If noise-sensitive housemates or neighbors are keeping one of the best treadmills out of your home, fear not. While no cardio machine will be absolutely silent, cushioned decks, sturdy builds, and soft surfaces like carpet or treadmill mats can mitigate some of the racket caused by the slap of your sneakers.
After years of being annoyed by noisy treadmills, our team of fitness pros and running enthusiasts knows how valuable a quiet treadmill can be. We rounded up the best quiet treadmills on the market to help you improve your cardiovascular health and keep the peace in your home or apartment. So lace up your softest, gentlest slippers (maybe don’t run in slippers) and check out our top picks for the best quiet treadmills.
The Best Quiet Treadmills of 2024
- Best Quiet Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Best Quiet Folding Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT
- Best Quiet Under Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
- Best Cushioned Quiet Treadmill: Sole F80
- Best Quiet Treadmill for an Apartment: ProForm Carbon TLX
- Best Quiet Treadmill for Running: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite
- Best Budget Quiet Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
Best Treadmills Video Review
In his video review of the best treadmills for your home gym, Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, takes you through some of the best options currently on the market from brands like NordicTrack, Sole, Horizon, and Assault Fitness.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Quiet Treadmills
With a roster of marathoners, running coaches, and certified personal trainers, the BarBend team knows what to look for in a quality treadmill. After testing out 41 treadmills and using many of them in our own homes, we’re especially conscious of their noise levels. Following BarBend’s equipment testing methodology, we assigned ratings of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across categories like noise level, ergonomics, durability, and more. Check out how we used those scores along with our personal experience to craft this list of the best quiet treadmills out there.
- Noise Level: When force is applied to an object (like a foot to a treadmill), the vibration of impact results in sound energy. (1) We looked for features like cushioned desks that can help mitigate the noise generated during use. In our testing facility, we even busted out the decibel reader to offer some data to back up our personal experience.
- Cushioned Deck: Instead of driving the force of each step into the deck and the floor, a bit of cushioning can serve as a buffer between your feet and the machine. Beyond the noise-dampening effect, we also prioritized cushioned decks for those who may need to work around knee discomfort or chronic back pain.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: We made sure to add treadmills to our list that feature Bluetooth connectivity that will allow you to pop in your headphones and isolate that additional sound.
Best Quiet Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is made for the tech-loving runner. This high-tech treadmill features a touchscreen monitor that can tilt and rotate, and offers automatic incline, decline, and speed adjustments based on the workout you choose. Plus, save $100 on the Commercial 1750 as part of NordicTrack's holiday sales event.
Specs
- Price: $2,299
- Incline Range: -3%-15%
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 65” H x 80” L x 38” W
- Deck Size: 20” x 60”
- Weight: 340lbs
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
If you’re looking for a powerhouse machine that can also keep the noise to a minimum, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 checks all the boxes. Its hefty build and Runners Flex cushioning help mitigate the noise from each step, while its incline range, top speed, and motor size check all the boxes our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, looks for in the best high-end treadmills.
“My experience on this treadmill has been that it is sturdy, comfortable, and powerful. It has a 3.5-CHP motor that powers speeds up to 12 miles per hour, allowing the most serious runners to sprint to their heart’s desire,” she says. “It also features an impressive incline/decline range of negative 3 percent to 12 percent. The main drawback for this machine is its footprint. It’s large and heavy, so definitely ensure your space can fit it.”
All three of our testers — including yours truly — rated the noise level during their workouts 5 out of 5. One tester, a certified personal trainer, did some hill interval training via iFIT on the 1750 to test how much noise it made during incline adjustments. “No treadmill is going to be completely silent,” they say, “but the 1750 does a really good job of minimizing noise.”
In his video review of the 1750, BarBend’s Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, demonstrated how iFIT — a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming — helps users make the most of the treadmill’s 14-inch HD touchscreen, incline and decline capabilities, and high speed range. “[Speed, incline, and decline] can be automatically adjusted in the middle of your workout, depending on what that specific workout is,” he says. Just keep in mind that a subscription will set you back an additional $39.99 per month.
Capritto also advises to measure where you plan on putting this treadmill, as its footprint of 21.11 square feet is about 4.5 square feet larger than your average two-seater sofa. (2) “The main drawback for this machine is its footprint. It’s large and heavy, so definitely ensure your space can fit it before purchasing it.”
