The 11 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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The Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill is our top pick

<p>PEOPLE / Marcus Millan</p>

PEOPLE / Marcus Millan

Finding the motivation to exercise can be hard sometimes (okay, for some of us, it’s really hard). A home gym setup eliminates the excuse of not having time to get to the gym. But exercise machines, especially treadmills, are often large and bulky, which won’t mix well with your routine if you’re tight on space. Folding treadmills are a game-changer in that they offer the same quality and sturdiness as other treadmills but without as big a footprint.

“I think the best thing about the foldup treadmill is that it's something you can put in your office, your home, [or] your workspace, and when you periodically need to use it, you can just easily fold it out and get your cardio in,” Travelle Gaines, head of athletic performance at Blocks Nutrition, tells PEOPLE. He says not having enough time is the biggest problem with maintaining a consistent exercise program, so having a treadmill where you’ll see it daily gives you more flexibility. Instead of working out at a specific time, Gaines says you could fit in small bursts of exercise during your work day — even while on calls.

Our PEOPLE Tested team laced up their sneakers to try 26 folding treadmills in their own homes. We sweated through walking and running workouts while trying out numerous features, from fitness app connections to cup holders. After each workout, we then folded up the treadmills to see how easy it was to coexist with our home gym setups.

Keep reading to learn more about the best folding treadmills that PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall: Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill

$1073 at Amazon.com

$1500 at Hsn.com

Pros

  • It features an easy-to-read touchscreen console.

  • It has a built-in cupholder and phone/tablet holder to place your belongings while exercising.

  • It comes fully assembled, so you can use it straight out of the box (just plug it in and attach the safety key).

  • It's very quiet in motion, making it a good option for apartment dwellers.

  • It's relatively light for a treadmill (one of the lighter ones on this list).

Cons

  • While the actual machine is quiet, we found that the popping sounds from using the console make the most noise.

You’ll need a second set of hands to get this treadmill into your space, but it’s fully assembled out of the box, which is wonderful. All we had to do was plug it in and attach the safety key, and we were up and running (well, walking) in just minutes.

The treadmill unfolds just by pulling on the top, and it folds up by itself, so it’s super easy to adjust on your own. Moving it, however, is a different story. It's lighter in weight than many of the other models we tested, and you might be able to roll it a few feet on your own, but we found turning it a real chore for just one person, which is true for most of the other treadmills we tested, as well. We recommend keeping this treadmill not far from where you plan on using it, or else you’ll get in your cardio workout just trying to set it up.

Most of the presets are for runners, but walkers will also find it easy to hit their stride using the touchscreen or the buttons on the arm of the treadmill that adjusts speed and incline. The easy-to-read touchscreen display shows a ton of motivational metrics — everything from speed to distance to calories burned. We liked how simple the Echelon was to use, and you can easily connect the treadmill to fitness apps like Apple Health.

We found the Echelon to be very quiet while in motion — which is excellent for apartment dwellers — although the popping sounds when using the console surprisingly made the most racket. We loved the roomy cupholders, plus there’s a phone and a tablet stand. Despite its compact footprint, we thought it was a well-made machine on par with what you’d find at the gym.

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 12 levels | Belt Dimensions: 20 x 55 inches | Classes: Live and on-demand | Features: Console screen, heart rate sensors, smart device holder, cupholders | Weight: 156 pounds

Related: The 18 Best Leggings for Women of 2024

Best Budget: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

$316 at Amazon.com

$490 at Walmart.com

Pros

  • It runs quietly and smoothly and compactly folds up when you're done using it, making it a great option for small living spaces.

  • It was simple to set up, and we appreciated the step-by-step instructions that played on the LCD screen.

  • It was the lightest treadmill we tested, plus, it has wheels, so it's relatively easy to move around your space.

Cons

  • The belt surface is narrower and shorter than the others we tested.

  • It features a lower max speed and incline than some others we tested.

The XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill only required simple assembly — just the two side rails must be attached. The app allows you to connect to the treadmill via Bluetooth to access programs and workout metrics. You can also set up individual profiles and then create fitness goals, such as how many times per week you want to exercise and how many calories you aim to burn. It also tracks your metrics to see weekly trends that will motivate you to keep working toward your goals.

The treadmill is rather basic in operation, but the LCD screen will walk you through how to do it anyway. It’s easy to adjust the speed and inclines on the sidebars. There are 12 preset programs, and it also connects to third-party apps for virtual training.

