<p>Well, <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a33969298/benefits-of-walking/”>walking</a> (or running) inside has never been trendier, especially since we’re spending more time working from home. Treadmills, especially foldable <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/g38450158/best-treadmill/” target=”_blank”>treadmills</a>, have become many people’s go-to <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/g28638621/best-cardio-machines/” target=”_blank”>cardio machine</a> for good reason: they make it easy to squeeze in a workout, all while being compact enough to be stored in small spaces, or hidden under a bed, couch, or desk until your next sweat sesh. <br></p><h3 class=”body-h3″>What are the benefits of a folding treadmill? </h3><p>The experts we spoke to say there are many benefits to using a folding treadmill. “Folding treadmills are a great, compact option for increasing your aerobic activity through the day—especially during busy work-from-home days that limit your ability to get outside for a walk, or days where the weather is less than ideal for an outdoor walk or run,” says <a href=”https://www.selfbysyd.com/”>Sydney Sherman</a>, an NASM-certified personal trainer. <br></p><p>TL;DR: foldable treads are an easy, minimalist way to get more daily movement in, and the perks of living a less sedentary lifestyle are endless. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>What should I consider when shopping for a folding treadmill?</h3><p>In the spirit of keeping it real, foldable treadmills can be a pricey investment. That said there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you adding one to your shopping cart. </p><p><strong>Weight:</strong> For starters, check how much weight the treadmill can handle. “Foldable treadmills are going to be a little more lightweight and not as sturdy or supportive as a traditional gym treadmill,” says <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/ashbarnettfit/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>Ashley Barnett</a>, a certified personal trainer based in Oklahoma City. “You want to make sure that it’s going to support you and make you feel comfortable.”</p><p><strong>Manual or Automatic: </strong>You should also think about your fitness goals and where you are in your fitness journey. For example, if you’re just starting out, you might want to opt for a manual treadmill instead of an automatic one. “A manual treadmill will help you engage your muscles more, ” says Barnett. “If you’re someone who’s more active and wants to get [a workout] in during the day but works from home, I would look for something that has a little more capability on the miles per hour.”</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>What should I look for in a folding treadmill?</h3><h4 class=”body-h4”>Size<br></h4><p>Before you add a foldable treadmill to your cart, take note of how much space you have at home. This will help you determine how big or small you want your foldable treadmill to be. </p><p>Sherman also notes that it’s essential to know the length of your walking or jogging stride: “Look for a treadmill that accommodates your needs and intentions—and remember that <strong>you’re not meant to sprint on these</strong>!” </p><p><a href=”https://www.instagram.com/kharveyfit/” target=”_blank”>Keri Harvey</a>, a NASM-certified personal trainer at Form Fitness Brooklyn, says to keep in mind the height of your ceiling since the tread will be lifted off the ground. </p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Incline/Speed </h4><p>If you’re looking for a foldable treadmill that offers high speed and incline features, make sure they also include handrails. “Remember that folding treads are often compact machines meant to help increase your light to moderate aerobic activity,” says Sherman. Many won’t offer the ability to run on steep inclines, but a few of our favorite picks have decent speed limits. <br></p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Price Range </h4><p>Whether you’re on a budget or are looking to splurge, you should think about how much you’re truly willing to spend before considering your options. “The prices [on folding treadmills] range from about $300 to $2500 with<strong> the average price being around $600</strong>,” says Harvey. Our experts also recommend to stick to trusted brands (i.e. Nordictrack), and treadmills that are highly-reviewed. </p><p>Ready to shop? See below for the best foldable treadmills you can buy in 2023, per reviews. Every treadmill has been tried and tested by reviewers, and many are bestsellers. You’ll find budget-friendly options, some with inclines, and a few with large screens that allow you to stream workouts. All of them are compact, and some are portable, so you can easily move them around your home. Get your <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/g23517576/best-walking-shoes-for-women/” target=”_blank”>walking shoes</a> on!</p><p class=”body-tip”><strong>Meet the experts:</strong> <a href=”https://www.selfbysyd.com/”>Sydney Sherman</a> is a NASM-certified personal trainer. <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/kharveyfit/” target=”_blank”>Keri Harvey</a> is a NASM-certified personal trainer at Form Fitness Brooklyn. <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/ashbarnettfit/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>Ashley Barnett</a> is a certified personal trainer based in Oklahoma City. <a href=”https://www.asiajayy.com/” target=”_blank”>Asia Johnson</a> is a Washington, D.C-based certified personal trainer. <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/jordanalexisss/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>Jordan Farrell</a> is a North Carolina-based ACSM exercise physiologist and personal trainer.</p>” />
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Best Foldable Treadmill Overall
Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Best Foldable Treadmill Overall
Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Pros
- Sturdy steel frame
- Good price for the value
Cons
- No soft drop when folding it
Xterra’s foldable treadmill is a great budget-friendly pick that gets the job done. While it doesn’t have an LED touchscreen, reviewers say that it offers incredible value. For $400, you get 12 preset workouts, a sturdy frame, a widescreen display, and three incline settings. “It has a high capacity and high MPH limit,” says Barnett. “Just by the sturdiness, I could say that this one is great for people who are already active and want to get in extra movement at home.”