While $2,299 is at the top of the average price range we’ve seen for high-end treadmills like the 1750, our tester still rated its value 5 out of 5. “For under $2,500, you still get all of the highest-end technology, comforts and capabilities,” they say.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Review.
Best Quiet Folding Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a durable, low-cost option for anyone looking for a quality treadmill without overspending. It features a strong motor, a wide range of speed and incline settings, and a unique three-zone cushion system.
Specs
- Price: $999
- Incline Range: 0%-15%
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Dimensions: 66″ H x 76″ L x 35″ W
- Deck Size: 20” x 60”
- Weight: 277lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor
Horizon’s FeatherLight Folding technology makes folding up and tucking the 7.0 AT away a breeze for just about anyone. In the upright position, you’ll cut its 18.47-square-feet footprint down to just 10.69 square feet — around two-thirds the size of the average loveseat. (2) It’s also one of our picks for the best treadmills on Amazon, having scored a 4 out of 5 (or higher) for its footprint, portability, adjustability, conveniences, and value from our tester, a CrossFit coach.
When you lift the deck up, the hydraulics kick in to take on most of the load, but when you need to fold it down, just tap the lever and watch it float by itself all the way to the floor. The folding technology is not the only intuitive design feature on the 7.0 AT. With the flick of a dial, you can adjust the 15-percent incline range and speed straight from the handle to simulate outdoor running. Although its lack of decline will prevent you from mimicking dips and valleys, its incline range is still around 3 percent more than many other treadmills in this price range.
The 60-inch belt deck on the 7.0 AT also bests most options under $1,000 by 5 to 10 inches, making it ideal for those with long strides who need a foldable treadmill. Some higher-end models may reach 15 miles per hour, but the max speed of 12 miles per hour is around a 5-minute mile pace, which our tester pointed out. “Although it’s less than some more expensive treadmills, it’s usually enough for most people.”
While its tech capabilities earned a 3 out of 5 from our tester, its Bluetooth capability still allows you to use your own device to sync with some of the best treadmill apps, like Zwift or Peloton. However, its limited options for third-party apps gave our tester some pause. “Sure, this treadmill has Bluetooth, but only certain apps can connect,” they say. “I also would have liked a touchscreen but there’s only a small LCD display.”
Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.
Best Quiet Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
The Walking Pad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill is a compact, foldable treadmill that can be stored under a bed or couch. It features a 47.24-inch deck, 3.75 mile-per-hour max speed, and its unique Foot Speed Control mode lets you adjust your speed by walking on different areas of the deck.
Specs
- Price: $499
- Incline Range: N/A
- Max Speed: 3.7mph
- Weight Capacity: 220lbs
- Dimensions: 5” H x 56.37” L x 21.5” W
- Deck Size: 16.5” x 47.24”
- Weight: 62lbs
- Warranty: 1-year replacement warranty
Quietly squeezing in some cardio to your work day can be difficult if you’re in close proximity to office mates or constantly in virtual meetings. Good news: the brush motor on one of the best under desk treadmills we’ve tested — the WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill — can help you sneakily keep your heart rate up while pounding out a few emails.
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, has been using theirs almost daily for a few years. While they remind us that no treadmill will ever be silent, the WalkingPad P1 is a great choice whether you’re in the office or working from home. “I think you’d be able to hear it over calls if you were power walking, but it’s definitely not as loud as a typical treadmill.” they say, rating its noise level a 4 out of 5. When I tried out the similar WalkingPad C2 model myself, I thought it was very quiet, even when I increased the speed and maintained a level close to its max.
Just like the C2 model, this low-profile treadmill easily slots in under standing desks, then folds right in half for storage. In fact, I found it easier to lift the C2 straight up, then set it back down to relocate it. It would be nice if these WalkingPad models had a handle to make that easier, but as our tester notes, you can roll it, as well. “It folds completely in half, and with the attached transport wheels it was pretty easy to move it around when I wasn’t using it,” they say, scoring its footprint and portability 4.5 out of 5.
“I’m also giving high marks for setup because right out of the box it was ready to go — all I had to do was plug it in,” they note. Setup earned a 5 out of 5.
Our tester scored its tech capabilities 3 out of 5 because, while it lacks incline or bottle holders, they enjoyed using WalkingPad’s app to control the speed. “It’s honestly easier to just use the app on my phone than the remote to control the speed,” they say.
