The 4 Best Treadmills of 2022

We’re testing the redesigned NordicTrack Commercial 1750—plus four additional treadmills—and will update this guide with our findings.

You might choose to walk or run inside on a treadmill for any number of reasons: inclement weather, dark conditions, unwelcoming terrain, commitments that keep you at home. Whether your goal is a couple of no-frills miles or a full-blown immersive workout, a treadmill can be a useful and convenient training tool. After walking and running on 24 treadmills over the past six years, we think the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a great choice for people who are looking for a dependable, versatile machine with a smooth ride and a sturdy build. Its straightforward design is easy to navigate, and it has a color touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and an optional subscription to on-board workout content if you need an extra dose of motivation.

The most important thing about contemplating a treadmill purchase? Knowing yourself and what you want out of the machine.

We considered important features such as belt length, deck feel, stability, speed, incline, and connectivity.

A treadmill will take up room. Determine how much space you can devote to the machine, and if you want a folding model.

We looked for treadmills with strong warranties given the machines’ propensity for mechanical issues.

Comfortable and roomy, this treadmill won us over with a sturdy build, a smooth ride, and intuitive controls.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,600.

NordicTrack has released a new version of our top pick, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. We're testing it. The company will ultimately phase out the version that we review here (and continue to recommend), but it remains available. The new model has an updated frame design, a 14-inch screen that tilts and pivots, improved speakers, and a slightly smaller motor (3.5-continuous-horsepower vs. 3.75-continuous-horsepower) than its predecessor.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a solid treadmill with a smooth ride, sturdy build, and extensive features. It goes up to 12 mph, inclines up to 15%, and declines to -3% (the only one of our picks to offer a downhill). The control buttons are intuitively laid out and the 1750's 3.75-continuous-horsepower motor (the largest of our picks) allows for speedy adjustments to those settings. It feels noticeably sturdy underfoot, even at maximum incline and speed. The belt is 60 inches long—comfortable for even the tallest of runners—and 22 inches wide, which is one of the widest we’ve tested. The 1750 has a 10-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and an optional subscription to the workout-streaming platform iFit. It requires a Wi-Fi connection. Two secure water-bottle holders and five small bins underneath the console offer ample room for storing odds and ends. The 1750 is large, though it folds relatively easily if you’d like to save a bit of room when it is not in use. The warranty is solid, covering the frame for 10 years, parts for two years, and labor for a year.

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This is similar in look and feel to our top pick, but with a smaller footprint, motor, and touchscreen, less incline, and no decline capability.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,200.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i delivers a nearly identical experience to that of the Commercial 1750 but in a slightly smaller package. Its 3.0-continuous-horsepower motor (0.75 less than that of the 1750, though not particularly noticeable) helps the machine reach the same top speed of 12 mph and maximum incline of 15%. Unlike with our top pick there is no decline capability, though. The belt on the EXP 7i measures 60 inches long and 20 inches wide—2 inches narrower than our top pick, though it still felt comfortable. The EXP 7i has a 7-inch touchscreen (3 inches smaller than our top pick), but the same Bluetooth connectivity and optional subscription to the workout-streaming platform iFit. It requires a Wi-Fi connection. The treadmill is foldable. The warranty is the same as that of our top pick, covering the frame for 10 years, parts for two years, and labor for a year.

This sleek, fun-to-use treadmill delivers ultra-motivating workouts via a monthly subscription, but it is pricey and has a weak warranty.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $2,495.

Peloton relaunched its Tread treadmill in late 2021 after the company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission jointly recalled it amid safety concerns (the company also agreed to pay a $19 million fine). After testing the new Tread, we think it will please those looking for highly motivating on-demand and live workouts led by engaging instructors; an enthusiastic, interactive community; and a machine with an appealing, minimalist aesthetic. The Tread's 23.8-inch color touchscreen feels like an attached flatscreen TV and broadcasts a variety of Peloton workouts—via a $44-per-month subscription, which you can use both on and off the treadmill. It requires a Wi-Fi connection. The Tread has a 3.0-continuous-horsepower motor, and a top speed of 12.5 mph (it accelerated from 0 to 6 mph the quickest of all our picks). The machine inclines to 12.5% (our three other picks incline to 15%). It does not decline. The Tread's belt is 59 inches long and 20 inches wide (1 inch shorter and 2 inches narrower than our top pick), but still felt roomy to our testers. Instead of traditional buttons, the Tread relies on two adjustment knobs: one for incline (on the left) and one for speed (on the right). Tread Lock, which was introduced in 2021 in response to safety concerns, requires the use of a four-digit digital passcode to unlock the belt of the treadmill. Note that the Tread's warranty is one of the weakest we’ve encountered: a 12-month limited warranty for the touchscreen and "most" components and three years for frame, motor, and belt.

This sturdy no-frills treadmill has a basic slate of features, a durable frame, an excellent warranty, and a relatively high user weight maximum of 375 pounds. But it is louder and heavier to fold than our other picks.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,600.

The Sole F80 is a solidly built treadmill with a sturdy frame but fewer upgraded features than our other picks. Its 3.5-continuous-horsepower motor takes it to the same top speed of 12 mph and maximum incline of 15% as our top pick—but it does not decline. The belt is 60 inches long and about 22 inches wide—a width that is on par with our top pick. It has a comfortable, responsive deck that we enjoyed running on. In addition to on-console speed and incline controls, it has adjustment buttons on the handrails that proved convenient. The 9-inch, no-frills LCD shows metrics clearly (though mileage is measured only to the tenth of a mile; our other picks measure to the hundreth of a mile). The treadmill has Bluetooth connectivity and ten built-in programs. It does not require a Wi-Fi connection. A tablet holder above the console offers a place for a device. The F80 was one of the heaviest treadmills to fold and also one of the loudest (it had more of a whine than our other picks). It has one of the best warranties we’ve seen: lifetime for the frame, motor, and deck; five years for the electronics and parts; two years for labor.

Comfortable and roomy, this treadmill won us over with a sturdy build, a smooth ride, and intuitive controls.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,600.

This is similar in look and feel to our top pick, but with a smaller footprint, motor, and touchscreen, less incline, and no decline capability.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,200.

This sleek, fun-to-use treadmill delivers ultra-motivating workouts via a monthly subscription, but it is pricey and has a weak warranty.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $2,495.

This sturdy no-frills treadmill has a basic slate of features, a durable frame, an excellent warranty, and a relatively high user weight maximum of 375 pounds. But it is louder and heavier to fold than our other picks.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,600.

To understand how treadmills can (and can't) help with exercise and training, we spoke to running coaches, sports researchers, and industry insiders: Elizabeth Corkum, a running coach who taught at Mile High Run Club in New York City (think SoulCycle but with treadmills) at the time of our interview; Mindy Solkin, a running coach based in Philadelphia; David Siik, founder of Precision Run and an Equinox and Equinox+ running coach; Nicole Sifuentes, a running coach and two-time Olympian; Harry Pino, an exercise physiologist at NYU Langone Medical Center; Matteo Bonato, an exercise physiologist at the Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi in Milan; Bas van Hooren, a PhD researcher at Maastricht University in the Netherlands; Casey Kerrigan, a former biomechanics professor at the University of Virginia and founder of Oesh shoes; Jonathan Fader, a sports psychologist and author of the book Life as Sport; Roberto Mandje, senior manager of training and education at New York Road Runners; Chase Watterson, customer experience director at iFit; and Justin Mastine-Frost, contributor to TreadmillReviews.net and editor in chief of FitRated.

