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Having a treadmill in your home is one of the best ways you can keep in good cardio shape.
Not only that, but it means that you will more easily be able to reach your fitness goals, as you don’t have to leave the house to work out.
However, they can be bulky and not everyone has the room for one.
That’s why we’ve gone ahead and spent the last few weeks testing out a variety of models to bring you the top compact treadmills for home use out there currently. Let’s get started!
Our 3 Top Foldable Treadmills
| XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill | NordicTrack NTL17915 Treadmill | Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Speed: | 0.5 - 10 MPH | 0.5 - 10 MPH | 0.5 - 10 MPH |
| Weight Capacity: | 250 lbs | 300 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Incline: | 3 levels | 0-10% | 0, 2, 4.37% |
| Running Area: | 16" x 50" | 20" x 55" | 15.5" x 49" |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Compact Treadmills For 2020
- XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
- NordicTrack NTL17915 T 6.5 S Treadmill
- Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill
- ANCHEER Folding Treadmill
- Merax Electric Folding Treadmill
- Goplus 800W Folding Treadmill
- MaxKare Folding Treadmill
Our reviews to the top rated small treadmills with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right small treadmill for you.
Portable Folding Treadmill Reviews
#1 XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
XTERRA is one of the most popular brands of running equipment out there today due to the consistent quality and affordable prices they offer.
Judging by the fact that it’s one of “Amazon’s Choice” products, aside from the countless positive customer reviews, it seems like everyone knows it.
Their TR150 is our favorite treadmill from them, offering a convenient and efficient option no matter what kind of runner you are.
Expand To See More Easily folding up for simple storage and transportation, it’s made just for home use. That doesn’t mean they’ve skimped on quality, though. Their XTRASoft deck cushioning technology makes it one of the best small treadmills in terms of comfort, offering various point of cushiness to help absorb impact so your joints feel fresher. Despite being so compact, the running space is quite large, at 16” x 50”, making it ideal for runners of all sizes. The 2.25HP motor ensures smooth and quiet operation each time you use it, with the ability to use it anywhere from 0.5 to 10 MPH. Make your workout even tougher by increasing the incline up a max of 3 levels. To control your settings, you have a 5” LCD console front and center, making it easy to track all your stats, including time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. To get straight to the point, preset speed settings are also available. Finally, hand pulse grip sensors are available on the side handlebars to ensure your safety and goals are being met. NordicTrack is quite possibly the most well-respected brand in the treadmill world, thanks to their elite quality and cutting-edge technology. Their T Series Treadmills are a bit more costly than the others on our guide, but they’ll last for many years to come, even with daily use. Let’s take a further look at this best portable treadmill. The T 6.5 S Treadmill is incredibly well-built, comprised of high-quality parts made to take a beating. The 2.6 CHP motor is one of the most notable components, offering a smooth, quiet, and reliable operation each time. Expand To See More You have the ability to run it up to 10 MPH and at an incline of up to 10% for variety and to ensure your body doesn’t get used to the same thing. Similar to what we found on the previous treadmill, the 6.5 S has a FlexSelect cushioning system which offers a soft place for your feet to fall, though you can adjust it to keep it firm to emulate running outdoors. However, the running area is a bit larger than the last model, providing more versatility. The console, though, really stands out from the competition. Featuring 20 built-in programs alone is really something, but you also get the ability to access iFit, though it is a paid subscription after the free included trial. This subscription gives you access to a ton more training programs and the Google Maps program which is immersive and entertaining. Workout statistics are available as well, and you can hook up your smartphone or iPod to listen to through the built-in speakers. One touch controls let you switch and adjust quickly which is ideal if you’re doing hills or just don’t want to wait around between settings. Are you searching for one of the best folding treadmill for home use but are on a tight budget? Then take a serious look at the Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill Motorized Running Machine. Known for their affordable products, this model is basic but gets the job done. Coming in either Gray or Pink, you can add a little bit of personal flavor to your home gym. Where it really stands out, however, is how easy it is to transport and store. Expand To See More Weighing roughly half of what most treadmills do, it’s very lightweight. Combine that with built-in transportation wheels, and relocation is a breeze. The soft drop mechanism lets you feel confident and safe as it won’t drop to the floor quickly and risk injuring you or your flooring. The LCD