We found the treadmill to have a durable construction (it holds up to 250 pounds) with a smooth belt. There’s a knob that makes folding and unfolding quite easy — it folds up rather compactly, so it won’t take up a huge footprint in between workouts. It's also the lightest weight treadmill we tested, plus it has wheels to make it easier to move this around your space.

It has a maximum speed of 10 MPH and 10 incline options, which are fewer than other options we tested, but they're sufficient to create challenging walking or running workouts. The belt surface is also narrower and a bit shorter than other treadmills. There are also 12 preset program selections. We liked how durable it felt during use, plus the machine was very quiet, which is always a concern for apartment dwellers. If you’re new to exercise or don’t want to spend much money creating your home gym, this easy-to-use treadmill is a great choice.

Max Speed: 10 MPH | Incline: 10 levels | Belt Dimensions: 16 x 50 inches | Classes: Connects to third-party apps | Features: Preset workouts, Bluetooth | Weight: 111.3 pounds

Best Investment: NordicTrack Commercial 2450

$2999 at Walmart.com

$2999 at Walmart.com

Pros

  • This treadmill includes both an incline and decline response.

  • It's very sturdy and durable — we expect to get years of use out of this treadmill.

  • It has a rotating screen that is 22 inches large and features a crisp display.

  • It features automatic hands-free adjustments.

Cons

  • The iFit platform might not be ideal for all users — it doesn't connect to third-party apps.

  • Once we brought in all the parts, the treadmill took about an hour to fully set up.

If those treadmills at the gym look heavy, it’s because they are. It was easier to move the NordicTrack’s parts into place one by one, but the tread base itself needed two people to move it for sure. Once we had all the parts out of the box, it took about an hour to set up.

You can’t just hop onto this treadmill and hit start. You need to be logged into the iFit platform, which we found a bit clunky. We had to poke around a bit, and we had to poke rather hard because the buttons weren’t very responsive. Aside from that, the treadmill is very sturdy and durable — which is what you would expect from commercial-grade exercise equipment. It features automatic hands-free adjustments and includes both incline and decline options. The screen is nice and large, plus it rotates and has a crisp display. Aside from being heavy, this treadmill takes up a bit of space, so give your space some careful consideration before setting up this machine.

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 12% incline to -3% decline | Belt Dimensions: 20 x 60 inches | Classes: iFit (with free 30-day trial) | Features: Hands-free adjustments, rotating screen | Weight: 303 pounds (in box)

Best for Walking: Xterra Fitness TRX5500 Treadmill

See at Amazon.com

$2000 at Dickssportinggoods.com

Pros

  • You can access streaming services as well as easily save your metrics and personal bests on this treadmill.

  • We didn't have any trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and third-party apps.

  • Once assembled, it was easy to get the rest set up, thanks to a QR code on the screen that takes you to the app download.

Cons

  • It's not designed with a device holder (we would have liked some room for a laptop).

  • It folds up at an angle that is not as compact as some others we tested.

Plan to have a helper or two get this giant box into your space when it arrives. It was actually easier to unpack the box outside and bring it in piece by piece. When you are ready to assemble it, do so in the spot you plan to keep it, as this treadmill is quite heavy to move; two people are better than one during setup, too.

Once assembled, though, things moved more smoothly. A QR code on the display screen takes you to the app download, where you can set up exercise profiles, connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and log into third-party fitness apps. We had to tool around in the interface a bit to find out how to display metrics and other info, but you can also use the app to access this info.

You can simply hit the start button to get up and running (all you need is a great pair of walking shoes), and it’s simple to adjust the speed or incline using the touch screen or the buttons on the handles. We liked that there were preset workout options; you can save your metrics and personal records to motivate you.

This treadmill is chock-full of features. What we love best is that you can access Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube through the screen mirroring feature as you exercise, so you can set this treadmill up anywhere, not just near a screen. It also connects easily to Bluetooth, so you can sync up your wireless headphones or devices without being tethered to the machine by a wire — there’s even a USB charger. The only thing that would have made it even better was if there were a device holder for a laptop to squeeze in a walking workout while working from home.

It’s simple to fold and unfold this treadmill — just lift it from the bottom to fold and press the lever to lower it. However, it’s not very portable — there are no wheels, for starters — and it’s too heavy to move around very often. It also folds up at an angle, so it still takes up a bit of room.

