Best Home Treadmill Reviews for 2024

Best Home Treadmill Review 2024

 

Before we get to my reviews and comparisons of the best home treadmills, let’s focus on you.

We are all different in terms of current fitness level, budget, goals, and available space. A rich person with their own home gym space looking to train for their next iron man would have a completely different ‘best treadmill’ than someone living in a flat painlessly shedding a few pounds.

Instead of a generic list of the best treadmill reviews with bland features lists – I’ve focused on exactly who would benefit from each model.

Budgets are important. And you’ll find brands with handy monthly payment options, and deep discounts listed below.

The table below shows my picks of the best treadmills in the various categories. After that you’ll find details of each, a features guide and FAQ section.

Table: Best Home Treadmill Reviews – Updated for 2024

 

2450 Treadmill Review

2450 Commercial from NordicTrack

Commercial gym technology, NordicTrack style and an amazing spec. The 2450 treadmill is a best-seller, and will last you for years.

Check Price!Read Review
NordicTrack EXP 7i

EXP 7i - New Technology from NordicTrack

Getting this much NordicTrack technology at a mid-budget price point makes great sense. The EXP 7i is iFit compatible and quiet!

Check Price!Read Review
Best Cheap Commercial Level Home Treadmill

Big, Bold and Safe - Branx Elite Runner Pro

A big, safe treadmill with 'Soft Drop' folding mechanism. The Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro works for the whole family.

Check Price!Read Review
430i Treadmill Review

Mid Sized + Tech - ProForm 430i

Fantastic technology, in a mid-sized machine. This classic design from ProForm has incline, iFit and much more!

Check Price!Read Review
T350 digital from JLL

Solid Lower-Budget Model: The JLL T350

Folding body, cushioned running surface, app compatibility, plus the reliable, smooth action you'd expect from JLL. Check the feedback!

Check Price!Read Review
Fit4Home Healthmate Value Running Machines

Super-Budget - Fit4Home Folding Treadmill

You get a lot of treadmill for a budget price with this Fit4Home model. The spec includes a 10 km / hr top speed, plus manual incline.

Check Price!Read Review

You’ll find more detail on each of these models below.

Mark’s Tips: Buying the Best Home Treadmill

Buying a treadmill is a minefield, here are three tips to avoid the tricks and traps:

#1 – Pump and Dump No-Name Brands:

Head to places like Amazon, and you’ll see a scam playing out over and over. Badly made no-name (often odd collections of capital letters) models have amazing ratings and tons of glowing comments. When your rattle trap arrives, breaks and you can’t reach any semblance of service – you find that the listing has disappeared. Next month, the same pictures, new brand name and 100’s of top-ratings appear… rinse and repeat.

#2 – Think in Terms of Years:

Many budget treadmill models are little better than toys. When you get a ‘bargain,’ you’ll be buying another one in a couple of years. Compare this to a known brand model, with a real warranty and real customer service. While the price is higher, the price per year over 5 or more years is far lower. Think in terms of value and buy a home treadmill that will last.

#3 – Get a UK Warranty and UK Service:

A warranty for an unknown drop-shipped brand treadmill is likely worthless. My advice for any significant fitness equipment purchase is to stick with a known brand (with a longstanding reputation) and a UK presence. NordicTrack, ProForm and the Birmingham-based JLL all have stellar reputations. If you hit a problem with your machine, this tip will be obvious in hindsight.

 

Best Treadmill Picks: Mini Reviews with Features

Each of the treadmills from the table above has a mini review here. Compare them side by side or jump to my more detailed reviews instead.

#1- NordicTrack Commercial 2450

Best Treadmill Reviews NordicTrack 2450NordicTrack took all their patented tech from commercial gyms – and put it into the stunning 2450 Treadmill.

The result is a home treadmill which will last for years.

It has auto-incline / decline, a 22” HD touchscreen, Runners Flex cushioning, 19km / hour top speed, fan, speakers and a wide, belt. The styling is distinctively NordicTrack, and the latest redesign comes with a lower step-up than older models.

You get a free trial of iFit with the 2450 Treadmill. Live trainers control your speed / incline through iFit. Bluetooth connectivity for your own choice of app is available too – plus Google Maps based runs.

