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Finding time for a run or walk while balancing work and family responsibilities can be difficult. If you live somewhere with four seasons, there are days when running outside isn’t appealing. That’s where treadmills come in. Many people have used treadmills at the gym and know that, in general, they’re large, heavy, stationary machines that are difficult to move and take up a whole heck of a lot of space. Having one of those at home may not be ideal unless you have a dedicated workout room.
That’s where folding treadmills come in. They’re designed to fold up (some flatter than others) when not in use, freeing up floor space in your living room, office, or bedroom (or wherever you like to work out). Folding treadmills also tend to be less expensive than their non-folding counterparts, with many of them still offering all the fancy features you could want (and even some you don’t).
“The beauty of using a treadmill at home is that you have no excuse,” says Coach Jen Rulon, “You can’t complain that it is too cold or dark. You can get on the treadmill early in the morning or after the kids go to bed.”
From simple walking pads to tech- and media-enhanced, smart, incline-capable machines, there’s a folding treadmill perfect for you. Here are a few things to consider before you start shopping:
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The main appeal of the Costway Ultra-Thin treadmill is, as its name suggests, that it folds down small enough that you can store it under a couch or bed when not in use. It requires no assembly to set up. Just plug it in, and you’re good to go. This is not a good treadmill choice for runners because it only supports a maximum speed of 5 mph and doesn’t have an incline, but it’s worth considering for anyone who considers themselves an avid walker — or even an occasional walker.
A simple machine at a reasonable price, the Ultra-Thin is perfect for those who want to get their steps in without leaving home.
Ultra-thin, lightweight basic folding treadmill for those who want to get their steps in without leaving home (not appropriate for running).
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If you’re looking for a sleek, simple treadmill for walking while working or watching television, the Walking Pad R2 is a great choice. Equipped with smart walking sensor technology, the belt automatically adjusts speed depending on where your feet land: walking closer to the front will speed up the belt while treading near the back will speed it up. You can also use it in manual mode and control the speed via the KS Fit App.
This walking pad model comes with an adjustable handrail (that can be folded down if you’re using it at a standing desk) for added stability during light jogging and power walking. If your fitness goal is to move more during the day, the WalkingPad R2 makes it easy to achieve it.
Sleek walking pad with a foldable, adjustable handrail.
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For the serious runner and/or someone who enjoys HITT (high-intensity interval training), the Horizon 7.0 AT is for you. The responsive motor means it’s extra quick and smooth when changing speed and incline.
Along with USB charging and Bluetooth capabilities, the 7.0 AT has excellent app compatibility. You can stream media like Netflix, Hulu, and others, and use fitness apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Daily Burn. It inclines all the way up to 15%, the highest of all the treadmills I reviewed, so you can really go to town on your hill repeats without actually going to town (or anywhere else, for that matter).
Read the full review: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Fitness Enthusiasts
Solid, full-featured, robust treadmill for serious runners with an incline capacity up to 15%.
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If your dream is a treadmill you can run on that actually folds flat, the Xterra Fitness Premium Folding Smart Treadmill is for you. It can hold a runner up to 250 lbs, and while it isn’t the smallest foldable on the market, it is only 63.4 inches by 28.75 inches x 51.4 inches. It features 12 preset programs and three manual incline settings to provide variety to your runs or walks. It’s easy to use, so beginners won’t find it intimidating, but serious runners will probably want something a bit stronger. While it may not fold as flat as a walking pad, it is small enough to keep in an apartment, and with wheels, you can roll it from room to room. It also has a simple but effective knob-release button to help you fold and unfold easily.
Runners who don’t mind a maximum speed of 10 mph and need a smaller-size treadmill that folds up and down may like this option for under $500.
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The NordicTrack 1750 is big and bulky (even when folded up), but it’s also one of the best folding treadmills for all levels and sorts of users. With auto adjust and active pulse, it keeps your heart rate in a specified zone by automatically adjusting the incline and/or speed and the tread deck has “runners flex” cushioning so your joints don’t take a pounding. The iFit app means you have access to literally thousands of videos and classes via the premium, swiveling, high-definition touchscreen. You may never need to run outside again.
When using the iFit app, the 1750 even auto-adjusts your incline based on the terrain in whatever video you’re following. While you don’t have to have the iFit app to use the 1750, you’ll still need Wi-Fi to connect to do manual workouts and the handful of free programs available.
Sturdy running treadmill with excellent cushioning and 14-inch tilt touchscreen.
Julom recommends the Horizon T101 for those wanting a treadmill with a good balance of features and price.
“It's a solid choice for those looking for a balance between affordability and functionality,” he says. “One lesser-known feature is its FeatherLight folding mechanism which makes it easy to fold up and roll away,” he adds.
