Best Treadmills for Running (2024): Expert Picks

I have a confession to make: I love running on the treadmill. Turning up the music and jacking up the speed for some interval training is what I live for on cardio days. Plus, my reconstructed ankle appreciates the extra cushioning of a treadmill versus the pain-inducing (in my opinion) concrete or pavement. 

After testing a dizzying number of these machines, my ankle and I have compiled eight contenders for the best treadmills for running. This list has something for nearly everyone. Whether you’re looking for an option with interactive programming, the best folding treadmill, or are on a budget, we have you covered. 

Our team at Garage Gym Reviews has run (and sweat) on some of the best treadmills for your home gym. We are certified personal trainers, marathon runners, and product experts who evaluate things like:

• Durability: Does it have a good weight capacity of at least 300 pounds and a strong motor?
• Speed and incline range: Can it be used by beginners and advanced runners?
• Programming: While not essential, high-quality workout programming can enhance your treadmill experience.
• Ergonomics: Does it have a cushioned deck and a wide running area?
• Noise: Can you use it while people are sleeping or does it sound like a herd of elephants?

We’re familiar with the industry standards in every category and are sure to point out the positives and negatives of each machine we recommend. 

For more information on how we analyze cardio machines, check out our GGR fitness equipment testing methodology.

8 Best Treadmills For Running 

• Best Treadmill for Running Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Budget Treadmill for Running: Sole F63
• Best Peloton Tread Alternative: Horizon 7.4 AT
• Best Treadmill for Running with Virtual Classes: ProForm Pro 9000
• Best Treadmill for Heavy Runners: NordicTrack X24
• Best Manual Treadmill for Running: AssaultRunner Pro
• Best Folding Treadmill for Running: Echelon Stride-6s
• Best Compact Treadmill for Running: Sunny Health and Fitness (SF-T4400)

Best Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Good for: People who want programming, decline, cushioning options, and solid construction.

Best Overall

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Spacious running deck
• Compatible with iFIT
• 14-inch touchscreen
• Incline and decline training
• Financing available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compatible with iFIT
• 3.5 CHP motor
• Free trial of iFIT subscription with purchase
• Treadmill with incline and decline training
• Foldable to save space (EasyLift Assist)
• Run that feels similar to road running
• Financing options available through NordicTrack
• Generous speed range
• Wide running deck
• Cooling fan

Cons

• Big footprint
• Heavy and not the easiest to move
• Price is around $2,000
• Warranty is voided if the treadmill is used/stored in a garage

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

I won’t lie, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has my heart. It’s one of the best overall treadmills I’ve ever tried. Naturally, it’s unsurprising that it’s a dream to run on. With a hefty 3.5 CHP motor and a 60-inch belt, the 1750 is well equipped to handle everything from a light jog to an all-out sprint, earning it a 5-out-of-5 durability rating.

Many members of the GGR team have run on the Commercial 1750 over the years, and they all agree. “This machine provides such a smooth run,” says GGR senior director of content and CPT Kate Meier. “There’s no shaking, the incline and speed range is great, and it’s fairly quiet overall.”

RELATED: The Best NordicTrack Treadmills

Now let’s get down to the specifics: The treadmill belt itself is unique in that you can switch the cushioning on and off to simulate running outdoors, which can be super helpful if you’re training for a race. Plus, the 1750 has both incline and decline options to further challenge you during your workout. I also like that the max speed is 12 mph, which is above the industry average of 10 mph. Because of these factors, we rate it a 5 out of 5 in the adjustments and ergonomics category. To take it a step even further, our expert testers used a distance wheel to test the accuracy of the speed sensors and pulled the following numbers for a distance of 0.10 miles:

• 160.47m
• 562.34′
• 526′ 6″

If you’re someone who loves interactive programming on a home treadmill for running, the 1750 has you covered with a 14-inch touchscreen and iFIT compatibility (subscription sold separately). For comparison, the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 has a 22-inch screen. You will have to pay an additional $600 for the 2950 if a bigger screen is important to you. Regardless, we rate the tech capabilities of the Commercial 1750 a 5 out of 5.

The price tag is expensive on the 1750; expect to pay close to $2,500 for your new treadmill. However, I do like that NordicTrack has financing options. You can break your payment up into more manageable, monthly increments for around $49 per month. 

