Watch Your Head: Best Treadmill for Low Ceilings (2024)

You might be landing on this roundup of the best treadmills for low ceilings because you have a basement gym, an older home, or just a small garage. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help. 

To create this list of treadmills suitable for low ceilings, we took a deep dive into all of the best treadmills for a home gym that we’ve tested and reviewed to determine some of the most compact and low-profile machines. In addition to scrutinizing the size of each, we also looked at many other factors from our fitness equipment testing methodology, including:

• Value
• Tech capabilities
• Speed and incline ranges
• Ergonomics 

After analyzing these categories and spending hours upon hours with our feet on treadmills, here’s our list of the best treadmills for low ceilings.

Best Treadmill for Low Ceilings 

• Best Overall Treadmill for Low Ceilings: NordicTrack T 6.5 S
• Best Treadmill for Running with Low Ceilings: Sole F63
• Best Folding Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Horizon 7.0 AT
• Best Treadmill for Walking With Low Ceilings: ProForm Carbon TLX
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Low Ceilings: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill 
• Best Space-Saving Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Echelon Stride 6s
• Best Budget Treadmill for Low Ceilings: XTERRA TR150

Best Overall Treadmill for Low Ceilings: NordicTrack T 6.5 S

Good for: Folks looking for a compact, iFIT-enabled treadmill available on Amazon

Best Overall

NordicTrack T 6.5 S

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Entry-level foldable treadmill
• iFIT-compatible
• 20 on-board workouts
• 2.6 CHP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Space-saver/folding deck
• 20 on-board workouts
• iFIT- and iPod-enabled
• 300 pound weight capacity
• Affordable
• Cushioned running deck
• Incline capability
• One-touch controls

Cons

• Requires a separate viewing device to take advantage of the benefits of iFit
• Small 5-inch display
• Customers consistently report that the T 6.5 S is very noisy
• Motor will not support sustained running

Bottom Line

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a value purchase with some notable features. WIth a foldable design and compact footprint, it is a great choice for those with small spaces looking to dive into the world of cardio.

This roundup features mostly compact treadmills, and for this reason you may not see a lot of the high-quality, heavy-duty machines we normally rave about—like the NordicTrack 1750, for example. That said, we think this NordicTrack T series model is a solid choice that you can order on Amazon (for under $800 to boot!). 

RELATED: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Review

The tallest point of the treadmill is 4.5 feet tall, which gives you plenty of overhead space for running or using the incline training up to 10 percent. For what it’s worth, there are a few contradictory comments on the step-up height from the Amazon page. One comment reads it’s 11 inches, while one reviewer writes that it’s 8 inches. Either way, the highest point of the treadmill will still fit comfortably in a low-ceiling area. 

The running surface is also pretty roomy with a belt measuring 55 inches long and 22 inches wide. Plus it has a powerful 2.6 continuous horsepower motor (CHP) that will certainly keep up with running speeds. 

You can get more in-depth info about this machine with our NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill review to get a sense if you’ll be clicking “add to cart” on Amazon later. 

Best Treadmill for Running with Low Ceilings: Sole F63

Good for: Anyone who wants to the ability to run in a small spaces

Best for Running

Sole F63 Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.3

Check Price Save $200 for Black Friday

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.

OK, so the Sole F63 is certainly not a true compact option. But I included this because it’s one of our top picks for best home treadmill for running. The Sole F63 is a quality treadmill that supports running speeds (with a 3.0 horsepower motor), includes incline features, has a 60-inch-long running surface, and has a lifetime frame and motor warranty. 

Although bigger than the NordicTrack T Series treadmill above, the Sole F63 is certainly not the biggest or bulkiest treadmill we’ve tested. It’s on this list because the total height of this machine sits about 5.5 feet tall, which still gives you some overhead clearance. However, I will say that some of that height comes from the tablet holder above the console. 

