons
While the treadmill folds up, it’s a bit bulkier than others.
The user weight limit is 325lbs, which may not work for larger athletes.
There is no large media screen included, so you’ll need to use your own tablet.
With a walking-friendly starting speed, various incline settings, and a tablet holder so you can stream media during your workout, the Sole F63 offers great features at a solid price. Plus, if you want to build up to running, the Sole F63 has more than enough power to accommodate, which makes it not only our favorite treadmill for walking, but one of the best ones for running as well.
Read our full Sole Fitness F63 review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Folding
A treadmill that can fold up can make a huge difference for people living in small spaces. And while there are a lot of folding treadmills on the market, the ProForm Cily L6 stands out in that the entire upper folds down flat, allowing you to completely hide it under a bed or a couch when not in use.
ProForm City L6
Most folding treadmills save space by lifting the running platform up and out of the way. This does open up some room, but you’ve still got a treadmill sitting in the room. The ProForm City L6 stands out by going in another direction — instead of the run surface going up, the entire upper console folds down. This creates a flat piece of equipment that you can easily slide under a bed or a couch, so you can place the treadmill out of sight when you’re not using it.
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
The City L6 has a top speed of 8mph, so you can work up to a light jog if walking isn’t doing it for you anymore. Plus, with the integrated tablet holder, you can stroll along while watching your favorite shows or movies. This tread also comes with a 30-day free trial for iFit, which offers thousands of live and on-demand workouts that you can stream through your personal device.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 percent
Top Speed: 8mph
Weight Capacity: 250lbs
Price: $599
Pros
The treadmill folds nearly flat, so you can store it under a couch or a bed.
This treadmill is less bulky than most of its competitors.
A free iFit trial and Bluetooth capabilities allow you to stream walking classes from your own device on this tread.
Cons
The max user weight of this treadmill is 250lbs, which is on the lower end of the spectrum for treadmills.
If you’re looking for tech features like an integrated touchscreen, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
There are no incline settings on this treadmill.
Having a great treadmill for walking that you can move around and easily hide if needed can be appealing to walkers who are working with small spaces. With this treadmill, you can store it completely flat and slide it under furniture, saving more floor space than you would with a vertical fold treadmill.
Read our full ProForm City L6 review.
Best Cushioned Treadmill for Walking
A walking treadmill with a nicely cushioned deck can minimize the wear and tear on your joints, and make your workouts more comfortable. The Sole Fitness TT8 is our choice for best cushioned treadmill thanks to its plush Cushion Flex Whisper Deck and soft, 2-ply belt.
Sole Fitness TT8
If you’re looking for a softer walking surface than you’ll find on most treadmills, the Sole Fitness TT8 might be your best bet. This is thanks to the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which Sole claims can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 40 percent. The cushioning is further enhanced by the tread’s soft 2-ply belt, which further absorbs footstrike impact.
Sole TT8 Treadmill
This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work.
This treadmill is no softie, though — you can set it to an incline of up to 15 percent and if you feel like running, the 4.0 HP motor will have no trouble cranking up to its top speed of 12mph. While you work out, you can use one of the nine pre-programmed workouts to help you hit your target heart rate to work toward your weight loss or endurance goals. Plus, the included 10.1? TFT Touch Panel +Android System display will allow you to view your heart rate, elapsed time, distance, calories burnt, and pace as you go.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 to 15 percent
Top Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 400lbs
Price: $2399.99
Pros
This treadmill can accommodate users up to 400lbs.
The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck may reduce impact on joints up to 40 percent.
An extra wide running surface makes use more comfortable for some users.
Cons
You must use your own tablet if you want display features.
At 375 pounds, this treadmill is a beast to move around.
The oversized hood can get in the way if you have a long stride.
This treadmill offers a cushioned deck that is built to reduce joint impact as well as a 2-ply belt for added softness. Plus, it has both incline and decline capabilities so you can ramp up the intensity as needed.
Read our full Sole Fitness TT8 review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Streaming
If you want to stream workouts while you walk, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 was made for you. Not only does it allow you to stream thousands of live or on-demand iFit workouts, it also provides guided hikes and scenic walks through locations around the world.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
But if you are going to be spending a lot of time on your treadmill, it might be a good idea to seek out features that will keep you excited about using it regularly. The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is loaded with these features, starting with it’s 10” tilt and pivotHD touchscreen and iFit compatibility.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is made for the runner who loves tech. This tech-loaded treadmill's HD touchscreen monitor can tilt and rotate, plus it offers automatic incline and speed adjustments based on your workout.
