The Best Incline Treadmills of 2025: Expert-Tested Machines for Elevating Your Home Cardio Workouts

Why We Like It

Given its versatility across a range of treadmill workouts, we list the Horizon 7.0 AT as the best machine in this cardio subcategory. The 3.5 continuous horsepower can power your running deck to inclines up to 15% along with speeds up to 12 miles per hour. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, also recommends this high-quality treadmill for runners given its spacious 20-inch by 60-inch running belt and quick-toggling adjustment tools.

“The Quick Dial knobs at the front of the console immediately caught my attention, and I love using them mid-workout to rapidly adjust my pitch and speed for HIIT cardio workouts,” says our tester, who rates their workout experience at 4.5 out of 5. “I score the 7.0 AT at 4 out of 5 for adjustability, too, since there are traditional speed and incline controls for those just looking to set and forget their toggles before a session.”

The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT does feature a foldable deck for easier storage after a workout, and we like that the frame includes front transport wheels for easier maneuverability. “Unfortunately, though, I’d suggest keeping this in a single location,” adds our tester. “The listed 277-pound weight can be cumbersome and challenging to move for some athletes.” As such, we score the footprint and portability at a modest 4 out of 5.

In terms of available programming, the 7.0 AT does feature eight preset workout modules to choose from and is compatible with some of the best running apps via Bluetooth, although the roster of supported services is limited to just a few apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Kinomap, among others.

However, you do need to stream these services through your own device since there’s only a 7.25-inch LCD display, so we score the tech capabilities at 3 out of 5. Plus, our tester notes that your tablet or smartphone can cover the existing screen when your device is resting on the built-in media shelf. If you’d rather not create your own streaming setup, consider an incline treadmill with a built-in touchscreen display such as the Peloton Tread or NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.

Why We Like It

OK, so cardio workouts at home can be unmotivating after a while, especially if you don’t have anything onscreen to help pique your interests. Thankfully, there are incline treadmills compatible with engaging online workout programs that have you pacing along to callouts from top fitness instructors. For athletes looking for such a setup, we recommend the Peloton Tread.

It’s hard to imagine talking about online workout programs and not mention Peloton, and while the Peloton Bike’s library of cycling workouts is what gave the brand its recognition, our tester, a certified personal trainer, says the Tread is no slouch, either. “I really enjoy the available interactive programming, especially when you add in the leaderboards and community aspects that make it feel like you’re in a virtual run club with your best friends,” they note in reference to their 5-out-of-5 tech rating.

We also give the Peloton Tread a 5 out of 5 for the available programming. In addition to treadmill workouts, you also have modules for strength training, yoga, HIIT, and more. While access to this roster of digital workouts does cost $44 monthly, we do think it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re eyeing the Peloton Tread as your go-to cardiovascular equipment.

In terms of dimensions, the Peloton Tread measures 68 long by 33 inches wide, or 15.58 square feet. For reference, your standard two-seat sofa carries a footprint of 16.63 square feet. (3) Be mindful, though, that this is not a foldable treadmill, so the footprint will be constant wherever you place this machine. “While I love the sleek aesthetics, having a non-foldable treadmill just won’t do for some athletes,” adds our tester, who rates the footprint and portability at 2 out of 5. If you are looking for a foldable treadmill with incline capabilities, we recommend something like the Sole F63.

Read our full Peloton Tread Review.

Why We Like It

According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, “The best folding treadmills can be great for athletes that need to keep their space multifunctional.” Rather than consuming your floor plan with a lengthy running deck, these machines fold up to a smaller silhouette for easier storage. Of the bunch, we think the Sole F63 treadmill is the best pick for supporting your fitness goals.

The F63 can reach speeds up to 12 miles per hour and has 15 levels of incline to choose from, which our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates at 4.5 out of 5 for adjustability. “What I really enjoy about this Sole treadmill, though, is the kick release shock absorber that gives you a hands-free way to unfold your belt from its resting position. Plus, it doesn’t feel that heavy when trying to fold up and move for storage.” We score the footprint and portability at 4 out of 5, accordingly.