Now for something I’m not nuts about: the assembly. Geez Louise, please don’t try to assemble this on your own. Seriously. Grab a friend, your mom, or your neighbor whom you bribe with cookies to help. The 1750 is really heavy at 339 pounds, and the individual pieces are tough to unbox on your own. If you can afford it, the extra $199 for professional assembly from NordicTrack may be worth it. It’ll certainly save you (and whatever individual you could rope into helping you) a sweaty Saturday. 

Read all our thoughts in the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 review.

Best Budget Treadmill for Running: Sole F63

Good for: People who want a reliable treadmill under $1,000

Best Budget

Sole F63 Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Folding treadmill
• Costs around $1,200
• Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and cooling fans
• Powerful 3.0 HP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Financing is available
• Bluetooth speakers
• USB port
• Device holder
• 15 different levels of incline
• Cushioned deck
• 20" W x 60" L belt
• 325-lb weight capacity
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty

Cons

• Heavy machine
• No touchscreen

Bottom Line

The Sole F63 Treadmill is an affordable option for people who want a powerful, reliable machine that folds without breaking their budget.

The Sole F63 is a great running treadmill for right around $1,200. I know, I know; $1,200 is still a lot of cheddar, I agree. However, if you want a treadmill used for running, going too cheap will mean sacrificing elements that are crucial to supporting your exercise—for example, the running surface. The F63 has a 60-inch deck, which can comfortably accommodate a variety of stride lengths.

A lot of the best budget treadmills have a super short deck or weak motor, which can make more intense cardio difficult to do. The Sole F63 has a strong 3.0 CHP motor, 15 levels of incline, and a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, earning it a 4-out-of-5 durability rating. I like that this machine folds for easier storage. However, it’s a heavy treadmill at over 250 pounds, so you might need help to move it.  

RELATED: How to move a treadmill

The Sole F63 used to come with a strap heart rate monitor, but the company no longer includes this extra perk. But if you have a fitness tracker, you’ll still be able to keep track of your heart rate data. Our testers also had a difficult time when trying to measure the distance accuracy due to display issues, but were eventually able to pull these numbers:

• 177.13m
• 6,973.5″
• 581′ 2″
• 581.1′
• 193.71yd

The LCD display isn’t my favorite, but for the price of this affordable treadmill for running at home, it’s unsurprising that there is not a touchscreen. It’s not that the display is necessarily bad or unusable, but it doesn’t look caught up with today’s technologies. It reminds me quite a bit of an early 2000’s LCD monitor on a treadmill you’d see in a gym. You can still use the device holder to watch your own programming if you choose. Because of all of these factors, we rate the tech capabilities on this machine a 4.25 out of 5.

Want to learn more? Take a look at my full Sole F63 Treadmill review. 

Best Peloton Tread Alternative: Horizon 7.4 AT

Good for: People looking for the bells and whistles of the Peloton Tread at a lesser price

Best Peloton Tread Alternative

Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Foldable design
• Deck cushioning
• 12 mph top speed
• Incline up to 15%
• 350 lb use weight capacity
• 22″ W x 60″ L running area
• Built-in workout programs
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Generously sized running deck of 60 inches
• User weight capacity of 350 lbs
• Foldable
• Sturdy and doesn't shake much while in use
• Powerful 3.5 CHP motor

Cons

• Large and not made for compact spaces
• Heavy at 318 lbs
• Lack of touchscreen/interactive programming

Bottom Line

If you're a serious runner and want a foldable treadmill you can trust, I would strongly recommend the Horizon 7.4. Although it doesn't have all the extra technology features (like interactive programming or a touchscreen) it is a well-build machine with a powerful motor.

For a treadmill that can support interactive programming like Peloton without the Tread’s price tag, the Horizon 7.4 AT is a solid option. This $1,600 running treadmill—which is $900 less than the Tread—can connect with a variety of fitness apps like Peloton, Zwift, Studio, CardioCast, and more. You can also watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney + on your tablet and play the audio via Bluetooth over the speakers.

RELATED: The Best Running Apps

I like that you can actually use almost any program you want and have it sync to the 7.4 AT for things like metrics, heart rate, speed, and sound. This makes the 7.4 AT an even more versatile option than a high-end Peloton, even though you have to use your own device. We rate tech capabilities as a 5 out of 5 because of all of these features.