This screen offers workouts for both on and off the treadmill, but its most impressive feature for walkers is the scenic walks that let you traipse around the world from jungles in Borneo to exploring the pyramids of Giza. Even better, during these hikes, the treadmill will utilize its AutoAdjust™ technology, to automatically adjust the speed and incline to better mimic the terrain that you’re walking on.
Specs
Incline Range: -3 to 12 percent
Top Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Price: $1999
Pros
The incline and speed can automatically adjust when following iFit workouts.
A progressive series program within the treadmill is designed to transform you.
The screen can rotate so that you can stream workouts both on and off your treadmill.
Cons
Users over 300lbs are not suitable for this treadmill.
The price of this treadmill may not be within some people’s budgets.
You will need a decent-sized area to use this treadmill.
Having easy streaming on your treadmill is great for when you plan to do long walks or hikes. The built-in touchscreen display on the Commercial 1250 does a great job of pairing with iFit to take your daily walks to exotic locations all around the world.
The Best Incline Walking Treadmill
While walking on a flat surface does the trick for some people, others want to amp up their indoor walks by increasing the incline. Many treadmills have this capability, but the NordicTrack Commercial X22i takes inclines to the next level.
NordicTrack Commercial X22i
One of the best ways to ramp up a walking workout is by cranking up the incline, and NordicTrack’s Commercial X22i has one of the most aggressive inclines we’ve seen on a treadmill. While most treadmills’ inclines top out at 12 to 15 percent, the X22i’s goes up to a staggering (literally, if you’re like our tester) 40 percent.
NordicTrack X22i Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is built for those who want to climb. The machine inclines up to 40 percent and declines down to -6 percent. It features a Sled Push option where you can power the belt with your own leg drive, and it has a 22-inch touchscreen display where you can follow your workout and take iFit classes.
This comes in handy if you pair it with NordicTrack’s iFit application, which offers live and on-demand classes as well as scenic hikes in locations around the world. During testing, the 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen highlighted the beautiful locales while the treadmill automatically adjusted to mimic the trail’s terrain, providing an immersive experience while firing up the calorie burn. While it’s one of the more expensive treadmills on this list, the huge incline, and ability to walk in locations around the world make it worth the investment.
Specs
Incline Range: -6 to 40 percent
Top Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Price: $3499
Pros
The incline here can go up to a whopping 40 percent, which is great for building strength during walks or training for a big hike.
This treadmill includes a 22” Smart HD Touchscreen to take you on virtual walks around the world.
An automatic adjustment feature mimics the terrain on your virtual hikes.
Cons
The large price tag may be out of budget for some users.
Due to its size, this treadmill is not ideal for very small spaces.
You cannot fold this treadmill up for easy storage.
Walking is truly more enjoyable when you can get outdoors, but sometimes that’s not an option. Luckily, with the awesome 40 percent incline that this treadmill offers, you can bring the outdoors to your living space and enjoy sites from around the world while upping your steps.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial X22i review.
Best Under Desk Walking Treadmill
With so many remote jobs, getting movement in during the work day can be challenging. A great solution for this is adding a walking treadmill like the GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill to your office supply list.
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
This treadmill is unique compared to some other walking treadmills on our list, in that it doesn’t have an elevated console or handrails, making it perfect for going under a desk. The quiet motor won’t disturb your Zoom meetings (or your housemates), and the 12 inch-console workout programs can provide you with some direction.
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
Designed for use under a work desk, this treadmill has a speed range of 0.5 to 6mph. And with a weight of just 50 pounds, it's easy to move it out of the way on rest days.
The lowest speed is 0.5mph, which is ideal for getting those steps in while you spend hours at your desk. If you want to turn up the intensity on your lunch break, you can crank the treadmill up to 6mph for a light jog. The display screen shows your time, calories burned, steps, distance, and speed, and you can use Bluetooth to connect to your phone and play music. Plus, it has a remote, so when you are walking on the treadmill, you will not have to disrupt your pace to adjust the speed.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 percent
Top Speed: 6mph
Weight Capacity: 220lbs
Price: $318.99
Pros
An included remote control makes changing pace while in use easy.
A low speed option of 0.5mph makes easing into walking while working doable.
The super sleek design makes this treadmill a major space saver.
Cons
This treadmill is not suitable for running.
Due to its minimal structure, this tread can only accommodate users up to 220 lbs.
The deck of this treadmill is not very wide.