NordicTrack have a zero-interest pay monthly option – and the best service / warranty in the business.

The 2450 is built to last – and it is flexible enough for the whole family.

Check out the stunning design, full spec, and latest pricing now – over on this dedicated page at the official UK NordicTrack store.

 

#2 – NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill (Folding)

Detailed Review of the EXP 7i Treadmill from NordicTrackI picked the EXP 7i as a lower priced alternative to the 2450 that features the impressive NordicTrack technology.

This model folds away, using a system called ‘EasyLift Assist’ – great for those of us without a dedicated room for a home gym.

Technology includes a quiet Smart-Response drive motor, 12% incline, FlexSelect cushioning (choose the firmness of the running surface) and integrated fan / speakers. This model has a 7” HD touchscreen. It comes with a trial of iFit or option to use your favourite apps.

If you prefer a bigger touchscreen, there is a EXP 10i and a 14i option. Obviously, you’ll pay a little more each time the screen gets bigger.

With a fresh new design that retains NordicTrack style, the EXP 7i is a head-turner.

Check out the impressive picture gallery, and of course the latest pricing – on this dedicated EXP 7i Page at NordicTrack’s official UK store now!

 

#3 – Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro Soft-Drop Treadmill

High End Best Folding TreadmillsThis is a big, bold treadmill and is great value at under a grand (at the time of writing).

Branx Fitness has a longstanding reputation for reliable machines that are flexible enough for all fitness levels and sizes.

The Elite Runner Pro packs a speedy 21km / hour top speed, has incline and has a 10-point shock-absorber system in the running belt. It folds too, using a levered soft-drop system.

Instead of an expensive HD screen setup, you get a regular LED display. This takes nothing from the options for using it, with two rows of buttons keeping all the pre-set programmes and manual options at your fingertips.

There are monthly payment options available – do check the terms carefully here.

Branx Fitness make impressive machines. For the size and spec, the Elite Runner Pro is excellent value.

Check out the full picture gallery for yourself now (and the latest price), at the official Branx Fitness Store at Amazon.co.uk!

 

#4 – ProForm 430i Treadmill (Quality Mid-Sized Model)

ProForm 430iProForm have packed a ton of tech into a mid-sized frame with their popular 430i treadmill.

This breaks the usual pattern of bigger models having the best technology. With a 41cm by 127cm running belt, this is plenty big enough for most of us. If you are over 6 feet tall, I’d recommend a bigger treadmill.

You can fold this treadmill, use the pre-set runs, iFit, or connect your own choice of app. It has incline of up to 10% – which will really boost your runs. The 430i has a traditional treadmill style. ProForm allow you to spread payments using Klarna (do check those terms!).

It is hard to beat the combination of spec / price and brand.

Check out the details for yourself now, over at the official ProForm UK store!

 

#5 – Best Lower Priced Treadmill: The T350 from JLL

JLL T350 Treadmill ReviewBirmingham-based JLL Fitness make impressive treadmills without the hefty price tags of the international brands.

It is not only their treadmills which get fantastic feedback. JLL are known for their after-sales service too.

For me, the JLL T350 Treadmill hits the sweet spot for runners that don’t want to spend 4-figures but do want an up-to-date model. It has Bluetooth, letting you connect apps using your own phone or tablet. It has 20 incline levels, a fast 18km / hour top speed and 16-point shock absorbers.

This is a mid-sized treadmill. It has a full 2-year parts / labour warranty and five years for the motor. The alloy steel construction keeps the T350 light, yet strong.

JLL make impressive treadmills.

Check out the T350 in action, along with the latest price now – over at the official JLL Amazon store.

 

#6 – Budget Model: The Fit4Home Electric Treadmill

fit4home great value treadmillsThe Fit4Home brand has been around for years.

If your budget can only stretch to a lower priced model, then this folding treadmill ticks all the right boxes. You’ll get the peace of mind that the seller won’t disappear, like they do with the no-name switch scam.

This budget treadmill is made of polyester. It is super-light at 28kgs. The top speed of 12km / hour is plenty enough for recreational runners. This Fit4Home treadmill folds away.

