The 6 Best Lightweight Treadmills for 2023, Expert-Tested

In addition to being one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment, the classic treadmill also tends to be one of the largest. When browsing the best treadmills on the market, you’re likely to stumble upon high-end machines weighing in at impressively heavy weights around 250 to 400 pounds. Despite the benefits of treadmills, that can be a burden for those of us who value our floor space. Thankfully, there are plenty of (relatively) lightweight options on the market. 

Investing in a treadmill is an investment in your health, with studies routinely showing how cardio exercise can help you improve your mood, manage your weight, and increase your cardiovascular function. (1) Our team has run thousands of miles on the top machines in the market, and here are our top picks for the best lightweight treadmills.

The 6 Best Lightweight Treadmills

• Best Lightweight Treadmill Overall: Horizon T101
• Best Lightweight Under Desk Treadmill: Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
• Best Lightweight Folding Treadmill: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
• Best Lightweight Treadmill for Running: XTERRA Fitness TR150 
• Best Lightweight Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
• Best Lightweight Manual Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Manual Walking Treadmill

How We Tested and Chose the Best Lightweight Treadmills

Our team at BarBend is filled with former D.1 athletes, marathon runners, and fitness fanatics who have tried and tested over 40 of the top treadmills, logging thousands of miles in an effort to give our honest reviews of the top products. We know treadmills, and we know how important it is to find the right machine for you and your space. 

We built each treadmill straight from the box. We ran and walked our hearts out, tried out available programming, pushed each machine to its limit, and folded and picked up each machine to see how easy it would be for users at home to do the same. To clearly convey our testing methods, our team scored each machine from 1 (not great) to 5 (very nice!) in categories such as portability, conveniences, tech capabilities, and value. Here are a couple of areas we focused on when making our picks.

Weight

If you’re looking for a lightweight treadmill to support your movement goals, the actual weight of the machine is a key factor. Keeping this in mind, we made sure to only include treadmills that came in well below the 200- to 250-pound weight of the average mid-range treadmill. Depending on how light you want your treadmill to be, we’ve provided a wide range of options from as little as 46.7 pounds up to 180 pounds.

Small Spaces

If you’re searching for a lightweight treadmill, we assume it’s because you want a machine you can move around easily. And if you want to be able to move it around, we can also infer that you may be limited when it comes to floor space. As such, we looked for treadmills that had compact footprints between 8 and 16 square feet, and had folding capabilities with built-in transport wheels and handles so that users could scoot them out of the way when not in use. 

Durability

While treadmills can weigh as much as 350 pounds (and sometimes more), lightweight options tend to span between 55 and 180 pounds. Because of this, we wanted to make sure that each machine we recommended felt sturdy and capable during use. 

While many lightweight treadmills are considered budget buys, we wanted to make sure that the value of your purchase would provide some longevity. In general, though, it’s worth keeping in mind the plastic and aluminum builds you’ll find on most lightweight treadmills aren’t going to be as tough as heavy-duty components like steel. Because of this, they’re not as suited for intense running workouts as more high-end models. Many of the options on our list are best suited for walking and jogging, but there are some exceptions.

Best Lightweight Treadmill Overall: Horizon T101

The 180-pound Horizon T101 is a reliable and relatively lightweight treadmill that you can fold up and stow out of the way when not in use. With 10 levels of incline, deck cushioning, and a max speed of 10 miles per hour, this treadmill allows for walking and running at a variety of intensities. Delivery and setup scored a 5 out of 5, with value scoring a 4.5 out of 5. We also find this to be one of the best treadmills under $1,000. 

The T101 is well under the 200- to 250-pound average of most mid-range treadmills, though it’s much heavier than some of the more lightweight options on the market, which can come in as low as 50 pounds. Unlike those units, though, the T101 is suited for running workouts and can support users up to 300 pounds. The average weight limit for many of the lightweight treadmills we’ve tried comes out to around 220 to 265 pounds. Durability scored a 3.5 out of 5.

Setup, footprint, and portability scored a 4 out of 5. “Compared to most of the treadmills I’ve tried, this one is pretty easy to move around, plus it was the easiest setup I’ve ever experienced,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer.

“At 180 pounds, it was easy for me to move from room to room with the built-in transport wheels. Plus, using the hydraulic folding system for folding and unfolding felt safe and simple.” The FeatherLight folding system helps protect your floors and any muscle strain, by assisting users lift and lower their decks.

This treadmill doesn’t provide much in the way of tech, but it does have an LCD screen with 6 pre-set programs: calorie, distance, fat burn, hill climb, and intervals. “The Bluetooth speakers and media stand let me watch Netflix while I jogged. But there isn’t an HD touchscreen or smart interactive programming,” said our tester. Tech capabilities scored a 2 out of 5. 

