We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Fitness Gear Cardio Equipment We Found the Best Folding Treadmills for Home Workouts After Testing 33 Options Compact and portable, our top picks offer convenience and functionality By Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations. Learn about our editorial process and Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 12, 2024 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / Sabrina Szriftgiser If you want to optimize your at-home fitness routine without sacrificing space, consider investing in a folding treadmill. The best folding treadmills are less bulky and more portable than regular treadmills, and many are equipped with powerful functionality and advanced features to enhance your cardio workouts. Some options feature running belts that fold up to a 45-degree angle to save some room, while others collapse entirely to fit under a sofa or into a closet to maximize your floor space. To find the best folding treadmills on the market, we first consulted experts for their advice on which key features to look for when shopping. Then, we compared dozens of top options from popular fitness equipment brands. Finally, we tested 33 expert-approved folding treadmills at home in our various living spaces. When testing treadmills, we evaluate each one for its ease of setup, ease of use, features, foldability, and overall value. Our Top Picks Best Overall: NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill at Walmart ($1,599) Jump to Review Best Value: ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill at Amazon ($999) Jump to Review Most Quiet: Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill at Amazon ($1,299) Jump to Review Best Features: Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill at Amazon ($1,599) Jump to Review Easiest to Use: Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill at Walmart ($1,599) Jump to Review Best for App Connectivity: Echelon Stride-4S at Amazon ($1,501) Jump to Review Best for Small Spaces: Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill at Amazon ($3,473) Jump to Review Best for Guided Workouts: ProForm Trainer 12.0 Treadmill at Amazon ($1,530) Jump to Review Best for Walkers: XTerra WS200 WalkSlim Treadmill at Amazon ($528) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For How We Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill Dick's Sporting Goods View On Walmart $1,599 View On Dick's $1,600 View On Nordictrack.com Pros Smooth, quiet operation Very user-friendly Ideal for multiple users Cons Membership required for streaming workouts Can’t download other apps Key Specs Dimensions: 70.8 L x 34.9 W x 59.7 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 10 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who It’s For Best for shared living spaces, since this tread is durable, feature-packed, and ideal for all fitness levels. Why We Love It NordicTrack’s EXP 10i Treadmill is our top overall pick for its user-friendly design, easy folding, various user profiles, and ample comprehensive features. During testing, several users (of varying body types and fitness levels) logged miles on this treadmill—and it remained stable and sturdy regardless of speed or incline. We were impressed by the treadmill’s quiet and smooth operation, allowing us to walk and run without disturbing other housemates. The cushioned belt also provides ample support and shock absorption, even for one tester who is prone to shin splints. A large, swiveling touchscreen displays motivating metrics like speed, distance, calories burned, and more. You can also connect to the compatible iFit app to stream workout classes. Plus, we love that you can create profiles and save workout preferences for different users. Other convenient features include two built-in fans, two cup holders, and a device shelf. Potential Flaws While the treadmill includes a free 30-day iFit membership, you will have to pay for a subscription to access workouts after the trial is complete.We love the workouts included with the iFit app, but we wish there were the option to download additional apps for streaming entertainment directly on the touchscreen. How It Folds The treadmill is easy to fold by simply pulling up the back of the treadmill deck and pushing it until it locks upright. Most Valuable Insight “I like how this treadmill fits everyone in my family. We are all different sizes and workout levels, and it works for all of us!” —Stacey Wegner, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Stacey Wegner Verywell Fit / Stacey Wegner Verywell Fit / Stacey Wegner Verywell Fit / Stacey Wegner Best Value ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill Amazon View On Amazon $999 View On Proform.com Pros Sturdy and comfortable Very user-friendly Compact and portable Cons Membership required for streaming workouts Small screen Key Specs Dimensions: 74 L x 35 W x 59 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who It’s For Best for users who want a compact, durable treadmill packed with features, all at a comparatively low price point. Why We Love It We love ProForm’s Carbon TLX Treadmill for its intuitive controls, reliable durability, and compact design. Despite being one of the more budget-friendly