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While they are certainly an upfront investment, folding treadmills can be game-changers: They get us moving throughout the day while working, keep us exercising despite whatever the weather is outside, and make exercise possible in the smallest of spaces. (And it’s got the best ROI of all: your health!)
To maximize your movement, consider these five folding treadmill brands below, with options based on affordability, everyday exercise, and storage space. Nearly all offer monthly payment plans, come with a variety of Bluetooth or health monitoring capabilities, and can support both walkers and runners.
Time to beat your step goal—go!
1. Horizon Fitness
Best For | Everyday exercise
Specifications | 55” walking area, up to 10mph, up to 10% incline, USB, speaker, & Bluetooth capabilities, health monitoring
Price | $699; financing options with 0% APR for 12 months
Horizon Fitness makes it easy to get our steps in and our heart rates up. Its best-selling model, the T101 Treadmill, is often considered the best folding treadmill under $1,000. You can set it up (or break it down) in 30 minutes or less thanks to the auto-folding feature and walk, jog, or run on the durable 55” deck. With a Bluetooth speaker and device holder, you can also watch any workout class you prefer like Peleton or listen to the jams that get you motivated to move. Talk about a one-and-done!
2. NordicTrack
Best For | Outdoor runners
Specifications | 55” walking area, up to 10mph, up to 12% incline, speaker & Bluetooth capabilities, health monitoring, pairs with 17,000+ workouts
Price | $1,199; financing options with 0% APR for 12 months
NordicTrack is already renowned for its treadmills, and the new EXP 7i is another winner in our book. Designed for convenience, this folding treadmill has an “EasyLift™ Assist” option so you can put it wherever you need. And for our friends who like hitting the pavement, the EXP 7i offers a 12 percent incline with hands-free automatic adjustments. With a free 30-day iFiT trial included in your purchase, NordicTrack also provides daily challenges, up to 17,000 on-demand classes, and trackable stats so you can beat your PR…and then some.
3. WalkingPad
Best For | Under the desk treadmill
Specifications | 47” walking area, up to 3.7mph, WiFi & Bluetooth capabilities, health monitoring, pairs with app, remote control
Price | $599
Prefer a treadmill you can use while working? Look no further than WalkingPad’s mini foldable walking treadmills! With a number of models available, our pick is the C2, which is under $600 and available worldwide. The design leverages 180-degree folding, and it’s compact enough to store under the sofa or desk when not in use. And though there aren’t big screens or handlebars, WalkingPad still tracks plenty of stats through the KS Fit App and with automatic speed control. Move from the couch to a 5K in no time.
4. Echelon
Best For | Horizontal & vertical storage
Specifications | 54” walking area, up to 12mph, 12 incline levels, health monitoring, pairs with 3,000+ workouts
Price | $1,300; financing options with 0% APR for 12+ months
For those in super small spaces, consider Echelon’s Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill. Stand it up or lay it down wherever you need since the treadmill is a compact 10” once folded. (We’re impressed, too!) Set up and ready to go? Pick from pre-programmed workouts on the treadmill itself, pair with live and on-demand classes, or just walk as-is—the handlebar sensors will keep track of your heart rate, and the screen will share your distance, incline, calories, and more. Echelon offers its workout gear and memberships for 30 days risk-free, so you can get to walkin’ without worry.
5. Sunny Health
Best For | Value
Specifications | Wide range of walking areas & price ranges, up to 11.5mph, incline control, health monitoring & Bluetooth capabilities
Price | $399+
Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or you’re training for a marathon, Sunny Health has a folding treadmill made just for you. With two dozen treadmills to choose from, you can work out in a home gym, at your desk, or anywhere in between. Use Sunny Health’s helpful filters like weight, features, price, and max speed to see the best option for you, though its Auto Incline Treadmill is our top pick for under $500. The treadmill offers various interval programs, three countdown modes based on your workout goals, and Bluetooth capability and speakers for listening to music or a class. Equipped with a soft drop hydraulic mechanism and wheels, you can experience hassle-free storage and unfolding every time.
Featured Image from NordicTrack
