These Folding Treadmills Take Up Little Space and Help You Reach Your Goals (2024)

This best-selling foldable treadmill from XTERRA has over 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon for a reason: It has nine-speed settings, 12 preset programs, and three manual incline settings to help you reach your goals.

White says it’s a “steal” for the price, noting that it has a “large surface which accommodates users of many sizes and stride lengths” and also “includes a 5-inch LCD display which is easy to read and keeps you updated on your speed, incline, time, distance, calories, and pulse.”

Plus, it’s so easy to pack away—you just have to pull on the release deck knob and your treadmill folds up or down.

This style is a great option if you need something standard and simple. Some reviewers say it’s more of a light duty option, but it definitely gets the job done.

What a reviewer says: “I wanted something smaller that I could move from room to room. This one is perfect for my space and my needs. It was also very easy to assemble.”

This 2-in-1 folding treadmill by Goplus can slide right underneath your bed or sofa when you’re not using it. The best-selling treadmill can be adjusted for running versus walking by lifting the riser. The best part is, if you have a standing desk, you can even get some steps in while you work. Reviewers like that the treadmill is relatively quiet and not distracting while they get work done.

We also like that the treadmill comes with a non-slip running belt to help provide a smooth and stable run. You also get a bluetooth speaker, phone holder, and remote control to help you more easily adjust speed.

Please note that this treadmill doesn’t come with its own desk.

What a reviewer says: “I’m 71 years young and live in a retirement community. This is the perfect addition to my house. It folds easily to store daily, easy to move under the couch. I turn on the TV pull it out and watch the news while I do my daily run.”

Horizon is one of the top recommended treadmill brands on the web. While pricey, the 7.4 AT treadmill specifically offers several features that make it stand out against its competitors.

For one, the Bluetooth connectivity and integrated speakers let you seamlessly sync with fitness apps and trackers, like Peloton or STUDIO. Several reviewers also say that the treadmill lasts them several years, far surpassing the lifetime of cheaper models.

We also love plus the brand’s shock-absorbing cushioned deck for a more comfortable footfall, plus the fact that deck extends out to 60 inches for a more comfortable ride. It also boasts one of the higher weight capacities on this list, capping at 325 pounds.

Several users seem to agree that the treadmill is heavy duty and boasts a powerful motor. The treadmill also includes QuickDial controls for easy navigation, but take note that some reviewers found these to be too sensitive if you were to accidentally toggle them.

What a reviewer says: “It’s powerful and rock solid. The handlebar wheels make speed and incline changes easy even on the fly. I use it with the Peloton app on a 42-inch screen. It’s a beautiful setup that I would not trade for any other tread.”

The UREVO 2-in-1 treadmill is White’s personal pick for an under-desk folding treadmill. This folding treadmill can be used with or without the riser to ensure you get your workout in even if you’re at your desk. “I think this is a great product if you want to get exercise while you are working,” he says, noting that it has an LED display and remote control that “makes it easy for you to track speed, distance, time, and calories in real time.”

The durable machine allows you to run up to 7.6 MPH and walk up to 3.8 MPH, and it even has eight silicone shock absorbers to protect your joints.

We also like that it comes with wheels for easy mobility.

What a reviewer says: “Very low profile. I have it between two chairs and a window and I barely notice it in my living room! That's exactly what I wanted. It tracks time, distance, and calories and has a phone stand.”

This particular model from Sole has a cult following online, but it’s on the pricey side. The reason why it’s popular? Users say it stands against the test of time, thanks to its good build quality. This checks out, as some of the cheaper treadmills we looked at in the under $500 range turned out to wear off after a few years, according to reviews.

Additionally, White says this folding treadmill from Sole is a great pick to consider if you have arthritis or joint pain, as its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck “has shock absorption up to 40% compared to road running.” Plus, it not only offers bluetooth connectivity, but it also has a built-in tablet holder and a wireless phone charging pad.

We also commend this pick for its high speed maximum, 350-pound weight capacity, spacious walking pad, and 15-level incline range.

What White says: “It also has features like a roomy running deck, a 3.5 HP motor, a power incline up to 15%, and a 10-inch touchscreen display.”

