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If the changeable British weather puts you off heading out for a run, or you're unable to get outside due to work, family or other commitments, a treadmill is an extremely convenient option.
The best running treadmills are great for completing structured workouts, as they create a controlled environment. On an electric treadmill, you can control your pace, incline, interval and recovery time more accurately.
You may also feel more motivated to complete these types of sessions in this environment versus attempting them unaided outside — especially if you sign up to apps such as Zwift or Run Social, which allow you to run alongside others in a virtual world. (Fans of Zwift may also be interested in our round-up of the best turbo trainers.)
x 90 x 151cm best folding treadmills features machines that easily collapse and roll out of the way. Or if you're more of of an outdoor runner but want to up your steps indoors, we've also reviewed the best walking pads.
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A few questions you need to ask yourself before you buy a treadmill is how you want to use it, how long your stride is, if you want entertainment or training built in, and what you need as far as weight limits are concerned.
Fan could be stronger
best walking pads Runner's World Expert Tested logo have all been tested by our Runner's World Lab team of experts.
They asked a panel of novice runners and ardent athletes alike to lace up their trainers and hit the belt, testing each treadmill at all speeds and inclines to check it offers a comfortable, smooth and stable run.
They also judged each running machine's ease of use by navigating its touchscreens and control panels to find a suitable workout. Each model was then given a score, with only the best earning our Runner’s World Expert Tested seal of approval.
You’ll also find recommendations from the Runner’s World editorial team in our round-up. These treadmills have all been used extensively by one or more of our highly experienced editors, offering a machine for every fitness level and budget.
Why trust us?
At Runner’s World, we’ve spent decades covering everything related to running, and our test team has evaluated gear from running shoes to smartwatches to sports bras. We are a team of runners writing for other runners and we understand what you are looking for when it comes to your gear.
If you’re going to buy a piece of equipment that potentially costs thousands of pounds, you want to know that you’re making a good investment. That’s why we test these so hard and make so many demands of the product.
Best treadmills for 2024 — expert-tested
Ready to run? Here are the treadmills to invest in – all available to buy in the UK.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Pros
- Endless workout options
- Best for a gym-standard experience
- Bouncy yet firm belt
Cons
- Not ideal if you're short on space
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 199 No built-in HR sensor |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 55 x 152cm |
| Max user weight | 135kg |
| Speed range | 0-19 km/h |
| Incline range | -3% - 12% |
| Programmes | 10,000+ with iFit subscription |
| Features | 16” touchscreen; AutoBreeze fan adjusts to your speed; ActivePulse adjusts treadmill to your heart rate zone; iFit syncs with Strava, Apple Health, Google Fit, and Garmin Connect; Amazon Prime, Spotify, and Netflix integration. |
The sibling brand to Pro-Form, the NordicTrack 1750 has many of the same features, including auto-adjust technology and endless workout options when connected to iFit. At 14 inches, the touchscreen isn't as big as the Pro 9000's (below), but our testers still enjoyed the scenic routes via the HD monitor, saying the spritely instructors helped their motivation levels reach an all-time high.
When it comes to adjustments, this treadmill is fairly average, going from 6- to 12 mph in 8 seconds. This is great for 400 to 800 metre training, and even the occasional fartlek, but not ideal for someone who does intense speed training and needs those pickups to come more quickly. Testers appreciated the 15% incline for replicating hilly races and thought the auto-adjusting speed and incline provided a realistic running experience at home.
Although it’s the entry level model in the brand’s commercial range, this rock-solid machine is packed with powerful training tools. The cushioning is the perfect balance of bouncy yet firm, the built-in fan will keep you cool as you work up a sweat, and the motor is surprisingly quiet, so you won’t disturb the neighbours during early morning training sessions. Sturdy handlebars (helpful for tough uphill climbs) and a rotating screen for iFit classes off the machine are the icing on the cake. In fact, we love the NordicTrack’s iFit programme, and if you’re buying this machine, we really do think that you should invest in the programme. It makes for a much better experience all around. The program can read your runs and help you adjust where needed, and though we weren’t sure about that feature at first, we found it to be really helpful during training.
Like the Pro 9000 and the X32i, it’s a beast of a machine, so keep scrolling if you’re short on space.
