Best Incline Treadmills of 2024

The best treadmills offer variety in the form of high maximum speeds, integrated programming, and, of course, incline (and sometimes even decline) capabilities. An incline treadmill can help replicate the experience of running or walking uphill, a form of exercise that can help strengthen your legs, burn more calories, improve cardiovascular health, and increase your heart rate in different ways than walking or running on a flat treadmill. (1)

But buying an incline treadmill is a big decision. You’ll need to consider things like your budget, how much incline you need, workout programs you may want, and how much space you have available. With so many incline treadmills on the market, finding the right one can be a daunting task. So, we did the legwork (get it?). Our team of testers ran and walked on more than 40 treadmills and found the six best incline treadmills for every type of athlete and fitness goal.

The Best Incline Treadmills of 2024

• Best Incline Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 
• Best Folding Incline Treadmill: Sole Fitness F63
• Best Incline Treadmill for Running: Horizon 7.0 AT 
• Best Adjustable Incline Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000 
• Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack Commercial X22i
• Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Xterra TR150
• Best Incline Treadmill with Classes: Peloton Tread

Best Incline Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

If you’re looking for an incline home-use treadmill, you want one that has a strong and durable motor, as well as customizations that allow for varied run intensities. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 covers those bases with a 3 percent decline and 12 percent incline, a 60-inch running deck, and a powerful 3.5 CHP motor. It’s also, in our opinion, one of the best treadmills with iFIT. Out of all the treadmills we’ve tried, the NordicTrack pulled one of the highest overall scores with a 4.5 out of 5.

With iFIT you get access to thousands of scenic on-demand classes encompassing cardio, strength, mobility, and more. The 1750 can also work in tandem with iFIT to make automatic adjustments to your incline, decline, and speed based on your workout. “When the treadmill started to adjust to a decline, it shocked me,” said Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member. “It was cool to watch myself running down a hill [on the screen] and then actually feel like I was running down a hill.” 

You can also swivel the 14-inch touchscreen around if you want to take iFIT workouts off of the treadmill. Workout experience scored a 5 out of 5.

iFIT will cost you $39 a month, so you’ll need to consider that added continual cost if you’re interested in this treadmill. Without iFIT, Meier doesn’t see the machine achieving its full potential. “iFIT is what makes this machine worth it,” she said. “However, if you need decline training, this is probably the cheapest treadmill at under $2,000 with that capability.” Value scored a 5 out of 5.

Coming in at 340 pounds, with an 81-inch length and a 39-inch width, this thing is large. That’s about 100 pounds heavier and 4 inches longer and wider than the average treadmill we’ve tested. For this reason, footprint and portability scored a 3.5 out of 5, and setup was not easy. “Most people should hire someone to assemble this,” said Meier.

When assessing the product for BarBend, certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto noted, “[This] is a tried-and-true treadmill among gym equipment experts and gear reviewers. While the four-figure price tag may not be everyone’s idea of budget-friendly, I truly do think this is one of the best buys for the money.”

Read our full Nordictrack 1750 Treadmill Review.

Best Folding Incline Treadmill: Sole Fitness F63

With a 15 percent incline and 12 miles per hour max speed, this folding treadmill can provide you with the intensity you’re after — from Fartlek training to mileage goals. The solid steel frame has a gas shock kick release that’ll help lower the deck smoothly from its folded position. It’s also got four transport wheels, so you won’t have to tip this treadmill to roll it away. Setup, customizations, adjustability, and value all scored a 4.5 out of 5.

This treadmill has little in the way of flash, but it delivers on multiple levels. Basic features include pulse grips and a spacious 20 by 60-inch running surface. “It’s a durable belt,” said our tester, Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member. Sole claims the cushioned deck reduces joint impact by 40 percent, although such a claim is hard to quantify. 

“I was shocked at the quality because this is half as much in cost compared to other high-end treadmills. The incline is smooth, and the motor isn’t too loud when the deck ramps up,” Meier said. Workout experience scored a 4.5 out of 5.

The steel frame is 254 pounds, around 50 pounds less than the average treadmill we’ve tested, and folds up from 77 inches long down to 50 inches. “Folding and moving this machine is doable, though it is heavy,” Meier said. “It also shakes at higher speeds, but it wasn’t a deal breaker.” Footprint, portability, and durability scored a 4 out of 5

Sole stands behind its product with a generous warranty that covers the frame and motor for the lifetime of the machine, which is great because the 3.0 HP motor isn’t the most powerful or durable motor we’ve seen at this price range. 

