OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Massive running surface
-5% to +20% incline range
22-inch touchscreen
Works with the JRNY app
Capable of streaming entertainment and working with 3rd party apps
REASONS TO AVOID
Very expensive
Very large and heavy
60" L x 22" W |0-12 mph
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a fully-featured high-end treadmill with all the bells and whistles. The large 60" x 22" running surface offers ample space for long strides and running at any speed. A 12 mph top speed and smooth-rolling belt is suitable for power walking, endurance runs, high-intensity intervals, and everything in between. This sturdy model boasts a 400-pound weight limit and the tread deck features Comfort Tech cushioning that does a fine job of absorbing impact, with a decline to -5% and incline of up to 20% to simulate glute busting climbs and moderate downhills. A 22-inch HD touchscreen is the main interface for choosing workouts through the JRNY app and viewing them while you work out. Well-placed speed and incline controls on the handrails, the extended handlebar grips, and the quick jump buttons on the lower console make them easy to adjust, even while running. The JRNY app is more affordable than other competitors. While it isn't the most impressive, it offers a variety of studio-style classes, virtual coach programs, Explore the World scenic runs, and many off-treadmill workouts for total body fitness. One unique aspect of the JRNY app is that you can stream your favorite entertainment from popular services like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, and more through the screen (subscriptions required), and it works with third-party training apps like Zwift through your device. We love the versatility of this platform and the options it provides. It also has features like a heart rate armband, a small cooling fan, a USB charging port, front-facing speakers, and plenty of places to keep things at arm's reach. These features were added or upgraded in 2023, including a higher-power fan, bigger speakers, new software, and safety features.
The Treadmill 22 is the largest and heaviest model we tested, and it is best suited to a dedicated workout space. The tread deck folds up to reduce its footprint by about half, but it's still a sizeable machine. Assembling it isn't particularly difficult, but it is quite time-consuming, and once it's assembled, moving it around is certainly no easy task. It's also quite expensive, and while it is the best we tested, it may be more than many people need. Scoring just behind it was the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, which is also a fabulous machine for $500 less.
Read more: Bowflex Treadmill 22 review
Testing the Bowflex 22 at The Lab. Here, you can see the large touchscreen and the impressive range in incline. We also capture the process of wrestling such a large machine.
Credit: Chris McNamara
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Running deck is large
Bluetooth to connect with a variety of fitness apps
30 programs
Auto incline
350 lb weight limit
REASONS TO AVOID
Less sleek appearance
No touchscreen
Fairly large and heavy
60" L x 20" W |0.5-12 mph
The XTerra Fitness TRX3500 is a moderately priced option that impressed us with its exercise quality and connected features. Its 60" x 20" belt allows for easy strides with less chance of snagging the edge. It is suitable for folks of all fitness levels due to the wide speed range of 0.5-12 mph, allowing both 5-minute milers and casual walkers to hit their stride. Incline adjusts with the push of a button with 12 levels from 0-12%. You can do targeted heart rate training with the built-in heart rate sensors, including 30 programmed workouts. Whether on a manual or pre-programmed workout, the display includes all the data you need on a brightly lit, easy-to-read, 6.5-inch blue backlit screen. The controls are intuitive, with quick-jump speed, incline buttons on the console, and easy-to-reach handrail-mounted adjustment buttons. The XTerra features Bluetooth FTMS connectivity to sync to apps like Zwift, Peloton, Runkeeper, and Strava (paid subscriptions required) through your device for interactive, live streaming, or on-demand workouts and activity tracking. The console's multiple add-on features include an integrated fan, device shelf, auxiliary input, speakers, and dual bottle/cup holders to enhance your workout session. The running deck has XTRA Soft cushioning and a lift-assist and soft-drop feature for easier folding and unfolding. The TRX3500 is also impressively sturdy and stable, with robust construction and a user weight limit of 350 lbs. If you own a pre-2022 model of this treadmill, some big differences include a larger display, Bluetooth, a bigger motor, and a 10-year warranty.
