The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024 (Expert Tested)

Treadmills can take up a lot of space, especially when they’re not being used. But a machine that folds up can be the perfect solution for an athlete who wants to put in miles on limited floor space. A folding treadmill is among the best compact exercise equipment options and, lucky for you, there are plenty of products on the market.

There are several things you want to consider before buying a folding treadmill, including the adjustability, tech capacity, portability, footprint, durability, and more. But evaluating these factors can be tricky with just a computer screen. Luckily, our team of experts tested more than 40 different treadmills to narrow down the absolute best folding treadmills. With our guidance, you’re sure to find the best machine for your home.

Best Folding Treadmills

• Best Folding Treadmill Overall: Sole Fitness F80
• Best Folding Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack Commercial 1250
• Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Bowflex Treadmill 10
• Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners: Horizon 7.0 AT
• Best Smart Folding Treadmill: NordicTrck EXP 7i
• Best Folding Treadmill for Incline: ProForm Pro 9000
• Best Folding Treadmill for Small Spaces: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
• Best Budget Folding Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill

How We Tested and Chose the Best Folding Treadmills

When choosing the best foldable treadmills, we had a lot to consider. There’s a lot more to these machines than just how small they get when you’re not using them. Our team of experts, including athletes and personal trainers, put more than 40 of the best treadmills to the test to help narrow down our top picks. We considered factors, including:

Price

It is no secret that treadmills generally can be very expensive, especially some of the more well-known brands. While there are fancy and expensive options out there, we wanted to make sure to have various options that fit everyone’s budgets. Ranging from about $600 to around $3,000, we made sure that the high-quality treadmills were worth the extra dough, and that the more budget-friendly treadmills made the most out of every penny.

Foldability

“Not everyone has a large enough home to dedicate space to an entire home gym or even a permanent place for a treadmill. They are rather large and bulky, after all,” notes BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “Luckily, manufacturers have taken note and started producing more folding treadmill options. This allows you to free up floor space when you’re not using the treadmill, making a home exercise space more feasible for smaller homes.“

Obviously, foldability was a requirement to make this list. But some treadmills fold easier than others, so we made sure that the treadmills were simple to fold, whether it was with a quick pin-pull release or hydraulic assists to make lifting and lowering the treadmill easier. And while most treadmills fold up to a vertical position, we were pleasantly surprised to find one that folds nearly flat to the ground for storage under a bed or couch. 

Features 

Treadmills can come with tons of bells and whistles. You can get a folding treadmill with fancy cardio monitoring features, auto-adjust capabilities, and various screens for linking up with different apps and displaying your workouts. We recognize that not everyone needs top-of-the-line features, so we included treadmills with both basic necessities and ones that are loaded with features. 

Durability

As we tried out different folding treadmills, we prioritized machines that felt stable and sturdy. Some folding treadmills on the market can be pretty flimsy but we preferred machines that felt durable even during sprint sessions.

Best Folding Treadmill Overall: Sole Fitness F80

The best folding treadmill should provide excellent features at an accessible price. The Sole Fitness F80 fits the bill with a touchscreen, built-in entertainment, smartphone charging, a cushioned deck, and built-in heart rate sensors — all at a cost that won’t break the bank. Our overall experience with this machine was a 5 out of 5.

The first thing you’ll notice on the F80 is the 10.1-inch touchscreen display that not only tracks your workout stats but also streams video content on apps like Netflix, ESPN, and various news sources. 

This machine is loaded with technical features like bluetooth connectivity, a wireless phone charging pad, and built-in heart rate sensors. There are 10 programmed workouts, including Hill, Fatburn, 5K, 10K, and Military Fitness Tests. But if you’d rather use your own programming, you can mirror your phone screen to the monitor to follow favorite fitness app. After trying the different workouts and video services, our team gave this machine a 4.5 out of 5 for technology. 

For runners, this treadmill’s 3.5 horsepower (HP) motor offers 15 incline levels and a top speed of 12 miles per hour. To keep your joints happy, the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces impact by up to 40 percent compared to running on asphalt, which makes it great for heavier athletes, long-distance runners, or anyone with joint concerns.