It's also relatively quiet, making it ideal for people living in apartments or those who need to exercise without making much noise. The Horizon T101 also comes with intuitive speed and incline control, Bluetooth speakers, and a place to securely stash your device. It features an ultra-quiet motor that recalibrates every time your foot falls with 3-zone (push-off, transition, and impact) variable response cushioning so those footfalls don’t rattle your joints.
Easy to set up, quiet treadmill with tons of features, a cushioned deck with zones, and a feather-light folding mechanism.
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Holbrook recommends the Urevo Foldi 2 and says, “It’s perfect for those seeking an affordable folding treadmill that lets you stay active while working at a desk.
The Foldi 2 features a five-layer running belt with a four-point soft rubber surface. It folds up in about 5 seconds (hence the name, Foldi) and easily slides under a couch (it’s only 5.5 inches tall when folded). The 14.2-inch by 14.6-inch desk provides ample room for your devices so you can work and walk simultaneously.
An affordable folding treadmill perfect for walking while working that folds down quickly and easily to slide under a couch.
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One folding treadmill Julom recommends is the Sole F80. While it is a bit more of an investment it offers amazing durability and a higher user weight capacity.
“What really sets it apart is its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck,” says Julom, “which reduces the impact on your joints by up to 40% compared to running on asphalt. This is a critical feature for users concerned about joint health or those recovering from injury.”
Other features include Wi-Fi capabilities, Bluetooth speakers, pre-programmed workouts (designed for all levels and ranging from 10 to 40 minutes long), entertainment apps, and a built-in charging pad.
Read the full review: Sole F80 Treadmill Review: Commercial Quality, Home Gym Convenience
This technologically advanced treadmill has built-in apps, Bluetooth speakers, pre-programmed workouts, and a super-cushioned running deck that reduces impact on your joints.
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Pruitt recommends this folding treadmill from Sperax. It transforms easily from a walking pad to a treadmill and is perfect for small spaces. Pruitt says it’s surprisingly sturdy for its size and, because of the quiet motor, allows him to work out early in the morning or late at night without disturbing others in his household.
“The simplicity of the controls is a big plus for me. I want to get on and go without messing with a bunch of settings,” he says. The Sperax 3-in-1 allows him to do just that.
Excellent, no frills, super quiet, easy to use 3-in-1 treadmill and walking pad that folds away easily.
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Anime Rahal, CEO at Gymless.org recommends the Bowflex 10 because of its robust construction and 60-inch long belt that allows him to sprint during HIIT workouts. It also possesses a folding mechanism that works easily and seamlessly. At almost $2,000, the Bowflex 10 is a bit of an investment, but it’s also packed with features, including the immersive touch screen, wide incline and speed range capabilities, a soft-drop folding system, a built-in fan, and comfort deck cushioning.
Full-featured powerful treadmill with an incline range up to 15% and a maximum speed of 12 mph.
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What makes the Matrix TF30 suitable for incline workouts is the tread's industrial-grade cushioning and 15% incline capability. Then there’s the 16-inch HD touchscreen where you can watch all your favorite shows via the built-in apps or HDMI streaming while pumping up a hill. The advanced Bluetooth allows connections to headphones, heart rate monitors, and all the popular fitness apps.
The TF30 is iFit enabled but doesn’t require a subscription to use, and it (amazingly) folds up to almost 90 degrees when not in use (though it’ll still be noticeable).
Folding treadmill with industrial grade cushioning, 16-inch touchscreen, and 15% incline range.
I’ve been a runner since I discovered the absolute joy of propelling myself across fields, roads, and sidewalks with the simple power of my own two feet in high school. While my brothers all participated in team sports, these weren’t really my thing. I fell in love with running because it was, essentially, a solo sport (with the exception of relays).
I ran track and cross country all through high school (this was in the 1980s). Though I haven’t been part of a team since I’ve continued to run. Like many people, sometimes finding the time for a run can be challenging; and sometimes I’ve been places where running outside isn’t necessarily the safest thing. So, I’ve run on a wide range of treadmills, have owned a few and have tested out many.
I consulted expert running coaches and physical trainers about their thoughts and experiences on folding treadmills, as well as countless online reviews from runners and walkers everywhere.
“When considering a folding treadmill,” says Rahal, “look into its stability, ease of folding, weight capacity, and the treadmill's footprint both when folded and unfolded.”
Stability can only be measured by actually running on a treadmill. For this, I run at least a mile to get a good sense of how the machine feels under my feet. Does it rock or move? Do I feel as if I’m going to topple over?