You may be wondering, “Are walking pads worth it?” That depends. If you’re just looking to up your step count and stay active during the workday, we think it earns the $499 price tag. If you’re hoping to jog or run on this sucker, though, we’d recommend opting for a beefier model. As its name implies, the WalkingPad P1 is designed primarily for walking.
Best Cushioned Quiet Treadmill: Sole F80
The Sole F80 treadmill is full of modern touches. It can withstand long runs, offers an incline range up to 15 percent and speed range up to 12 mph, and has a cushioned deck that makes running 40 percent less impactful on your joints than the outdoors.
Specs
- Price: $1,899
- Incline Range: 0%-15%
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Dimensions: 66″ H x 82.5″ L x 38″ W
- Deck Size: 22” x 60”
- Weight: 278lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor
Solid cushioning in the belt deck can reduce the noise from the impact of each step, which is why the foldable Sole F80 is one of the best cushioned treadmills we’ve tested. While we can’t verify Sole’s claim that it can reduce impact on joints by 40 percent compared to running on asphalt, our tester — a certified personal trainer — thought its cushioning found the sweet spot between comfort and support.
“I liked how it wasn’t jarring to run on this treadmill,” they say, rating their overall workout experience 4.5 out of 5. “It’s not too plush or soft, yet not hard, either.”
In addition to comfort and noise reduction, the 22- by 60-inch cushioned deck meets the standards of BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. “A comfortable width [for a belt deck] is between 16 and 20 inches,” she says. “A padded deck can [also] be helpful for individuals with joint pain.”
The 15-percent maximum incline and 12-miles-per-hour top speed also meet Capritto’s recommendations for the best treadmills for running, as they allow you to vary your intensity and potentially improve your VO2 max. (3) “I do wish it had even a -3-percent decline,” our tester says, rating its adjustability 4 out of 5. “However, a 15-percent incline is more than enough for an extra burn.”
When the cushioned deck on the F80 is folded upright, you’ll cut its footprint from 21.77 square feet down to 11.61. But when you fold it down for a run, it takes up just two fewer square feet than a three-seater sofa. (2) This earned the F80 a 3.75 out of 5 for its footprint, and our tester came up with an apt description for its size. “This thing is a behemoth,” they say.
Read our full Sole F80 Treadmill Review.
Best Quiet Treadmill for an Apartment: ProForm Carbon TLX
Adjusts up to a 12% grade so that you can feel like you're hitting real hills. With an iFIT subscription you can hit trails around the world from the comfort of your own home.
Specs
- Price: $999
- Incline Range: 0%-12%
- Max Speed: 10mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 59.1” H x 74.3” L x 35.1” W
- Deck Size: 20” x 60”
- Weight: 249lbs
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
In our experience, the best treadmills for apartments need three features: quiet operation, compact footprint, and varied training options. The ProForm Carbon TLX has entered the chat. With a cushioned deck to reduce noise, hydraulic folding to save space, and iFIT integration to mix up your workouts, the TLX can help you stay on your neighbors’ good side while saving a bit of space.
The TLX is designed to fold up and roll away when you aren’t pounding the pavement — er, tread — so you can save over 10 square feet in your place. Our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto laid out why it might be ideal for small spaces. “Folding treadmills are a good option for people who need to keep their space multifunctional,” she says.
After our tester, a certified personal trainer, completed Tiki Barber’s ladder workout and incline course on iFIT, they rated its noise level 3.5 out of 5. “I’d say it was quieter than average,” they reported. “When I cranked up the incline, obviously it made some noise, but that’s to be expected for any treadmill.”
Like the best ProForm treadmills, the Carbon TLX is integrated with iFIT. However, without a built-in touchscreen, you’ll need to connect your own device. The $39.99 monthly subscription gives you access to iFIT’s library of 17,000 workouts, plus its automatic incline and speed control. “I just set my phone on the media shelf and it was easy to connect my phone to follow the classes,” our tester notes, rating the dynamic programming a 4 out of 5.
You can also connect your own headphones so nobody but you can hear a class’ soundtrack or trainer shoutouts.