Also, the 2.25 HP motor is less powerful than what certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto recommends, “For running, you’ll need a more powerful motor with 2.75 to 4.0 CHP.” However, our tester said, “For someone looking for a quality treadmill for lots of walking and some jogging, I think this is a great option.”

Read our full Horizon T101 Treadmill Review.

Best Lightweight Under-Desk Treadmill: Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill

Don’t give up on your health goals just because you’re trapped behind a desk all day long. The lightweight Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill is, in our opinion, one of the best treadmills under $500. A hybrid machine, it can operate as both a traditional treadmill (with the handlebar up) and an under-desk unit (with the handlebar down). It measures just 5.1 inches in height with the handlebar down, and, at 55 pounds, it weighs roughly the same as a large bag of dog food. Footprint, portability, and setup scored a 5 out of 5.

The 2.5 HP motor can reach a top of speed of 7.6 miles per hour with the handlebar up, and up to 3.8 miles per hour with the handlebar down. Although this motor is less powerful than the CHP motors we like to recommend for running, we find it suitable for this unit, which is designed more for walking and light jogging. However, our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 coach, did note the limitations of the 42.5-inch belt deck. “It was great for walking on, but when I tried to pick up the pace I almost fell off the treadmill because my stride was too long,” they said. Workout experience earned a 3 out of 5.

“I wouldn’t expect this treadmill to last for years, but at $359.99, you can’t be too upset since this is a budget treadmill,” noted our tester. “I am disappointed and wary of the plastic pieces where the buttons are. This feels cheap and as if they’ll break at some point.” 

We were, however, impressed that this lightweight machine was capable of supporting users up to 265 pounds, which is on the high end of the average weight capacity for under-desk treadmills. Durability scored a 3 out of 5. 

“If you’re looking for something simple to use while you’re at your desk, and that’s easy to move out of the way, you’ll be pleased with your purchase,” noted our tester. The folding capabilities paired with its 55-pound frame and built-in transport wheels make moving this thing around a breeze. “But don’t expect much more from this machine,” they said. 

Best Lightweight Folding Treadmill: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

The GoPlus 2-in-1 is one of the best folding treadmills we’ve tested. It weighs in at a reasonable 69.5 pounds and can fold completely flat for easy storage. This 2-in-1 treadmill allows users to pick up the pace to 7.5 miles per hour when the handlebars are up, or walk at speeds of up to 2.5 miles per hour with the handlebars folded down, making it a good fit for those at standing desks. Workout experience, footprint, and portability scored a 4 out of 5.

It measures 44.5 inches high with the handlebars up, and shrinks to just 5 inches high when folded down, making it easy to store under beds or in closets. 

When finished, simply tip the machine and roll it away with the built-in transport wheels. “This treadmill is really very small and compact,” said our tester. “It fits under my desk without a problem and the transport wheels are a huge help when I’m putting it away. However, the wheels are kind of small.” 

When the treadmill is folded, you won’t have access to the handrail controls, but the included remote control makes it easy to adjust your speed. “At $299, this is a budget treadmill. And the 2.25 HP motor can struggle to work smoothly if I’m standing on the tread belt when I start everything up,” said our tester. Durability scored a 3 out of 5.

You won’t find impressive tech like a touchscreen or on-demand programming with this treadmill, but you will get a digital display with stats like calories burned, speed, distance, and duration. 

We found that the 40-inch tread belt is fine for walking — we recommend a belt between 55 and 60 inches for running — but it was too short for our taller testers when upping the speed. “I can’t run on this treadmill, but I use it for a few hours during the work week and it meets my needs,” said our tester.

Best Lightweight Treadmill for Running: XTERRA Fitness TR150

Running on a treadmill can support weight loss, improve mood, and increase quality of life. (1) The XTERRA TR150 treadmill has a max speed of 10 miles per hour, allowing users to cruise at a 6-minute-mile pace. For less than $400, you get a 2.25 HP motor, three manual incline levels, and a lifetime frame warranty. Portability, setup, conveniences, and value scored a 4 out of 5.

At 97 pounds, this foldable treadmill is between 100 and 150 pounds lighter than the average mid-range unit, and can be moved with ease thanks to its built-in transport wheels. Because of how light it is, our tester had no problems putting it together. 

“It’s light enough that I was able to take it out of the box without the help of another person,” said our tester. “Then it was one of the simpler treadmills I’ve ever had to put together. Because it’s so small, most people will be able to build this by themselves.” Setup and portability scored a 4 out of 5.