The actual treadmill has a lot going for it besides connectivity to popular apps. The 60-inch deck allows a variety of heights to comfortably use this machine for any type of running. Plus, the quick selector dial allows you to change the incline and speed in a flash. This is a big plus because waiting for the treadmill to catch up speed-wise on intervals and missing a few seconds of a sprint is a definite pet peeve for me. Here are the numbers we pulled at 0.10 miles during our distance accuracy test:

• 497′ 3″
• 497.3′
• 165.75yd
• 151.57m
• 5967.5″

I do need to warn you: this treadmill is MASSIVE. I’m talking 350 pounds unboxed and close to 400 pounds when it arrives at your doorstep (or inside), earning a 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.

To read more, check out my Horizon 7.4 Studio Tread Review. Or if you’d still like to compare the two machines, check out my in-depth Peloton Tread review.

Best Treadmill for Running with Virtual Classes: ProForm Pro 9000

Good for: People who want a touchscreen on their treadmill to view interactive programming

Best with Virtual Classes

ProForm Pro 9000

GGR Score: 4.5

Check Price Save $400 for Black Friday

Product Highlights

• Compatible with iFIT
• Powerful motor
• Foldable treadmill
• Large 22-inch HD displays
• Hands-free incline/speed adjustments

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large 22-inch display
• Compatible with iFIT
• Incline and decline training available
• Cushioned deck
• Fan and water bottle holder
• Bluetooth speakers

Cons

• Priced around $2,300
• iFIT subscription is an additional cost
• Heavy machine with a big footprint
• You cannot store or use this treadmill in your garage without voiding the warranty

Bottom Line

The ProForm Pro 9000 is a powerful, pricey treadmill great for those who want interactive programming from a reliable machine.

If you’re looking for solid interactive programming on a durable treadmill, the ProForm Pro 9000 passes the test with flying colors. The 22-inch touchscreen is user-friendly and connects to iFIT (which you get a free 30-day trial of with purchase). The classes you can take aren’t limited to a studio; I enjoyed running with the instructors in a variety of settings outdoors, which kept my interest and honestly made the best treadmill workouts more bearable. We give the Pro 9000 a 5-out-of-5 rating in the programming category.

I am also a fan of the easy-to-read metrics displayed at the top of the screen. You can view your incline, calories burned, time elapsed, speed, and distance running. Plus, the quick change for the incline, decline, and speed makes it easier to focus on the workout at hand versus fumbling with the controls.

I did have some difficulty getting the WiFi of the Pro 9000 to connect, and based on customer reviews, I wasn’t alone in that struggle. It is also worth noting that if you don’t want your warranty voided, then you CANNOT store this machine in your garage. 

We give the Pro 9000 a 3.5 out of 5 in footprint and portability. While it can be folded and stored off to the side, it’s a heavy machine. I struggled to move the 263-pound treadmill by myself. I’d grab a friend if you need to move it for any reason.

Check out my full ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill review.

Best Treadmill for Heavy Runners: NordicTrack X24

Good for: People who want a home treadmill with a high weight capacity

Best for Heavy Runners

NordicTrack X24 Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

* Goes down to a -6% decline or up to a 40% incline * Speed range of 0-12 mph * 24″ swiveling touchscreen * SmartAdjust technology automatically adjusts speed and incline levels during iFIT classes * Powerful 4.25 CHP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Monitor doesn’t wobble even when running at top speeds
• High-quality speakers
• Large belt deck of 60″ x 22″
• Lifetime warranty on the motor
• 400-lb weight capacity
• Monitor has streaming capabilities
• Can create custom, simulated maps with Google Maps

Cons

• Expensive at around $4,500
• Handlebars are a little slippery
• Cushioning could be better
• High step-up height of over 13″
• Weighs over 400 lbs in the box

Bottom Line

The new NordicTrack X24 Treadmill has an impressive incline/decline range of -6% to 40% and features an impressive 24-inch touchscreen monitor with high-quality speakers. It includes several conveniences, like water bottle holders and a cooling fan that adjusts automatically based on the intensity of your iFIT class. However, the $4,500 price tag is steep, and this large, heavy treadmill could be difficult to move around.