This is a no-frills treadmill, so you won’t be getting a touchscreen display or built-in streaming programming. However, there’s a media stand so you can watch shows or stream content — there’s a free Sole + app with some cardio workouts — from your own device. 

Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.

Best Incline Treadmill for Running: Horizon 7.0 AT

Whether you’re an athlete or a weekend warrior, running on a treadmill is an effective way to power your efforts for weight loss goals or speed trials. This treadmill belt is 60 inches long, great for long strides and tall runners, and the strong and quiet 3.0 HP motor powers the machine’s 15 percent incline and max speed of 12 miles per hour. Workout experience and customer reviews scored a 4.5 out of 5.

Our tester, a CrossFit level 1 coach, appreciated the durability of the treadmill. “I liked my workout experience — the treadmill didn’t shake while I was running,” they said. “With a 325-pound user weight capacity and a lifetime frame and motor warranty, it seems pretty durable.” Durability and warranty are important for running-focused treadmills — the harder you push the motor with incline and speed, the more likely you’ll run into problems. However, durability and warranty both scored a 4 out of 5. “Just make sure to register your treadmill on the Horizon website so you can use your warranty in the future.”

There’s no touchscreen for streaming content, just a simple LCD display that provides metrics like calories burned, distance, heart rate, incline, speed, and time. Because of this, there’s no interactive programming. “The treadmill does have Bluetooth speakers and additional Bluetooth connectivity, but only certain apps can connect,” said our tester who scored tech capabilities a 3 out of 5. However, they did appreciate the quick-dial features that allow users to easily adjust speed and incline without having to mash buttons with sweaty fingers. 

The running belt was designed to help support your body, with Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning that provides support and shock absorption through your stride. For this, we’ve also crowned the 7.0 AT one of the best treadmills for bad knees.

Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.

Best Adjustable Incline Treadmill: ProForm Pro 9000

Running plans evolve, and you want a treadmill that can keep up and adjust whether you’re doing high intensity interval training or a recovery run. The ProForm Pro 9000 is a high-quality treadmill with immersive iFIT streaming capabilities, incline (and decline), and a 3.6 CHP motor that’ll keep cool (and quiet) even as you heat up. Adjustability scored a 5 out of 5 with our team, as did durability, customizations, dynamic programming, and conveniences.

One of our expert testers, Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member, noted, “You can easily change the speed and incline with ‘QuickDial’ controls… which makes this a good treadmill for intervals because you don’t have to keep pressing up and down to slow down or speed up.” 

The 22-inch touchscreen is big —around 8 inches larger than many of the treadmills we’ve tested — and perfect for streaming classes from the iFIT app, which provides access to thousands of trainer-led workouts. iFIT’s AutoAdjust can automatically adjust your speed, incline, and decline based on class specifications, leaving you free to focus on your sweat. However, the iFIT subscription comes with an additional $39 monthly fee after a one-month free trial. 

Keep in mind, you won’t be able to stream other programming or apps from the screen, so if you’re certain iFIT isn’t a good fit, we’d suggest looking at other treadmills. The screen also doesn’t swivel, so if you take classes off of the treadmill, you’ll need to position yourself close to the machine so you can still see the screen. 

There also aren’t any heart rate sensors on this treadmill, so if tracking your heart rate is important to you, you’ll need to buy a monitor separately. Customer reviews scored a 3.5 out of 5, as many reviews mentioned problems with tech capabilities and WiFi issues.

When assessing the treadmill for BarBend, Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist, said, “The ProForm 9000 is one of my favorite treadmills… I found that this treadmill feels sturdy enough to sprint at top speeds with no rattling or shaking — a must for race prep.”

Read our full ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Review.

Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack Commercial X22i

Even some of the best walking treadmills are limited in their incline and decline settings, but the NordicTrack Commercial X22i has much more expansive incline and decline capabilities than most. 47 levels of grade adjustments make it a great option for people who want to take their training skyward. With a large touchscreen and a sturdy 417-pound base, durability, customizations, workout experience, and tech capabilities all scored a 5 out of 5.

People who prefer a slower-paced workout also tend to be more open to steeper inclines that help increase the intensity of a walking workout. This treadmill delivers in that regard, with the ability to elevate to an incline of 40 percent and handlebars to keep you steady. A powerful 4.0 HP motor allows it to work well even when at max incline. 

