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You know that a treadmill offers a great, low-impact workout that can keep the weight off and your whole body toned.
You also know that these machines are giant monstrosities that can take over whichever room you put them in (although they are convenient when you need to pile clothes on something). What are you supposed to do? Can you get a great at-home workout while still enjoying your actual home?
You can, if you get one of the folding treadmills below. These machines offer a workout that’s every bit as effective as any other treadmill you’ve tried, and when you’re done with them, you can simply fold them up and store them someplace out of the way.
We compared 27 folding treadmills to determine which ones were the most convenient, offered the most useful bells and whistles, and that you were most likely to actually use. The 5 top performers are covered in more detail below.
If you’re ready to start dropping pounds and getting in the best shape of your life, one of these treadmills can help you get there.
1. NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Si Treadmill — Best Folding Treadmill
This high-tech model will do everything short of walking for you
The NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Si defies expectations for foldable treadmills by offering an impressive array of features. Its sleek console includes 20 personal-trainer-designed workouts to help you achieve your fitness goals without guesswork.
With your purchase, you’ll also receive a one-month free trial of iFit, which offers live fitness classes where instructors can adjust your speed and incline remotely. However, continuing iFit requires a subscription, and cancelling may take some effort.
For entertainment, you’ll need your own phone or tablet to access iFit classes, but the treadmill allows you to plug in an iPod or MP3 player for music.
The workout experience is highly customizable, thanks to FlexSelect Cushioning, which lets you adjust the belt’s firmness for joint-friendly runs or outdoor-simulated terrain. Its SMART-response motor ensures consistent performance, making it a solid choice for sprints or HIIT sessions.
While not an entertainment hub, the NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Si shines as a feature-packed treadmill designed to enhance both comfort and performance.
What I Liked
- Comes with 20 built-in workouts
- Compatible with iFit for live sessions with personal trainers
- FlexSelect Cushioning allows you to customize firmness of track
- SMART-response motor stays cool even at high speeds
- Can plug an iPod or MP3 player into it
What I Didn’t Like
- iFit membership can be hard to cancel
- Have to provide your own screen to watch classes
2. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill — Best Folding Treadmill with Incline
If you just want a workout — and not more high-tech electronics than you’ll find on the space shuttle — then this is the treadmill for you
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 offers a no-frills approach to fitness, perfect for those wanting to lose weight without breaking the bank. Its LCD screen may be basic, but it tracks all the essentials like speed, distance, and calories burned—everything you need to stay on target.
With 12 pre-programmed workouts, the TR150 provides enough variety to keep routines fresh, especially for beginners. Its speed range of 0.5 to 10 MPH and three incline levels make it a versatile option for all ages and fitness levels. Large, clearly-marked buttons allow for quick adjustments, and you can save settings for future workouts.
The TR150’s biggest selling point is its affordability. While it lacks fancy features like HD screens or virtual training classes, it delivers a solid workout experience. That said, its bulky size may be a drawback for those with limited space, and the absence of small conveniences like cup holders might leave some users wanting more.
If you’re looking for an effective treadmill at a budget-friendly price, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 is a great choice.
What I Liked
- Great value for the price
- Can save settings for future workouts
- Small LCD screen tracks basic stats
- Comes with 12 pre-programmed workouts
- Speeds range from .5 – 10 MPH
What I Didn’t Like
- Bulky even when folded up
- No cup holders
3. Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill — Best Lightweight Folding Treadmill
Another affordably-priced option, this model has a surprising number of features to offer
If you enjoy running to music, this treadmill offers built-in speakers and an auxiliary cable to connect your media player. While your neighbors may not appreciate the noise, you’ll enjoy pounding the pavement to your favorite beat.
Handrail controls make it easy to adjust speed or stop the machine, which is helpful if you feel unsteady or need to pause mid-workout. For added safety, the treadmill includes a clip you can attach to your clothes; if you fall, the clip disconnects and shuts off the machine, reducing the risk of injury.
