The 7 Best Treadmills for Apartments for 2024, Chosen by Experts

Trying to fit one of the market’s best treadmills in your apartment can be as tough as convincing your neighbors it won’t be too loud. Sure, motorized gym equipment is bound to take up some space (and make a bit of noise), but there are plenty of approachable options out there for apartment dwellers in search of cardio benefits like lower blood pressure or decreased risk of heart disease. (1) 

The best treadmills for apartments will have reasonable footprints, relatively lightweight frames, and motors that won’t roar like a Harrier jump jet. We ran, walked, jogged, and dumped insults on more than 40 different treadmills in search of solid options for those living in apartments with roommates or neighbors in close proximity. Check out our top picks for treadmills that (hopefully) won’t have the landlord knocking. 

The 7 Best Treadmills for Apartments for 2024

• Best Overall Treadmill for Apartments: NordicTrack EXP 7i
• Best Treadmill for Apartments for Running: Horizon T101
• Best Folding Treadmill for Apartments: Echelon Stride-6
• Best Budget Treadmill for Apartments: Schwinn 810
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Apartments: Urevo 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Treadmill for Small Apartments: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
• Best Treadmill for Apartments Under $500: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills for Apartments

After owning and testing more than 40 treadmills and logging thousands of cardio workouts, the BarBend team of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and CrossFit professionals has the hands-on experience to offer valuable insight as you look for the treadmill to suit your apartment. 

Having lived in both cramped and spacious apartments ourselves — probably more cramped than spacious — we knew to look for treadmills that delivered the essentials — high max speeds, incline capabilities, and roomy decks — while still having manageable footprints, quiet motors, and price tags that won’t make you miss rent this month.

From durability and adjustability to tech capabilities and overall value, we assigned the 13 categories in our treadmill testing methodology a rating of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Whether you and your roommate need to start training for that half-marathon, or you just need a quiet enough treadmill to keep your neighbors off your back, we curated a list of the best treadmills for apartments.

Footprint and Portability

A treadmill’s footprint refers to the amount of floor space it occupies and — unless your space is less apartment and more penthouse — chances are every square foot in your apartment is precious. When making our picks, we worked to include options ranging from 9.64 to 17.16 square feet, which we think is a manageable size for most apartments. 

Imagine your average two-seater sofa — roughly 17 square feet — and you can visualize the space these treadmills can take up.Each option we included also folds — either upright or flat — and includes wheels to help move around your apartment. 

Noise

While every treadmill will generate a bit of noise, there are some characteristics that can reduce that noise and keep you in your neighbors’ good graces. In our picks, you’ll find cushioned belt decks that can help dampen the noise from each footstrike, as well as solid, sturdy frames that should hopefully provide enough stability to prevent any rattling during use. We can’t promise that you can use these treadmills beside a sleeping baby, but we did look for features that can reduce noise.

Price

Depending on your city, number of bedrooms, and the amount of mold you tolerate, your rent could be anywhere from $880 (hello, North Dakota) to $2,418 a month (ah, Hawaii). (2) To accommodate the budgets of the most people possible, we offered up treadmills ranging from $299 to $1,699. 

Closer to $299, you’ll find smaller footprints, but fewer features like high incline ranges or cushioned decks. As your budget grows, the number of features will, too, with some of our options including app integration, touchscreens, and top speeds of 12 miles per hour. 

Best Overall Treadmill for Apartments: NordicTrack EXP 7i

Our pick for the best overall treadmill for apartments — the NordicTrack EXP 7i — has noise-reducing features like cushioning in the belt deck and a 2.6 CHP motor to ensure a smooth operation. The EasyAssist hydraulic folding system helps you raise the deck upright to reclaim some of your floor space, and the built-in transport wheels make for easy storage. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, rated the EXP 7i at least 4 out of 5 in 12 of 13 categories, including adjustability, ergonomics, durability, and customizations.

“It’s going to be great for anybody who’s tight on space,” said Jake Herod, BarBend’s expert product tester and a certified nutrition coach. “The wheels make it super easy to move around.” 