In operations, our tester states that the handrails and center console can shake when training at high intensities, although this isn’t a major discovery given the budget-minded price tag of $1,299.99. However, we were slightly alarmed by how slow the safety key was when trying to power down the treadmill. “It took over 9 seconds for the key to bring the machine to a dead stop from 6 miles per hour,” our tester notes. Other treadmills, like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and Horizon 7.0 AT, took just 3.38 and 5.05 seconds, respectively.

As with other samples of the best Sole treadmills, the F63 is backed by one of the best warranty bundles in the category. We score this foldable incline profile at 4.5 out of 5 for its warranty since Sole offers lifetime coverage for the frame and motor along with two-year coverage for deck, parts, and wear items. You also get a one-year warranty for labor and 90-day coverage for cosmetic items.

Finally, the Sole F63 is not the most tech-heavy treadmill in this guide given its basic LCD display. That said, though, we still rate the programming at 4.2 out of 5 given there are 10 preset workouts to choose from along with a media shelf for DIY streaming setups.

Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.

Why We Like It

Looking to beef up your incline training protocols? Sled training can be great for boosting muscular output and improving cardiovascular endurance, according to studies. (4) Rather than pair your incline treadmill to one of the best weight sleds, why not combine the two profiles with the Xebex SledTrac 6000?

This behemoth of a cardio machine allows for treadmill training, forward walking, backward walking, sled pushes, and sled drags in one singular silhouette, earning high marks for versatility from our tester, a certified personal trainer. “I also like the bi-directional belt that can be toggled to a 10% incline or decline, depending on which way you’re moving atop the running surface,” they add.

The SledTrac 6000 clocks in with a footprint of 18.48 square feet — a larger swath than your standard two-seat sofa (16.63 square feet). (3) Accordingly, this is not a recommended treadmill for those looking to train in confined spaces. We rate the footprint and portability at 3 out of 5, too, given this machine’s heavy listed weight of 343.5 pounds.

While this Xebex offering is bulky and cumbersome, the ergonomics are accommodating for a wide range of athletes. For one, our tester raved about the spacious 22-inch by 60-inch running surface. “I scored the SledTrac 6000 at 5 out of 5 for ergonomics, too, since the handlebars are long enough for different setups and provide a decent grip for pulls and balance.”

In testing, we found that the incline capabilities are slow to respond to mid-workout adjustments. As such, we don’t recommend the SledTrac 6000 for interval training workouts. For athletes wanting to combine incline treadmill running with quick adjustments (and even sled push modalities) the NordicTrack X24 may be a better solution.

Lastly, we score the tech capabilities at 3.5 out of 5. Yes, the SledTrac 6000 does feature a bright, legible LED monitor for tracking your performance, but it isn’t as immersive as other treadmill screens. However, this Xebex tread is Bluetooth compatible meaning you can sync your performance to popular wearables and heart rate monitors along with apps like Kinomap and Zwift.

Read our full Xebex SledTrac 6000 review.

Why We Like It

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD states, “Walking for exercise can have several health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, mental well-being, better digestion, and enhanced muscle tone, among others.” (5) Additionally, walking at an incline, according to reports, can help bolster lower body muscle engagement and may help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury. (6) If you’re interested in taking your daily strolls at a new angle, the BXT8J treadmill from Bowflex can be a viable top pick for your needs.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, enjoys this impressive machine and claims it’s one of the best walking treadmills they’ve examined. “I really appreciate the sturdy, durable frame of this Bowflex treadmill,” they note in reference to their 4.5-out-of-5 durability rating. “There weren’t any shakes or wobbles during my paces, which helped me maintain balance and paces from start to finish, even when testing this walking treadmill’s full incline range.” The BXT8J also features a foldable deck for easier storage, earning a score of 4 out of 5 for its overall footprint.

While the durability is noteworthy, we do recommend reserving this profile for treadmill walking workouts over jogging and running given a unique design element at the front of the running deck. “Typically, treadmills add stabilizers toward the end of the treadmill belt to help eliminate any shake or rebound during foot strikes and take-offs.” Our tester states. “The BXT8J, on the other hand, houses these stabilizers in the front, which can give your steps some excessive bounce.”

In terms of available programming, we score this Bowflex treadmill at a modest 2.5 out of 5. Yes, there are 26 preset programs to choose from and you can sign up for Bowflex’s JRNY app for streaming on-demand workouts (through your own device), but our tester mainly docks the rating given the complicated user interface. “It took a while for me to even find the preset modules, and I feel this lack of intuitiveness hindered my overall experience.” For more straightforward consoles, we recommend such treadmills as the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and Peloton Tread.

