Many of the best treadmills we’ve tested are “smart” treadmills. “Smart” is a pretty vague term, but when it comes to treadmills, it typically means the machine will offer high-tech features like device connectivity (i.e., Bluetooth), adaptive speed controls, dynamic programming, and a display to stream content or workouts.
That said, those features come at a price. Smart treadmills aren’t cheap, so you’ll want to carefully consider which one’s right for you before taking the plunge. The good news? We’re here to help you find the smart treadmill of your dreams. BarBend’s team of expert testers knows the ins and outs of the workout equipment market, and we’ve tested and hand-picked the six best smart treadmills below. No matter which one you go with, you’ll hit the tread running.
The Best Smart Treadmills of 2024
- Best Smart Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Best Smart Treadmill for Workouts: Peloton Tread
- Best Smart Treadmill for Runners: Sole F80
- Best Smart Treadmill With Incline: NordicTrack X22i
- Best Smart Treadmill for Beginners: Horizon 7.4 AT
- Best Budget Smart Treadmill: ProForm Carbon TLX
Best Smart 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.
NordicTrack touts the Commercial 1750 as their most popular treadmill, and we understand why — this smart tread earned top marks with our testers, scoring a perfect 5 out of 5 in seven categories: adjustability, ergonomics, customizations, durability, dynamic programming, conveniences, and tech capabilities.
“The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a tried-and-true treadmill among gym equipment experts and gear reviewers,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. “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. My experience on this treadmill has been that it is sturdy, comfortable, and powerful.”
The 1750 is one of the best commercial treadmills we’ve tested, as it’s built to “withstand extremely high-volume use” with “a long lifespan in mind,” Capritto says. The 3.5 CHP motor powers speeds up to 12 mph and the standard 60-inch treadmill belt deck accommodates most runners with plenty of room.
While the hardware is impressive, the software is what makes it “smart,” securing the 1750 the top spot in our list. The machine is equipped with a rotating, tilting, 14-inch HD touchscreen (with built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity) that you can use to stream thousands of studio classes from iFIT, plus scenic workouts that let you virtually run, walk, or hike around the world.
Frankly, iFIT is “what makes this treadmill worth the price,” says tester and BarBend editorial member Kate Meier. The futuristic Google Maps integration also allows you to build a real-world route anywhere you want, and then traverse the course you’ve built. When you’re following along with a class or route, the tread will also automatically adjust your speed and incline so you don’t eff with your stride while trying to punch buttons.
Still, no tread is perfect. The 1750’s durability comes at the cost of space — “it’s large and heavy, so definitely ensure your space can fit it,” Capritto says — and iFIT costs an additional $39 a month. It might seem steep when you’re already shelling out more than $2,000 for the treadmill, but the 1750 is also one of the best treadmills on Amazon, so you may be able to score a better deal there.
Read our full NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill Review.
Best Smart Treadmill for Workouts: Peloton Tread
Stream live and on-demand classes on the 23.8-inch touchscreen where you can also view leaderboards, view suggested classes, and keep up with your community. The 59" running deck length also provides most runners enough space to pick up the pace.
If you’re looking to buy a smart treadmill, chances are you want a machine that doesn’t just give you a place to walk or run, but coaches you through workouts, too. That’s where the Peloton Tread excels. With a giant 23.8” HD touchscreen displaying some of the best fitness app programming out there, this machine will turn your treadmill experience into something else entirely.
Our testers scored the Peloton Tread 4 out of 5 for overall experience, with a 5 out of 5 for both tech capabilities and dynamic programming. Peloton’s platform is full of thousands of live and on-demand trainer-led classes across modalities, including at least a dozen types of treadmill workouts, from warm-ups, walks, and hikes to interval runs and boot camps. In addition to their signature studio classes, Peloton also offers interactive features, scenic workouts, and a gamified fitness feature called Lanebreak.
