Compact treadmills are often better for space saving and portability, but still, maintain specific must-have features to keep your workout interesting.
[amazon box=”B071915SYD,B01DN01Z5C,B00BP1Z17U,B0090X07BU,B06XT975HW,B019ZTXT0Y,B01DN017FK” template=”table”]
Best Compact Treadmill You Should Have For Your Home
Whether you are short on space or are looking for an efficient type of treadmill for your at-home gym, a compact treadmill may be the right choice for you.
A compact treadmill provides many of the same desirable functions as a fuller size treadmill, but with a lower price tag, doesn’t take up much storage space, and may be portable. There are a few trade-offs with a smaller treadmill, but the overall benefits way out the cons.
You may think that a compact treadmill is outfitted with a less powerful motor, has less shock absorbency and is shakier during operation, or has less walking surface area. However, many treadmills offer such quality features, in addition to screens to connect to the internet and watch media, listen to music, or provide set programs to keep your workout interesting.
Choosing a treadmill shouldn’t leave you sweating at the price tag, or sacrificing a quality workout. Before choosing a compact treadmill that speaks to you, consider the unique features and specifications of your selected device.
- Does the size of the tread belt give you enough room to exercise based on your frame comfortably?
- How much storage space will your treadmill take up in your home? Does it fold up?
- How much does the treadmill weigh? Heavier models may be hard to move around unless it has wheels.
How We Choose Our Ratings
Best Crossfit Shoes For Crossfit Training: Features, And Overall RatingsWe know that your workout is valuable to you and that you want your treadmill to deliver a quality workout without breaking the bank, or sacrificing features that you have to have to feel satisfied. After reviewing the specifications and features of specific models, customer testimonials, the price point for features offered, and the reputation of the brand, this list was created. Specific features that we felt are important for a treadmill to have in order for your workout to be effective, offer versatility, and how much space each model consumed were pertinent determining factors for the treadmills to make this list.
Top 7 Best Compact Treadmills
These treadmills save on space, but don’t skimp out on the bells and whistles you look for in a treadmill to ensure you get a high-quality workout every time.
[amazon link=”B071915SYD” title=”1. XTERRA TRX3000″ /]
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B071915SYD”]
This treadmill has an accessible price range but still provides intense workouts. The track platform measures 20 inches in width and 60 inches long. This treadmill taps out at 12 mph and is powered by a 3.0 HP motor. Utilizing Bluetooth capabilities, you can check out your heart rate and other data. Plus, you have over 30 different programs to choose from to give yourself an optimal workout. An MP3 player dashboard and speaker allow you to listen to your favorite music as you power through your workout.
The belt is soft and cushioned with shock absorption for comfortable jogging or running on this treadmill. The incline stops at 12%, and you can take advantage of a wireless chest strap, and sensors to keep yourself informed on your heart rate.
You’ll stay abreast of your settings and other information on the blue backlit LCD display. This model comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. When you want to put this treadmill away in storage, it folds for convenience.
Pros
- Uses Bluetooth to share data with Apple or Android mobile devices
- Folds for upright storage
- Supports users up to 350 pounds in weight
Cons
- The belt may need occasional tightening and lubrication
[amazon link=”B01DN01Z5C” title=”2. NordicTrack Incline Trainer X9i” /]
Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B01DN01Z5C”]
NordicTrack is a trusted brand for exercise equipment, and it’s no wonder why. The X9i model is made to help you sculpt your muscles and lose weight effectively.
The range for the incline and decline is broad on this treadmill, with the ability to set your treadmill at -6% or as high as 40%. The track size is generous with a cushioned belt, and the deck measures 22 by 60 inches. A powerful 3.0 CHP motor allows you to reach speeds of 12 mph, and keep going strong with extended workouts.
Keep track of your settings and progress with a 7-inch full-color touchscreen display, or take advantage of iFit programs. You can wireless keep abreast of your heart rate, cool down thanks to built-in fans, and surf the web because of the Android browser.
Pros
- Access 44 built-in workout apps or use iFit Coach
- 7-inch HD color touchscreen comes with Android browser for web access
- A wide range of incline and decline
Cons
- Not made for high-speed training workouts
[amazon link=”B00BP1Z17U” title=”3. Life Fitness T5″ /]
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B00BP1Z17U”]
Your knees and joints will thank you for using this treadmill, as it comes with a wider track and cushioning that reduces the impact of shock by 30%. Larger individuals can confidently utilize this treadmill, as it has a weight capacity that maxes out at 400 lbs.
A 3.0 HP DC motor keeps this treadmill powered and going, with a top speed of 12 mph. The motor is designed to reduce wasting excess energy. A quick start mode is available if you want to take advantage of set incline and speed for a quick workout session.
This model doesn’t fold, but it does provide enough surface area with a deck measuring 22 by 60 inches. You can keep track on your heart rate wirelessly with handle grips and a wireless chest strap. The power rampallows for a 15% incline.
The frame and deck come with a lifetime warranty, and a ten-year warranty covers the motor. Parts have coverage for seven years.
Pros
- FlexDeck absorbs up to 30% impact on your joints for a comfortable experience
- Treadmill uses a smart motor that adjusts energy output for your weight
- Good treadmill choice for larger individuals
Cons
- The treadmill is challenging to assemble and large
[amazon link=”B0090X07BU” title=”4. Sole TT8 Treadmill” /]
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B0090X07BU”]
A popular model, the Sole TT8 is made to exercise your legs. This treadmill has a powerful yet quiet 4.0 CHP motor and can comfortably support runners with a weight up to 400 lbs. The frame is sturdy, and the running area measures 22 inches by 60 inches, which provides a bit more room than competitors. Taller people may appreciate the larger surface area for running, as compact models may be a bit awkward for individuals who need more room to be comfortable running.
