The 11 Best Treadmills You Can Buy in 2023, Tested by Fitness Trainers

The Peloton Tread takes on the popularity of a live studio experience found on the Peloton Bike and makes it available for those who prefer to run.

We recommend the Peloton Tread for those that like a group class environment from the comfort of their own home. We found that the massive 23.8" HD touchscreen simulates the camaraderie of running in a race better than any other machine, fostering a competitive-yet-supportive class environment. This experience helps to increase how much people actually use their treadmills. Translation: Sure, this baby is expensive, but it’s worth the money. It’s an experience unlike any other that pretty much everyone has tried to copy.

Despite the lofty price point, be sure to avoid the temptation of buying a discounted used machine and get yours new. In the past, it's unfortunately been prone to maintenance-related issues, so you’ll want a warranty in case anything happens to yours.

What do buyers say? "Quiet motor, smooth controls and super clear and bright display. Enjoy the scenic runs as well as the classes. Love it!" said one OnePeloton.com reviewer.

The EXP line from NordicTrack is specifically designed for at-home use, and are the brand's smartest and most customizable machines yet. Key features include a heart rate monitor and AutoAdjust™ technology that automates speed and incline adjustments throughout your workout.

It's powerful 3.5 continuous Hp motor allows for speeds up to 12 MPH as well as a wide decline/incline range from -3% to 12%. Aside from the commercial-grade motor and nearly bulletproof belt, this model has a 14-inch HD touchscreen display with live iFit classes to guide you through a run whenever you want.

In our experience using this machine, it's build is solid and it's controls are easy to use and responsive. The touchscreen display is flanked by quick key buttons to adjust speed and incline to your likeness in one touch, instead of repeatedly pressing a button while trying to speed up or slow down.

We found that its base and belt (which isn't too narrow or wide) could hold steady when used by bigger guys (up to 300 pounds). Its FlexSelect Cushioning makes for a softer landing than many other treads, which made it feel a bit easier on the knees for some. It also offers a quieter experience compared to many other models (your downstairs neighbors will thank you).

What do buyers say? "A great treadmill for anyone. This treadmill is quite compact and easy to move around. The one thing I really liked was the shock-absorbing aspects, it really helps with my knees and ankles," said one Dick's Sporting Goods reviewer.

Read more: Best Folding Treadmills

If you're looking for a more affordable treadmill and are tight on space, the XTERRA TRX 3500 is a great option. It offers a max speed of 12 MPH, a max incline of 12%, a steel frame that feels impressively sturdy for its price point, and it's foldable. We found the motor to be pretty quiet, too.

We especially like the 'Lift Assist and Safe Drop' feature, which makes folding and setting up between uses easier and more practical than we anticipated. Built-in wheels make for easy transport as well.

Instead of an interactive touchscreen, it has a 6.5-inch bright blue LCD display. It does offer some built-in training programs and bluetooth capabilities to connect out to third-party apps, but if a robust interactive platform is a must for you, look elsewhere.

Above all, we have to note its value. When testing budget treads, we found that the lower price point typically meant a wobbly build, less features, and/or a loud motor that probably wouldn't hold up after a few years of use. Not so with the TRX3500. The motor is quiet as a whisper, its 12 mph max speed gets the job done for casual runners, and the LCD display shows all the essential stats.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 1,400 Amazon reviews, 85% recommend the Xterra TRX3500 Folding Treadmill with at least a 4-star rating.

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This tread offers a solid solution for those who want a machine that doesn't skimp on speed, incline/decline, and display features, but can't splurge on bigger ticket options.

The ProForm Pro 2000 has solid speed, topping out at 12 MPH and the ability to incline quickly up to a 12% grade. Essentially, it’s a slightly cheaper version of what you'll often get out of bigger, commercial-grade options. But keep in mind: Its weight capacity is only 300 pounds, which is easy to max out when striking the belt on a sprint (or even a jog, for bigger guys).

We found its 3.25 Hp motor to be competent enough to get you through most light jogs or walks, but we were left wanting more power for more intense runs. Below the touchscreen is a large built-in CoolAire™ fan that, in our experience, is much more cooling than the fans on many other treads on this list.

Clocking in at 260 pounds, we also love that its build is not too heavy for second-floor home gyms.

What do buyers say? "Treadmill is perfect for what I was looking for, very sturdy, pretty quiet and has good range of speed and incline," said one Amazon reviewer.

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The Stride Treadmill is a great all-around option that won't break the bank. This 'smart' tread offers a ton of sweet tech features to help you make the most of your workout.

It can fold up automatically to save you space in a snap, and has a large LED touchscreen (with Bluetooth) where you can browse Echelon’s on-demand fitness programs. It can be adjusted to 12 different speed levels (up to 12 MPH) (which is on par with more robust standard treads), but only goes up to a 10% incline (which is more limited than some commercial options).

The limited incline range and 300-pound weight capacity make this tread a suitable choice for walking, not running (especially for bigger guys).

What do buyers say? "My first walk was great. Very smooth, speed was responsive as was the incline. Much quieter than I thought it would be," said one Amazon reviewer.