Although you won’t find the treadmill deck height listed among the specs for the F63, based on how similar the F63 is to the other folding treadmill lineup from Sole Fitness, you can gather some information about the step-up height. Our expert equipment testers were able to measure the step-up height of the F63 themselves, and it came in at around 7.5 inches from the floor to the top of the tread deck. 

You can read about our hands-on experience in the Sole F63 treadmill review for more specs and information about this powerful running machine. 

Best Folding Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Horizon 7.0 AT

Good for: Users wanting a compact treadmill that folds away for more space

Best Folding

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

GGR Score: 4

Check Price Save over $1,000 for Black Friday

Product Highlights

• Priced under $1,000
• Spacious 60-inch running deck
• Bluetooth connectivity
• QuickDial controls for both the speed and incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60” running surface
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Bluetooth connectivity with apps like Zwift, Peloton, and Nike Running Club
• 325 lb weight limit

Cons

• Heavy machine at over 250 lbs
• No included touchscreen
• 3-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranties are less than the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill

Bottom Line

For under $1,000, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option for people who want to use their treadmill to run.

Treadmills—even space-saving ones—can take up some real estate in any home gym setting, regardless of your ceiling height. For a great folding treadmill that’ll save space and still fit under most low ceilings while folded, consider the Horizon 7.0 AT. It comes in under 8 feet tall when folded.

Another plus of this treadmill is that it’s under $1,000 and comes with a strong 3.5 continuous horsepower motor, allowing top speeds of 12 miles per hour. The belt deck is 20 inches wide and 60 inches long—which is plenty of room for most runners—with a step-up height of 8.6 inches, according to our testers. You usually don’t see these nicer specs at this price point. 

Lindsay Scheele, lead reviewer of Garage Gym Reviews Everything and a certified personal trainer, enjoyed the 7.0 AT because of its quick-dial grips, allowing for seamless changes in speed and incline. She rates her workout experience a 4.5 out of 5, saying, “You have easy adjustments literally at your fingertips. This made it so easy to use for interval training.”

Although it has a more compact frame, the Horizon 7.0 AT is heavy—253 pounds, to be exact. It can still be moved around and folded, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its footprint and portability, but it may not be a piece of equipment you’ll want to move around often. The heft of the treadmill and its weight capacity of 325 pounds also make it feel solid. Lindsay rates the durability a 4 out of 5 due to its weight capacity and decent-sized motor.

Aside from the quick-dial controls, there aren’t a lot of technological capabilities in the 7.0 AT. With a 7-inch LCD screen, the display measures standard metrics like distance and time, along with some preset programs for running workouts. Lindsay rates the tech capabilities a 3 out of 5.

You can read more about this treadmill in our Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill review.

Best Treadmill for Walking With Low Ceilings: ProForm Carbon TLX

Good for: Shorter individuals living in small spaces just looking to get in daily steps

Best for Walking

ProForm Carbon TLX

GGR Score: 3.72

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Product Highlights

• Affordable folding treadmill
• 3.0 CHP motor
• 60″ belt
• 0-12 mph speed range
• 12% incline
• 7-inch display
• iFIT-enabled

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable with a 3.0 CHP motor
• 300-lb weight capacity
• 60-inch belt length
• 12% incline
• Cushioned running deck
• iFIT-enabled
• Foldable

Cons

• Only a 1-year parts warranty
• No touchscreen display

Bottom Line

The ProForm Carbon TLX is an affordable folding treadmill that would be suitable for a small space. It's durable, with a 300-pound weight capacity and 3.0 CHP motor, plus it offers up to 12% incline. Also take advantage of iFIT for virtual classes on this machine.

The ProForm Carbon TLX is a solid option for walkers and beginners to the home gym experience. It’s one of our top picks for low ceilings because it has a low step-up height of 6.5 inches (measured from the base of the ground to the top of the tread) and a total height of less than 5 feet when in its highest incline position. This makes it a good fit for rooms with lower ceiling clearance. 

Despite this, it’s worth noting that this machine weighs nearly 250 pounds, which when taken into account, only warranted it a 3.75 out of 5 in the footprint and portability category in our ProForm Carbon TLX review. 