Instead of a flashy (and expensive!) HD screen, you get a LED display. Time, speed, calories burned, and distance are shown. There are 14 pre-set programmes, along with quick-start buttons. It comes with a built-in heart rate sensor.

For a solid, reliable treadmill without the big price tag of branded models, this is a fantastic choice.

Check out this dedicated product page for the full spec (plus buyer comments) now!

 

 

 

Treadmill Reviews: The Features of the Best Home Treadmills

This trick works for finding the best treadmill for you – and for any other type of fitness equipment.

Below is a list of treadmill features. They range from speed to tech and quietness.

Firstly, scan through the list, and make a mental note of which ones feel most important to you. Secondly, use it to narrow the options. The more you spend, the better set of features you get. If you are on the fence with price, then working out which features are must-haves, and which are nice-to-have will become the determining factor.

My Top 10 Treadmill Features to Review and Compare

#1 – Speed

Home treadmills start at 8 to 10km / hour. Those models are for fast walking / light jogging.

At the other extreme, commercial treadmills go up to 25km/ hour. Add incline, and you get into pro athlete territory.

I recommend 12 to 14km / hour as a minimum top speed. Even if that is a struggle now, getting value from your purchase means you need a treadmill that works for you as you get fitter.

#2 – Folding Treadmills

I’ll separate the types of folding treadmill here.

Some have hydraulic levers, making folding / unfolding easy. Others require serious effort. Add under-sofa style models to this list.

Unless you have a specific room or home gym area, I recommend getting a folding model. NordicTrack has ‘EasyLift Assist’ technology, which is best of breed for home treadmills.

I have a separate page here at Fitness Review, which covers Folding Treadmills in detail.

#3 – Incline (and Decline)

Treadmill incline has two purposes.

It makes running harder – boosting your fitness and giving you a great cardio workout. It also helps to vary your runs. If you have iFit or an alternative fitness app, you can use it to simulate runs up and down hill. If not, then a burst of incline followed by flat runs will make for a tough fat burning run.

Key to reading treadmill reviews is understanding the difference between manual and automatic incline.

Many budget models have manual incline. This involves getting off, then moving some levers / pinning the running surface at a different angle.

The one you want is auto-incline. This is controlled electronically using your console.

15% incline 2950 Commercial Treadmill

#4 – Cushioning Technology

Running will take its toll on your joints without a cushioned track on your treadmill.

The best treadmill brands compete fiercely with cushioning technology. The newest tech lets you adjust it – choosing from a firmer or softer surface to suit your needed. Others have multi-point shock absorbers instead.

As an aside, make sure you have quality running shoes for your treadmill workouts. Spending more for a quality cushioning system helps to ensure you’ll be running happily for years to come.

#5 – Treadmill Size (and Running Surface Size)

Bigger is not always better when it comes to choosing a treadmill.

As you go up the quality and price ladder, treadmills get bigger. This includes the running surface.

If you are 6ft tall, then you’ll need to go large. For most of us, gym-sized treadmills are too big for the home. Folding helps.

It is the budget end where some potential problems lurk.

Some of the ‘no-name’ brands are tiny. They use small runners for their picture shoots, but you can always check the reviews in detail. I’d strongly recommend avoiding running belts less than 40cm wide and 110cms long. Those apparent bargains are often no better than toys.

#6 – Monitor and Controls

Adding a big, beautiful HD monitor to your treadmill is appealing.

It also adds hundreds of pounds to the price tag.

Some treadmills let you use your own iPad or tablet. Others use LED monitors with basic stats (and still get the job done). If your budget stretches to it, consider a pivoting monitor. You can then combine runs with floor workouts via popular apps.

Monitor Types Best Home Treadmills

#7 – Noise

Let’s face it, treadmills can be noisy.

If you live in a flat (or have limited space and a partner watching TV), noisy treadmills can be a problem. Two factors contribute to average noise output.

First, the engine size. Low powered treadmills are noisy. The bigger the engine, the better – especially for those occasional sprints. Second the tech. Smart Magnetic Resistance or similar is ideal. Cushioning also lowers running machine noise output.

#8 – Running App Compatibility

Some of the best treadmills come with in-house running apps.

Popular examples are Peloton and ProForm.