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 15 levels | Belt Dimensions: 20 x 60 inches | Classes: Virtual training, connects to fitness apps | Features: Interactive touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB charger | Weight: 223 pounds

Related: The 23 Best Walking Shoes of 2024, According to Experts

Best for Running: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

$1475 at Amazon.com

$1000 at Dickssportinggoods.com

Pros

  • This model includes a built-in fan, which makes longer workouts much easier.

  • It has wheels to make it easier to move around your space.

  • It's more of a budget-friendly option (when discounted) in relation to other folding treadmills we tested.

  • It's easy to connect to speakers for streaming TV shows, movies, and music.

Cons

  • You have to maneuver the cable through the side handles, which makes setup quite tricky.

  • It was easy to accidentally adjust the settings during a workout.

Lace up your favorite running shoes, because not only does this value treadmill offer a great running workout, but it also keeps you cool, thanks to the built-in fan. We loved how easy it was to connect via Bluetooth to the speakers to stream music, TV shows, and movies. The charging port was also a nice feature and we appreciated the space to hang a towel and place a water bottle, which is especially needed for indoor runs. This treadmill is easy to fold up — a lock secures the tread base in place — and wheels make it easy to move around as needed.

It’s easy to adjust the speed and incline features — in fact, it might be too easy. During almost every workout, we managed to nudge the handles or the wheel that adjusted settings when swinging our arms. The machine didn’t make as much noise as we thought it would, but it would have been nice if it were even quieter. Give yourself some time with the setup of this machine. It can be rather tricky to maneuver the cable through the side handles — we had to look up how to do it on YouTube. Once that was in place, though, it was smooth sailing.

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: Up to 15% | Belt Dimensions: 20 x 60 inches | Classes: Connects to Peloton, Zwift, and Studio | Features: Device holder, USB rapid charger, Bluetooth, fan, water bottle holder | Weight: 277 pounds

Best Lightweight: Sunny Health & Fitness Strider Foldable Treadmill

$720 at Amazon.com

$720 at Target.com

Pros

  • This treadmill folds down to 8 inches in size.

  • It's compatible with the SunnyFit app, which has over 100 different running workouts.

  • It's extremely easy to set up and put away.

Cons

  • This treadmill does not have an incline.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Strider Foldable Smart Treadmill impressed us in several areas. In the folded position, the treadmill only takes up around eight inches of space, which is better than several other treadmills we tested. The treadmill was delivered in a single box all in one piece. Setting up the treadmill was simple and straightforward. All we had to do was flip a lever on the side of the deck, which allowed it to unfold into an upright position. From there, we simply extended the arms and plugged it in.

The Strider is compatible with the SunnyFit app which includes two settings: a free mode and a paid mode. The free mode includes a variety of workout options, including over 100 different running workouts for all different ability levels. The treadmill can also pair with an Apple Watch to provide heart rate metrics (although other metrics are not supported). The speed range is from 0.6 to 9 miles per hour, which is less than other treadmills we tested, but still provides a good workout. The biggest drawback was this treadmill’s lack of an incline. But in terms of folded size and price, this treadmill is a win.

Max Speed: 9 MPH | Incline: None | Belt Dimensions: 20 x 47 inches | Classes: SunnyFit app | Features: LCD monitor, tablet holder, infrared heart rate sensor | Weight: 118 pounds

Best Quiet: Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill

$1299 at Amazon.com

$1300 at Target.com

Pros

  • It has an integrated fan that keeps you cool while working out and hits just the right spot.

  • The console makes it easy to adjust speed and incline.

  • This treadmill is so quiet, you can't even tell when it's on.

  • We appreciated the front wheels and hydraulic mechanism that make it easy to fold up.

Cons

  • It can only be used with the JRNY app, which may not be everyone's preference.

  • The Bluetooth settings are tricky — we had to call customer support for help connecting.

If you’re used to the commercial treadmills at the gym, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the quality of this Bowflex. The console makes it easy to adjust the speed and incline, and it offers plenty of room to walk and run, even at top speed. You might not even know the treadmill is on unless you’re actually walking or running on it — that’s how quiet it is.

We found this Bowflex treadmill easy to set up, though we were stumped by the Bluetooth settings and needed to call customer service for assistance — turns out you need a cord to connect anyway. The machine folds up easily — just lift the tread from the bottom and a hydraulic kickstand-like mechanism engages and locks it in place. It does save a bit of space, but we thought it was still quite bulky even when folded up. We liked that the wheels at the front made it easy for us to move and reposition, even on the carpet.