With a speed range of 0.5-7.5 miles per hour, this walking pad with a foldable bar is great for those looking to power walk in a small space. And at under $500, it’s an affordable pick.

Most users claim that the motor is generally quiet, and they enjoy how compact the treadmill is. Several upon several reviewers also mentioned that little to no assembly is required—just take it out of the box and it’s ready to go.

The treadmill comes with a shock-absorbing running belt to help promote a smoother and quieter ride, plus a remote control to easily adjust speed, distance, and time.

Take note that some users complain about the sensitivity or loud beeping sounds from the buttons, or the remote losing often losing connection.

What a reviewer says: “My wife and I have used it twice a day each for 30 minutes five days a week for the last three weeks and have had no issues. I expected a loud noise and was very surprised at how quiet it was when I was working. Very easy to loosen the knob and collapse for storage and the wheels helps to move it to the desired location.”

You can crush all of your cardio workouts with this small but mighty foldable manual treadmill by Sunny. Coming in at under $200, it’s an especially great pick if you’re on a budget. The compact treadmill is perfect for tight spaces, and with a manual (non-preset) design, you can control your own speed at all times. Plus, it tracks time, speed, distance, and calories.

Also, it’s a non-electric, manual option that doesn’t require an outlet. This means it’ll require more of a physical effort during your workout, which appeals to some users.

It’s definitely one of the more narrow options on our list, measuring at 23 inches wide. Note that you can’t adjust the incline, and you won’t get any fancy features with this model.

A key consideration: Because this model comes at a lower price tag, you shouldn’t expect a heavy duty hold. Users say it’s “stable enough”, with others vocalizing that it’s a little wobbly during use.

What a reviewer says: “Using this treadmill is a tough workout, which is what I wanted. Similar to doing 12/3/30 (even though the incline is a little lower) because it takes more effort to walk on this treadmill since it’s manual. Assembly was straightforward, took maybe 20 minutes. So far (a few weeks in) it’s a worthwhile purchase!”

This top-rated, foldable treadmill from NordicTrack may be pricey, but reviewers say it’s definitely worth the splurge. We like that it has the largest weight capacity on this list, with a max of 400 pounds. That’s almost double the capacity of most models on this list.

It’s also one of the widest models—which can be a detriment to those living in smaller spaces—but its footprint contributes to the durability and longevity reviewers swear by.

White recommends it, too, noting that it “comes with everything you may need” in a treadmill. That includes a 14-inch HD touchscreen that comes with iFit, a tablet holder, Bluetooth capabilities, wireless speakers, and a heart rate monitor with integrated sensors in the handlebars. Plus, it “has not only a huge incline capability, but also a decline option that is not common in most treadmills,” White adds.

What a reviewer says: “This treadmill has been fantastic! It has a long-running surface, it’s sturdy (I’m over 200 lbs), and has a great set of features. The running surface has good traction, runs steady, and is responsive to changes in settings,” writes one customer.

When you hear foldable treadmill, you probably don’t think of a treadmill actually folding in half—but that’s just what the WalkingPad C2 mini foldable walking treadmill does. It’s the only option on this list that has a deck that folds at 180 degrees.

Besides being easy to store, the the motor is quiet at 65 decibels. The walking pad also features WiFi and bluetooth compatibility, plus it includes a lanyard remote for adjusting speed levels.

That said, the treadmill does have its drawbacks—mainly that there are no inclines and that it only goes up to 3.2 miles per hour.

What a reviewer says: “I’m a Functional Health Coach and work from home. I struggle with chronic body pain that flares when I sit for too long or have extended periods of inactivity. Since using the walking pad, I’m getting more movement (so hitting over 10K steps per day), have less body pain, am more regular and even lost some weight. I recommend it to all my clients and online community.”

Sometimes you just want to work while you walk, or vice versa, and in a small space every square inch counts. Enter the GoPlus three-in-one treadmill with a desk. We like that the speed options range from 0.5 to 7.5 miles per hour. And coming in under $500, reviewers think it’s worth every penny.

Weighing at 73 pounds, several users give the treadmill a high rating for easy mobility. Many also remark that setup was pretty easy, requiring just one to two people.

Keep in mind that a few users complained about wear and tear, saying that the material on both the rails and the screen scratch pretty easily.