Our tester, a CrossFit level 1 coach, said, “The 300-pound weight capacity is standard in the industry, but even when I took this to the top speeds and the top incline, it felt very sturdy.” The commercial-grade tread belt is also textured to provide users with a stable and secure foot surface.

Thanks to its 22-inch display and compatibility with iFIT, an app with a massive library of fitness classes, we find this to be one of the best treadmills with screens. We love the AutoAdjust feature that automatically controls your speed and incline in classes, so if your trainer starts picking up the pace while climbing up a hill, you’ll feel like you’re right there on that hill. 

At $3,499, the X22i is one of the most expensive treadmills we’ve tried, nearly $1,500 more than the average high-end option. iFIT programming will add to this, with a $39 monthly subscription. “All together it’s expensive, but you’re getting all of the bells and whistles,” said our tester, who rated its value a 4 out of 5.

At 417 pounds, almost 100 pounds heavier than the average treadmill, this thing is a beast. If you’re looking for a compact treadmill, this isn’t it. “This doesn’t fold, which makes it tough to keep in most homes. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this for apartments,” noted our tester, who rated its portability a 3 out of 5.

Read our full NordicTrack X22i Treadmill Review.

Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Xterra TR150

We love scoring a deal on the best budget home gym equipment, and the Xterra TR150 is our pick for the best budget incline treadmill. The $315 price tag is $2,000 to $3,000 less than many of the best incline treadmills we’ve tried. For that price, you’ll get 3 manual incline settings, a 2.25 HP motor that can power speeds up to 10 miles per hour, and a 250-pound max weight capacity. Value, conveniences, portability, and setup scored a 4 out of 5.

This treadmill comes with a phone holder, a water bottle holder, a media stand, and heart rate monitors on the handles, which is why we scored its conveniences a 4 out of 5. Due to the 10 mile-per-hour max speed and the 3 manual incline adjustments, value scored the same. “This is a simple, affordable treadmill, and I like that about it. I just wouldn’t recommend this for someone who wanted to put a lot of use on it,” said our tester.

However, we budget kings and queens know that scoring a deal comes with a bit of compromise. The cost of scoring this sweet, sweet deal is the workout experience, which scored a 3.5 out of 5. “I’d recommend this treadmill for walking and maybe a little jogging,” said our tester. “The deck isn’t comfortable, and the belt isn’t great.” You’re also only getting a 2.25 HP motor which won’t support frequent or intense use. We recommend CHP motors for more running-focused workouts.

Unlike the best commercial treadmills, which tend to have hydraulic-assisted folding, this unit must be lowered carefully by hand. You’ll want to be careful, too — once the pin is pulled, the deck can slam down onto the ground. “I don’t like the lack of safety for the fold-up feature, but if you never fold it up, you won’t have to worry about that,” said our tester, who gave adjustability a 2 out of 5.

Best Incline Treadmill with Classes: Peloton Tread

If you’re looking for streaming content to keep you motivated across sled push workouts and running and strength training sessions, Peloton’s classes provide. With Peloton’s all-access subscription, you get access to thousands of on-demand classes and more than 10 daily live classes. The machine is a large investment at $2,995, but the machine has a large 59-inch running belt, 12.5 percent incline capabilities, a max speed of 12 miles per hour, and a sturdy 3 HP DC motor. 

“This treadmill is so sturdy, which I love,” our tester said, giving the durability a 5 out of 5 rating. “I’ve tested many other treadmills and this one is definitely superior. I’d say this is one of the best pieces of workout equipment I’ve tried.”

The Peloton Tread’s popularity is primarily due to its classes. From progression runs and power walking to HIIT runs, there’s a class modality to fit your goals. Peloton’s also got bangers, with some of the best music we’ve heard on a fitness streaming app. You can run to hip-hop, rock, or 80s soundtracks, or opt for an artist collection highlighting artists like Lady Gaga, A Tribe Called Quest, or my favorite, ABBA.

“I really love Peloton’s programming,” our tester said, rating the tech a 5 out of 5. “However, you do have to pay a monthly membership, which is an additional expense to consider. This isn’t the cheapest machine as is.”

The speed and incline capabilities are a little above average, as the industry standard max speed is 10 miles per hour and incline is 12. However, for the cost, which is nearly $1,000 more than most high-end treadmills we’ve tried, we’d like to see a max speed of 12 miles per hour and a 15 percent incline. That said, the Peloton Tread is unique in the space as it can be used in Free Mode, much like a manual treadmill, where you power the running belt forward without a motorized assist — like a sled push. 

