Cardio – love it or hate it, it’s an essential component of all fitness routines.
Unfortunately, those who exercise at home may prefer not to run outside or don’t have easy access to a treadmill. But you’re in luck as treadmills have become more affordable and easier to store, meaning you will have more space to run and fewer excuses to skip cardio.
This post is all about the 10 best folding treadmills for your home gym. We’ve reviewed tons of treadmills from the best-known to sleeper brands to give you the best options for a wide range of users.
We’ve broken these down into different categories because everyone has different fitness needs. We’ve also explained some of the critical aspects of a treadmill and what to really look for buying a foldable treadmill.
WHAT IS A FOLDING TREADMILL?
First things first, a treadmill is a tool that consists of a self-propelled (sometimes manual) tread that carries the user through a run. Basic models will have limited features, like speed adjust and possibly some pre-programmed workouts.
Advanced models include adjustable elevation, tons of cupholders, phone compatibility, interactive screens, and even on-demand exercises with large touch screens.
A folding treadmill is just that – a treadmill that folds. Most home-use treadmills fold or collapse in some way to take up less space or facilitate storage when not in use. Even the more advanced models will have features that enable you to store the equipment.
Folding treadmills usually fold by way of a hinge at the bottom front of the tread, where it attaches to the arm supports and screen post, though there are a couple of variations on this.
Below is our list of the top 10 folding treadmills. We’ve highlighted advanced features and folding options to suit your needs.
10 BEST FOLDING TREADMILLS
- Best Overall Folding Treadmill: Horizon Fitness T101
- Best Budget Folding Treadmill: Sunny SF-T1407M Foldable Manual Walking Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill On Amazon: XTERRA TR150 Folding Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill For Small Spaces: WalkingPad X21
- Best Premium Folding Treadmill: Body Solid Endurance T25 Folding Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill For Runners: 3g Cardio 80i Flat Fold Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill For Walkers: Sunny Health Fitness SFT4400 Folding Treadmill
- Best Smart Folding Treadmill: LifeFitness F3 Smart Folding Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill For Incline: XTERRA TRX2500 Folding Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill With Classes: BlueFin Kick 2.0 Folding Treadmill
1. Best Overall Folding Treadmill: Horizon T101
The T101 from Horizon Fitness is one of the best folding treadmills you’ll find for home use. It’s an affordable and feature-packed model that will take you through some of the most demanding at-home runs. With a simple design, large screen, and hands-free hydraulic folding, this treadmill is really one of the best on the market.
This foldable treadmill comes with Bluetooth speakers with an accompanying deck to hold your device while you watch your favorite Netflix series or a follow along workout. The Ultra quiet motor provides a lag-free experience. In addition, the 55" deck has 3 zones of cushioning for walking, jogging, or running with a maximum weight capacity of 300 lb.
Overall, this is an affordable treadmill from Horizon Fitness that offers a seamless workout experience.
PROS:
- Large 55” running tread
- Intuitive, easy to use controls and large screen
- Automatic, hydraulic folding
- Contact grips for health stats (heart rate monitor, calories burned)
- Maximum speed 10 MPH & up to 10% incline
CONS:
- No Bluetooth on the basic model (T101)
All Horizon treadmills are engineered with our unique three-zone Variable Response Cushioning System so you can work out longer, with less fatigue and...
2. Best Budget Folding Treadmill: Sunny Health SF-T1407M Foldable Manual Walking Treadmill
If you’re looking for a no-frills treadmill that will get you up and moving, and speed and features are of no concern, then the Sunny Health Fitness SF-T1407M is your best bet. This manually propelled treadmill is light on features but will keep your motivation high as you control the pace.
This compact folding treadmill comes with a 42" x 13" running surface that can handle walking or light jogging. it comes with a LCD screen that displays calories burned, distance, time and speed.
This option from Sunny Health Fitness is good for those with little floor space and a smaller budget that want to get some walking workouts in at home.
