From Horizon and Sole, to NordicTrack and Matrix, there are more great treadmills to choose from than ever this year. Especially since several top brands came out with updated models.
This is awesome because it gives us plenty of variety to choose from, but having so many great treadmills to choose from can also make finding the right one more challenging.
Especially if you aren’t sure where to start.
Well, if you’ve found your way here, don’t worry – I got your back.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll review my top treadmill picks for 2024, but I’ll also go over everything you need to know when it comes to choosing the right home treadmill.
After reading, you’ll know everything you need to in order to choose the right treadmill for your home gym.
Well, without further a do…
| Running Surface | Motor | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Sole F85 | 22" x 60" | 4.0 HP | Lifetime frame/motor 3 year parts 1 year labor |
| #2 Horizon 7.8 AT | 22" x 60" | 4.0 CHP | Lifetime frame 5 year parts 2 year labor |
| #3 NordicTrack New Commercial 2450 | 20" x 60" | 3.6 CHP | 10 year frame 2 year parts 1 year labor |
| #4 Spirit XT485 | 22" x 60" | 4.0 HP | Lifetime frame 10 year parts 1 year labor |
| #5 3G Cardio Elite Runner | 22" x 62" | 4.0 HP | Lifetime frame 10 year parts 2 year labor |
| #6 Matrix TF30 | 20" x 55" | 3.25 HP | Lifetime frame 5 year parts 2 year labor |
| #7 Sole F89 | 22" x 60" | 4.0 HP | Lifetime frame 3 year parts 1 year labor |
| #8 Bowflex Treadmill 22 | 22" x 60" | 4.0 HP | 15 year frame/motor 5 year parts 2 year labor |
| #9 NordicTrack New Commercial 1750 | 20" x 60" | 3.5 HP | 10 year frame 2 year parts 1 year labor |
| #10 Sole F63 | 20" x 60" | 3.0 HP | Lifetime frame 3 year parts 1 year labor |
| #11 Horizon 7.0 AT | 20" x 60" | 3.0 HP | Lifetime frame 3 year parts 1 year labor |
| #12 NordicTrack T 6.5 S | 20" x 55" | 2.6 CHP | 10 year frame 2 year parts 1 year labor |
The 12 Best Home Treadmills of 2024
#1 Sole’s F85
It’s hard for me to name a top treadmill because every treadmill on this list is awesome, but ultimately I went with the F85 because I think it has a great specs to price ratio.
That’s my nerdy way of saying you get a whole lot of treadmill for a reasonable price.
But the fact that Sole updated their console was the real deciding factor for me.
You’ll also see several other Sole treadmills on this list – there’s just no denying that Sole is one of the best home treadmill providers out there.
Anyway, the F85 isn’t their highest-end model, but I think it hits all the right marks for most home users.
It terms of performance, this treadmill scores very highly.
It’s packing a strong, 4.0 HP motor, 2.75″ rollers, and a spacious 22″ x 60″ running surface.
The F85 is also remarkably heavy-duty (weighs 294 lb) and comes with an impressive 375 lb weight capacity.
It also comes with 15 levels of incline, 6 levels of decline, and can fold away for storage.
Sole isn’t known for including a ton of workout programs or fancy consoles, but this treadmill comes with Sole’s new Android based system that’s higher-tech than many.
This new console comes loaded with built-in entertainment apps, workout programs, and the ability to screen mirror from your phone or tablet, meaning you can watch any fitness app you want through the console.
And Sole also gives you a free subscription to their streaming app (Sole+) with purchase.
The icing on the cake is the warranty: lifetime frame/motor, 3 year parts, and 1 year labor.
Put it all together and you’ve got the making for a great home treadmill (and with a price tag of around $2k, it’s priced to move). See full review.
#2 Horizon’s 7.8 AT
Horizon’s 7.8 AT is very similar to Sole’s F85 discussed above and I had a hard time not landing it in the top position.
Mostly because Horizon offers a longer warranty, but again, Sole’s new console has something to offer everyone.
These 2 treadmills come with almost identical specs, so there’s really no wrong choice here, it all comes down to personal preferences.
I should also probably mention that I have one of these treadmills in my home gym as we speak and I love it.
The 7.8 AT comes with a 22″ x 60 running surface, a 4.0 CHP motor, and a very heavy-duty frame (330 lb assembled).
This bad boy has a max weight limit of 375 lb and is backed by a great warranty: lifetime frame/motor, 5 year parts, 2 year labor.
There are some differences with the consoles though.
The 7.8 AT doesn’t come with a touchscreen display, instead it’s a little more old school.