Users with larger strides will be able to move comfortably on Xterra’s wider-than-average surface. Plus, the pull knob makes it easy to fold and stow away.
Rave Review: “This treadmill has totally surprised me! Two years later and it still functions perfectly! The motor still sounds as new as the day I assembled it, the tread still moves smoothly, and all the buttons and programs still work flawlessly. It’s definitely a fabulous bang for your buck!!”
| Weight | 108 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 10 mph |
| Incline | 3 levels |
| Dimensions | 63.4 x 28.8 x 51.4 in |
| Running Surface | 16″W x 50″L |
Most Affordable Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Foldable Manual Treadmill
Most Affordable Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Foldable Manual Treadmill
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Offers incline
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not fast enough for running
We love Sunny Health’s relatively affordable treadmill, which has a compact design that can fit in ultra small spaces. For under $200, it even comes with incline capabilities reaching 13.5 percent.
“It’s a manual treadmill, which means you control the speed,” says Barnett. “It’s based on how fast you’re walking, so this can be good for someone who wants to start getting into activity or wants to get in some extra cardio thats low-impact.”
This treadmill is a great option for power walkers and those who enjoy light jogging. Since it’s not electric, you can essentially place it anywhere without having to worry about whether or not there is an outlet nearby.
Rave Review: “I’ve only had this treadmill for two days and I fell in love with it after the first 20 minutes! I take my dog on a walk frequently, but those are leisure walks and I needed something more to burn calories. I do yoga and light weightlifting at home, but still needed something more and this was perfect!”
| Weight | 47 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | Manual |
| Incline | 13.5 percent |
| Dimensions | 23 x 49 x 50 in |
| Running Surface | 42″L x 13″W |
Best For The Value
Goplus Two-In-One Folding Treadmill
Best For The Value
Goplus Two-In-One Folding Treadmill
Pros
- Seven color options
- Bluetooth speakers
Cons
- No incline capability
Goplus’ foldable treadmill has a really sleek look, whether it’s folded or not. Use it with the handles when you want to run, or put the handles down and place it under your work desk to increase your step count while on video calls. “It’s very light, but can hold 275 pounds. The speed allows for a light jog if you want to do cardio or you can walk while you work from home,” says Barnett
For $500, it packs a lot of features. The treadmill comes in seven different color options, has an LED display, features Bluetooth speakers, and is just 74 pounds. Oh, and don’t worry too much about slipping. The running belt is spacious and made of five layers of non-slip textured material.
Rave Review: “I have used it all week and can say that it is amazing. The motor is quiet even when walking at three miles per hour! It makes getting my 10,000 or more steps in every day easy and convenient. If you are a bigger person I would highly recommend this treadmill. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
Read more: Best Under-Desk Treadmills
| Weight | 74 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 8 mph |
| Incline | N/A |
| Dimensions | 27 x 49 x 42 in |
| Running Surface | 39.3″L x 16″W |
Pros
- Lightweight
- High walking speed
Cons
- Doesn’t allow ability to run
Folding up to the size of a laptop (yes, it’s that small), this Walkingpad treadmill is ideal if you’re really low on space. We found that its 180-degree folding design could fit in college dorm rooms, a tiny studio apartment, or under your (home) office desk. The Walkingpad is also just 62 pounds, so it’ll be fairly easy to move it on your own.