PROS:
- Incredibly compact
- Super affordable
- Low maintenance
- Electric-free
CONS:
- Not suitable for running workouts
- Low maximum weight capacity of 220 lb
- Small running deck
This affordable treadmill will help you start your fitness journey! Walking can significantly improve mental and physical health...
3. Best Folding Treadmill On Amazon: XTERRA TR150 Folding Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness makes top-quality fitness equipment, and the TR150 folding treadmill is no exception. One of the more affordable ones on our list, the TR150 still packs great features and a solid warranty. This is definitely one to consider for frugal runners who need a no-nonsense tool to keep them moving.
The surface area of this foldable treadmill comes in at a very respectable 16" x 50" making it a choice for users of many sizes. Coming standard with this XTERRA Fitness TR150 folding treadmill is 12 preset programs and 3 manual incline settings plus a 5" LCD display that shows your workout stats.
This is one of the best foldable treadmills on Amazon with a price tag that won't shock the money conscious. As a side note XTERRA Fitness offers numerous models on their Amazon store if this one doesn't suit your needs.
PROS:
- Large running deck
- Intuitive, minimalistic control panel
- 12 pre-programmed workouts
- Lifetime warranty
- Super-simple folding mechanism
- Maximum speed 10 MPH & 3 incline settings
CONS:
- Manual elevation adjustment is not convenient and requires getting off the treadmill to adjust
- Minimal 90-day parts warranty
- Nowhere to put your cups!
- Ideal for people <220 lb
Smooth and quiet high torque 2.25 HP motor powers the treadmill at speeds from 0 - 10 MPH. 3 levels of manual incline...
4. Best Folding Treadmill For Small Spaces: WalkingPad X21
The Walking Pad X21 is by far one of the most innovative and compact folding treadmills you will find. This treadmill features minimalistic, futuristic styling and no frills functioning. The control panel is integrated into a pseudo handrail that will hold your phone – but not much else.
There are no handrails, nor is there anywhere to store anything, like water or a towel. This treadmill is made for the space-conscious who aren’t concerned with speed or extras.
The WalkingPad X21 is the world's first treadmill with Double-fold technology, which has won the German Red Dot Award, and the IF Design Award. This folding deck feature of WalkingPad X21 provides a perfect exercise experience at home, saving more space and easy to move everywhere than a traditional treadmill.
X21 has the advantage of being able to control everything from the handrail. X21 will change your life with its luxurious appearance and technical functions while maintaining the foldable and lightweight characteristics of the WalkingPad.
This compact folding treadmill can pair with Android phones via NFC and the KS Fit app will display your workout stats including speed, steps, time, and calories burned. When you're done with your workout this treadmill folds into such a small space that it could be stored just about anywhere.
PROS:
- Super compact
- Integrated Near Field Communication to wirelessly connect to phones
- Proprietary app to track workouts
CONS:
- Minimal running area
- Weight capacity 240 lb
- Slow, max speed is 7MPH
The WalkingPad X21 is the world's first treadmill with Double-fold technology, which has won the German Red Dot Award, and the IF Design Award. This feature of WalkingPad X21 provides...
5. Best Premium Folding Treadmill: Body Solid Endurance T25 Folding Treadmill
If you’re looking for a premium, commercial-grade folding treadmill, The BodySolid Endurance T25 is one of the best treadmills you can get. The price is a bit high, but this treadmill is worth it.
This treadmill will keep you running fast and long for years with its lifetime warranty, super high weight capacity, and an extensive range of pre-programmed workouts and elevation levels.
With this foldable treadmill, you'll get a 2 HP continuous motor that Peaks at 4 HP which allows you to push yourself from a 0-12% elevation range. The running surface is wider than most with 20.5", giving you more comfort in stepping out of line at times.
The interactive LCD screen display allows for control and choice from the 16 pre-programmed workouts all the while showing the most important workout stats.
