The 12 Best Treadmills for Every Type of Runner
Running inside may never be fun, but it doesn't have to suck.
Running inside may never bring the rush of an outdoor workout, but new treadmills pack so many powerful training tools, cool interactive elements, and performance features that they are more appealing than ever. Plus, you can't beat the convenience of jumping on a good treadmill, especially during yucky winter conditions.
While a solid treadmill with a variety of programming and interactive features can set you back $1,000 or more, the investment will pay dividends for many years as you bank miles and workouts you might otherwise have missed. We put 26 of the newest models through their paces to find the top 12 based on their quality, features, and affordability. Whether you're upgrading an older model or searching for your first treadmill, one of these will suit your needs.
Why Run on a Treadmill at All
Why would you want to get a treadmill for your home or run on one in a gym when you can just go outside? There are several key benefits that logging miles on the treadmill brings.
Treadmills are safe and convenient. No rain and no slick surfaces to deal with when it’s winter, and your body doesn’t need as long to warm up when it is frigid out. If you don’t want to run when it is super dark in the morning or evening, jumping on a treadmill at home or in the gym is a great alternative that allows you to focus on the workout ahead.
You can simulate your race better. If you live in a flat region but have a hilly course coming up, a treadmill can let you mimic the course with its incline setting. Some newer treadmills (like some listed below) even allow you to pre-load real course profiles and will automatically adjust the incline to follow the course. (Some with larger screens even show the entire route as a course preview.)
It may help your form. Some research shows that runners have reduced stride lengths and higher stride frequencies (turnover) on a treadmill as compared with ground running. You could also use the treadmill on speed workouts to hit intended time goals, since you have no choice but to run at the speed that you have put into the machine. (Just be safe, possibly attaching the safety key to your clothing so that if you slip the treadmill will stop automatically.)
What's New in 2018
Gone are the days of staring an LED representation of a 400-meter track, watching your little blinking dot complete laps. The newest treadmills, even at the budget level, are packed with entertainment and coaching options—usually delivered via touchscreen tablets embedded into the consoles. At higher prices, you'll find larger displays that let you take advantage of new video courses. Manufacturers are increasingly using real-world footage of exotic locations, sometimes with a coach serving as tour guide, to help you beat the boredom. Even Woodway, which has been focused on training at the highest levels, has expanded its machines with consoles that let you stream video and get interactive coaching.
NordicTrack Commercial 2950
Interactive coaching and virtual runs anywhere around the globe
Price: $2,999
Running Surface 22"W x 60"L; Max Speed 12 mph; Max Incline 15%; Max Decline 3%; Programs 40 Motor 4.25 HP
The Good: Testers loved the enormous 22-inch touchscreen display and broad range of coaching options. “It actually kept me engaged in the running rather than droning music and TV,” says Pat Heine, video producer for Runner’s World and an ultrarunner. “The trail climb I did had a lot of speed and incline variation that felt natural.” To accomplish that, the treadmill taps into the iFit programming platform, where you can get guided video lessons from coaches like elite runner Tommy Rivers Puzey. His guided run through Patagonia leads you along scenic trails, while the machine automatically adjusts the incline and speed to make the experience feel realistic. Is it? Well, no. But the large display helps you forget that you’re stuck in your basement on a cold winter night. We just wish you could use it to stream Netflix, too.
Our testers were impressed by the two powerful console-mounted fans, one that points at your upper chest, while the other is pointed at your torso.
Woodway 4Front
A sturdy, quiet option for high mileage and serious training
Price: $13,145 BUY NOW
WOODWAY
Running Surface 20"W x 68"L; Max Speed 15 mph; Max Incline 15%; Max Decline 0%; Programs 50+; Motor 2.0 CHP, 5 HP peak
This tank has long been the gold standard at some of the best gyms around the country. Credit that to its rock-solid build. This thing is heavy. And it uses a heavy-duty belt that resembles the caterpillar track found on construction vehicles, but delivers the most realistic road feel you’re going to find on any treadmill. The boardwalk-like slats flow smoothly underfoot, thanks to a ball-bearing design, and will last your entire running life.
Don’t be fooled by the big, modern entertainment system on the newest 4Front, this machine is still a serious training tool at its core. “I could have continued running on this for 7 miles—if I had a fan,” said Test Editor Amanda Furrer. “My steps were so quiet on the belt and the transitions were smooth.” There are no quick keys that allow you to jump from one speed to another, but you can program your workouts ahead of time and the machine adjusts speed and incline exceptionally fast.