Guide author Ingrid Skjong is a certified personal trainer (NASM) and a lifelong runner. She has completed five marathons, nearly 15 half marathons, numerous shorter races, and a few triathlons, as well as too many for-the-love-of-it maintenance miles to count. When getting outside isn't in the cards, she has turned to treadmills for speed-focused workouts, easy efforts, treadmill classes, and the (very) occasional long run. Ingrid is also the author of Wirecutter's guide to running shoes and GPS running watches.

About 155 million people engaged in running or walking activities in 2020, per the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). About 30 million of them did so on treadmills—and for good reason. Treadmills offer an easy, versatile, and efficient way to facilitate a walk or run routine—whether you’re well-practiced or just getting started.

There are many excellent reasons to own a treadmill. If you regularly go to the gym to use a treadmill, having your own would save commute time and perhaps money. If you live in an area with fickle or frequently bad weather, a treadmill could be a convenient alternative to the great outdoors. If you are recovering from an injury, a treadmill can help. If you have commitments that require you to stay close to home, a treadmill can offer a convenient way to train.

It's all too easy for a treadmill to become an expensive coat rack. According to one estimate, 40% of home gym equipment isn't used as often as the buyer expected it would be.

But if you have not yet started walking or running regularly, hold off before investing in a pricey piece of equipment. Although fitness equipment is often sold (and purchased) under the pretense that it can transform the body and mind, "there's no magic machine that's going to fix everything," said running coach Elizabeth Corkum. "I think for most people, it makes sense to start running at a gym or outside and see if they like it." Having goals will help you more than the mere fact of owning a spendy piece of equipment, said sports psychologist Jonathan Fader: "At a core level, what is the reason that you want to get in shape? What will it give you?"

It's all too easy for a treadmill to become an expensive coat rack. According to one estimate, 40% of home gym equipment isn't used as often as the buyer expected it would be. The most important part of buying a treadmill isn't any specific feature of the treadmill: It's knowing yourself.

If you do welcome a treadmill into your home, prepare your environs for the new addition. If you have small kids or pets, make sure you have space to place the treadmill in a separate room (or sectioned-off area) so they can't injure themselves while it's running. It is often advised to keep a treadmill behind a locked door if possible, even when it's off. Wherever you put the treadmill, for your safety you should maintain several feet of clearance behind the machine as well as a couple of feet in front and to each side, said Harry Pino, an exercise physiologist at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Treadmills can be a pain to set up and get working smoothly. You have to schedule a special delivery window, move very heavy boxes to the right spot in your house (you will need more than one person), and then assemble the contents or pay someone to do so. Nearly every treadmill we’ve looked at sometimes arrives with broken parts or components that break within a few months of use, reviews suggest. It's not uncommon for treadmills to have a rating below five stars on Amazon because of lemon parts. For this reason, we selected treadmills with (for the most part) excellent warranties. In our case, two out of the 24 treadmills we’ve tested needed fixing within a week.

Advanced connectivity that requires a strong Wi-Fi connection can also be limiting depending on your situation (waiting for a buffering video during a workout is a definite buzzkill).

We looked at both residential treadmills and commercial ones intended for use in gyms, which are generally more expensive and built with ultra-sturdy frames to handle being used day in and day out. "The home versions tend to have a softer frame," said NYU exercise physiologist Harry Pino. "You’ll see a lot of plastic." That's normally fine for typical home use, though we found that an increasing number of treadmills feature sturdier frames and stronger materials more commonly seen on commercial models. If you’re unsure of what type to focus on, think about the volume of miles your treadmill will ultimately endure. Running coach Nicole Sifuentes noted that an enthusiastic marathoner will need something different from what an occasional walker or jogger would use.

Here are the features we focused on.

We wanted a treadmill that had a belt length of at least 55 inches, the minimum that's generally recommended for runners 6 feet tall and under. For our most recent round of testing in late 2021, all but three of the treadmills we tried had an advertised belt length of 60 inches, a length that works well for those over 6 feet tall (our experts recommend it for taller people with longer strides), as well as everyone else. If you want a treadmill primarily for walking, you can get away with a shorter belt—just keep in mind that shorter, cheaper treadmills tend to have bare-bones incline features and may not serve you as fully as a more robust machine.

Adequate speed is important for a treadmill. Most of the models we’ve tested over the years go up to at least 10 mph. That's the equivalent of a six-minute mile; unless you’re a seasoned athlete, it's a pace you’d have trouble sustaining for more than a minute or two. All but two of the treadmills we most recently tested went up to 12 mph (a five-minute mile), which may be helpful for serious track and interval-based workouts.

A good treadmill inclines at gradients from just short of flat to pretty steep. This feature allows you to mimic the stress of exercise on hilly terrain as well as do interval work, which is beneficial for varying your training to help you reach speed goals and for keeping your daily exercise interesting. The least-expensive residential treadmills typically have just one or two incline settings (and some cheaper models require you to manually adjust the incline). For light walkers, that might be enough, but a machine that offers variety may be more useful in the long run.

Some treadmills (like our top pick) can also decline, which adds another type of terrain to your training. Four of the machines we most recently tested offered downhill grades, anywhere from -2%to -6% (on a treadmill billed as a dedicated incline trainer). Descent on a treadmill isn't necessary, but it can inject some all-important variety into a program.

We wanted our treadmill picks to come with interval programs that vary speed and incline and keep exercise interesting.

Most treadmill motors are measured in continuous horsepower, which is the power a motor can sustain over time. The more horsepower a motor has, the faster it is at switching speeds and inclines, at least in theory. (Motor horsepower doesn't always correlate with a smoother run.) Adding a few extra seconds to a mile time doesn't matter much for most people, though you shouldn't have to wait forever for your machine to go from 0 to 6 mph. For the average jogger, Pino recommends a motor of 3 horsepower or more, which is somewhat in the middle of what's available. The motors of the treadmills we most recently tested ranged from 2.2 continuous horsepower to 3.75 continuous horsepower.

The decks of treadmills vary in springiness. If the description includes language like "flexdeck" or "cushioning" (as the descriptions do for virtually all the treadmills we considered), the treadmill is on the bouncier side. We paid attention to general feel and extremes—like if a deck felt overly hard. "Not all treadmills are equal, but most will have a sweet spot: generally the center of the treadmill is where the most give or bounce is," said Roberto Mandje, senior manager of training and education at New York Road Runners. It's commonly thought that a softer running or walking surface helps prevent injuries. But there's no research showing that's the case. Hardcore runners tend to prefer a firmer running surface, said Pino, because it's closer to the surface that they run on outside.

Ideally, we wanted a treadmill that had large, secure water-bottle holders, a few small bins for storage, and perhaps a tablet holder. Because an advantage of running in place versus outdoors is that you get to have water, a tablet, a book, or your phone on display (or within reach).

