The 11 Best Folding Treadmills for Small Spaces
With cold winter weather setting in, investing in a treadmill seems like the easiest way to ensure we still get our steps in. There’s just one problem: Most treadmills are so big and bulky, they’d dwarf the rest of our already-full living space. Or so we thought—until we did some research on folding treadmills. They’re just as convenient as regular treadmills, but the deck can be folded up and out of the way when you’re done working out. Plus, they typically have wheels, making them a lot more portable than a traditional model.
What should you look for when buying a folding treadmill?
First and foremost, measure the space you plan to put your treadmill in and check the dimensions of each model you look at to make sure it’ll fit. Then, think about what type of workouts you want to do on your machine. For example, if you plan to sprint on your folding treadmill, keep an eye out for models that are sturdy and runner-approved (that means models with high mph limits). Think about other features like handrails, digital displays and easy-to-use buttons too, if those are important to you.
Here, find the 11 best folding treadmills for all of your small space workout needs.
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1. Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
Best Overall
This 49-inch-long model has earned more than 4,700 five-star reviews from happy customers. “[I] figured after three years of use with usually anywhere [from] 4 to 5 30-plus minute workouts weekly it’s worth the review. Works great still!” writes one devoted user. The treadmill speed ranges from 0.5 to 9 MPH, and it has three different incline settings to help diversify your workouts. It also features an LCD display that shows your time, distance, speed, calories burned and heart rate. But our favorite component has to be the built-in device holder that’s perfect for resting your phone on while you exercise.
2. SereneLife SLFTRD18 Smart Folding Compact Treadmill
Best Value
At $300, you might think this folding treadmill is going to fall apart after a few months or wobble with every step. But according to buyers, this wallet-friendly pick is actually pretty sturdy. “This treadmill is compact, light and easy to move, but at the same time sturdy,” explains one user. And the 39.3-inch-long base won’t take up much space in your home. Reviewers say it’s super easy to assemble (it takes 30 minutes or less) and really quiet when in use. What more could you ask for?
3. Ecehlon Stride Treadmill
Splurge-Worthy
Dreading having to actually fold your treadmill up after a tiring workout? With this one, you don’t have to worry about that. Just get the handle bars and console into the right position, press the lever, and this deck will lift up and out of the way on its own. And once it’s folded, the entire machine is only 10 inches deep and 31 inches wide, so you might even be able to wheel it into the closet. But what really sets this model apart is its sleek, sophisticated display and compatibility with Echelon’s membership service, which allows you to stream live and on-demand workout classes.
4. Skonyon Folding Electric Treadmill
Best Built-In Workouts
Let’s be honest, setting your treadmill to one speed and one incline for 30 minutes can get really boring. But who wants to do the work of researching treadmill workouts to try? Not us, so this piece of equipment seems like a great solution. It has 12 built-in workouts with varied speed and incline increases to add some variety to your routine. Reviewers say it’s quiet, easy-to-use and has a good amount of speed and incline options.
5. ProForm 505 CST Treadmill
Sturdiest
“This treadmill feels very stable with no wobble at all,” writes one reviewer. Others note that it feels just as sturdy and solid as ones you might find in a gym. The Proform 505 features ten different speed and incline settings so you can customize your workout, as well as special cushioning on the deck to relieve pressure on your joints. It’s also compatible with the iFit personal training app, which you can try free for 30 days before investing in a membership.
6. Schwinn 810 Treadmill
Widest
Sure, you’re investing in a folding treadmill because you want to save space. But running on a narrow treadmill isn’t the most comfortable, especially if you have a wide gait. That’s where this design comes in. It has a 35.6-inch-wide deck so you can exercise without fear of tripping. This baby is Bluetooth-compatible too, meaning you can blast your favorite workout playlist through its speakers. One reviewer confirms it’s a winner, writing, “I can’t believe all the bells and whistles this thing has for the price. It’s the perfect home treadmill.”
7. NordicTrack T-Series Treadmill
Top-Rated
With more than 15,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this is by far the most popular folding treadmill we’ve come across. What’s so great about it, you ask? Well, users say this NordicTrack is incredibly sturdy, has a great sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and the belt runs really smoothly. And the EasyLift Assist function makes folding up the 75.3-inch-long deck a breeze. Just keep in mind that this model is pretty heavy, so carrying it in and assembling it is definitely a two-person job.
8. Sunny Health & Fitness SFT7917 Folding Treadmill
Easiest to Assemble
“I have two left hands when it comes to assembling, but this honestly couldn’t be any easier,” writes one woman. “You just have to unbox [it], screw four or six screws and oil the belt.” Other buyers agree, saying it comes basically already assembled. Choose from ten speeds, 15 inclines and 15 built-in workouts depending on what you’re in the mood for. Then when you’re done, just fold up the deck and wheel it against the wall (or wherever you plan to store it).
9. Best Choice Products Folding Treadmill
Best for Walking
If you’re looking for a machine to help you recreate your morning walk around the block, this one will get the job done. Buyers say that it’s a no-frills piece of equipment if you’re just trying to get your steps in, but the 24- by 48-inch dimensions of the base aren’t ideal for intense running workouts. Plus, the speed only goes up to 7.5 MPH, which might not be fast enough for some runners.
10. Sole F63 Treadmill
Best for Running
Unlike the treadmill above, this one goes all the way up to 12 MPH to challenge even the fastest of runners. Plus, it offers 15 different incline settings for additional resistance. The belt also has special cushioning to eliminate impact on the joints, which is especially important for runners that are prone to injury. Between all of that, with the touchscreen display, USB port for charging devices and heart rate grips, we’re totally sold.
11. Treadly 2
Smartest Design
This minimalist treadmill is so thin, you can slide it under your bed for storage. Yes, even if your bed happens to be low to the ground. Just lift up the handrail to control your speed and you’re ready to go. One thing to keep in mind? The speed only goes up to 5 MPH, so this model isn’t ideal for sprinting. Pro tip: Set the Treadly 2 up in front of your standing desk and boom, you have a treadmill desk perfect for getting some movement in while you work.
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