It’s a large investment, and you’ll also need to keep up with the monthly $44 subscription fee to keep your access to classes. The warranty is also something we weren’t impressed with, and is something we’ve seen customers complain about in reviews. There is a 5-year frame warranty, which is a drop in the bucket compared to more common 15-year-to-life warranties we’ve seen on treadmills in the same price range.

How We Tested the Best Incline Treadmills

The team here at BarBend is made up of certified personal trainers, marathon runners, and lifelong fitness nuts who have spent countless hours walking and running on treadmills. We’ve pushed each machine to its limit, and when features impressed or disappointed, we took note to be able to share our findings with you. We tested over 40 treadmills and narrowed our list of the best incline treadmills down to six picks by scoring each machine from 1 (not good!) to 5 (great!) in the following categories:

• Durability
• Customizations
• Adjustability and ergonomics
• Footprint and portability
• Delivery and setup
• Workout experience
• Tech capabilities
• Conveniences
• Dynamic programming
• Customer reviews
• Value
• Warranty, financing, and returns

We know that bringing cardio equipment into your home can be stressful, but our team is here to help make sure you have the information needed to help make your decision. How durable is each product? What sort of dynamic programming is offered? How much space will it take up? We tried to answer these questions and others, giving each treadmill on this list a value score so you’d understand what you’re getting for the price you’re paying.

Since this is a list of the best incline treadmills, the first thing our team did was compare each machine’s incline and decline capabilities. There are choices on our list for users in need of high incline capabilities, and more budget-friendly options with cost-effective manual incline options. Some treadmills we recommend for light use, while others are workhorses with serious horsepower that can take whatever amount of training you intend to do. Regardless, we made sure to shine a light on features that felt worthwhile and disappointing.

How We Chose the Best Incline Treadmills

Treadmills vary greatly in terms of quality, features, and price. Every year, it seems like treadmills are offering more features, which makes it hard to decide which ones are worth the extra cost and which ones aren’t. We kept things fairly basic when we considered the best incline treadmills. Price, power, deck size, warranty, technological features, and, of course, incline capabilities, helped us make our picks. 

Price

When considering lower-priced incline trainers, we looked for durability and better-than-average basics (max speed, incline range, max user weight, and portability). As treadmills get more expensive, we considered whether or not the purported upgrades were really worth the additional cost. Sometimes they are, but other times, the value-added ratio is questionable. 

Workout Experience 

With treadmills, motor quality and tech capabilities often work in tandem to provide a capable and engaging workout experience. A quality incline treadmill will have a motor with at least 2.5 HP, though stronger models can push up to 4.0 CHP. Power isn’t the only consideration, however. How quietly the motor operates and how durable it proves to be are also important factors.

Electronic devices are a prominent component of at-home workouts. Some treadmills provide device stands and USB outlets to make using your own device more convenient, while others offer built-in LCD screens or HD touchscreens that offer training metrics or the ability to stream fitness apps. 

Deck

An adequate surface area will decrease missteps for runners and walkers. “A comfortable running deck for walking is 16 to 20 inches wide by 50 to 55 inches long. For running, and especially sprinting, you’ll want a deck of 20 inches wide by 60 inches long,” notes certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. Models with longer decks are preferable for taller runners or those with a longer stride. And comfort is also a factor, as the cumulative effect of repeated foot strike impact can have long-standing ramifications.

Warranty

The best cardio machines have impressive warranties to back up their products. When making a big purchase like an incline treadmill, a strong standard warranty provides peace of mind. Manufacturers will typically have different warranty lengths for the frame, motor, technology, and labor. It’s not uncommon to find warranties that cover the motor and frame for the lifetime of the machine, two years for parts, and one year for labor.

Benefits of Incline Treadmills

An incline treadmill provides a workout variable beyond speed, allowing users to tailor walks or runs to their preferences. Anyone who lives in an area without hills can experience the benefits of working out at different incline levels to focus on different muscle groups or intensify workouts.

Increased Leg Muscle Activation

Switching up between a flat surface and an incline allows you to engage your calves, glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings in new ways, which can help increase lower body strength and stability. Incline training can also help prepare hikers for the steep pitches they may encounter on future adventures. “People training for outdoor events with hills/natural inclines can benefit from incline treadmills, as can anyone who wants to build stamina and muscular endurance in the legs,” mentioned Capritto.