options we tested, this treadmill proved to be sturdy, comfortable, and loaded with features. Whether walking or running, the belt provides a stable and well-cushioned surface with plenty of give that helps protect against knee or foot pain. This treadmill also boasts a clear display and large buttons that make it easy to view our stats and change the speed or incline mid-workout. And we love using the iFit app for training sessions and workout classes. We found it easy to fold and compact enough for smaller spaces. Still, the belt feels wide and long enough with plenty of room to run hard without fear of missteps. Potential Flaws While the display is clear and crisp, we wish that the screen was a bit larger.We love the iFit workouts included with the free trial, but you have to pay for a subscription after 30 days. How It Folds We found folding this treadmill simple and intuitive: Just grab the back edge of the track and start lifting it up until it clicks. Most Valuable Insight “My favorite thing about the treadmill is how comfortable it is to run on. There is definitely a sufficient amount of give in the track that allows me to run further without getting pain in my feet and shins.” —Grant Gordon, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon Most Quiet Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill Amazon View On Amazon $1,299 View On Walmart $1,299 View On Dick's $1,300 Pros Easy to adjust speed and incline 26 pre-set workouts Large running deck Cons No workout display screen Emergency stop is too sensitive Key Specs Dimensions: 78 L x 37.6 W x 62.8 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 15% | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who It’s For Best for multitasking, whether it’s walking during phone or video calls or in shared home or office spaces. Why We Love It Choosing a quiet treadmill is important to avoid disturbing and distracting yourself or those around you, whether on calls or in a shared space. Not only is Bowflex's BXT8J Treadmill running belt silent, but it also features easy-to-adjust speed and incline settings that remain quiet during transitions. We initially didn't even realize the incline was working because there was no noise. When you’re done with your workout, the treadmill is quick to fold up and wheel to another spot. Although it’s fairly compact, the belt feels wide and long enough for taller users. Plus, there’s plenty of room on the console to hold your water bottle, gym towel, phone, and tablet. We also like that the user-friendly, easy-to-read control panel makes it easy to track your stats. And you can choose from 26 pre-set workout programs. Potential Flaws Although we appreciate the emergency stop feature, we found it overly sensitive during testing. Accidental bumps caused frequent workout interruptions.The treadmill doesn’t have a large screen for streaming workout classes, but there is a device holder that lets you use tablets or phones to view workouts or shows. How It Folds We found it easy and intuitive to fold—all you have to do is lift the back up, and once it reaches a certain spot, the hydraulic kickstand locks it in place. Most Valuable Insight “I think this is a high-end, entry-level treadmill at a really good price. I found this incredibly easy to use, and the belt and motor seemed very high quality.” —Jodi Espinosa, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa Best Features Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill Horizon Fitness View On Amazon $1,599 View On Horizonfitness.com View On Johnsonfitness.com Pros Easy to adjust speed and incline Smooth, quiet operation No subscription needed Cons Fan angle isn’t adjustable Easy to overshoot target speed and incline Key Specs Dimensions: 76 L x 37 W x 63 H inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 15% | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who It’s For Best if you want features to make your workouts more enjoyable, like Bluetooth connectivity, integrated speakers, app compatibility, and more. Why We Love It Horizon Fitness’s 7.4 AT Treadmill is feature-packed, making our workouts more convenient and enjoyable. Our favorites include Bluetooth connectivity, a rapid-charge USB port, integrated speakers, and 10 pre-set workout programs. We also love that the one-step hydraulic folding system makes the tread easy to fold up. Beyond nice-to-have features, this treadmill also excels in basic functionality. Quick-dial controls on an arm near the panel enable smooth and quiet speed and incline adjustments, ensuring uninterrupted workouts. And the easy-to-use control panel and media shelf enable us to connect to our devices and apps without needing an added subscription. Potential Flaws We like the convenience of using the dial controls, but we did notice that turning the dials too rapidly can cause you to exceed your intended speed or incline.While the treadmill’s fan kept us cool, we wished we could adjust its angle. How It Folds This treadmill begins to fold automatically as you lift it up. Most Valuable Insight “This treadmill is really loaded with features. I also like how smooth and quick all of its transitions are, as it soundlessly adjusts the incline and speed.” —Riddley Schirm, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm Verywell Fit / Riddley Schirm Easiest to Use Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill Amazon View On Walmart $1,599 View On Walmart $1,799 View On Dick's $1,800 Pros Automatically adjusts speed and incline Large, clear touchscreen display Smooth, quiet operation Cons Membership required for streaming workouts Key Specs Dimensions: 78.5 L x 36 W x 65 H inches | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: -3% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Who It’s For Best if you want a high-tech treadmill packed with intuitive features—especially if you’re a runner and want to stream workouts. Why We Love It If you want a feature-packed, easy-to-use treadmill, we recommend NordicTrack’s 1250 Treadmill. Beyond its intuitive design, the tread moves smoothly and quietly, even when changing speed and incline. These settings also automatically adapt based on your workout history. And we love that the running belt is well-cushioned and offers ample room for comfortable, long strides. The treadmill comes with a free 30-day iFit membership, giving you access to various workouts and on-demand studio sessions. We love streaming from the 10-inch touchscreen because it tilts and swivels so we can follow along on and off the treadmill. Another bonus? A pair of four-speed fans keeps us cool during sweaty runs. Potential Flaws The iFit membership offers diverse workouts for all fitness levels, but you need to pay for a subscription after the free trial. How It Folds The treadmill features built-in hydraulics that make it easy to lift and fold. It locks in place when the treadmill deck reaches a 45-degree angle against the console. Most Valuable Insight “It's incredibly easy to use this treadmill. This machine tracks your previous runs and adjusts the incline and speed based on what it assumes would work best for your fitness level. It's quite intuitive, and I love this functionality.” —Stella Yu, Verywell Fit product tester Best for App Connectivity Echelon Stride-4S Amazon View On Amazon $1,501 View On Echelonfit.com Pros Large, clear touchscreen display Simple and straightforward to connect to apps Easy to fold and transport Cons No digital display for stats Key Specs Dimensions: 74 D x 31 W x 53 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 10% | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Who It’s For Best if you want to track and stream various workouts. Why We Love It Echelon’s Stride-4S+ Treadmill stands out for its metric tracking, connectivity features, and powerful performance—all packed into a compact footprint at a competitive price. It supports many third-party apps, including Strava, Spotify, Netflix, and more, offering endless options for workouts and entertainment. During testing, we found it easy to connect to the apps on the large, swiveling touchscreen display. With auto-fold functionality and built-in transport wheels, the treadmill is easy to fold and move when not in use. We also appreciate the easily accessible speed and incline buttons that are adjustable from the screen and handrails. Plus, the long and wide belt provides comfort and assurance, allowing for worry-free running at various speeds. Potential Flaws While we could view our workout stats on the screen, we wished for an additional LCD digital display to track metrics during basic workouts that don’t require app connectivity. How It Folds To fold this treadmill, you simply lift the rear of the base as far as you can until the hydraulic latch clicks into place to lock it. Most Valuable Insight “The ability to access social media, streaming services, and listen to Spotify or Audible out loud or via a connected Bluetooth earpiece is a huge plus to make the experience more entertaining.”—Henry Yung, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Henry Yung Verywell Fit / Henry Yung Verywell Fit / Henry Yung Verywell Fit / Henry Yung Verywell Fit / Henry Yung Best for Small Spaces Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill Amazon View On Amazon $3,473 View On Lifefitness.com Pros Easy to fold and transport Good shock absorption Very user-friendly Cons Limited features Key Specs Dimensions: 78.5 L x 34.5 W x 58.5 H inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Max Speed: 10 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Who It’s For Best if you live in a small space and prefer a treadmill with straightforward functionality over digital features. Why We Love It We love Life Fitness’s F3 Folding Treadmill for anyone with limited floor space because it's compact and easier to fold than others. In testing, we effortlessly folded up the tread thanks to gas-assisted springs that smoothly lift and lower the deck. After workouts, folding and rolling the treadmill to a new sport using the four transport wheels is a breeze. Despite its portability and compact footprint, this treadmill doesn’t skimp on durability, quality, or performance. It features a shock-absorbing system, which is designed to reduce knee and joint stress. The running belt feels comfy and cushioned, with plenty of room for running. We also like that the tread comes with 15 pre-programmed workouts, as well as a device shelf and two cup holders for your entertainment and refreshments. Potential Flaws This treadmill was