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title: "Our 8 Best Treadmills for 2026"
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summary: "Treadmill Review Guru ranks the 8 best treadmills of 2026, comparing models across categories like best overall, best value, best for running, and best for walking with detailed specs and scores. The guide features side-by-side comparisons of NordicTrack, Horizon, Sole, Aviron, Bowflex, and Peloton treadmills covering price, dimensions, display, apps, and build quality."
tags: "treadmills, fitness-equipment, product-review, home-gym, running, best-of-2026, exercise"
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# Our 8 Best Treadmills for 2026

I’ve grown to love treadmills. Every treadmill run can be a unique and tailored experience since I get to test them all. I run on a soft treadmill on my recovery days, a treadmill with high-energy classes on my workout days, and one with a lot of entertainment for my long runs. There’s a treadmill for everything, but I’ve been thinking more about which one is the one for me. My pie-in-the-sky answer is that I want an exorbitantly expensive treadmill, but that’s not realistic. This list is a compilation of treadmills I would actually consider and ones I think you should consider, too. Here’s what draws me into each treadmill, and why I might hesitate to make the purchase. The Best Treadmills of 2026 Best Treadmill Overall: Nordictrack Commercial 2450 Best Value Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Best No-Subscription Treadmill: Sole F85 Best Treadmill for Walking: Horizon T101 Best Treadmill to Beat the Boredom: Aviron Victory Treadmill0 Best Treadmill with Training Programs: Bowflex T9 Treadmill Best Treadmill For Running: NordicTrack X24 Best Treadmill for Competitive Runners: Peloton Cross Training Tread Table of Contents Toggle Table of Contents Toggle A Side-by-Side Treadmill Comparison If you want to know the dimensions of each treadmill and other detailed specs, the chart below has them. It will also let you get an easier idea of how each treadmill in this list compares to the others. Scroll right on the chart for more treadmills. NordicTrack 2450 Horizon 7.0 AT Sole F85 Horizon T101 Aviron Victory Bowflex T9 NordicTrack X24 Peloton Tread Price (MSRP) $2,999 $2,499 2,299 $2,299 Star Rating Bottom Line A leading folding treadmill in deck cushioning, max speed, and motor power, all with iFIT features like automatic adjustments and Netflix. A compact, budget-friendly running treadmill with a foldable deck, simple design, and connectivity options. A durable folding treadmill for heavy runners that inclines, declines, and streams Netflix. The Horizon T101’s connective console pairs with apps like JRNY, Peloton, Zwift, and more. The Aviron Victory Treadmill makes you want to run fast to unlock new achievements and get a high score. The Bowflex T9 Treadmill feels like it should cost more with its powerful build, quiet performance, and extensive training features. This premium treadmill offers maximum training features to use with iFIT’s expansive outdoor workouts. This premium, non-folding treadmill offers streaming of Peloton’s workout classes directly from the touch screen. Awards Earned Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Product NordicTrack 2450 Horizon 7.0 AT Sole F85 Horizon T101 Aviron Victory Bowflex T9 NordicTrack X24 Peloton Tread Workout Experience 9 7 8 7 9 8 10 8 Specs / Features 9 6 9 6 9 8 9 8 Dimensions / Storability 8 8 9 10 6 7 5 6 On-Board Workouts & Apps 9 7 9 7 9 9 9 8 Build Quality 9 6 8 6 7 7 9 8 Overall Score 88 68 85 70 83 70 90 75 # of Onboard Workouts 11 8 100+ 6 1 22 11 1 Paid Programming - Cost iFIT – $39/month N/A Sole+ App - Free N/A Aviron - $29/month $19.99/month iFIT - $39/month Peloton All-Access Membership – $44/month Netflix / 3rd Party Apps Prime, Netflix, Spotify N/A YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap N/A TikTok, Kindle, Tubi, YouTube TV, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, YouTube, Paramount Plus, Max N/A Prime, Netflix, Spotify Netflix, Disney+, Max, YouTube TV, NBA TV Display 24” pivoting touchscreen 7.25″ LCD screen, 4 LED windows 15.6″ touchscreen 4 LED Windows 22” touchscreen High-contrast, color LCD 24” pivoting touchscreen 23.8″ HD touchscreen Dimensions (In Use) 77.3” L x 37” W x 63.4” H 76″ L x 35″ W x 67″ H 82.5″L x 38″W x 66″H 70.5" x 33.5" x 59" 77” L x 33” W x 62” H 77.2” L x 37” W x 67.6” H 69.9” L x 38.1” W x 73.3” H 68″ L x 33″ W x 