We also like that you’ll benefit from the brand’s ProShox deck cushioning to lessen the impact of walking and promote shock absorption. Our tester, GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele, said that the cushioning didn’t blow her away, but for a budget-friendly machine, it more than did the trick. The TLX earned a 3.5-out-of-5 rating in ergonomics. 

RELATED: Best Shock-Absorbing Treadmill

And, while this machine is great for walkers, it could also be suitable for running with its 60-inch deck length and 3.0 CHP motor. The Carbon TLX inclines up to 12%, allowing you to add some hills to your walks, and it can also hit 12 MPH, even if you don’t need to go that fast. You’ll also find fans, Bluetooth capabilities, and a 30-day iFIT trial on this machine, making its 5-out-of-5 value hard to beat. 

Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Low Ceilings: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

Good for: Anyone who needs an ultra-low profile treadmill

Best Under-Desk

GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Fits seamlessly under most standing desks
• Quick assembly
• Folds extremely flat for storage
• Comes with remote to change speed with ease

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easily portable and stored
• Emits minimal noise
• Very easy assembly
• Bluetooth speaker on console
• Phone mount
• Remote control
• Safety key
• Ideal for use in small spaces and those who are casual joggers/walkers
• Transport wheels

Cons

• Not intended for sustained or fast running
• Smaller than typical running surface
• Does not fold once handrails are installed
• Handrails do not adjust and are at a fixed 3.5 feet (not ideal for taller individuals)
• Only two modes available
• Max speed is 8 miles per hour
• No incline/decline
• Can not mount a tablet

Bottom Line

The GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a great value purchase for any walker or casual jogger looking to save space while still getting in a solid cardio session. If you are looking for a treadmill to train for your next marathon on, this is not the one for you.

The GoPlus 2-in-1 treadmill is our top under-desk pick for those who need something ultra-compact and low-profile. This machine folds completely flat and only sits 5 inches off the floor (even in the folded position). 

RELATED: Best Under-Desk Treadmill

You can use the treadmill with uprights up as a traditional machine or you can use it with the uprights folded down flat. The folded position allows you to roll it under a desk and use it while you work. There are additional handlebars you can attach to this machine, but they won’t allow you to fold it down all the way. 

One of the best parts about this low-profile treadmill is that it has a 2.25 hp motor, which is an especially powerful treadmill motor considering the small size. 

That said, the GoPlus is still not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are multiple things to consider that might not suit your needs, including the 265-pound user weight capacity and the short 40-inch running belt. These two factors make this treadmill less than ideal for tall people and anyone over 265 pounds. 

If the specs work for you, this could be an incredible space-saver treadmill that offers you more than one way to increase your steps throughout the day. 

In fact, a GGR product tester writes in the in-depth GoPlus Treadmill review that she loves “how easy it is to move around and store…When fully folded, you can store this machine under taller furniture, beds, or in closets, which makes it an ideal choice for people with small spaces.”

Best Space-Saving Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Echelon Stride-6s

Good for: Runners needing a compact treadmill for a compact space

Best Space-Saver

Echelon Stride-6s

GGR Score: 3.67

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.

Sometimes, you have more to worry about than the height of your ceiling. If space is limited, you’ll need to be creative to save space. Fortunately, there’s the Echelon Stride-6s. This already compact treadmill lets the rails fold down, and then the treadmill can be stored vertically, allowing you to save maximal space. With a handlebar on the back, the treadmill can be wheeled around easily too, earning a 4 out of 5 for portability.

Lead reviewer of GGR Everything Lindsay Scheele, ISSA-CPT, tested out the Stride-6s and appreciated the waterfall design of the deck, where there’s no front shield to the deck belt. “The waterfall design makes the deck feel much bigger than it really is, especially if you have a longer stride and trip on a treadmill’s front shield a lot,” she says.