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Bowflex is not messing around with this treadmill. With a 400-pound capacity, you know it's built for serious use. Coupled with its massive running surface, the Treadmill 22 can accommodate bigger and taller guys without clipping stride length. We also found that the Treadmill 22 held steady even at brutal sustained paces (we love that feeling!), a testament to its sturdy build.

Another big perk: the Treadmill 22 has a suite of guided workout sessions to help take some of the boring factor out of your runs. Of all the treads we tried on this list, Bowflex's has the widest incline range, with a 20% incline and a -5% decline, meaning you can try all sorts of hill runs. It also folds up with the touch of a button, literally.

A powerful built-in fan that actually cools and a large 22-inch crisp touchscreen display are the cherry on top of this machine.

What do buyers say? "Treadmill 22 is excellent. Great workouts solo or with the trainer. Product is easy to use as well simple and easy instructions to put product together," said one Bowflex.com reviewer.

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The Assault Air Runner is a more budget-friendly version of some higher-end curved treads on the market, with a heavier belt that allows you to run faster. Having been used in the CrossFit Games multiple times, the Assault Air Runner is non-motorized with a thick rubber belt that feels very comfortable in comparison to the ones often seen on traditional treadmills.

In addition to being used for running, motorless treadmills like the Air Runner can also be used for deadlifting the back end of the treadmill (they’re built like tanks, so there’s no problem using them in this way) and for various core exercises like walking planks. All in all, non-motorized treadmills are extremely versatile and durable and the Air Runner is one of the best values in the category currently available.

What do buyers say? "If you are seriously considering, stop waiting, and just buy it. I have had ... a couple of other treadmills, motorized of course, with screens and connected this or that, but nothing compares to this machine," said one Amazon reviewer.

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The Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill is a no-frills piece of gym equipment that gets the job done for less strenuous workouts. We found that its 16 x 50 inch tread belt can accommodate most runners (though taller or heavier guys might want to invest in a bigger tread), and cushioning in the belt helps absorb some stride impact. We like that it folds up small and easily, making it functional for apartments or smaller rooms.

Some downsides: It has a low max speed at 10 mph, and can feel flimsier after a few months of wear and tear compared to higher-end options. Nonetheless, coupled with a decent warranty, there's no doubt that this machine provides good value.

If you're the market for a treadmill that doesn't break the bank, doesn't require maintenance, and does what it says, this one ticks all the boxes. If you're looking to use a treadmill for faster speeds or longer distances, you're better off investing in a heavier-duty option.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 2,700 Amazon reviews, 81% recommend the Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Folding Treadmill with at least a 4-star rating.

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The TrueForm Runner is non-motorized, meaning the only thing powering it is you, and trust us, you’ll feel it. It features over 200 ABEC Bearings that the rubber track runs on to create a smooth, yet responsive feeling that is superior to standard treadmills. Although the TrueForm Runner is built to take a beating, it’s unique shape is actually incredibly well thought out. Rather than being flat, the curved design is there to help improve your running form by forcing you to go from heel striking to a mid-foot strike (which is a much better way to run.)

And because it’s powered by you, you’ll get better hamstring and glute engagement — and you’ll be able to reach speeds that many conventional treadmills can’t, if you’re so inclined. If you want to sprint or interval-train with true intensity on a treadmill, this is the way to go, even if there is a bit of a learning, err, curve to this one.

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The SKILLMILL is a non-motorized treadmill similar to the other curved treads this list, but it’s also more than that. Rather than just being made for running, the SKILLMILL utilizes “Multidrive Technology” that creates resistance on the free-spinning tread belt to turn the treadmill into a simulated sled push. Several companies have tried to duplicate this, but we've found that TechnoGym is producing the best version by far—it only takes a few minutes on the SKILLMILL to realize it’s unlike any other treadmill you’ve ever used.

You can go from walking to running to feeling like you’re pushing hundreds of pounds on a track. It’s incredibly versatile, great for home use where sled drags are difficult to perform, and is made to take a beating.

Read more: Curved Treadmills

If you want an ultra-durable commercial-grade treadmill to upgrade your home gym, NordicTrack’s Commercial 1750 is a go-to. It’s been a long-standing favorite among MH fitness editors and hardcore indoor runners for years, and with good reason.

The latest model features all the same features—like quick keys to instantly adjust the incline and running speed—that made it a best-seller in the first place. But it received plenty of upgrades in 2022, including a more responsive 14-inch touchscreen that facilitates changing speed and incline quickly, and a whisper-quiet incline motor that automatically adapts and adjusts to your personal workouts.

The current iteration features a generous 60”-by-22” deck—more than roomy enough for everything from walking to jogging to running. If you happen to be a heavy runner, know that even our heaviest team members find this machine extremely sturdy. By default, we felt the cushioning offered just the right amount of give. But, this too, can be adjusted, like many of this treadmill’s features. At more than $2,000, it’s pricey. But we’ve long believed you get what you pay for, especially with NordicTrack’s fitness machines.

What do buyers say? "So happy with this treadmill ... The treadmill itself exceeded my expectations," said one Amazon reviewer.

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