The best treadmills are designed to withstand constant use, whether it’s by the members of a commercial gym, the residents of an apartment complex, or a single household brimming with marathon runners. As such, they’re made from tougher stuff than run-of-the-mill models, with durable frames and brawny treads that can withstand the workout programs of a diverse range of athletes, from walkers and light joggers to long-distance runners and sprinters.
If you’re in the market for a commercial treadmill, you’ll want to consider the space you plan on placing it in and the fitness needs of those who will be using it. Is it a commercial gym? A communal fitness area in a senior living facility? Or maybe you’d just like to outfit your home gym with a machine that’s built to last. In our hunt, we turned to some of the most reliable brands to find the best commercial treadmills on the market.
The 10 Best Commercial Treadmills of 2024
- Best Commercial Treadmill Overall: Sole F63
- Best Commercial Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Best Budget Commercial Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT
- Best Folding Commercial Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000
- Best Incline Commercial Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X32i
- Best Manual Commercial Treadmill: Assault AirRunner Pro
- Most Durable Commercial Treadmill: Sole TT8
- Best Commercial Treadmill for Streaming: Bowflex T22
- Best Commercial Treadmill Under $5,000: Peloton Tread+
- Best Light Commercial Treadmill: Life Fitness T3 Treadmill
Best Commercial Treadmill Overall: Sole F63
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Specs
- Price: $1,199.99
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: 15%
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 67’’ H x 77’’ L x 35’’ W
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Motor: 3.0 HP
- Display: 6.5″ backlit LCD
Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
Best Commercial Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has a sturdy, updated build that allows for easy transitions in your interval training and adjustable cushioning to simulate outdoor runs. The 1750 is made for the tech-loving runner, with modern additions like iFit to help make your workout session complete.
Specs
- Price: $1,999
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline and Decline: -3-12%
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 65” H x 80” L x 38” W
- Warranty: 10-year warranty
- Motor: 3.5 CHP Motor
- Display: 14″ tilt & pivot smart HD touchscreen
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Review.
Best Budget Commercial 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
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: 15%
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 66’’ H x 76’’ L x 35’’ W
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Motor: Rapid Sync Motor
- Display: 7.25″ High-Contrast LCD Screen
Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.
Best Folding Commercial Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000
If you’re looking for a high-tech tread for your home that can fold up when not in use, the ProForm Pro 9000 is a great option with a 22-inch touchscreen display and automatic incline and speed adjustments. The 60-inch running deck can incline from -3 to 12 percent for a variety of running and hiking workouts.
Specs
- Price: $2,299
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: 12%
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 59.6’’ H x 77.3’’ L x 35.3” W
- Warranty: 10-year
- Motor: 3.6 CHP
- Display: 22″ Smart HD Touchscreen
Read our full ProForm Pro 9000 Review.
Best Incline Commercial Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X32i
The NordicTrack X32i is built for the mountain climber. It inclines all the way up to 40 percent and declines down to -6 percent. You can use the 32” display screen to stream iFit classes from your iFit subscription, which you receive for free for one year. And with an extra large running area, you’ll have extra space to enjoy each run you take.
Specs
- Price: $4,499
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline and Decline: 40% and -6%
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 73’’ H x 76.5” L x 40” W
- Warranty: 10-year frame
- Motor: 4.25 CHP
- Display: 32″ HD display
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial x32i Treadmill Review.
Best Manual Commercial Treadmill: Assault AirRunner Pro
This Assault AirRunner is built for those looking to perfect their stride, zero in on their form and improve their overall running performance. With no fancy frills, this curved-deck machine will have you sweating and striding properly in no time.
Specs
- Price: $2,999
- Max Speed: Limitless
- Max Incline: None
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 64’’ H x 69.7’’ L x 33.1’’ W
- Warranty: 5-year frame
- Motor: N/A
- Display: Console screen
Read our full Assault AirRunner Pro Treadmill Review.
Most Durable Commercial Treadmill: Sole TT8
This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work.
Specs
- Price: $2,699.99
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: 15%
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 66’’ H x 82.5″ L x 38″ W
- Warranty: Lifetime frame
- Motor: 4.0 HP
- Display: 15.6″ touchscreen
Read our full Sole TT8 Review.
Best Commercial Treadmill for Streaming: Bowflex T22
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 features 12 miles per hour max speed, a serious -5 to 20 percent incline, and a generous 60-inch running deck. The 22-inch HD touchscreen provides access to the JRNY app where you can take workout classes or stream content from streaming providers like Hulu, Amazon, or Netflix.
Specs
- Price: $2,499
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: -5% to 20%
- Weight Capacity: 336lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 70’’ H x 85″ L x 39.6″ W
- Warranty: 15-year frame
- Motor: N/A
- Display: 22″ HD touchscreen
Best Commercial Treadmill Under $5,000: Peloton Tread+
This commercial-grade treadmills offers one of the best at-home workouts you'll find. This machine offers a soft running surface and a tilting screen to make your workout as enjoyable as possible.