Check out what he had to say about its 7-inch touchscreen, iFIT integration, and hydraulic folding mechanism in the below video review. 

NordicTrack’s BEST Valued Treadmill?? — NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KGDZi_mow)

Most mid-range treadmills weigh around 200 to 300 pounds, so its 228-pound overall weight is close to the low end, but the EXP 7i may still be tough for one person to move. Its footprint and portability earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester, who noted that it takes up just 17.16 square feet, which is pretty close to your average two-seater sofa. (3)

The 55-inch belt deck is the minimum length we recommend for any intense running. “The actual deck — the running surface — is a little bit small,” said Herod. “Somebody who has a long stride will probably want to target a different model.”

The best NordicTrack treadmills come compatible with the iFIT fitness app, and the EXP 7i has a 7-inch touchscreen for you to follow the action. An iFIT membership costs an additional $39 a month, but our testers think its vast library of fitness classes — more than 17,000 — is worth the cost. “iFIT has some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom,” says Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer.

Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Review.

Best Treadmill for Apartments for Running: Horizon T101

On the Horizon Fitness T101 — our choice for the best treadmill for apartments for running — you’ll find a 55-inch cushioned running belt to provide some bounce for each step, a 10-percent incline range to bring some intensity to your runs, and six preset workout programs to add structure to your cardio regimen. The T101 also allows you to quickly cycle through its speed range of 0 to 10 miles per hour with quick-dial controls, which should help with interval training. 

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, gave the T101 a rating of 4 out of 5 in the areas of adjustability, ergonomics, footprint, portability, and their workout experience. 

This treadmill occupies about 16.76 square feet, which is about the size of a typical two-seater sofa. (3) However, it only needs that much space when it’s in use, as the FeatherLight hydraulic folding system can assist you in raising the running deck upright, saving around 6 square feet of precious floor space. 

Our tester noted how easy it was to manage by themselves. “Between the folding system and wheels, I had zero issues moving it around by myself,” they said.

While taller runners with longer gaits may want a deck closer to 60 inches, we think the Horizon T101 has a leg up over other compact treadmills — like the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 — due to its three-zone Variable Response Cushioning. “Other treadmills, like the SF-T4400 have similar features, but what separates the T101 is the deck,” our tester explained. “With the cushioning and extra 6 inches of length, the quality of the belt deck is 10 times better.”

Here’s how the Variable Response Cushioning works: The front of the belt is more cushioned than the back because that’s the area where your foot will strike the deck. As your foot moves toward the back of the belt for your next stride, the cushioning gets progressively firmer, providing a solid base for you to launch into your next step.

Tech lovers won’t find an immersive touchscreen or any app integration, but the treadmill can connect with devices via Bluetooth and even Includes an onboard USB port. The T101 is best suited for those who simply want to hit the belt running.  

Read our full Horizon T101 Review.

Best Folding Treadmill for Apartments: Echelon Stride-6

The Echelon Stride-6 is perfect for small spaces, as it can fold completely flat (automatically, no less) using Echelon’s AutoFold system, which gently lowers the console and handrail. When folded, it stands just 10 inches high, and you can use its vertical and horizontal wheels to stash it under a bed — or in your roommate’s closet.

[Related: The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024 (Expert Tested)]

BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier has used the similar model, the Echelon Stride, for years and rated its footprint and portability 5 out of 5. “The ability to fold flat has been a game changer in my place,” she said. “I can tuck it under my bed or even just lean it up against a wall.”

“Just because folding treadmills save space, it doesn’t mean they aren’t as functional or comfortable as non-folding treadmills,” notes Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “Sure, some may lack features in the name of being compact, but many models boast just as many high-tech features and perks as commercial-like options.”

That’s certainly true of the Stride-6, which boasts a max speed of 12.4 miles per hour, an impressive 12-percent incline range, and a cushioned 20- by 60-inch belt deck, all of which are suitable for high-intensity runs. 

If you’re interested in streaming one of the 6,000+ workouts or live classes available on the Echelon Fit app — for $39.99 a month — you’ll need to supply the device. While the console has a large device holder above its LED windows that track your steps, speed, and distance, it lacks an HD touchscreen. If you do join, however, the standard one-year warranty for your treadmill is supplanted by a five-year warranty.