Running is for everyone, and finding equipment that will support all runners is something we advocate for here at GGR. Our pick for the best treadmill for heavy runners is the NordicTrack X24, a well-built, durable machine that has a 400-pound weight capacity and a 4.25 horsepower motor, earning it an easy 5 out of 5 on durability.

With a belt that’s 60 inches long—perfect for runners—and 22 inches wide—a bit wider than the standard 20-inch belt width—this machine can accommodate users of many sizes, too. 

The large size helps with the stability, even at top speeds and incline. “The monitor is very sturdy,” says certified personal trainer and GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele. “You won’t feel like you’re getting motion sickness from the screen wobbling like you do on some other treadmills.”

The X24 is the successor to NordicTrack’s X22i and X32i treadmills, both of which went up to a 40% incline to really challenge your posterior chain. You’ll get the same customization on this treadmill, which is useful for people preparing for real-life hill climbs or to switch up your training. The speed goes up to 12 MPH, so altogether the customizations earn another 5 out of 5.

RELATED: iFIT Reviews

The final 5 out of 5 rating is awarded to the tech features. “The iFIT programming just keeps getting better and better,” Lindsay says. The 24-inch touchscreen monitor pivots so you can follow off-treadmill workouts or continue watching your favorite shows (yup, you can watch Netflix and Hulu), and you can sync the machine with your fitness tracker to keep all your fitness stats in one place. Lindsay adds that NordicTrack fixed an issue that made the cupholders difficult to reach on the older models.

We have a lot of great things to say about this cardio machine, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. For one, there’s the cost: around $4,500. Don’t click away just yet—NordicTrack does offer monthly financing for those who qualify, though it’s still a lot of money.

Lindsay notes the machine may also not be for people with mobility issues since it has a step-up height of more than 13 feet, meaning not everyone will be able to easily get on/off the treadmill deck.

Another downside of this machine, besides its lack of portability, is the warranty. With 10 years on the frame, and substantially less on parts, you’ll have to be sure that this $4,500 purchase is worth it before committing. 

Best Manual Treadmill for Running: AssaultRunner Pro

Good for: People looking to improve their running form

Best Manual

AssaultRunner Pro

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Low-impact shock absorbing belt
• Incredibly sturdy and durable
• Built-in wheels for portability
• 100% athlete-powered

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely popular
• Durable machine
• No motor means fewer maintenance issues
• Easy-to-read monitor
• Thick rubber belt provides great traction
• Bearings under belt provide smooth run
• Sturdy
• Rear handle makes moving easier
• Powder-coating withstands the elements
• Affordable curved treadmill
• Staple for CrossFitters

Cons

• Extremely heavy
• Curved shape takes getting used to
• Plastic shell may crack
• High spin rate on belt
• No fancy monitor, water bottle holder, or other conveniences

Bottom Line

The AssaultRunner Pro is one of the best value non-motorized treadmills for home gyms on the market.

A manual treadmill may not be your first choice for running, but we’d like you to reconsider. Called manual treadmills because they are, in fact, manual, meaning there’s no electricity involved, you are the power behind getting a manual treadmill to move. And because this is the case, you’ll have to pay extra close attention to your form and your workout in general. 

In terms of the best option for a manual treadmill, look no further than the AssaultRunner Pro. Assault Fitness has a great reputation for making quality equipment, and this treadmill is no exception. Made of heavy-duty steel with a 350-pound weight capacity and 150,000-mile belt warranty, it gets a 4-out-of-5 durability score from us (we docked one point because it has some plastic on the sides that can wear down over time). 

It has a 62-inch-long running belt and a low-impact running surface, which we love—this means that runners of many shapes and sizes can use this machine comfortably. But unfortunately, there aren’t any adjustments you can make for incline training. So while it does feel good in use, we rate the AssaultRunner Pro a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics and adjustability.

One area that’s lacking in manual treadmills is tech and programming. On the AssaultRunner Pro, you’ll have access to a few metrics on the very basic console, but that’s about it. If you like to work out with dynamic programming or prefer a big touchscreen on your machine, a manual treadmill is not the choice for you. 

Lastly, this thing is pretty heavy at 280 pounds and doesn’t fold up like traditional treadmills. There are transport wheels, but you’ll need two people to get this thing where it needs to go. We rate it a 3 out of 5 for footprint and portability.  