Other features include a water bottle holder, phone holder, heart rate pulse sensors on the handrails, and a tablet holder to stream content from your phone or tablet. There’s also a 5-inch LCD screen that provides basic metrics, and 12 preset workout programs for some training variety. Conveniences scored a 4 out of 5. 

We do, however, wish it had a better folding mechanism. “My least favorite thing is that it lacks assisted lifting and lowering,” said our tester. “Basically, if someone were to accidentally pull the pin out when it’s folded, the deck would come crashing down,” said our tester. 

Speaking of the deck, its 50-inch length may be too short for some runners. As certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto notes, “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride. [However] shorter individuals may be able to get away with a shorter deck.” Adjustability and ergonomics scored a 2 out of 5.

Best Lightweight Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill

If you’re looking to squeeze 10,000 steps a day into your routine, consider the WalkingPad P1. With a 5-inch height, this treadmill can fit under standing desks so you can get your steps in while sending emails. The foldable design also allows this machine to fold in half like a taco, transforming from 56.37 inches long to 32 inches long. Workout experience scored a 4 out of 5, and footprint and portability scored a 4.5 out of 5.

“It folds completely in half, and with the attached transport wheels it was pretty easy to move it around when I wasn’t using it,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. “I’m also giving high marks for setup because right out of the box it was ready to go — all I had to do was plug it in!” Setup scored a 5 out of 5.

“Because walking treadmills are generally simpler, smaller machines, you can save big bucks compared to purchasing a running treadmill or, say, a luxury treadmill with a TV screen,” noted certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. If you’re just looking to get more steps in, there’s no need to spend $1,000 to $2,000 on a mid-range treadmill when this $499 model can get the job done.

The trade-off is that you won’t find many conveniences here. The WalkingPad P1 has no incline capabilities, water bottle holders, or cooling fans. Nor does it have an LED display capable of displaying your metrics. However, the treadmill comes with a remote control and Bluetooth connectivity, and you can access your stats via the KS Fit app. Tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5. 

We do like the machine’s Foot-Sensing Speed Control feature, which increases your speed if you stroll towards the front of the deck and slows things down when you walk towards the back.

“The motor provides a maximum speed of 3.74 miles per hour, which is fast enough for me and my walking speed, but sometimes the remote doesn’t work right away. It can take a while for the 1 HP motor to boot up,” noted our tester. 

[Related: The 9 Best Walking Treadmills of 2024]

Best Lightweight Manual Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Manual Walking Treadmill

Non-motorized manual treadmills require users to move the deck using the force of their own steps. Since this requires you to strengthen your core and lead with the ball of your foot, training on a manual treadmill can help promote proper form. Popular manual models like the TrueForm Trainer and AssaultRunner Pro come with large price tags and beefy profiles, while the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M costs just $169.97 and weighs 46.7 pounds. That’s roughly $2,500 cheaper and about 250 pounds lighter than full-sized manual treadmills, though it’s worth noting that this model is designed for walking and light jogging, not running. 

“Because it is a manual treadmill, you have to work at maintaining your pace; it won’t set the pace for you,” noted certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. The 42-inch deck is less than the 50-inch we recommend for walkers, but for those with shorter gaits, it may be a sufficient amount of length. 

Unlike larger manual treadmills, this lightweight profile folds up, shrinking its length from 49 inches to just 20 inches. Plus, built-in transport wheels provide the convenience of being able to fold, tilt, and roll your treadmill away for storage when not in use. “The treadmill’s foldable design adds to its convenience. It’s not only easy to use but also effortless to move around,” mentioned one customer review.

[Related: The 7 Best Curved Treadmills of 2024]

There are over 8,000 customer reviews for this machine, with an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5. One common complaint is how steep the fixed 13.5 percent inclined deck is, especially for beginners or more senior users. Customers have also noted that they find it necessary to keep their hands on the handlebars to help maintain balance. 

There’s also limited tech — only an LCD display that provides basic training metrics. But at less than 50 pounds, this is meant for someone less desiring of gizmos and gadgets and more interested in a non-motorized walking treadmill they can easily move around their home or office. 

Benefits of Lightweight Treadmills

“Running, jogging, and walking have numerous health benefits, particularly for your cardiovascular system and mental health,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. Research shows that increased physical activity from using a treadmill can help manage body weight, increase VO2 max, and improve your resting heart rate. (2) 

Outside of the health benefits of increasing your movement, lightweight treadmills are also some of the best budget treadmills, providing a portable (and budget-friendly) means of working out from wherever you’d like.

