Ever wish you had your own treadmill for your home gym — but don’t have the space or budget for it? If so, a folding treadmill may be exactly what you need. They’re nowhere near as bulky or expensive as the commercial kind, and unlike an elliptical or exercise bike, you can easily stow them under your bed, in a closet, or under your desk. Best of all, folding treadmills make it especially easy to squeeze in a quick workout if you work from home or go on a hot girl walk even when it’s too cold or hot outside.
But with so many folding treadmill options out there, it can be hard to determine exactly which one is right for you. Some are slim and compact yet have fewer features, while others support higher speeds and inclines or have more bells and whistles like Bluetooth speakers and smartphone compatibility. If you are not quite sure where to start your search but know that you want a compact treadmill that’s affordable and convenient, you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, we’ve rounded up eight of the highest-rated folding treadmills on the market. Just keep scrolling to shop all the best options.
Sunny Health and Fitness (SF-T1407M) Manual Walking Treadmill ($150)
This treadmill is powered by the user’s speed — meaning it’s best for walking over jogging, but also that it requires no electricity. It sits at an incline of 13.5 percent and will deliver a surprisingly intense workout. And the minimal design means it’s so easy to fold up and store.
What reviewers say: “Love this. It definitely gets the job done if you’re looking for an intense workout on the cheap. Love the manual as it doesn’t take power, you can change the speed with your feet and pace. Love that it folds up to so it doesn’t take up room!”
Xterra TR260 Folding Treadmill ($620)
Reaching a speed of 10 mph, Xterra’s TR260 model is one of the fastest folding treadmills on the market. While walking or jogging is always an option, this treadmill also has 12 different workout presets that allow you to run up to 10 miles per hour. The heavy-duty steel frame makes it stable enough to support higher running speeds, but the treadmill can still be folded up and is easy to stow away thanks to the built-in wheels.
What reviewers say: “This was extremely easy to assemble with one person (took me about 20 minutes), and works surprisingly well, at various paces. I’ve tested it with an 11 mile run at 7 mph (8:33 min/mile) and used it for intervals at 9mph (6:45 min mile) and it held up well at both paces. It is surprisingly quiet for a lighter machine and feels stable while I’m running on it.”
Ksports Folding Treadmill Bundle ($444)
Your treadmill can be used for more than just running and walking when you get the Ksports folding treadmill bundle. It has an attached sit-up rack and also comes with an ab mat and a pair of dumbbells, so you can get more out of your workout while maximizing the space in your home. The Bluetooth-enabled treadmill can also be paired with any smartphone or tablet and is compatible with popular fitness tracking apps such as Kinomap, Zwift, and FitShow.
What reviewers are saying: “Hooked up my iPad with the included audio cable and used its stereo speakers which sounded better than I expected and enabled me to stream a show to distract me from what I was putting my out of shape body through. Very happy so far with the purchase.”
OMA Folding Treadmill 5925 ($900)
Because of their compact nature, most folding treadmills have a limited weight allowance. This OMA treadmill can safely accommodate up to 300 pounds, on the higher end of what you’ll find elsewhere in the category. Perfect for those who have a longer running stride or take heavier steps, the treadmill also has a wider-than-average 20 inch running belt with built-in shock absorption. Its strong motor has a horsepower of 3.0, meaning you can run up to 11.2 miles per hour without worrying that the treadmill will give out.
What reviewers say: The majority of customers only had good things to say about the OMA treadmill. “The treadmill is very sturdy, runs smoothly, and handles my weight with ease,” one reviewer wrote. Another added, “I am 6’5″ at 225 lbs, and I was worried this would be small for me. I ran 2 miles on it first thing and I felt like I was on a bigger treadmill.”
Goplus Ultra-Thin Electric Folding Treadmill ($250)
If space is a higher priority than speed, this Goplus Treadmill is probably your best option. Since it only reaches 5 mph, its capabilities are limited to walking or jogging, but the design is so lightweight and sleek that you can stow it underneath your bed or up against the wall whenever you finish using it.
What reviewers say: “I love this simple treadmill design, the traditional treadmill that I owned previously was too bulky and took up a lot of space. With this one, I was able to fold it and store it away easily when not in use. You would think with the sleek design, it would be too small to run in, but actually, it has a decent platform to jog in.”
Costway Superfit Folding Treadmill ($220, originally $479)
Costway’s two-in-one treadmill is designed to be used either under your desk or as a standalone treadmill. With the handlebars folded down, you can walk up to 2.5 miles per hour while you work, but if you raise the handlebars up, you can access higher speeds of up to 7.5 miles per hour. The treadmill is also equipped with Bluetooth speakers for when you want to jam out to some music while you run, but it has an ultraquiet motor for when you need to hop on a work call.
What reviewers are saying: “My daughter uses it for jogging and I use it for walking and it is perfect for each of us. It folds flat and I am able to stow it away under our futon with no problems! It is not a super duper fancy treadmill for marathon runners but for this mom and her daughter, this is perfect!”
WALKINGPAD A1 Pro Walking Pad Folding Treadmill ($599)
Walking on an under-the-desk treadmill with no handholds can often feel like a balancing act, but WalkingPad’s folding treadmill makes it a stress-free experience. Its gravity sensors detect your pace and footing, automatically adjusting the speed to prevent you from tripping or falling. The treadmill can also be controlled through a mobile app or the included wireless remote control, so you can conveniently stop, start, and change the speed when necessary.
What reviewers say: “I accidentally walked 9 miles today. I seriously just plain forgot I was walking for hours during the workday, because it’s so easy and comfortable to walk at a casual pace while I’m working.”
NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill ($1,499)
For a more compact version of a traditional full-capacity treadmill, NordicTrack’s EXP 10i is your best bet. Not only can you track and view your stats on a ten-inch tilt HD touchscreen, but the treadmill is also equipped with Google Maps to simulate outdoor workouts and has auto-adjusting speed and incline capabilities, allowing you to work out alongside a real trainer. Integrated with Google Maps, the EXP 10i also simulates outdoor workouts while displaying them on a ten-inch HD screen. It’s hard to believe such a powerful treadmill can just as easily be folded and stored.
What reviewers say: “Although the screen is small, it’s basically a built in Android tablet and works well. I was amazed at how immersive the running experience is with large speakers, fan blowing air and with iFit, a trainer running with you in a beautiful spot in the world and encouraging you.”
— Additional reporting by Jade Esmeralda
Kalea Martín writes primarily about food and cooking for PS, but as a former figure skater and hockey player, she covers fitness, too. Prior to becoming a lifestyle writer, Kalea covered hotels, restaurants, and travel for Luxos Magazine in Milan and worked in marketing at HarperCollins Publishers.
Jade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.