JTX Slimline Flat Fold Away Treadmill
Pros
- Super quiet
- Compact, fold-away design
- Wallet-friendly
Cons
- Not fast enough for advanced runners
- seal of approval
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 152 x 72 x 125cm |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 122 x 45cm |
| Max user weight | 100kg |
| Speed range | 0-16kph |
| Incline range | 0% |
| Programmes | 40 |
> Read our full JTX Slimline Treadmill review <
Though it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of other pricier machines, this foldable JTX treadmill is a worthy training tool. It reaches speeds up to 16km/h, offers 40 pre-set workouts and has the option to create your own routines. It will automatically adjust the pace based on your chosen workout, the motor is super quiet (it was the quietest on test, in fact) and the buttons on the handlebars let you quickly adjust your speed mid-session.
It lacks a fancy touchscreen, but the bright display window tells you all the essentials as you move: time, speed, distance and estimated calorie burn. There’s a tablet holder so you can binge Netflix on long runs, or, if you have a foot pod, you can connect with your favourite running app for a more interactive experience. After your session you can fold it up and slip it under your sofa – the machine folds almost completely flat. It isn’t an entirely faff-free process (it did require loosening and tightening screws) but when you consider the price, it’s hard to complain.
This is a strong wallet-friendly option for beginner and intermediate runners.
JTX Sprint-8 Pro Smart Treadmill
Pros
- Sturdy base
- Avoiding injury on the treadmill
- Quiet motor
- Pre-programmed workouts
Cons
- Difficult to fold and store away
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 193 Solid and stable build |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 153 x 55cm |
| Max user weight | 130kg |
| Speed range | 0-20kph |
| Incline range | 0-15% |
Let us introduce you to the shiny Sprint-8 Pro from our pals at JTX. Like the popular Sprint-9, it’s a semi-commercial folding treadmill designed for endurance training at home, but according to the brand, the design is more compact.
Our verdict? If you’ve got the funds and you take your home gym set-up seriously, this is an impressive bit of kit. It’s got a large deck (153cm x 55cm) and weighs a hefty 115kg, which provides a firm, steady base and feels like the high-quality treadmills you find in fancy gyms. With a 15% incline and a top speed of 20km/h (4:50min/mile pace), it’s suitable for newbies and seasoned runners alike.
Overall, we found it a dream to use. The spacious belt meant we didn’t feel hemmed in when training, there was zero wobbling even at higher speeds and it felt extremely smooth underfoot. There’s a huge variety of pre-programmed workouts to flit between, plus a tablet holder so you can connect directly with Kinomap and Swift via Bluetooth and run stunning routes all over the world. Or, if you prefer to do your own thing, you can just hop on and start running.
The console isn't the fanciest, but it is simple to use and shows all your running stats, including time, speed, distance and cals burned, plus the quiet motor means you won’t disturb family or flatmates during early morning training sessions.
Though folding, be warned it will take up significant floor space and we found it a bit bulky to wheel away, but this may or may not bother you. All in all, a sturdy, capable running companion that will be with you for the long run.
Pros
- Impressive incline and speed for price
- Runners World Expert Tested
- Running belt L X W
Cons
- Speed might not be enough for advanced runners
- Drinks holder difficult to use on the move
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 162 x 92.5 x 149cm |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 130 x 45cm |
| Max user weight | 130kg |
| Speed range | 0-16kph |
| Incline range | 0-10% |
| Programmes | 30 |
> Read our full Domyos Run500 review <
This is one of Decathlon’s bestselling treadmills and after testing it, we understand the hype. Coming it at under £700, it offers a host of features normally found on pricier models. We’re talking speeds of up to 16kph, inclines up to 10%, no fewer than 30 pre-set workouts and the ability to fold away to save space. It also has plenty of extras, including a port to plug in your tech, and a tablet holder.
Despite the folding design (it was a cinch to move around and store away), the robust steel frame gives it a high-quality feel and it was surprisingly sturdy and smooth to run on. Adjusting the speed and incline was faff-free with speed quick access buttons (although it takes a couple of seconds for the belt to get up to speed), and thanks to the quiet motor, it’s a good choice for flats.
Speedsters may want to look to one of our other options to break their PBs, but this should do the job nicely for the average runner. All in all, a quality, compact running machine at a very decent price.
Pros
- Solid and stable build
- Fairly quiet motor
- Good variety of inclines and speeds
- Also, unless youre lucky enough to have a
Cons
- Woah! Save £500 on this NordicTrack treadmill
- best folding treadmills
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 185 with iFit subscription |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 143 x 50cm |
| Max user weight | 130kg |
| Speed range | 0-18kph |
| Incline range | 0-10% |
| Programmes | 32 |
Our testers described the Domyos T900D as 'the perfect ally for runners' with plenty of great features and an impressive top speed — and that's considering it comes in under £900.
