Fitness Gear Equipment The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2022 Run on the Goplus 2-in-1 Foldable Treadmill or use it as a desk when folded By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 25, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Chloe Jeong 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. Reviewed & Approved Goplus 2-in-1 Treadmill can be folded to be used as a desk or unfolded to run. If you like an incline, we recommend XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill, which is also a budget-friendly option. When looking for a folding treadmill, make sure that they fold. Some fold in half, and some fold completely flat. Depending on your lifestyle, space, and needs, characteristics to consider include dimensions, weight capacity, speed, and incline. We researched dozens of folding treadmills and evaluated them for incline features, speed, price, and folding features. Each of the foldable treadmills chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors. Below, you'll find the best folding treadmills on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill at Amazon Best Budget: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill at Amazon Best Splurge: Bowflex Treadmill 10 at Amazon Best for Beginners: Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmill at Amazon Best High-Tech: NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill at Dick's Best for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Treadmill at Amazon Best for Incline: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill at Amazon Best With Classes: NordicTrack T Series Treadmill at Amazon In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit? Best Overall: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill 4.8 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon 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, which is why we chose it as our top pick. 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 Best Budget: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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) Best Splurge: Bowflex Treadmill 10 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Bowflex.com 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 percent, 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 percent Best for Beginners: Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmill Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Horizonfitness.com 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 percent, 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 percent Here Are the Best Treadmills to Help You Meet Your Fitness Goals Best High-Tech: NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods View On Dick's View On Nordictrack.com 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 percent The Best Treadmill Desks of 2022 for Walking and Working Best for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Treadmill Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's 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) The 12 Best Pieces of Portable Exercise Equipment of 2022 Best for Incline: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's 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 percent Best With Classes: NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 3.8 Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordictrack.com 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 features a classic design that you can fold in half between uses. Whereas some folding treadmills feel lightweight and flimsy, this one feels strong and sturdy. A wide belt offers a smooth and comfortable experience, and the treadmill can include up to 10 percent for a more challenging workout. If you really want to take your fitness routine to the next level, this bike comes with a 30-day free trial of an iFit membership. The membership allows you access to live and on-demand classes, where your instructor can actually increase your incline and speed. In addition to completing workouts on the treadmill, the iFit membership includes full-body training—inviting you to complete a variety of cross-training workouts to work your legs, arms, and core. While the membership trial ends after 30 days, you can choose to continue your subscription for endless access to studio classes, trainer-led workouts, and more. Dimensions: 73 x 35.8 x 67.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 10 MPH | Incline: Up to 10 percent Verywell Fit / Lindsay Boyers 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 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 percent. 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 percent, and some even offer declines (up to -5 percent). 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. Frequently Asked Questions 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. How to Get the Best Cardiovascular Workout on a Treadmill. Cleveland Clinic.