Technologically, the Stride offers a lot of on-demand classes through FitPass—although the service will cost extra. Our biggest callout is the small screen. At 10 inches, it’s a bit on the smaller side, earning the treadmill a 3 out of 5 for technological capabilities.

Still, the smaller screen is probably to help keep this treadmill affordable. Lindsay says, “While it’s not ultra-budget like some extremely cheap options you could find (that probably aren’t worth your money), this is a budget-friendly option that has good quality.” Lindsay rates the treadmill’s price of $1,249 a value of 4 out of 5, as it offers a good deal for a competitive price.

Be warned, though: The deck isn’t as cushioned as other treadmills Lindsay has tested. Read more in our Echelon Stride-6s review.

Best Budget Treadmill for Low Ceilings: XTERRA TR150

Good for: Folks who don’t need a fancy, high-end treadmill with touchscreens 

Best Budget

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Simple to use
• Lifetime warranty on the frame
• Easy to build
• 12 preset programs
• Deck has sub-par cushioning

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Foldable
• Portable with transport wheels
• Ideal for beginner walkers to speed walkers
• Lightweight
• Great warranty
• Easy-to-read 5-inch LED display
• 12 preset programs onboard

Cons

• Only 2.25 horsepower motor
• Some reviewers report it is noisy
• Water bottle holders on console reportedly do not fit normal bottle sizes
• Users claim they received an error code after one use
• Several reviews reported that the dimensions provided are inaccurate
• Not suited for experienced and heavy users

Bottom Line

The XTERRA TR150 is a starter treadmill available on the lower end of the budget scale offering a commendable lifetime frame warranty and features comparable to competitive models. If you are just beginning your fitness journey, this is a great option for you.

If you’re looking for a treadmill that is not ultra-compact and a little more like a traditional treadmill, the XTERRA TR150 gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s not super high-tech, but you’ll be able to place your smart device on the tablet holder to stream programming or entertainment of your choosing. 

The tallest part of this treadmill is just over 4 feet, which is a good sign for getting your treadmill and your body safely in an area with low clearance. There are manual incline settings, but we don’t think using either of the three manual incline levels will have a negative impact on using the treadmill in a low ceiling area. 

You’ll have a 2.25 CHP motor to support walking, jogging, and casual running, but we don’t think the machine is for avid runners. You might like knowing that the TR150 features heart rate monitoring pulse sensors built into the handrails and 12 preset programs to choose from. 

Although we feature this treadmill on our roundup of best folding treadmills, the one downside we experienced testing this treadmill was the lack of a gas shock for the folding mechanism. It comes down relatively fast and could be a safety concern with kids and pets. 

A GGR product tester writes in the in-depth XTERRA Fitness TR150 review that, “even though the TR150 only weighs just over 100 pounds, it still would be horrific for this to fall on yourself or a loved one.”

Other Treadmills We Researched

Echelon Stride: Although this treadmill is compact and can be folded completely in half, there were more compact models that made the list with more powerful motors.  

NordicTrack Commercial 1250: While smaller than other NordicTrack treadmills, it’s still not as compact as folks might like for a space with low ceilings. The Commercial 1250 doesn’t typically list the deck height in the specs, but we confirmed that the step-up height is about 9.25 inches from the floor, per our custom testing methodology.

How We Picked and Tested

Typically our research starts with an internet search to uncover popular products. However, for this roundup of the best treadmills for low ceilings, we instead started with determining what a low ceiling actually is and then looked at all the treadmills we’ve tested to find the most compact options. 

That said, we’re basing this on today’s standards. For example, in most places a 7-foot ceiling in a basement is the minimum for new construction buildings. However, if you’ve ever lived in an older home you know that 7-foot-high ceilings in a basement is not always the case!