Why We Like It

As one of the best treadmills for running in its own right, the Commercial 1750 from NordicTrack certainly hits the mark when it comes to incline treadmills suitable for the activity. Not only can this iFIT-compatible treadmill reach inclines up to 15%, but the deck can also be toggled downhill as much as -3% for even further training variety.

Of course, though, setting your machine to your preferred settings is a more convenient protocol with the Commercial 1750’s available tech, which we score at 5 out of 5. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, states, “In addition to the vast library of on-demand workouts, your iFIT subscription also unlocks Automatic Trainer Control across your treadmill. This feature automatically adjusts your speed and inclines in-tune to your on-screen instructor, which can help you focus on your performance rather than your machine’s presets.”

In addition to the impressive iFIT workout platform and tech features — we rate the dynamic programming at 5 out of 5, as well — we also like how durable this NordicTrack treadmill is, exhibited by its high user weight capacity of 400 pounds. Other treadmills of this subcategory are typically rated for weights up to 350 pounds or less, so this is a definite standout. That said, we do score the footprint at a conservative 3.5 out of 5 given that the machine weighs nearly as much as its weight rating and can be a burden to transport from room to room.

Our tester also scores the value at 5 out of 5. “I understand that iFIT is an extra charge each month, but it’s one of my favorite online workout programs to drive my performance. Plus, the treadmill itself is backed by the brand’s standard treadmill warranty which covers the motor throughout its lifespan, frame for 10 years, parts for two, and display for one.” 

Naturally, though, we realize that some athletes may prefer a more simplified training experience without a monthly subscription fee. If you fall into this camp, consider the Horizon 7.0 AT as a worthwhile alternative.

Read our full NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill Review.

Why We Like It

When looking for a top incline treadmill for your home gym, it helps to choose a silhouette with intuitive adjustments, right? Well, the Carbon Pro 9000 from ProForm does all the work for you thanks to its AutoAdjust technology available through your paired iFIT membership.

Admittedly, we’ve yet to test this updated ProForm treadmill, but we do have some experience with its predecessor, the ProForm Pro 9000. These machines are virtually the same with both featuring interactive touchscreen controls, an impressive weight capacity, and running-ready 20-inch by 60-inch treadmill belts. Unfortunately, though, the Carbon Pro 9000 forgoes decline capabilities in this new profile, while the older Pro 9000 featured an incline range between -3 and 12%.

Despite the less expansive incline range, we still rate the tech capabilities at 4.5 out of 5 with much of the score coming from ProForm’s integration with iFIT. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor who’s tested iFIT in the past, says, “The AutoAdjust technology takes all the strain out of my workouts. Simply follow along to your onscreen instructor and let the machine adjust accordingly.”

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 can support athletes up to 350 pounds, which puts it in a class amongst the best treadmills for heavy people. However, this brawn can compromise this treadmill’s portability since it needs a product weight of 249 pounds to account for the load-bearing qualities. As such, we rate the portability at 3.5 out of 5.

Finally, the warranty package for the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 is pretty standard with a score of 4 out of 5. The bundle includes 10-year frame, 2-year motor, 2-year parts, 1-year tablet, and 1-year labor and repairs support. If you prefer a more robust package, we recommend the Sole F63 which comes with lifetime coverage for the frame and motor along with multi-year support for the running deck and other parts.

Why We Like It

OK, so incline treadmills aren’t the cheapest piece of home gym equipment with an average cost of roughly $2,250. Thankfully, though, you are able to find some budget-friendly top picks within this subcategory. As one of the best budget home gym equipment examples, the TR150 from XTERRA Fitness can be perfect for wallet-minded athletes wanting adjustable incline levels for less than $500.

Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, scores the value at 4 out of 5. “I like that you can utilize your Amazon Prime membership to unlock better shipping rates, and the lifetime frame warranty is also a nice touch for such an inexpensive treadmill,” they add. Of course, though, XTERRA does limit the available tech and features to keep costs low, which can be quickly seen across the 5.2-inch LCD display and manual incline controls.