Read our full AssaultRunner Pro review for more.

Best Folding Treadmill for Running: Echelon Stride-6s

Good for: Those tight on space who still want a machine for running 

Best Folding

Echelon Stride-6s

GGR Score: 4.3

Check Price Save $200 for Black Friday

Product Highlights

• Auto-fold feature
• 10-inch embedded touchscreen
• Cushioned running deck
• Horizontal and vertical transport wheels
• No assembly required

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Auto-folding feature
• Cushioned, impact-absorbing running deck
• No assembly required
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Horizontal and vertical transport wheels

Cons

• Small 10-inch screen

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride 6s is a compact and impact-absorbing treadmill that's perfect for people of all fitness levels, and comes with a 10-inch touchscreen to watch live and on-demand fitness classes.

If you’re looking for a treadmill for running workouts and need it to fold up and out of the way when it’s not in use, check out the Echelon Stride-6s, one of the best folding treadmills for running. It features patented auto-fold technology with vertical and horizontal transport wheels. 

While we haven’t tested the Stride-6s, we’ve used the OG Stride quite a bit, and these models are fairly similar. Our tester, GGR senior director of content and CPT Kate Meier, was surprised by how stable and durable the original model feels. “Even the deck on the original model felt pretty cushioned and I felt good running on it—this model only provides more in the way of features, so I think it would be a great option for those who need a more compact treadmill for running.”

Let’s get down to it: This treadmill is powerful enough for running, with its 3.0 CHP motor, 0 to 12.5 mph speed range, and 0 to 12.5 incline range, plus it has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. This earns it a solid rating of 4 out of 5 in the durability category. 

If you like dynamic programming, you can take advantage of it on this treadmill’s 10-inch touchscreen. It’s also Bluetooth-compatible with heart rate sensors, earning it a 5 out of 5 in tech capabilities as well.

You can check out our Echelon Stride review for more on the original model if you’re interested. 

Best Compact Treadmill for Running: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400

Good for: People who need a smaller treadmill for a home gym that can be stored with ease

Best Compact

Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill SF-T4400

GGR Score: 3.6

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Under $500
• Has manual incline options
• Compact and folds
• Speeds up to 9 MPH

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Has incline
• Folds easily
• Very compact
• Tread comes with shock absorption
• Quick-speed buttons on the handrail

Cons

• User weight capacity is 220 lbs
• Top speed of 9 MPH
• No decline option

Bottom Line

The SF-T4400 is a great budget walking treadmill that can be easily folded and used in small spaces.

Tight on space and don’t know how to fit a treadmill into your home gym? The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 is here to help! This compact option folds and only weighs 103 pounds. Plus, it unfolds with a simple tap to the supporting pole underneath the machine—can you say 5-out-of-5 footprint and portability rating?

The $450 price tag is very appealing, especially when the option to finance through Affirm is thrown in there as well. However, a cheap price tag does usually mean compromising on a few things when it comes to a running treadmill. The deck of this compact machine is 50 inches, which isn’t bad compared to other budget-friendly treadmills with shorter decks. But it won’t accommodate taller people as easily for running.

The controls on the SF-T4400 are very user-friendly. The handles give you the option to conveniently change your speed, plus stop and start the treadmill at your command. I think this makes it a solid option for a beginner because it’s really easy to get started on without any complicated programming or technology. 

With a max speed of 9 mph, this treadmill can definitely be used for jogging and running, but I wouldn’t recommend sprinting on it. It also has manual incline adjustments, which isn’t ideal either. We rate the adjustability and ergonomics on this machine a 3 out of 5.

All in all, if you’re just getting started with your fitness journey and want to work on slow and steady running, this is a great option for you without going overboard on cost. If you’re a more serious runner or a taller individual, I’d recommend selecting something else.

Check out our entire Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill Review for more information.

Other Treadmills We Researched

The treadmills mentioned above aren’t the only ones we looked into. Here are a few others that we researched but didn’t make our list:

Bowflex Treadmill 10: This treadmill can definitely be used for running; with a 3.0 CHP motor and incline and decline options, it’s not a bad option. At $1,600, we expect a little more from the touchscreen (it’s only 10-inches). Plus, it’s 325 pounds with an 85 x 40 x 65.5 inches footprint, so it isn’t a good option for people with small spaces. (Check out our full and in-depth Bowflex Treadmill 10 review.)  