This treadmill has a minimalistic design, making it perfect for walking at your desk throughout your work day. Plus, it weighs right around 50lbs, so you can move it out of the way if you want to take a rest day.
Best Walking Treadmill for Small Spaces
Treadmills tend to take up a lot of room, which can be a deal-breaker for people with small spaces. A treadmill like the ProForm City L6 solves that issue with the ability to fold down flat for easy storage.
ProForm City L6
When in use, this walking treadmill is 29 inches wide, 70 inches long, and 44 inches tall, which is similar to most treadmills. But what makes it perfect for small spaces is what happens when you put it away — the console and grip bar fold down even with the treadmill deck into a nearly flat position, reducing the height to just 12.5 inches. This allows you to slide the treadmill under a bed or prop it up into a closet when you’re not using it. While it’s great for walking, the motor can power up to 8mph, so if you feel ready to start running, it’s got you covered.
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
The LCD screen is fairly minimal, but it still shows your distance, time, and calories burned. There is a tablet holder, so you can use your favorite fitness app or utilize the included free 30-day iFit trial to engage in live or on-demand training sessions, or stream your favorite media content while you work out.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 percent
Top Speed: 8mph
Weight Capacity: 250lbs
Price: $599
Pros
At around $600, this is one of the more affordable treadmills on this list.
When you fold the console down, the treadmill is just over a foot tall, making it easy to store it out of sight.
If you want to spice up your walk, this treadmill goes up to 8 mph.
Cons
The weight capacity of this minimal treadmill is 250lbs, which is on the lower end of the spectrum.
There are no incline or decline options.
If you’re worried about having enough space for a treadmill, the ProForm City L6 is a great choice. The super sleek design of this treadmill makes it easy to use in a small place, and its fold-down feature makes it even easier to store when not in use.
Best Budget Walking Treadmill
Treadmills are a great tool for walking indoors, but they can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, a no-frills treadmill like the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill is a solid option.
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
If you’re trying to get a treadmill without breaking the bank, the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill should be your go-to. This treadmill punches above its price range with great features and will cost you under $400. Many treadmills in this price range only go up to 6mph, but you can hit speeds of up to 9mph if you feel like taking a jog. If you are committed to walking but want a bit more intensity, it also has three incline settings — 0 percent, 2 percent, and 4.37 percent — that you can adjust manually.
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
This machine offers speeds up to 9mph, and three manual incline levels (0 percent, two percent, and 4.37 percent). There’s a console that includes nine built-in workout programs with a large LCD display, and this tread provides a tablet holder for streaming fitness classes.
There are nine built-in workout programs, so you can have some guidance during your walk. Plus, this treadmill has a soft drop system that allows you to unfold it hands-free. You can also pop a tablet into the device holder and watch your favorite show as you work toward your step goal.
Specs
Incline Range: 0 to 4.37 percent
Top Speed: 9mph
Weight Capacity: 220lbs
Price: $384.99
Pros
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better treadmill for under $400.
You can go up to 9mph on days when a walk is not enough.
The hands-free unfolding technology makes getting started with your walk safe and easy.
Cons
The weight capacity of this budget walking treadmill is 220lbs.
There is no Bluetooth connectivity option.
There is no decline setting option.
From the onboard workout programs to the handy device holder and top speed of 9mph, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better treadmill at this price point. If you’re looking for a treadmill, but don’t want to spend a lot, the Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill is a great choice.
How We Chose The Best Walking Treadmills
While walking on a treadmill may not be as intense as running on one, finding the right treadmill for your walking workouts is still an important decision. With so many options out there, it’s important to decide what you need for walking, as well as what you don’t. When we were looking for the best walking treadmills, we considered many factors, including price, ease of use, and features.
Price
Deciding to add a treadmill to your home or office is an investment. While some people have the funds to invest several thousand dollars, others are more limited. We wanted to ensure that our list catered to various budgets, so you’ll have treadmills across the price spectrum here.
Credit: ZoranOrcik / Shutterstock
And while there are a couple of low-cost options, we made sure that a price drop didn’t mean a drop in quality.
User Friendliness
We wanted to make sure that all of the best walking treadmills on our list were user-friendly so that beginner users would be able to use them without issues. While some of the walking treadmills we chose are a little more complex due to their tech features, all of them are fairly easy to assemble without professional assistance and include great written instructions or videos that explain how to use the different features.