If folding the treadmill requires significant effort it’s not really all that convenient. I looked for models that were relatively easy to manipulate with a push of a button; ones that I was able to fold up or out by myself without fear of injury.
A folding treadmill that can’t handle your weight isn’t going to do you much good (and won’t be very safe). All of the treadmills here have a weight capacity that should be enough for most sizes of people.
As Julom points out, “Even though these treadmills fold, they can vary significantly in size when folded and unfolded. Measure your space to ensure a good fit.”
I looked for models that provide a good balance of space savings and stability.
The price of a folding treadmill ranges from $300 to $5,000 or more depending on whether it can incline, how fast the belt runs, and other features. There are simple models that are essentially just a flat moving belt on a frame that simply allow you to get your steps in while at home. There are also robust versions with incline capabilities up to 15% and a touchscreen monitor equipped with most any media, fitness, or social app you desire.
As far as price goes, Stephanie Holbrook, running technique specialist and a USA Triathlon Coach, pointed out that cheaper models may lack stability, especially when compared to non-folding counterparts and at higher speeds or during intense workouts. “This instability,” she said, “can lead to discomfort and poses potential safety risks.
Do you plan to use your treadmill daily or even twice a day? You’ll want something that will hold up over time with continued, regular use and one that has a good warranty.
Most full-featured folding treadmills with incline capabilities take up significant space, even when in the folded position: They don’t just discreetly tuck behind a door. The folding feature means you can lift up the belt portion of the machine to clear floor space but many models do not actually fold flat — something you need to consider when deciding which to purchase.
Chris Pruitt, CEO and certified trainer at WorkoutHealthy suggests looking for treadmills that easily fold and can be stored in small spaces — and pay attention to the folding mechanism. You want one that is quick and easy to operate.
Some other general tips for choosing a treadmill from Pruitt include:
Along with how much space you’re able to dedicate to a treadmill, consider if you’ll want to be able to stow it away completely when you’re not using it. If you do, you’ll want to look for a model that can slide under a bed or couch. Otherwise, treadmills also make handy clothes racks.
Some models allow you to save presets for more than one user. If you anticipate others in your household lacing up their running shoes and hopping on your treadmill, look for one that has this capability.
One of the biggest things to consider is whether you plan to walk or run. This will determine how fast the treadmill needs to be able to go. Walking-only models usually top out at 5 mph, while running models can accommodate speeds up to 12 mph.
“Look at the motor power,” says Mike Julom, an ACE-certified personal trainer, CrossFit athlete, and founder of ThisIsWhyImFit.com, “especially if you plan on using the treadmill for running or long, intense workouts.”
A more powerful motor won't have to work as hard, which means it'll likely last longer and perform better. For walking, a motor with 2.0 continuous horsepower (CHP) is usually sufficient. For running, look for 2.5 to 3.0 CHP or more.
Treadmill inclines help simulate hills and are useful for interval training exercises. If you’re interested in performing such workouts, you’ll want a treadmill that can incline.
Most folding treadmills these days have Bluetooth capabilities, so you can pair a phone and easily upload your workout to a fitness app like Strava. Others have a full integrated touchscreen that allows you to stream entertainment and scroll on Instagram while running.
The main benefit of a folding treadmill is its space saving feature, as well as typically being less expensive than standard non-folding versions of the same. A folding treadmill means even if you don’t have a lot of space in your home, you can still lace up your running shoes and get some exercise whenever the mood strikes.
Folding treadmills are indeed worth it if your house lacks a workout room, garage or any significant available space to set up a treadmill. Don’t let your small home deter you any longer; folding treadmills mean you no longer can use the “I just don’t have room” excuse. Also, they’re likely to provide an excellent counter argument (in the pro column) if you happen to live with someone resistant to a treadmill purchase because of space considerations.
You can absolutely run on a folded treadmill, though different models have different maximum speeds. When choosing which treadmill to buy, consider how fast you’ll want or need to run. The top speed available on running treadmills usually ranges from 10 to 12 miles per hour (or a six-minute mile to a five-minute mile.)
How fast you can run on a foldable treadmill depends on the maximum speed it supports. The highest speed available on the treadmills included here is 12.5 mph (Matrix TF30), roughly, a 4:48 minute mile.
Folding treadmills, in many instances, are almost as good as folding ones. Non-folding treadmills, though, will usually be easier to repair and maintain, and will also be a bit sturdier and quieter. They also tend to bounce less than folding models.
The biggest disadvantage of some folding treadmills is that the frames of some less expensive models can be flimsy. The folding hinge might mean there’s some play in the tread. A folding model will never be quite as sturdy as a non-folding one, but all of the options on this list provide excellent stability.
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