missing a few nice-to-have features, like a display and a built-in fan. How It Folds The treadmill is very easy to fold: simply pull and raise a lever on the side, and it securely locks into place. Most Valuable Insight “My favorite thing about the treadmill is that it’s on the smaller side and not bulky. It is a comfortable run and great for a small space.” —Lauren Coughlin, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Lauren Coughlin Verywell Fit / Lauren Coughlin Verywell Fit / Lauren Coughlin Verywell Fit / Lauren Coughlin Best for Guided Workouts ProForm Trainer 12.0 Treadmill 360 Fitness Superstore View On Amazon $1,530 View On 360fitnesssuperstore.com Pros No subscription needed for the first three years Large, clear touchscreen display Ideal for multiple users Cons Can’t download other apps Small screen Key Specs Dimensions: 75 L x 35 W x 64 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who It’s For Best if you enjoy instructor-led classes to stay motivated and engaged during at-home workouts. Why We Love It If you enjoy instructor-led workouts from the comfort of your own home, consider ProForm’s Trainer 12.0 Treadmill. It includes a free 3-year iFit family membership, giving you virtual access to certified personal trainers who lead studio classes while automatically adjusting your speed and incline. We were impressed by the quality of trainers and workouts, which cater to all fitness levels and feature stunning locations worldwide. This treadmill is easy to use (even for beginners) thanks to its user-friendly console and simple folding process. We love the large, high-definition touchscreen for streaming workouts and the powerful dual fans to cool down. Plus, the belt is well-cushioned for comfort and shock absorption during runs. Potential Flaws We wish you could use the touchscreen to download other workout apps and streaming services.The stat display for manual workouts is quite small. How It Folds We found it easy to fold the treadmill by grabbing the back of the deck and lifting it up. A support bar locks into place when the treadmill is vertical. Most Valuable Insight “I think this is an all-around great treadmill for everyone: There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts for people of all ability levels. I was also impressed with the quality of the workouts, the coaches, and the beautiful scenery that I was able to take part in during the workouts.” —Nicole Oswald, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Nicole Oswald Verywell Fit / Nicole Oswald Verywell Fit / Nicole Oswald Verywell Fit / Nicole Oswald Best for Walkers XTerra WS200 WalkSlim Treadmill Amazon View On Amazon $528 View On Xterrafitness.com Pros Easy to fold and transport No assembly required Budget-friendly Cons Low maximum speed Limited features Key Specs Dimensions: 70 L x 31 W x 45 H inches | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Max Speed: 8 miles per hour | Incline: 0% to 10% | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Who It’s For Best for avid walkers who want a compact, easy-to-move treadmill for upping their step count at home. Why We Love It Xterra’s WS200 WalkSlim Treadmill is sturdy, durable, and user-friendly. It has all the basic features that fitness walkers need to get in their daily steps. It arrives fully assembled, with no tools required. During testing, we were impressed with its quiet operation and clear LED display, which tracks speed, time, steps, distance, and calories. We appreciate that this treadmill is simple to fold down and compact enough for smaller spaces. Plus, we were pleasantly surprised that we were able to easily move it from one room to another, thanks to the smooth transport wheels. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly options on our list, making it a solid steal for walking more in your daily routine. Potential Flaws Since this treadmill is designed for walking, its maximum speed (8 mph) is lower than that of others we tested.It’s lacking some features and functionality, but we’re willing to sacrifice for the budget-friendly price. How It Folds We found it easy to fold the treadmill by folding the arms down and then collapsing the entire console so the treadmill lays flat. Most Valuable Insight “The machine is super easy to use—I just turn it on and go. The speeds go up and down quickly, and the machine is fairly quiet. Moving it around is extremely easy due to the wheels.” —Sabrina Szriftgiser, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Sabrina Szriftgiser Verywell Fit / Sabrina Szriftgiser Verywell Fit / Sabrina Szriftgiser What to Look for When Shopping for a Folding Treadmill Size: Folding treadmills are a popular pick for small spaces because they’re easy to store between workouts. But when unfolded, a folding treadmill can be as big as a regular treadmill, so you’ll want to double-check unfolded dimensions before buying to make sure that it can fit your space. You should also consider the width and length of the running belt, says Jeff Raines, certified triathlon coach. Weight Capacity: Some treadmills can support more weight than others, so always check their weight capacity. When purchasing, make sure the treadmill can support you (or anyone else who will be using it) and any extra weight that you