Features
You don’t necessarily need a ton of fancy features to get a solid walk in on a treadmill — but some can be nice. Features like auto-adjust technology, touch screens, built-in fans, and incline capabilities are highly preferred by some users. Other users are partial to a treadmill that can fold down and roll out of sight, or have readily available virtual run and walk options. We made a point to compile a list of walking treadmills that included all of these features, even though most treadmills do not include all features.
The Benefits of Walking Treadmills
There are a lot of benefits to having a walking treadmill in your home, but some of the best ones revolve around convenience. Having a treadmill in your house allows you to experience the health benefits of walking at all hours without worrying about your safety. Walking treadmills are also accessible for all levels of fitness, and you don’t have to drive anywhere to get your workout done.
Fitness
You don’t need to run to experience the benefits of a treadmill. Studies have shown that brisk walking can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and body composition. It may also have a positive effect on balance, muscular endurance. (2)
Safety
We know that not everyone has access to areas where they can walk and feel safe. For some people, the area where they live may be congested with cars or riddled with crime and walking outdoors may feel too risky. Having a treadmill where you can walk indoors eliminates the risk without eliminating movement. Some people also have limited time in their schedule and can only walk when it is dark outside which may not feel comfortable for them. Luckily, when you have a treadmill at home, you can walk at any hour and feel safe.
Accessibility
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise there is. While it can take years to learn to do a muscle up, walking is something that most people have mastered early on in life. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good workout. Walking on a treadmill is a great way to strengthen your legs and burn calories for anyone at any level of fitness.
Convenience
Look, sometimes you just don’t want to go to the gym. Whether you don’t have time to head out, or you just don’t want to find the traffic, it’s a lot easier to justify skipping a workout when you have the extra step of having to commute. Having a treadmill in your own home makes it a lot easier to hop on and get a quick walk in without having to get dressed and hop in the car.
How Much Do Walking Treadmills Cost?
While some walking treadmills are as cheap as $300, others can cost close to $4,000. The cost of a walking treadmill is very dependent on what brand you choose and which features are important to you in a walking treadmill.
Best WalkingTreadmill Overall
Sole Fitness F63
$1,199.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Folding
ProForm City L6
$599.00
Best Cushioned Walking Treadmill
Sole Fitness TT8
$2399.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Streaming
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
$1,999.00
Best Incline Walking Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial X22i
$3499.00
Best Under Desk Walking Treadmill
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
$318.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Small Spaces
ProForm City L6
$599.00
Best Budget Walking Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
$384.99
There is truly a treadmill for every budget. You may have to sacrifice some features when hitting up the lower end of the budget, but regardless, you will definitely be able to add up some serious steps with whichever one you choose.
What to Consider Before Buying Walking Treadmills
Buying any treadmill is an investment, so you want to make sure you buy the right one for you. When you’re thinking about buying one, you should consider what goals you have, how much space you have for your treadmill, and how much you’re willing to spend on it.
Personal Goals
There are various reasons that someone could be in the market for a walking treadmill. Perhaps you are on a weight loss journey, and you are looking for a way to burn more calories early in your journey.
Credit: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock
Or you may be someone who is coming back from an injury and wants to build strength and coordination through walking. You may even be training for an upcoming hiking trip. Whatever your reason is, you should make sure the walking treadmill you choose has any features you need to accomplish your goal.
Workout Space Available
Space is a huge factor when you are considering buying a walking treadmill. Be sure to take measurements of your available space so that you can compare the treadmill measures to ensure your choice fits. Concerning the space, you also want to consider whether or not being able to store it out of sight is a requirement. If so, there are a few on this list that can easily be stowed out of sight when you’re not using them.
Personal Budget
While treadmill prices can and do range up into the thousands, you don’t have to empty your savings account to get one that’ll get the job done. Be realistic about how much treadmill you can afford, then find one in that budget that has the features you need. If you’re under budget, you can kick down a little more for one with some extra features that you’d like.
Final Word
Having a treadmill for walking at home can make a huge impact on your fitness. Walking has a ton of health benefits, and if you walk consistently enough, you may see results like weight loss, improved endurance, or improved strength in your lower body. Whatever your reason is for wanting to log more miles by walking, having a treadmill can help you succeed in that mission.
But with so many out there, it can be hard to dial in the right one for you. When you’re shopping for a walking treadmill, measure your space, decide your budget, and create a checklist of what features you absolutely must have. Once you have those nailed down, you can use this list to help you hone in on the perfect walking treadmill for you.
FAQs
How much do walking treadmills cost? Walking treadmills run as low as about $300, but they can also get up to well over $5,000. Brand name, special features, as well as size and durability, have a lot to do with the price tag.