I recommend flexibility. Choose a treadmill with Bluetooth that allows you to choose your own app. Over time, the popular apps (and linked social networks) change. What you don’t want is to find you are not compatible a couple of years down the line.

As well as apps, integration with Google Maps is a popular feature.

X32i iFit on a giant screen

#9 – Entertainment Options and Extras

Built-in speakers in addition to Bluetooth connectivity or Wi-Fi is an important feature.

Listening to music, watching TV, or tuning in to your favourite podcast makes for a more entertaining run. Other small extras include built-in fans and water bottle holders. Skip on these seemingly small features, and you’ll potentially regret it!

Something as simple as a built-in shelf for your iPad or phone will make all the difference.

#10 – Warranty and After-Sales Service

I have a ‘sniff test’ for treadmill warranties.

After all, every brand offers a warranty of some kind. If you go for a no-name ‘pump the likes and run’ brand on Amazon – it is likely that warranty is worthless. By the time you claim, the seller will have disappeared, and (almost) identical models will be on sale from other companies – complete with their glowing reviews.

You need a named brand with a real reputation for a warranty to be worthwhile.

Look for 2 year’s parts and labour as a minimum – longer for the motor / frame is ideal.

2450 Treadmill Review

2450 Commercial from NordicTrack

Commercial gym technology, NordicTrack style and an amazing spec. The 2450 treadmill is a best-seller, and will last you for years.

Check Price!Read Review
NordicTrack EXP 7i

EXP 7i - New Technology from NordicTrack

Getting this much NordicTrack technology at a mid-budget price point makes great sense. The EXP 7i is iFit compatible and quiet!

Check Price!Read Review
Best Cheap Commercial Level Home Treadmill

Big, Bold and Safe - Branx Elite Runner Pro

A big, safe treadmill with 'Soft Drop' folding mechanism. The Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro works for the whole family.

Check Price!Read Review
430i Treadmill Review

Mid Sized + Tech - ProForm 430i

Fantastic technology, in a mid-sized machine. This classic design from ProForm has incline, iFit and much more!

Check Price!Read Review
T350 digital from JLL

Solid Lower-Budget Model: The JLL T350

Folding body, cushioned running surface, app compatibility, plus the reliable, smooth action you'd expect from JLL. Check the feedback!

Check Price!Read Review
Fit4Home Healthmate Value Running Machines

Super-Budget - Fit4Home Folding Treadmill

You get a lot of treadmill for a budget price with this Fit4Home model. The spec includes a 10 km / hr top speed, plus manual incline.

Check Price!Read Review

Best Home Treadmills: Frequently Asked Questions

This section has answers to the most common questions from new treadmill owners. If you’d like one added, you can always shoot me an e-mail ( mark@fitnessreview.co.uk ).

What is the Difference Between the Price Levels of Home Treadmills?

You’ll find a big overlap with quality and specs, though as a guideline, home treadmills fall into 4 price categories.

Budget: At £300 and under you’ll get a very basic treadmill. Expect a slower top speed (10km / hour for example), plastic construction and basic LCD display. For walking / jogging, these treadmills can work. Make sure you stick to a known-brand. This price level has odd-sounding brands (think 5 or 6 capital letters), which get tons of fake five star reviews, then disappear as soon as the truth about the low quality comes out…

Lower Priced: Get to the $301-£700 range, you will find a lot of extras like incline, fitness tracker compatibility – and cushioned running surfaces. You’ll also get a bigger frame and running surface. While the big international brands are more expensive, there are some quality treadmills at this price level. Birmingham-based JLL Fitness treadmills fit this description. Their mid-sized, mid-spec models are popular with runners on a budget looking for quality machines.

Mid-Range: Spend £701 to £1500 and you can get some serious engineering with your treadmill. Automatic incline / decline, fast top speeds, and HD touch-screen technology with apps and virtual training. At this price level you’ll find bigger, quieter running machines that start to look like the ones you’ll find in commercial gyms. You will also get the latest cushioning technology for the running belt.