The assembly of this treadmill was quite involved. The instructions are well-detailed, and all the necessary tools are included, but it still takes a fair amount of time (it took us about an hour), and several steps require an extra set of hands. The TRX3500 is also quite large and heavy. We recommend putting it together in the location where you'll use it because moving it once assembled can be a pain. Though the running deck folds up when not in use, it still takes up significant space. If you are okay with much less surface area and a lower top speed, a model like the UREVO is much less expensive, more compact, and folds down very small. However, if you've got room to spare, the XTerra TRX3500 is an excellent treadmill that will help take your home workouts to the next level without breaking the bank.
Read more: XTerra Fitness TRX3500 review
Showing the TRX3500 from set-up (took some time) to a relatively small screen and how it works with Zwift. We tested this machine in The Lab and transported it to our home to test portability (and get varied photos).
Credit: Jason Peters
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Ample tread surface
Powerful 3.5 CHP motor
It can be used without an app or internet connection
Convenient adjustment wheels
REASONS TO AVOID
Large footprint
Unimpressive fan
Console isn't entertaining
60" L x 22" W |0.5-12 mph
The Horizon 7.4 AT is a gym-quality treadmill that relies on the user for entertainment, but that doesn't mean it lacks technology. Users do not need to rely on a specific app; they may connect to whatever app they choose using the machine's Bluetooth FTMS or go without. This treadmill has no mandatory monthly costs. The most recent model update made linking to other applications like Peloton or Zwift easy and offered some new training plans. The massive 60" x 22" silicon belt sits over a 3-zone variable cushioning deck that flexes beneath your stride like a running shoe. The machine's distinctive rolling control wheels are a highlight and among the most intuitive we've tested. The console is neat and well-organized but unimpressive; it provides necessary information and little else. There are high and low tablet holders in the center and speakers and water bottle holders on both sides of the console. Assembly is somewhat involved; we also recommend having a stable and dedicated location to set up this treadmill because it has a huge footprint. It produces some of the least noise of any treadmill we examined. The Horizon seems solid and well-built despite its 350-pound weight limit, and the deck is still pretty compliant for our testers who weigh less than half that. Because of the powerful 3.5 CHP motor, incline, decline, and speed changes occur faster than on other machines. Even with the deck at full weight capacity, reaching the maximum measured slope of 14.77% is quick. Even the most enthusiastic runners will appreciate the long 60" deck, ideal for long strides, sprints, or hard intervals.
We have few gripes with this model. It is not the easiest to store or assemble, but neither are the other top Treadmills we tested. The main downside for many people will be the lack of the features. If you want more features, go with the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, which is not much more expensive. This treadmill is perfect for runners wanting to commit to indoor running, not a monthly app subscription.
Read more: Horizon 7.4 AT review
Although it is not the most convenient treadmill to transport, including wheels enables the Horizon to glide on solid surfaces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Compact, 2-in-1 design
Foldable for flat storage
Quiet operation
REASONS TO AVOID
Small belt surface
Handrail isn't sturdy feeling
Remote doesn't work above desk
42.5" L x 16.75" W |0.6-7.5 mph
The UREVO 2-in-1 treadmill is impressively convenient. It requires no assembly; it starts in seconds and stores easily. The 2-in-1 treadmill can be used to jog with the handrail folded up and under a desk or standalone as a walking treadmill with its handrail down. The 2023 update to this model increased the horsepower of the motor, improved shock absorption, and made the model fold even smaller. In its walk mode, the speed range is from 0.6 to 3.8 mph and is controlled via remote. In its run mode, the speed range is 3.8 to 7.6 mph, allowing for a fairly brisk run. The UREVO is incredibly compact in walk mode, easily allowing under-desk use or the ability to store it in a small place. There are wheels on the front that facilitate rolling it when tilted, but it's light enough to carry. Its small LED screen at the front of the tread belt displays elapsed time, distance, speed, and estimated burned calories. The handrail has a fold-out phone holder and simple controls to change speeds and start or stop a workout. It's amongst the quietest treadmills we've tested, especially at walking speeds, yet powerful enough to run and boasts a 265 lb weight limit.
While it is convenient and easy to store, there are some drawbacks. The narrower tread deck allows for running, but users must concentrate on their stride to stay on the 42.5" by 16.75" surface. This is a typical issue with other treadmills in this price range, such as the SunnyHealth SF-T4400. If you want a larger surface and faster speeds, the XTerra TRX3500 is more than double the price. The handrail has a phone holder, which is a wonderful feature, but it's also a little floppy, making it difficult to focus on a small phone screen. If you need more than 80% walking and under-desk compatibility is crucial, the UREVO is a clear winner. We liked how simple it was to move, store, and start a workout.