The integrated fan is small but mighty. The airflow hits just the right spot, and it makes a sweaty workout breezier. We liked the coaching programs accessible through the JRNY app (although that is a limitation that may be a dealbreaker for some), plus there are 26 integrated programs. The master control center was roomy enough to hold everything from towels to insulated water bottles to a book or magazine — there’s even an integrated device charger to keep your devices powered up as you power through a cardio session.

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: Up to 15% | Belt Dimensions: 20 x 60 inches | Classes: Connects to JRNY app | Features: DualTrack™ touchscreen LCD screen, SoftDrop™ folding system, media shelf, and USB charger | Weight: 253.5 pounds

Best for Home Gyms: Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Treadmill

$2000 at Dickssportinggoods.com

$1999 at Horizonfitness.com

Pros

  • This treadmill is commercial-grade quality, similar to what you’d see at the gym.

  • It features an intuitive display that makes it easy to switch between user profiles.

  • In addition to two large cupholders, a storage bar, and a device stand, it also has a built-in fan to keep you cool during exercise.

  • At 60 inches long and 22 inches wide, the belt was the longest and widest of the treadmills we tested.

Cons

  • The setup was complicated, and it took us four hours to put the treadmill together.

  • This is the largest and heaviest treadmill we tested, which makes it harder to maneuver around.

We were overall impressed by this Horizon treadmill. Even though it folds up, it takes up quite a bit of space, however, so measure carefully when considering where you’ll put it in your home. It’s on par with what you’ll find at a gym, and it’ll take more than just one set of hands to assemble it. Instructions are included, but even though we had some DIY assembly experience on our side, it didn’t really help — it still took four hours to put together.

The complicated setup is worth it, though, when you see how simple this treadmill is to use. It’s easy to switch between user profiles, and the display is rather intuitive when accessing features or adjusting speed and incline. We liked that you could adjust your workout by using the knob on the handlebars or choosing the preset buttons. The long tread belt is also a bonus. Other great features are two huge cup holders — so you can use your biggest water bottles to stay hydrated while working out — a storage bar, a device stand, and a fan to keep cool as you torch calories.

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: Up to 15% | Belt Dimensions: 22 x 60 inches | Classes: Connects to apps like Peloton and Zwift | Features: Console, tablet holder, heart rate sensors, cup holders, storage bar | Weight: 330 pounds

Best Control Panel: Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill

$1599 at Amazon.com

See at Horizonfitness.com

Pros

  • You’re not tied down to one fitness app — this treadmill connects to Peloton, Studio, and Zwift.

  • There are spots for two portable devices, making it easy to integrate together.

  • It took only 20 minutes to set up with the Horizon delivery service.

  • It's very easy to fold and unfold.

Cons

  • The fan is great, but we wish it were adjustable (it pointed a bit lower than we would have liked).

  • The sensitive twist controls make it easy to overshoot the desired speed or incline.

Kudos to Horizon’s delivery service: This treadmill was delivered, set up, and demonstrated in under 20 minutes. Apps and devices connected seamlessly, and it was super easy to dive right into a workout, thanks to a well-labeled control panel that was very intuitive.

We are impressed by all the features this Horizon treadmill offers. Transitions and adjustments are quiet and smooth, especially when you’re twisting the QuickDial controls to adjust the speed or incline. We appreciated the thoughtful overall design that featured, not one, but two spots for portable devices — a big deal if you want a treadmill that integrates with digital apps. We also liked the fact that we could easily integrate with existing workout apps like Peloton and stream TV/movies easily.

This treadmill is also very easy to fold up to save space — just lift up the bottom and it will engage the lock that keeps it folded up. To unfold, touch the metal lever under the treadmill with your foot to lower it down slowly and smoothly.

There’s so much to love about this treadmill, including a nicely sized tread surface that never made us once feel like we were about to fall off the back. But if we’re being picky, we’d prefer it if the powerful integrated fan were adjustable because it points a bit too low (especially for anyone taller than average). If you’re used to a touchscreen, it might take you a minute to get used to the QuickDial controls, as we found it easy to overshoot the desired setting. Once we got the hang of it, though, we found we liked it better than having to keep tapping at a screen.