We didn't set out to find a treadmill that could fold and flip up vertically when not in use. Even a folded treadmill still commands enough real estate and attention that you’ll have to dedicate a significant chunk of a room to the machine. But folding treadmills are common: The decks of all but two models we considered allow you to stow them.

The stated weight capacity for residential treadmills (and entry-level commercial models) is typically 300 to 325 pounds; nearly all the treadmills we tested accommodate at least this much weight. (The highest maximum user weight we had during our latest round of testing was 375 pounds.) Treadmills with much higher weight capacities tend to be more expensive and have much shorter belts, as they are designed more for walking. Treadmills that accommodate weights over 400 pounds are rare.

Even a folded treadmill still commands enough real estate and attention that you’ll have to dedicate a significant chunk of a room to the machine.

We also considered connectivity—the ability to connect to wireless headphones or a device, stream content, or export workout data. During our testing, we found tracking treadmill workouts with a wearable fitness tracker generally preferable to exporting workout data to a companion app from the equipment itself. Among treadmills that offered Bluetooth connectivity, we looked for those that communicated with popular health and fitness tracking apps (such as Apple Health, Fitbit, and MyFitnessPal). At least two of the treadmills we most recently tested are built to respond quickly and smoothly to the changes in speed and incline of streamed, app-based workouts—or connect to a workout app outright.

Connectivity is a growing trend (thank you, pandemic), but it isn't everything when it comes to a quality treadmill. "On one hand, there's a growing subset of at-home fitness enthusiasts that are more and more obsessed by technology the same way we see in many other categories," said Justin Mastine-Frost, contributor to TreadmillReviews.net and editor-in-chief of FitRated. (Like Wirecutter, FitRated may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made through its site.) But he points out that many people still ascribe to a less-is-more mentality when it comes to fitness equipment. "Because these shoppers view their treadmill as a long-term investment, they’re opting for simpler units with stronger motors, more sturdy frames, and more low-tech consoles. The belief [is] that the treadmill will easily outlast its warranty, and less tech means less risk of failure and associated repair costs."

We hired a team of professionals to assemble the majority of our treadmills on-site to ensure that they would be properly put together. The others either arrived fully assembled or were put together by a member of Wirecutter's operations team.

Since the first iteration of this guide in 2017, we’ve had a total of 15 testers (including novice runners, walkers, and members of The New York Times Run Club) try 24 treadmills. For our most recent testing, in late 2021, four Wirecutter staff members walked and ran on eight treadmills. Senior staff writer Ingrid Skjong, the author of this guide, ran at least a mile on each machine; she then ran another handful of miles on the machines that stood out in both features and feel. Ingrid and the other testers logged some miles at a 5K-race pace, some at a leisurely walking pace, and some at intervals in between. Ingrid also tried several streamed workouts on the treadmills that offered onboard content, as well as streamed workouts on a tablet.

We took notes on how the treadmills felt underfoot. Some were noticeably hard; others had more bounce. Some had belts that felt more slippery or footrests on the sides of the belt with no tread. Some had front kick plates that we continually kicked. One machine jerked back and forth as it moved—it was quickly eliminated.

We also conducted speed tests after testers pointed out that some treadmills felt like they took forever to rev up to even a modest jogging pace. We started the treadmills and timed how long they took to get to 6 mph and then to 10 mph. This wasn't a very precise test; most treadmills show the speed you’ve just asked them to go, not the speed they’re actually going, so it was hard for us to tell precisely when a treadmill had reached 6 mph. (We went by ear for most, listening for when it sounded as though the treadmill had reached the target speed.) Combined with our own observations, this test still provided a useful metric. The treadmills that lagged behind in the speed tests weren't necessarily models with weaker motors or lower prices.

We measured the belt width, belt length, and handrail length of the treadmills. We found (unsurprisingly) that the advertised measurements didn't always match up exactly with the actual measurements, and that a difference of even an inch in the width of the treadmill could make a machine feel more cramped.

For all the machines designed to fold, we folded the deck up and down several times. Almost all the pricier ones were easy to lift, thanks to hydraulic assistance. They also clicked securely in an upright position without much trouble. Most unfolded gently to the floor; others returned the deck to the floor with a thud. The least expensive of the bunch required bearing the whole weight of the deck and pulling a pin into place to keep it secure. If you would have trouble lifting a heavy box of books onto a shoulder-high shelf by yourself, you may have trouble folding and unfolding a less-expensive treadmill, too.

We kept an eye on how steady the treadmills felt while we ran and walked. Some shook noticeably at different speeds or inclines. (The concrete floor of our test space is a bit uneven, so we did our best to determine whether shaking or wobbling was due to a machine's construction or due to a floor-leveling issue. When contemplating placement of a new treadmill, consider the uniformity of your flooring.) We took each up to its maximum incline—and decline if available—and noted how smoothly (and quietly) it transitioned.

As a treadmill owner, you may have to adjust the belt from time to time so that it stays in the center. You’ll find a pair of screws at the end of the machine, close to the floor, that control the position of the belt; turning them with a hex wrench (often included with the machine) shifts the belt left or right. On some treadmills, these bolts are easy to see and access, whereas on others we had to poke the key through a small hole and jab it around for several minutes until it finally found the bolt.

We paid attention to noise. Though all of the treadmills were loud, some were whinier or produced louder footfall noises than others. Some also made annoyingly shrill or loud recorded sounds, which we could often turn down or off, when they were turning on or gearing up.

Many treadmills have built-in fans designed to blow air on the runner. When a treadmill had a fan, we turned it on at full blast for some of our runs. Most treadmill fans are small and poorly positioned. If a fan with real cooling capabilities is important to you, consider a portable option such as the Vornado 630, a nice pick for a home gym because of its small size; it blows at over 17 mph.

We assessed the connectivity of treadmills that offer Bluetooth, onboard subscription content, or the ability to mesh with separately streamed workouts from apps. Peloton and iFit (available on NordicTrack machines) are the two subscription-based apps we tried in-depth. Peloton classes can be viewed on the Tread or on a separate device via the Peloton app. iFit workouts can be viewed on a compatible NordicTrack or ProForm treadmill or on a separate device via the iFit app.

Peloton is known for its library of thousands of on-demand and live classes (available through a subscription for $44 per month), including running, walking, strength training, yoga, meditation, and Tread boot camp. We assessed the content on the Tread itself and also streamed Peloton classes while on other treadmills that promised easy and quick speed and incline adjustments during a streamed workout. Highly engaging and popular instructors lead the classes. (The Peloton Bike and Bike+ operate in the same way.) Peloton also offers multiple-week training programs (from beginner to marathon) and pre-packaged "collections" of classes geared to your goal.