But it does come with turn dial controls for the speed and incline, which I do love – these controls allow you to rapidly switch between speeds/inclines… super convenient.
There are also quick touch buttons, but I find myself using the dials more than anything.
This treadmill also comes with bluetooth, a USB charging port, and 10 workout programs to choose from.
Overall, the 7.8 AT could’ve easily landed the #1 spot (or I could’ve been lame and had them tied as #1).
It’s another great treadmill with impressive performance specs up the yin-yang. See full review.
#3 NordicTrack’s New Commercial 2450
No “best of” list would be complete without at least 1 NordicTrack machine included (and you might see a few more on this list).
As I said with the 7.8 AT, the New Commercial 2450 could’ve easily landed the top spot too – it really all depends on what your priorities are.
Unlike the treadmills already mentioned, this model is designed specifically for workout streaming.
That’s what that gorgeous, 22″ HD touchscreen console is for.
So, if you’re looking specifically for instructor-led workouts (through iFit), this treadmill makes a whole lot of sense, but it’s no slouch in the performance department either.
With a 3.6 CHP motor, you won’t have to worry about the 2450 struggling to keep up.
At 1.9″, the rollers on this model are a little smaller, but it’s packing a 20″ x 60″ running surface and a folding frame.
This treadmill isn’t quite as heavy-duty as the models mentioned above, but it still comes with a 300 lb weight capacity, allowing most folks to safely use it.
The biggest downside, and the reason I ranked it at #3, is that NordicTrack’s warranty isn’t nearly as generous – they only back this treadmill with a 10 year frame, 2 year parts, and 1 year labor guarantee.
Oh, I almost forgot.
This treadmill can incline of course, but it can also decline down to -3% for training downhill- a cool feature for serious runners who may be training for a road race.
Overall, the 2450 is a very powerful treadmill packed with tech features galore. If you’re looking for a higher-tech treadmill, this is a smart choice. See full review.
#4 Spirit’s XT485
I’m not sure if folks are as familiar with the Spirit brand as they are some of the brands already mentioned, but if not, they should be.
Spirit machines are a little harder to come by, but you can usually buy them through their site (or through sites like Fitness Factory for better prices).
As a brand, Spirit is very similar to Sole and their XT485 is very comparable to the F85 mentioned above.
The XT85 comes with a 4.0 HP motor and 2.5″ rollers, as well as a 22″ x 60″ running surface for comfortable running.
It also comes with 15 levels of incline, a folding frame, and a weight capacity of 425 lb.
The XT485 doesn’t have an overly advanced console, but it does come with 12 built-in workout programs, speakers, and a cooling fan.
It’s also bluetooth compatible with fitness apps and heart rate monitors.
This is all great, but what really sets the XT485 apart from pretty much every other treadmill is the ridiculous residential warranty Spirit offers on it: lifetime frame/motor/deck, 10 year parts, and 1 year labor.
Yeah, 10 years on parts…
Overall, if you’re looking for an easy to use, reliable treadmill, the XT485 is a very smart option.
It’s a few hundred bucks more than the F85, but if you’re a stickler for a great warranty it could be worth it. See full review.
#5 3G Cardio’s Elite Runner
3G Cardio is another brand I doubt get’s the recognition they deserve.
I know I’ve never seen any commercials or marketing for ’em and they seem to be a pretty low-key brand.
Which is fine if that’s the way they like, but with treadmills like their Elite Runner, they can really hang with any fitness brand out there.
Well, when it comes to home treadmills anyway.
As the name implies, this treadmill is designed with elite runners in mind.
This treadmill comes with one of the largest running surfaces you’ll find on a home treadmill: 22″ x 62″.
The extra long deck ensures even the tallest sprinters out there will have plenty of room to stretch out while hitting those top speeds.
The Elite Runner also comes with a 4.0 HP motor, 3″ rollers, and a max incline of 15%.
And with an assembled weight of 366 lb, this treadmill is very heavy-duty.
Other notable features include a thick Orthopedic belt, a 400 lb weight capacity, built-in speakers, and an included strap heart rate monitor.
The console is pretty simple- only a few built-in workouts and no bluetooth.
But 3G Cardio backs this treadmill with a ridiculous warranty: lifetime frame/motor, 10 year parts, 2 year labor.
The biggest downside is the price, which may be a little high for what a lot of home-gymers are looking to spend.
But if you’re looking for a straightforward, no-BS treadmill that can hang with most commercial models, 3G’s Elite Runner is a very smart choice. See full review.
#6 Matrix’s Treadmill TF30
Matrix is a well-known commercial brand that also has a wonderful home lineup of cardio machines to choose from.