“This allows people to increase their activity without having to get out and go to the gym,” says Farrell. “It doesn’t have the guard rail, so it would be best for someone who has good spacial awareness and balance.”
Since its maximum speed is four miles per hour, the Walkingpad is great for brisk walkers and those trying to meet their daily step goals.
Rave Review: “Right out of the box, I had it up and running in 10 minutes flat. I’ve walked 120 miles in four weeks on this thing already! It folds up nicely and tucks away, so it’s not cluttering my office space when I do need to sit.”
| Weight | 62 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 4 mph |
| Incline | N/A |
| Dimensions | 20.3 x 57 x 4.9 in |
| Running Surface | 47″L x 16.5″W |
Best Splurge
NordicTrack 2950 Commercial Series Treadmill
Best Splurge
NordicTrack 2950 Commercial Series Treadmill
Pros
- Guided global workouts
- Goes up to 12 mph
Cons
- Pricey
With a maximum speed of 12 mph and a maximum incline percentage of 15 percent, this treadmill gives you the ability to level up your workouts and keep pushing yourself as you progress.
The brand has partnered with Google Maps so you can choose any location in the world to immerse yourself in and go for a guided run—no passport required. When you purchase this treadmill, you’ll receive a 30-day iFIT family membership, which you can use to stream live and on-demand workouts.
“This is similar to what you’d see in a gym, and you can get that community and accountability aspect with the membership as well,” says Farrell. “It would be best for someone who feels like they need more programmed and interactive workouts in order to stay consistent.”
Rave Review: “I keep this in my dining room. I get to visit anywhere in the world while I work out…And if I so desire, I can revisit those places as many times as I want all while getting my workout in! I can join different guided challenges if I want, too. I love it.“
| Weight | 341 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 12 mph |
| Incline | 15 percent |
| Dimensions | 79.5 x 39.2 x 66.6 in |
| Running Surface | 39.2” W x 79.5” L |
Most Easy-to-Assemble Folding Treadmill
Mobvoi Folding Home Treadmill
Most Easy-to-Assemble Folding Treadmill
Mobvoi Folding Home Treadmill
Pros
- Compatible with some smartwatches
- Four transport wheels
Cons
- Mobvoi Treadmill app only available on the Google Play store
If you’re looking for a foldable treadmill, but the thought of assembling one scares you, look no further than this option from Mobvoi. This treadmill is easy to assemble even for those who are not handy, as it comes with every tool needed and easy-to-read instructions.
The Mobvoi is also equipped with four wheels, making it easy to store or to move into different rooms. We found that the motor is incredibly quiet, which means you can squeeze in a workout without interrupting anyone who may be sleeping (or attending a video meeting) in the other room. This treadmill reaches a maximum incline of 15 percent, which makes it a wonderful option if you’ve been wanting to try out the TikTok viral 12-3-30 workout—talk about a treadmill that can do it all.
“It has handles for a better sense of safety while you’re using it,” says Farrell. “It can also be a home gym piece for avid walkers or runner who wants access to different inclines and speeds.”
Rave Review: “Great treadmill for home. Easy to assemble and it feels sturdy when you’re running. The incline is very smooth and holds strong even when you’re running at full pelt. LED screen is nice and big with an accurate step counter. Emergency stop works really well.”
| Weight | 100.3 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 8.7 mph |
| Incline | 15 percent |
| Dimensions | 51.9 x 26.2 x 44.5 in |
| Running Surface | 16”W x 43.3”L |
Best Treadmill With A Desk
Goplus Three-in-One Treadmill With Desk
Best Treadmill With A Desk
Goplus Three-in-One Treadmill With Desk
Pros
- Sturdy
- Desk is foldable
Cons
- No incline
This treadmill-desk duo is the perfect home office upgrade. Simply use the desk to clock in some steps while on video calls. Then, fold down the Goplus to get in a run or jog after work. The treadmill’s speed can be easily adjusted with the remote control, or on the control board so you can keep working out without disrupting your workflow.
“It has all of the basics,” says Farrell. “The speed is good for increasing activity and getting your heart-rate up while saving space and money. It’s a combination desk that allows active professionals to take meetings while getting their workout in.”