Best Budget Treadmill for Apartments: Schwinn 810

Compared to many of the best budget treadmills — around $1,000 to $1,500 — the $899 price point of the Schwinn 810 can save you a few hundred bucks while still allowing for running, jogging, and walking workouts. The SoftDrop hydraulic folding system lowers the 55-inch cushioned belt deck with the tap of your foot, saving over 10 square feet of real estate in your apartment. If you need to move it around your place, the built-in wheels will help you roll it from room to room.

Its adjustability, ergonomics, conveniences, and overall value all earned ratings of 4 out of 5 from our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer. “I loved being able to quickly adjust the incline and speed with the buttons on the console, which — even though it’s kind of small — is well-designed,” they said. 

The 55-inch belt deck is the minimum length we’d recommend for running, so taller users may want to look for a 60-inch deck. “I think it’d be fine for a tall person to walk or jog on, but if you have a long stride, any intense running may be a challenge.” Our tester also noted that the belt felt a little thin, so it may not be ideal for anyone trying to work around knee discomfort.

With 16 built-in workouts on board and Bluetooth connectivity, you have options for structured training. Schwinn hypes up the Explore the World app, which for $9.99 per month will let you follow virtual runs in places like the Japanese countryside or down the Vegas strip, while the app tracks your stats and workout history. 

“I liked being able to charge my phone right there in the device holder, but I don’t know if it would fit a big tablet or anything,” said our tester. “But I did enjoy streaming my own music with the Bluetooth speakers.”

[Related: The 8 Best Treadmills Under $1000 of 2024]

Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Apartments: Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill

Our pick for the best under-desk treadmill for apartments is the Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill, specifically because of its low profile and impressive 265-pound weight capacity, which is on the high end of the average weight capacity for under-desk treadmills. At just 57 pounds and 5 inches in height (with the handlebar folded down), it occupies just 10.03 square feet. That can make it easy for one person to slide under their standing desk during work, then back out for a brisk walk or jog after your last meeting. 

Its footprint and portability earned a 5 out of 5 from our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, who raved about how easy it was to move around. “This is one the most lightweight treadmills I’ve used — even for under-desk options,” they said. “You could even load up in a car.” 

A hybrid machine, this unit can operate as a traditional treadmill in addition to an under-desk unit. With the handlebar folded down, it can reach speeds of 3.8 miles per hour, which is ideal for under-desk walking. With the handlebar up, it can spike your heart rate with speeds of up to 7.6 miles per hour.

Its transport wheels also give you the flexibility to store it and set it up daily, which could be a big plus for those in small or studio apartments. The Goplus 2-in1 Folding Treadmill is the most similar product we have tested and the Urevo 2-in-1 is a full 12 pounds lighter. Considering 12 pounds is about 21 percent of its total weight — and you may be moving it around a decent amount — that could be a big difference for some apartment-dwellers.

Remember that it’s an under-desk treadmill, so while we wouldn’t recommend anyone try to run on the 42.5-inch long belt deck — around 7.5 to 17.5 shorter than a typical running treadmill — most people will be able to walk comfortably. “Honestly, the ability to fold the handrail up and down and maybe even do some light jogging, justifies the $389,” said our tester, rating its value 4 out of 5.

[Related: The 8 Best Portable Treadmills for 2024]

Best Treadmill for Small Apartments: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400

Finding the spot for a treadmill in a studio or one-bedroom apartment with limited space may be a challenge, but we think the space-saving footprint and soft drop folding system on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 makes it worth a look. Its footprint of 10.98 square feet shrinks to just 6.38 square feet when it’s folded upright.

Its footprint and portability actually earned a 5 out of 5 from our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. “I’ve had my toes crushed by tread decks so many times, so it was great just giving the soft drop a foot tap and letting it gently glide down,” they said. “Folded up, I think it might actually fit in my car.”