Top End Treadmills: Hit the £1501 to £3000+ range, you’ll find amazing machines. Brands which supply commercial gyms have home treadmills which are every runner’s dream. Examples are the X32i Incline trainers from NordicTrack – which have 40% incline and amazing technology. These treadmills are flexible enough for all fitness levels, they will stay with you as your fitness improves. Monthly payment options make top-end models accessible.

What is Incline on a Home Treadmill? Do I Need it?

This tells you whether the slope of the running track can be adjusted. There are two types of incline:

  • Manual Incline: Here you need to stop running and move a lever to change the angle (not recommended!).
  • Automatic / Electronic Incline: The slope is controlled electrically, this means it can be changed as part of a running program. You will also be able to change this by pressing a button without breaking your run.

The latest technology allows a remote trainer to control the incline and decline) of your treadmill in real time.

Incline makes a huge difference to the intensity of your run. A couple of degrees change in the slope is immediately noticeable. You will burn more calories. It will also vary things – instead of running on a flat surface, you can go up hills.

You need to get to the mid-priced treadmills before you find automatic incline included. Some basic home running machines give you the manual incline option.

What Top Speed Should My Home Treadmill Have?

A lot of factors to consider here – starting with your size!

Shorter runners will have a lower top speed requirement than taller ones. This is simply a function of your stride length.

Treadmills are measured in kilometres per hour as a standard. Here are the usual top speeds:

  • 8km – 10km / Hour: This is a ‘walking treadmill’ speed. For most people the top speed would be a light jog.
  • 12km / Hour: For most family use treadmills, this is the lowest top speed to aim for. Faster than this is a decent running speed (even for 6 footers).
  • 14km – 18km / Hour: If you are a competitive runner – or want to include sprints as part of a HIIT program, then you can choose a faster treadmill. This speed is not available in the budget / basic level models.
  • 18km – 22km / Hour: Even the fittest runners will find this top speed hard to maintain. The better commercial level home treadmills fit into this category.

There are commercial treadmills which go over 22km / hour. The advantage of these models is not always the top speed. To get that fast they need powerful motors, which are quieter when you run at more ‘normal’ speeds. For a range of amazing treadmills which hit 22km / hour – and include incline of between 15% and 40% – check out my detailed guide to NordicTrack Treadmills.

Which is the Best Home Treadmill for Taller / Shorter People?

One of the most common questions about treadmills is how suitable they are for people of different sizes.

Smaller / Shorter people have the most options. The budget and basic models with smaller frames and running surfaces are proportionally that much better! If you are 6 foot or over, then I’d recommend staying away from the cheapest models. You can find a treadmill with a bigger, wider running surface in the mid-range category easily. While those budget models would work, that extra comfort and safety is worth a few more pounds!

What Safety Features do the Best Home Treadmills Have as Standard?

Never buy a home treadmill without a safety key. This does come as standard in the UK. It is a plastic key, attached to a piece of string. You clip one end to your clothing, and the key goes in a slot at the front of your running machine. If you fall off the treadmill, the key comes out and the belt stops. This is a simple concept, which has saved many people from injury!

The other treadmill safety feature is the bars on either side of the front console. These provide stability, something to grab if you wobble! Better treadmills have them as standard. Cheaper models sometimes do not. I recommend buying a model with handlebars, especially if you are less experienced.

Are Home Treadmills Noisy?

They can be. Compared to other types of home fitness equipment, your action (pounding those feet) will make more noise. There are two components which generate noise.

  • Running Surface: Better models have cushioned running surfaces. These mean your pounding feet are not hitting a solid board right below the belt – keeping things quieter.
  • The Engine / Mechanism: Again, as you get a decent treadmill, you’ll get a quieter engine and belt mechanism.

I recommend checking the buyer reviews of the model(s) you choose. Look for complaints about the noise (very few people mention anything if the machine is quiet!). You can also buy a rubber mat, which will keep the noise / vibrations from the floor.

Will a Home Treadmill Damage my Carpet / Flooring?

Without any protection, you’ll get dents in your carpet at the corners. If you have a wooden floor, then there is a risk of some minor scuffs.

A basic rubber mat is a worthwhile investment for any form of home fitness equipment. This will have the extra value of keeping any noise to a minimum. Find out about the different options in my home gym flooring guide.

How Often Do I Need to Maintain my Home Treadmill?