Learn more here: UREVO 2-in-1 treadmill
Compact, quiet and functional, you can forget that you're even walking on it.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Impressively small when folded, considering its belt size/performance
Works with the Echelon app
Relatively large running surface
12 mph top speed
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as well cushioned as other high-end models
No touchscreen
Slightly shorter tread than the high-end competition
Limited incline adjustment
55" L x 20" W |0.5-12 mph
The Echelon Stride is a compelling option for those who prioritize storability and don't want to sacrifice too much in performance. Apartment dwellers or those short on home workout space will most appreciate this model's impressive ability to fold down to just 10 inches thick so it can be leaned against a wall or slid under a bed when not in use. It comes pretty much ready to use in the box, and it is quick and easy to fold the console, handrail, and support arms up or down, and two sets of transport wheels allow you to roll it fore/aft and side to side. It also has a safety strap to secure it to your wall if you store it vertically. Of course, it does make some minor compromises in trade for its storable convenience, but it's still capable of providing a solid workout. Considering its lighter weight and compact folded dimensions, it still boasts a sizeable 55" x 20" tread surface, up to 10% incline, and a top speed of 12 mph. The tread surface is somewhat limiting compared to the largest we tested, but we still felt comfortable doing sprints, high-intensity intervals, and endurance runs. It has a wide console that shows all your in-workout metrics in large bright numbers with quick jump speed, incline buttons, and easy-to-reach handrail-mounted controls. The Stride is designed to work with the Echelon app when paired with your tablet or smartphone through Bluetooth, and a device shelf/holder makes it easy to view. The Echelon app consists primarily of studio-style workouts with daily live classes and thousands of on-demand videos. Various class types, music genres, and durations are offered with engaging instructors to keep you motivated. We tested the latest model in 2023, with some big upgrades on previous versions, including a much larger screen, faster top speed, and increased incline and weight limit.
While it has a 300-pound weight limit, the Stride doesn't feel as sturdy as models that weigh roughly twice as much. The tread deck is relatively thin, it doesn't offer the same cushioned feel, and the incline adjustment is limited to 10%. Those with particularly long strides may feel limited by the 55-inch tread length, and serious runners looking to do intense endurance or speed training sessions might be better off looking elsewhere. This unique model should still suitmost people's needs, particularly those who value its impressive storability.
Read more: Echelon Stride review
The slim and portable echelon stride. It is slim but has all the features and app connectivity that many people need. And it takes up a whole lot less space and is easy to move. You can see all the different models we side-by-side tested it against in the last slide.
Credit: Chris McNamara
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Relatively easy assembly
Easy to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller tread surface
Manual incline adjustment
220-pound weight limit
49" L x 15.5" W |0.5-9 mph
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill presents a solid value for those on a tight budget. Although this affordable model may not include all the bells and whistles of its pricier competition, it can still provide a great workout. The tread surface is 49" x 15.5", and the speed ranges from 0.5-9 mph, suitable for walking and light running workouts. There are three levels of manually adjustable incline and nine pre-programmed workouts. The console has quick-jump speed buttons, program, mode, and start/stop buttons, and the handrails have extra buttons for adjusting belt speed or starting/stopping more conveniently. A bright LCD screen indicates time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. You can also select a manual workout's time, distance, or calorie goals. The console features two water bottle holders and a device shelf for a phone or tablet, so everything you need can stay within arm's reach. If space is limited, the SF-T4400's belt can fold up or down easily via a soft-drop system, and there are transport wheels to make moving it around less strenuous. The latest update to this model brought a heart rate monitor on the handle and improved shock absorption.
This model has no connectivity, so you are limited to manual or programmed workouts on the machine. The tread surface is relatively narrow, just 15.5" wide, so attention is required to avoid stepping on the side rails while running. We found this option works best for walking and running at slower speeds. While it is nice to have three manually adjustable incline levels, the need to adjust it by hand means that doing any hill workout is a complicated process. There is also a weight limit of 220 lbs. Despite these issues, this option is good and affordable for walkers or moderate-pace runners. It is very close in price to the UREVO. The main difference is that the UREVO folds down smaller but also has a smaller running surface and lower top speed.