Specs
- Price: $5,645
- Max Speed: 12.5mph
- Max Incline: 15%
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 72’’ H x 75″ L x 36.5″ W
- Warranty: 5-year frame
- Motor: Drive motor
- Display: 32″ tilting touchscreen
Best Light Commercial Treadmill: Life Fitness T3 Treadmill
You can choose from three different consoles on this treadmill, which can satisfy runners with varying needs. Though this machine is costly, it's made of a durable, lasting steel, and comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty on the motor.
Specs
- Price: $3,399
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: 15%
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Machine Dimensions: 57.5’’ H x 79.5″ L x 34.5″ W
- Warranty: Lifetime frame
- Motor: 3.0 HP
- Display: Small LED or LCD console
[Related: The 6 Best Tried and Tested Non-Folding Treadmills of 2024]
How We Tested and Chose the Best Commercial Treadmills
BarBend’s expert team is made up of certified personal trainers, competitive athletes, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. Over the years, we’ve broken a sweat on more than 100 of the best cardio machines — treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, you name it. After testing around 44 treadmills using our equipment testing methodology, we’ve gathered all the best commercial-grade treadmills.
- Size and Weight: “One consideration is the size and weight,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. “These treadmills aren’t meant for small spaces, and they might not be safe for rooms/homes that aren’t on the ground floor.” Measure your space accordingly!
- Durability: By nature, commercial treadmills are generally more durable than your average at-home treadmill. That said, we opted for machines that felt sturdy during testing and held up well across many workouts.
- Programming: Although not everyone wants the most high-tech machine, we included options with HD touchscreens and app integration, including more basic picks.
- Cost: Commercial treadmills tend to be a little pricier than the average machine. That being said, we tied out best to offer a variety of price points in this category.
Benefits of Commercial Treadmills
Like any good cardio machine, commercial treadmills can help improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your posterior chain, and burn a whole lot of calories. They’re also built to last. Let’s elaborate on more treadmill benefits below.
- Built to Last: “Built to last a lifetime, commercial treadmills are durable,” Amanda Capritto, CPT, says. “They are designed to withstand multiple exercise sessions per day on a daily basis. This means you’re much less likely to need a repair compared to if you purchase a budget treadmill.”
- Improved Cardio Health: Cardio workouts are an essential part of any fitness routine, helping to improve heart health, burn calories, and even improve mental health. (3) You don’t have to spike your heart rate every time you hit the belt — studies have shown that consistent walks at a low or moderate intensity can have important cardiovascular benefits. (4)
- Variety: Since commercial treadmills aren’t designed for a single user, but rather a variety of different athletes, they tend to come equipped with more special features. You can do all kinds of workouts, including trainer-led endurance sessions, HIIT, and Tabata.
How Much Do the Best Commercial Treadmills Cost?
Unfortunately, commercial treadmills aren’t as budget-friendly as, say, the best under-desk treadmills. So, in order to save as much money as possible — while also getting a top-tier machine — we recommend comparing price points side-by-side.
Best Commercial Treadmill Overall | Sole F63 | $1,199.99 |
Best Commercial Treadmill for Running | NordicTrack Commercial 2450 | $1,999 |
Best Budget Commercial Treadmill | Horizon 7.0 AT | $999 |
Best Folding Commercial Treadmill | ProForm Pro 9000 | $2,299 |
Best Incline Commercial Treadmill | NordicTrack Commercial X32i | $4,499 |
Best Manual Commercial Treadmill | Assault AirRunner Pro | $2,999 |
Most Durable Commercial Treadmill | Sole TT8 | $2,699.99 |
Best Commercial Treadmill for Streaming | Bowflex T22 | $2,499 |
Best Commercial Treadmill Under $5,000 | Peloton Tread+ | $5,645 |
Best Light Commercial Treadmill | Life Fitness T3 Treadmill | $3,399 |
[Related: Treadmill Warranty Guide: Covering the Best, the Worst, and Everything in Between]
What to Consider Before Buying a Commercial Treadmill
A commercial treadmill can support hundreds, if not thousands, of different sneakers across many years. But choosing the right model at a price that suits your budget requires a closer look at a variety of factors, including its placement in your gym and the people you see using it.
“In a perfect world, you’d find a treadmill that satisfies all of your requirements at a reasonable price, but that’s just not realistic,” Amanda Capritto, CPT, says. “Instead, look for something within your defined budget that satisfies your top four to five priorities.”
Price
On average, commercial treadmills cost more than those targeted at casual runners. They are designed for a vast range of athletes, so you want a treadmill that won’t rattle, malfunction, or slip its belt within the first few years. The most expensive models come equipped with steel frames, robust motors, two-ply belts, and crowned rollers, not to mention the kinds of app integration and tech capabilities that provide variety and comfortability.