display console lets you choose between 9 different workout programs, and measures time, distance, calories, and pulse. Handrail control keys are ultra-convenient, letting you start, stop, and adjust without moving your hands to the control console. The speed range is just a smidge slower than most, with a range of 0.5 – 9 MPH, and the incline is either 0%, 2% or 4.37%. We really enjoyed this model, though there are a couple things to note. One, is that the running area is a bit smaller than most of the others on our guide, though by no means too small. Two, is that the weight limit is relatively low, at 220 pounds, which may be a problem depending on how much you weigh. Other than that, it’s an excellent budget option. Easily one of the most impressive treadmills we’ve had the pleasure of using, the ANCHEER Folding Treadmill is perfect for walking, jogging, and running. Coming with automatic incline and the most modern technology, it’s incredibly intuitive to use. If you’re ready for the perfect cardio workout, then look no further. Weighing only 102 pounds and capable of supporting up to 300 pounds, it’s incredibly well-built and made to last with a steel frame and EVA composite running belt. Expand To See More The included rolling wheels make moving it around and storing it as simple as be, and the platform hydraulic folding system ensures no damage to you or your flooring. The large LCD display panel in the center shows your time spent, distance, calories, speed, and heart rate. You can also choose between 3 built-in modes: calories burned, distance traveled, and time passed. There are also 12 pre-set programs with various speeds and incline levels. Moreover, you have much more flexibility setting up workouts manually than most other models. Walk, jog, or walk at anywhere from 0.5 to 9 MPH with a 3.25 HP motor and choose an incline level all the way from 0% to 15%! To keep yourself entertained, you’ll find an audio aux port to connect your headphones to use with your MP3 player/smartphone. The built-in tablet holder lets you conveniently keep it there without having to hold it or keep it in your pocket the whole time. Integrated speakers are Bluetooth compatible, too, for a more immersive audio experience! Yet another one of the best folding treadmills for home use for those on a tight budget is the Merax Electric Folding Treadmill. It’s a no-frills model that assembles easily so you can get started right away. The compact footprint is perfect for limited spaces like small apartments and studios, coming with convenient transportation wheels to further facilitate usage. The 1.5HP motor is smooth and quiet, though it is not quite as hefty as most others we’ve run across. Expand To See More It comes with 12 preset programs and 3 countdown modes, letting you work out anywhere from 0.5 to 7.5 MPH, which is also a bit slower but not limiting unless you’re sprinting the entire time. On the handles you’ll find nice little shortcut buttons which instantly start or stop the machine as well as let you adjust the speed settings at a moment’s notice. What really stuck out to us was that the manufacturer boasted a “high-density lawn texture belt” and we didn’t know what to expect. However, after using it, it’s just like the other models that absorb shock and offer a bit of cushion. In addition, it’s a non-slip texture so you’ll stay planted firmly on your feet. The multi-functional LCD display will track your performance from beginning to end, showing your time, speed, distance, and calories burnt. For entertainment, you can plug in your smartphone or even insert a USB drive to listen to your playlist with ease! Designed for daily use, the Goplus Folding Treadmill is ideal for those who are looking for a very compact model. Actually, we were hard-pressed to find one more lightweight option, weighing a mere 59 pounds. Despite this, it’s made of high-quality steel with the capability of supporting up to 220 pounds, so you can count on it lasting a good while. What’s more, is that it folds very quickly and comes with built-in transport wheels so you can maneuver it without much effort at all. Expand To See More Given how narrow it is when folded up, you’ll find storage to be quite simple, too. You can choose between the traditional Black color scheme, or switch things up with a head-turning Pink scheme, where you get pink handlebars and belt and a white frame. Featuring a 2.0HP motor, it’s surprisingly strong and offers consistent momentum. We noticed this one to be just slightly noisier than the others on our list, though it’s still by no means loud or disruptive. The LED display is rather basic, and not designed to be flashy at all, but displays your heart rate, scan, speed, distance, time, and calories burnt. The handrails also measure your heart rate and let you start/stop the machine and adjust the speed level. Last but certainly not least, we have the MaxKare Treadmill. While still being incredibly budget-friendly, it’s a little more fully featured than the previous one. While it does pack a bit more weight on, you’ll find added versatility and more advanced technology to balance things out. Even just by looking at it, you can tell it’s made with quality in mind. The steel frame is sleek and strong, and the multi-layer tread belt is made to provide you with a great amount of support and cushion to keep your joints fatigue-free. Expand To See More Aside