The large LCD screen displays your workout stats, but for streaming entertainment, you’ll need your phone or tablet. A built-in holder accommodates various devices, though it’s not the most secure option for high-speed sprints.
With a top speed of 9 MPH, this treadmill suits most users, though it’s slower than some similarly-priced models. Its lightweight design (just over 100 pounds) makes it easy to move, but it has a lower weight capacity of 220 pounds, which may limit its usability for some individuals.
This treadmill is a solid choice for music-loving runners seeking safety and convenience, though it may not be ideal for larger users or those requiring higher speeds.
What I Liked
- Built-in speakers and auxiliary cable
- Convenient controls on handrails
- LCD screen tracks all essential information
- Has a holder for tablets and phones
- Lightweight and easy to move
What I Didn’t Like
- Holder isn’t terribly secure
- Maximum weight is only 220 pounds
4. 3G Cardio Pro Runner Treadmill — Best Premium Folding Treadmill
This high-end model is perfect for anyone who wants plenty of room when they run
The 3G Cardio Pro Runner is a high-quality treadmill built for serious, comfortable workouts. While on the pricier side, it offers robust features for users seeking a durable and joint-friendly option.
Weighing nearly 250 pounds, it supports users up to 350 pounds and boasts a spacious 58” x 20.5” track. The orthopedic belt provides a soft, low-impact surface, making it ideal for those with joint issues or recovering from injuries. The hood is designed to stay out of the way, ensuring a natural, unobstructed stride.
For safety, the Pro Runner includes a pulse monitor on the rails and compatibility with a wireless heart rate chest belt. It also offers pre-programmed workouts, fitness tests, and BMI tracking, catering to users of all fitness levels. With a top speed of 12 MPH, it’s versatile enough for gentle walks or heart-pumping sprints.
However, its multimedia features are limited. The phone holder is too small for tablets and some larger phones, which may disappoint users expecting more from a treadmill at this price point.
Despite this drawback, the 3G Cardio Pro Runner stands out for its durability, comfort, and user-friendly design, making it a great investment for those prioritizing quality and joint health.
What I Liked
- Offers plenty of room to run
- Can accommodate larger users easily
- Orthopedic belt provides gentle landing surface
- Has plenty of safety features
- Generous top speed
What I Didn’t Like
- On the pricey side
- Lacks multimedia options
- Phone holder can’t accommodate tablets or larger phones
5. UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Folding Treadmill — Best Portable Folding Treadmill
This small little device is perfect for steady, all-day exercise
The UREVO 2-in-1 treadmill is ideal for those short on space. Designed as an under-desk treadmill with a folding bar for traditional use, it fits seamlessly into small apartments or workspaces. Its quiet motor ensures it won’t disturb phone calls or late-night activities, making it perfect for multitaskers or night owls.
As an under-desk treadmill, it allows for gentle, all-day movement—perfect for sedentary individuals or those easing back into fitness. While primarily for walking, it can reach speeds of up to 7.6 MPH, allowing for light jogging. The five-layer belt provides a stable surface and uses silica gel for impact absorption, reducing strain on your joints.
The UREVO also includes a remote for controlling the belt and LED screen without bending over, a convenience appreciated by users with limited mobility. However, the treadmill can get warm during prolonged use, so barefoot walking may be uncomfortable.
Adjusting the belt can be tedious, as the instructions are unclear, but this maintenance task is rarely needed. Overall, the UREVO 2-in-1 is a space-saving, versatile treadmill perfect for gentle workouts in small spaces.
What I Liked
- Can be used as an under-desk treadmill
- Ideal for users looking for a gentle workout
- Very small and unobtrusive
- Includes remote that controls belt and LED screen
- Belt doesn’t slip or slide much
What I Didn’t Like
- Not suitable for running
- Gets a little too hot for barefoot use
- Adjusting the belt is a pain
What We Looked for in the Best Folding Treadmill
Treadmills can vary wildly in terms of quality, and price isn’t always the best indicator of a machine’s worth. While it’s easy to say that we feel the NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Si is the best folding treadmill you can buy right now, it may be helpful for you to understand how we reached that decision.