The big, 20-inch touchscreen lets you stream video from services like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube. You can also opt to run in “real” locations like San Francisco or virtual worlds. But there's no speakers or fans, so you'll need to supply your own.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
An affordable option with solid coaching and entertainment features
Price: $1,599 BUY NOW
NORDICTRACK
Running Surface 20"W x 60"L; Max Speed 12 mph; Max Incline 15%; Max Decline 3%; Programs 38; Motor 3.6 HP
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Bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat the new 1750. This machine features all of the convenience options you find on NordicTrack machines—like quick keys to jump to a particular speed or incline with a single tap. “They let me adjust speed instead of pounding the arrows while at times holding on for dear life,” says Test Editor Amanda Furrer.
Testers found the 22-by-60 inch running surface spacious enough for high-speed intervals, and the machine’s deck remained stable as they cranked up the speed. The cushioning underfoot is just slightly bouncy, though not adjustable, and the machine responds quickly to changes of speed and incline. The iFit training workouts work great, but don't let you adjust duration or intensity on the fly.
Instead of a huge monitor, like on the 2950, you get a 7-inch console-mounted tablet that's just a shade larger than the iPhone XS Max’s display. But, if you’re looking for a solidly built machine that gives you the option of having personal training and interactive coaching, and adjusts its speed and incline automatically, this machine is the front runner.
NordicTrack C 990
Affordable option for runners who value interactive training
Price: $1,099 BUY NOW
NORDICTRACK
Running Surface 20"W x 60"L; Max Speed 12 mph; Max Incline 12%; Programs 32; Motor 3.0 HP
You might be tempted to pick up a cheap ‘mill if you’ll only use it for occasional jogs or walks. Resist that urge and get one with a quality frame like this one that saves you cash by skipping some of the fancy extras you’ll find on pricier machines. Designed for smaller spaces, it has a more compact footprint than many other models and it folds up tightly. For some runners, that means the 20-inch-wide running surface is going to feel more cramped—especially at a quick pace. But for most easy running speeds, there’s plenty of space. The belt is still 60 inches long, so you can stride out.
Like all NordicTrack machines, the C 990 has quick keys alongside the display, so you can easily jab a single button to set your incline and speed. That’s especially helpful during interval workouts.
LifeSpan TR5500i
Everything you need to hit your daily goals
Price: $1,699 BUY NOW
LIFESPAN
Running Surface 22"W x 60"L; Max Speed 13.5 mph; Max Incline 13%; Max Decline2%; Programs 46; Motor 4.0 HP
Buried beneath a plain-Jane console is a powerful training tool with 46 preconfigured workouts. Using the free Active Trac smartphone app, you can save your session data and share it to sites like Endomondo and Strava. The machine counts your steps (based on the strain each footfall places on the motor) so you get credit in fitness apps like Apple Health and Google Fit. It's 13.5mph max speed is uncommon at this price, but the deck can get a little shaky at that pace. The deck also raises and lowers slower than other models, but gets the job done with a little extra time.
Precor TRM 223
Just jump on and hit go
Price: $2,699 BUY NOW
PRECOR
Running Surface 20"W x 57"L; Max Speed 12 mph; Max Incline 15%; Programs: 9; Motor 3.0 HP
The sleek, black console is free of clutter and extra buttons, which should appeal to task-focused runners. An LCD screen with a Tetris-like display of blocks shows you the workout underway, while the most important metrics like time, distance, and pace are always displayed in big, easy-to-see digits.
“It has a simple design,” says RW Video Producer Derek Call. “It doesn’t have an overwhelming number of options—just what you need, like hill and interval workouts.”
There's a lot to like about this one, but the 20-inch-wide belt is on the narrower side, which may be a concern for some runners.
BH Fitness S7Ti
Robust frame and nice companion training apps
Price: $2,999 BUY NOW
BH FITNESS
Running Surface 22"W x 62"L; Max Speed 13.5 mph; Max Incline: 12%; Programs: 15; Motor: 4.0 HP
Testers liked the simplicity of the machine—hop on, mash the “Quick Start” button, and run. It has very few added features, but you can pair it via Bluetooth to the BH Trainer iOS or Android app for real-time coaching, workout stats, and prompts when you need to alter your pace or incline (you have to push buttons on the console).
An “eco” function reduces power consumption by adjusting the incline—you run at the same effort but put less strain on the motor and cut your electric bill. The high-quality steel frame with black powder-coating finish proved sturdy even at higher speeds. Oddly, the machine only shows distance to the nearest tenth of a mile—4.39 miles reads as 4.3— but displays calories burned to the tenth—372.8 calories. Who needs to know they burned a fraction of a calorie?