Unlike other treadmills such as the Horizon 7.0 AT and Sole F63, the incline settings are manually adjusted across the TR150. “This does mean you’ll need to make any settings changes prior to hopping onto the running deck, and you can’t exactly perform interval workouts without pausing your progress,” says our tester, who scores the adjustability at 2 out of 5.

Another major callout is the foldable deck of the TR150. While this does help shrink the footprint for easier storage enough for a 4-out-of-5 portability rating, the locking mechanism is just a small pinion. This pin can be easily unlocked, and there are no components for shock absorption and slowly lowering the deck. As a result, this could be a safety concern for those with pets or small children — we highly recommend surveying your living conditions before buying this budget-friendly treadmill for home use.

The TR150 features a top speed of 10 miles per hour along with a 16-inch by 50-inch running surface. By these metrics, we feel it’s best for unlocking the benefits of walking rather than running and suggest a more accommodating treadmill like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 for training at faster paces.

Read our full XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill Review.

Why We Like It

Finding an incline treadmill capable of fitting in small spaces can be difficult at times. Thankfully, the SF-T4400 from Sunny Health & Fitness offers three manual incline settings and ranks among the best lightweight treadmills on the market today. Plus, the sub-$400 price tag makes this a worthwhile option for budget-conscious athletes, too.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, notes that while the manual incline adjustments can be annoying at times, they significantly cut down the need for heavy rollers or bulky treadmill motors. “I don’t mind them and feel they’re more than enough for entry-level home gym enthusiasts,” they note in reference to their 3-out-of-5 adjustability rating. “They also lend themselves to keeping the entire profile light — at just 103 pounds, you can effectively move this treadmill from one room to the next without much hassle.” Accordingly, we score the portability at 5 out of 5, as well.

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 comes with nine preset workout programs to choose from for an additional sense of instruction during training. However, there are limited options for streaming workouts, since the SF-T4400’s integrated tablet holder is less than stellar, per our tester. We rate the available tech at 2.5 out of 5 and recommend those looking for a more digital experience try the likes of the Peloton Tread or NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

We also feel this SF-T4400 is less suitable for larger athletes. “The listed weight capacity is only 220 pounds,” notes our tester, who scores the durability at 3.5 out of 5. “Other incline treadmills often feature ratings up to 350 pounds or more, so I wouldn’t necessarily trust this machine for regular use.”

In reality, though, you can’t expect much from a compact treadmill at this price point. These cardio machines are sort of a “get what you pay for” category, and when you aren’t paying a ton, you can’t expect a ton. For athletes in cramped training environments, though, it should be suitable for your weekly walks or jogs.

Read our full Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Treadmill Review.

Why We Like It

Perhaps you’re looking for an incline treadmill that features pitches beyond the traditional 12% or 15% max angles. Well, the NordicTrack X24 treadmill can be adjusted to 40% for high-intensity hill climbs that rival even the most challenging trail running routes. Plus, this NordicTrack offering can support decline settings down to -6%, too, for a full range of workout variety.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates their workout experience at 4 out of 5, stating, “It’s hard to not have fun with so many incline settings to choose from, and I’ve always regarded iFIT as one of the best workout apps thanks to the platform’s engaging, entertaining instructors.”

We share the admiration for iFIT and rate the available programming at 5 out of 5. The X24, in our opinion, can be particularly effective for streaming your favorite classes and workout modules, too, given its massive 24-inch HD touchscreen. “This display really lets you take advantage of iFIT’s recent upgrades that support streaming entertainment apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video,” adds our tester.

Supporting this television attached to a treadmill is a durable steel frame with a listed user weight capacity of 400 pounds. This framing, along with a powerful 4.25 continuous horsepower motor, do add some heft to the silhouette — 445 pounds, to be exact. Given its cumbersome weigh-in and bulky dimensions, we do not recommend moving this piece of fitness equipment on your own and rate the portability at 1 out of 5. For a more maneuverable treadmill from NordicTrack, we recommend considering the T Series 10 or Commercial 1750.

We also want to draw attention to the price tag (as if you could miss it). At a listed MSRP of $3,999, the NordicTrack X24 is one of the most expensive treadmills we’ve had in testing. The costs only grow, too, when you account for the $39 monthly membership fee for iFIT access. This is our favorite incline treadmill for massive incline adjustments, but it’s understandable if the price is elevated beyond your comfort zone here.