62″ H Deck Size 22” x 60” 20″ x 60″ 22” x 60” 20“ x 55” 20.5” x 57” 22” x 60” 22” x 60” 20″ x 59″ Treadmill Weight 332 lbs 277 lbs 319 lbs 180 lbs 242 lbs 282 lbs 445 lbs (in box) 290 lbs Weight Capacity 400 lbs 325 lbs 375 lbs 300 lbs 400 lbs 350 lbs 400 lbs 300 lbs Motor Size 4.25 CHP 3.0 HP 4.0 HP 2.5 HP 3.5 CHP 3.5 HP 4.25 CHP 3.0 HP Max Speed 14 mph 12 mph 12 MPH 10 MPH 12.5 mph 12 mph 12 mph 12.5 MPH Incline/Decline -3% to 12% 0% to 15% 15 incline levels, 6 decline levels 0% to 10% 0 to 12% 0 to 15% 40% to -6% 0 to 12.5% Warranty Lifetime motor, 10-years frame, 2-years parts, 1-year labor lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor Lifetime frame & motor, 3-year deck, parts and wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items Lifetime frame and motor, 1-year parts and labor 10-year frame and drive moor warranty, 1-year parts; $9/month for lifetime warranty Lifetime frame & motor, 3-year mechanical parts, 1-year labor Lifetime motor, 10-years frame, 2-years parts, 1-year labor 5-years frame, 3-years drive motor & belt, 1-year touch screen & most original components Additional Features SmartAdjust, Active Pulse, soft cushioning Bluetooth, Quick Dial controls, Gymkit Technology Bluetooth speakers, wireless charging pad, device rack Bluetooth speakers, FTMS compatible, two tablet racks Gamified workouts, scenic routes, coached classes JRNY, 3rd party training app connectivity, Quick Response Speed and Incline SmartAdjust, ActivePulse, soft deck cushioning Auto-Incline, roller knobs & jump buttons, Leaderboard Show full specification details Hide full specification details Home Treadmills for the Mortal Runner or Walker When I’m researching a new product, I often encounter the advice to buy the most expensive, premium, and bespoke option out there. That’s great for many people, but for budget-conscious shoppers and average exercisers (like me), I hope this list provides more realistic options. NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill Best Treadmill Overall Star Rating Price MSRP: $2,999 Manufacturer NordicTrack Type Folding Best Price at NordicTrack 88 Built to deliver the most power and best performance, the NordicTrack 2450 is my pick for active households and serious runners. Rating Matric Our Rating Workout Experience 9 Specs / Features 9 Dimensions / Storability 8 On-Board Workouts & Apps 9 Build Quality 9 What We Like: Soft cushioning to make every step easier iFIT’s outdoor workouts break up the monotony of treadmill training Fast speed and incline adjustments for HIIT workouts 14 mph top speed for serious runners Areas For Improvement: Most workouts and all of the entertainment apps are behind the iFIT paywall The fast speed adjustments may be too abrupt for some exercisers The NordicTrack 2450 is the top-ranked treadmill on this list. It aced almost all of our treadmill tests, which is not easy to do. Once, the Peloton Tread was the most responsive treadmill, meaning its speed and incline adjusted the fastest. The current edition of the 2450 annihilated it, taking only 14 seconds to incline (0 to 12%) and accelerate (1 mph to 12 mph). It’s also the fastest treadmill on this list with a 14 mph top speed, and it’s tied for the most powerful (4.25 CHP motor). If you are a fast and furious runner, you might have met your match in the 2450. When I was training for the Boston Marathon in 2025, the 2450’s power and soft cushioning got me through some tough runs. You have to be convinced of iFIT before you can decide on the 2450. iFIT has trainer-led video classes, entertainment apps (Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, etc), and more. It’s $39/month, and that gets you access to iFIT’s entire library, including exercise bike, elliptical, and rower classes. Without iFIT, you can only take a couple of classes, and you cannot access the streaming apps. The NordicTrack 2450 is an advanced treadmill with a great performance and awesome tech features. If you want something similar, but don’t need quite so much power and want to save some money, consider the NordicTrack 1750 as an alternative. Want to learn more about the NordicTrack 2450? Read our review here Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Best Value Treadmill Star Rating Price MSRP: $2,100 Manufacturer Horizon Type Folding Best Price at Horizon 68 Durability and simplicity go hand in hand—the more complex and tech-rich a treadmill becomes, the more that could go wrong. The Horizon 7.0 AT is a well-priced running treadmill with a