If you want to listen to some music, simply connect your smart device to the machine via Bluetooth and keep your phone in the holder for easy access when switching songs or answering work calls. It’s also easy to change up your scenery throughout the day.
Rave Review: “I really just wanted a small, compact treadmill so I could walk during the day while working and I am really happy with my purchase. The treadmill goes pretty fast and you could probably jog on it if you wanted, although I’m mainly doing fast walking. Overall, I think the bang for your buck here is great. The desk is pretty sturdy even when I’m walking really fast.”
| Weight | 74 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 4 mph |
| Incline | N/A |
| Dimensions | 50.5 x 26.5 x 43 in |
| Running Surface | 40.5”L x 16”W |
Quietest Foldable Treadmill
Rhythm Fun Folding Treadmill
Quietest Foldable Treadmill
Rhythm Fun Folding Treadmill
Pros
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- Shock-absorbing
Cons
- No incline
There are many reasons to want a quiet treadmill. You could have a sleeping baby, or a partner who’s always on work calls. Whatever your reasons may be, you’ll love that Rhythm Fun’s treadmill is made with special shock-absorbing technology designed to make it one of the quietest cardio machines on the market.
Whether you’re an advanced or a beginner treadmill user, this machine will make your experience an interactive one. “It’s really versatile for any kind of runner,” says Johnson. “You have enough space [on the belt] for sprint intervals and long distance running, making it a great find.”
If you want to work from the treadmill, you can do that too: The LED display is large enough to double as tabletop.
Rave Review: “It has everything I wanted and the streamlined design doesn’t take up much space. It is even foldable, so it becomes nice and flat when I’m not using it. It’s very sturdy and quiet. I run when my roommate is next to me sleeping and he’s got no complaints.“
| Weight | 132 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 9.3 mph |
| Incline | N/A |
| Dimensions | 64 x 33 x 7 in |
| Running Surface | 20″W x 50”L |
Best Incline-Capable Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Motorized Treadmill
Best Incline-Capable Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Motorized Treadmill
Pros
- Has easy-to-transport wheels
- Good price for the value
Cons
- Incline is permanent/immovable
Because foldable treadmills are designed to be compact, many of them don’t offer the range of motion to have an incline feature. That’s what makes Sunny Health’s compact treadmill so great. It offers the ability to move at an 11.9 percent incline and run at speeds up to seven miles per hour even though it only weighs 74 pounds. The incline settings will also let you get a sweat in if you’re walking or running. “Most people won’t do anything over a ten incline,” says Johnson. “But if you’re training for something very specific, that [incline] scale can be helpful.”
And while it’s one of the smaller, more affordable options on this list, it packs a lot of great features in addition to its speed and incline capabilities. The belt does a great job of absorbing shock to provide a more comfortable exercise experience for users, and it’s also equipped with a touchscreen and device holder that you can rest your smartphone on while working out. “I love the touchscreen because you can effortlessly switch between different speeds which makes it good for interval training as well,” says Johnson.
Rave Review: “It was very easy to put together … It has an incline. If you haven’t walked or ran on an incline, it may be difficult to get used to. My son and I both use it and we’re able to run on it. This is a great alternative to going to the gym or going for a walk. It’s easy to store and not very bulky.”
| Weight | 74.5 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 7 mph |
| Incline | 12 percent |
| Dimensions | 26.5 x 49.5 x 47 in |
| Running Surface | 44.5″L x 14W” |
Most Lightweight Treadmill
ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill
Most Lightweight Treadmill
ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill
Pros
- Has incline option
- Easily portable
Cons
- Movement is manual
At just 49 pounds, this is by far one of the lightest treadmills we found. The ProGear tread works manually, so how fast you choose to go is all up to you. The cardio machine is great because it still offers two incline-level positions, and you don’t need to be connected to any outlets for it to work—use it literally anywhere, including your backyard.
If you don’t have the best balance or are looking for a treadmill with extra support, the ProGear is equipped with two extra long handles with foam grips that you can use to stay safe and sturdy while exercising. And, all the batteries you’ll need to set up your treadmill are included.