“The belt feels extremely stable,” our tester, a certified personal trainer, said, giving this machine a 5 out of 5 for durability. “Even when I brought the level up and sprinted, I didn’t feel much shaking.” Also, the foldable deck makes it easy to save space when you’re not using the treadmill.

We gave this machine a 4 out of 5 for the $1,699 price tag. For the price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a treadmill with this kind of power and features. With that said, there are cheaper machines on this list. Paying nearly $2,000 for a folding treadmill may not fall in everyone’s budget, making some of our other choices more ideal. 

Read our full Sole F80 treadmill Review

Best Folding Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack Commercial 1250 

Most treadmills are built with running in mind, but the best treadmill for running needs more than a powerful motor, solid incline and decline options, and great training programs. To really stand out, a treadmill will have to do all this and bring some extra spice to the table. This folding NordicTrack treadmill does that in spades, earning a 4 out of 5 for overall experience. 

The Commercial 1250 stands out as the best treadmill for runners with its 10” tilt and pivotHD touchscreen, allowing you to follow along with beautiful guided runs via the iFIT app — which, after a 30-day trial period, is available via monthly subscription. After trying this machine myself, I’d give the tech capabilities a 5 out of 5. The running workouts on iFIT are truly unique, compared to a standard pre-programmed treadmill workout. Especially for a long training run, scenic workouts are a huge plus.

And when you do use the iFIT workouts, the treadmill puts its AutoAdjust™ technology into play, so your speed and incline automatically adjusts throughout the workout. That way, all you have to do is decide where you want to travel to and start running.

As one of the best commercial treadmills I’ve tried, this machine felt stable even when I sprinted at 12 miles per hour (the machine’s maximum speed). I am a smaller athlete, though, so others may not have the exact same opinion. But in my perspective, I’d give the durability a 5 out of 5. There seems to be little plastic on this machine and it seems built to last.

You can fold the 1250 easily and store it in the corner of your room to free up space. I’d give the adjustability a 4.5 out of 5 because you can also tweak the incline, decline, and screen angle to your liking. All in all, this treadmill offers plenty of customizability. 

However, I do have to mention that the running surface was too narrow for my preference. 800-meter repeats are my favorite interval workout and when I gear up to start sprinting, I like to take a few wider side-to-side steps. Plenty of runners do this and I’ve done it on many treadmills before. But this belt is so narrow that it’s not possible. For space saving, a narrow design is a huge plus. But for function, that aspect wasn’t my favorite. 

Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill Review

Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Bowflex Treadmill 10

You don’t have to be a runner to get good use out of a treadmill; you can also use one to get your steps in during a low-impact walking workout. The BowFlex Treadmill 10 is a durable, well-cushioned machine that we consider among the best walking treadmills on the market.

Getting in plenty of steps each day is a great way to promote cardiovascular health and wellness. This treadmill has a shock-absorbing running belt and a wide deck to provide some extra comfort and joint protection. Our team gave this machine a 4.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics, as we felt everything was intuitive and simple to adjust. 

After trying a few workouts, we gave this machine a 4.5 out of 5 for tech capabilities. “This machine has a program called JRNY built in,” our tester said. “I don’t think it’s quite as developed as iFIT but it allows third-party integration, like Zwift, which I really love.” 

We did have to give this machine a 2.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. Although it does fold up to save space, it’s still a very big machine. “I wouldn’t recommend moving this one around much,” our tester said. “This machine just feels a little too big and it’s extremely heavy.” There are definitely more compact treadmills on this list, so if you’re extremely tight on space, you may prefer another option, like the Horizon 7.0 AT.

For overall conveniences, we gave this one a 4 out of 5. It has cup holders, a phone tray, and a towel tray. We do wish you could tilt the screen a bit, though. The monitor is a little small, so looking down at the screen can be difficult while walking.

Read our full Bowflex Treadmill 10 Review

Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners: Horizon 7.0 AT

As a beginner treadmill user, a treadmill that gives you your work stats and has enough speed and incline settings to grow with you should be plenty to keep you going and beyond. This pick from Horizon is a great option for newbies, thanks to its wide-ranging settings, user-friendly controls, and money-saving price.