tried-and-true build. Rating Matric Our Rating Workout Experience 7 Specs / Features 6 Dimensions / Storability 8 On-Board Workouts & Apps 7 Build Quality 6 What We Like: For its price, the Horizon 7.0 AT is one of the best treadmills The 20” x 60” running surface and 3.0 HP motor meet the needs of runners Onboard programs (no subscription required) A lifetime frame and motor warranty Areas For Improvement: The old school style of the 7.0 AT may not appeal to everyone Though we love the QuickDials, some runners report hitting them with their arms As often as I run on the treadmill, I must admit that I prefer training outside. Because of that, a more reasonably priced treadmill that I can trust for my toughest workouts is a strong contender. The Horizon 7.0 AT is my top pick for runners who want a treadmill that will last at the lowest price possible. If walking is more your speed, the Horizon 7.0 AT is still an excellent option. Horizon has more affordable walking-specific treadmills, but I’d trust the 7.0 AT a little more if you are sharing the treadmill with multiple dedicated users. The lifetime frame and motor warranty is quite nice and bodes well for the 7.0 AT’s durability. Another way the 7.0 AT helps you save is by not requiring a subscription. The console combines an LCD screen with LED windows, keeping things affordable. Yet, you get a decent range of onboard programs, similar to what you might find on a gym treadmill. As a runner who follows a training plan, I often don’t need guidance for my workouts, so manual mode also works. I get asked a lot how much you need to spend, at a minimum, to get a nice running treadmill. My answer is, “As much as the Horizon 7.0 AT costs.” It’s seen a slight price increase, but I still don’t think there’s a better and more affordable option for runners. Click here to find out more about what makes us such huge fans of the Horizon 7.0 AT , and if you’re looking for something for longer miles, don’t miss the Horizon 7.8 AT . Sole F85 Treadmill Best No-Subscription Treadmill Star Rating Price MSRP: $2,399 Manufacturer Sole Type Folding Best Price at Sole 84 Subscription fatigue is real, and the Sole F85 is the cure. You get coached video workouts and third-party entertainment apps included on the touchscreen for no extra charge. Rating Matric Our Rating Workout Experience 8 Specs / Features 9 Dimensions / Storability 8 On-Board Workouts & Apps 8 Build Quality 8 What We Like: Studio class experience without the added cost Screen-mirroring, wireless charging, and entertainment apps 22” x 60” running deck feels sturdy and spacious A convenient hand-release lever for unfolding Areas For Improvement: Sole has the firmest cushioning for a treadmill, which may not work for every walker or runner The tech feels a little dated compared to other high-tech models On the surface, the Sole F85 seems too good to be true. It’s got a ton of tech features, but it doesn’t require, or even offer, a subscription. Sole+ is the brand’s answer to the likes of iFIT and Peloton, but this training platform is included with your purchase of the treadmill. You get trainer-led workouts, entertainment apps, and more on the F85. Those entertainment apps come in handy for walks and runs of an hour or more. Even more importantly, the 4.0 HP motor keeps up with you. Unlike the NordicTrack 2450, the F85 is slow to adjust speeds, as is the incline motor for incline. It’s also worth noting that the 15 incline levels translate to a maximum grade of 12.6% based on my measurement. When I started reviewing treadmills, I was drawn to the F85 because of how reliable it felt. The deck doesn’t have a ton of cushioning, but that made it feel more stable and familiar to me as a road runner. If you don’t like how bouncy cushioned treadmills are, then try the F85 and its stiffer shocks. The Sole F85 is a great compromise between a low-tech treadmill and one tied into a subscription service. It’s all the best features of subscription models without the added cost. For a full breakdown of my experience with this treadmill, read my Sole F85 Review . You can also check out the Sole F80 for a lower-cost alternative. Horizon T101 Treadmill Best Walking Treadmill Star Rating Price MSRP: $699 Manufacturer Horizon Type Folding Best Price at Horizon 64 My best advice to budget shoppers is to buy the T101 if you can afford it, and save up for it if you can’t. The Horizon T101 is an affordable treadmill that you won’t have to replace prematurely. Rating Matric Our Rating Workout Experience 6 Specs / Features 5 Dimensions / Storability 10 On-Board Workouts & Apps 6 Build Quality 5 What We Like: Unbeatable price for its performance quality Compact folding frame lets it fit in small spaces Nice cushioning for walking and running Connects with third-party treadmill apps for more workout options Areas For Improvement: The 55” deck and 10 mph top speed are not ideal for runners When holding onto the folded deck during transport, it wobbles The two things that stand in the way of most people buying a treadmill are space and budget. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to include the Horizon T101 on this list. For walkers, it’s an excellent choice. You won’t overpay for overpowered specs designed for running. Yet, the T101 is actually a pretty nice running treadmill, albeit an entry-level one. I’m only 5’4”, and I tend to run with a high cadence (how many steps I take per minute). I can run on the T101’s 55” long running surface without any issues. However, I’m not reviewing these treadmills just for myself, and I know that taller runners will likely need a little more room. That said, the cushioning on this treadmill is amazing compared to what I typically see in this price range. The T101 has built-in training programs, and it has Bluetooth connectivity. The T101 may be a budget-friendly treadmill, but when you pair it with JRNY, Zwift, or Peloton, you can have a very similar experience to what you would have on pricier models. Before you decide, consider looking at my full Horizon T101 review so you know what benefits and tradeoffs opting for this affordable treadmill has. Aviron Victory Treadmill Best Treadmill to Beat the Boredom Star Rating Price MSRP: $3,499 Manufacturer Aviron Type Non-folding Best Price at Aviron 83 Level up with the Aviron Victory Treadmill. This treadmill gamifies your fitness, making your indoor walks and runs more fun than ever before. Rating Matric Our Rating Workout Experience 9 Specs / Features 9 Dimensions / Storability 6 On-Board Workouts & Apps 9 Build Quality 7 What We Like: Workouts feel like games with competitive and casual options The control pad is easy to use while running fast Tons of entertainment apps (with Aviron membership) The low-profile deck is great for low ceilings and accessibility Areas For Improvement: Does not fold/not ideal for smaller spaces Subscription price increases when you add additional Aviron equipment I have a confession to make—well, maybe two confessions. First, I’ve become addicted to mobile games lately. There’s this cute cat game I can’t stop playing. While Aviron doesn’t yet have the cat-themed game of my dreams, the Victory treadmill does harness the power of this game-playing compulsion to reel you in for your next workout. From the control pad with its speed and incline switches to the 22” touchscreen display, the Victory Treadmill feels equal parts treadmill and gaming console. There are racing games (great for tempo runs and intervals), traditional games (endurance and hill workouts), and more. It’s fun, but also serious enough that it got me through key marathon workouts. Aviron is a subscription-based training platform. You can use the treadmill without a membership, but you lose out on all the content options. I strongly recommend subscribing if you get this treadmill. Not only can you access Netflix, Kindle, TikTok, all the games, and even more, but you also get better warranty coverage for the Victory Treadmill. That brings me to my second confession. The Victory Treadmill’s cushioning is better than I first thought. It might just be the goldilocks underfoot feel that I’ve been looking for. Even though it’s not a folding treadmill, the rest of the build quality is really strong and performance-oriented. Since the Aviron has one of the most extensive content selections available, I strongly recommend checking out my full review of the Aviron Victory Treadmill so you can find out all the details. Bowflex T9 Treadmill Best Treadmill with Training Programs Star Rating Price MSRP: $1,399 Manufacturer Bowflex Type Folding Best Price at Bowflex 70 The Bowflex T9 is your easy run, HIIT workout, long run, power walk, hill intervals, and everything else treadmill. Rating Matric Our Rating Workout Experience 8 Specs / Features 8 Dimensions / Storability 7 On-Board Workouts & Apps 9 Build Quality 7 What We Like: 22 included workouts Bluetooth connectivity to apps like Peloton, Zwift, and JRNY Responsive motor makes fast speed and incline adjustments