AssaultRunner Elite: CrossFit fans may be familiar with this almost $4,000 manual treadmill. After all, it’s beloved by many athletes, and for good reason: it’s a solid piece of equipment (albeit an expensive treadmill). However, if you’re looking to purchase a manual treadmill for the same price, I prefer the TrueForm Trainer because it helps you run with better form. 

Nautilus T618 Treadmill: Let’s start with the most important factor—the T618 was recalled on June 9, 2023, after users reported issues with the treadmill self-starting. It requires a software update from the company to be safe to use again. But, after taking care of the safety concerns, the T618 does have some green flags when it comes to things I look for in a running treadmill: It has a 60-inch deck, 350-pound weight capacity, and a great frame and motor warranty. I do wish it included a touchscreen for the $1,500 price tag, because the backlit display feels basic. (Full Nautilus T618 Treadmill review here.)

Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill: As a super budget option for home use, I was pretty impressed with the Goplus. At under $400, this foldable treadmill boasts a 2.25 CHP motor, is lightweight, and is easy to move on your own. However, I personally wouldn’t be comfortable running on the Goplus, as the 40-inch deck and 8 mph max speed don’t really work for me. This isn’t to say you couldn’t run on it, but if you’re taller, you might have a rough time.

RELATED: Goplus Treadmill review

UREVO 2-in-1 Treadmill: For a budget-friendly treadmill you can easily pick up on Amazon, the UREVO hits the mark at under $500. Plus, it’s a compact treadmill I’d recommend for beginners. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for running, especially if you’re 5’9” or taller, because the deck is very short at 42 inches.

RELATED: UREVO Treadmill Review

How We Picked and Tested Treadmills for Running

Since this is a list of the top treadmills for runners, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these treadmills received the full gamut. I jogged, ran, and sprinted on a variety of machines (as did Coop and my fellow GGR writers) to first see how our workout experiences were. Don’t get it twisted; that was the first of many things we evaluated to see if a treadmill would make the cut. Here are some of the other considerations we took into account:

Benefits of Treadmills for Running

Still trying to decide if spending the extra cash on a running treadmill is worth it? Check out some of the treadmill benefits you could reap by adding one to your home gym:

Weather Who?

If you have your own treadmill for running, weather becomes a non-issue. As we detail more below, you won’t need to worry about the rain staying away or the temperature warming up or cooling down if you can run indoors.

Get Healthy

Running not only improves endurance but also can give you better heart health. Studies have shown regular running can reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases¹. Running on a treadmill can help you burn calories as well, which means it can be an additional tool used to help you possibly lose weight. Please remember that losing weight consists of both exercising and a nutritious diet, so consult a medical professional with any questions you may have if you’re trying to lose weight. 

You’re in Control

Calling all control freaks (yes, I’m calling myself out here, too): You can control pretty much every aspect of your run with a treadmill. Switch the speed, incline, programming, and music at your own leisure. You don’t need to stress about being stuck in traffic on the way to the gym, or the impending thunderstorm that could derail an outdoor run. With a running treadmill in your home, you run the show.

Fun Programming

Most of the treadmills we discussed above have interactive programming available, which can help turn your boring run into something fun. Trying to get faster and beat a personal record? You can do interval training and sprints with ease. Looking for a change of scenery? Use an app to run along a beach or through a European city.

Running Outside vs on a Treadmill

Trying to decide if you should buy a treadmill to run on or just hit the pavement outside? Here are some of the pros and cons of treadmill running versus outdoor running. 

RELATED: Treadmill vs Outside Running

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Treadmill for Running

Figuring out how to start running can be difficult enough, but if you’re also trying to figure out how to choose the right treadmill for your home gym, that can add to the stress. Here are some things to consider when picking out your ideal fit:

Budget

Generally speaking, you can get away with a lower-quality treadmill if you only plan to walk on it. Most high-quality treadmills I’d recommend for running are close to $1,000 and over. If you really want to get a treadmill with a large enough deck, a high enough powered motor, and a solid warranty, I’d suggest spending a little extra upfront. 

