Top 5 Best Treadmills of 2024

Although they may all appear to perform the same function, I have been testing treadmills for almost ten years, and I can assure you that there is a significant difference between using a good and a bad treadmill. Fortunately, I’ve run hundreds of miles indoors on good treadmills, but I’ve also run enough on bad ones to warn you to avoid them.

Although they are a costly purchase, I have tested treadmills ranging in price from $399 to $12,000, and there are undoubtedly reasonably priced models that will work well for a lot of runners. The Peloton Tread is my top choice overall because it provides access to Peloton’s top-notch guided classes in addition to great hardware. However, if Peloton isn’t your thing, I’ve found a ton of other fantastic treadmills available to suit different runners.

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Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Treadmills of 2024

1.Peloton Tread

Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Without a doubt, the greatest treadmill for guided at-home workouts is the Peloton Tread. In addition to being easier to use and more aesthetically pleasing than most treadmills, the device has a sizable 23.8-inch touchscreen display for Peloton’s captivating virtual classes and your workout statistics.

Easy-to-use control knobs on each of the machine’s arms allow you to quickly change the intensity instead of relying on buttons on the display to adjust the speed and incline. During workouts that are streamed, Peloton’s machines can adapt automatically to the trainer’s instructions, so you don’t always have to.

The biggest drawback is that in order to fully utilize this high-end machine, you must also purchase a Peloton All Access Membership, which costs $44 a month. However, this membership allows multiple users, so everyone in the house can use it.

However, after trying a number of treadmills with partner apps that include classes, I firmly believe that Peloton’s instructors will keep you motivated throughout the entire session.

But even if you decide to cancel your membership, it won’t be a waste. The Peloton Tread has impressive hardware, including a powerful motor and a high top speed. If you decide to cancel your subscription, you can still use it in the Just Run mode. Additionally, I thought the open front made it feel more comfortable to run at faster speeds without worrying about clipping the console.

If this isn’t quite hitting the spot for you, we’ve also tested the Peloton Tread+ — the brand’s larger, much more expensive treadmill. The experience isn’t radically different, but you get a more immersive display, better speakers, increased incline, and a longer slatted running surface.

You won’t need your toolbox here, so put it away. You will be asked to choose a delivery time that works for you when you buy the Peloton Tread. A Peloton delivery team member will contact you a few days prior to delivery to inquire about the intended installation location for your Tread. I quickly discovered that my plans to install the treadmill in my spare bedroom would not work because of the property’s age, which could cause the ceiling joists to be damaged by the weight of the treadmill and my running on it. Peloton always advises you to think of a different place before the delivery crew shows up.

I got another call with a specific time slot on the morning of delivery. The group then set up the Tread, connected it to Wi-Fi, and talked me through the features before leaving. I haven’t needed to contact customer support, but I was given the details should I have any questions or issues. The entire service was first-class and completely stress-free.

2.Echelon Stride

Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Echelon Stride falls in between the high-end and low-cost treadmill categories. Its build, power, and features are adequate in the majority of categories. Compared to more costly treadmills, the Stride has fewer features. For example, it lacks an HD video screen, but you can use the tablet to view the Echelon app and its guided classes.

Most runners will find the maximum speed of 12 miles per hour to be more than adequate, and even at higher speeds, I had no issues with the belt being too short. It also has a 3% drop and a 10% incline. Another significant selling point of the Echelon Stride is that it folds for easier storage, making it smaller than the Peloton Tread.

Although the track is a little short at 55 inches, the Echelon Stride is sleek and fashionable. The majority of the Stride’s competitors are 60 inches long. I had no issues because I’m short, but if you’re taller than six feet, you might need to change your running stride.Although the track is a little short at 55 inches, the Echelon Stride is sleek and fashionable. The majority of the Stride’s competitors are 60 inches long. I had no issues because I’m short, but if you’re taller than six feet, you might need to change your running stride.Although the track is a little short at 55 inches, the Echelon Stride is sleek and fashionable. The majority of rivals in the Stride’s price range are 60 inches long. As a short person, I encountered no problems, but if you’re taller (more than 6 feet tall), you may need to adjust your stride when running.

Unlike the Tread or Commercial 1750, the Echelon Stride does not have an HD screen. For use as a stand-alone treadmill, the Stride features a digital touch console instead. Along with eight pre-programmed workout options and multiple quick-select incline and speed buttons, the display shows all the standard metrics, including speed, distance, time, steps, and heart rate. I put an iPad running the Echelon Fit app in the tablet holder on the console (more on that below). You can keep your device charged by using the USB port located on the console’s backside.

In addition to two cup holders for water bottles (the Stride has a phone insert), the arms also have pulse monitors and buttons to increase/decrease speed and incline.The Stride’s auto-folding mechanism, which simplifies storage, is its best feature. Having a small space, as I do, is truly advantageous. Simply push down the arms and console to fold the Stride, then step on a lever to have the arms automatically drop to the track. It’s only about 10 inches thick when folded. The treadmill can be wheeled up against a wall or lowered to a vertical position to slide beneath furniture.

I assume that the Stride’s lack of an HD screen lowers its cost. However, the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si, which has a 10-inch display, costs roughly the same. If classes and beautiful scenery aren’t important to you, then a screen isn’t necessary. And in the Stride’s case, you can use your own tablet to access the Echelon app.