“I used the scenic run and the interval run,” says our tester. “They were very easy to use and engaging.” Not to mention, Peloton has some of the best music we’ve seen in a workout app, with artist series, themed classes, and all the hottest TikTok tracks. If you just want to walk or run at your own pace, the Tread also lets you “Just Run” and cue up entertainment apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Max, Disney+, and NBA.
[Related: Peloton vs. Echelon]
Outside the screen, the rest of the workout experience isn’t bad, either. The Tread has handy knobs on either side to easily control the speed (up to 12.5mph) and incline (up to 12.5%). “The dials on the handlebars are some of my favorite features on this treadmill,” our tester says. The Peloton Tread can also connect via Bluetooth to your Apple Watch, for example, to pull in heart rate data from your workout and track your progress over time on the Tread and in the Peloton App.
You’ll need an All-Access Membership ($44 a month) to access Peloton’s best-in-class content and most of the Tread’s features — but the workouts are so good, it makes the extra cost go down easy.
Read our full Peloton Treadmill Review.
Best Smart Treadmill for Runners: Sole F80
The SOLE F80 treadmill is full of modern touches. It can withstand long runs, offers an incline range up to 15% and speed range up to 12 mph, and has a cushioned deck that makes running 40% less impactful on your joints than the outdoors.
Unlike many other smart treadmills, you aren’t beholden to a streaming subscription to make the most of the Sole F80, making it a great option for casual runners who don’t need instructor-led workouts or bells and whistles to lure them into logging miles. The Sole F80 offers a simple and customizable running experience under $2,000 — relatively affordable for a smart treadmill.
“This treadmill was easily adjustable throughout the workout and responsive,” says Jarrett Evans, a collegiate strength and conditioning coach who tested the treadmill for BarBend. “There are multiple ways to adjust speed and incline, including buttons on the side rails, quick buttons on the dash, and buttons for manually adjusting the speed.” The 15% max incline is great for hill-running workouts, surpassing the capabilities of most other mid-range treads.
Evans gave the treadmill a 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities as well. “The console was pretty easy to navigate, and I was able to set up the Bluetooth right away,” he says.
The F80 comes with 10 pre-programmed workouts and seven entertainment apps, including YouTube, Netflix, and ESPN, that you can stream on the 10.1-inch touchscreen. You can also screen-mirror your phone or tablet, so the workout and entertainment options are pretty much endless. For those who just want to hop on and run, the display has all the necessary data, including heart rate, speed, pace, and cumulative workout stats, like miles traveled.
The F80 has a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which can fold up when not in use and is supposed to reduce the impact on your joints by 40% compared to outdoor running surfaces like asphalt, but our tester still felt the running surface was quite hard underfoot. “At top speed (12 miles per hour), this treadmill is rather shaky, and my phone fell off of the tablet holder,” Evenas says. As a result, he gave the tread a 3 out of 5 for construction.
Read our full Sole F80 Treadmill Review.
Best Smart Treadmill With Incline: NordicTrack X22i
The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is built for those who want to climb. The machine inclines up to 40% and declines down to -6%. It features a Sled Push option where you can power the belt with your own leg drive, and it has a 22-inch touchscreen display where you can follow your workout and take iFit classes.
The NordicTrack X22i, one of the best incline treadmills we’ve tested, comes at a steeper price than most other home treadmills — but that’s not the only steep thing about it. This model has one of the largest decline/incline ranges we’ve ever seen, allowing you to run and walk down to -6% or up to 40%. “There are way more than the industry standard of 10 incline levels, and even at the highest incline, there’s no shifting or shaking when in use,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer.
To stay sturdy even at severe inclines, the X22i is (and has to be) a beast of a machine, weighing over 400 pounds and measuring nearly 19 square feet. As such, it’s not going to be a fit for smaller spaces, like apartments, or those who want a machine they can move around. Our tester gave it a 3 out of 5 for footprint and portability. That said, it’ll stay rock solid no matter how hard you train. “The 4.0 CHP motor is more than enough to support serious runners working out for a sustained period of time,” our tester says.
