Folding treadmills are less bulky and more portable than regular treadmills, and many are equipped with powerful functionality, adjustable inclines, and advanced features to enhance your cardio workouts. Some options feature running belts that fold up to a 45-degree angle to conserve space, while others collapse entirely to fit under a sofa or into a closet for simple portability and easy storage.
To find the best folding treadmills, we consulted with fitness experts, including a triathlon coach, a personal trainer, and a running coach, for their advice on key features to look for when shopping. Then, we spent months testing 55 expert-approved folding treadmills at home, jogging and walking at different speeds at least four times per week. When testing folding treadmills, we evaluate each one for its ease of setup, ease of use, comfort, features, storage, and value to find the top options on the market.
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Key Specs
Dimensions: 76 L x 37 W x 63 H inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-15% | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who want features to make their workouts more enjoyable, like Bluetooth connectivity, integrated speakers, app compatibility, and more.
Why We Love It
Horizon Fitness’s 7.4 AT Treadmill is packed with features, 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 its nice-to-have features, this treadmill excels in basic functionality. Quick-dial controls on an arm near the panel enable smooth and quiet speed and incline adjustments, ensuring uninterrupted workouts. Meanwhile, the easy-to-use control panel and media shelf allow us to connect to our devices and apps without needing a subscription.
Potential Flaws
- While the treadmill’s fan kept us cool, we wished we could adjust its angle.
- 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.
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 S., Verywell Fit product tester
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Sturdy and comfortable
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Very user-friendly
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Compact and portable
Key Specs
Dimensions: 74 L x 35 W x 59 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-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, making it easy to view 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
- We love the iFit workouts included with the free trial, but note that a subscription is required after 30 days.
- While the display is clear and crisp, we wish that the screen were a bit larger.
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 G., Verywell Fit product tester
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Large, clear touchscreen display
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Simple and straightforward to connect to apps
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Easy to fold and transport
Key Specs
Dimensions: 74 D x 31 W x 53 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-10% | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who value entertainment while working out.
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, this 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. Additionally, the long and wide belt provides comfort and assurance, enabling worry-free running at various speeds.
Potential Flaws
- While we could view our workout stats on the screen, we wished we had an additional LCD digital display to track metrics during basic workouts that don’t require app connectivity.
How It Folds
To fold this treadmill, simply lift the rear of the base as far as possible until the hydraulic latch clicks into place, locking it securely.
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 Y., Verywell Fit product tester
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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%-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 essential to avoid disturbing and distracting yourself or those around you, whether you’re on a call 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 we were done with our workout, we found the treadmill quick to fold up and easy to 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 a water bottle, gym towel, phone, and tablet. We also like that the user-friendly, easy-to-read control panel makes it simple to track our stats. And you can choose from 26 preset workout programs.
Potential Flaws
- The treadmill doesn’t have a large screen for streaming workout classes, but it does have a device holder for tablets or phones, which allows users to view workouts or shows.
- Although we appreciate the emergency stop feature, we found it overly sensitive during testing. Accidental bumps caused some workout interruptions.
How It Folds
We found it easy and intuitive to fold—just 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 seem very high quality.” —Jodi E., Verywell Fit product tester
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No subscription needed for the first three years
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Large, clear touchscreen display
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Powerful dual fans
Key Specs
Dimensions: 75 L x 35 W x 64 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for individuals and multiple users who 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, granting 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 longer runs.
Potential Flaws
- We wish we could use the touchscreen to download other workout apps and streaming services.
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 in a vertical position.
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 O., Verywell Fit product tester
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Lower maximum speed
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Limited features
Key Specs
Dimensions: 62 L x 31 W x 45 H inches | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Max Speed: 8 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-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 help them reach their daily step goals. 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 its smooth transport wheels. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly options on our list, making it a solid steal for incorporating more walking into your daily routine.
Potential Flaws
- Since this treadmill is designed for walking, its maximum speed is lower than that of the others we tested.
- It lacks some features and functionality, but we think it’s still a great, budget-friendly option for those who prefer a simpler folding treadmill.
How It Folds
We found it easy to fold the treadmill by folding the arms down and then collapsing the entire console so that the treadmill lies flat.
Most Valuable Insight
“The machine is super easy to use—I just turn it on and go. The speed is easy to adjust quickly, and the machine is fairly quiet. Moving it around is extremely easy due to the wheels.” —Sabrina S., Verywell Fit product tester
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Convenient features, including a device holder, USB port, and cup holders
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Smooth and responsive during speed and incline changes
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Very easy to fold
Key Specs
Dimensions: 63.8 L x 30.9 W x 45.7 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 10 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-15% | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who are looking to support their folding treadmill workouts with a standout companion app.