might be wearing or using while working out, like ankle weights or weighted vests. Maximum Speed: Another thing to look at before making a purchase is maximum speed. Many models can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, and some advanced ones can even go up to 12 miles per hour. However, there are models that cap at a modest 3 miles per hour. Consider whether you will be walking, jogging, or running, and choose a treadmill that aligns with your needs. Incline: Many folding treadmills offer inclines up to 12%, while others offer no incline settings at all. Some even offer decline functionality, letting more experienced runners mimic downhill running or racing conditions. Consider the type of workouts you like to do, and make sure the machine you’re eyeing is capable of delivering them. Workout Programs: Built-in workout programs offer diversity and help keep workouts engaging and challenging, says certified personal trainer Anel Pla, CPT. Many treadmills feature pre-programmed workouts accessible from their display, with some also offering companion apps, on-demand workouts, or guided training programs. Just keep in mind that access to some workouts may require paying for a subscription-based service. How We Tested the Folding Treadmills To find the best folding treadmills, we tested 33 options from top, trusted fitness equipment brands. Our testing process spanned 112 hours, during which we assessed each treadmill based on the following critical criteria: Ease of Setup: After unboxing each treadmill, we note how easy it is to set up: Does it come fully assembled? If not, how difficult is it to put together and how long does it take? Once the treadmill is fully assembled, we review any safety features, sign up for applicable streaming services, connect to compatible apps, and check out additional features. We evaluate the instructions and assess whether they’re clear and concise or difficult to follow.Ease of Use: A high-quality folding treadmill should be user-friendly and easy to navigate. During testing, we evaluate whether using the treadmill and its features is straightforward or difficult. We consider: Is the console clear and intuitive? Does it track helpful workout metrics? How easy is it to adjust the incline and the speed? Is the running belt long enough to accommodate a variety of heights and strides?Foldability: Next, we evaluate how easy it is to fold each treadmill. Since treadmills come with different folding mechanisms, we rely on the provided instructions to get started. We consider how intuitive the process is: Are the instructions straightforward? Can one person do it by themselves? When folded, we take note of how compact and space-saving each folding treadmill truly is.Features: Every treadmill offers different features—touchscreens, built-in fans, app connectivity, and more. We test each treadmill's unique features and determine whether they add value to our overall experience with the product. Do the features make this treadmill stand out for a specific user? We also consider whether the treadmill is missing any features that would have improved our workouts.Value: To give each treadmill an accurate value score, we don’t check its price until the end of the testing period. Based on how it performed in the above-tested categories, we consider if the product is priced fairly: Is it worth the price? Would we buy it for ourselves? Would we recommend it to a friend or family member? We prioritize treadmills that earn a resounding yes to these questions. Our Experts We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting for this story. Some helped us better understand why users might opt for a folding treadmill and what features to look for when shopping. Others helped us inform our testing process. While we always choose products independently, expert insights help inform our decisions. Jeff Raines, certified triathlon coach Anel Pla, CPT, certified personal trainer and partner at 5 Point Zero Fitness in New Jersey John Honerkamp, RRCA and USATF-certified running coach Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of folding treadmills? Folding treadmills offer compact convenience for at-home workouts. They can be easily stored and transported in small spaces when folded. They're also more cost-effective compared to regular treadmills yet provide similar functionality and features for diverse fitness needs. Are folding treadmills as effective as regular treadmills? Yes. Most folding treadmills are just as effective as regular treadmills since foldability has very little to do with a treadmill’s ability to deliver a good workout. It’s more important to consider factors like incline, speed, and added features, which will determine the quality and effectiveness of your workout. Why Trust Verywell Fit An avid runner, certified running coach, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, loves researching and testing the latest and greatest fitness equipment and gear. Her decades of running experience and training athletes have helped her understand the value of using the best gear and products for optimal performance and comfort. Although she prefers running outdoors, she enjoys doing interval workouts on the treadmill. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit