The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2021

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Treadmills make a classic addition to any at-home fitness routine, with research even suggesting that running on a treadmill offers equal intensity as running outdoors. The only problem? Treadmills can be incredibly bulky—making them a tough add for small spaces. Thankfully, folding treadmills offer an easy way around this common problem.

Folding treadmills are exactly what they sound like: standard treadmills that you can fold up between uses. Many of these treadmills fold in half, and some fold completely flat. So you can pull your treadmill out to log a quick workout and then easily fold it up to store it between uses. Depending on your lifestyle, space, and needs, characteristics to consider include dimensions, weight capacity, speed, and incline.

Interested in snagging a folding treadmill of your own? Here are the best folding treadmills on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

NordicTrack T Series Treadmill at Amazon

The treadmill can reach speeds up to 10 MPH and inclines up to 10 percent, so your workouts can be as challenging as you wish.

Best Budget:

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill at Amazon

The affordable folding treadmill features settings you’d find in a more expensive option, from a wide belt to preset workouts.

Best Splurge:

Bowflex Treadmill 10 at Amazon

The splurge-worthy pick features adjustable speeds and a diverse incline range, so you can adjust the intensity whenever.

Best for Beginners:

Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmill at Amazon

Since it can reach speeds up to 10 MPH and inclines up to 10%, it’ll be easy to start slow and stay challenged over time.

Best High-Tech:

NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill at Dick's

Loaded with high-tech features, its belt is customizable and also boasts automatic incline and speed adjustment.

Best for Small Spaces:

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Treadmill at Amazon

A great pick for those dealing with a small space, it's more compact than most and can be easily carried from room to room.

Best for Incline:

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill at Amazon

The mid-tier folding treadmill offers serious incline range, from 0 to 12 percent, while the shock-absorbing belt ensures comfort.

Best for Folding Flat:

Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill at Amazon

Doubling as an under-desk option when folded, its non-slip belt offers support as you log a light walk or jog.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

3.8

Pros

High maximum speed
High maximum incline
Comfortable treadmill belt
Bluetooth-compatible

Cons

Large
Does not fold completely flat
Better with an iFit membership (1-month membership included with purchase)

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Review

The NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Treadmill is a classic treadmill you can fold in half between uses. Whereas some folding treadmills feel lightweight or flimsy, this one feels strong and sturdy. And its spacious treadmill belt promises a comfortable experience every time you work out.

The treadmill can reach speeds up to 10 miles per hour and inclines up to 10%, so your workouts can be exactly as challenging as you want them to be. And if you want to take your workouts to the next level, you can pair your treadmill with an iFit membership—which will give you access to workout videos, interactive personal training, and more.

Dimensions: 73 x 35.8 x 67.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 10 MPH | Incline: Up to 10%

What Our Testers Say

"We’re prone to shin splints and joint pain, but we didn’t experience any pain while running on the NordicTrack. There was just enough cushion and support to soften our landing without making the treadmill feel wobbly. If you’re looking for a basic treadmill without many bells and whistles, you’ll be happy with the NordicTrack T 6.5 S." — Lindsay Boyers, Verywell writer and tester

Pros

Budget-friendly
High maximum speed
Several incline settings
Cushioned treadmill belt

Cons

Incline has to be adjusted manually
Does not fold completely flat

The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is a budget-friendly folding treadmill with settings you’d expect to find in a more expensive option. The treadmill’s wide belt is cushioned for comfort, and its sturdy handlebars will help you stay stable as you work out.

If you want to up the intensity of your workouts, you can manually adjust the incline between three different settings—or mechanically increase your speed up to 10 MPH. And you can also take advantage of the treadmill’s 12 preset workout programs any time you’re craving a more guided workout.

Dimensions: 63.4 x 28.75 x 51.4 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Maximum Speed: 10 MPH | Incline: 3 levels (manual)

Pros

High-tech
High maximum speed
Versatile incline range
Cushioned treadmill belt
Bluetooth-compatible
Interactive training

Cons

Large
Very expensive
Does not fold completely flat
Better with a JRNY membership (sold separately)

The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is a high-tech treadmill that will keep your workouts challenging and engaging as you build strength. The treadmill comes equipped with easy-to-adjust speed and incline knobs that make it simple to increase the intensity of your workouts as you run. And since the treadmill boasts an incline range of -5 to 15%, you can actually choose whether you want to run downhill or climb uphill every time you work out.

True to form, the high-tech features don’t stop there. Pair your Bowflex Treadmill 10 with a JRNY membership, and you can access workout videos, virtual coaching, and adaptive workouts that get tougher as you get stronger.

Dimensions: 85 x 39.6 x 65.3 inches | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: -5 to 15%

Pros

High maximum speed
High maximum incline
Cushioned treadmill belt
Quiet motor
Bluetooth-compatible

Cons

Large
Does not fold completely flat

The Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill is a classic folding treadmill that boasts all the features beginners need to get started. For starters, the treadmill comes with an easy-to-use console that will let you adjust the intensity of your workouts any time you want to. And since it can reach speeds up to 10 MPH and inclines up to 10%, rest assured knowing it’ll be easy to start slow and stay challenged over time.

Also nice? The treadmill’s belt boasts three different padding zones—an impact zone, a transition zone, and a push-off zone—so it will provide cushioning and comfort in all the places your stride needs it most.