More Calorie Burn

Research indicates that walking or running on an incline can increase energy expenditure. (2) During studies, calorie burn was shown to increase by 52 percent when running at a five percent incline and a whopping 100 percent at a 10 percent incline.

Reduction of Joint Impact

While it might be counterintuitive that running at an incline could be better for the joints, running at an incline of just one percent to three percent can reduce impact by causing the foot to strike the ground at a more gradual angle. (3)

How Much Do Incline Treadmills Cost?

A high-quality entry-level incline treadmill can be found for right around $1,000. Models that are packed with more features and that are more advanced technologically will run about double that and can even hit up to $4,000. 

	Model	Price	Dimensions	Warranty
Best Incline Treadmill Overall	NordicTrack Commercial 1750	$1,999	65” H x 80” L x 38” W	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Best Folding Incline Treadmill	Sole Fitness F63	$1,099.99	67” H x 77” L x 35” W	Lifetime frame and motor, 2-year parts, 1 year labor
Best Incline Treadmill for Running	Horizon 7.0 AT	$999	66” H x 76” L x 35” W	Lifetime frame and motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor
Best Adjustable Incline Treadmill	ProForm Pro 9000	$1,999	59.6” H x 77.3” L x 35.3” W	10 year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Best Incline Treadmill for Walking	NordicTrack Commercial X22i	$3,499	72.5” H x 70” L x 39” W	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Best Budget Incline Treadmill	Xterra TR150	$315.02	51.4” H x 63.4” L x 28.75” W	Lifetime frame, 1 year motor, 90-day parts and labor
Best Incline Treadmill with Classes	Peloton Tread	$2,995	62” H x 68” L x 33” W	5-year frame, 3-year motor, 1-year parts and labor

The major differences tend to be in motor power and build materials, as well as tech features, such as HD touchscreens and integrated dynamic programming. If you’re looking for something that allows you to watch streaming content, you can expect to pay a bit more. The same goes for those who desire an above-average top speed (12 miles per hour) or a steeper incline (15 percent) than the average treadmill.

What to Consider Before Buying An Incline Treadmill 

While treadmills all have a similar form factor, they can vary greatly in quality, features, size, and price, among other things. The best home gyms tend to include a treadmill with incline. Here are a few considerations to turn over in your head if you’re interested in buying one. 

Amount of Incline

Incline treadmills typically have an incline range of 0 percent to 12 percent, which should provide plenty of challenge for most users. Some pricier models offer steeper incline settings of up to 40 percent, as well as decline capabilities between -3 and -6 percent. These features can be useful for those who are training for a hike or for walkers who want to burn as many calories as possible.

Price

A treadmill’s price and warranty is often a good indicator of its quality. Higher prices tend to reflect stronger builds (steel, powder-coated parts), while lifetime warranties speak to a brand’s confidence in the product. There are plenty of great budget treadmills on the market (you’ll find a few on this list), but it’s safe to assume they won’t be able to withstand intense use as long as models that cost upwards of $1,500. 

Broadly, treadmills can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $4,000. You’ll also want to keep in mind that a lot of high-end models also tend to come with a programming subscription, with prices typically ranging from around $20 to $44.

Available Space

You can plan on an incline treadmill taking up a footprint of about 76 inches by 36 inches when in use. That being said, many incline treadmills can be folded to reduce their footprint while not in use. But this isn’t true of every incline treadmill, and the ease with which they fold up varies by model.

[Related: Best Compact Exercise Equipment]

Make sure to measure (and re-measure) the space you have available, so you can be sure you have enough room for the one you want. “Incline treadmills are often bulky and heavy, and may not fit in smaller home gym spaces,” mentioned Capritto. “Because of their size and weight, they’re not easy to move and should be set up in the location where you plan to use the treadmill.”

Incline Treadmills FAQs

References

1. 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. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000274
2. Amy Silder, Thor Besier, Scott L. Delp. Predicting the Metabolic Cost of Incline Walking from Muscle Activity and Walking Mechanics J Biomech. 2012 Jun 26; 45(10): 1842–1849. Published online 2012 May 11. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.03.032
3. Williams, L. R., Standifird, T. W., Creer, A., Fong, H. B., & Powell, D. W. (2020). Ground reaction force profiles during inclined running at iso-efficiency speeds. Journal of biomechanics, 113, 110107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110107
4. Pickle, N. T., Grabowski, A. M., Auyang, A. G., & Silverman, A. K. (2016). The functional roles of muscles during sloped walking. Journal of biomechanics, 49(14), 3244–3251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.08.004