Deck Size

If you plan to run on your treadmill, getting a machine with at least a 55-inch deck is important. I’d personally recommend a 60-inch deck if you’re taller, but that’s personal preference. You want your deck to be long enough to support longer strides so you can focus on the workout at hand (and not falling off the treadmill). 

Durability

Especially if you’ll be logging some miles on your treadmill while running, you need it to be durable. We look for a weight capacity of at least 275 pounds and a 2.5 CHP motor or better to ensure you’ll feel stable and the machine will be able to keep up.

Programming

Some of the treadmills I mentioned above have a built-in touchscreen on which you can view interactive programming. However, others have a device holder you can use to hold your own phone or tablet and watch your own workout classes. Some treadmills have Bluetooth connectivity where you can sync your device to the machine to accurately track your incline, speed, and calories burned. 

Incline and Decline Options

Incline options are fairly common on running treadmills. Decline options are slightly more rare, and usually come on higher-priced machines. Having the ability to do both on a treadmill can be useful for people training for a race who need to simulate running up and down hills.

Speed

A good running treadmill has at least a max speed of 10 mph. More advanced runners will want to look for a max of at least 12 mph to support all-out sprinting efforts. 

RELATED: HIIT Treadmill Workout

Motor

For a treadmill that can support running, having a powerful motor of over 2.5 CHP is critical. A treadmill that has less than that will struggle to last with repeated running.

Display

There are usually only a few options when it comes to treadmill displays: HD touchscreens or LCD displays. If you really want to have the option to watch built-in interactive programming, purchasing a treadmill with a touch screen makes more sense for you.

Weight Capacity

I would recommend getting a treadmill that has at least a 275-pound weight capacity. More would ideally be nice (in case you want to do weighted farmer’s carries) but that’s the industry standard for a running treadmill.

Warranty

The best treadmills have a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. Depending on your personal price point, you may have to make some compromises on the warranty your treadmill has.

Have more questions on what you should look for in your new treadmill? Check out our comprehensive treadmill buying guide.

Treadmill Maintenance and Care

If you take care of your machine, it will take care of you. Here are our top tips for treadmill maintenance.

Read Your Owner’s Manual

You’d be surprised what you learn about your machine if you spend some time with the owner’s manual. Learn how to clean it properly and maintain it via this documentation.

Clean Your Treadmill Regularly

This includes both daily cleaning and more periodic cleaning. Wipe it down after use. Monthly, take a damp cloth and a vacuum to your machine to really get into the nooks and crannies.

Take Care of the Treadmill Belt

This includes not only cleaning it regularly, but also using treadmill lubricant if needed—check your owner’s manual for specifics.

Best Treadmill for Running: FAQs

References

1. Cantwell JD. Cardiovascular aspects of running. Clin Sports Med. 1985 Oct;4(4):627-40. PMID: 3902253.

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

Further reading

Suitcase Deadlift: Build Functional Strength and Muscle With This Deadlift Variation

by Christopher Covello

The standard deadlift is a classic for a reason, but if it's starting to feel stale, see if the suitcase deadlift variation suits you! Read more

ProForm Performance 300 Treadmill Review (2024)

by Kate Meier NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Our ProForm Performance 300 Treadmill review takes a look at this now-discontinued machine and offers alternatives. Read more

Kettlebell Core Workout for a Stronger Midsection

by Shane McLean, CPT

I have a confession to make: I love running on the treadmill. Turning up the music and jacking up the speed for some interval training is what I live for on cardio days. Plus, my reconstructed ankle appreciates the extra cushioning of a treadmill versus the pain-inducing (in my opinion) concrete or pavement. After testing a dizzying number of these machines, my ankle and I have compiled eight contenders for the best treadmills for running.  » Read more about: Best Treadmills for Running (2024): Expert Picks  » Read more

Sole E55 Elliptical Review (2024): A Solid Option for Solid Workouts

by Roger Lockridge

In this Sole E55 Elliptical review, we’ll cover the pros, cons, and details that will help you make the most informed decision possible on if this is right for you. I don’t own this machine, but I did get to use it several times and am familiar with how it feels and performs. Plus, our team at Garage Gym Reviews has used the Sole E25, which is basically the E55’s little sister. Read more