The machine itself is sturdy and well-designed, with a great size belt featuring sturdy grab rails on the sides (how many times can we say ’sturdy’?). The buttons on the console aren’t the most responsive and require a pretty firm press to get them to respond (which isn't always easy when you’re running). The suspension is good, though, and you’ve got an incline up to 10% and speeds up to 18kph. The latter should be enough for even the most advanced runners.
Bonus features come in the form of a built-in fan and Bluetooth speakers so you can stay cool and pump it louder. There is a heart rate sensor built into the hand grips, too, but we wouldn’t recommend relying on it. At an easy walking pace, it put our tester’s heart rate at 172bmp, whereas with the free chest strap you get on purchase, the reading came in at 101bpm.
On the positive side, the motor is pretty quiet and it’s easy to fold the belt away to save on space.
Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill
Pros
- Extensive app
- Folding, space-saving design
- Ample speed
Cons
- Incline could be better (10% max)
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 125 Best for people looking for a compact treadmill thats easy to fold away |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 50.8cm x 139.7cm |
| Max user weight | 136kg |
| Speed range | 0.5-19.3kph |
| Incline range | 0 - 10% |
Though we found our tablet did cover the control panel – and some of our workout stats as a result – the app impressed our testers with its huge selection of workouts. Most found there was plenty of choice when it came to finding a class that set their pulses racing, though more experienced runners said they would have liked more of a challenge than the limited 10% max incline it could offer.
Nevertheless, the folding design and substantial offering of sessions from the app make this a top pick for first-time treadmill buyers. And its top speed of 12mph (a 5.00min/mile pace) will be ample for most owners.
Pro-Form Pro 9000
Pros
- 22-inch HD touchscreen
- Suitable for beginners through to athletes
- Sturdy belt
Cons
- Fan could be stronger
- Bulky to manoeuvre
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 196 x 90 x 151cm |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 51 x 152cm |
| Max user weight | 135kg |
| Speed range | 0-19km/h |
| Incline range | -3% - 12% |
> Read our full Pro-Form Pro 9000 review <
We’ve always rated Pro-Form treadmills, so it’s hardly surprising that the Pro 9000 excelled on test. It has all the features you’d expect from a premium machine – including auto-adjust speed and incline, detailed data screens, interactive workouts and Google Maps integration – but it’s the mega 22-inch HD touchscreen that really sets it apart. According to our testers, it made for the most immersive of experiences during iFit workouts – they particularly enjoyed a trainer-led jaunt along a Hawaiian beach.
With a decent max speed of 22km/h and an incline of up to 12%, it should be suitable for most runners. The iFit app offers workouts for all abilities, whether you’re training for a sub-25 5k or you want to traverse a 26.2-mile marathon course. The sturdy belt inspired confidence with each stride and the speed and incline buttons were easy to reach mid-run.
The fan wasn’t the most powerful and we found the belt stopped quite abruptly without a countdown, but these are minor niggles. Just bear in mind that this bulky machine is heavy to manoeuvre, and it won’t go unnoticed in the corner of your living room. But if you’ve got the space, it’s a top-notch running companion.
Peloton Tread
Pros
- Changing speeds and inclines is seamless
- Also, unless youre lucky enough to have a
Cons
- Expensive
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 157 x 173 x 84cm |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 150 x 50cm |
| Max user weight | 135kg |
| Speed range | 0-20kph |
| Incline range | 0 - 12% |
This Peloton machine will do more for your morale than most, with a plethora of instructor-led running sessions (as well as strength, yoga and even meditation classes) available through the brand’s app. Trainers beaming through a bright touchscreen provide tips and limitless energy to help you grind through pre-work workouts. You can also see how fellow members of the Peloton crew have performed thanks to live leaderboards – something that quickly unearthed our thinly-veiled competitive side.
The belt balanced bounce with firmness, allowing us to generate plenty of power with each stride while providing a comfortable amount of cushioning. Testers also raved about the inclusion of easy-access adjustable speed and incline dials on the arms, rather than the usual buttons on the control panel.
The max speed of 12.4mph, a 4.50min/mile pace, is more than fast enough for most runners, too.