I’d put ’em in the same league as Life Fitness and Precor, although they offer some more affordable options.
Anyway, Matrix’s home treadmill lineup isn’t huge, but they’ve got great options.
Like the TF30, which is their most affordable folding treadmill.
The TF30 comes with a 20″ x 55″ running surface and a 3.25 HP motor that can reach a top speed of 12.5 mph and a top incline of 15%.
The deck is robust and this treadmill weighs in at around 294 lb, so you won’t have to worry about it feeling flimsy during workouts.
And I like that Matrix uses large, 2.4″ rollers for an even heavier-duty feel.
Honestly, the performance specs for the TF30 are good, but its Matrix’s consoles that really impress me.
They give you the option to choose between 3 options, ranging from a simple LCD screen to a 16″ HD touchscreen loaded with entertainment apps, workouts, and more.
The TF30 is also loaded with iFit, in case you want to follow along with instructor-led workouts.
And Matrix’s warranties are awesome as well, the TF30 is covered with a lifetime frame, 5 year parts, 2 year labor guarantee.
The biggest downside to going with Matrix is the cost – their treadmills aren’t cheap and opting for the HD consoles significantly increases the price.
But if you’re looking for a high-end treadmill with some of the best consoles on the market, it could be worth the investment. See full review.
#7 Sole’s F89
I warned yea we weren’t done with Sole Fitness.
The F89 is Sole’s newest model as well as one of their highest-end to date.
This treadmill is basically the F85, but with a much larger touchscreen console.
Highlights of this impressive machine include a 4.0 HP motor, 2.75″ rollers, and a 22″ x 60″ running surface.
And with an assembled weight of 314 lb, the F89 is heavy and robust for a home treadmill.
The F89 also comes with 15 levels of incline and 6 levels of decline, allowing folks to train downhill as the mood arises.
But again, the larger console is the biggest difference between the F89 and the F85.
With a 21.5″ touchscreen, it’ll be easy to view all the built-in entertainment apps and instructor-led workouts this console has to offer.
And with screen mirroring, you can watch anything you want by connecting your phone up to it.
The F89 is backed by the same great warranty as the F85 as well: lifetime frame/motor, 3 year parts, 1 year labor.
Overall, the F89 is a lot of treadmill and one of the most affordable options to come with a 21.5″ touchscreen. See full review.
#8 BowFlex’s Treadmill 22
BowFlex is one of those brands that needs no introduction – they’ve been around for decades and we’ve all seen their gym machines on tv.
And even though they’ve streamlined their cardio lineup, the treadmills they do offer are still quite impressive.
The aptly named Treadmill 22 has a lot to be proud of.
The “22” refers to the 22″ HD touchscreen console in front (they also offer a Treadmill 10, with, you guessed it, a 10″ screen).
This treadmill is designed for streaming workouts through JRNY, Bowflex’s answer to NordicTrack’s iFit.
Unlike iFit though, with JRNY you can access your entertainment apps (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max) directly through the console.
Cool tech features aside, the Treadmill 22 is a tank when it comes to performance.
The frame is crazy heavy-duty with an assembled weight of 336 lb, yet this treadmill can still fold for storage.
It’s also packing a 22″ x 60″ running surface, a 4.0 HP motor, and the ability to reach an astounding 20% incline (as well as a -5% decline).
Don’t worry, there are built-on extended handles to keep ya safe when climbing those steep inclines.
Additional features include bluetooth, a USB charging port, and an included strap heart rate monitor.
BowFlex also backs their treadmill with a nice home warranty: 15 year frame/motor, 5 year parts, 2 year labor.
Overall, if you’re looking for a tank of a treadmill with lots of hi-tech features, the Treadmill 22 is a top option. See full review.
#9 NordicTrack’s New Commercial 1750
NordicTrack’s New Commercial 1750 is the little brother to the 2450 mentioned up above.
Like the 2450, the 1750 is also designed to pair with iFit for workout streaming, scenic routes, and metric tracking, but this model’s screen is a bit smaller at only 14″.
Going with the smaller screen saves ya a few hundred bucks though, give or take.
Besides the smaller screen, the 1750 comes with a slightly smaller motor too, but at 3.5 CHP, it’s still plenty strong to get the job done.
This treadmill also comes with a 20″ x 60″ running surface, 1.9″ rollers, and a respectably heavy-duty frame.
The 1750 can incline up to 12% and decline down to -3%, giving folks an extra layer of variety for when they need it
And one of the nicest features of this treadmill is that if you use iFit (and I see no reason to buy this treadmill if you don’t), you can enjoy the Automatic Trainer Control feature where the speed/inclines adjust automatically during workouts.