“I was impressed with how this machine works,” according to our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 coach, who gave their overall workout experience a 4 out of 5. “This machine is durable and I didn’t notice any shaking.” We also gave the footprint and portability a 4 out of 5 — this machine doesn’t have the smallest frame but it folds up easily. 

You also get plenty of conveniences, which a beginner may like. There are cup holders, a fan, heart rate monitoring on the handles, custom intervals, and bluetooth. For conveniences, we rated the 7.0 AT a 4 out of 5. For tech capabilities, we do wish there was a built-in touchscreen, though. You only get a small screen on the machine to track basic stats. However, you can connect your favorite workout apps, like Peloton or Zwift, through bluetooth to stream your own programs.

Some other treadmills do offer more adjustability and customization (we gave this machine a 4 and 3.8 out of 5 in these categories, respectively). But for a beginner, you get all the necessities, including a 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning to help protect your joints as you’re starting out. 

We just wish there was more dynamic programming, though. You get some preset workouts, which is probably sufficient for most beginners, but athletes who want a more interactive experience may prefer a more high-tech machine. 

Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review

Best Smart Folding Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 7i

When searching for a smart treadmill, you want something that makes you feel like you’re running in the future. One of the best treadmills with iFIT, the NordicTrack EXP 7i offers features like on-screen coaching, automatic speed and incline adjustments, and integration to Google Maps so you can virtually run all over the world.

“iFIT is an awesome program,” according to our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 coach, who gave this machine’s tech capabilities a 4 out of 5. “Here, you also get bluetooth connectivity and automatic trainer control, which makes your workout so seamless.” 

This machine also offers plenty of conveniences, including large cup holders, an accessories holder, and a fan. Plus, it easily folds and unfolds and can be wheeled around for simple transport. While the portability is easy, we gave the footprint a 4 out of 5 because it’s still a relatively large machine. 

“This machine doesn’t feel shaky or flimsy,” according to our tester who gave the EXP 7i a 4 out of 5 for durability. “Only time will tell but I don’t think anyone should have many issues with this machine holding up over time.”

Although this one is pretty cost-friendly at $1,099, we do wish the screen were a little bigger. Our testers found the seven-inch monitor to be a little small, especially if you’re streaming visual workouts. For some athletes, this may not be an issue, but if you want a super high-tech experience, you may want to opt for a model with a larger monitor.

Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review

Best Folding Treadmill for Incline: ProForm Pro 9000

Walking on flat surfaces can get boring regardless of whether you are indoors or outdoors. Adding some variation to your indoor run, walk, or hike is a great way to keep things exciting, so you can stay motivated. The ProForm Pro 9000 not only has a wide range of incline settings, but it also has a large, cushioned deck to keep you comfortable during your workouts. 

After trying several walking and running workouts, our team gave the adjustability and ergonomics here a 5 out of 5. “This one hits all the marks. You can choose from decline and incline settings and the running deck is wide enough for runners,” said BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1. “The hand rails are also pretty long, which is helpful for walking and incline training.”

For tech capabilities, we gave this machine a 4.5 out of 5. It has a 22-inch HD touchscreen that’s compatible with iFIT, offers guided run workouts, scenic walk/run tours, and thousands of live or on-demand off-treadmill workouts. You’ll get a 30-day free trial with your purchase, and if you decide to continue, it’s a $39 per month subscription.

“I also felt very stable while running on this treadmill,” Meier said, giving a 5 out of 5 for durability. “Even when I hit the higher levels, the thick belt and sturdy frame didn’t shake much at all.” 

Unfortunately, though, this ProForm isn’t the easiest to move around, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and durability. It does have hydraulic folding, making storage a breeze. However, it weighs 236 pounds and doesn’t have wheels for easy movement, as some other machines offer. So, if you want something you can fold up and wheel out of the room, another option is best.

Read our full ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill Review

Best Folding Treadmill for Small Spaces: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

Anyone who has built a home gym knows how hard it is to get all of your workout gear to fit into one room, particularly a machine like a treadmill. A folding home treadmill like the GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill is perfect for people with small spaces since you can tuck it away in a corner and free up some space when you’re not using it. 