Pros
- Best value for money
- Really quiet motor
- Smooth transitions between speeds/inclines
- Detailed app with plenty of variety
Cons
- Touch screen buttons would have been better
- No built-in HR sensor
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 176 x 78.5 x 126cm |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 143 x 50cm |
| Max user weight | 140kg |
| Speed range | 0-20kph |
| Incline range | 0-12% |
We were expecting premium quality from a brand like Technogym and the Myrun treadmill delivered. The machine is delivered to your door with installation and training provided, so you don't need to worry about putting it together yourself. It's a solid build and is responsive to speed and incline changes. That said, the quick start ‘levers’ do feel a little out of place on a £3,500 ticket item — at this price point, touch screen buttons would have been better, but this is a minor gripe.
Since the Myrun is intended to be a more compact design, there’s no built-in touchscreen. Instead, there’s a space for you to clip in your iPad or tablet a the top of the machine. From there, the Technogym app acts as the main data screen (it’s free, although you can upgrade to the paid version if you want live classes) and has a huge number of programs, from scenic runs and walks to interval sessions. You can make and store you own programs, too, and connect to apps like Strava and Zwift to replicate runs you have done outside. Our testers found the data screen really detailed, too, with metrics like distance, stride, speed and time all visible.
The MyRun will automatically change your incline, speed and time depending on the program you're on. On that, a top incline of 12% and top speed of 20kph is more than enough for even the most advanced runners and switching between the speeds feels smooth and seamless.
There’s no built-in heart rate sensor, which is surprising at this price point. But then again, we’ve never found them that accurate compared with the best heart rate monitors on the market, so perhaps Technogym is simply doing away with a pointless feature here.
All in all, despite the high cost, the Myrun is a great piece of kit and if you're going to be jumping on the treadmill frequently, you'll want something that you can rely on.
Pros
- Easy speed changes
- Auto-adjusting speed and incline
- Loud Bluetooth speakers
- Connects with online classes and fitness watches
Cons
- Feels a bit bouncy on incline runs
- Narrow belt
- Slight lag when decreasing speed
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 193 x 88 x 168cm |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 50 x 152cm |
| Max user weight | 150kg |
| Speed range | 0-20km/h |
| Incline range | 0-15% |
| Programmes | 8 |
| Features | QuickDial controls and one touch cnterval keys, Connects with apps including Kinomap and Zwift, one-step folding frame |
If you are looking for a solid machine, but don't want to shell out £2000+ for it, the Horizon 7.0 is going to be your best option. It’s a solid mill with a long 152cm deck that our tester found to be suitable for their long stride, though the narrow 50cm belt does feel a bit tight if your mind tends to wander on your runs. The deck itself has a nice amount of cushioning, making longer runs feel less taxing overall. However, our tester did notice a bit of bounce when you increase the incline over 5 percent, so if you’re a runner who likes to do speedy hill work, this is not your mill.
The body of the Horizon 7.0 folding treadmill is on the bulkier side, but the integrated features make for an easy setup and run. One thing about the body we appreciated was the fact that when you put your tablet in the tablet holder, it is nearly eye-level with most runners. I only had to slightly cast my gaze down to watch the programs I was playing on my iPad.
Below that tablet holder is the combination digital and manual console, fan, Bluetooth speakers, and two cup holders that are generously wide but still a bit shallower than we'd prefer. There is enough room to hold your water bottle, earbud case, and a towel in the cupholders, though, which kind of makes up for the shallow basins.
As for programming, this treadmill has a few canned running options that are exactly what you’d expect from this style of treadmill, but where it stands out is its ability to link to Peloton, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy watches. You can read your calories, distance, and more right in front of you. Our tester ran a few Peloton classes on this machine, and the sync was smooth and the transitions easy.
Another little gem about this machine is that there are knobs on the grips that easily allow you to increase your pace without interrupting your stride. It is the easiest speed adjustment on the market, but we did notice that there is some lag when bumping down to a slower speed than with some other treads. It’s a subtle lag, though, and if you’re running that top speed of 12 mph regularly, you likely won’t even notice.
For about £1300 on sale, it is going to be hard to find a more capable treadmill. The combination of convenience and comfort make this mill a standout.