Lifetime frame and motor warranty Areas For Improvement: The belt may slip at the top incline level for some users The tablet rack wobbles and creaks during running I have grown to love treadmill training platforms like Zwift, JRNY, and Peloton. Yet, when I have a marathon coming up, I tend to follow legendary coach Jack Daniel’s running programs. For up to 6 months, I don’t use subscription-based programming often. The Bowflex T9 has onboard workouts and Bluetooth connectivity to the apps I love, giving me the flexibility I need. The T9 is a great option for anyone who may or may not subscribe. It gives you full freedom over your training, while also meeting the demands of every workout. Walkers and runners will like this powerful machine because it is well-built without being overbuilt like some of Bowflex’s discontinued treadmills. The cushioning is moderately firm, which is my ideal choice for a do-everything treadmill. The drive and incline motors are perfect for HIIT workouts, getting you to the right level fast. I also love the QuickDial controls and programmable interval keys. They make doing your own workout smooth and easy. Out of all the treadmills on this list, the Bowflex T9 might have the widest appeal because it works so well for so many types of training. You can read my review of the T9 for a more in-depth look at its build quality and more. NordicTrack X24 Incline Treadmill Best Incline Treadmill Star Rating Price MSRP: $4,299 Manufacturer NordicTrack Type Incline Best Price at NordicTrack 90 The NordicTrack X24 is a dream treadmill for hikers and trail runners with its -6% to 40% incline range. Rating Matric Our Rating Workout Experience 10 Specs / Features 9 Dimensions / Storability 5 On-Board Workouts & Apps 9 Build Quality 9 What We Like: Genuinely the best incline range for a running treadmill Super soft cushioning Trainer-led classes and entertainment apps with iFIT Lifetime motor warranty Premium option for dedicated athletes Areas For Improvement: Requires a large, dedicated space No access to entertainment apps and limited access to workouts without an iFIT subscription When I asked my husband recently what treadmill he would pick from all the ones he has tried, he picked the NordicTrack X24. He’s an ultramarathon runner who can rarely be convinced to leave the trails. When he does, he wants a soft surface and an insane incline—both of which the X24 can provide. It goes from -6% to 40% and has a deck every bit as soft as the NordicTrack 2450’s. I also use the X24, but my motivations center around the ActivePulse training and the entertainment apps. I do a lot of Zone 2 running, so I like that the X24 has heart rate-based workouts that adjust the incline and speed to keep me on track. Plus, I can watch Netflix while I train. Our enthusiasm for the X24 gets derailed when we consider the cost, space requirements, and subscription. Don’t get me wrong, I like iFIT, but as a treadmill reviewer who likes variety, I’m nervous to commit to any one training platform long-term. The X24 is a big investment and takes up a lot of space. You need a tall ceiling, too, because of the incline range. There’s a lot to love and a lot to consider when looking at the NordicTrack X24. Read my review of the NordicTrack X24 for an even more detailed look. Peloton Cross Training Tread Best Treadmill for Competitive Runners Star Rating Price MSRP: $3,295 Manufacturer Peloton Type Non-folding Best Price at Peloton 75 The Peloton Tread opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me as a runner of 15 years with its coached studio classes. Rating Matric Our Rating Workout Experience 8 Specs / Features 8 Dimensions / Storability 6 On-Board Workouts & Apps 8 Build Quality 8 What We Like: Live and on-demand studio classes with the maximum energy A leaderboard to inspire competition and community Fast incline and speed adjustments A training style that makes running feel new again Areas For Improvement: The non-folding deck is not ideal for small spaces Peloton is one of the most expensive treadmill subscriptions Some days, I don’t want to do my run, and I dread every minute of it. When I’m in that headspace, the Peloton Tread is my go-to place to run, even over outdoor training. I might not be able to get myself through the workout, but the Peloton coaches sure can. The music, the leaderboard, and the friendly coaching make every minute go by faster on those hard days. The treadmill itself is also pretty sweet. I’m a sucker for the incline and speed knobs, which