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: Up to 15% | Belt Dimensions: 22 x 60 inches | Classes: Connects to Peloton, Studio, and Zwift  | Features: Bluetooth 4.0 heart rate strap, QuickDial controls, rapid-charge USB port, and multiple device holders | Weight: 318 pounds

Best Auto-Adjust: Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill

$1799 at Walmart.com

See at Academy.com

Pros

  • The tread surface offers excellent cushioning, making it easier on the joints no matter the workout.

  • SmartAdjust™ machine learning technology adapts workouts to fit your ability.

  • It features a decline response as well as an incline.

Cons

  • It can only be used with the iFit app, which may not be everyone's preferred fitness program.

  • We found that the touchscreen isn’t always responsive.

If you’re tired of actually pounding the pavement outdoors, you’ll love the cushioning on this extra-long tread surface. While this folds up to save space, you’ll want to make sure you measure well to see that the length of the tread will fit in your space.

NordicTrack’s white glove delivery and setup are wonderful — provided your machine is fully functioning. We received, not one, but two defective machines and had to wait a full month to be up and running (no pun intended). Our AirPods connected seamlessly via Bluetooth the first time, but it was hit or miss on subsequent workouts — we're not sure whether to blame the machine, our devices, or the spotty WiFi for that.

Initial setup hiccups aside, all was forgotten by the time we logged on to iFit (the only app that can be used with this treadmill). We were impressed by the robust iFit workout library — it’s well worth the $39 a month (free for the first month). If you don’t subscribe to iFit, you can only use the treadmill in manual mode. That’s fine for a quick workout where all you want to do is adjust the incline or speed on your own, but the iFit membership has a class for everyone at every level.

The screen is designed so workout metrics are displayed at the top. We found it easy to adjust the incline speed — push the up/down arrows or the number of the speed/incline percentage you want, and you’re off. The screen tilts and turns for an easier view of workouts completed off the treadmill. At times the touchscreen was not responsive and we had to touch the screen a few times.

We loved how user-friendly the console is, though it does take an extra tap to make sure your command goes through. Still, we loved how easy it was to navigate and adjust the incline, speed, fan, and volume. We also loved how the machine reviews your past workout history/metrics and will automatically adjust the speed and incline to keep you challenged.

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 12% to -3% | Belt Dimensions: 20 x 60 inches | Classes: iFit | Features: Tilt and pivot smart HD touchscreen, built-in fan, integrated tray, and cup holders | Weight: 281.6 pounds (in-box)

Best High-Performance: ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill

$2299 at Amazon.com

$2000 at Dickssportinggoods.com

Pros

  • The treadmill is fully integrated with iFit workouts, so all adjustments occur automatically.

  • It maintains stat records for each user.

  • It has a cushioned, comfortable running surface.

Cons

  • The built-in fan is a bit low.

If you’re looking for a high-performance treadmill that can track your workouts and handle speeds of up to 12 MPH, the ProForm 9000 delivers. From the moment we scheduled the white glove delivery, setup and installation were handled by the team. They unboxed and assembled the treadmill in just over 30 minutes after arrival. We handled connecting to the 30-day free iFit membership trial. The treadmill is fully integrated with iFit workouts which include tons of walks and runs in exotic locales. The treadmill automatically adjusts your speed and incline throughout the iFit workouts. The screen is large and easy to read and it includes all of the metrics we wanted: distance, speed, incline, calorie burn, and heart rate. You can also adjust your speed and incline during a workout using the arrows or quick access buttons. We also love that the treadmill maintains a stat history for each user. If you don’t want to pay for a monthly iFit membership, you can also use the treadmill manually, although all of the features are not available for manual rides.

The surface is cushioned so it’s comfortable to run on. It was also easy to fold and unfold the treadmill, but based on the size and weight, the instructions recommend doing this with two people. This treadmill doesn't fold like completely flat like some others we tested, it resembles more of an X-shape when it’s folded. The included fan is a great feature, but its placement is a bit low and it’s not adjustable.

Max Speed:
12 MPH | Incline: 12% to -3% | Belt Dimensions: 20 x 60 inches | Classes: iFit app (30-day trial included) | Features: SpaceSaver design with easy-lift assist, built-in fan, Bluetooth audio with dual 2-inch speakers | Weight: 263 pounds (in-box)

Things to Consider Before Buying a Folding Treadmill

Price

Purchasing a folding treadmill is an investment in your health, but it’s also a financial investment. Luckily, some very budget-friendly models are on our list, including the Xterra Fitness TR150 and the Sunny Health & Fitness Strider, and the pricier ones also have financing options. If you already have a gym membership, crunch the numbers to see if your home gym setup can save you money each month.