Best Quiet Treadmill for Running: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite
The Assault Runner Elite is a top-tier motorless treadmill thanks to its heavy shock-absorbent belt that utilizes inertia to reach and maintain optimal speeds in training. We also appreciate the added conveniences of built-in water bottle holders and a center storage compartment. Plus, Assault Fitness is currently offering $500 off the Pro Runner Elite treadmill as part of the brand's holiday sales event.
Specs
- Price: $3,999
- Incline Range: N/A
- Max Speed: N/A
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Dimensions: 64.4″ H x 69.9″ L x 31.7″ W
- Deck Size: 17” x 62.2”
- Weight: 289.2lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime belt, 10-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor
If you’re looking for a supportive, spacious running surface that can encourage proper form, the Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite is a favorite among CrossFitters and one of the best curved treadmills out there — if you have the cash. (4) As our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto explains, non-motorized machines like this require the user’s stride to move the belt, forcing runners to practice proper running form.
“I love how the AssaultRunner encourages me to maintain good running form,” Capritto says. “[It] feels more like running outdoors, but brings all the benefits of running indoors.”
While the price tag may be prohibitive to some — around $2,000 to $2,500 more than the average machine — you can count on it to last thanks to its powder-coated steel frame. Our tester called out some of the plastic in the build, but still rated its durability a 4 out of 5. “I had some help during assembly, but still could not get those plastic pieces flush,” they explained, rating the set up 3.5 out of 5.
Once it’s ready to go, the curved design of the 62-inch belt deck — 2 inches longer than most running treadmills — can potentially save some impact on your joints compared to a flat option, while possibly burning more calories. (4)(5) “I thought the curved, heavy tread provided a softer landing area compared to a regular treadmill belt,” our tester points out.
Although our tester liked using the basic display to track their metrics, the lack of technology earned it a 3.5 out of 5 for tech. On the other hand, Capritto appreciated that it allowed her to focus on the work. “Though some may see it as a downside, I like that the simple LCD screen isn’t distracting and just shows me what I need,” she explained.
Read our full Assault Runner Elite Treadmill Review.
Best Budget Quiet Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
This folding treadmill is powered by a quiet 2.25 HP motor, allowing for speeds up to 10 miles per hour. It features a 50-inch belt, three incline levels, and 250-pound maximum weight capacity. Right now, you can save even more with Black Friday deals on Amazon.
Specs
- Price: $389.94
- Incline Range: 3 levels
- Max Speed: 10mph
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Dimensions: 51.4” H x 63.4” L x 28.75” W
- Deck Size: 16” x 50”
- Weight: 97lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 1-year motor, 90-day deck and labor
For just $389.94, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill can still reach 10 miles per hour (around a 6-minute-mile pace), plus manually adjust to three manual incline levels. That budget-friendly price tag — roughly $600 to $1,100 less than the average mid-range machine — easily makes it one of the best treadmills under $500 we have tested. It also earned at least a 4 out of 5 from our tester in six categories, including value, assembly, and customizations.
For most casual runners, the 10-mile-per-hour speed range and the three incline levels offer enough variety, but the TR150 also includes 12 preset programs. You can access these structured workouts on the 5-inch LCD screen along with metrics like calories burned, pulse, and time elapsed.
However, depending on your own height and running gait, the TR150’s 16- by 50-inch belt deck could be too small for anything more intense than a brisk walk, thus earning it a 2 out of 5 for ergonomics. “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto.
Our tester also had no issues putting the TR150 together when it arrived. “It was one of the simpler treadmills I’ve ever had to put together,” they say. “Because it’s so small and light, most people should be able to build this by themselves.”
One crucial omission could be a potential safety issue for anyone with small kids or pets around the house. “My least favorite thing about the entire treadmill is that it lacks assisted lifting and lowering,” they explained. “If someone (like a child) were to accidentally pull the pin out when it’s folded, the deck would just fall right down.”
Read our full XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill Review.
Benefits of Quiet Treadmills
Finding a treadmill that operates at a low volume can be a challenge, but it can also open the door to convenient cardio exercise that’s conducive to your living situation. Below are some benefits of quiet treadmills.
- Better for Shared Spaces: Roommates and family members may not appreciate consistent thumping of feet in their living room. Fortunately, treadmills with cushioned decks can lessen the noise created by each step, while options with strong steel builds can assist in stabilizing the working parts that can generate noise during use.