from that, the center console really was that of a much more expensive machine. Equipped with a large and beautiful LCD display, it comes with 15 preset programs, easy one-touch operation, and data monitoring: speed, time, calories, distance traveled, and heart rate. The handrails come with the built-in heart rate sensors, as well. A powerful, pure copper motor offers a practically silent running experience, all the way from 0.5 to 8.5 MPH, and the frame helps reduce noise and vibration on the flooring. While you can adjust the incline up to 3 different levels, these are all done manually, which can be a bit of a hassle. Now that you’ve had the chance to go through and learn all about our favorite small portable treadmills, which one will you be selecting for your home? If you’re still unsure, there’s no need to worry. There are a lot of various characteristics to consider when purchasing one of these machines, so you should take everything into account before making your decision. We’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to write up the comprehensive buying guide, below. This guide will lead you through each step of the process so that by the time you’re finished, there will be no doubt which is the treadmill for your health needs! Since we’re talking about treadmills that will work in relatively tight spaces, size is of the utmost importance here. You want to have enough room to freely move around without being restricted, but you also want it to keep a small footprint to not take up so much space. Also take into consideration your own size and the size of others who will be making use of the machine. Running areas vary widely, though they aren’t always equal to the overall size of the treadmill so make sure to pay attention to both dimensions. The weight of the treadmill is directly going to affect how easy it is to transport within your home. Some people may not need to place too much importance on this aspect as they’ll just plan on folding it up and leaving it where it is without having to move it at all. In contrast, others are going to need to roll it out and back each time they use it. This is where weight will really come in. Of course, included transport wheels will facilitate this, but lighter machines are undoubtedly going to be easier to maneuver. There are various characteristics to look for in a high-quality treadmill belt. One, is the texture on the surface. While everyone has a slightly different preference, our go-to is one that’s a non-slip, grippier surface. This will give you more traction, allow you to run with greater confidence, and will keep you on your feet, even at higher speeds. Second, is the amount of cushion it comes with. Treadmills aren’t particularly known to be forgiving on the joints, but well-cushioned running belts can help absorb this impact to leave your joints fresher and with less stress placed on them. Some even come with belts that let you adjust the stability and hardness they provide so you can change depending on your mood and workout that day. You may have noticed that each machine varies a bit when it comes to speed and incline settings. Think about the kind of workouts you’re going to be doing on your machine. Do you like walking slowly up steep “hills”? Then higher speeds may not be that important to you, but a higher (think 10% or more) incline will be. Maybe you’re a sprinter but like doing so with a 0% incline; then you can opt for a model without much or any incline at all but want to aim for those with higher speeds (7+ MPH). If you’re just starting out or are unsure, then you can never go wrong with more possibilities. Preset or built-in programs are a great asset to have, as they get you going right away without wasting any time. They’re also nice if you’re not all that experienced or just don’t want to have to manually change up your settings constantly throughout the workout. Preset programs will let you choose your goal and will automatically adjust the speed and/or incline based on this. Some models come with just a few, while others come with a dozen or more! One of the most popular programs is iFit, available on the home treadmill by NordicTrack that we covered earlier. The program offers a ton of benefits, but is particularly attractive due to its unlimited interactive Google Maps workouts. The LCD displays of small treadmills are quite different, depending on the model you’re looking at. Some, as you have seen, are extremely basic and don’t look like they’ve been updated in quite some time. However, they’re going to still display the essential info to you, such as time passed, calories burned, distance traveled, and more. These may be the preferred option if you’re not particularly interested or well-versed in newer technology. Others, on the other hand, are made with luxury in mind and come with the latest in technology. These are more visually appealing, and often more immersive, with interesting graphics and more. These on their own may not urge you to buy a particular model, but they could definitely add to the user experience, making it much more motivating for you to stay on and work your hardest. Extra features on treadmills range from personal fans and water bottle holders to Bluetooth speakers, tablet holders and TVs. If you’re well-entertained, you’re more likely to stay on the treadmill longer, making it easier to reach your goals! It doesn’t matter if you