Connected treadmills might seem new, but Icon Health & Fitness, which owns both NordicTrack and ProForm, has been in the game for years. A subscription to its iFit platform provides more than a thousand streamed, trainer-led workouts shot in studios or on location around the world. (iFit costs $15 a month; a family subscription costs $39 per month. Most NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills come with a free 30-day subscription, which auto-renews unless it is canceled.) During workouts, instructors dole out training advice and tidbits about the region you’re running or walking in as you go. iFit also allows you to map out a favorite route via Google Maps and run or walk it. Ingrid mapped out a favorite run around Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes in her home state and felt a nostalgic pang as she made her way. As you navigate your chosen terrain in iFit, the treadmill automatically adjusts speed, incline, and decline. Connected fitness is about more than just streaming a video on a screen in front of you, said Chase Watterson, user experience director at iFit. "We think the future is in the interactivity and the one-on-one coaching."

Again, though, before shelling out for a subscription, know the kinds of workout you want. One tester called his workout "cheesy and mildly disorienting." Another said that when the path in her run turned, she felt the need to turn, too—right off the treadmill.

Comfortable and roomy, this treadmill won us over with a sturdy build, a smooth ride, and intuitive controls.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,600.

NordicTrack has released a new version of our top pick, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. We're testing it.. The company will ultimately phase out the version that we review here (and continue to recommend), but it remains available. The new model has an updated frame design, a 14-inch screen that tilts and pivots, updated speakers, and a slightly smaller engine (3.5-continuous-horsepower vs. 3.75-continuous-horsepower) than its predecessor.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a comfortable, commodious treadmill that won us over with its smooth ride and intuitive controls. It has a 3.75-continuous-horsepower motor (the largest and most powerful in our most recent test pool) that takes it to a top speed of 12 mph (equivalent to a 5-minute mile) with ease and facilitates smooth transitions between speeds. The 1750 inclines to 15% and also declines to -3%—a feature that not all treadmills have. The -3% dip is enough to feel like you’re heading slightly downhill, which has the potential to add some dimension to a training program. The machine moves smoothly and quietly between inclines, with no odd clunks or excessive shaking like we’ve experienced with other machines. The treadmill went from 0 to 6 mph in about 13 seconds—comparable to most of the others we tested (our upgrade pick was the quickest at about 10 seconds).

The 1750 feels stable and sturdy, a characteristic that our testers unanimously lauded. Its belt measures 60 inches long and 22 inches wide—one of the widest we’ve tested, which makes for a noticeably roomy feel. The belt runs smoothly and uneventfully under foot—a good thing—and flush with the deck. The deck itself is 30¾ inches across, pleasantly responsive, and felt just right to most of our testers: "There was some nice springiness," said one. "Felt like I could go for ten miles." It is, however, a bit on the harder side, which is often considered good for runners who prefer something with a ground-like feel. "There were moments where it felt almost unforgiving underfoot," one tester noted.

A 10-inch color touchscreen—clear, bright, responsive—displays each run or walk as quarter-mile lap progressions. It shows, from left to right, incline, estimated calories, time elapsed, distance (to the hundredth of a mile), and speed. Distance, pace, and average pace appear in the same field; you can toggle through them to land on the metric you want. We’d prefer pace and distance to be on separate tabs, but this isn't a deal breaker. The touchscreen, which is inset into the console, tilts up and down. To access a manual run from the iFit home screen, tap "manual" in the upper right-hand corner.

Buttons for speed and incline adjustments run vertically on either side of the touchscreen (incline to the left, speed to the right). Buttons for start and stop, as well as arrows for incline and to-the-tenth-of-a-point adjustments of speed (as well as the safety key) live under the fans.

The 1750 allows for Bluetooth connectivity. We were able to connect our iPhone to the treadmill via Bluetooth by pressing a button marked Audio on the console and then playing music (in this case, Tool) through the two speakers, which was fun. We were also able to connect our wireless headphones easily for an iFit workout. Unlike our other picks, however, the 1750 has no charging port for a device.

A pair of water-bottle holders on either side of the display housed our bottle securely. Five small bins in a shelf underneath the console offer ample room for storing odds and ends. A pair of three-speed fans provided a cooling blast.

In 2019, during our first testing period with the 1750, colleagues who were working nearby remarked that it sounded hypnotic and soothing. Neither whisper quiet nor distractingly loud, it delivers a smooth whirrr.

The 1750 is the largest of the treadmills we most recently tested: 81¼ inches long by 39¼ inches wide by 62¾ inches high. It weighs about 340 pounds. It will take up space, but it is foldable: The deck lifts relatively easily for a machine this size (we’ve lifted heavier decks on smaller builds). To release the deck back down once folded, you press a hydraulic arm with your toe, which returns it gently to the ground. (The treadmill's folded dimensions are 30 inches deep and 36 inches wide at the base, with its widest top portion jutting out 39 inches.) If you order directly through NordicTrack, you can opt for either threshold delivery ($199), which will deposit the box as close to your home as possible, or arrange for delivery and assembly (about $250, depending on your location). The treadmill has a step-up height of 10½ inches, which is about two inches higher than others we’ve tried. The maximum user weight is 300 pounds.

This treadmill comes with a 30-day trial family subscription to iFit, the workout-streaming platform owned by NordicTrack's parent company, Icon Health & Fitness. The subscription normally costs $39 per month (which allows for five separate logins). If streamed trainer-led workouts appeal and might motivate you to get on (and keep getting on) your treadmill, the feature is worth a look. If not, you can use the aforementioned manual mode, bypass the need to login, and use the treadmill's 50 preloaded workout programs—or just run or walk at will.

iFit leans heavily into guided workouts (runs, walks, hikes, bike rides) shot on location in far-flung destinations. If you choose to subscribe and stream the treadmill-centric workouts, the 1750 will automatically adjust speed and incline as the workout progresses. (You are able to override the suggested numbers, and the treadmill will re-adjust to your preferences). It's a nice feature, though having the deck move on its own accord can be surprising. If you're new to it, be sure to stay alert and listen to the instructor's cues regarding speed and incline changes to avert stumbling. There are also live classes. The iFit app isn't organized quite as clearly as Peloton's, but it is comprehensive. The instructors are engaging and give clear, useful coaching cues. But know that if you choose to do non-treadmill iFit workouts (Vinyasa flow yoga, functional strength training) next to the treadmill, it can be a little tough to see the 10-inch screen. (An iFit subscription also includes the ability to access workouts via the iFit app on a device of your choosing.)

The 1750's warranty covers the frame for 10 years, parts for two years, and labor for a year.

This treadmill requires a Wi-Fi connection even if you choose not to subscribe to iFit. If that's not for you, consider our also-great pick or one of the treadmills in our Other good treadmills section.

Several negative reviews for this machine are focused on assembly problems or manufacturer defects, common themes in reviews for treadmills in general. Since these are regular problems with home treadmills, we factored warranty heavily into making our choices, and NordicTrack has a solid one. We’ve also noticed complaints leveled at iFit, including frustrations surrounding the free trial requiring a credit card, difficulty canceling the subscription, and long waits for refunds. The company told us that the best way to end an iFit membership is to do so on the iFit website.

The 1750 is one of the largest treadmills we’ve tried. If you have a small space, you might find our smaller runner-up pick, which delivers a similar experience to the 1750, to be a better fit.