And the incline/decline training is far from the only impressive feature. Our tester gave it high marks across several categories, including a 5 out of 5 score in durability, customizations, adjustability and ergonomics, tech capabilities, and dynamic programming. The X22i’s 22-inch HD touchscreen display comes integrated with iFIT ($39/month), offering thousands of studio-style and scenic classes. Also, the tread can automatically adjust your speed and incline during select iFIT classes.
There’s also an integrated sled-push feature, including an additional set of handlebars, in case the incline and 12-mile-per-hour speed limit isn’t enough to challenge your power and strength. “It’s sort of like a manual treadmill and motorized treadmill in one,” our tester says. In all, it’s a serious machine worthy of serious athletes, though you don’t need to be one to enjoy it.
Read our full NordicTrack X22i Treadmill Review.
Best Smart Treadmill for Beginners: Horizon 7.4 AT
The Horizon 7.4 AT treadmill is ideal for anyone who likes to stream fitness classes throughout their workout. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity for streaming, this tread also features 3-zone variable response cushioning and feather-light folding to make storing this treadmill seamless.
If you’re new to working out — or at least to working out on a treadmill — you might not know what kind of experience you want. For example, how can you commit to a treadmill integrated with iFIT, Zwift, or Peloton if you’ve never tried either one? The Horizon 7.4 AT, which has more smart features than the popular Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill, is designed to be compatible with third-party fitness apps, allowing you to try different workouts and see what clicks for you.
The Horizon 7.4’s LCD display is somewhat basic; it’s not a touchscreen, and there are very few pre-programmed workouts. But if you bring your own device and connect to the treadmill’s Bluetooth, you can stream any workouts or entertainment you please, and certain apps can even pull in your treadmill data for more advanced tracking.
Jarrett Evans, a collegiate strength and conditioning coach, scored this tread a 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities when testing it out for BarBend. “The console is simple and easy to navigate,” he says, another perk for beginners who don’t want to be overwhelmed by a smart treadmill that’s too smart.
The hardware is otherwise what you’d expect from a treadmill at this price point: You can run speeds up to 12 miles per hour and inclines up to 15%, and the 60-inch running deck is long enough to accommodate most strides while also being foldable.
Though we like that it’s foldable, we do wish this treadmill didn’t weigh nearly 400 pounds. Lifting the deck shouldn’t be a problem, but getting it into place might be.
That weight gives it stability, though. “I didn’t notice any shaking or wobbling on the high-speed or even low-speed ends,” Evans says, giving it a 4 out of 5 for durability. “Out of all the treadmills I’ve tested, this is definitely one of the safer ones.” Evans scored his overall workout experience with this Horizon Fitness profile a 4 out of 5.
Still, $2,400 is steep for a treadmill with no built-in touchscreen and fewer tech features than you’ll see on some comparably-priced treadmills.
Read our full Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill Review.
Best Budget Smart Treadmill: 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.
The best budget treadmills typically don’t come with fancy tech, but this affordable option from ProForm offers a lot of features and solid hardware for the dollars spent. “It’s a great price, especially given that it has the ability to connect to smart programming, a 3.0 CHP motor, and a 60-inch by 20-inch deck — features you don’t see in a lot of budget-friendly treadmills,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. It’s also foldable and a more compact treadmill compared to most smart options.
Though the basic display on the ProForm Carbon TLX might not scream “smart treadmill,” the magic happens when you use Bluetooth to connect to a phone or tablet and stream iFIT programming. The machine will sync up with whatever class or scenic workout you’re taking and automatically adjust the treadmill’s speed and incline to match.
Our tester scored the programming a 4 out of 5. “Even having to connect my device to the treadmill, I found this really easy to use, and I love the iFIT programming, especially for their treadmill workouts,” they say.
iFIT also offers thousands of other workout classes across other modalities, so you can use your membership ($39/month) to take classes off the tread, too. “Having the app on your phone or tablet makes it really easy to use for all different workouts,” our tester says.