Read more: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill review
The small but surprisingly capable Sunny Health. It takes up little space but still has some key features, like the ability to take a call with the press of a button.
Credit: Laura Casner
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82
$2,49981
80
$3,49575
72
$1,90071
67
$79963
60
51
$400The treadmills in this review were all put through the same rigorous testing process.
Credit: Jason Peters
After researching the most popular and highly regarded treadmills, we purchased 9 for testing. At GearLab, we don't just regurgitate manufacturer's specs and consumer reviews; we rigorously test each product to identify their strengths and weaknesses for ourselves. We handled each treadmill from unboxing to extensive in-house testing and hours of use, and we even took our own measurements.
Testing the speed accuracy of each treadmill using a stopwatch and a measuring wheel.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
To determine the best treadmills in our test group, we operated each contender over the course of several months with walks and runs of varying lengths and intensities. While testing, we analyzed the controls and consoles, touchscreens, companion apps, features, ease of use, and the quality of each model's exercise experience. We compared notes at the end of our test period and zeroed in on our favorites.
Our testing of treadmills is divided into five rating metrics:Our testing of treadmills is divided into
Our treadmill review was led by our Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor, Joshua Hutchens. Primarily seen on two wheels, Hutchens spends a fair bit of time trail running and hiking as well. His fitness routine mixes cycling, running, yoga and weight lifting. He's found treadmills to be an excellent source of cardio, especially during the colder months. His home gym includes a high-end treadmill, a lower-end fitness bike, free weights, and access to almost all of today's top fitness apps. Former GearLab review editor Jeremy Benson also tested and provided feedback for this review. Benson is also more likely to be spotted on two wheels but will admit that a treadmill is part of the secret to his outstanding fitness.
Each model was shipped to us in a box, and the first step of the testing process was to complete the assembly.You can clearly see that the belt on the Sole F80 treadmill is indeed the claimed 22 inches.While testing, we used a sound level meter to analyze the noise output of each treadmill at various speeds.We focused on several key performance attributes to compare the treadmills in this review. We analyzed each model for exercise quality, user interface/ease of use, features, ease of assembly, storability, and noise level to determine the best and rank the lineup.
The treadmills we reviewed in this article cover a wide range of prices. High-end commercial treadmills with touchscreens, connected features, and companion apps can be pretty expensive. Models like the Bowflex Treadmill 22, NordicTrack Commercial 1750, and Peloton Tread offer excellent performance, but they can be quite pricey. You needn't break the bank to get some quality cardio; models like the XTerra Fitness TRX3500 provide an excellent workout at about half the price. While it lacks a touchscreen, it offers competitive performance with its 12 mph top speed, 30 program workouts, and large tread surface. This machine also has FTMS Bluetooth capabilities that make it two-way compatible with third-party training apps. If you're on a tighter budget, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 is an even more affordable option that can help you burn calories. Although it has a lower maximum speed and a smaller tread surface, it is perfect for walking and light jogging, which may be all that many people need.
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 topped the charts for its exercise quality with a huge tread surface, 12 mph top speed, large incline adjustment range, and integration with the JRNY app through its 22-inch touchscreen.
Credit: Chris McNamara
When using a treadmill, your primary objective is exercise, and the quality of that exercise experience is the most important aspect that determines its performance. This metric accounts for 35% of a product's overall score. Our analysis of exercise quality is comprehensive and takes into account factors such as the size of the running surface, speed settings, workout programs, and incline range. We also evaluate the smoothness and quality of the belt at different speeds, deck cushioning, the difficulty of workout programs, and connected features and companion apps. All these elements together play a significant role in determining the overall quality of the exercise experience.
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 stands out with its impressive features. It boasts a large running area of 60" x 22" and a top speed of 12 mph. Additionally, it offers a -5% decline to +20% incline, allowing you to simulate steep hills and moderate descents. The deck is well cushioned, and it has an impressive 400-pound weight limit, making it suitable for users of all fitness levels and training goals. The 22-inch HD touchscreen integrates with the JRNY app, which offers studio-style classes, adaptive virtual coach workouts, and scenic runs. Moreover, it has the unique ability to stream your favorite entertainment and work with third-party training apps, providing you with the flexibility to choose the exercise experience that best suits your needs.