A trade-off of its compact design is the 49-inch belt deck, which is 6 to 11 inches shorter than we recommend for serious runners. “At 6 foot 3 inches, I knew I wouldn’t be able to run, but even some of our shorter testers had trouble getting up to the max 9 miles per hour comfortably,” our tester noted. They rated its adjustability and ergonomics a 3.5 out of 5 because, while it does offer three levels of incline, you have to step off the machine and adjust it manually.

Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto also highlighted who this treadmill may be best for when she tested it out herself. “It certainly isn’t ideal for serious runners who want to do sprints and hill climbs, but it will work just fine for those who simply want a reliable treadmill to lightly exercise on,” she said.

[Related: 9 Best Treadmills on Amazon (2024)]

Best Treadmill for Apartments Under $500: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is our pick for the best treadmill for apartments under $500 because, despite costing just $200 — roughly $100 less than many of the under-desk treadmills we tested — it can operate as both an under-desk treadmill and a traditional treadmill. The former allows for speeds of up to 3.8 miles per hour, while the latter lets you turn up the intensity with a max speed of 7.5 miles per hour. All you have to do is flip the handlebar up or down.  

The 40-inch long belt deck is about 15 to 20 inches shorter than we want to see on a running treadmill, so we’d recommend this machine primarily for walking and some light jogging. The compact design and small footprint — just 10.57 square feet — did earn a rating of 4 out of 5 from our tester. “With such a low profile — and some very helpful wheels — sliding it in and out under my desk is very easy,” they said.

You won’t find a ton of tech capabilities on Goplus 2-in1, but our tester did take advantage of the remote control to adjust their speed. “Using the remote to change the speed was convenient, but outside of that, there’s really only a Bluetooth speaker,” they explained. “Although, it was pretty low quality, so after hearing it once, I didn’t even use it.”

Anyone interested in running on a treadmill will want to keep shopping, but it’s great for beginners or those just looking to stay active. “If you’re trying to add more steps into your daily total, or just want to keep moving during work, I’d definitely recommend it,” they said, rating its value a 4.25 out of 5.

[Related: 8 Best Compact Treadmills for 2024] 

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill for Apartments

Before you even start daydreaming about the miles you’ll rack up on your new treadmill, consider exactly what you need out of your shiny new cardio machine. Take into account where you’ll place it, the fitness goals you want to hit, and how much you can afford to spend without missing your rent.

Available Space

First off, you want to make sure your dream treadmill will fit into your apartment. We’ve provided the dimensions of each machine so you can see how well it will fit in the space you have staked out for it. Make sure to break out the measuring tape so you don’t encounter any surprises when your treadmill actually arrives, and, just to be safe, add about a one-foot wide buffer on all sides. The average mid-range treadmill tends to take up about as much space as your average two-seater sofa, so plan accordingly. (3)

Budget

In addition to your apartment, a treadmill also has to fit into your budget. Portable and lightweight (i.e. apartment-friendly) treadmills will likely cost somewhere between $299 to $1,699. Machines on the lower end of the range are typically more suited for walking, while more expensive options can support running workouts. 

Noise

Depending on your apartment building layout — or how chill your neighbors are — the amount of noise you and your treadmill generate could be a deciding factor. While no treadmill is going to be silent, walking on a treadmill isn’t likely to make much noise compared to the thud of a runners’ feet. 

However, there are some features you can look for that can reduce noise, like cushioning in the belt deck to aid with shock absorption, a sturdy build to keep the machine from rattling, and a powerful motor — at least 2.5 CHP — that hums instead of chugs.

Different Types of Treadmills for Apartments

Between floor plans, furniture, and roommates, finding the treadmill that matches your space, fitness goals, and budget can be challenging. Here are a few available types of treadmills for apartments.

For Running

Treadmills that work well in apartments tend to be more compact than average treadmills, so they can navigate stairs and hallways, and make less noise to keep your neighbors happy. When she assessed them for BarBend, Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, laid out the specs she recommends for running treadmills. “Ideally, a running treadmill will have a powerful motor with at least 3.0 CHP,” she explained. “A padded deck can help offset some of the impact on your ankles, knees, and hips by absorbing a lot of the shock.”