“The wheels work really well, so this one is easy to move around,” according to our tester who gave the GoPlus a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. “It’s also incredibly small and compact, so you can easily fit it in a closet or under your bed.” The setup was simple, too, as it arrives assembled.

We gave the overall workout experience of this machine a 4 out of 5. It’s pretty simple to use without many complicated bells and whistles. “Generally, I’ll use it a few hours every day while I’m working,” our tester said. “It’s pretty much anything you’d want for such a budget machine.” 

Unfortunately, the tech is definitely lacking, compared to other machines on this list. There’s no incline options and the speed only goes up to 7.5 mph, which may not be sufficient for those who want to run on their folding treadmill, too. There’s no built-in monitor, just a little lcd screen at the bottom to track your speed. So, we had to give the tech capabilities and conveniences a 3 out of 5.

However, at only $299.99, you’re getting what you pay for. This is a great pick for athletes shopping on a budget or for those who want a simple machine they plan to use for low-intensity walking workouts. This walking pad is also available on Amazon Prime, so you should have it within a few days.

[Related: Best Under-Desk Treadmills]

Best Budget Folding Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

Even though folding treadmills are often more basic, many still can take a bite out of your wallet. This pick from XTERRA offers all of the basics you need to get a workout, plus some extra frills at a wallet-friendly price. 

“The price is where this machine shines,” according to our experts, who gave this machine a 4 out of 5 for value. “Finding a treadmill at this price point that goes up to ten miles per hour is pretty much impossible.”

We also gave this machine a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. This one was super easy to build — all you have to do is attach the arms and lcd display section. And it’s also so light (97 pounds) that you can move it around and assemble all by yourself.

“With light use, this machine seems to hold up pretty well,” our tester said, giving a 3 out of 5 for durability. “But this isn’t a high-powered machine like some others we’ve tried. I wouldn’t use it for too many high-intensity workouts.” 

For adjustability and ergonomics, we were a little disappointed, giving the XTERRA a 2 out of 5. Folding the machine is actually kind of difficult and it doesn’t lower down slowly, which we don’t love for safety purposes. Basically, when you pull the knob, the machine drops, so you need to hold the frame for safety. Considering the knob is so close to the ground, you may want to keep small kids away from this treadmill. 

“There are pretty much no tech capabilities,” our tester said, giving the technology a 2 out of 5. “It does have a built-in heart monitor and simple screen to track basic metrics but that’s about it.” Although it does have a tablet holder, the lack of tech may be a turnoff for some athletes.

[Related: The Best Budget Treadmills for Streaming, Walking, and More]

Benefits of Folding Treadmills

Having a folding treadmill in your workout space is perfect for athletes who want to reap the benefits of running, from improved mental health to weight management, but may not have a ton of space to dedicate to working out. (1)(2) For active people with limited space and sometimes limited time, folding treadmills save space, make it easy to get a run in, and many offer workout programming both on and off the treadmill.

Space Saving

One of the best parts about a folding treadmill is that it does fold up. While some of them fold completely flat and can slide under your bed, others simply allow you to lift up the deck and fold it in half so that it only takes up 1-2 ft of space rather than 4 or more feet.

Having the ability to easily fold your treadmill and store it against a wall, in a closet, or under a bed makes having a treadmill more feasible for most people.

Accessibility 

When you have a folding treadmill, you are easily able to log miles at any time. Whether this is on your remote job lunch hour, while your child naps, or before or after work, getting your move on will not be a problem. Folding treadmills make staying active more accessible since you do not have to worry about spending time driving somewhere or childcare. 

Programming

Some of these folding treadmills can be much more versatile than you would think. “Just because folding treadmills save space, it doesn’t mean they aren’t as functional or comfortable as non-folding treadmills. Sure, some may lack features in the name of being compact, but many models boast just as many high-tech features and perks as commercial-like options,” mentions Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. 

You don’t have to limit yourself to simply walking, running, or hiking on a treadmill. Many machines offer subscriptions to different workout apps that you can use for guided workout programs. Some of these programs utilize weights, yoga, HIIT, or even dancing movements. You do not have to stick to a boring routine. You can get creative and find ways to stay motivated while working out indoors.