This treadmill is also bluetooth/heart rate monitor compatible and comes with a nice built-in fan.
And the warranty on the 1750 is identical to the one offered on the more expensive 2450: 10 year frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor.
Overall, if you like the 2450 but are working with a smaller budget, the Commercial 1750 would be a good alternative. See full review.
#10 Sole’s F63
Ok, I promise this is the last Sole treadmill I’ll put on this list, but it definitely earned it’s way here.
As budget treadmills go, I think it’s about as good as it gets.
With an asking price of around $1000, the F63 is Sole’s most affordable treadmill to date, but it’d be hard to tell by looking at the specs this mighty treadmill is packing.
With a 3.0 HP motor, this treadmill is a bit weaker than the ones we’ve seen thus far, but it’s still packing enough muscle to support runners and walkers alike.
The running surface is also a bit smaller, but at 20″ x 60″, still large enough to provide comfortable use for most walkers and runners.
But with 2.36/1.8″” rollers and an assembled weight of 224 lb, the F63 is certainly heavier-duty than most of the comps in this price range.
Other features include 7 workout programs, bluetooth speakers, a USB charging port, a built-in cooling fan, and compatibility with Sole+.
Oh, this is also a folding treadmill, so it works well in smaller spaces too.
What really sets this treadmill apart from most in its price range though, is Sole’s warranty: lifetime frame/motor, 2 year parts, 1 year labor.
If you’re looking for an elite treadmill that won’t break the bank, Sole’s F63 is as good as it gets. See full review.
#11 Horizon’s 7.0 AT
Horizon landed another treadmill on my list with their affordable 7.0 AT.
This model is about half the cost as their elite 7.8 AT that you saw near the top, giving folks who like that model a more affordable option.
And don’t worry, this treadmill also comes with those convenient resistance/incline dials that I love so much.
The 7.0 AT is quite a bit smaller and lighter than the 7.8 AT, but it still holds its own well against other treadmills in this price range.
This treadmill comes with a 20″ x 60″ running surface, a 3.0 CHP motor, and 2.3″/1.8″ rollers.
This folding treadmill also comes with a top speed of 12 mph and a max incline of 15%, allowing it to challenge walkers/runners of all skill levels.
Console features include bluetooth speakers, a USB charging port, 7 workout programs, a built-in fan, and quick touch speed/incline buttons.
And even though this is a more budget-friendly treadmill, Horizon still backs it with a legit home warranty: lifetime frame/motor, 3 year parts, and 1 year labor.
Horizon offers some of the best home treadmills and their 7.0 AT is easily one of the best budget models around – truly a great value. See full review.
#12 NordicTrack’s T 6.5 S
Rounding out our list here is one more treadmill by NordicTrack.
NordicTrack doesn’t offer the T 6.5 S directly anymore, but luckily you can still find it indirectly through sites like Amazon.
The T 6.5 S is a little weaker and a little smaller than the other treadmills on this list, but for the price it’s almost impossible to beat.
Actually, last time I checked, the T 6.5 S was one of the top selling treadmills on Amazon – which really is an achievement considering how many treadmills you can buy through ’em.
Anyway, it’s easy to see why it’s become so popular.
It’s affordable, yes, but it also comes with some respectable stats for its price range.
Like a 2.6 CHP motor, a 20″ x 55″ running surface, and a max weight limit of 300 lb.
The T 6.5 S only has a top speed of 10 mph (and a 10% top incline), so serious runners might want to look for something a little stronger.
But us walkers and joggers should do just fine.
This treadmill is compatible with iFit too, although since it doesn’t have an HD display, you’ll have to rely on your tablet/phone for following along with the workouts.
Additional features include quick touch buttons, bluetooth, and built-in speakers.
NordicTrack offers the following warranty on the T 6.5 S: 10 year frame, 2 year parts, and 1 year labor.
Overall, this treadmill has a lot to offer and is priced to move, making it a smart choice for folks with smaller budgets. See full review.
Choosing The Right Treadmill
Many factors should be considered when choosing a treadmill, but I’m a realistic guy and I know that price is probably the first thing most of us think about.
And this makes sense because ultimately, you have to find a machine that fits within your budget.
This is true when buying any type of fitness equipment.
Well, luckily most of the top home treadmills won’t completely destroy your budget.
In fact, there are tons of great options under $2k, which is still pretty affordable as home fitness equipment goes (especially in a world where it feels like everything keeps getting more and more expensive).
Anyway, when it comes to choosing a treadmill, these are the most important specs to consider (regardless of price range):
- Purpose (walking vs running)
- Running Surface
- Motor
- Features
- Warranty
Let’s go into each one with a little more detail.