are very easy to use while running. The top speed is 12.5 mph, which is a little faster than most treadmills on this list. The Tread doesn’t have a motorhood, and when I’m doing fast workouts, this design keeps me from hitting my foot against anything. Out of all the tech-heavy treadmills, the Peloton Tread has the best screen and speaker quality, in my opinion. I haven’t tested out the newest version of the Tread, but I’d guess it’s even better. The biggest change is that the screen rotates for off-treadmill viewing. Peloton includes all kinds of classes, and now you can easily watch them on your treadmill. The Peloton Tread is a big commitment with its non-folding frame and $50/month subscription. If you are on the fence, read my Peloton Tread review for more information. What to Consider when Buying a Treadmill Finding the best treadmill for your needs is a challenge. Most people assume finding a treadmill is easy, but this is far from the truth. To make this task of yours easier, our Treadmill Review Guru team has provided the main factors that one should consider while buying a treadmill below: Do You Want to Run, Jog, Sprint, Cross-train, Or Do All 4? We regularly see consumers purchase cheap treadmills, thinking they can sprint on them because a random Amazon review said so. Don’t fall for that trap – identify your needs and go from there. That’s why we’ve broken our treadmills into needs-based categories below. Remember, budget treadmills are for walking, jogging, and light use – not training for your upcoming marathon. How Much Do You Want to Spend? Now that you know what your treadmill wants and needs are, the next step is to set your budget. But how much does a treadmill cost ? It’s easy to get carried away, but it’s also easy not to spend enough. What do we mean by that? Purchasing a more affordable treadmill that doesn’t match your intended training style will be a waste of money when you don’t (or can’t) use it. If you overspend, then you will create even more stress. That stress could be a detriment to your health. *Note: Some of the best manufacturers offer 0% interest on treadmills for up to 36 months. This offer is an excellent opportunity to purchase the treadmill you need and spread out the cost without paying interest. Again, don’t go crazy, but utilize that opportunity to get the necessary features to keep you motivated. Where Is the Treadmill Going to Go? If you have a dedicated area and can leave the tread platform down 100% of the time, we recommend looking at a non-folding option, like the NordicTrack incline trainers. However, if you need to keep your treadmill in a small space or just like the idea of not having a 3’ x 6’ area dedicated to it, then a folding compact treadmill is your best bet. Now that you have answered those initial questions, below are the key features to consider before purchasing your treadmill: Running Surface Area Running surface area is a feature to prioritize, especially if you are tall and have a long stride. Look for a treadmill with a large deck area (at least 55 inches long and 20 inches wide). The ideal size is 60 inches by 22 inches – many users could benefit from the extra 2” in width. Motor Size The more powerful the motor, the longer the treadmill will last and the better it will perform at high speeds. Choosing a treadmill with a better motor could prevent your motor from burning out prematurely. Long-distance runners and multi-user households should prioritize this feature. Technology A treadmill is an investment that you want to use routinely to get your money’s worth. Technology such as Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity, large touchscreens , USB ports, heart rate monitoring, enhanced running programs, and other features enhances your workout and pushes you to train harder. Construction Quality, Durability, and Warranty You want to purchase a treadmill that will last a long time. Look for a treadmill with a good weight capacity, which indicates how well-built the machine is. You also want a treadmill that won’t require out-of-pocket replacement parts too soon because it has a good warranty (1 to 2+ years for parts and honored by the manufacturer). We recommend purchasing a treadmill online because you deal with the manufacturer directly instead of going through your local sporting goods store’s customer service if you have warranty issues. Manufacturer’s Quality and History One of the first things you should consider when buying a treadmill is the manufacturer’s