“The best treadmills can offer both low- and high-intensity workouts excellent for caloric burn, cardiovascular health, and even improved muscular development,” states Dr. Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI, FAAOMPT. (1) However, these top cardio machines can take up a large amount of floor space, making them more of an obstacle than a training tool when trying to navigate through daily schedules. The best folding treadmills, though, can help you regain some flooring post-workout with foldable running decks for easier, more convenient storage.
When choosing a foldable treadmill for your space, you’ll (naturally) want to consider the product dimensions — both when folded and unfolded. Additionally, you should consider top speeds, incline capabilities, and available programming to ensure your tread of choice can support your personal training preferences. To help you with your purchasing journey, we’ve tested over 50 different machines from some of the category’s top brands. With guidance from our equipment testing methodology, we rated these compact, space-saving silhouettes in categories such as:
- Product Dimensions: How much square footage is required of the treadmill during use, and how big of a footprint will this machine take up in storage?
- Foldability: How easy is it to fold and unfold the running deck? Does the functionality help you regain a worthwhile swath of flooring while not in training?
- Available Programming: Does the treadmill feature preset workout programs or compatibility with a high-quality workout app?
- Speed and Incline Settings: Is the machine capable of different intensities and pitches to support a wide range of exercise protocols? How easy is it to toggle through the available speed and incline ranges?
- Value: Is the price tag justified in terms of the treadmill’s performance capabilities? Are you getting the most bang for your buck?
The BarBend team has helped connect over 412,000 athletes with high-quality conditioning exercise equipment over the years. If you’re in search of the best foldable treadmill for your home training space, we’re confident that the following details can lend some assistance in putting your best foot forward throughout the purchasing experience.
The 9 Best Folding Treadmills of 2025
- Best Folding Treadmill Overall: Sole F80
- Best Folding Treadmill for Running: Bowflex Treadmill 10
- Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400SMART
- Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners: Horizon 7.0 AT
- Best Folding Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Echelon Stride-6
- Best Smart Folding Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Best Folding Treadmill for Incline: ProForm Carbon Pro 9000
- Best Folding Compact Treadmill: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
- Best Budget Folding Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
Best Folding Treadmill Overall: Sole Fitness 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.
Specs
- Price: $1,899.99
- Product Dimensions: 82.5” L x 38” W x 66” H
- Folded Dimensions: 44” L x 38” W x 71.5” H
- Product Weight: 274lbs
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Incline Range: 0-15%
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Display: 10.1” touchscreen
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year deck, 3-year parts, 3-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items
Best Folding Treadmill for Running: Bowflex Treadmill 10
This treadmill features a foldable design, a 400-pound weight capacity, a wide range of incline and decline settings, and offers streaming capabilities.
Specs
- Price: $1,999
- Product Dimensions: 85” L x 39.6” W x 65.3” H
- Folded Dimensions: 44.5” L x 39.6” W x 70” H
- Product Weight: 323lbs
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Incline Range: -5-15%
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Display: 10” HD touchscreen
- Warranty: 15-year frame, 5-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics and HD touchscreen, 2-year labor
Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400SMART
This wallet-friendly treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness features a backlit LCD display that can connect to the free SunnyFit app for access to over 1,000 workouts and scenic routes around the world. Manual incline adjustments and a foldable running deck with soft-drop technology also make this SF-T4400SMART a standout silhouette amongst budget-minded treadmills.
Specs
- Price: $499.99
- Product Dimensions: 62.4” L x 26.8” W x 58.3” H
- Folded Dimensions: 34.3” L x 26.8” W x 58.3” H
- Product Weight: 103.6lbs
- Max Speed: 9mph
- Incline Range: 0.2-2.9% (manual adjustments)
- Weight Capacity: 285lbs
- Display: Backlit LCD display
- Warranty: 3-year structural frame, 1-year motor, 180-day parts & components
Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners: Horizon 7.0 AT
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a durable, low-cost option for anyone looking for a quality treadmill without overspending. It features a strong motor, a wide range of speed and incline settings, and a unique three-zone cushion system.
Specs
- Price: $2,100
- Product Dimensions: 76” L x 35” W x 67” H
- Folded Dimensions: 44” L x 35” W x 68” H
- Product Weight: 277lbs
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Incline Range: 0-15%
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Display: 7.25” high-contrast LCD
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor
Best Folding Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Echelon Stride-6
This tread folds flat to just 10 inches tall. Its max speed is 12 miles per hour, and you get a free 30-day Echelon Premier membership with your purchase, which provides access to over 3,000 live and on-demand classes.
Specs
- Price: $1,699.99
- Product Dimensions: 64.25” L x 32” W x 57” H
- Folded Dimensions: Not listed online
- Product Weight: 182.3lbs
- Max Speed: 12.5mph
- Incline Range: 0-12%
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Display: No on-machine display console
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 5-year motor, 1-year comprehensive
Best Smart Folding Treadmill: 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.