Purpose
Why are you getting a treadmill? What type of workouts do you see yourself doing? Will you be walking or running?
These are important questions to consider when purchasing a treadmill because the answers will help guide you towards the type of treadmill you should get.
We can classify treadmills in many ways, but one of the biggest distinctions is between manual and electric treadmills.
Manual treadmills don’t have a motor.
They’re smaller, lighter, and more portable (traditionally anyway, although these days we have access to high-end, curved manual treadmills that are as heavy-duty as treadmills get).
Anyway, since these treadmills don’t have a motor, it’s up to the user to make the belt move.
This is going to make it more difficult.
Which might be a good thing if you are looking to burn some extra calories, but it can also make them less comfortable to use and more difficult to use for longer periods.
Traditional manual treadmills have a resting incline setting- that is, they can’t be set at a 0% incline (they are never completely flat).
This is to make it a little easier to get the belt moving.
This incline setting varies from machine to machine and some manual treadmills allow you to change the incline setting.
Electric, or motorized treadmills, do have a motor, so you don’t have to worry about this resting incline angle.
The motor moves the belt for you and you can change the speed of the belt depending on your needs.
Electric treadmills are usually larger and more durable and they typically have wider belt lengths and are designed for walking or running.
Most manual treadmills are not designed for running.
I don’t care what the manufacturer claims, the fact is most of these machines are not designed to handle the stress (although the newer, curved models mentioned above are designed specifically for running).
Manual treadmills are significantly less expensive for a reason- besides not having a motor, most are smaller and of lesser quality.
Not to say manual treadmills don’t have their place.
If your budget only allows for a manual treadmill I understand, you have to do what you have to do. If you know you’re looking for a manual machine, check out my guide on the best manual treadmills for more information.
Running Surface
When it comes to the comfort of a treadmill, I think the size of the running surface is by far the most important spec to consider.
It’s also a great way to spot a subpar treadmill from a mile away- cheap, junky machines tend to have tiny running surfaces.
The running surface describes the usable dimensions of the belt- ie, how much room you have to exercise on. It’s measured in inches and usually written like this: “width x length”.
Belt lengths and widths vary from machine to machine, so it’s a good idea to look for this spec.
Typically, the larger the overall dimensions for a treadmill are the larger the running surface is.
The gold standard for home treadmills is a running surface of around 20″ x 60″.
A running surface with these dimensions is capable of comfortably accommodating most users at a running pace, although most folks can get away running on a 55″ long belt as well.
That said, if the belt is too short, you’re likely going to have to shorten your stride when running.
If it’s really short, you may even have to shorten your stride when walking.
The belt width isn’t quite as important as length, but wider is still better. Anything narrower than 20″ and you might feel a little claustrophobic.
And I don’t think any of us are going for the “walking on a tightrope” feel.
A small running surface is the biggest problem with most cheap treadmills. Again, a treadmill with a running surface that is too small for you, isn’t going to feel comfortable to use.
I also like to look at the assembled weight and weight capacity for any treadmill I’m considering and for me, seeing higher numbers in both categories is a good thing.
Heavier treadmills will be harder to move, but that also means it’ll wiggle less while you’re using it.
Treadmill weights vary greatly, but if you’re looking for a really heavy-duty model, aim for one that weighs around 300 lb+.
When it comes to weight limits, most quality treadmills can handle folks in the 300 – 400 lb range.
Motor
The treadmill’s motor strength is another important spec to consider when comparing machines.
Motors are categorized based on their horsepower (HP) or continuous horse power (CHP).
HP often refers to the motor’s peak power, while CHP refers to the power a motor can maintain over time (ie, the functional power during your workouts).
CHP is more important for us as users, because we want to know how strong our motor is while we are using it during a workout.
And functionally, more HP is a good thing.
It’s going to allow you to go faster and make your workouts more comfortable (you don’t want to feel as if the motor is struggling to keep up).
Stronger motors also don’t have to work as hard as weaker motors to provide the same output, which theoretically means they should last longer (as well as accelerate faster, which is handy for interval training).
Most treadmill motors range between 2.0 and 4.0 CHP. If you’re only walking on your treadmill, 2.0 CHP may be plenty. For runners, it’s a good idea to look for a treadmill with at least 3.0 CHP.
The majority of home treadmills come with DC motors because they’re a little cheaper and require less power to operate.
Commercial grade treadmills (and high-end home models) may come with an AC motor.
AC motors run more efficiently and are better equipped for longer workouts and for multiple users.
These motors can handle operating for hours a day without over heating or breaking down.