This is similar in look and feel to our top pick, but with a smaller footprint, motor, and touchscreen, less incline, and no decline capability.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,200.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i performed solidly in our tests and delivered an experience that nearly mirrors that of our top pick. The EXP 7i is about 4 inches shorter, 4 inches narrower, and 3 inches lower than the 1750. It houses a smaller continuous-horsepower motor—3.0 versus 3.75—though we didn't notice a marked difference. Like our top pick and upgrade pick, it does require a Wi-Fi connection. If you don't have reliable internet in your home, you may want to consider our also-great pick or one of the treadmills in our Other good treadmills section.

The treadmill has a top speed of 12 mph and went from 0 to 6 mph in about 12 seconds, a hair quicker than our top pick did. It has a maximum incline of 12% (our top and also-great picks go to 15%) and no decline capability (our top pick dips to -3%). The machine transitions smoothly from incline to incline, though it is noticeably louder in doing so than its bigger sibling. The deck measures 60 inches long and 20 inches wide—2 inches narrower than that of the 1750, which did make it feel a bit tighter than our top pick.

The deck felt substantial and pleasantly solid. One tester found the handrails wobbled a bit too much for his taste (though we’ve encountered much less stable handrails on other machines we’ve tested). The treadmill has an 8-inch step-up height (2½ inches lower than our top pick). The maximum user weight is 300 pounds.

The EXP 7i is foldable. Though the treadmill is smaller than the 1750 (and also weighs about 115 pounds less), lifting the deck feels similar. The release mechanism is the same as the 1750's: Press a hydraulic arm with your toe, which brings the deck gently to the ground.

The EXP 7i's buttons are intuitively situated. Its 7-inch touchscreen, which is set into the console and is tiltable, is 3 inches smaller than that of our pick. Just like on the 1750, the display shows incline, estimated calories, time elapsed, distance (to the hundredth of a mile), and speed. Distance, pace, and average pace appear in the same field; you can toggle through them to land on the metric you want. Like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, you start a regular run from the home screen by tapping "manual" in the upper right-hand corner. The touchscreen feels small—particularly if you plan to stream iFit workouts. "Good placement, and I like what's included on the display," said one tester. "I do wish that the screen was bigger though. I had to squint at a couple numbers."

We connected our iPhone to the treadmill via Bluetooth by pressing a button marked Audio on the console for (in this case) playback of a podcast. Our wireless headphones connected easily for an iFit workout: a scenic interval run through Thailand's Krabi Town. There is a charging port for devices, something our top pick lacks. The EXP 7i has a two-speed fan located under the control buttons at the lowest point on the console. It blows a decent blast—at least one we could feel. The two water-bottle holders were fine, if not a bit shallow. One long bin under the console holds miscellany.

This treadmill comes with a free 30-day family subscription to iFit, the workout-streaming platform owned by NordicTrack's parent, Icon Health & Fitness. The subsequent subscription fee is $39 per month (a family subscription allows for five separate logins), but it is optional.

The warranty covers the frame for 10 years, parts for two years, and labor for a year (same as our pick).

This sleek, fun-to-use treadmill delivers ultra-motivating workouts via a monthly subscription, but it is pricey and has a weak warranty.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $2,495.

Peloton relaunched its Tread treadmill in late 2021, after the company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission jointly recalled it amid safety concerns (its touchscreen had the potential to detach and fall off). The Peloton Tread+—Peloton's original treadmill—was also recalled in 2021 following more than 70 reported incidents (29 of them involving children), including one child's death. It remains unavailable.

We retested the Peloton Tread shortly after its relaunch. Relatively compact (68 inches long by 33 inches wide by 62 inches high) in comparison to other models we’ve tested, its minimalist yet roomy design and aesthetically pleasing details (a matte powder-coated finish on a steel frame) give it a luxury feel. But Peloton's highly motivating on-demand and live classes are arguably the biggest draw. They’re guided by engaging (and often wildly popular) instructors, and can inject a big dose of camaraderie and competition into treadmill training. "I totally get now why these things are in such high demand," a tester shared. "I suddenly feel like maybe I want one."

To address safety concerns, Peloton introduced Tread Lock earlier this year, a feature requiring the use of a four-digit digital passcode to unlock the belt of the treadmill. (The machine automatically locks after 45 seconds of inactivity.) Safety is referenced regularly. During workout introductions, the instructor reminds you to keep kids and pets away and to double-knot your sneakers. There is also a standard safety key.

The 23.8-inch color touchscreen is immersive—"beautiful," according to one tester. It broadcasts the Peloton content: comprehensive and community oriented workouts. (Peloton's subscription membership fee, on top of purchasing the treadmill, is $44 per month.) Classes display a leaderboard and metrics, such as incline, pace, distance (to the hundredth of a mile), and time. The screen also displays output: your power, in watts. The size of the touchscreen makes it easy to view non-running workouts done off the treadmill (options include strength training, stretching, yoga, and meditation). Your subscription also allows you to stream the workouts on other devices, such as your TV. A built-in camera with privacy cover allows you to connect with a friend as you work out together.

In our late 2021 testing, the Tread's 3.0 continuous-horsepower motor powered the machine from 0 to 6 mph in about 10 seconds, which was the fastest of our picks. It hits a top speed of 12.5 mph and an incline of 12.5% (our three other picks incline to 15%). It does not decline. Incline is adjustable by both 0.5 and whole grades, giving more options and greater precision than our other picks. The Tread's screen shook some at 0% and 12.5% incline at a steady pace, but was stable in between.

The Tread's belt is 59 inches long and 20 inches wide (1 inch shorter and 2 inches narrower than our top pick) and runs smoothly. There is no gap between the foot rails of the deck and the belt, which lends to a tight, compact feel. The deck is solid and comfortable, if not a bit firm. One tester agreed: "I wish there were a bit more bounce or spring? It didn't really push back in the way I would’ve preferred."

Instead of traditional buttons, the Tread relies on two adjustment knobs: one for incline (on the left) and one for speed (on the right). A button in the middle of each knob allows for full-point jumps in incline or pace. (A printed "+" or "-" on each handrail reminds you of what direction the knob should turn for a desired outcome—a detail we found helpful, particularly when getting used to the machine.) Prompts on the touchscreen that appear with each adjustment also allow for jumps up or down. The knobs are responsive and smooth, making for quick and precise adjustments. We liked using them. If you’re used to buttons, the knobs might take some trial and error: We found ourselves going slightly past what we aimed for. One tester, who owns a Tread+, found the knobs on the Tread less responsive ("muddier") than the ones on the Tread+ and thought that the Tread felt less solid than its more expensive sibling. (The Tread+ is currently unavailable due to its recall in early 2021.) A large, red physical stop button gently brings things to a halt.