As for the hardware, our tester was quite impressed with the quality, especially considering the price. “This is a solid treadmill,” they said. “I didn’t notice any weak spots, and the overall construction makes me think it’ll last a long time.”
One area where the price tag shows is in the deck cushioning, which is why our tester scored it a 3.5 out of 5 on ergonomics. “The deck has something called ProShox cushioning, but I found it lacking compared to what I’ve experienced on other ProForm treadmills. [Still], for a budget-friendly treadmill it was fine.”
Read our full ProForm Carbon TLX Review.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Smart Treadmills
For the BarBend team, working out isn’t a hobby or a side hustle — it’s a full-time affair. Our crew of certified personal trainers, athletes, and marathon runners has put plenty of miles into treadmill testing, hopping on more than 50 different machines over the years. We analyze each tread according to the BarBend equipment testing methodology and rank each machine with a score of 1 (not great) to 5 (fantastic) on important factors like customizations, durability, warranty, and tech. Below are some of the key factors we looked at when making our picks.
- Available Programming: “Many [smart] treadmills come with large screens to stream fitness classes, such as Peloton and iFIT,” says certified personal trainer and expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. “These smart treadmills are more expensive, but the immersive component can keep you motivated to exercise.”
- Tech Capabilities: In addition to programming, smart treadmills should come with some snazzy tech, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with apps like Zwift. Other notable features we looked for include automatic incline/decline and/or speed adjustments, heart-rate monitoring, and seamless functionality.
- Workout Experience: If you like it, you’re more likely to use it; it’s as simple as that. A TV for streaming entertainment or classes can help you enjoy your workout more, though the overall workout experience also includes aspects like a user-friendly interface, smooth running belt, cushioned deck, 3.0+ continuous horsepower (CHP) motor, and quick speed adjustments.
- Footprint: The best treadmills with screens can be rather massive, but we tried to include a few models that won’t completely gobble up your floor space. Still, when making picks, we tried to adhere to the recommendations of Capritto: “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.”
- Value: Evaluating a smart treadmill isn’t just about the features or the price. It’s about comparing the two to make sure you’re getting a good value product for what you’re paying. Some smart treadmills cost well over $3,000, but we sought to include options that are at least a little more affordable under $1,500.
Benefits of Smart Treadmills
Smart treadmills offer perks you won’t find on more utilitarian models. Below, see some of the benefits of splurging on a smart model.
- Immersive Workouts: Many smart treads for home use come with built-in displays and best-in-class workout streaming. These immersive, engaging, and trainer-led workouts can help you stay motivated and have more fun while training — the latter of which can significantly influence your likelihood of sticking with your workout routine. (1)
- Workout Variety: It’s true that you’ll likely need to pay for a workout streaming platform to make the most of a smart treadmill, but they’re worth it if you prefer (or need) a bit more structure to your fitness routine. With one of the best workout apps, you can get access to all different types of classes (yoga, strength, mobility, you name it!) in addition to treadmill training, which can help you cultivate a more well-rounded routine.
- Enhanced Metrics Tracking: Most smart treadmills give you the ability to sync data between your treadmill, smartwatch, and mobile device, which can help you keep better tabs on your training load, progress, and goals.
- Durability: Most companies won’t bother adding fancy tech to substandard hardware, so if you’re buying a smart treadmill, you’re almost guaranteed to get a durable machine with a decent warranty. For the latter, “I recommend looking for 10 years on the frame, at least 2 years on parts, and at least 1 year for labor,” Capritto says.
How Much Do Smart Treadmills Cost?