The roller size is something else to keep in mind that is kind of related to the motor.
The rollers are the part that makes contact with the belt, causing it to move along the deck as the motor purrs along.
Just like bigger is better when it comes to running surfaces, bigger is also better when it comes to rollers.
Bigger rollers make for a smoother action because there is more surface contact area between the roller and the belt- this is also is supposed to make it easier on the motors.
Roller size varies, but most treadmills have rollers somewhere between 1.9″ and 3″ (with nicer treadmills usually coming with larger sizes).
Higher-end treadmills often come with 2.5″ rollers or larger.
Features
Features on electric treadmills vary depending on price range and model, but there are a few standard options that you can expect to see.
I suggest you prioritize running surface and motor strength before features, but these extras can definitely add to your workout enjoyment.
Incline
Pretty much all decent electric treadmills offer an incline function these days and this is a great feature to have because it can add a lot of variety to your workout.
You can walk against a high incline and burn as many calories as you would running on a flat surface.
Most treadmills allow you to incline between 10-20% and some will let you decline a few degrees as well (walking downhill).
Programmed Workouts
Treadmills vary on the amount of pre-programmed workouts they offer.
Most treadmills offer several workouts depending on your fitness goals, including cardio, fat burn, interval, heart rate (HR), etc.
Some treadmills will offer 6 programs, others may offer 50. Programmed workouts can be great because they control your workout for you, but they are not necessary for a great workout.
Folks who are concerned about getting bored with their workouts or who really enjoy preset routines should look for treadmills with more expansive workout libraries.
Then of course there’s the streaming treadmills that come with large, HD touchscreen displays that allow you to stream live and on-demand workouts (think NordicTrack and their iFit compatible machines).
Heart Rate Monitor (HR)
Most treadmills these days offer grip HR monitors.
These are a nice tool to get a ball park idea of where your heart rate is.
Most treadmills these days are also compatible with wireless heart rate monitors (bluetooth or ANT+), which offer a much more accurate reading of your pulse.
Many are compatible with both chest strap monitors and watch-style HR monitors. Some companies are even nice enough to include a chest strap with your purchase.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you to connect your treadmill to fitness apps to keep track of your workout stats or enjoy scenic routes.
Some treadmills these days come with bluetooth speakers, giving you the chance to play your music through their speakers wirelessly as well.
Quick Touch Buttons
These are a great feature, especially for people who like to do interval training.
With quick touch buttons, you can instantly set the speed and incline without having to push the up and down buttons a million times.
A lot of nice treadmills are including this feature these days.
Fans, Water Bottle Holders
These are pretty self explanatory.
Most quality treadmills come with these common features, but if you find a model that has a particularly interesting water bottle holder, I guess that could be a perk.
Warranty
Last, but not least, is warranty.
If you’re stuck between 2 different machines, comparing the warranties could help you make your decision.
Treadmill warranties typically include: frame, motor, parts, and labor.
Nicer treadmills will have more impressive warranties, cheaper treadmills will have limited or no warranties.
Quality treadmills will have lifetime warranties on their frames and motors. Warranties on parts can vary, but you should expect between 1-5 years. Most labor warranties are only 1-2 years.
Personally, I’m a stickler for a good warranty. I’d rather have a treadmill with fewer features and a great warranty than vice-versa, but to each their own.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it – the 12 best treadmills 2024 has to offer.
I want to emphasize again how challenging it was for me to put this list together – there are just so many great treadmills on the market these days it’s hard to narrow ’em down.
I had to make some tough calls and I could’ve easily expanded this into the top 25 treadmills, but I thought it would be more helpful to narrow down a little more than that.
I also wanted to include treadmills from all price ranges – it’s no fun having all 12 treadmills cost over $4k…
Anyway, to summarize, when comparing treadmills, I encourage you to take a close look at the performance specs.
Looking at the size of the running surfaces, the strength of the motors, and the heavy-dutiness (is that a word?) of the frames is just smart shopping.
And it’s always important to compare those warranties too.
If you’re looking for a streaming treadmill, going with an option that comes with a large HD screen makes sense.
If you aren’t, you might want to consider a treadmill with a simpler console and more impressive performance specs.
I know finding a new treadmill can get a little overwhelming at times, with all the options and whatnot.
Not to mention the cost- even buying an affordable treadmill is still a considerable investment.
But knowing what to look for and knowing what to expect makes all the difference in the world.
Ok, that about does it.
I hope you found this guide helpful and if you’re still uncertain or have any questions about any particular treadmills (or know of some treadmills that should’ve made the list), hit me up.
Just leave a comment below and I’ll get right back to ya.