Most people interested in the Tread are likely drawn to Peloton's universe of connected fitness. The machine itself is arguably prettier than its competitors. But if you just want to run without connecting to a class or an instructor on a screen, it's probably not worth shelling out for this machine. It is worth it if you’re drawn to the content. Along with thousands of on-demand classes including those specific to the Tread (running, walking, Tread bootcamp), there are about six live classes a day and sometimes up to 10 (more than we’ve seen from other platforms). Recovery runs, interval runs, theme runs, warm-up runs, and programs for race training all add up to a lot of motivational options; other workouts like yoga and strength training are also available. (In early 2022, Peloton added a pause feature to the Tread, which allows members to pause on-demand classes. The company added the same feature to its Bike and Bike+ in late 2021.) Peloton offers about 20 scenic runs on the Tread, a handful of those guided by instructors. All of the workout-class content can also be accessed on the Peloton app on a separate device. "As an avowed fan of the Peloton Cinematic Universe, I love the classes, the display, the community, the instructors," noted that Tread+-owning tester. "This isn't for everyone. But for some people, it matters a ton." When you do prefer to keep things simple, Just Run is a manual setting that allows you to, well, just run, independent of an app-based workout—with or without a subscription.

Our wireless headphones paired easily to the Tread. There is a USB port for charging devices. Front-facing 2.2 channel stereo speakers with rear-facing woofers provide immersive sound.

Two round water bottle holders and one compartment for small items—located on the crossbar below the screen—are lined with rubber and hold items securely. The Tread does not have a fan, and it doesn't fold. We noticed a bit of a metallic whine as we ran, but nothing particularly atypical when it comes to treadmill noise. It has an eight-inch step-up height and like our other picks has a 300-pound user maximum weight.

Delivery and setup are now included with the purchase of a new Tread. Peloton's warranty is the least comprehensive that we’ve come across: a 12-month limited warranty for touchscreen and "most" components and three years for frame, motor, and belt. Considering our other picks have warranties stretching from 10 years to lifetime, one to three years feels less than generous, especially since so much of the Peloton experience hinges on the touchscreen.

This sturdy no-frills treadmill has a basic slate of features, a durable frame, an excellent warranty, and a relatively high user weight maximum of 375 pounds. But it is louder and heavier to fold than our other picks.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,600.

If connectivity is not a priority for you, the relatively simple but reliable Sole F80 might be the machine to run toward. It has a better warranty than any of our other picks, as well as a solid build and a comfortable deck that we enjoyed running on. It's the loudest of our picks, though, and its LCD screen is black and white—which may be just fine if you'd prefer to just listen to music or watch your existing TV or tablet as you run anyway. Unlike our top, runner-up, and upgrade picks, it does not require a Wi-Fi connection, so if you don't have reliable internet in your home, it could be a good option for you. (You could also consider one of the treadmills in our Other good treadmills section.)

The Sole F80 has a solid build and a comfortable deck that we enjoyed running on. The F80's belt is 60 inches long and an advertised 22 inches wide, which equals that of our top pick. (We measured it to be closer to 21½ inches wide.) The treadmill has a top speed of 12 mph and a maximum incline of 15%. It does not decline.

The deck was one of the most pleasant ones we ran on, responsive and with a bit more give than those of our other picks. The F80 has a 3.5-continuous-horsepower motor. In our unscientific speed test, the F80 went from 0 to 6 mph in about 25 seconds, which was the slowest of the bunch. But it transitioned quickly between speeds and inclines, and felt appropriately spry on the run. More so than the other treadmills we tested, we found the F80's operational noise to be loud, with a whine (described as "wheezy" by two testers) that emanated from the belt with every step. While not overwhelmingly distracting, it was noticeable.

The treadmill has an 8-inch step-up height. Its maximum user weight is 375 pounds—75 pounds more than all of our other picks.

A pair of small, vertically stacked buttons on each handrail make it easy to adjust speed and incline incrementally with a thumb; they’re in addition to the speed and incline buttons on the console.

The 9-inch, black-and-white LCD is bare-bones but it does the job, showing key metrics such as incline, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate (if monitoring with a heart-rate monitor) separately and clearly. The F80 has ten built-in programs and no onboard content. A tablet holder, mounted above the console, can hold a device if you’d like to stream your own distraction, whether that be a workout or an episode of The Great British Baking Show. There is a separate Sole app that says it can communicate with other apps like Apple Health and Fitbit, but we didn't try it.

A pair of deep, two-tiered water-bottle holders held our bottle and phone securely and three deep bins sit along a shelf below the console. A single-speed fan above the display blows so gently we barely felt it.

The F80 has Bluetooth connectivity, which we used to connect our iPhone to the treadmill for playback through its speakers, which sounded fine. The console also includes a headphone jack and port to plug in a phone. We weren't able to connect the provided heart-rate monitor to the machine using Bluetooth. (The LifeSpan Fitness TR4000i, another treadmill we like, is another more simplified model with no onboard content, but it comes in a sleeker package and connected more smoothly to Bluetooth for us, including to a heart-rate monitor.)

Of the treadmills we tested, the F80 was one of the heaviest to fold, though it was still manageable. A lever at the top right of the folded deck releases it gently down.

The treadmill has the strongest warranty of our picks: lifetime for frame, motor, and deck; five years for electronics and parts; two years for labor.

If your goal is to prepare for a race, logging all of your miles on a treadmill isn't ideal. Research shows that you expend less effort running on a treadmill than on a sidewalk or a trail. Plus, you probably won't have the luxury of someone pacing you on race day. The running coaches we spoke with recommended doing a good percentage of your training outside.

At a treadmill-class studio like Mile High Run Club, coaches advise runners who are training indoors to set the pace for various parts of the workout based on their "perceived exertion," or how hard they think they’re working. "If the runner is honest with themselves and their body, the effort should translate relatively well outside," said Elizabeth Corkum, a running coach who taught at Mile High Run Club in New York City at the time of our interview.

Running coach Nicole Sifuentes goes a step further. She pointed out that when you run outside, your pace naturally ebbs and flows. But on a treadmill, that opportunity is missed because you’re locked into the machine's pace. "Don't hesitate to tick the speed up and down—both ways—throughout a run," she recommended. "It takes more intentionality, but it will allow you to find an appropriate effort level." Corkum also advises runners to set the incline to 1%. That rule of thumb comes from a study published in 1996 suggesting that running on a treadmill at a seven-minute-mile pace and a 1% incline is equivalent to running outdoors at the same speed. Run at a slower speed, and the effort of running on a treadmill at either a 0% or 1% incline is comparable to running outdoors. The difference is due to air resistance, which you don't have if you’re bobbing up and down in place.

At the same time, a recent review of 33 studies found that most recreational runners probably don't need to set an incline unless they want to. The review, led by Bas van Hooren, a PhD researcher at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, compared treadmill running with running outside from physiological, biomechanical, and injury prevention angles. "For most recreational runners, just keeping it flat is okay," he said. But he added that more well-trained runners who run faster outdoors and face higher degrees of wind resistance still might need to increase the incline to even things out.

The discrepancy between treadmill and outdoor running might be a little larger at sprinting speeds. Matteo Bonato, an exercise physiologist at the Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi in Milan and a track coach, compared the amount of effort athletes expended in high-intensity interval workouts on a treadmill versus outdoors. He measured how much oxygen 15 runners needed (a measure of how hard they were working) during an interval workout on a treadmill at a 1 percent incline versus on a track, and found that the treadmill training was a little easier—attributable, he figures, to the springiness of the belt. He recommends increasing the speed of a treadmill 15% over your chosen interval speed to expend the same amount of effort during interval workouts.