PROS:
- Large running area
- High weight capacity (275 lb)
- 12 incline levels
- Maximum speed 10 MPH
- Lots of pre-programmed workouts
CONS:
- Large footprint doesn’t fold much and is not great for small spaces
- Expensive; may be too much treadmill for most users
T25 - Built with a 2 HP continuous duty and 4 HP peak motor, the T25 Treadmill has a speed range of 1-10 mph while also featuring 0-12% elevation and incline settings for intense, calorie-burning workouts...
6. Best Folding Treadmill For Runners: 3G Cardio 80i Flat Fold Treadmill
The 3G Flat Fold treadmill is hands down the best treadmill for serious runners. This treadmill has a large motor that will push runners up to 11 mph and 15 incline levels. In addition, it has tons of pre-programmed workouts and an easy-to-use ultra-slim control panel. What’s more, it can fold flat or vertically for different storage options.
The running surface is nearly 60''and the heavy-duty 3 HP motor will match treadmills that almost double its size. With the speed and incline settings combined with the ability to fold into such a compact space this treadmill is hard to beat.
PROS:
- Incredible warranty
- Maximum weight capacity 325 lb
- Maximum speed of 11 mph
- 15 incline levels
- Multiple folding options
- Consistently rated a best buy
CONS:
- Has a relatively large footprint
- Expensive
With the 3G Cardio 80i Fold Flat Treadmill, you can conserve space and still get a great workout. The 3G Cardio 80is...
7. Best Folding Treadmill For Walkers: Sunny Health SFT4400 Folding Treadmill
Another folding treadmill by Sunny Health Fitness is a top model for those who just need something simple for hard walkers or easy joggers. The SFT4400 is light on features and weight but packs in everything you need to get your feet moving without breaking the bank.
The compact treadmill has three manual incline settings and allows for speeds from .5-9 MPH. Sunny Health included 9 built-in workout programs and the large LCD displays speed, calories burned, and pulse. Last but not least the handrail controls allow you to control speed settings and has a pause function that stores your current data.
PROS:
- Affordable price considering the features
- Simple and accommodating control panel fits bottles and tablets
- Decent 5-year warranty
- 9 pre-programmed workouts
- 3 Incline settings & maximum speed of 9 MPH
CONS:
- Not suitable for fast paces
- 225 lb weight capacity
- Manually adjustable incline is not convenient
Easy folding mechanism and soft drop system helps you unfold your treadmill safely and hands free. 9 Built-in workout programs with large LCD...
8. Best Smart Folding Treadmill: Life Fitness F3 Smart Folding Treadmill
LifeFitness is one of the top manufacturers of treadmills, and the F3 illustrates this. Despite the hefty price tag, you get one of the best smart treadmills available. With this, you can choose from tons of pre-programmed workouts, also link to your Strava accounts, and get access to thousands of on-demand workouts through the Adaptiv app.
The running deck of this machine sports their patented FlexDeck Shock Absorption System to reduce joint stress. Although this is not the most affordable folding treadmill, LifeFitness built it with longevity in mind.
You get a lifetime warranty on the frame and LifeSpring shock absorbers plus a 10-year warranty on the drive motor, 5 years for parts, and 3 years for the console making it one of the better higher-end treadmills on the market.
PROS:
- Syncs to Strava, Apple Health tracking apps, and other fully on demand tools like Adaptiv and Zwift
- Soft-drop for quiet, pain-free use
- Lifetime warranty
- Large running pad
- 12% Incline & 10 MPH maximum speed
CONS:
- Probably more treadmill than you need
- Very Expensive
- Should include a large display screen for the price
- Large footprint is not the best space saver
The F3 Folding Treadmill offers the quality, performance and great looks expected from Life Fitness in a machine that can be stored quickly and easily. With its combination of features and flexibility, it brings an amazing cardio experience...
9. Best Folding Treadmill For Incline: XTERRA TRX2500 Folding Treadmill
Yet another model from powerhouse XTERRA, the TRX2500, is perfect for serious runners who also like to suffer through hills. The powerful motor, high-speed selection, and 10% max incline level really sets this apart from more basic treadmills. This allows you to achieve high speeds and steep descents without leaving your living room.
With the TRX2500 you can crush just about any fitness routine as it has 24 preset programs to cater to all fitness goals. You even get a nice fan to cool you down during your workout sessions!
Many folding treadmills don't offer a lifetime warranty on both the frame AND the motor and that's just one more feature that helps this stand out from the pack.
PROS:
- Extra-soft track with double-ply tread
- Intuitive, simple design is also robust enough to hold your bottles, tablets, and tears
- 22 preset exercise modes
- Compatible with wireless chest strap heart monitor
- Maximum speed 10 MPH & up to 10% incline
CONS:
- Large footprint even when folded
- No Bluetooth or USB
XTERRA2500 - Whether you're goal is losing weight or training for your next big adventure, the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill brings all of the tools you need home...
10. Best Folding Treadmill With Classes: BlueFin Kick 2.0 Folding Treadmill
BlueFin is a relatively unknown fitness brand in the States, but it will gain traction with the Kick 2.0. This folding treadmill is designed to compete with the likes of Peloton and Echelon, as its main draw is the included KinoMap fitness community app, which hosts thousands of streaming and interactive workouts that should help you figure out how to use its generous helping of features.
The running surface uses an Aero-damping system for premium shock absorption which lowers the impact on your joints. The up to 18% manual incline range will challenge just about everyone while the digital display will show your calories burned, heart rate, time and distance.
PROS:
- Simple, elegant design with an intuitive, accommodating control panel
- 18% max incline!
- Super compact treadmill
- Wireless heart rate monitor included
CONS:
- Slow: 12kph (~7.5 MPH) max speed
- Cheap looking: the BlueFin excels at features but doesn’t look like it’ll last, despite positive reviews
- No screen: you must stream workouts to a tablet (not included) or TV
- Uk & EU power cable
Joining the family of top-notch treadmills. Unique Aero-damping system makes every stride as smooth & low impact as...
10 Best Folding Treadmills For Home Gyms Comparison Chart
To better visualize our top picks for folding treadmills you can see how they compare to each other in the chart below.
|
Product Name |
Price ($-$$$$) |
Dimensions |
Features |
Warranty |
Average rating |
|
$$ |
Open: 70" x 34" x 55" Folded: 46" x 34" x 61" Running area: 20" x 55"
|
Multiple LCD displays Heart rate contacts Elevation adjustment |
Frame – Lifetime Parts – 1 yr. |
2350 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.5 |
|
|
$ |
Open: 49" x 23" x 50" Folded: 20" x 23" x 50" Running area: 42" x 13"
|
LCD Monitor |
Structural – 3 yr. |
5460 ☆☆☆☆ |
|
|
$ |
Open: 63.4” x 28.75” x 51.4” Folded: 28.5" x 28.75" x 61" Running area: 50" x 16" |
LCD Monitor Heart Rate monitor Manual incline adjustment |
Frame – Lifetime Motor – 1 yr. |
15k ☆☆☆☆.4 |
|
|
$$ |
Open: 41" x 29" x 56" Folded: 30" x 9" x 38" Running area: 48" x 18" |
OLED Monitor Phone attachment |
Frame – 1 yr. |
3 ☆☆☆☆☆ |
|
|
$$$ |
Open: 76" x 36" x 57" Folded: 50" x 36" x 64" Running area: 57" x 20.5" |
2 and 4 HP motors
|
Frame – lifetime Parts – 5 yr. Electronics – 2 yr. |
N/A |
|
|
$$$ |
Open: 74" x 33" x 49" Folded: 74" x 33" x 10" Running area: 58" x 18" |
3 HP motor Flat and vertical fold Ultra slim control panel
|
Frame/motor – lifetime Parts – 5 yr. |
11 ☆☆☆☆☆ |
|
|
$ |
Open: 62" x 25" x 50" Folded: 36" x 23" x 58" Running area: 42" x 13" |
Control panel Bottle/tablet holder Emergency stop cord |
Frame – 3yr |
7778 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.5
|
|
|
$$$$ |
Open: 78" x 34" x 58" Folded: 34" x 34" x 75" Running area: 55" x 20" |
Multiple programmed workouts Soft-drop unfolding Foam roller, mat, stability ball |
Frame – Lifetime Motor – 10 yr. |
24 ☆☆☆☆.6 |
|
|
$$ |
Open: 73" x 35" x 56" Folded: 48" x 35" x 61" Running area: 55" x 20" |
Wireless heart rate monitor Integrated audio inputs Handlebar speed/incline controls
|
Frame/motor - Lifetime |
31 ☆☆☆☆ |
|
|
$ |
Open: 54" x 26" x 52" Folded: 20" x 26" x 48" Running area: 55" x 20" |
Well-designed control panel Thousands of on-demand workouts from KinoMap app |
Frame – Lifetime
|
1k+ ☆☆☆☆ |
What Are the Benefits of Folding Treadmills?
There are multiple benefits that a folding treadmill offers to those who purchase for a home gym space.
Save space
Folding treadmills save you space. Of course, you may need to be creative with your use of space, but most of the machines on this list will fold up nicely and can be tucked under a bed or couch or hidden behind a big cat tower.
Feature packed
Folding treadmills have all the same features as a commercial or a regular treadmill, but they fold. This means you get the same benefits of more expensive, larger machines but you now have the option of storing it out of sight when not in use.
Convenience
What more is there to say? A foldable treadmill offers you all the benefits of running, but inside. Plus, they’re way easier on the knees, and you can finally chase all those hills with a machine offering a decent incline range. No more waiting for the perfect weather to get outside and to a run or walk in. This on the other hand means no more excuses!
Standard Treadmill Vs. Folding Treadmill
There isn’t much to say here – standard treadmills are almost obsolete except for in major gyms. Instead, folding treadmills are the most popular form for home use, and for a good reason. They run at the same price point and have the same features as standard ones.
The only minor difference is maintenance – folding treadmills have more moving parts, which means more things that can fail. But most folding treadmills have manual folding mechanisms, so the only thing that can get damaged is your finger when you’re not paying attention. Ouch.
What to Look for When Buying A Folding Treadmill for The Home Gym
Size
Dimensions depend on your personal stature and stride length. However, the following dimensions will suit most body types: 70” L x 30” W x 60” H with a running pad size of 65” L x 20” W. Apart from the footprint of the machine, you should also consider the dimensions of it when it's folded up so that you know where you can stow it away when it's not in use.
Build Quality
Obviously, construction quality and durability are the most important features to consider when buying something like a treadmill. So here are a couple of features you should consider when looking into buying a foldable treadmill:
- Materials: plastic is going to be the most common material, and it’s usually high-impact ABS plastic. The next most common material is aluminum, from which the frame and moving components are fashioned from. Finally, rubber and foam will be the other major components to look for.
- Motor: Assuming you're not buying a manual treadmill, you should consider the motor and its output. Ideally you'll want to find machines that range from 2-6 HP which can provide continuous movement up to 10 MPH.
- Construction Quality: They can have the same materials but have drastically different build qualities. In terms of construction, you want a frame of high-density aluminum as this will provide stability without the weight. High-density plastics will make up the control panel but should be rounded underneath, with no visible seams or attachment points. Any treadmills with adjustable elevation should have this part hidden underneath to not present a tripping hazard.
- Weight Tolerance: Most machines will hold 200-300 pounds, so that’s an ideal reference point. Of course, you’ll need more robust materials and possibly a wider footprint for greater load capacity.
- Warranty: A good treadmill will have at least a 3-year warranty for the frame. Typically, moving parts have at least a 1-year warranty, which is reasonable. However, some companies offer a whopping lifetime warranty for the frame, motor and non-moving parts.