Weight

Moving your fitness equipment around your home gym shouldn’t be a workout in itself. With lightweight treadmills, you’re getting a piece of cardio equipment that typically weighs somewhere between 45 and 180 pounds. Some portable treadmills are so compact and lightweight that users can pick them up, store them under furniture, or throw them in the trunk of their car. Models on the higher end of the weight range are still lighter than the 200- to 250-pound average of mid-range treadmills, and typically come with wheels and handles that can make transport a bit easier. 

Workout Wherever

I love working out from home because some days I don’t want to change out of my pajamas. Bringing a treadmill into your home means you won’t have to run or walk outside in inclement weather, wait for a machine at the gym to be free, or, you know, change out of your pajamas. 

With these lightweight profiles, you could also opt for non-traditional spaces to get your steps in — like the office or, if you’re using a non-motorized treadmill, your backyard. 

Save Space

The best compact treadmills tend to include folding mechanisms that allow users to save even more space when not in use. The top lightweight treadmills provide reasonable footprints that can often fold down to nearly half their lengths, transforming on average from 4 feet to a little more than 2 feet. Many options also tout a slim profile, around 5 to 6 inches tall, suitable for fitting under desks or stowing away in closets or under beds.

What to Consider Before Buying a Lightweight Treadmill

While less expensive than heavier models like the $1,099.99 Sole F63 or $2,999 NordicTrack X22i, a lightweight treadmill is still an investment. So, you’ll want to consider exactly what you want.

Do you want a treadmill for walking? Do you want a treadmill with incline? How much floor space do you have available? Perhaps most importantly, what’s your budget?

Training Routine and Modality

Most lightweight treadmills are designed more for walking and jogging than running. However, consider what you’d like your training routine to look like, and let that help guide you to the right pick. Treadmills with a max speed of 4 miles per hour will support walking workouts, while treadmills with speed ranges closer to 10 or 12 miles per hour allow for jogging and some light running. You may even want to consider incline training, which can help target greater glute and hamstring activation. (3)

[Related: How Do You Create An At-Home Workout Routine To Match Your Goals?]

Space

If you’re looking for a lightweight treadmill for your home workouts, it’s safe to assume you’re tight on floor space and want a machine that you can easily move out of the way when you’re done with it. The average dimensions of lightweight treadmills are roughly 40 to 50 inches long by 30 inches wide. Be sure to measure the area where you’d like to use your treadmill, and also the one where you’d like to stow it away. 

Budget

Your budget is a big deciding factor in picking and choosing the treadmill that’s right for you. You can spend anywhere from $170 to $700 when looking at the top lightweight treadmills. Once you’ve come up with how much you’re willing to spend, make a list of the features you must have — running capabilities, digital displays, incline training, etc — to help you narrow down your options based on what you’re willing to spend.

Final Word

A lightweight treadmill, whether for running or walking, can be a budget-friendly investment to increase your physical and mental well-being, while also providing you a piece of equipment that can be more easily transported than a traditional treadmill. (4) You won’t find many lightweight treadmills suited for HIIT or sprint training, but you will find plenty of models that can help you increase your step count and squeeze in a light jog. Plus, these choices take up less space than some of the best high-end treadmills, which can eat up between 14 to 22 square feet.

We hope this roundup helps you get closer to landing on the home treadmill that’ll work for you based on your budget, fitness goals, floor space, ease of use, and desired training modality. Whatever you most want out of your treadmill, use our list to help you navigate some of the best options we’ve seen on the market.

FAQs

References

1. Chan, L., Chin, L. M. K., Kennedy, M., Woolstenhulme, J. G., Nathan, S. D., Weinstein, A. A., Connors, G., Weir, N. A., Drinkard, B., Lamberti, J., & Keyser, R. E. (2013). Benefits of intensive treadmill exercise training on cardiorespiratory function and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Chest, 143(2), 333–343. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.12-0993
2. Hespanhol Junior, L. C., Pillay, J. D., van Mechelen, W., & Verhagen, E. (2015). Meta-Analyses of the Effects of Habitual Running on Indices of Health in Physically Inactive Adults. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 45(10), 1455–1468. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0359-y
3. Pickle, N. T., Grabowski, A. M., Auyang, A. G., & Silverman, A. K. (2016). The functional roles of muscles during sloped walking. Journal of biomechanics, 49(14), 3244–3251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.08.004
4. Ungvari, Z., Fazekas-Pongor, V., Csiszar, A., & Kunutsor, S. K. (2023). The multifaceted benefits of walking for healthy aging: from Blue Zones to molecular mechanisms. GeroScience, 45(6), 3211–3239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00873-8

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