Speed/Incline

Are you a runner or a walker? Do you dabble in both? The folding treadmill you buy should match your workout style. All the ones that made our list are suitable for both walking and running, though runners should always note the max MPH settings of a folding treadmill to see if it matches their speed goals. Want to add some intensity to your walks? Be sure to check out the incline features on the folding treadmill you're considering. The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 has incline and decline features to vary your workout.

Features

While a folding treadmill's starring feature is that it folds up for compact storage at home, you’ll also want to look for other features to augment your workout. For example, the TRX5500 Treadmill was a hit with our PEOPLE Tested team because of its ability to connect to Netflix and other streaming services. If you love tracking metrics on your Apple Watch or another fitness tracker, you’ll also want to look for a folding treadmill that’s compatible with those fitness apps.

How We Tested

Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 26 folding treadmills in their respective homes to find the best of the best.

  • Assembly: We first observed how the treadmills were delivered. Some arrived completely assembled and others required some assembly. We also had folding treadmills delivered with “white glove” service, meaning the company sent a team to assemble the treadmill for us. We evaluated the ease of assembly for each treadmill and included that in our findings.

  • Evaluation: After the folding treadmills were assembled, we signed up for any virtual class services and connected to health-tracking apps, where applicable. Then, we walked and jogged at least four times per week, testing the speeds, inclines, durability, comfort, and other features of each folding treadmill. After each workout, we folded up the treadmills, evaluating each one for its ease of use and storage.

  • Overall Value: Following the end of the testing period, we rated each treadmill on a 1 to 5 scale based on app compatibility, ease of setup, ease of use, foldability, features, and value. Based on the average ratings for each, we then curated our list to include these top-performing folding treadmills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are folding treadmills worth it?

While they take up less space than their more stationary counterparts, folding treadmills are sturdy pieces of exercise equipment that offer an excellent workout. The Nordictrack Commercial 2450 is an investment, but if you plan to max out the virtual workouts, you’ve created a full-fledged home gym. The more budget-friendly Xterra Fitness TR150 Treadmill is still a great, compact option for those who like to walk and run at home. When it comes to your health, any exercise equipment you use regularly is worth it, and folding treadmills make it easy to work out at home, even when space is limited.

Can you run on folding treadmills?

Even though folding treadmills are compact, they can take on fast feet. Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or a bit of both, you’ll want to shop with an eye toward the features that will support your preferred type of workout. Speed, of course, is a primary factor, so do look for models that can accelerate to a miles-per-hour range that’s right for your fitness goals. “The [treadmills] with the strongest bases give you the better running capabilities,” says Gaines, so keep that in mind when shopping. (Note that all the folding treadmills that made our list are suitable for both runners and walkers.)

What folding treadmills are best for workstations?

Brianna Joye, fitness trainer and creator of City Girls Who Walk, is a huge fan of folding treadmills that fit underneath standing workstations, like WalkingPad. “Walking itself is known to improve your mood and lower your blood sugar,” she told PEOPLE. “I also come up with a ton of creative ideas while walking, so these are great options for those who want to keep moving even if they need to be on a computer or take calls at home."


Joye suggests looking at folding treadmills that are ultra-flat and lightweight for easy storage at home. She also recommends choosing one with an auto-stop function for safety. But it ultimately comes down to choosing a folding treadmill model you will use regularly. “Getting off your chair and moving your body for just 20-30 minutes every single day is known to be the healthiest thing you could do,” she says.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Barbara Bellesi Zito is a commerce writer whose work has also appeared in Health.com, Forbes Advisor, BELLA Magazine, Apartment Therapy, The Motley Fool, Martha Stewart Living, and Insider. To bring you this roundup, she consulted our testers about a range of folding treadmills and gained their perspectives on app compatibility, ease of setup, ease of use, foldability, features, and value. While researching folding treadmills, we spoke with Travelle Gaines, the head of athletic performance at Blocks Nutrition, as well as Brianna Joye, fitness trainer and creator of City Girls Who Walk.



Meet Our Experts



What Is PEOPLE Tested?

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In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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