Truth: You’ll need to spend at least $1,000 to get a smart treadmill, but paying more is almost certainly worth the strain on your wallet. Spending closer to $2,000 will often get you an HD touchscreen, app integration, and automatic adjustments — really, all the things that make a smart treadmill “smart. Just keep in mind the potential continued subscription costs — usually around $40/month.
| Best Smart Treadmill Overall | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | $2,299 |
| Best Smart Treadmill for Workouts | Peloton Tread | $2,995 |
| Best Smart Treadmill for Runners | Sole F80 | $1,899.99 |
| Best Smart Treadmill With Incline | NordicTrack X22i | $3,499 |
| Best Smart Treadmill for Beginners | Horizon 7.4 AT | $2,399 |
| Best Budget Smart Treadmill | ProForm Carbon TLX | $999 |
What to Consider Before Buying a Smart Treadmill
“You might think, ‘A treadmill is a treadmill,’ but this couldn’t be further from the truth…there are many different types of treadmills and factors to consider,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer and a certified personal trainer. “Finding a treadmill that’s just right for your needs — your Goldilocks — will require some research and knowledge of treadmill specifications.” Keep these key things in mind as you shop.
Training Preferences
What’s your main training MO? How you plan to train will be one of the most significant filters to aid your search and help you find the best treadmill for you. Do you want a treadmill so you can hop on and log some no-fuss miles? If so, a smart treadmill might be overkill for you. Do you want a walking treadmill that can keep you active during the workday? Save a few bucks by opting for one of the best under-desk treadmills that you can slip beneath your standing desk.
But if an immersive experience with guided workout classes and entertainment is what will keep you sweating, you’ll absolutely benefit from a treadmill with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and streaming capabilities.
Price
Smart treadmills don’t come cheap. If your budget is tight, you may be better off opting for a budget treadmill and using one of your own devices to stream workout content. It may not be as high-tech of an experience (for example, you’ll likely need to adjust your speed and incline yourself), but it’ll still get the job done. Not to mention, most workout app subscriptions (including Peloton and iFIT) are cheaper when you’re not streaming on a compatible piece of equipment, so you’ll save money month-to-month, too.
Available Space
Generally, the fancier a treadmill is, the bigger it is. The best high-end treadmills (many of which are smart treadmills) can be behemoths, weighing several hundred pounds and taking up 15 to 18 square feet of floor space. Before splurging on one, make sure you have the space for it in your home gym.
“It’s really important to triple-check the measurements of your intended placement, including the height, and pay attention to the required buffer space for the machine,” Capritto says. For example, “while the treadmill itself may measure 80 inches long by 30 inches wide by 48 inches tall, the manufacturer may require that you have 2 feet of empty floor space on all sides.”
You’ll also want to make sure you have a suitable route for moving the treadmill into your house and to the desired location. Once it’s there, you should prepare to leave it be. Unless it’s a folding treadmill, most smart treads are heavy and difficult (or potentially impossible) to move.
Smart Treadmills FAQs
What is a smart treadmill?
The word “smart” can be used pretty loosely when it comes to treadmills, but the phrase “smart treadmill” often refers to a tread that has Bluetooth connectivity, a screen, and other high-tech features, like streaming capabilities or automatic speed or incline adjustments. Even if a treadmill is labeled “smart,” it doesn’t mean it definitely has all these features, so as you’re shopping for a smart treadmill, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the ones that are most important to you.
What is the best smart treadmill?
Overall, our pick for the best smart treadmill is the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, as it earned a 5 out of 5 score with our testers in a range of categories. As a commercial treadmill, the machine is designed to withstand heavy use and have a long lifespan, so you can feel comfortable sprinting your hardest during a HIIT workout even on the 12% incline. But the smart features — namely, the iFIT integration and automatic incline and speed adjustments — really take the cake.
Can you use Peloton Tread without a subscription?
Yes, you can use the Peloton Tread without a subscription; however, you won’t get access to most of the treadmill’s best features, including instructor-led classes, workout programs, gamified cardio workouts, scenic runs and walks, entertainment streaming, and auto-incline. You will have access to the treadmill’s “Just Walk/Run” mode and a few sample classes. To stream Peloton classes on the tread and take advantage of all its features, you’ll need a Peloton All-Access Membership ($44/month).
References
- Teixeira, D. S., Rodrigues, F., Cid, L., & Monteiro, D. (2022). Enjoyment as a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency: The Intensity Traits Discrepancy Moderation Role. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 780059.