How Much Do Folding Treadmills Cost?

Folding treadmills range greatly in price — a more basic model from a reputable band may cost you around $600, while a fancier one with over-the-top features is closer to $3,000. There is something for everyone; being cheaper does not mean the quality is low. 

Best Folding Treadmill Overall	Sole Fitness F80	$1,699
Best Folding Treadmill for Running	NordicTrack Commercial 1250	$1,999
Best Folding Treadmill for Walking	Bowflex Treadmill 10	$1,899
Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners	Horizon 7.0 AT	$999
Best Smart Folding Treadmill	NordicTrack EXP 7i	$1,099
Best Folding Treadmill for Incline	ProForm Pro 9000	$1,999
Best Folding Treadmill for Small Spaces	GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill	$299.99
Best Budget Folding Treadmill	XTERRA Fitness TR Folding Treadmill	$393.78

You’ll likely spend a bit more if you want something you can use for many purposes or added durability. However, you can still get in a good walk, run, or hike with a folding treadmill that is more simple and more affordable, so keep your budget in mind as well as your fitness goals.

What to Consider Before Buying a Folding Treadmill

Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, notes, “The first feature you should check for is a folding frame. But it’s about more than just whether or not the frame folds. How does it fold? Is there an easy-fold (spring-loaded) system, or is the burden entirely on the user? How small does the machine become when folded?” Each person’s treadmill needs can vary a lot, so you should consider your goals, available space, and budget when thinking about which folding treadmill may be your match. 

Personal Goals 

If you are training for some type of running race, or want to improve your cardiorespiratory fitness which can help prolong your life, you should choose a folding treadmill that can handle the speeds and impact you plan to train at. (3) Not all treadmills are made for fast-paced running. However, if your goal is simply to move your body more, you may not need a treadmill that has a wide incline range or fast top speed. If you’re trying to get in shape for hiking or mountaineering, however, a folding treadmill with a good amount of incline is a good idea. 

Workout Space Available 

“Folding treadmills are a good option for people who need to keep their space multifunctional. Treadmills are large pieces of machinery, and in smaller homes, it’s not always feasible to leave a huge piece of equipment lying around,” notes Capritto. If you are looking at folding treadmills, you’re probably tight on space. Consider exactly how much space you do have and how easily you will be able to fold whichever treadmill you end up choosing.

Some folding treadmills are heavier than others, and while they fold in half easily, moving them from one side of the room to the next is more challenging. If you have a decent-sized space, certain models will not be a problem, but more compact spaces require a lighter weight and more compact model.

Personal Budget 

Budget will be a huge factor in determining which treadmill is a good fit for you. Can spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to thousands for a good folding treadmill. If you’re set on getting one that’s loaded with tech and features, you can expect to get into that four-digit range. Consider how much you’re willing to spend, then make a list of absolute must-haves, and then go with a treadmill that most closely aligns with those priorities. 

Final Word

“Folding treadmills are best for individuals who want a home treadmill but need to be flexible with their space,” concludes Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. As such, these machines can be a home gym essential for people in shared spaces or apartments. But even if you go with a budget-friendly option, you’re still making an investment that will be in your house for years.

Choosing a durable folding treadmill with the features that you need to hit your goals is key. Before you commit, make sure you know your must-have features. Once you know what you need, use this list to help narrow down your options. Whether you’re a beginner looking to break into running or a veteran training for the next race, we’ve got you covered.

FAQs 

References

1. Markotić, V., Pokrajčić, V., Babić, M., Radančević, D., Grle, M., Miljko, M., Kosović, V., Jurić, I., & Karlović Vidaković, M. (2020). The Positive Effects of Running on Mental Health. Psychiatria Danubina, 32(Suppl 2), 233–235.
2. Wewege, M., van den Berg, R., Ward, R. E., & Keech, A. (2017). The effects of high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 18(6), 635–646. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12532
3. Mandsager, K., Harb, S., Cremer, P., Phelan, D., Nissen, S. E., & Jaber, W. (2018). Association of Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Long-term Mortality Among Adults Undergoing Exercise Treadmill Testing. JAMA network open, 1(6), e183605. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.3605