If you prefer running on a treadmill over walking or jogging, look for a minimum belt deck length of 55 inches and a max incline of 10 to 12 percent. While powerful motors and cushioned belt decks in a running treadmill may add a bit more weight to the machine, they may also help reduce noise once you press start. 

Budget

Budget treadmills are typically machines that come in under $1,000, but some can go as low as $299. While treadmills at this price point probably — OK, definitely — won’t offer you a 22-inch, swiveling HD touchscreen, there is plenty to love about them for anyone living in an apartment. 

[Related: The 7 Best Treadmills Under $500 of 2024]

Since they are usually smaller than average treadmills by roughly 5 square feet, moving or storing them is less cumbersome. Also, as they tend to limit users to less intense — and thus, less noisy — workouts like walking or jogging, a budget treadmill might be well-suited for those concerned about ornery neighbors or roommates.

Folding

Unless you’re up in the penthouse, you may need to save a little floor space with a treadmill that can quickly and easily fold upright or, in some cases, completely flat. Most home treadmills have some kind of folding capability, but finding the kind of folding that will suit your apartment requires a little planning. If you are alright folding it up just to reduce its footprint, a larger machine may work. But if you need your treadmill to disappear when you aren’t using it, a flat-folding treadmill or walking pad can allow you to slide it under a couch or shove it into a closet. 

Capritto broke down who exactly can benefit from a folding treadmill when she assessed them for BarBend. “Folding treadmills are a good option for people who need to keep their space multifunctional,” she said. “Treadmills are large pieces of machinery, and in smaller homes, it’s not always feasible to leave a huge piece of equipment lying around.”

Benefits of the Best Treadmills for Apartments

First and foremost, the health benefits of treadmill exercise — lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, for example — are a great reason to welcome a treadmill into your apartment. (1) Here are a few other benefits that come along with treadmills suited for apartment living.  

Less Noisy

One positive about finding the best treadmill for your apartment is that these machines tend to be quieter than your average treadmill. Walking on a treadmill is inherently less noisy than running, so many of the options we think are best for apartments are geared toward walking and jogging. 

However, there are compact options that can support rigorous running workouts. They’ll be a bit bigger than a walking pad, but they can also come with features that may help dampen the noise of your running shoes — a cushioned belt deck, a sturdy frame, and a powerful motor with at least 2.5 CHP. With those kinds of features, you should hopefully be able to run without the fear of a downstairs neighbor’s broom handle shooting up from the floor. 

Convenience

If your only access to a treadmill is currently at the gym, consider how many obstacles you have to overcome to get there — taking the elevator, sitting in traffic, avoiding the person flirting with you, etc..  “People who don’t have time to commute to a gym or want to run or walk inside for safety reasons can benefit from having a home treadmill,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. 

Owning your own treadmill provides convenient access to a versatile piece of fitness equipment and can remove some hassle and the excuses for not exercising. However, finding one that fits your space and budget requires some planning.

Saving Space

By necessity, a treadmill for an apartment is likely to have a smaller footprint — the amount of floor space it occupies — than a commercial treadmill. Whether it’s a compact or under-desk treadmill, these machines can fold upright or flat, and roll or slide easier than options designed for gyms or your boss’ boss’ boss’ house. There are many machines — like the Echelon Stride-6, which can fold completely flat — that have creative builds conducive to those living in apartments. 

Final Word

As you think about what you need in a treadmill for your apartment’s home gym, you may want to ask yourself, “How much floor space can I devote to a treadmill?” and “Will my neighbors sue me if it’s too loud?” In our years of personal experience apologizing for noise and moving furniture to accommodate treadmills in our own apartments, the BarBend team has learned how to spot a potential match.

When you start your own quest to find the best option for your place, check the factors that can help reduce noise, like cushioning in the deck and powerful continuous horsepower motors. Most people can benefit from using a treadmill, so don’t let obstacles like traveling to the gym or limited square footage stop you from reaping the rewards of consistent cardio. 

FAQs

References

1. Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. 
2. Patoka, J. (2023, November 15). Average rent by State. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/average-rent-by-state/ 
3. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/ 

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