Fantastic article about the different types of treadmills and pros and cons of each. This is perfect for me as I’m currently investigating options to set up a home gym. Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers, Karen
My pleasure Karen, thanks for reading. If any questions arise during your search, hit me up.
I do not know there is so much into buying a treadmill. I normally go for price., the cheapest of course. Lol. I learn so much about treadmill in one post. It is amazing how each fit a different purpose. Now I have to reconsider next time I am going to buy one.
yeah, be careful using price as your only guideline for buying. There are a ton of junky treadmills out there and a lot of the cheap ones aren’t worth the money. The budget machines discussed here are definitely worth their price.
Awesome article on people looking to buy a treadmill. Well written with tons of info on different types of treadmills with different features and in different price ranges. Anyone looking to buy a treadmill should be able to find something here.
thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it.
Now all Proform treadmills (just like NordicTrack) come with a worse warranty: 10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, & 1-Year Labor warranty. What is it for?
Hmm, not sure why they’d shorten their warranties, but thanks for the heads up.
So our NordicTrak treadmill just died and we have to buy a new one for our home gym. We put over 4400 miles on our NordicTrak in the last 4+ years. Neither of us really use the iFit classes…we primarily run on manual mode. If price wasn’t an option, what would you recommend as the top treadmill for us to get as a replacement? The reviews seem to be all over the map. We need a tread/cushion that is easy on the knees and also large enough for my 6’3″ 210 husband. Thoughts?
Sounds like you guys put some serious miles on that NordicTrack, that’s awesome. I’m a big fan of Sole, so I’d take a good look at their TT8, which is a beast of a treadmill but doesn’t have any fancy console features or anything like that. If price really isn’t an issue, you should take a look at Spirit’s CT850. I just came across this one recently and it’s really a commercial grade treadmill, but it’s priced more like a luxury home model. It comes with a strong AC motor, large belt, and heavy duty everything. It’s also backed by one of the best residential warranties I’ve ever seen. It too is pretty simple in the console department, which I’m thinking would be fine if you guys like to use the manual mode. At roughly $4000, it is pricey for a home treadmill, but still about half the price of most commercial models. Either way, if I were looking for a new treadmill today, I’d go with a Sole or Spirit- hope that helps.
What is your impression of the Bodycraft 800and Bodycraft 1000
I’m not as familiar with the BodyCraft treadmills, but at first glance they look impressive- especially the T1000 with its 5 HP AC motor (that’s a beast). The T1000 is actually priced pretty fairly for an AC treadmill, which is usually found on commercial models. The T800 looks solid too, but that one looks more like a luxury residential model with its DC motor. The 10 year parts warranty on both is pretty amazing too. Overall, they both look like nice treadmills, thanks for bringing them to my attention (I might have to add reviewing them to my to-do list).
I’ve been looking at treadmills for a while now…considering the peloton ones but of course they are recalled. Then considered Nordictrack i22 or i32, but all the reviews I’ve read basically say it is a gamble and if you end up with one that doesn’t work they just tell you too bad. (basically their customer service is non-existent. I also considered the Bowflex 22 treadmill, but again read their customer service kind of sucks. I basically want a high quality treadmill with good customer service. I will likely do some runs using peloton app on my own device and some just runs. Thoughts?
Yeah, unfortunately a lot of the big fitness brands come with customer services with bad reputations. Of the treadmills you mentioned, I think the Bowflex 22 would be the best Peloton alternative. Do you specifically want a treadmill with an HD touchscreen console? If not, I’d suggest checking out Sole’s or Spirit’s treadmill lines. Both brands offer great warranties and fairly straightforward treadmills and I haven’t heard as many overwhelmingly negative comments about their customer services. For the price, I think Sole’s F85 is gonna be hard to beat and it now comes with a touchscreen console (although it sounds like they’re still working out a few kinks). If you’re looking to spend a little more, Spirit’s XT485 and XT685 treadmills are awesome and come with 10 year parts warranties. I hope that helps and good luck!
And….of course Peloton decides to come out with their lower level treadmill yesterday and confuse me!!! Any thoughts on the new Peloton Tread??
I know, right? I’m glad it’s not just me- the new Tread is like a $1000 cheaper?? After doing a little research, it looks like the Tread was sold primarily in the UK and Canada, so we didn’t see that many of them here in the states. The Tread+ is the $4k treadmill we had here, which still isn’t available again yet. I also have a Peloton Bike, so the brand has a special place in my heart, but honestly, the Tread’s specs look pretty mediocre to me. A 3 hp motor is weaker than most in this price range and a running surface of 20″ x 59″ is smaller than most too. Not to mention the short warranty. No, the only reason I would even think about the Tread is because it’s sporting the Peloton name, especially since you already have a membership and the bike. I also noticed that the Tread doesn’t offer the “free mode” (where you can turn the motor off and use it as a manual treadmill), which was one of the only really awesome features you don’t see on other treadmills. So yeah, long story short- I’m not that impressed with the new tread.