Whether treadmill running feels like a slog or a song to you, remember: You control the treadmill, it doesn't control you.

Our quick poll of athletes during a track workout, however, confirmed that many people believe that, in spite of the research, treadmill training can feel harder than running outside. What gives? As Bonato explained to us, the way your foot falls on a treadmill is flatter, so your muscles have to work slightly differently and therefore feel more stressed if they’re not particularly used to working on a machine. People who are less accustomed to running on a treadmill might also run a bit less efficiently, Van Hooren found in his research. He pointed out that if you instruct a runner to run at a given rate of perceived exertion (how heavy the effort feels), they will run slower on a treadmill than they will over-ground. Van Hooren theorized that several factors—lack of wind, no scenery, boredom, more sweat—could affect a person's psychological state of mind while running on a treadmill, contributing to that feeling of heaviness.

Whether treadmill running feels like a slog or a song to you, remember: You control the treadmill, it doesn't control you. It's true that a treadmill keeps you in place by design, which can change how you run, pointed out Roberto Mandje, senior manager of training and education at New York Road Runners. "If you run too far forward, you risk hitting the display," he said. "If you run too far back, you may fall off the treadmill completely. You also can't veer too much to the left or right due to the handles."

Form is key. When running on an incline, don't hunch over too much. "A slight forward lean into the grade is acceptable, but that lean should come from the center of the chest, not the waist," Mandje said. Using the decline setting requires a similar focus. "It's important to run tall and make sure that your torso is centered and above your legs," said Mandje. "People [often] run downhill and lean back far too much. When you do that, you apply the [brakes] and heel strike, which can lead to shin, knee, and hip pain."

Overstriding—when your foot lands too far in front of your body—is also common on the treadmill, and occurs when you’re trying to keep up with a speed that is too fast. You have several ways to avoid overstriding, including staying within your pace parameters, improving hip-flexor flexibility, and increasing your cadence, which encourages your feet to land under your hips, where they belong.

Ultimately, it helps to take it one step at a time. If you routinely run outside and treadmill time is new to you, Sifuentes suggests making the transition gradual. "Don't go from every step outside to every step on the treadmill right away," she says. "Understand that your body will react a little bit differently than it does outside."

You’ll have to pay extra to get someone to help you set up your treadmill. Amazon often offers deals for free or discounted assembly. We think most people would benefit from having professional help. Among our picks, NordicTrack can arrange for assembly for about $200; Peloton includes assembly in the price of the machine; Sole offers assembly for $300 through a trusted partner.

Treadmills are trickier than IKEA furniture, one of the assemblers we hired told us. Plus, the machine can be impossible to move inside without help or a handcart. Schedule the assembly person to come on the day the machine is delivered so you’ll have assistance. During our first round of testing, in 2017, we ordered two treadmills via Amazon, and although the delivery people brought both machines up to our office via an elevator, customer service strenuously noted that delivery people are not obligated to bring the boxes inside at all. You may see many bad reviews of treadmills on Amazon from buyers who did not realize this was the case and ended up with a giant, heavy treadmill box outside their house.

That said, if you’re handy with tools, if you’re strong, and if you have a strong friend (with a handcart) who's willing to assist, putting together a treadmill shouldn't be an impossible feat.

You can do a few things to take care of your machine and reduce the likelihood of requiring major maintenance.

If your treadmill stops moving when you step on the belt with all your weight—it needs more lubrication. A treadmill's belt moves smoothly over the deck with help from silicone lubricant. Check the manual: Some treadmills come pre-lubed, and the maker may advise that you not add more lubricant. Others may require you to add some lubricant occasionally (the manual will tell you exactly how often). Most treadmills come with a bottle.

If your treadmill belt moves back and forth horizontally—turn on the treadmill, stand behind it, and watch the back roller—you likely need to tighten it. A bolt on either side of the back of the deck controls the tightness.

If you find the time and distance measurements to be off—say, the console declares that you ran a seven-minute mile when you’ve been working up to 6 mph—calibrate the treadmill by following the instructions in the manual. (We ran into a version of this with one of the treadmills we recently tested; it turned out the machine was set to kilometers instead of miles.) Incline can also often be calibrated by following the instructions in the manual.

Finally, if you have an animal that enjoys hanging out around your treadmill (when it's off, of course), hand-vacuum or wipe down the belt regularly. Our treadmill assemblers said the machines can get gummed up with pet hair.

Shannon Palus, the author of the original version of this guide, didn't extensively test the best treadmill you can buy. That would be a Woodway, every expert told her, which can cost you more than $10,000. No expert we talked to had bothered to spend that much on a treadmill for themselves; in fact, they instead spoke of owning vastly cheaper machines that had just enough features.

Still, Shannon wanted to take a Woodway for a test drive, so she headed to Mile High Run Club, home to a fleet of them. The treadmill club functions much like SoulCycle, the popular (and oft-parodied, as in this SNL skit) spin class. Shannon reserved a machine in advance for a 45-minute class.

Woodway treadmills have belts like army tanks, composed of slats that are thicker and bumpier than those on other workout machines we’ve seen. This lends the machine a springy feel: As Shannon watched her feet in the mirror during the warm-up, she could see them making a temporary indent in the belt with every step. Press your nose to the tread—as the coach instructed the class to do during a set of push-ups—and you can see straight through to the floor.

If the Woodway made noise, it was covered by the blaring music and the coach shouting encouragement. But Shannon noticed other common treadmill pitfalls. She threw a towel over the display out of habit, and it skittered as the class sped up, just as towels do on ordinary gym treadmills. Twice during sprints, she got too close to the console and knocked the safety key loose, causing the Woodway tread to grind to a halt. And even a pricey treadmill won't fix poor (treadmill) form.

Though it generally felt a little more comfortable to run on than other treadmills, the Woodway didn't compare with running outdoors. And while the Woodway may have been ritzier than Shannon's normal running terrain, she exited class with the same old running high she always got after a hard workout.

If you want an ultra-sturdy, minimalist treadmill with a firm deck: The LifeSpan Fitness TR4000i is a good choice. We preferred the more responsive deck on the Sole, but if that treadmill is unavailable, this could be a solid backup option. The TR4000i felt the sturdiest of all the treadmills we tested in 2019, and it was among the easiest to assemble. (A member of our operations team put it together in no time, noting later how its clear instructions and simple parts helped expedite the process.)

Its spartan console is easy to navigate. While its top speed of 12 mph equals that of our top picks, its incline maxes out at 13%—which is 2% less than our top, runner-up, and also-great picks. (It does decline to -2%.) Two roughly waist-high handles in front of the console (there to take heart rate from your grip) have "+" and "-" buttons for speed and incline control independent of the console. This treadmill also counts steps, which is something we didn't see on any other machine we tested.

The TR4000i's deck is smooth, flush, and on the harder side. The belt is 60 inches long and 22 inches wide. This model has a 7-inch color touchscreen and a 1-inch-wide slot to prop up a tablet, a phone, or a book (it could stand to be a bit deeper). The 3.25-continuous-horsepower motor did a decent job of toggling between speeds, though a few testers commented that its adjustments felt slow.