Why We Love It
Sunny Health & Fitness’ Premium Foldable Auto Incline Smart Treadmill is a quality folding treadmill option supported by a companion app that makes it even more motivating and effective to use. During testing, we walked and jogged on the treadmill several times a week in an effort to stay active in Texas’ hot weather, and we particularly enjoyed streaming structured workouts from the SunnyFit app. Meanwhile, the treadmill’s built-in speed and incline preset buttons made it easy to move through our workout transitions.
The treadmill felt both smooth and responsive during speed and incline changes, maintaining a safe, stable, and comfortable user experience. We also appreciate the treadmill’s features, including a USB port to keep our devices charged during workouts, a tablet holder for streaming workouts from the app, and cup holders for easy hydration. And when we were done for the day, we folded the handrail down with the simple press of a button and slid the treadmill under the bed for easy storage.
Potential Flaws
- We wish this treadmill could be stored in an upright position, because that would make it the ultimate space saver. However, we do appreciate that it can be stored under furniture.
- It features a safety key that needs to be in place for the treadmill to turn on, and we found it popped in and out of place a little too easily, occasionally preventing the treadmill from operating properly.
How It Folds
The treadmill features buttons on either side of the handrail that you hold while pushing down on the handrail to fold it flat.
Most Valuable Insight
“I felt more stable walking on it than my walking pad due to its width, length, and sturdiness. I also like the flexibility of being able to get in a quick workout indoors when it’s too hot outside. I would recommend it to others, specifically because it folds and can be stored. This is a huge plus when space is limited.” —Carrie G., Verywell Fit product tester
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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%-12% | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who 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 folds more easily than other options. During testing, we effortlessly folded up the treadmill thanks to gas-assisted springs that smoothly lifted and lowered the deck. After workouts, folding and rolling the treadmill to a new spot 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 designed to reduce knee and joint stress. The running belt feels comfy and cushioned, with plenty of room for running. We also like that it comes with 15 pre-programmed workouts, a device shelf, and two cup holders.
Potential Flaws
- This treadmill was missing a few nice-to-have features, such as a display and a built-in fan. However, we think it’s a great option for anyone who prefers a simple and space-saving option.
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’s comfortable for runs and great for a small space.” —Lauren C., Verywell Fit product tester
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Compatible with various health apps and devices
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Quick-adjust wheels allow for precise incline and pace adjustments
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Easy and simple assembly process
Key Specs
Dimensions: 77 L x 37 W x 68 H inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-15% | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who want a folding treadmill with a wide, sturdy belt and very responsive incline and decline adjustability.
Why We Love It
With an easy assembly process, excellent compatibility with various health apps and devices, and responsive incline and decline adjustability, BowFlex’s T9 Treadmill is a solid option for beginner to advanced exercisers. We tested this treadmill during a period when we were focusing on training for trail running, running five times a week, both outdoors and indoors. We love using this treadmill when it’s too cold to run outside or when we want to complete highly controlled intervals and hill climbs.
One of our favorite features is its quick-adjust wheels, which make incline, decline, and pace adjustments seamless and precise, even when we’re running at high speeds. We love its wide, supportive belt, which helps us feel comfortable during faster-paced runs. We also like that it’s compatible with Apple Fitness, Apple Health, Fitbit, Google Fit, and more. We easily connected our fitness tracker to this treadmill simply by touching our device to its dashboard. Plus, we love that it’s a breeze to fold up and store when not in use.
Potential Flaws
- Its primary control buttons feel cheaply made. However, they still work, and we can use this treadmill properly.
How It Folds
To fold this treadmill, we pick up the far end of its belt and fold it up until it latches in place. Keep in mind that it doesn’t fold completely flat and may be difficult for some to store.
Most Valuable Insight
“My favorite thing was easily the quick adjust wheels on the secondary arms. I haven’t seen that on any other treadmill I’ve been on and really enjoy that flexibility.” —Brian P., Verywell Fit product tester
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Very easy setup
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Simple, easy-to-navigate controls
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Safe and gradual speed and incline adjustments
Key Specs
Dimensions: 64.6 L x 29.3 W x 51.7 H inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Max Speed: 10 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-10% | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for those with a clear budget in mind, looking to upgrade their home gym with a no-frills folding treadmill that costs under $1,000.
Why We Love It
Solid and straightforward, XTerra Fitness’ Compact Series TRX1200 Treadmill is proof that you don’t have to break your budget on functional and versatile home gym equipment. During testing, we used this folding treadmill about three times a week for walking and light running to maintain health and reduce stress, especially when the weather was less than ideal. It was extremely easy to set up, with minimal assembly required, and was ready to use in about 30 minutes.
Equipped with simple controls rather than a complicated screen or companion app, this treadmill is a breeze to use. It includes 12 preset workout programs, as well as the ability to set a desired distance or time as a countdown. It also adjusts speed and incline gradually, prioritizing user safety. We also love that the cushion of the belt felt comparable to that of other gym treadmills we’ve tried.