Pros
- Workout fan
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- Easy-to-operate controls
- Smooth transitions between speeds/inclines
Cons
- Smaller screen and shorter belt than Commercial 1750
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 180 x 87 x 151cm |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 140 x 51cm |
| Max user weight | 135kg |
| Speed range | 0-16kph |
| Incline range | 0-12% |
| Programmes | iFit Library |
NordicTrack long offered a 'T Series' of treadmills, which were just a step below its 'Commercial' line — they had smaller motors and rollers, plus a slightly narrower deck. That saved you hundreds on the cost, but the machines were still strong performers. Now, the EXP line steps into that role, with the 10i at the top of that range. (The number in the name indicates the size of the touchscreen on the console.)
The Commercial 1750 is still our top pick here if you’re training for a marathon or competing in road races, but you can save some cash to put toward new shoes if you can work with scaled-back specs. The 20-inch belt is still plenty wide for walking and jogging, and its 12 percent incline is decent, so it packs plenty of power and variety to suit a challenging training regimen.
It has everything you expect from NordicTrack machines, including easy-to-operate controls, smooth transitions between speeds and inclines, and just enough cushioned responsiveness to take a little of the pressure off of your knees and hips.
iFit is available on this mill, instantly upgrading the experience. The screen is quite a bit smaller on this machine than others, as is the whole console. At 10 inches, it’s not a tiny screen, but also not the greatest for your theatrical experience — especially if you’re near-sighted.
The Bluetooth speakers pack some punch, so if you turn it all the way up thinking you need to make up for the fact it’s smaller and less costly than the commercial treadmills, hold onto your hat.
At £1,500, this is still not an entry-level treadmill, but there are often big sales on these bad boys that make up the difference.
| Dimensions (L X W X H) | 174 as they create a controlled environment. On an electric treadmill, you can control your |
|---|---|
| Running belt (L X W) | 140 x 48cm |
| Max user weight | 120kg |
| Speed range | 0-18kph |
| Incline range | 0-12% |
| Programmes | 43 |
Why trust us really need from a treadmill: a good-sized running deck (140x 48cm), durability thanks to its heavy gauge steel frame — built for stability under the pressure of daily use — Bluetooth compatibility and an incline of up to 12%, which will auto-adjust according to the terrain (if following a virtual workout via the likes of Kinomap).
It has a top speed of 18 km/h, which works out to be a 5:22min/mile pace, so should be fast enough for most. For speedsters, though, JTX also has the Sprint-9 Folding Gym Treadmill or Pro Professional, best Amazon Prime Day deals for runners.
Stable, high tablet holder?
Some treadmills can link to apps that offer a host of features, including a huge library of workouts at your fingertips, stat-tracking, live classes and leaderboards showing how fellow members are faring.
You will need to pay a monthly subscription fee to gain access to these, which will vary depending on which app your treadmill links to.
The treadmills on our list that require subscriptions are: the Peloton Tread’s Peloton All-Access Membership, which costs £39 per month or £12.99 per month for new app members; the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, which links to the iFit app available from £24.99 per month; and the Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill with its £39.99 per month Echelon Fit app.
Running on a treadmill — the tools to help
Of course, the treadmill doesn't really compare to miles outside, but if you are taking your training indoors, there are a few tools that can help.
- Running on a treadmill the tools to help – if you're used to running in miles per hour, it can take a while to get used to converting your session into kilometres. A pace-conversion chart can be a handy tool to screenshot.
- Avoiding injury on the treadmill – Running on a moving belt, especially if it's too fast for your fitness level, can affect your stride. Indeed, experts see specific injury patterns in those who use the machine as their main training ground. Have a read of their advice to avoid injury best heart rate monitors.
- Building a workout – One of the main reasons many runners dread indoor sessions is boredom. If logging your long run while staring at the clock is enough to put you off forever, why not try one of our treadmill workouts?
- Connecting with others – If you're used to running with friends or with a club, solo miles on the treadmill can be lonely. One app trying to address this is Zwift. If your treadmill isn't compatible, you can buy a NPE Runn – a treadmill sensor you can add to almost any treadmill that transmits the belt’s speed in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). If you don't want to buy the sensor, you can use the Runpod, which attaches to your shoe and measures your speed, cadence and distance and pairs with Zwift via Bluetooth.
Yanar has spent 15 years as a health and wellness editor and writer for national titles such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World. Yanar is a 580-hour yoga therapist, 200-hour yoga teacher and level 3 personal trainer at Yanar Mind & Movement. After years of running races and marathons, she discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting in her mid-30s and fell in love with training and competing. She now advocates strength training for women to build a stronger body for life and the benefits of nervous system regulation for better physical and mental health. When not training, teaching or writing, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen.