And I don’t really need the HD touch screen, but given I will be using it for Peloton classes and wouldn’t need to add another membership it makes the Peloton Tread more attractive (I already have the bike). However, if another treadmill has a better motor, surface, or incline/decline etc I would consider that one.
Yeah, other brands offer stronger motors, larger running surfaces, and higher inclines. Again, I would check out Sole and Spirit if you want to explore models without a touchscreen display. I have a Horizon 7.8 AT at home and I love it- definitely one of the best treadmills in the $2000 range. Hope that helps and I’d love to hear back when you decide on one!
Awesome! Thank you for all the information!!! I will come back to update you!
I’m also debating to get Nordictracki32 but debating if it is worth it ? And their customer service suck. I like big screen and programs to be told what to do or simply watch Netflix.
Yeah, I understand. Personally, I wouldn’t want to spend that much on a NordicTrack treadmill, but if you’re looking for a treadmill that can reach crazy incline angles, I could see maybe trying the X32i. If you’re looking for a treadmill with streaming, Peloton’s Tread will be back by the end of August, and it looks like they’ve dropped that price significantly because now it costs under $3k. You might also want to check out Bowflex’s Treadmill 22, which is also under $3k, offers streaming workouts, and comes with built-in entertainment apps like Netflix.
After agonizing forever, I just pulled the trigger on the Lifespan TR5500iM. I haven’t seen any reviews on the M version, or even a mention of it, anywhere. Even on their own website, they don’t prominently highlight what’s different about the M version. Reading between the lines, it looks like the M version has a console that lets you watch YouTube, mirroring your phone/tablet. I don’t care much about that feature and only bought the M because right now it’s even cheaper than the regular TR5500i. Ultimately I went with Lifespan because I’ve only heard good things about their CS, and I have zero patience for being ignored after I’ve dropped thousands on a treadmill.
Do you have any insights on the M version of TR5500i? Are there issues with the new YouTube ready console? Wondering why it’s on sale for even less than the regular version. Also, any experience with Lifespan CS that you can share?
Love your site and the great info here. Thank you.
That’s a great question. I have to be honest, I’m not familiar with the M version of the TR5500i, but I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. After a thorough comparison, I think you’ve hit the nail right on the head- the only difference I see is that the console on the M model has the ability to mirror your phone/tablet to let you watch YouTube. In terms of size, specs, and performance they look identical. The regular price for the M version is a little higher, but you’re right- on sale it’s a bit cheaper than the TR5500i. If I had to guess, LifeSpan could be discontinuing the M model all together and trying to get rid of inventory (which makes sense to me, because the screen mirroring feature seems like a silly reason to offer an entirely separate model). So I agree, I think it makes sense to go with the cheaper M version because it should perform just as well as the regular version.
I don’t have any first hand experience with LifeSpan’s customer service, but I’ve only heard good things. I think LifeSpan is a great brand in general and they probably don’t get the accolades they deserve.
Thanks for reading and thanks for the kinds words!
Will,
My husband and I are looking for a treadmill that would work for both of us. In the past two years he had 7 vertebrates fractured and cemented via surgeries. He uses the treadmill basically to walk, but appreciates extra cushioning on surfaces. I use the treadmill for cardio benefits and I would like at least 12% incline. We would like a treadmill we can use even if the wi-fi connection is down. Which treadmill brand may offer a better treadmill option for us – Horizon, Sole or Nordic Track Commercial? Thank you.
Based on the info you provided, I think Horizon may be your best option. All of NordicTrack’s newer models come with iFit touchscreens now, so if the streaming services aren’t a priority, I think this would immediately eliminate this brand (you can use the NordicTrack treadmills without iFit, but it kinda defeats the purpose). Sole’s a great brand and they do have some treadmills that don’t require wifi, but none of Horizon’s models come with touchscreen consoles yet, so none of them require wifi. Plus, Horizon treadmills are really well made and come with the best warranties of any of these brands. I really like how big their consoles and safety rails are too. I’ve been using their 7.8 AT for years now and couldn’t be happier. When it comes to Horizon’s lineup, any of their ‘Studio Series’ models would accommodate the 12% incline you’re looking for, so you could compare other specs and see which one meets your needs. I hope that helps and thanks for reading.