I’ll admit I’m not the most diligent when it comes to maintaining my treadmill! You will need to keep your machine clean. A damp cloth rub-down and vacuuming around the base will be fine for a weekly clean up. You should also vacuum the motor compartment (where possible and within the maker’s guidelines), and lubricate the belt using specialist oils every few months.

Most treadmills come with warranties for the motor and frame, though the belt can get worn. When you clean your unit, check for wear and tear.

Which Home Treadmills Fold Away?

Unless you have a bigger dedicated area for home fitness equipment, I recommend a folding model. Many treadmills fold vertically – letting your store them with the running surface straight up. A simple bar that you swivel out adds stability.

There are models which have power-assisted fold up mechanisms. These are not at the budget end of the price spectrum. Bigger models with robust hand-rails are not as easy to fold. If you have a folding model, you’ll also need small wheels – so you can move it too and from your running position.

How Many Calories will my Home Treadmill Burn?

Three main factors come into play do determine the average calorie burn:

  • Your body weight
  • Time spent running
  • Effort (sprints / incline and so on)

The range is from 300 to 500 calories per hour. Most treadmills will show you this information on the console. This will be an estimate. For more accurate calorie burn information, you can get a model which works with popular fitness trackers. Runners World have some tips for maximizing your treadmill calorie burn.

Do I Need Special Trainers / Footwear for Treadmill Runs?

Regular running shoes (the type you’d use outside) are fine for treadmill workouts. I do not recommend leisure / fashion trainers or training shoes designed for other types of exercise. Other than the quality of running machine you buy, this is the single most important consideration. While you don’t need the latest training shoe tech, getting a decent pair will pay dividends as your fitness improves.

Are Home Treadmills Compatible with Fitness Apps?

This is very much dependent on the individual model. Once you hit the mid-range treadmills, many are compatible with popular apps or POLAR trackers (some even come with chest strap monitors).

Some treadmills have their own apps – for example the Jet 100 works with the Reebok App – while others work great with MyFitnessPal and other popular phone apps. KinoMap has emerged as a popular choice. This gives you access to maps, group / social features and also coaching programs. Only the top end treadmill models come with chest strap heart-rate monitors.

At the high-price range, brands like ProForm have their own app – iFit. This includes personal trainers (live and via videos), scenic runs and social functions.

Wrapping Up: The Final Word on my Best Home Treadmill Reviews in 2023

By the time you reach this end of the article, you’ll be able to see the logic behind my picks for yourself.

If there is one major take-away, it is to think in terms of years when you buy a treadmill.

Those cheap unknown brands will not last. Conversely, brands which have built a reputation for quality and service mean your treadmill could be serving you for five, or even more years.

And, please – make sure you avoid the pump and dump 5 star reviews scam with those odd-sounding brands at places like Amazon!

Here is the table from the top of this page once again – enjoy your fitness!

2450 Treadmill Review

2450 Commercial from NordicTrack

Commercial gym technology, NordicTrack style and an amazing spec. The 2450 treadmill is a best-seller, and will last you for years.

Check Price!Read Review
NordicTrack EXP 7i

EXP 7i - New Technology from NordicTrack

Getting this much NordicTrack technology at a mid-budget price point makes great sense. The EXP 7i is iFit compatible and quiet!

Check Price!Read Review
Best Cheap Commercial Level Home Treadmill

Big, Bold and Safe - Branx Elite Runner Pro

A big, safe treadmill with 'Soft Drop' folding mechanism. The Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro works for the whole family.

Check Price!Read Review
430i Treadmill Review

Mid Sized + Tech - ProForm 430i

Fantastic technology, in a mid-sized machine. This classic design from ProForm has incline, iFit and much more!

Check Price!Read Review
T350 digital from JLL

Solid Lower-Budget Model: The JLL T350

Folding body, cushioned running surface, app compatibility, plus the reliable, smooth action you'd expect from JLL. Check the feedback!

Check Price!Read Review
Fit4Home Healthmate Value Running Machines

Super-Budget - Fit4Home Folding Treadmill

You get a lot of treadmill for a budget price with this Fit4Home model. The spec includes a 10 km / hr top speed, plus manual incline.

Check Price!Read Review