Difficulty of Assembly
Everything these days is easy to assemble, and the folding treadmills on this post are no exception. Of course, ease of assembly isn’t the most helpful factor for picking out the best treadmill, but it does indicate the complexity of the machine and the thoughtfulness of its engineers.
Back to the original point, most folding treadmills arrive almost ¾ assembled and take at most a couple of hours to finish.
We recommend looking at reviews or product websites for information on assembly requirements.
Price/Budget
Our top folding treadmill from Horizon Fitness is the Horizon T101, that costs $649 – that’s pretty cheap when you consider some costs upwards of $2300. Plus, you’re getting almost precisely the same features as those high-dollar options.
We suggest spending between $700 and $1500. With this price comes excellent warranties, customer service, and high-quality construction. In addition, some of the options at this price point include or support on demand and subscription group exercises videos.
Usage
Heavy or light, fast or slow? Most folding treadmills can support most usage. The models reviewed on this page generally all support faster-paced running (up to 10 MPH) and can withstand daily use. The speed range will be important to runners but less so to walkers.
Do you want to run or walk uphill? If so look for machines that offer a wide range of incline settings.
The build quality of most of the machines is nearly similar to those that you would find in a local gym, which get lots of use.
In general, you shouldn’t expect to run at a top pace for hours at a time every day – most motors can’t handle that type of running.
A durable treadmill will have a thick running pad and a high torque motor with flywheel and cooling fans. This will support both fast and heavy or frequent usage.
Online Ratings
Be sure to read reviews and product websites to get an overall impression of the treadmill you want to buy. In addition, there may be details regarding build quality and assembly that will help you on your quest for a treadmill.
Folding Treadmill FAQ
Are Folding Treadmills Worth It?
Absolutely. If you love running or jogging and don’t have the opportunity to get to a gym or run outside, a folding treadmill is definitely worth it. In fact, these machines have been one of the more popular pieces of exercise equipment for some time. They take up little space and tend to last quite a long time with basic maintenance.
What Is A Good Price for A Folding Treadmill?
You should plan to spend between $700-$1500 for a decent treadmill. The Horizon T101 costs $649 and is discounted from $999. You’ll get the best features, best design, and good quality construction and warranty at this price point. Anything less, and you’ll be skimping out on features and quality; anything more might just be excessive.
Who Makes the Best Folding Treadmill?
The Horizon T101 is our top pick for the best folding treadmill. Horizon has a solid reputation , and this model offers all the best features, top construction quality and durability, and a great lifetime warranty. Plus, Horizon has excellent customer service in case you find yourself running too fast and in need of assistance.
Top Folding Treadmill Brands
Horizon Fitness is by far one of the better treadmill manufacturers you can consider. Here are the next best 3:
- LifeFitness
- XTERRA Fitness
- Sunny Health Fitness
Can You Run on Foldable Treadmills?
Yes, that’s the point. We did include a model in our list that’s intended for walking, but that’s a budget model and rounds out the bottom price point for the list. All these models are designed to support running at full speed and weight up to 300 pounds.
Are Foldable Treadmills Sturdy?
Yes. Folding treadmills are just as sturdy as non-folding models. This is by design – they are made to fold but also provide stability.
What’s the Average Size of a Folding Treadmill?
The average unfolded size of a treadmill is 70” L x 30” W x 60” H. The average size of the running pad is 60” L x 22” W. These are ideal dimensions for most body sizes. What you should be most concerned with is the size of the running pad. You’ll need something up to 5 feet long to support long strides, and 20” wide to support wide stances and torsos.
SUMMARY
That about sums up our review of the top folding treadmills. As you’ve seen, a foldable treadmill is a great, affordable way to introduce running into the comfort of your home with the reliability and features of some top-of-the-line commercial models.
While bigger, more popular brands may entice you, we think the brands here are just as good, if not better. Enjoy the search!
More Best Equipment Roundups:
0 Comments