have the best treadmill in the world; if it can’t properly support your weight it’s going to be a waste of money for you. Treadmill user weight capacities generally range from 200 to 300 pounds. We recommend choosing a treadmill that can handle at least 50 pounds more than your body weight to help ensure that you don’t strain the motor. A: Auto-stop is a crucial safety feature to many treadmill seekers who are elderly or may be recovering from an injury, or for those with pets or young children. Auto-stop is usually operated with a key. When you’re working out, the key is attached to your body with a lanyard and if you happen to slip or fall too far back, the key will disengage and the treadmill will turn off. Even better, the key can be taken out after each workout session to prevent the machine from accidentally turning on. A: Yes! They typically work just as well as your regular treadmills and will offer you an excellent cardio workout from the comfort of your own home. A: Around 7 to 12 years, depending on how often you use it and how well you take care/maintain the machine regularly. A: Almost any kind of running is going to have an impact on the knees, though it less impact than if you were to be running on the concrete. A: Lubricating the belt should be done regularly, but using a mat underneath the treadmill can greatly reduce vibration and noise. A: They’re very similar, but the treadmill offers much more variety, with the ability for you to completely control the speed and incline! Again, it doesn’t matter which model you choose if it isn’t able to support or work with the size of your body. If you really want to ramp up your calorie burning and fat loss, then try doing hills or intervals with your incline level. These vary, from Bluetooth speakers, to little entertainment shelves that hold your smart devices or magazines, to plugs for you to insert your phone, USB drive and more. Now that you know pretty much all you’ll ever want to about compact treadmills, we hope that you’ve been able to decide on the best model for you and your fitness goals. No matter which one you select, you can feel assured knowing that you’re purchasing one of the best models on the market today. However, what’s most crucial is that you select the design which functions best according to your body and home. We hope that our guide has helped you achieve exactly that. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again soon. Happy running! The XTERRA Fitness TR150 is our Editor's Choice for the best folding treadmill with its performance, features and value. In March 2019 Amazon announced that Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA) would be accepted as new forms of payment for eligible product purchases. Using HSA/FSA funds to purchase on Amazon can be a great way to reduce taxes and reduce overall healthcare costs for items not covered under medical insurance. Users of such medical savings plans are issued a debit card by their provider, which can be added to their payment methods in their Amazon account. Whether items sold on Amazon are deemed as eligible for HSA/FSA plans remains the responsibility of the buyer and their particular health plan provider. It’s ultimately up to the IRS and participating health plan providers to deem which medical and health products are considered eligible for the payment plans. But the eligibility is quite broad and inclusive of thousands of products that are sold on Amazon and considered Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts plan-eligible. See this IRS document for more information about Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf#2 NordicTrack NTL17915 T 6.5 S Treadmill
#3 Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill
#4 ANCHEER Folding Treadmill
#5 Merax Electric Folding Treadmill Easy Assembly
#6 Goplus 800W Folding Treadmill Fitness Running Machine
#7 MaxKare Folding Treadmill Running Machine
Compact Treadmill Comparison Table
Speed Weight Capacity Incline Range Running Area Rating XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill 0.5 - 10 MPH 250 lbs 3 levels 16" x 50" 4.1 / 5.0 NordicTrack NTL17915 T 6.5 S Treadmill 0.5 - 10 MPH 300 lbs 0-10% 20" x 55" 4.0 / 5.0 Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill 0.5 - 10 MPH 220 lbs 0, 2, 4.37% 15.5" x 49" 4.1 / 5.0 ANCHEER Folding Treadmill 0.5 - 9 MPH 300 lbs Up to 15% 17" x 47" 4.0 / 5.0 Merax Electric Folding Treadmill 0.5 - 7.5 MPH 240 lbs None 15.7" x 43.3" 4.1 / 5.0 Goplus 800W Folding Treadmill Running Machine 0.5 - 6.5 MPH 220 lbs None 14" x 38.2" 3.8 / 5.0 MaxKare Folding Treadmill Machine 0.5 - 8.5 MPH 220 lbs 3 positions 16" x 43" 4.3 / 5.0 How to Choose the Best Folding Treadmill – Buying Guide
Size
Weight
Running Belt
Speed/Incline
Preset Programs
LCD Display
Extras
Weight Capacity
FAQs About Foldable Treadmills
Q: What is the “auto-stop” feature and why do I need it?
Q: Are folding treadmills any good?
Q: How long do treadmills last?
Q: Are treadmills bad for your knees?
Q: How do I reduce the noise of my treadmill?
Q:Is walking better than using a treadmill?
Tips For Choosing Small Treadmills
#1: Make sure it fits the size and weight of your body.
#2: If you’re not into running, try boosting the incline to burn more calories.
#3: To keep yourself motivated, look for entertainment features.
Summary
Performance
Features
Value
Notice:
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