In order to rank these treadmills, we looked at the following criteria:
– What was the overall walking experience like?
– Were the additional features useful, or were they just pointless bells and whistles?
– How much space did the machine take up and how easy was it to put away?
– Did it assist you with planning your workout at all?
– Did it offer excellent value for the price?
How to Choose the Right Folding Treadmill
If we were buying a folding treadmill today, we’d purchase the NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Si. However, rather than just blindly trust our recommendation, you should do your research and see which machine is best for you and your needs.
In order to do that, there are a few key categories that we believe you should research. We’ll cover each of them in more detail below.
Walking Experience
If you’ve ever been on more than one treadmill in your life, then you know that they’re not all the same when it comes to the walking experience. This sounds patently obvious, but it’s something that many people overlook when shopping for a new machine.
The first thing you should look at is how much room the treadmill offers you. This includes both the room between the handrails as well as the overall length of the belt. Some treadmills don’t give you much room to stretch your legs without hitting the hood of the motor, so make sure you can reach a comfortable stride on the one you buy.
Like mattresses, treadmills come in different firmnesses. This refers to how much the impact of each footfall is cushioned, and it’s largely a personal preference. Some people like little cushioning, as this mimics running on pavement, while others prefer a springy belt, as that puts less strain on their joints.
Make sure that the belt doesn’t slip or stutter, especially if you plan to sprint on it. This is the sort of thing that can seem minor at first, but over time can grow to be incredibly annoying.
Workout Variety
There’s more to a treadmill workout than just walking in a straight line. Some people want a leisurely stroll, while others want a full-out sprint up a steep incline.
Ideally, the machine you buy will be able to offer you both options, but that can drive up the price. Before you start shopping, ask yourself what kind of workout you’ll be doing, and then make sure the machine you purchase can accommodate such a workout.
Some treadmills offer a wide variety of speeds and inclines, while others are much simpler. You don’t need all of those options if you’re just looking to walk at a steady pace, but if you’re wanting to really challenge yourself, they’ll be worth every penny.
Also, many modern machines come with pre-programmed workouts or subscriptions to online fitness classes. These aren’t essential by any means (and you can find plenty of great workouts for free on the internet), but they keep some people motivated and eager to stay on their fitness journey.
Size and Transportability
If you’re buying a folding treadmill, chances are you’re worried about how big it will be. And just like regular treadmills, folding models come in all sizes.
Some are massive, heavy-duty machines; these will generally give you the most options in terms of a workout, but they take up a lot of space even when folded. They can be hard to move around as well.
Others are extremely small and lightweight (some can even slip under your bed when not in use). While this is wonderfully convenient, they’re unlikely to be able to challenge you in the same way a larger treadmill will.
There’s no right or wrong answer here. It’s totally a question of what you value in a treadmill (and how much space you’re willing to allocate to it).
Features and Accessories
This is another category that’s largely determined by personal preference. Many high-end models have more bells and whistles than a private jet, and they can do everything from play videos to track every last bit of your fitness data.
Others are much more simple. They may just give you the basic workout information (like distance and speed), and they may not even have a cup holder to offer you.
As you might expect, the more features a treadmill offers, the more expensive it will likely be. It’s up to you to decide what’s truly important to you — and how much you’re willing to pay for it.
Durability
Durability probably won’t be an issue if you’re using your treadmill for leisurely walks (or if you’re not using it at all). If you really put it through its paces, though, you’ll want to be sure it can handle everything you throw at it.
There’s not really a magic formula that will help you realize which treadmills will be durable and which ones won’t, so it’s mainly a matter of doing your research. Make sure that the motor is considered high-quality (and that it’s backed by a warranty), and look to see that the frame can handle the rigors that come with you running on it every day.
Wrapping Up
If you’re in the market for a folding treadmill, you can’t go wrong with the NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Si. It’s versatile and reliable, and it clocks in at a middle-of-the-road price point.
No matter which option you end up buying, though, the important thing is that you actually use it, and that you combine it with a healthy diet. After all, while the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so does the journey to the fridge.