The Peloton Tread provides a great workout that is due in large part to its integration with the Peloton app and all of the great classes and instructors.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 came in second place in this category, with a large 60" x 21.5" tread surface and a top speed of 12 mph. It also has a -3% decline to 15% incline adjustment range, perfect for serious runners. The console can be swiveled and boasts a 14-inch HD touchscreen. The console can be used manually for any workout or can be integrated with the popular iFit app to provide a unique, immersive training experience. The Peloton Tread also provides an impressive workout with a sleek design. It has a 59-inch by 20-inch wide running surface, a top speed of 12.5 mph, and an adjustable incline of up to 12.5%. The 23.8-inch HD touchscreen seamlessly integrates with the Peloton app, and speed and incline changes are incredibly easy with the unique adjustment knobs.
Despite its compact storable size, the Echelon Stride still manages to provide a great workout.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The XTerra TRX3500 has a 60" x 20" tread surface that won't limit your stride, and the 0.5-12 mph speed range ensures you can run as fast as you want. It also has 12 levels of auto incline from 0-12%, along with 30 included workouts that automatically adjust belt speed and incline as you go. Its Bluetooth connectivity is one of its best features and allows you to use various workout apps for interactive, on-demand studio workouts or fitness tracking. Despite its impressive size, the Echelon Stride still scores well here. It still boasts a 12 mph top speed, and while the 55" x 20" running surface isn't the biggest, we found it to be adequate in most situations. It wouldn't be our recommendation for super serious runners, but it still provides a solid workout, especially considering its storable convenience.
Training apps are quite popular, and Peloton is one of the best.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Nowadays, many treadmills come with built-in touchscreens or are Bluetooth-enabled to pair with devices for use with companion apps or other third-party training apps. For many users, the exercise experience that an app provides may be just as important as the treadmill itself, whether for motivation or distraction. However, those with a regimented training program may not want or need them. Although most of these apps are not free, they are still cost-effective as they cost less than a monthly gym membership and can provide greater value given the convenience of using them at home. Most apps offer a wide variety of class types, music genres, class durations, and instructors, including off-treadmill exercises for total body fitness. You can think of it as having an entire personal training staff at your disposal. These apps differ in many ways, and personal preferences vary, so we evaluated the models we tested based on their ability to integrate with them rather than the apps' quality.
Some treadmills, like the Echelon Stride, use Bluetooth to connect to apps through your own device.
Credit: Chris McNamara
We tested several models designed specifically to work with their companion apps, and we tested each with its respective app. Most treadmills can also be used without the apps. However, their functionality is more limited, and realistically, the point of getting a fancy connected treadmill for most people is for the connected experience they provide. All of these apps have an ongoing monthly or yearly cost to consider, , and range in price from $20 to $44 a month, with some giving a slight discount when billed annually. The screen-equipped models, like the Bowflex Treadmill 22, NordicTrack Commercial 1750, and Peloton Tread, use WiFi to connect to their apps, while the connected models without screens, like the Echelon Stride, NordicTrack T6.5 S, and XTerra Fitness TRX3500, use Bluetooth to connect to an app through your tablet or smartphone. During testing, we used iFit, Echelon, Peloton, JRNY, and Zwift.
With the proliferation of touchscreens, like the one on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, the way we interact with our exercise equipment is changing.
Credit: Chris McNamara
If a treadmill is user-friendly, there's a greater chance you'll use it and enjoy the experience. Each model's screen/display and controls play a large role in their ease of use and overall performance. Whether starting a manual workout or navigating an app to choose a workout, each model has its subtleties. Fortunately, the treadmills in this review are all relatively easy to use. Results from this test metric hold a 25% weighting of a product's overall score.
Not surprisingly, the touchscreen-equipped models scored the highest in this metric. The Peloton Tread impressed us the most with its quality 23.8-inch HD touchscreen and excellent, unique controls. With excellent resolution, color, and touch sensitivity, navigating the Peloton app is straightforward, and it almost feels like you're in the studio with the instructors. Front-facing speakers and rear-facing woofers provide the audio, or you can pair wireless headphones or earbuds and heart sensors through the screen. The handrail-mounted knobs for speed and incline are easy to reach while running and make adjustments very straightforward.