- Awareness of Surroundings: Whizzing treadmill motors and moving parts can make it difficult to hear the ambient noise around you. “Having a treadmill that won’t bother anyone is basically a necessity for me,” one of our testers, a certified personal trainer, says. “With two small kids, I like being able to do a walk or run after they go to sleep, but if they wake up screaming, I can still hear them.”
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: If the noise of the treadmill has been keeping you from regular cardio, owning a quiet treadmill may be your ticket to accessing the proven benefits of consistent cardiovascular training — like decreased risk of heart disease and blood pressure — (6) According to BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, “Having a treadmill at home may encourage a person to exercise more frequently, which is almost always a good thing.”
- Mental Health: Outside of the noise factor, research has shown that regular physical activity can lead to positive effects on your mental health.(7)(8) A quiet treadmill may make the mental health benefits of regular cardio exercise — preventative effects for anxiety, depression, and even some sleep disorders — a bit more accessible. (7)(8)
How Much Do the Best Quiet Treadmills Cost?
Securing a treadmill that won’t rupture an eardrum doesn’t have to make you miss your rent this month. However, if you’re looking for high-end features like built-in HD touchscreens or decline capabilities, you may need to dig deeper into your piggy bank. Before checking out the best treadmill alternatives, take a look at how much you can expect to drop on our favorite quiet treadmills.
| Best Quiet Treadmill Overall | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | $1,999 |
| Best Quiet Folding Treadmill | Horizon 7.0 AT | $999 |
| Best Quiet Under-Desk Treadmill | WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill | $499 |
| Best Cushioned Quiet Treadmill | Sole F80 | $1,899 |
| Best Quiet Treadmill for an Apartment | ProForm Carbon TLX | $999 |
| Best Quiet Treadmill for Running | Assault Fitness Assault Runner Elite | $3,999 |
| Best Budget Quiet Treadmill | XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill | $394 |
What to Consider Before Buying a Quiet Treadmill
Before dropping any hard-earned cash on a new treadmill, consider whether it’s actually going to fit your situation. Whether you’re looking for a gentle walk or to fire up some HIIT treadmill workouts, here are a few things to consider.
Soft vs. Hard Flooring
When you’re thinking of how to cut down on noise, imagine a recording studio lined with foam walls. If you want to stop sound waves, you’ll need a soft material like carpet to cushion the sound of your feet striking the deck, as well as the working parts in the machine. Sound can be transferred more easily on harder floors, so consider positioning your treadmill on a soft floor or investing in a treadmill mat.
Preferred Training
Before clicking add to cart, think about whether the type of treadmill you are considering can support the training you want to take on while still keeping noise to a minimum. Even beyond the sound they produce, ensure your machine has the programming, incline range, or top speed you need.
Our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto broke down what exactly you can expect to find during your search. “Any treadmill can suffice for walking and maybe light jogging, but not every treadmill will perform for running, sprinting, and hill training,” she says. “Finding a treadmill that’s just right for your needs — your Goldilocks — will require some research and knowledge of treadmill specifications.”
Cushioned Deck
To cut down on the sound energy produced in each footfall, consider a treadmill with cushioning in the deck.
“A cushioned treadmill absorbs shock, thus relieving joint impact while walking, jogging, and running,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. As such, cushioned options are often the best treadmills for bad knees. “More cushion usually means more comfort, which can mean more running, more walking, and more health benefits.”
Bluetooth Connectivity
Don’t forget to take into account the noise generated by virtual programming or entertainment you want to stream during a workout. Because this ancillary noise contributes to overall noise levels, treadmills that offer Bluetooth connectivity allow you to isolate accompanying music or callouts from your virtual trainer with compatible headphones.
Music has been found to have a positive effect on running speed, heart rate, and perceived exertion compared to silent treadmill runs. (9) Being able to stream your own music may allow you to take advantage of those heart-pounding beats while still keeping your environment relatively quiet.
Motorized or Manual
Even the best quiet home treadmills have motors and circuitry that work to spin their belts and trigger incline and decline mechanisms. Manual treadmills are user-powered, so while they’ll still make noise during use, it won’t include the whirring and buzzing of a motor. Also, manual treadmills often feature slatted, rubberized belts that work to further dampen the noise created by each step.
For example, when we measured the decibel levels of the AssaultFitness Assault Runner Elite, a manual treadmill, it generated about 25% less noise than the motorized treadmills we tested.