Potential Flaws
- We understand that the treadmill’s compact design lends itself to a slimmer belt, but some may prefer a wider surface area for extra stability.
- We wish this folding treadmill featured wheels to roll it out of the way for easy storage.
How It Folds
The treadmill features a hydraulic release that slowly and safely lowers the treadmill belt into position, making it easier to fold and store.
Most Valuable Insight
“This is a solid, basic treadmill with a safety-conscious design and a strong value proposition for users seeking a dependable, space-saving option for winter workouts. It helps ensure I stick to my goals, and the folding option allows me to place the equipment in an area with limited access.” —Jimmy V., Verywell Fit product tester
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Thumb-controlled scroll wheels on handrails
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Quality Bluetooth speaker integration
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Quick and smooth responses to changes in speed and incline
Key Specs
Dimensions: 70.5 L x 33.5 W x 59 H inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max Speed: 10 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-10% | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for those looking for an intuitive and easy-to-use folding treadmill that supports a consistent workout routine.
Why We Love It
Horizon Fitness’ T101 Connect Treadmill boasts an incredibly intuitive design, making it very easy to use, even for first-time treadmill users. We especially like the thumb-controlled scroll wheels on the handlebars for adjusting incline and speed mid-run. And while it doesn’t have an immersive display, the treadmill tracks key metrics, such as heart rate, calories, and distance, with its surprisingly premium-feeling manual control system. It also syncs with the JRNY digital fitness app and features solid Bluetooth speaker integration.
In terms of performance, the treadmill responds quickly and smoothly to changes in speed and incline. There’s definitely a bit of give in the cushioning system, making it comfortable to run on, even at longer distances. Workout after workout, this treadmill feels safe, sturdy, durable, and reliable.
Potential Flaws
- Despite how easy this treadmill is to use, we found the setup process to be cumbersome, labor-intensive, and inefficient, requiring a significant amount of hardware and tools.
- The countdown beeps before a run begins are surprisingly loud, and we couldn’t find a way to turn them down or mute them completely.
How It Folds
A single hydraulic rod is used to easily fold the treadmill, allowing it to be stored when not in use.
Most Valuable Insight
“This treadmill is sturdy and stable, and I never had the feeling that I was rocking left or right or that the machine was struggling to stay stable, even at higher speeds. The longest workout I’ve done on the treadmill is just over an hour of non-stop running, and the machine functioned properly and reliably.” —Grant G., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Dimensions: 77 L x 35 W x 55.5 H inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Max Speed: 12 miles per hour | Incline: 0%-12% | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who need a performance folding treadmill to support higher-speed, higher-mileage runs safely.
Why We Love It
Stay on track with race training and running goals with XTerra Fitness’ Sport Series TR75 Treadmill. During testing, we appreciated how well this folding treadmill strikes a balance between comfort and control. The cushioned belt supported longer runs well, and the treadmill never overheated or malfunctioned during extended workouts. The built-in fan and quality speakers are nice touches as well.
Meanwhile, the treadmill’s smart design features clearly labeled buttons on both the display and handrails that are very responsive without ever making us feel unstable. It features 18 preset programs to keep our running workouts feeling fresh, and it’s compatible with the XTerra+ app, as well as third-party apps like Kinomap and Zwift, for even more workout options via Bluetooth streaming. The display is also very easy and intuitive to navigate, providing a seamless experience, especially for more serious runners.
Potential Flaws
- The treadmill is slightly noisier when we walk or run at steeper inclines, but this minor issue doesn’t impact our workout experience overall.
How It Folds
The treadmill features a hydraulic release that lowers the treadmill belt into position and stores it in a V position when not in use.
Most Valuable Insight
“I love how easy it is to use and how stable and comfortable it feels, even when running at higher speeds. The fan, crisp display, and quick controls on the handlebars are also great, convenient features that enhance the workout experience, especially during longer runs.” —Gabby A., Verywell Fit product tester
Folding Treadmills We Also Tested
We tested 55 folding treadmills at home, using them while walking and running at various speeds and inclines, but only 12 earned a spot on our final list of recommendations. While we liked some of this treadmill’s features, it ultimately didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements.
- While we liked that Sunny Health & Fitness’ Energy Flex Motorized Auto Incline Smart Treadmill felt intuitive to use and well-cushioned beneath our feet, it lacked stability at higher speeds and was too loud to operate comfortably at home.
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What We’ve Updated
- Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best folding treadmills, we’ve hands-on tested six new treadmills from top brands. We evaluated each treadmill based on its ease of setup, ease of use, comfort, features, storage, and value, incorporating these new insights into this article.
- Based on our testing insights, we’ve updated our article to feature two new superlatives: Best Folding Treadmill under $1,000 and Most Stable Folding Treadmill.