We had no issue connecting the TR4000i to a phone via Bluetooth. LifeSpan backs the TR4000i with a generous warranty: lifetime for frame and motor, five years for parts, and two years for labor.

If you love to stream treadmill classes on a device of your own and require quick jumps between speeds and inclines: You might like the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT. Along with traditional adjustment buttons, the 7.0 AT has two QuickDial controls (one for speed, one for incline) on what look like video-game joysticks. They allow you to flick between speeds and inclines during intervals swiftly and fairly precisely. They are sensitive: We hit the dials by accident once or twice and kicked up the speed unintentionally. The console, which has a tablet holder for streaming workouts from your own device, houses a 7-inch LCD.

The deck felt sturdy and responsive. The belt is 60 inches long and 20 inches wide, but in general the machine felt narrower than others we tested.

The 7.0 AT has a top speed of 12 mph and a maximum incline of 15%. Using the dials, you can adjust the incline in increments of 0.5, which is a nice option if you prefer more subtle grade changes. The treadmill remained steady at a jog with the incline set at 15%, though we noticed that the upper portion of the machine shook during a few of our runs. The treadmill is meant to work well with a variety of workout apps. It connects directly to Zwift. For other apps like Peloton, there is no direct interaction. But we did a few Peloton workouts on the 7.0 AT and the treadmill kept up nicely with pace and incline changes.

We found the platforms for water bottles and other items to be too flat; we couldn't keep a bottle steady. The 7.0 AT folds, but it feels a little heavy and returns to the ground with a harder landing than others we’ve tried. The warranty is strong: lifetime for frame and motor, three years for parts, and one year for labor.

We're testing the new version of our top pick, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The company will ultimately phase out the version that we currently recommend, but it remains available for now. The new model has an updated frame design, a 14-inch screen that tilts and pivots, improved speakers, and a slightly smaller motor (3.5-continuous-horsepower vs. 3.75-continuous-horsepower) than its predecessor.

We're also testing the affordably priced Horizon Fitness T202, which has Bluetooth connectivity, a belt length of 60 inches, and a 2.75-continuous-horsepower motor, and the Spirit XT485, a treadmill with a 4.0-continuous-horsepower motor and an excellent warranty. Bowflex's Treadmill 10, which has a 60-inch belt, a decline option (down to -5%), and access to the company's interactive programming; and the Life Fitness T3, which has a 3.0 horsepower motor and a longer-than-most deck (79.5 inches).

Loud and annoying beeps, a cluttered screen, and dated-feeling buttons took the Nautilus T618 out of the running. It has a soft deck, but it was slow in our speed test and lacked responsiveness. Although this model has lots of compartments for storing little items, its 5½-inch screen also felt small.

The NordicTrack Commercial X22i incline trainer is extreme in every way. It inclines to a whopping 40 percent, declines to -6 percent, and sports a 22-inch color touchscreen that, though large and lovely to look at, was wobbly in our tests. We also found this treadmill to be loud; during testing, a colleague remarked from across the room that it was noticeably noisier than a different model he had heard a few minutes earlier. In addition, we noticed that its sled grips, which extend up from the arms and in toward the screen, block access to water-bottle holders and platforms for holding a phone. (One tester wrote: "It felt like a Game of Thrones–style torture device with a space-age immersion screen.") The deck is springy and feels as if you’re wearing a pair of especially responsive running shoes. All in all, it's a lot.

NordicTrack's T 6.5 S is made by the same parent company as our previous top pick (now discontinued) and has nearly identical specs, but the display is a little crowded and we decided not to test it.

The ProForm Pro 2000, an updated version of our former upgrade pick (which is now discontinued), felt fine but was a little rough around the edges. Oriented similarly to our top and runner-up picks, it had wobbly handrails and its button placement felt too low and too close together for one tester. Our water bottle skittered around quite a bit, and when we accidentally hit the cage in front of the waist-high fans, it felt flimsy. All in all, it came across as less than solid.

Given its economical price and size, we had high hopes for the ProForm Carbon T7. But the handrails were so wobbly we couldn't run on it comfortably. A technician from the company took a look, but even after tightening a few bolts, it remained shakey.

The Sole F63 is well reviewed on other sites, but it disappointed us with a confusing display, a dated look, and slow responsiveness. (We do, however, like the Sole F80.) The deck on the Sole F63 made a disquieting, off-and-on-again cracking noise while we ran, and the belt (two-ply versus the three-ply of most of the competition) felt the hardest of the bunch. The front kick plate seemed to be oddly positioned: We kept kicking it during our runs.

Even though it is very small, with a belt length of just 49 inches, we kept noticing the Sunny Health and Fitness T4400 Folding Treadmill pop up on various treadmill round-ups for runners. We took a chance and tried it—and found it's much too small for serious running. The belt is 4¼ inches narrower than the narrowest of our picks (20 inches), the maximum speed is 9 mph, and the incline requires manual adjustment. It was quite sturdy in use and would possibly work for low-key walking, particularly for a smaller person. But its motor (2.2 continuous horsepower) was the smallest we tested and its overall Lilliputian-ness knocked it out of contention.

Shortly after testers stepped on the Xterra Fitness TR6.6 (currently unavailable), they noted feeling like the machine was jerking around as they moved—a feature that the assemblers told us wasn't fixable. On top of that, the display is oddly laid out, with significant real estate given to buttons for individual interval programs. (The "adventure" setting, for example, featured a sketch of mountain peaks, and "glutblast" showed off a cartoon butt.)

Shannon Palus contributed reporting in 2017.

This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

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Bas Van Hooren, PhD researcher at Maastricht University, phone interview, November 9, 2021

David Siik, Precision Run, founder and Equinox and Equinox+ running coach, email interview, November 5, 2021

Nicole Sifuentes, running coach and two-time Olympian, phone interview, November 16, 2021

Elizabeth Corkum, running coach who teaches at Mile High Run Club, phone and email interviews

Mindy Solkin, running coach based in Philadelphia, phone interview

Harry Pino, exercise physiologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, phone interview

Casey Kerrigan, former biomechanics professor at the University of Virginia and founder of Oesh shoes, phone interview

Jonathan Fader, sports psychologist, phone interview

Matteo Bonato, exercise physiologist at the Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, email interview

Jones AM, Doust JH, A 1% treadmill grade most accurately reflects the energetic cost of outdoor running, Journal of Sports Sciences, August 1, 1996

James A. H. Smith, Alexander D. McKerrow, Tertius A. Kohn, Metabolic cost of running is greater on a treadmill with a stiffer running platform,, Journal of Sports Sciences, August 30, 2016

Roberto Mandje, senior manager of training and education at New York Road Runners, email interview, October 17, 2019

Chase Watterson, marketing director of iFit, phone interview, October 10, 2019

Justin Mastine-Frost, contributor to TreadmillReviews.net and editor-in-chief of FitRated, email interview, October 16, 2019

Ingrid Skjong

Ingrid Skjong is a supervising editor on the appliance team, focusing on the likes of ranges, refrigerators, dryers, and dishwashers. She previously covered fitness for Wirecutter and has been an editor and writer at various lifestyle magazines. She is an avid runner and lives in New York City.

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