What is the best walking treadmill? The best walking treadmill will depend on a lot of factors, but overall, the Sole Fitness F63 is our pick for the best walking treadmill. It’s on the lower end of the price range, but it still has a stack of handy features as well as generous speed and incline settings.
How often should you use a walking treadmill? If your body continues to feel good, you can easily walk every day. You should slowly work up in mileage so that you do not burn out too quickly. You can start by walking 10 minutes daily and add one to two minutes each week. This slow progression should help you to stay uninjured. Remember, if you start to experience pain, you should consult your doctor before continuing your walking routine.
References
Murtach, E.M., Murphy, M. H., Boone-Heinonen, J. (2011) Walking – the first steps in cardiovascular disease prevention Current Opinion in Cardiology Sep; 25(5): 490–496.
Bai, X., Soh, K., et al. Effect of Brisk Walking on Health-Related Physical Fitness Balance and Life Satisfaction Among the Elderly: A Systematic Review (2022). Public Health, 31 January 2022. Sec. Aging and Public Health. Volume 9 – 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.829367
Treadmills are generally synonymous with running, but you can also get a great workout by simply walking on one. Walking can improve your circulation, strengthen your joints, and boost your cardiovascular health. (1) But sometimes, the weather just won’t accommodate a nice stroll outside. Having a walking treadmill in your home gym can help you get a cardio workout no matter the season.
Whether you’re walking to build up to running or just trying to get your 10,000 steps in for the day, finding a treadmill that fits your goals and budget is key. We did the legwork to find out what you should look for in a walking treadmill, how they’re beneficial, and which ones will work best for you. Read on to see our picks for the best walking treadmills on the market.
Best Walking Treadmill Picks
Best Walking Treadmill Overall
The best walking treadmill has to hit a lot of important marks; it should be versatile and affordable, and it shouldn’t take up all the space in your home gym. The Sole Fitness F63 hits all these points and then some, making it our favorite option for someone who wants to get their steps done at home.
Sole Fitness F63
Sole’s F63 does a great job of packing a lot of features into a sub-$1,000 treadmill. First off, while this treadmill can go up to speeds of 12mph, its starting speed of 1mph is ideal for a nice warm-up, very mellow walk, or some tread side shuffles. It can also go up to a 15 percent incline, so you can work some hills into your walks. This incline also makes this a great tread for hikers who want to get some training in for their next summit push.
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
The 6.5? LCD screen can display your speed, incline, time, distance, calories burnt, pulse, and pace. To keep you entertained, the console boasts built-in speakers that allow you to play music from your media device. The Sole Fitness F63 has six preset programs, including Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT. Plus, you can place a tablet or smartphone in the built-in tablet holder and watch your favorite shows or follow walking programs on your preferred app.
Specs
- Incline Range: 0 to 15 percent
- Top Speed: 15mph
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Price: $999
- The low starting speed of 1mph is ideal for walkers.
- The incline goes up to 15 percent, which is perfect for adding intensity to your walks.
- Built-in fans keep your indoor walks from feeling too stuffy.
- While the treadmill folds up, it’s a bit bulkier than others.
- The user weight limit is 325lbs, which may not work for larger athletes.
- There is no large media screen included, so you’ll need to use your own tablet.
Read our full Sole Fitness F63 review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Folding
A treadmill that can fold up can make a huge difference for people living in small spaces. And while there are a lot of folding treadmills on the market, the ProForm Cily L6 stands out in that the entire upper folds down flat, allowing you to completely hide it under a bed or a couch when not in use.
ProForm City L6
Most folding treadmills save space by lifting the running platform up and out of the way. This does open up some room, but you’ve still got a treadmill sitting in the room. The ProForm City L6 stands out by going in another direction — instead of the run surface going up, the entire upper console folds down. This creates a flat piece of equipment that you can easily slide under a bed or a couch, so you can place the treadmill out of sight when you’re not using it.
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
The City L6 has a top speed of 8mph, so you can work up to a light jog if walking isn’t doing it for you anymore. Plus, with the integrated tablet holder, you can stroll along while watching your favorite shows or movies. This tread also comes with a 30-day free trial for iFit, which offers thousands of live and on-demand workouts that you can stream through your personal device.
Specs
- Incline Range: 0 percent
- Top Speed: 8mph
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Price: $599
- The treadmill folds nearly flat, so you can store it under a couch or a bed.
- This treadmill is less bulky than most of its competitors.
- A free iFit trial and Bluetooth capabilities allow you to stream walking classes from your own device on this tread.