reputation for quality. How long has the company been making treadmills, and what do people say about their products? Still trying to figure out how to pick the right treadmill? Check out our treadmill buying guide to find out how to choose the right machine. We have selected the top treadmills of 2026 and ranked them accordingly, keeping all these factors in mind. You can check out our detailed review of every machine, highlighting the pros, cons, and top features. Our top recommended treadmills are generally in the $1,500 to $2,000 range because this price range allows you to get a well-built machine with a powerful performance, high-tech features, and a great warranty. Still trying to figure out how to pick the right treadmill? Check out our treadmill buying guide to find out how to choose the right machine. Types of Treadmills There are two different types of treadmills: manual treadmills and motorized treadmills. The key difference is in the motor. Namely, a manual treadmill doesn’t have one, and motorized treadmills do. (Pretty simple, right?) Curved Manual Treadmills Instead of being powered by a motor, the belt on manual treadmills is turned by your movement. This means that manual treadmills can only go as fast as you do. There are two types of manual treadmills: flat and curved belts. Flat belts are usually only for walking and jogging, while curved belts are for running. Because there’s no motor attached, flat-belt manual treadmills also tend to be smaller and lighter. That means that they take up less space and can be moved from room to room a little more easily. Most flat-belt fold up for convenient storage, too. These kinds of manual treadmills are more affordable than motorized versions. Curved belt manual treadmills, however, can be pretty heavy, are non-folding, and are more expensive than the smaller, flat-belted manual treadmills. Curved belt manual treadmills are best for promoting correct running form and training at higher speeds than most motorized treadmills allow. Curved, non-motorized treadmills also require more energy output than treadmills with motors, as proven in this study . Therefore, you’ll burn more calories when running on a manual treadmill than on a motorized treadmill. Flat-belt manual treadmills are used more for walking, and some offer incline options. Curved-belt treadmills don’t have an incline function. Motorized treadmills usually offer more tech options than manual treadmills. Motorized treadmills are less portable but much more popular than manual treadmills. Motorized treadmills are usually large, heavy machines made to imitate the experience of running on a variety of terrains and at a range of speeds. They let the user adjust the speed and incline automatically with just a push of a button during the workout session. Motorized treadmills are best for walking, running (especially sprinting), and training situations. In addition, they are best for extended usage and for consumers who appreciate high-tech features. The vast majority of treadmill consumers choose motorized treadmills over manual treadmills. To help you better understand which treadmill is best for your situation, we have subdivided treadmills into three different categories, which are as follows: Budget Folding Treadmills Budget folding treadmills are less expensive and can be great options for those wanting to simply walk or jog lightly at home. As the name indicates, these treadmills can be folded and set to the side of your room (or inside a walk-in closet if you have the space). On the flip side, with budget-level treadmills (generally around $600 or less), consumers compromise on the quality and features of the product. With budget models, you won’t typically find hi-tech features such as video-enabled touch screen monitors and advanced heart-rate monitoring. They are also generally made of lighter, less durable materials. Pros Inexpensive. Take up less space. Great for walking and jogging. Cons Lower quality parts and materials Less durable Lower weight capacities (typically under 250 lbs) Smaller deck sizes, making it hard for taller people and those who drift a little while running to not step on the edges of the machine Folding Treadmills Folding treadmills are not just budget level – you can find some very sturdy, high-end models as well. Moving up from the budget folding models, you will find more (and better) features, more technology, and better build quality. One of the biggest reasons you might want to consider spending more around