The 22-inch touchscreen on the Treadmill 22 is great. Well-placed controls also make it easy to use.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 features a large 22-inch HD touchscreen, as well as multiple controls for adjusting speed and incline. You can easily select a workout on JRNY or choose your entertainment using the large display. The side handrails, extended handlebars, and lower console have speed and incline controls, making it easy to adjust your workout wherever you place your hands. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has a console that swivels and comes with a 14-inch HD touchscreen that integrates with the iFit app. With the AutoAdjust feature, you don't have to manually change the speed or incline during iFit workouts. The console also has quick jump speed and incline buttons, as well as adjustment buttons below. Although the ergonomics of the controls aren't perfect, they're still easy to use.
Some models, like the NordicTrack T6.5 S, have more basic consoles, but you can still connect to fitness apps through a tablet or smartphone.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Echelon Stride, XTerra TRX3500, and the NordicTrack T6.5 S are also quite easy to use with straightforward controls and simpler digital displays that are easy to read. Starting manual workouts is particularly straightforward, although using Bluetooth to connect any of these models to training apps adds an additional step and a little time at startup.
The treadmills we tested all come with varying levels of features. Things like bottle holders, cooling fans, and integrated speakers are all appreciated.
Credit: Jason Peters
In our tests, we evaluated several models of treadmills that offer different features to enhance the exercise experience or make the machine more user-friendly. These features vary from model to model, including built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, water bottle holders, heart rate sensors, and more. Our top-rated treadmills come with all the bells and whistles, while even the most basic models have at least a few features. Additionally, most of the treadmills we tested are designed to fold up for easy storage and have transport wheels to make them easy to move around. Most models also have soft-drop systems that ensure the deck is secured in the raised position and lowers slowly to the ground. This test metric accounts for 15% of a product's overall score.
With all the bells and whistles, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is the most feature-rich model we tested. Not only does it have a huge tread surface, excellent cushioning, and -5% to +20% incline, but it also comes with a 22-inch touchscreen, WiFi to connect to the JRNY app, and Bluetooth to connect to wireless accessories. It comes with a heart rate armband and heart rate sensors on the extended handlebars. It also has front-facing speakers, a USB charging port, a small cooling fan, and more places than you'll ever need to hold water bottles and other items. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is similarly equipped. The swiveling ability of the console is a highlight, as it allows you to view iFit workouts off the treadmill more easily. It also has quality speakers, a surprisingly effective 3-speed adjustable fan, and two bottle holders for refreshments.
Not only is the Peloton Tread's touchscreen an excellent feature, but the Tread Lock passcode should help improve its safety.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The Peloton Tread has a best-in-test tilting touchscreen with excellent speakers, two bottle holders, and a small phone or other items shelf. Peloton has also taken steps to make it as safe as possible with features like a Tread Lock passcode required at startup or after it sits idle for 45 seconds, a tread sensor that stops the belt and activates the Tread Lock after 10 seconds of inactivity, a magnetic safety key/lanyard, and multiple safety prompts in every workout from the instructors. The Echelon Stride's most notable feature is the folding design, making it much more compact and storable when not used. On top of that, it has 2 bottle holders and Bluetooth to connect in integrate with the Echelon app through your own device.
Most models arrived looking like this. The remaining assembly was relatively straightforward for most of them, though some proved to be more involved and time-consuming than others.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Most of our test models arrived in a large box with some assembly required. After unboxing each treadmill and removing protective packing materials, we finished the remaining assembly ourselves. All of them came with adequate assembly instructions, and most come with all of the tools required to complete the remaining tasks. Beyond their weight and size, none of them are all that difficult to assemble, although some are more involved and time-consuming than others. This test metric holds a 10% weighting of a product's overall score.
It took a total of 81 minutes to assemble the Horizon 7.4 AT.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
When you purchase the Peloton Tread you also have to pay for delivery and professional assembly. Since the assembly is done for you, it doesn't get much easier, you can be sure that it gets done right, and you don't have to deal with moving this heavy machine in its shipping box. The Echelon Stride comes pretty much ready to go in the box. You'll need to remove it from the box and packing materials, of course, then all that's left is to unfold the support arms, handrail, and console, then plug it in. Similarly, the GoPlus Super Fit is virtually ready for use in the box, but you'll need to attach the handrails and phone holder if you intend to use them. The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 isn't far behind, with only a few bolts needed to secure the support arms and console once you unbox it.