Specs
- Price: $2,499
- Product Dimensions: 77.3” L x 37” W x 59.5” H
- Folded Dimensions: Not listed online
- Product Weight: 311.5lbs
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Incline Range: -3-12%
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Display: 16” HD touchscreen
- Warranty: Lifetime motor, 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Best Folding Treadmill for Incline: ProForm Carbon Pro 9000
As a new treadmill silhouette for the ProForm stable, this Carbon Pro 9000 features a 16-inch HD touchscreen compatible with iFIT for trainer-led workouts. The 20-inch by 60-inch running deck and 3.6 CHP motor also lend themselves to high-intensity running endeavors, giving you the power and room to sprint comfortably through the end of your session.
Specs
- Price: $1,999
- Product Dimensions: 73.2” L x 34.6” W x 60.7” H
- Folded Dimensions: Not listed online
- Product Weight: 249lbs
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Incline Range: 0-12%
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Display: 16” smart HD touchscreen
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year motor, 2-year parts, 1-year tablet, 1-year labor
Best Folding Compact Treadmill: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
This versatile treadmill can support walking and running workouts with speeds up to 7.5 miles per hour. An easy-to-use remote control puts you in control of your pace without hopping off the treadmill, too, which can be great for slowing down your strides for focusing on incoming emails or tasks.
Specs
- Price: $329.99
- Product Dimensions: 55” L x 29” W x 5” H
- Folded Dimensions: Not listed online
- Product Weight: 69.5lbs
- Max Speed: 7.5mph
- Incline Range: None
- Weight Capacity: 265lbs
- Display: Not listed online
- Warranty: 90-day limited
Best Budget Folding Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
This folding treadmill is powered by a quiet 2.25 HP motor, allowing for speeds up to 10 miles per hour. It features a 50-inch belt, three incline levels, and 250-pound maximum weight capacity.
Specs
- Price: $429.34
- Product Dimensions: 63.4” L x 28.75” W x 51.4” H
- Folded Dimensions: 28.5” L x 28.75” W x 61” H
- Product Weight: 108lbs
- Max Speed: 9mph
- Incline Range: 3 manual settings
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Display: LCD
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 1-year motor, 90-day parts, 90-day labor
How We Tested and Chose the Best Folding Treadmills
The BarBend team is composed of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To compile this guide to the best folding treadmills available today, we tested over 50 different machines from some of the industry’s top brands, examining each profile in a range of categories to generate our reviews. We scored each treadmill on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) based on our equipment testing methodology. Such categories include:
- Required Floor Space: “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. Accordingly, we made sure to measure the listed product dimensions of each chosen treadmill. These dimensions outline the required floor space while the unit is in use, as well as the footprint when the treadmill is in its folded storage positioning.
- Headroom Needs: In addition to length and width, we also measured the height of these best cardio machines, since folding treadmills can sometimes require additional clearance for proper storage. All of the required heights are listed in the ‘Specs’ of our top picks.
- Noise: Treadmills motors are typically less noisy than other motorized equipment, but we understand that training conditions can vary from one household to the next. We examined each profile’s noise output to determine whether it can be used while taking phone calls or watching television, or if headphones were a needed accessory to help drain out the audible hum of your workout.
- Build Quality: No matter the price, a high-quality treadmill should be able to support some extended use. We made sure to include treadmills featuring durable frame components that won’t break down after just a few logged miles.
- Portability: Foldable treadmills can be a nice addition to your small space, but that doesn’t mean everyone has the available area for a dedicated fitness machine. As such, we included notes on which profiles could be moved more easily, as well as highlights on which treadmills should be transported with added assistance given their weight and dimensions.
- Available Programming: Having a treadmill with available workout modules can help create some variety within your training regimen rather than simply pounding away at the revolving belt. We emphasized folding treadmills that featured multiple built-in modules for different training sessions, as well as those compatible with popular training apps for a more digital workout experience.
Benefits of Folding Treadmills
Having a folding treadmill in your workout space can be 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. (4)(5) Additionally, having a foldable treadmill at your disposal can be a handy way to hit your daily step goals. “Current studies suggest a recommended step count between 7,000 and 10,000 steps daily,” notes Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD. “These guidelines can be helpful in promoting physical activity for the sake of improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and other wellness benefits.” Below are a few more perks associated with the best folding treadmills.
- 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 cardio workouts at home 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.
Folding Treadmill Safety Precautions
OK, so a folding treadmill can be a convenient piece of fitness equipment, especially for those living in small spaces. That said, though, you should ensure that your treadmill’s folding capabilities are safe and effective prior to purchase. Treadmill belts can be cumbersome and heavy, meaning a slip of a hand or compromised grip could lead to crunched fingers and toes if you aren’t careful. As a precaution and added convenience, many folding treadmills employ a gas shock system that can be engaged with a single touch or nudge. These systems slowly lower the running surface to its working position, taking the strain off your control and creating a safe protocol prior to training.
These gas shocks can also be helpful in ensuring your folding deck stays locked and secured when not in use — a major consideration when you have other housemates, small pets, or children in your abode. You don’t want to create a potential hazard by choosing a folding treadmill with an inadequate locking mechanism. Look through product pictures and descriptions during your purchase to determine how safe your setup can be.
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.
Running or Walking Preferences
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. (6) 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.
Product Dimensions
“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.
Weight Capacity
In addition to your treadmill’s dimensions, you should also take a gander at its listed weight capacity. This rating can be a quick indicator of your machine’s durability — treadmills with higher weight capacities are typically constructed from more resilient materials. Be sure to look for a treadmill with a listed rating above your current bodyweight. This can help ensure that your machine is capable of supporting your current self without any excessive strain across the motor and frame.
Speed and Incline Settings
Whether taking part in a daily walk or training for an upcoming marathon, your folding treadmill should be able to support your workout regimen with varied intensities and challenges. These can come in the form of different speed and incline capabilities. When searching for your new treadmill, make sure the motor can reach adequate speeds depending on your preferred pace — we generally recommend speeds of 12 miles per hour or more for running endeavors, while 9 miles per hour can be worthwhile for walking and light jogging.
While not an absolute requirement, incline (and potentially decline) capabilities can also be helpful for mixing up your training routine. “Training at an incline can also be helpful in trying to mimic real-world running scenarios, since you’re likely to traverse different ascents and descents on your typical paved route or trail,” adds Capritto.
Additional Features
Your folding treadmill can also come with extra capabilities and conveniences that can be influential to your training experience. For example, some of the best treadmills with screens offer Bluetooth connectivity to popular training apps for on-demand workout streaming, while others may feature built-in cooling fans, heart rate sensors, and large cup holders and storage compartments for your small must-haves. Naturally, you can still facilitate worthwhile workouts without these added bells and whistles, but they can be nice add-ons if you want to elevate your home workout experience.
When considering which features are needs and which are wants, consider your training preferences and how often you’re likely to use each accessory. Then, fine tune your search accordingly and focus on treadmills offering such amenities in addition to a foldable running surface.
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.
Available Warranties
Finally, a folding treadmill can be a large investment in supporting your fitness goals, so it can be helpful to look for machines with worthwhile warranty bundles to keep your equipment in operation for plenty of future workouts. “I recommend opting for a warranty package offering 10-year coverage for the frame,” notes Capritto. “I’d also suggest looking for multi-year coverage for parts and available tech, as well as at least one year of labor support.”
How Much Do Folding Treadmills Cost?
Like the best exercise bikes, rowing machines, and other home cardio equipment, the best folding treadmills can range in price from one silhouette to another. On average, though, we’ve determined that high-quality machines typically cost around $1,495 with natural outliers both cheaper and more expensive than the median price tag. Below, we’ve compiled the listed MSRPs of each foldable treadmill featured in this round-up.
Best Folding Treadmill Overall | Sole Fitness F80 | $1,899.99 |
Best Folding Treadmill for Running | Bowflex Treadmill 10 | $1,999 |
Best Folding Treadmill for Walking | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400SMART | $499.99 |
Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners | Horizon 7.0 AT | $2,100 |
Best Folding Treadmill for Low Ceilings | Echelon Stride-6 | $1,699.99 |
Best Smart Folding Treadmill | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | $2,499 |
Best Folding Treadmill for Incline | ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 | $1,999 |
Best Folding Compact Treadmill | GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill | $329.99 |
Best Budget Folding Treadmill | XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill | $429.34 |
Folding Treadmills FAQs
How much do folding treadmills cost?
On average, you can expect to pay roughly $1,495 for a high-quality folding treadmill. Of course, though, you can find cheaper and more expensive profiles on the market, but this is the median price tag we’ve determined after testing over 50 different machines from some of the category’s most recognizable brands.
What is the best folding treadmill?
The best folding treadmill can vary from person to person, but right now, our favorite is the Sole Fitness F80. It provides a generous number of technological features and an accessible price range.
How often should you use a folding treadmill?
If you have time and are in good health, you can easily use a folding treadmill daily. Just make sure that you listen to your body and take time to rest and recover when you need it.
References
- Chan, L., Chin, L. M. K., Kennedy, M., Woolstenhulme, J. G., Nathan, S. D., Weinstein, A. A., Connors, G., Weir, N. A., Drinkard, B., Lamberti, J., & Keyser, R. E. (2013). Benefits of intensive treadmill exercise training on cardiorespiratory function and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Chest, 143(2), 333–343. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22922554/
- Singh, G., Kushwah, G., Singh, T., Ramírez-Campillo, R., & Thapa, R. K. (2022). Effects of six weeks outdoor versus treadmill running on physical fitness and body composition in recreationally active young males: A pilot study. PeerJ, 10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9338755/
- Jaramillo, C. (2022, August 11). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes – seatup, LLC. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
- 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.
- 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
- 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