Best folding treadmills in 2023
If you're short on space, you're probably sacrificing more than a few luxuries. But working out isn't exactly a splurge. It's key for better health, and thanks to folding treadmills, even people living in the tiniest spaces can easily get a light, at-home cardio workout. These treadmills can be stored away after use and are often more affordable than their more permanent counterparts.
"Extremely compact treadmills, like the models that fold in half and can be stored under a couch or bed, are best for individuals who plan on doing mostly walking or some light jogging," certified personal trainer and studio owner Lauren George told CBS Essentials.
That's right: You can still jog on many folding treadmills, as they "still have longer, more cushioned belts that are ideal for running," according to George.
Of course, nothing is perfect -- not even the best folding treadmills out there. There are some downsides to look out for as well.
"Due to the folding feature within these treadmills, they are generally less sturdy, which means that they usually have a lighter weight capacity than a normal treadmill," certified personal trainer and director of Your Future Fitness Andrew Blakey told CBS Essentials.
Think a folding treadmill might be right for you? Then check out the options ahead. They range from simple walking treadmills to treadmills with handles and a monitor.
The best folding treadmills in 2023
You may be surprised to learn that there's a lot out there in the world of folding treadmills. You can find models that are both compact and sturdy enough to support a light at-home workout. Here's a quick look at the best folding treadmills of 2023.
- Above-average weight capacity: Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Walking Treadmill
- Easy to assemble: Runow Folding Treadmill
- Easiest to store: WalkingPad C2 Mini Foldable Walking Treadmill
- Space-saving: Goplus 2-in-1 Superfit Folding Treadmill
- Incline on a budget: XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill
- Integrated tech: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Running Treadmill
- Extra shock absorption: NordicTrack EXP 14i Treadmill
Check out these folding treadmills from Amazon, Walmart and more.
Above-average weight capacity: Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Walking Treadmill
The T7643 walking treadmill by Sunny Health & Fitness would make an excellent addition to your home gym. The treadmill boasts a 19.5-inch-wide surface for walking or running and an above-average weight capacity of 350 pounds. It's equipped with two bottle holders, and a space for your tablet or phone.
A good fit for speed walkers and light joggers, the T7643 walking treadmill can reach speeds up to 6 mph. The built-in digital monitor displays your burned calories, speed and distance covered while working out. This model's deck can be folded into the frame. Plus, it's often on sale at Amazon.
Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Walking Treadmill, $550 (reduced from $770)
Easy to assemble: Runow Folding Treadmill
This folding treadmill has three incline options and an LED monitor that tracks your speed, distance, calories burned, time and pulse while working out. This piece of gym equipment has a shock-absorbing system that protects your knees and ankles and -- best of all -- takes only 15 minutes to assemble.
Runow Folding Treadmill, 459 after coupon (reduced from $700)
Easiest to store: WalkingPad C2 Mini Foldable Walking Treadmill
This mini walking treadmill is the perfect size to slide under a standing desk. When it's not in use, this fitness machine can be folded to almost half its size for easy storage, so it's the best treadmill for a small space. Unlike many models, who leave something to be desired in the style department, with this one, you can choose from five colors.
"If your goal is to up your daily step count without compromising your house decor, the compact WalkingPad is an excellent option!" George says. "You can fit it under a standing desk to accrue more steps while answering emails, or hop on for a stroll while watching TV. The belt is also designed for maximum cushion and comfort."
WalkingPad C2 Mini Foldable Walking Treadmill, $450 with code WPMYGIFT (reduced from $600)
Space-saving: Goplus 2-in-1 Superfit Folding Treadmill
The 2-in-1 Superfit treadmill can be used as a traditional treadmill capable of reaching speeds of up to 7.5 mph or folded down and used as a walking treadmill that will max out at 2.5 mph. The sturdy frame and shock-absorbing, multi-layer design will keep your workout quiet and comfortable.
This piece of home gym equipment would make a great addition to any home office for the remote worker trying to get in their steps between (or even during) meetings. Just add a standing desk into the mix, and you're good to go.
It's available in seven colors. Prices vary by color. The price listed below is for the blue model.
Goplus 2-in-1 Superfit Folding Treadmill (blue), $280 with coupon
Incline on a budget: XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill
This affordable treadmill has a 16-inch by 50-inch running surface and a 250-pound weight limit. Despite the budget-friendly price point, it offers an LCD display that tells you your speed, incline, time, distance, calories and pulse. This treadmill offers 12 preset programs and three manual incline settings. It folds, so you can store it away while it's not in use.
"This model features a max of 10 mph, which gives you plenty of room to play with your speed and gradually increase your intensity should you decide you're ready for it," Blakey says.
XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill, $460
Integrated tech: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Running Treadmill
This treadmill has an LCD monitor that displays time, distance, speed, calories, incline and heart rate. It offers 12 preset interval programs and has integrated speakers, microphone, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity. You can use it to run up to 8 mph and to increase the incline up to 12%. Fold this treadmill when you're done and stow it away. It has a weight capacity of 240 pounds.
"If you're looking for a treadmill with all the fancy bells and whistles while still being mindful of how much space it takes up, this treadmill is for you," Blakey says. "It even has the option to add Bluetooth music for its built-in speakers and has a large range of inclines and speeds to help you create the perfect workout for you."
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Running Treadmill, $500
Extra shock absorption: NordicTrack EXP 14i Treadmill
If you're not afraid to splurge a little (and why not, it's for your health and wellbeing after all), check out this little number by NordicTrack. You can justify investing in this folding treadmill by browsing all of the sweet features packed into its modest frame.
Browse trainer-led workouts -- or your own workout stats -- on the 14-inch HD touchscreen. Work up the kind of sweat you would at the gym by running on this treadmill's 12% incline. Then, cool down with the treadmill's perfectly positioned "Autobreeze" fan. When you're done, simply fold up this treadmill for easy storage.
NordicTrack EXP 14i Treadmill, $1,900
What kind of folding treadmill is right for you?
Unsure what types of folding treadmills are out there? First, there are folding treadmills with or without handles. If you have balance issues, definitely opt for a model with handles. If you're just trying to take a stroll while working at your desk, then a treadmill without handles may work just fine.
Next, consider whether you would like to run or walk on your treadmill. Some folding treadmills are only suitable for walking, though many work for running as well.
Finally, consider how much tech you need. Some folding treadmills have all the bells and whistles needed to keep you engaged while you move. There are monitors that offer information on your distance, time, pulse, and more, while others show off your data in much simpler ways. Others still have no indication whatsoever, minus a light or simple indicator that the treadmill is on.
How we chose these treadmills
When picking the best folding treadmills, we considered a number of important factors. From how these treadmills fared in the face of customer reviews to what the experts think, here are the main things we kept in mind while putting together our list:
- Customer reviews: We combed through verified customer reviews -- in other words, real buyers -- to ensure they were consistently pleased with these brands and models.
- Expert recommendations: We spoke with Lauren George and Andrew Blakey -- two experts in the world of health and fitness -- for more information on the best folding treadmills around.
- Star rating: All you eagle-eyed shoppers can breathe a sigh of relief. All of our chosen products have a four-star rating or higher, so no need to scour the reviews section for each treadmill.
- Your needs: We picked treadmills for a variety of needs, from special weight considerations to budget. We found running treadmills, walking treadmills, treadmills with handles, treadmills with monitors, and more!
Read more about how we review products