- We’ve reevaluated our previous picks, ultimately selecting new treadmills for our Easiest to Use Folding Treadmill and Best Folding Treadmill With Apps.
What to Look for When Shopping for Folding Treadmills
- Size: Folding treadmills are a popular pick for small spaces because they’re easy to store between workouts. However, when unfolded, a folding treadmill can be as large as a regular treadmill, so be sure to double-check the unfolded dimensions before purchasing to ensure it fits in your space. You should also consider the width and length of the running belt, says certified triathlon coach Jeff Raines.
- Weight Capacity: Some treadmills can support more weight than others, so always check their weight capacity. Ensure the treadmill can support you (or anyone else using it) and any additional weight you may be wearing or using during your workout, such as ankle weights or weighted vests.
- Maximum Speed: Another factor to consider before making a purchase is the maximum speed. Many models can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, and some advanced ones can even reach 12 miles per hour. However, some models cap at a modest 3 miles per hour. Consider whether you plan to walk, jog, or run, and choose a treadmill that suits your needs.
- Incline: Many folding treadmills offer inclines up to 12%, while others don’t have any incline settings. Some even provide decline functionality, letting more experienced runners mimic downhill running or racing conditions. Consider the type of workouts you enjoy, and ensure the machine you’re eyeing can deliver them.
- Workout Programs: Built-in 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 certain workouts may require a subscription-based service.
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How We Tested the Folding Treadmills
To find the best folding treadmills for at-home workouts, we spent months testing 55 options from top, trusted fitness equipment brands. When testing folding treadmills, we evaluate each option based on the following key 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 its safety features, sign up for any applicable streaming services, connect to compatible apps, and explore 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. 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?
- Comfort: We assess how comfortable we feel on each treadmill during walking, jogging, and running tests. How does the belt cushioning feel beneath our feet? How stable does the treadmill feel at each speed? We also evaluate how quickly the treadmill responds to speed adjustments and, if incline and decline features are available, how smooth they feel. We also consider noise level part of comfort, prioritizing treadmills that don’t overpower the sound of our chosen playlist or streamed workout video.
- Features: Every treadmill offers a range of different features, including 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 improve our workouts.
- Storage: We evaluate how easily each treadmill folds for storage. Since treadmills have 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 note how compact and space-saving each folding treadmill truly is.
- Value: To assign an accurate value score to each treadmill, we don’t check its price until the end of the testing period. Based on its performance in the categories above, we consider whether the product is priced fairly. 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.
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Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some helped us better understand why users might opt for a folding treadmill and what features to look for when shopping for one. Others helped inform our testing process. While we always choose products independently, expert insights influence 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
Is it worth getting a foldable treadmill?
Folding treadmills offer compact convenience for at-home workouts, making it easier to reap the health benefits of running or walking, such as lower blood pressure. When folded, they can be easily stored and transported in small spaces. They’re also more cost-effective than regular treadmills yet provide similar functionality and features for diverse fitness needs.
How long do foldable treadmills last?
The average lifespan of a folding treadmill can range from seven to 12 years, depending on the overall quality of its construction, how frequently and intensely it’s used, how well it’s maintained, and how it’s stored.
What are the best rated folding treadmills?
XTerra Fitness’ Sport Series TR75 Treadmill was the only model to earn a perfect score during our testing, standing out for its overall stability. Two folding treadmills followed closely with 4.9/5 ratings: Horizon Fitness’ 7.4 AT Treadmill and XTerra Fitness’ Compact Series TRX1200 Treadmill. However, any option on our list passed our rigorous tests and was approved by our fitness experts, including a running coach, certified personal trainer, and triathlon coach.
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 determine the quality and effectiveness of your workout, whether it’s interval training or simply walking after meals to kick-start digestion.
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Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, long-distance runner, and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. She covers targeted workouts, fitness gear, health news, nutrition, and more. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she’s dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing. For this article, she hands-on tested XTerra’s Fitness Sport Series TR75 Treadmill, our pick for the Most Stable Folding Treadmill.
Additional reporting contributed by Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, and Alena Davis, ISSA-CPT
An avid runner, certified running coach, and fitness writer for Verywell Fit, 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 interval workouts on the treadmill.
Alena Davis, ISSA-CPT, is a Verywell Fit writer and exercise enthusiast. As a former personal trainer and long-distance runner, she knows her home gym would be incomplete without her trusty treadmill. From sprint intervals to hill climbs, the treadmill is a versatile training tool that has supported every phase of her fitness journey.
For this article, the authors hands-on tested and reviewed insights from our experts and the Verywell Fit testing team to evaluate each treadmill based on ease of setup, ease of use, comfort, features, storage, and value. Our experts assisted the testing team and helped our authors determine the most important features to look for in a high-quality option.