What a reviewer says: “The desk attached is perfect as I am able to get my steps in during my long remote work hours. Before this, I was clocking around 3k steps when I would be very busy at work, and now with this addition and the convenience of walking while working I am able to do over 12k steps a day.”

With a speed range of 0.6-8 MPH, this foldable treadmill is a great option for your home gym. It features a 16-inch screen and Bluetooth connectivity. It has a manual incline of four levels. And it features a slow-down period so you can wind down without an abrupt stop. Plus, it boasts a safety key that stops the treadmill when pulled.

What a reviewer says: “The handles are comfortable; easy to access the main board at a moment’s notice. Another feature I like about this treadmill is that when you are ready to call it quits, the stop has a slow-down period until it stops. Some treadmills will just do a quick stop. The treadmill has a great safety feature, which was important to me as my daughters are now beginning to use the home gym, I know it is a must safety feature,” writes one customer.

“All in all, the best treadmill for home use is the treadmill that gets you moving and enhances your workout routine,” notes White. However, there are several factors to consider when shopping for your home and needs:

✔️ Find the right size. Do you want to be able to use the treadmill with a standing desk, or tuck it away under your bed when it’s not in use? You’ll want to take note of the dimensions of the treadmill—both while it’s in use and when it’s folded up—and think about how it may fit within the restrictions of your space.

✔️ Take note of horsepower. Finding a treadmill with the right amount of horsepower is crucial, says White. He generally recommends a treadmill with 3.0 horsepower. “For joggers, the constant duty should have at least 2.5 horsepower, and for walkers, a 2.0 horsepower is enough on continuous duty,” he advises.

✔️ Consider the type of shock absorption. “An under-looked factor when looking at foldable treadmills is the type of shock absorption. These usually come in the form of either springs or preferably shock absorbers,” says White. “In relation to the springs, they will reduce the impact when you run. However, they can feel less natural when compared to the shock absorbers.”

✔️ Pay attention to weight capacity. We found that a lot of cheaper or smaller models will start at 220 pounds max, while pricier models will typically go up to 400 pounds max.

✔️ Consider speed and incline options. Take note that you’ll find lower speed ranges on folding treadmills, and some treadmills won’t give you any incline options. Others however, can offer up to 15 incline levels.

✔️ Check to see if the treadmill comes with wheels. While folding treadmills are lighter than traditional ones, wheels greatly impact the ease of transport and mobility.

✔️ Balance features with cost. Folding treadmills come at a wide range of price points, often depending on the specific features they offer. Think about whether you want features like heart rate monitoring, bluetooth connectivity, and monitors that can track statistics, such as time, speed, distance, and calories. Plus, some treadmills even offer abilities to stream workouts and classes.

While non-folding treadmills boast sturdier construction and higher-end features and provide a smoother and more comfortable workout experience, their fixed deck design means they take up more space, explains Bulay. “Meanwhile, folding treadmills offer convenience, space-saving benefits, and come at a more affordable price point,” he adds.

The compact size also may make them easier to clean. “This is due to the fact that they are usually light and you can lift underneath to clean them as well as the top,” explains White.

Additionally, they may generally be a safer option than a traditional treadmill, according to White. “There is less of a chance that you will trip over it or that it will fall and injure you,” he says. “A folding treadmill is also a great option if you have kids because they will not be able to play with it and potentially hurt themselves.”

Running is absolutely a possibility on folding treadmills, Bulay tells Prevention. “However, due to capacity of most of the motors of home use, max speed is limited in comparison to traditional ones,” he adds.

Additionally, White reminds us that a folding treadmill tends to have a smaller running surface compared to a regular treadmill. “This is important to think about if you are someone that is taller or if you have a long stride,” he says.

“While folding treadmills have their benefits, they may sacrifice some stability due to their collapsible mechanism, potentially leading to a less sturdy feel during workouts,” Bulay says.

Bulay also notes that folding mechanisms in folding treadmills may wear out over time and require maintenance—while non-folding treadmills are built to withstand heavy use and typically have a longer lifespan.

We consulted Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, and Daniel Bulay, fitness trainer and co-founder of The District Training Facility.

With their expert insights in mind, we then conducted our own research and sifted through ​​hundreds of online reviews to find the best folding treadmills available.