Dimensions: 73 x 33.5 x 55 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Maximum Speed: 10 MPH | Incline: Up to 10%

Pros

High-tech
High maximum speed
Versatile incline range
Customizable treadmill belt
Bluetooth-compatible
Interactive training

Cons

Large
Expensive
Does not fold completely flat
Better with an iFit membership (1-year membership included with purchase)

The NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill is a splurge-worthy folding treadmill that’s loaded with high-tech features. When you step onto the treadmill, you’ll have the option to customize your treadmill belt. You can choose between a cushioned, comfortable experience and one that more closely resembles the feel of road running—and of course, you can switch between the two any time you like.

The treadmill also boasts automatic incline and speed adjustment features, which will increase the intensity of your workouts as you build strength. And if you pair your treadmill with an iFit membership, you can enable interactive personal training, which will allow personal trainers to control your workout settings for you as you run.

Dimensions: 79.9 x 35.08 x 59.25 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: -3 to 12%

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Treadmill

Pros

Small
Budget-friendly
Lightweight

Cons

Manual
Fixed incline
Does not fold completely flat

The Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill is a great pick for those looking to log a solid workout in a small space. The folding treadmill is more compact than most, and since it weighs a mere 46.7 pounds, it should be easy to carry from room to room between workouts.

Since the treadmill is manual, it will put you in total control of the intensity of your workouts. Simply walk or run faster, and it will automatically adjust to your speed—and its fixed incline will ensure you stay challenged as you run. This manual design may be off-putting to some, but if you need something budget-friendly and space-efficient, it will likely be a worthy tradeoff.

Dimensions: 49 x 23 x 50 inches | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: N/a (manual) | Incline: Fixed (angle not specified)

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline

Pros

Solid speed range
High maximum incline
Small
Bluetooth-compatible

Cons

Does not fold completely flat

The Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill is a mid-tier folding treadmill that’ll give you a serious incline range (from 0 to 12 percent). And since it lets you reach speeds up to 8 MPH, you can rest assured knowing the machine will keep you challenged for a while.

Though the treadmill is pretty compact, it boasts a shock-absorbing treadmill belt that promises to keep you comfortable as you run. And its sturdy handlebars are there to keep you feeling stable and balanced as you explore the machine’s many incline and speed settings.

Dimensions: 64.5 x 28 x 50.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 240 pounds | Maximum Speed: 8 MPH | Incline: 12%

Pros

Small
Can be used under desk
Folds completely flat

Cons

Low maximum speed
No incline settings

The GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a solid folding treadmill that doubles as an under-desk option, thanks to its unique design. When unfolded, the treadmill looks like any other. Its non-slip treadmill belt will support you as you log a light walk or jog. But when folded, the treadmill is still completely usable—and since it’s flat, it makes a great under-desk option.

Though this 2-in-1 design offers plenty of flexibility and convenience, it does come with some downsides: The treadmill offers no incline settings, and can only reach speeds up to 3 MPH. Still, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a small, office-friendly treadmill.

Dimensions: 49 x 27 x 42 inches (52 x 27 x 5 inches when folded) | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Maximum Speed: 3 MPH | Incline: None

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a classic treadmill you can easily fold up between uses, the NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Treadmill (view on Amazon) and the Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill (view on Amazon) are both excellent options. Both treadmills are sturdy, straightforward, and easy to use. Each should feel like a normal treadmill—giving you access to speeds up to 10 MPH and inclines up to 10%. So you won’t have to worry about your folding treadmill feeling flimsy or otherwise unsteady.

And if you’re looking for an upgrade pick, you can opt for the NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill (view on Dick’s Sporting Goods) —which is a (significantly) higher-tech take on the NordicTrack T Series 6.5 (view on Amazon).

What to Look for in a Folding Treadmill

Dimensions

Folding treadmills are a popular pick for small spaces, because they’re easy to store between workouts. But when unfolded, a folding treadmill can be about as big as a regular treadmill, so you’ll want to double-check a folding treadmill’s unfolded dimensions before buying.

Weight Capacity

Some treadmills can support more weight than others. So before buying, you’ll want to make sure a treadmill is sturdy enough to support you—and any extra weight you might be wearing or using while working out.

Maximum Speed

If you’re a fan of running, you’ll want to make sure your treadmill can pick up some serious speed. Many folding treadmills can reach speeds up to 10 MPH—and some can reach speeds up to 12 MPH. But some others max out at 3 MPH, so you’ll want to consider a treadmill’s maximum speed (and whether it suits your needs) before buying.

Incline:

If you love an uphill workout, you’ll likely want a treadmill with adjustable incline settings. Many folding treadmills offer inclines up to 12%, and some even offer declines (up to -5%). But some others offer no incline settings at all. Just consider the kinds of workouts you like to do, and make sure the machine you’re eyeing is capable of delivering them.

FAQs

How to fold up a treadmill

Folding up a treadmill is actually fairly easy. Simply lift up the base of your treadmill belt (by grabbing the end that’s furthest from your console and handlebars), and slide it toward your console until the belt locks in place upright. This method may vary from treadmill to treadmill, but you can expect the process to be generally similar to what we’ve described here.

Are folding treadmills as effective as regular treadmills?

Yes, many folding treadmills are exactly as effective as regular treadmills. That’s because foldability has very little to do with a treadmill’s ability to deliver a good workout. Factors like incline and speed settings are much more important to consider. (A speedy uphill climb is bound to be more challenging than a leisurely flat stroll—no matter what kind of machine you’re doing it on).

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

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