- The max user weight of this treadmill is 250lbs, which is on the lower end of the spectrum for treadmills.
- If you’re looking for tech features like an integrated touchscreen, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
- There are no incline settings on this treadmill.
Read our full ProForm City L6 review.
Best Cushioned Treadmill for Walking
A walking treadmill with a nicely cushioned deck can minimize the wear and tear on your joints, and make your workouts more comfortable. The Sole Fitness TT8 is our choice for best cushioned treadmill thanks to its plush Cushion Flex Whisper Deck and soft, 2-ply belt.
Sole Fitness TT8
If you’re looking for a softer walking surface than you’ll find on most treadmills, the Sole Fitness TT8 might be your best bet. This is thanks to the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which Sole claims can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 40 percent. The cushioning is further enhanced by the tread’s soft 2-ply belt, which further absorbs footstrike impact.
Sole TT8 Treadmill
This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work.
This treadmill is no softie, though — you can set it to an incline of up to 15 percent and if you feel like running, the 4.0 HP motor will have no trouble cranking up to its top speed of 12mph. While you work out, you can use one of the nine pre-programmed workouts to help you hit your target heart rate to work toward your weight loss or endurance goals. Plus, the included 10.1? TFT Touch Panel +Android System display will allow you to view your heart rate, elapsed time, distance, calories burnt, and pace as you go.
Specs
- Incline Range: 0 to 15 percent
- Top Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Price: $2399.99
- This treadmill can accommodate users up to 400lbs.
- The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck may reduce impact on joints up to 40 percent.
- An extra wide running surface makes use more comfortable for some users.
- You must use your own tablet if you want display features.
- At 375 pounds, this treadmill is a beast to move around.
- The oversized hood can get in the way if you have a long stride.
Read our full Sole Fitness TT8 review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Streaming
If you want to stream workouts while you walk, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 was made for you. Not only does it allow you to stream thousands of live or on-demand iFit workouts, it also provides guided hikes and scenic walks through locations around the world.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
But if you are going to be spending a lot of time on your treadmill, it might be a good idea to seek out features that will keep you excited about using it regularly. The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is loaded with these features, starting with it’s 10” tilt and pivotHD touchscreen and iFit compatibility.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is made for the runner who loves tech. This tech-loaded treadmill's HD touchscreen monitor can tilt and rotate, plus it offers automatic incline and speed adjustments based on your workout.
This screen offers workouts for both on and off the treadmill, but its most impressive feature for walkers is the scenic walks that let you traipse around the world from jungles in Borneo to exploring the pyramids of Giza. Even better, during these hikes, the treadmill will utilize its AutoAdjust™ technology, to automatically adjust the speed and incline to better mimic the terrain that you’re walking on.
Specs
- Incline Range: -3 to 12 percent
- Top Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Price: $1999
- The incline and speed can automatically adjust when following iFit workouts.
- A progressive series program within the treadmill is designed to transform you.
- The screen can rotate so that you can stream workouts both on and off your treadmill.
- Users over 300lbs are not suitable for this treadmill.
- The price of this treadmill may not be within some people’s budgets.
- You will need a decent-sized area to use this treadmill.
The Best Incline Walking Treadmill
While walking on a flat surface does the trick for some people, others want to amp up their indoor walks by increasing the incline. Many treadmills have this capability, but the NordicTrack Commercial X22i takes inclines to the next level.
NordicTrack Commercial X22i
One of the best ways to ramp up a walking workout is by cranking up the incline, and NordicTrack’s Commercial X22i has one of the most aggressive inclines we’ve seen on a treadmill. While most treadmills’ inclines top out at 12 to 15 percent, the X22i’s goes up to a staggering (literally, if you’re like our tester) 40 percent.
NordicTrack X22i Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is built for those who want to climb. The machine inclines up to 40 percent and declines down to -6 percent. It features a Sled Push option where you can power the belt with your own leg drive, and it has a 22-inch touchscreen display where you can follow your workout and take iFit classes.
This comes in handy if you pair it with NordicTrack’s iFit application, which offers live and on-demand classes as well as scenic hikes in locations around the world. During testing, the 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen highlighted the beautiful locales while the treadmill automatically adjusted to mimic the trail’s terrain, providing an immersive experience while firing up the calorie burn. While it’s one of the more expensive treadmills on this list, the huge incline, and ability to walk in locations around the world make it worth the investment.
Specs
- Incline Range: -6 to 40 percent
- Top Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Price: $3499
- The incline here can go up to a whopping 40 percent, which is great for building strength during walks or training for a big hike.