If you suffer from painful joints and worry about reducing the shock absorption, the TT8 comes with a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck. This deck is supposed to minimize the impact on your joints by up to 40%, which is a significant increase compared to the usual 15% shock-absorption allowance of other treadmills.
You can enjoy listening to music via the iPod deck and built-in speakers. A generous lifetime warranty is provided for the deck, frame, and motor of the TT8 model. The electronics come with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Powerful but quiet 4.0 CHP motor
- The larger running surface is suitable for taller runners
- Reduces the significant amount of pressure on joints and provides shock-absorption
Cons
- The treadmill does not fold
[amazon link=”B06XT975HW” title=”5. ProForm ZT8″ /]
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B06XT975HW”]
If you are looking for a comfortable treadmill for walking or jogging, this compact model uses a ProShox Lite Cushioning Deck.
Powered with a 2.75 HP motor, this treadmill reaches a top speed of 12 mph. The belt provides a running space measuring 20 inches wide and 60 inches long and uses a 2-ply commercial belt. If you love using iFit, you’ll appreciate this machine because it is iFit compatible, providing you with 20 built-in programs for working out, which were designed by certified personal trainers. You can rock out to your favorite music using the smartphone compatible audio port and speakers.
Dual-grip heart rate sensors monitor your heart rate to make sure you are getting sufficient cardio, and two cup holders are at your disposal for beverages to keep you hydrated. A cooling fan is also provided to keep you comfortable as you break a sweat.
You won’t have to stress about maintaining the belt often, and it made for durability and longevity. When you are ready to make room for something else, you can fold up this treadmill easily, and it is lightweight to move.
Pros
- Provides incline up to 15%
- Has 24 pre-set workout programs which focus on cardio, fat loss, and more
- Compatible with iFit
Cons
- Limited weight capacity for users
[amazon link=”B019ZTXT0Y” title=”6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Treadmill” /]
Overall rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B019ZTXT0Y”]
If you desire a compact style of treadmill that has a quieter operation but still allows you to get a thorough workout, the SF-T4400 treadmill may be the one for you.
You can take advantage of adjusting the intensity of your work out with three specific levels of incline. The 2.20 HP motor lets you run up to a top speed of 9 mph.
During your workout, you can change the settings using hand grips or the console. You can jump quickly between 2 to 6 mph or adjust your speed with the handrail controls. The speed is adjustable within one-tenth increments.
The running surface is a bit smaller than competitors, offering a modest track area of 16 inches by 40 inches. Lighter-weight users may be more keen on this model, as the max weight this treadmill can handle is 220 lbs. This treadmill folds up readily and has wheels so you can move it around with minimal effort. A soft drop mechanism is in place to make sure unfolding the treadmill when you are ready to run is safe.
Complete with nine built-in programs, the provided LCD display provides clear readings about your distance covered, speed, pulse, and calories burned.
The frame only has a 1-year warranty, and the parts get covered for 90 days. Overall, for the price point and features offered, this treadmill is worth the investment.
Pros
- The computer provides heart monitoring to help you track your pulse
- The lightweight model comes with wheels and safety mechanism for folding and unfolding
- 9 built-in programs to workout
Cons
- You have to stop your workout when you want to adjust the incline setting
[amazon link=”B01DN017FK” title=”7. LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill” /]
Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B01DN017FK”]
LifeSpan provides a folding treadmill that is accessible, has received numerous awards, and can save your workout data for later review.
If you are unsure where to start when working out, this treadmill provides 17 pre-set programs. If you want to turn up the intensity on your workout, you can choose between 15 incline levels. The pre-set programs offer a range of three intensity levels for newbies.
The belt has a surface area of 20 inches by 56 inches, which is relatively decent to accommodate one’s stride when either jogging or walking. The deck is durable, cushioned, and comes with shock-absorbers to keep things lighter on your joints.
You can keep on going strong even when you change the speed on this treadmill, without fear of the track reducing the quality of experience or stalling out. The powerful 2.5 CHP motor is strong enough to handle long workout sessions and allows this treadmill to top out at 11 mph.
After your workout, you can save the data regarding your heart rate, distance, calories burned, and more to a USB. The ability to save and transfer your workout data helps better configure your workout needs, and see the benefits provided by this treadmill.
Speakers, a headphone jack, and a port for your smartphone allow you to keep the tunes going while you break into a sweat.
The warranty protection is very nice, as the frame and motor receive lifetime protection.
Pros
- Comes with 17 pre-set programs
- 15 incline levels available for varying workout intensity
- Model saves data about your workouts to a USB
Cons
- After four months, the data tracking service requires a paid subscription
A Few Things To Consider
Depending on how often you will use your treadmill, how intensely you like to run or jog, and must-have features to keep yourself entertained and stay the course with your exercise routine is essential. However,whichever treadmill you choose should satisfy your personal needs, have adequate longevity, and meet your budget allowance for your at-home exercise equipment.
Make sure that whatever treadmill you choose has a warranty with significant coverage in case a part needs replacement, or the treadmill requires servicing.