3.Bowflex Treadmill 22

Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has many auxiliary features, strong performance, and an excellent design and construction. I’ve run hundreds of miles on it while training for different events, making it the treadmill I use the most.

Compared to the machines at your gym, this high-end machine is just as large and robust, if not more so. The large 22-inch touchscreen makes watching workouts enjoyable, and I thought the running surface was spacious and comfortable. Additionally, you can watch Netflix or Disney Plus while running if you connect your streaming services via the JRNY app.

Although the treadmill has a two-month free trial, the JRNY app is necessary to get the most out of the device. JRNY does not provide in-person studio sessions.I never imagined having a tank in my spare room. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a true giant, larger and more robust than the ones you’ll find at your local gym. Because it weighs 336 pounds, you should take your time choosing where to put it because once you do, it will be there. The thought of getting rid of it from my house is too much for me to handle.

Sturdiness and durability are a direct result of that weight. The Treadmill 22 could undoubtedly withstand intense running for a considerable amount of time. The 400-pound maximum user weight may be the highest end of the range. Both the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and the Peloton Tread have a maximum weight of only 300 pounds.

With a running surface that is 60 inches long and 22 inches wide, the Bowflex should fit almost everyone. I assumed taller people would have to shorten their stride because of the Echelon Stride’s shorter track (55 inches).

The Bowflex’s sleek, black matte finish with red and silver accents gives it the appearance of a standard high-end treadmill. Only the screens on the Peloton Tread and the NordicTrack Commercial X22i can match the enormous 22-inch HD touchscreen, which is what really makes this device stand out. It’s enjoyable to follow along with classes, take beautiful walks, and even watch Netflix thanks to the bright display.

The Treadmill 22 also features extended grips with heart rate sensors, a media rack that can hold your phone or tablet, a USB port and the usual cup holders and safety key. The grips and the side arms both have convenient speed and incline controls, so you can adjust your pace without even touching the screen.

4.Technogym Run

Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

With top-notch hardware and software, the Technogym Run is the best commercial-standard treadmill available for the home, even though it costs at least twice as much as the majority of the treadmills on this list. The machine itself is designed to withstand years of continuous use. It can simulate weights of up to 121 pounds for sled push exercises, which are excellent for high-intensity interval training, and it has a very high top speed of 15.5 mph and a maximum inclination of 15%.

As a 6’6″ runner who frequently runs at speeds above 10 mph, I discovered that the treadmill’s slatted belt and open front provide a realistic and pleasurable running experience. The belt was also easily big enough to fit me. The treadmill also runs quietly at higher speeds, and changes speed and incline smoothly and quickly.

On the large 27-inch screen, you can watch Netflix or other streaming services, follow instructor-led workouts with the Technogym app, or even connect the screen to Zwift. With a wide range of entertainment options for your workouts and skill and technique sessions to help you become a better runner using the Technogym Run’s sled push mode, it’s a far more open app than Peloton’s.

Although you must pay $8.99 a month to unlock all of the app’s features, that is less than most subscriptions, and there is so much free content that I don’t believe you need to purchase a subscription in order to access the Technogym Run’s essential features.

Negative aspects of the Techongym Run are obvious. As a commercial standard machine it is large — you need to consider the height of your ceilings as well as floor space, because it stands quite high off the floor — and it’s very expensive. Technogym and others make better value machines, but if money is no object the Technogym Run is an incredible bit of kit.

5.NordicTrack Commercial x22i

Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

There’s a good reason why the NordicTrack Commercial x22i is so big; it’s not the best option if you’re short on space. The treadmill has a much wider range of inclination than most other home machines, ranging from -5% to 40%.

It peaks at 12 mph, like many of the other top treadmills, so you can really work on your leg strength and cardio fitness, especially if you turn the speed and incline up to maximum. During hill sprints, you can stay hydrated thanks to the convenient cupholder.

Because the small running deck has some cushioning for a comfortable bounce underfoot while you run, we discovered that the treadmill was a pleasure to use. Naturally, though, there is no denying the reality.that you need a lot of space to fit it in.

It has a sizeable footprint (70 x 39 x 72.5 inches) and it doesn’t fold either, so it’ll need a permanent space in your home. However, if you’ve got the room, the 22-inch display means you can access iFit’s virtual classes and workouts too, if you take out the $39 per month membership.

How to choose the best treadmill for you

How often will the treadmill be used?

If you live in a house full of runners and the treadmill is going to be used constantly, then a commercial-standard machine might be worth looking at for its extra durability. For occasional workouts that are quite short, then a more basic and affordable machine will work.

How big a running belt do you need?

The more expensive the treadmill, the more room you get to run, is a general rule when buying one. If you’re a taller or faster runner with a long stride length you will need to invest in a machine with a longer belt to not feel cramped, while walkers and shorter runners might be fine with a smaller belt.

What is a good treadmill speed for you?

Most of the treadmills on this list have a top speed of around 12 miles per hour, which is around a five-minute mile running pace. This should be fast enough for most runners, but if you’re particularly speedy, you might want something quicker. Cheaper treadmills might top out at lower speeds of eight to 10mph, so it’s worth checking that if you need a faster top speed for intervals.