If you’re looking for a budget commercial treadmill, we recommend choosing one that doesn’t skimp on sturdy construction in favor of more modern conveniences.
Frequency of Use
Commercial treadmills were designed to be strong and versatile enough to satisfy a variety of different daily users. When looking at your options, consider how often you see the machine being used. How many people do you see using it every day? Are they marathon runners, interval trainers, hill climbers, or power walkers? Will they want special features like integrated fitness apps and storage compartments?
The more people that use it, the more you’ll want to invest in a machine that’s built with the kinds of high-grade materials that promise longevity. The more diverse its user base will be, the more you’ll want to invest in incline options, cutting-edge technology, and built-in fitness programs.
[Related: The Best Treadmills for Running for Incline, Durability, Tech, and More]
Space
It’s also important to consider where you plan on setting the treadmill up. Will it occupy a public space, like a commercial gym or community fitness center? Or are you investing in a machine for the cardio enthusiasts in your own home? Will it be the centerpiece of the space or one of several cardio machines?
Commercial treadmills tend to be larger and heavier than home treadmills, so you’ll also want to consider if it will encroach on the dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, yoga mats, and other equipment scattered throughout.
Electric vs. Motorless
When we think of treadmills, we think about electric treadmills. You hop on, you choose a speed or incline setting, the motor kicks to life, and you keep pace with it. You’ll get a great workout with an electric treadmill, but it’s not the only option for those looking for more of a challenge during indoor runs.
With motorless treadmills, you set the pace. When you step on the curved, slatted belt of a non-motorized treadmill, it’s on you to step forward and move the tread forward. It requires more effort and a bit of practice to get the hang of, but running this way helps improve your running form and is also easier on the joints. They also run quieter and, by virtue of having no motor, help you save a buck or two on the power bill.
Warranty
Most commercial treadmills come with some sort of warranty to protect the buyer against manufacturer issues. Read the warranties closely and take advantage of this benefit in case you experience any issues.
[Related: How to Fix Common Treadmill Problems: Keep Your Home Gym in Top Shape with This Helpful Guide]
Commercial Treadmills FAQs
What’s the best commercial treadmill?
After weighing factors such as cost, construction, convenience, and functionality, we believe the Sole F63 is the best commercial treadmill. Not only is it budget-friendly at $1,199, but it can reach 12 miles per hour, adjust to a 15% incline, and support 325 pounds. It also folds up when not in use and comes with a built-in pair of Bluetooth speakers. Sole also offers a lifetime warranty on its motor and frame.
What’s the difference between a commercial treadmill and a regular treadmill?
Commercial treadmills are bigger, heavier, and built to withstand multiple runners, walkers, and sprinters on a daily basis, making them perfect for fitness centers, commercial gyms, and cardio enthusiasts who want a more durable machine for their home. They can also support more weight than more compact treadmills — typically between 300 and 400 pounds — and cater to taller users with a running surface area that adds a few inches to the 20’’ x 55’’ standard.
Can you use a commercial treadmill at home?
Of course. If you’ve got the budget for one, commercial treadmills are durable and often brimming with neat tech capabilities, integrated apps, and other desirable features. They do, however, tend to have a bigger footprint than treadmills designed for personal use, so consider that before rolling one into your home gym.
How long do commercial treadmills last?
For the most part, commercial treadmills should last far longer than a standard at-home machine. These are built to be used by hundreds of people in a gym facility, so you can expect them to live for a long while. The actual length varies from machine to machine, so be sure to read the description closely.
How much does a commercial treadmill cost?
Costs vary pretty widely between machines. Most start around $2,000 and can go anywhere up to $5,000 or more.
References
- Hatchett, Andrew, Armstrong, Kaitlyn, Parr, Brian, Crews, Mallory, Tant, Charlie, “The Effect of a Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill on Running Gait Length, Imbalance and Stride Angle” (2018). Sports (Basel), 6(3): 58.
- Robertson, Nicholas, “Comparing Calorie Expenditure and Rating of Perceived Exertion between the Curve and a Motorized Treadmill” (2014). EWU Masters Thesis Collection. 268.
- Markotić, Vedran, Pokrajčić, Vladimir, Babić, Mario, Radančević, Dorijan, Grle, Maki, Miljko, Miro, Kosović, Vilma, Jurić, Ivan, Karlović Vidaković, Marijana (2020). “The Positive Effects of Running on Mental Health.” Psychiatria Danubina, 32(Suppl 2), 233-235.
- Rippe, J. M., Ward, A., Porcari, J. P., & Freedson, P. S. (1988). “Walking for health and fitness.” JAMA, 259(18), 2720–2724.
- Sygrove, C. (2024, May 7). Decibel chart: All you need to know. MDHearing. https://www.mdhearingaid.com/blog/decibel-chart/