the $1,500 level is the ability to do intense workouts. From walking and jogging to all-out sprints, you will be able to get in a great workout on these treadmills. In addition, standard technology includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, heart rate monitoring via chest straps and handles, and larger displays. Pros Don’t take up a lot of space Great for walking, jogging, AND running Great build quality (depending on the model and brand, of course) Still fairly budget-friendly (many companies offer 0% financing as well) Cons More expensive than budget-level treadmills Non-Folding Treadmills Non-Folding Treadmills are typically built for those who need a higher weight capacity, don’t need to have a folding option, and want a treadmill that is very stable and powerful. Sturdy decks, frames, and large running surfaces are some of the features you should look for in a good non-folding treadmill. You will very often find non-folding treadmills being used at places like gyms, hotels, clubhouses, etc. There are also some consumer/home models available from brands such as Sole. Pros A rough and tough choice for frequent runners Heavy-duty, commercial-grade motor (depending on the manufacturer and price point) Higher weight capacities Good warranty Cons Expensive, especially for a gym-level model Not portable, can’t be moved easily Take up a lot of space Not necessarily more sturdy than a similarly priced folding option Overall, you typically find true commercial-grade treadmills to be non-folding. Of course, commercially certified treadmills need to be durable enough to have people running on them all day, every day. Home users won’t need that type of endurance and can save several thousand dollars by purchasing a folding treadmill instead. Frequently Asked Questions What do I need to know before buying a treadmill? We recommend assessing the size of the treadmill, its storage options, weight, weight limit, motor size, deck size, max speed, incline/decline range (if applicable), warranty, and console features. You want to ensure the treadmill will fit in your home, feel comfortable, and align with your intended use. For instance, if you’re looking for a foldable running treadmill, you want to be sure the deck folds up while offering plenty of room for your stride. We recommend 60” long decks, but 55” can work for runners with shorter strides. Also, the motor size for running should ideally be at least 3.0 - 4.0 HP. Along with the console features, which could include a touchscreen or a simple LCD screen, consider the treadmill’s training and streaming content options. Most treadmills with touchscreens have streaming content, but you might have to pay a monthly subscription fee. If you plan on placing the treadmill in front of a TV, a low-tech LCD screen is perfect. How long should a treadmill last? Home treadmills can last upwards of 10 years, depending on how well they’re maintained, how often they’re used, and the type of use. If properly cared for, they may even last beyond 10 years. Some treadmills might not last as long, depending on how well they’re built and maintained. Cheaper treadmills may not last up to 10 years. How often should you lubricate your treadmill’s belt? Around 40 hours of use or every 3 months (whichever is sooner) is an average suggested time frame. We recommend checking your treadmill's manual to see how often you should lubricate it. Different manufacturers have different recommendations for lubricating your treadmill’s belt. If you want to learn how to lubricate your treadmill’s belt, check out our step-by-step guide here . How do I know which treadmill is best? The best treadmill boils down to what is best for you. Treadmills come in all different sizes and types. When finding your treadmill, you want to be sure it fits your goals and in your home. With so many models available, it’s hard to choose. We’ve also included a wide variety on our list above to help you find a treadmill that most aligns with your needs. What is the best treadmill for home use? The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is our pick for the best treadmill. Along with being iFIT-enabled, the 2450 works for most users because it folds up, has a nice-sized motor, inclines to 12%, and declines to -3%. Its top speed is 14 mph. The NordicTrack X24 Incline Treadmill is one of our top-rated home treadmills. It provides extensive training options because it inclines to 40% and declines to -6%. Plus, it’s enabled to use the fitness app iFIT.