- This treadmill includes a 22” Smart HD Touchscreen to take you on virtual walks around the world.
- An automatic adjustment feature mimics the terrain on your virtual hikes.
- The large price tag may be out of budget for some users.
- Due to its size, this treadmill is not ideal for very small spaces.
- You cannot fold this treadmill up for easy storage.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial X22i review.
Best Under Desk Walking Treadmill
With so many remote jobs, getting movement in during the work day can be challenging. A great solution for this is adding a walking treadmill like the GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill to your office supply list.
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
This treadmill is unique compared to some other walking treadmills on our list, in that it doesn’t have an elevated console or handrails, making it perfect for going under a desk. The quiet motor won’t disturb your Zoom meetings (or your housemates), and the 12 inch-console workout programs can provide you with some direction.
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
Designed for use under a work desk, this treadmill has a speed range of 0.5 to 6mph. And with a weight of just 50 pounds, it's easy to move it out of the way on rest days.
The lowest speed is 0.5mph, which is ideal for getting those steps in while you spend hours at your desk. If you want to turn up the intensity on your lunch break, you can crank the treadmill up to 6mph for a light jog. The display screen shows your time, calories burned, steps, distance, and speed, and you can use Bluetooth to connect to your phone and play music. Plus, it has a remote, so when you are walking on the treadmill, you will not have to disrupt your pace to adjust the speed.
Specs
- Incline Range: 0 percent
- Top Speed: 6mph
- Weight Capacity: 220lbs
- Price: $318.99
- An included remote control makes changing pace while in use easy.
- A low speed option of 0.5mph makes easing into walking while working doable.
- The super sleek design makes this treadmill a major space saver.
- This treadmill is not suitable for running.
- Due to its minimal structure, this tread can only accommodate users up to 220 lbs.
- The deck of this treadmill is not very wide.
Best Walking Treadmill for Small Spaces
Treadmills tend to take up a lot of room, which can be a deal-breaker for people with small spaces. A treadmill like the ProForm City L6 solves that issue with the ability to fold down flat for easy storage.
ProForm City L6
When in use, this walking treadmill is 29 inches wide, 70 inches long, and 44 inches tall, which is similar to most treadmills. But what makes it perfect for small spaces is what happens when you put it away — the console and grip bar fold down even with the treadmill deck into a nearly flat position, reducing the height to just 12.5 inches. This allows you to slide the treadmill under a bed or prop it up into a closet when you’re not using it. While it’s great for walking, the motor can power up to 8mph, so if you feel ready to start running, it’s got you covered.
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
The LCD screen is fairly minimal, but it still shows your distance, time, and calories burned. There is a tablet holder, so you can use your favorite fitness app or utilize the included free 30-day iFit trial to engage in live or on-demand training sessions, or stream your favorite media content while you work out.
Specs
- Incline Range: 0 percent
- Top Speed: 8mph
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Price: $599
- At around $600, this is one of the more affordable treadmills on this list.
- When you fold the console down, the treadmill is just over a foot tall, making it easy to store it out of sight.
- If you want to spice up your walk, this treadmill goes up to 8 mph.
- The weight capacity of this minimal treadmill is 250lbs, which is on the lower end of the spectrum.
- There are no incline or decline options.
Best Budget Walking Treadmill
Treadmills are a great tool for walking indoors, but they can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, a no-frills treadmill like the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill is a solid option.
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
If you’re trying to get a treadmill without breaking the bank, the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill should be your go-to. This treadmill punches above its price range with great features and will cost you under $400. Many treadmills in this price range only go up to 6mph, but you can hit speeds of up to 9mph if you feel like taking a jog. If you are committed to walking but want a bit more intensity, it also has three incline settings — 0 percent, 2 percent, and 4.37 percent — that you can adjust manually.
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
This machine offers speeds up to 9mph, and three manual incline levels (0 percent, two percent, and 4.37 percent). There’s a console that includes nine built-in workout programs with a large LCD display, and this tread provides a tablet holder for streaming fitness classes.
There are nine built-in workout programs, so you can have some guidance during your walk. Plus, this treadmill has a soft drop system that allows you to unfold it hands-free. You can also pop a tablet into the device holder and watch your favorite show as you work toward your step goal.
Specs
- Incline Range: 0 to 4.37 percent
- Top Speed: 9mph
- Weight Capacity: 220lbs
- Price: $384.99
- You’d be hard-pressed to find a better treadmill for under $400.