Our testers typically test the experience of all movements that users are most likely to engage in on a treadmill. For these treadmills, we walked, jog, and ran on them. Not only did this help us to get a good understanding of whether they would be a good fit for low ceilings but they also helped us to test things like:

• Durability
• Noise level
• Shake or wobble while in use
• Maximum speeds (just because your ceiling is low doesn’t mean your running speed is)

Other factors we looked into specifically for low ceilings were:

Step-up Height

Companies don’t always disclose their step-up height for their treadmills, so we tried to choose treadmills with a step-up height under 10 inches when the specification is provided and even measured a few of these models ourselves in-house. For reference, the behemoth NordicTrack Commercial X22i has a 12-inch step-up height and is just over 6 feet tall to the top of the monitor.

Under-desk Capabilities

If the treadmill is suitable for under a desk, this is a pretty dead giveaway for being a good fit for low-ceiling environments.

Incline Features

Inclines were tested to check for ceiling clearance when using a treadmill at the steepest incline level.

Price and Value

As with all fitness equipment we test, we want you to get your money’s worth. We make sure the price matches the features and quality offered in the treadmills we tested.

Benefits of Treadmills for Low Ceilings

Here are the top three benefits we see to choosing a treadmill that will accommodate low ceilings:  

Space Efficiency

Treadmills designed for low ceilings are typically much smaller than the standard commercial-size treadmills you might see at your neighborhood gym. You’ll be able to maximize your floor space and overhead space when you choose a treadmill suitable for your specific ceiling height and overall space. 

Safety and Comfort

If you try to bring a traditional, commercial-size treadmill into your space with low ceilings you may find that the treadmill fits but your body might not. You’ll be acutely aware of the fact your head is nearly grazing the ceiling if your treadmill is too big for the space. That’s where compact treadmills come in—for anyone who has low clearance. 

Accessibility

Having a low-profile treadmill can allow all the members of your household (even the tallest user) to safely and comfortably use the treadmill without fear of bumping their heads. If you have a space that is accessible for you and your family, it’s more likely you’ll utilize the equipment and create a solid fitness routine. 

Buying Guide for Best Treadmills for Low Ceilings

Here are some things to consider as you shop for treadmills to accommodate your low ceilings: 

Consider All the Dimensions

It’s always a good idea to measure your designated treadmill area. In the case of low ceilings, we recommend measuring your ceiling height, too. After you take measurements of your space, consider the following before you click “add to cart:” 

• Your height
• Treadmill machine height
• Step-up height

Since you’ll be measuring your space and ceiling height, it’s not a bad idea to make sure you have a few feet of clearance on either side of the treadmill (and about 3 feet behind the treadmill belt) according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guide to commercial gym setup. 

Determine Your Budget

Create a budget that you’re comfortable with—whether it’s payments you can afford or the overall price tag—before you start shopping. The treadmills on this roundup are smaller, more compact, and generally less expensive than commercial-size treadmills, but there are still treadmills featured on this list that are priced around $1,000, which is not a small chunk of change!

Look for Tech Features and Extras

Many small and compact treadmills designed for anyone with limited space will often forfeit high-tech touchscreens, workout programs, and built-in speakers and fans. That said, if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles (and on-demand personal trainers and classes) you may have to consider another location for your treadmill that can allow for the overhead clearance and footprint you’re looking for. 

Type of Treadmill for Low Ceilings

There are different types of treadmills and lots of features that can be used to accommodate a low ceiling. Still, a low ceiling may not be the only necessity for your workout space. Here are some different types of treadmills and the perks they can offer.

• Compact treadmills are just like traditional larger treadmills, just smaller. Because of their compact nature, their deck height is usually shorter than more robust treadmills…although you may sacrifice a bit of size on your treadmill deck or motor.
• Running treadmills can be found with a shorter deck height, but not all running treadmills will fit this category. Aim for a deck height of around 8 inches or less. Smaller running treadmills may have less power than higher-end models, but they can still provide a great running workout.
• Under-desk treadmills typically have no handles (or the handles can collapse), so that the treadmill can fit underneath a computer desk. This can be a great way to get some steps in during your work day. Because they’re compact enough for a desk, they’re a great solution for low ceilings, although they’re typically not made for sprinting or intense running.

Best Treadmills for Low Ceilings FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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