Woodway Curve FTG
Powerful tools for HIIT and form training
Price: $8,945 BUY NOW
WOODWAY
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Running Surface 17"W x 67"L; Max Speed: N/A; Max Incline None; Programs: 50+; Motor None
Get ready to sweat. This curved treadmill doesn’t have a motor—you power the belt with every stride. The curved treadmill takes some time to get used to, as you have to engage the muscles in your glutes and hamstrings to keep the belt moving smoothly. But, once you get the hang of it you can accelerate quickly for high-speed interval workouts.
Mounted on the left handrail are plus and minus buttons that let you dial in 20 levels of resistance. At its toughest settings, you’ll need to be a linebacker who does sled drills to get the belt to budge; at the lowest setting, the belt spins easier, but distance runners might still find it too taxing for their easy days. Set it somewhere in between for HIIT workouts.
The entertainment options are the same as on the 4Front. You can watch videos from Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, or surf the Internet. Though with a 10-inch display, you might be better off setting up a separate television for your TV watching.
Landice L8 Cardio
So quiet you won't wake sleeping babies
Price: $5,450 BUY NOW
LANDICE
Running Surface 22"W x 63"L; Max Speed 12 mph; Max Incline 15%; Programs 20; Motor 4.0 HP
This thing focuses on what’s important: the feel of the run. In testing, it proved to be the quietest, and the thick four-ply belt made for ninja-like footfalls. The L8 is also fast to respond to speed and incline changes; runners were shocked at how quickly it reacted to big variations when doing intervals. They also liked how the display flashed until the belt reached its destination, so you know when you’ve reached your desired speed or slope. You'll need to supply your own fan, though. The tiny one it comes with is useless.
Unlike other machines, the L8 lets you hit top speed and incline at the same time—the potentially dangerous combo would tax even the world’s best mountain runners in just minutes. Our test model came with the “cardio console” (four setups are available), which prioritizes heart-rate-based training programs.
TrueForm Runner
Made for competitive runners and track racers.
Price: $5,695 BUY NOW
TRUEFORM RUNNER
Running Surface: 17"W x 64"L; Max Speed: N/A; Max Incline: None; Programs: None; Motor: None
The TrueForm Runner looks much like the Woodway Curve, and is powered the same way—you are the motor that drives the belt by engaging your backside muscles. It’s hand-built in the USA with a rock-solid frame and realistic running surface that lasts far longer than a typical treadmill belt. Plus, with no motor or electrical components, there are fewer parts to break down over the life of the machine.
Our test model had a running track surface, which allowed us to train in spikes for a mile race, but it’s also available with a rubberized belt or a turf surface (football and soccer players can warm up in cleats rather than by pedaling a bike). Just stay focused—the 17-inch running surface is the narrowest of the models we tested.
True Fitness Alpine Runner
Its incline tops out at a staggering 30 percent
Price: $8,399 BUY NOW
TRUE FITNESS
Running Surface 22"W x 60"L; Max Speed 12 mph; Max Incline 30%; Max Decline 3%; Programs 38; Motor 4.0 HP
This is a mountain runner’s dream machine. The obvious reason to buy this is because it tops out at 30 percent incline, but all of our testers were wowed by its rock-solid build: The nearly 600-pound frame doesn’t wobble a bit, whether on the level or fully raised. The incline motor cranks out enough power to travel from one extreme to the other in as little time as machines with half the incline, yet it did so smoothly.
Our test model came with the Transcend 16 touchscreen console with a built-in HDTV tuner and a bunch of workouts, including climbs up famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the St. Louis Arch. Just give yourself room. With the deck raised to 30 percent, your feet will be nearly level with the console and your head will be in the rafters—you need at least 10-foot ceilings.
Life Fitness Platinum Club Series
One of the sturdiest treadmills you can buy
Price: $8,999 BUY NOW
Running Surface: 22"W x 60"L; Max Speed: 12 mph; Max Incline: 15%; Programs: 42; Motor: 4.0 HP
LIFE FITNESS
This health-club quality ’mill weighs a ton and won’t shake no matter how hard you’re stomping—it’s rated for users up to 400 pounds. The 19-inch Discover SE3 console is just as impressive in size, with cool interactive courses—you can chase virtual runners in places like Monterey, California—and the ability to stream Netflix and Hulu.
New this year is Apple GymKit integration, so you can sync your Apple Watch. Once connected, the treadmill and your watch share data like heart rate, distance, speed, and incline, so what you see on the machine's console is what is recorded on your watch. Unless you have a few weightlifter friends and are willing to spend many hours screwing in small bolts, pay for the professional delivery and installation.