“It”s very simple, and it’s good for someone who doesn’t want the fuss that can come from dealing with gadgets,” says Johnson. “Sometimes the more options there are, the less people like it. There’s no frills, no fuss, and you can just keep it moving.”
Rave Review: “I have to say that I didn’t expect much due to the price of this treadmill and the fact that it was manually operated. After having used it for 20+ miles, I must say this is a quality product. I didn’t think it would be all that sturdy, but it stays where you put it and feels very solid in use.”
| Weight | 49 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | Manual |
| Incline | 10 percent |
| Dimensions | 47 x 23 x 51in |
| Running Surface | 43″L x 13 1/4″ W |
Best Sound System
Goplus Two-In-One Folding Treadmill
Best Sound System
Goplus Two-In-One Folding Treadmill
Pros
- Quiet
- Bluetooth speakers are high-quality
- No assembly required
Cons
- No incline
Goplus’ modern-looking treadmill has a table that’s fully lined with speakers for incredible sound quality. Use the Bluetooth function to connect it to your fave playlist, podcast, or even television show. Just dim the lights and watch your at-home gym (or living room) transform into one of those fancy boutique studios. This treadmill also comes with a remote control.
Also: You can even move the built-in table down to use it as an under-desk treadmill while working. The best part about the GoPlus: there is no assembly required, so you can get straight to working out.
“The design is sleek, and right now aesthetics are in,” says Johnson. “This one is a beautiful option to have in your office, or if you want to match it to the aesthetic of your house.”
Rave Review: “This treadmill is super easy to assemble. In my opinion, it runs really quietly. Just make sure you put silicone lubricant on it before you use it … I didn’t think I would use the Bluetooth speaker because I have earbuds, but I love it. The sound quality is really good.”
| Weight | 86 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 7.5 mph |
| Incline | N/A |
| Dimensions | 49 x 27 x 42 in |
| Running Surface | 40″L x16″W |
Best Multi-Use Treadmill
Ksports Folding Incline Treadmill Bundle
Best Multi-Use Treadmill
Ksports Folding Incline Treadmill Bundle
Now 26% Off
Pros
- Good price for the value
- Comes with dumbbells, exercise mat, and sit-up bar
Cons
- Low weight capacity
A great option for anyone looking to upgrade their at-home gym, Ksports’ treadmill bundle is a great value for what it offers at $500 (and you can frequently catch it on sale, too). It comes with an exercise mat and weights, but the machine itself has bars for sit-ups and other weight-lifting workouts. We also love how easy it is to play music on the Ksports tread: just use the machine’s Bluetooth speaker to connect to your smart device. Additionally, the treadmill has four levels of manual incline and 12 preset workouts for a more structured exercise.
“You get a soft drop with this, so the bar will slowly lower when folding it down,” says Barnett. “You can also walk on an incline and do some weights, but it’s not going to be something you can hide, since it won’t fit under a couch or bed.”
Rave Review: “It was easy to assemble (there were NO missing parts) and worked perfectly from the start. The fact that it folds up allowed me to keep it out between uses, but it was not in the way of my other furniture. The sit-up bar and small dumbbells are a nice plus.”
| Weight | 82 pounds |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 8 mph |
| Incline | 3 levels |
| Dimensions | 26 x 51 x 48 |
| Running Surface | 40″L ⅹ 16″W |
How our team chose the best foldable treadmills
For the past few years, Women’s Health editors, including freelance writer Jenna Clark, and our editorial assistant have been researching the most popular and top-rated foldable treadmills. Our team consulted other WH editors and five personal trainers including Sydney Sherman, Keri Harvey, Ashley Barnett, Asia Jayy, and Jordan Farrell for the story.
Read more about the best cardio machines to shop now
Jenna Clark is a freelance writer who covers commerce, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Insider, The Daily Beast, Well+Good, and Taste of Home. When not reviewing the latest products or traveling, you can likely find her at a theme park or watching the latest Broadway show. You can follow her on Instagram @JennaElizClark and Twitter @JennaElizClark.
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
Jacqueline Andriakos is the Executive Health & Fitness Director at Women’s Health, where she oversees all health and fitness content across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She has more than five years of experience writing and editing in the wellness space and has contributed to national publications including TIME, Self.com, Health, Real Simple, and People. Jacqueline is also certified in personal training by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
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