Also of note? These treadmills generally don’t include the built-in screens that pump out music or programming noise. As you decide between the two, consider how the functionality of your treadmill may impact its noise level.
What is the Quietest Treadmill?
To give you an idea of just how quiet these treadmills are, we stood a foot away from several of the treadmills on our list and measured the decibel levels they produced at their top speeds.
Now, no matter where you position your treadmill, there will be some ambient noise (people talking, air conditioners, footsteps). We accounted for this by first measuring ambient noise (around 35 to 38 decibels on average) before cranking up the treadmill, then subtracted that from the readings for each model.
For comparison, here are the decibel levels for some common noises:
- 10db: Normal breathing
- 20db: Whispering at 5 feet
- 30db: Soft whisper
- 50db: Rainfall
- 60db: Normal conversation
- 110db: Shouting in ear
The measurements below are the noise levels of these treadmills when isolated from the ambient noise in our testing facility.
| Decibels from One Foot Away (Isolated from Ambient Noise) | |
| NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | 36.3db |
| Horizon 7.0 AT | 34.7db |
| Sole F80 | 35.4db |
| ProForm Carbon TLX | 37.4db |
| Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite | 28.2db |
Best Quiet Treadmills FAQs
What is the best quiet treadmill?
The best quiet treadmill we have used ourselves is the NordicTrack 1750. It offers an 18-percent incline and decline range, along with a shock-absorbing cushioned 60-inch belt deck, and integration with iFIT. Its high-quality build supports a user weight up to 340 pounds and can help stabilize the moving parts during use. Even if your running gets too loud, you can rotate the 14-inch HD touchscreen, connect your headphones, and take on a strength training or a yoga class off the treadmill with your iFIT subscription.
Are walking treadmills quiet?
The best walking treadmills for home use offer the versatility of wide incline ranges and workout programming. In general, walking on a treadmill will be quieter than running or jogging because of… physics. Sound is produced when force is applied to an object and makes it vibrate. (1) When you run on a treadmill, more force is applied to the deck with each step, resulting in a louder noise.
Are walking pads quieter than treadmills?
Similar to under-desk treadmills, walking pads use smaller motors and have fewer working parts than full-size treadmills. Although they won’t feature the shock absorption of a cushioned deck, they can still help you reach your fitness goals. Walking pads are often short on tech like Bluetooth speakers, but they also require less power and moving parts that can create additional sound. (1)
How can I make a treadmill quieter?
No treadmill can ever be completely silent, but there are a few things you can do to dampen the noise. If your machine is on a hard floor, placing it on a treadmill mat will be a good start. Also, we recommend looking for treadmills with cushioned decks and hefty builds that can help mitigate some of the sound generated by each step.
Do electric treadmills make more noise than non-motorized treadmills?
Generally speaking, the best manual treadmills will generate a bit less noise than a motorized treadmill. In our testing, the AssaultRunner Elite measured about 25% quieter than the electric treadmills on our list.
References
- Just Energy. (2023, August 17). Sound energy: Everything you need to know. https://justenergy.com/blog/sound-energy-everything-you-need-to-know/
- Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
- Ferley, D. D., Osborn, R. W., & Vukovich, M. D. (2014). The effects of incline and level-grade high-intensity interval treadmill training on running economy and muscle power in well-trained distance runners. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 28(5), 1298–1309.
- Hatchett, A., Armstrong, K., Parr, B., Crews, M., & Tant, C. (2018). The Effect of a Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill on Running Gait Length, Imbalance and Stride Angle. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 6(3), 58.
- Edwards, R. B., Tofari, P. J., Cormack, S. J., & Whyte, D. G. (2017). Non-motorized Treadmill Running Is Associated with Higher Cardiometabolic Demands Compared with Overground and Motorized Treadmill Running. Frontiers in physiology, 8, 914.
- Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135.
- Imboden, C., Claussen, M. C., Seifritz, E., & Gerber, M. (2022). Die Bedeutung von körperlicher Aktivität für die psychische Gesundheit [The Importance of Physical Activity for Mental Health]. Praxis, 110(4), 186–191.
- Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus, 15(1), e33475.
- Edworthy, J., & Waring, H. (2006). The effects of music tempo and loudness level on treadmill exercise. Ergonomics, 49(15), 1597–1610.