The Stride shows up pretty much ready to go once it's removed from the box. All you've got to do is fold the support arms and handrail into place, then plug it in.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The remaining models all had many more steps in the process and required significantly more time to complete. Most notably, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 and the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 were by far the heaviest and most difficult to move, and each took about 2 hours to assemble and required the assistance of another person for several of the steps.
Short on space but still want a good workout? The Stride folds down to just 10-inches thick and can be slid under a bed or stood up against a wall for storage.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The size of your home and your available space to dedicate to a treadmill will dictate the importance of storability in your purchase decision. The needs of apartment dwellers and those without a specific exercise space will certainly be different than those with a large house or dedicated workout room. Nearly every model we tested has either a folding tread deck or support arms that reduce their size when not in use, and they have integrated wheels that make it fairly easy to move them around on firm, flat surfaces. Storability makes up 10% of the final score.
The Echelon Stride scores extremely well in this metric due to its folding arm design that reduces it to just 10 inches thick. It's still relatively wide and long, but it can be slid under a bed or leaned up against a wall for storage. It's also comparatively lightweight at 156 lbs, and a handle at the back of the tread and two sets of wheels at the front make it easier than most to move around. This is particularly impressive given that it still has a good size tread, 12 mph top speed, and 10% incline. Although it can't compete with the Stride for exercise quality, the GoPlus Super Fit is even smaller and easier to move and store. It's more of a walking/under-desk model and can easily be stashed under a couch or in a closet.
Some of the treadmills we tested in their compact storable positions. The differences are quite apparent. From left to right: Bowflex Treadmill 22, NordicTrack Commercial 1750, Peloton Tread, and Echelon Stride.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Most of the other models we tested feature folding tread decks that reduce their overall footprint by nearly half. While they will definitely never disappear from view, they do open up some floor space when folded. The exception is the non-folding Peloton Tread, although it has a fairly compact design for its tread size, making it less obtrusive than it could be.
Using sound meters from fixed perspectives helped us to identify differences in sound produced by different treadmills at different speeds.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Using a sound level meter, we recorded the decibel level at varying speeds with the belt on its own and with a tester walking or running. The meter was positioned 24-inches above the floor and diagonally 18-inches away from the motor next to the tread deck. Decibel readings were recorded at 1, 4, and 7.5 mph. The majority of the models we tested fell within just a few decibels of each other, with the sound of a user's footfalls causing a notable increase with each step. No treadmill will ever be silent, of course, but none we tested qualify as being excessively loud either. Due to the relatively slight differences between models, the results from this test metric hold just a 5% weighting of a product's overall score.
While we realize noise levels may be an important consideration for many users, the sound data from our top treadmills revealed a lack of variance in the sound produced. Notably, the Horizon 7.4AT seemed to mute the sound of runners footfalls better than others.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
While the differences are slight, we found that the Echelon Stride was one of the quietest. It has a smaller 1.75 CHP motor that emits very little noise with just the belt running on its own, 40, 54, and 62 decibels at 1, 4, and 7.5 mph, respectively, and it was the quietest with a runner at just 65.5 decibels at 7.5 mph. We think this comparatively low noise level only adds to its appeal for use in small spaces. With a 2.2 HP motor, the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 measured almost the same noise levels as the Stride, although it was just a bit louder, 67 decibels, with a runner at 7.5 mph. The rest of the field was only a few decibels higher, and none were so loud that you couldn't have a conversation.
No matter your health or fitness goals, adding a quality treadmill to your home gym can help you get there.
Credit: Chris McNamara
There is a lot to consider when searching for a new treadmill, but finding the right one can genuinely enhance your at-home training . There are many excellent options on the market, and we hope this detailed comparative review helps you find the right model to meet your needs, fitness goals, and budget. We have a number of other fitness reviews outlining the top-rated dumbbells , as well as our favorite exercise bands , that will help you stay in shape. Our team of avid runners has also tested a wide variety of running gear , including many of the best running shoe styles and the best men's running shorts to keep you comfortable through your workouts.