- You can go up to 9mph on days when a walk is not enough.
- The hands-free unfolding technology makes getting started with your walk safe and easy.
- The weight capacity of this budget walking treadmill is 220lbs.
- There is no Bluetooth connectivity option.
- There is no decline setting option.
How We Chose The Best Walking Treadmills
While walking on a treadmill may not be as intense as running on one, finding the right treadmill for your walking workouts is still an important decision. With so many options out there, it’s important to decide what you need for walking, as well as what you don’t. When we were looking for the best walking treadmills, we considered many factors, including price, ease of use, and features.
Price
Deciding to add a treadmill to your home or office is an investment. While some people have the funds to invest several thousand dollars, others are more limited. We wanted to ensure that our list catered to various budgets, so you’ll have treadmills across the price spectrum here.
And while there are a couple of low-cost options, we made sure that a price drop didn’t mean a drop in quality.
User Friendliness
We wanted to make sure that all of the best walking treadmills on our list were user-friendly so that beginner users would be able to use them without issues. While some of the walking treadmills we chose are a little more complex due to their tech features, all of them are fairly easy to assemble without professional assistance and include great written instructions or videos that explain how to use the different features.
Features
You don’t necessarily need a ton of fancy features to get a solid walk in on a treadmill — but some can be nice. Features like auto-adjust technology, touch screens, built-in fans, and incline capabilities are highly preferred by some users. Other users are partial to a treadmill that can fold down and roll out of sight, or have readily available virtual run and walk options. We made a point to compile a list of walking treadmills that included all of these features, even though most treadmills do not include all features.
The Benefits of Walking Treadmills
There are a lot of benefits to having a walking treadmill in your home, but some of the best ones revolve around convenience. Having a treadmill in your house allows you to experience the health benefits of walking at all hours without worrying about your safety. Walking treadmills are also accessible for all levels of fitness, and you don’t have to drive anywhere to get your workout done.
Fitness
You don’t need to run to experience the benefits of a treadmill. Studies have shown that brisk walking can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and body composition. It may also have a positive effect on balance, muscular endurance. (2)
Safety
We know that not everyone has access to areas where they can walk and feel safe. For some people, the area where they live may be congested with cars or riddled with crime and walking outdoors may feel too risky. Having a treadmill where you can walk indoors eliminates the risk without eliminating movement. Some people also have limited time in their schedule and can only walk when it is dark outside which may not feel comfortable for them. Luckily, when you have a treadmill at home, you can walk at any hour and feel safe.
Accessibility
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise there is. While it can take years to learn to do a muscle up, walking is something that most people have mastered early on in life. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good workout. Walking on a treadmill is a great way to strengthen your legs and burn calories for anyone at any level of fitness.
Convenience
Look, sometimes you just don’t want to go to the gym. Whether you don’t have time to head out, or you just don’t want to find the traffic, it’s a lot easier to justify skipping a workout when you have the extra step of having to commute. Having a treadmill in your own home makes it a lot easier to hop on and get a quick walk in without having to get dressed and hop in the car.
How Much Do Walking Treadmills Cost?
While some walking treadmills are as cheap as $300, others can cost close to $4,000. The cost of a walking treadmill is very dependent on what brand you choose and which features are important to you in a walking treadmill.
Best WalkingTreadmill Overall
Sole Fitness F63
$1,199.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Folding
ProForm City L6
$599.00
Best Cushioned Walking Treadmill
Sole Fitness TT8
$2399.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Streaming
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
$1,999.00
Best Incline Walking Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial X22i
$3499.00
Best Under Desk Walking Treadmill
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill
$318.99
Best Walking Treadmill for Small Spaces
ProForm City L6
$599.00
Best Budget Walking Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
$384.99
There is truly a treadmill for every budget. You may have to sacrifice some features when hitting up the lower end of the budget, but regardless, you will definitely be able to add up some serious steps with whichever one you choose.
What to Consider Before Buying Walking Treadmills
Buying any treadmill is an investment, so you want to make sure you buy the right one for you. When you’re thinking about buying one, you should consider what goals you have, how much space you have for your treadmill, and how much you’re willing to spend on it.
Personal Goals
There are various reasons that someone could be in the market for a walking treadmill. Perhaps you are on a weight loss journey, and you are looking for a way to burn more calories early in your journey.
Or you may be someone who is coming back from an injury and wants to build strength and coordination through walking. You may even be training for an upcoming hiking trip. Whatever your reason is, you should make sure the walking...
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