The Best Compact Treadmills to Save Space in Your Home Gym
iStock
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.
While a treadmill for home can certainly help you meet your fitness goals, they’re one of the bulkiest pieces of exercise equipment. That doesn’t mean you can’t get one if you have limited space—it just means you have to be a little more discerning about which model you do get. The best compact treadmills fit into tighter spaces, but don’t force you to sacrifice the important features that you want. They still have powerful motors, high-quality construction and comfort features, like Bluetooth speakers and/or a fan.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up our top picks, from basic models designed for beginners to smart treadmills that connect you to full fitness libraries. Keep in mind that not all the options are folding treadmills (we have a separate guide for that), but they do take up less space than their full-size counterparts.
If you’re having trouble narrowing down the options, we’ve included a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best one for you based on features, construction, quality, motor and belt size. We’ve also answered some of the most commonly asked questions about compact treadmills.
Our Picks for the Best Compact Home Treadmill:
- Best Compact Folding Treadmill: Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill
- Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: Walking Pad Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill
- Best Compact Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
- Best Budget Compact Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP7i
- Best Smart Compact Treadmill: Echelon Stride-s Auto-Fold Smart Treadmill
- Best Compact Treadmill for Trainer-Led Workouts: ProForm City L6
- Best Compact Treadmill with Incline: Horizon T101 Treadmill
Best Compact Folding Treadmill: Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill
Echelon
Key Features:
- Auto-folding capabilities
- Eight preset workouts
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Speed: Zero to 12 miles per hour
- Incline: 12 levels
- Dimensions: 69 inches long x 31 inches wide X 49 inches high
There are many foldable treadmills, but in most cases, the belt comes up at an angle and still takes up a decent amount of vertical space. The Echelon Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill is unique in that it lies completely flat—the handlebars fold down instead of the belt—getting down to just 10 inches thick. And the process is automated too. All you have to do is press a button with your foot, and the handlebars will come down on their own. When you’re not using it, you can slide it under a bed or lean it against the wall to maximize your space.
While it’s one of the most compact treadmills on this list, you don’t have to sacrifice any features for size. It still has a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour and 12 incline levels, which is pretty standard for treadmills at this price point. As is, the treadmill comes with eight preset programs, but you can sign up for an Echelon membership to access more than 40 daily live classes and 3,000 on-demand workout programs. Note that this membership comes with an ongoing monthly fee. The treadmill has a basic LED display instead of a fancy touchscreen, but you can connect a tablet via Bluetooth to follow along with workout classes as you run (or walk).
Pros:
- Handrails fold down completely
- Hands-free, automatic folding
- Compatible with Echelon membership
Cons:
- No decline capabilities
- No screen
Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: Walking Pad Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill
Walking Pad
Key Features:
- Space-saving design
- Basic console
- Comes with remote
- Speed: Zero to 3.7 miles per hour
- Incline: N/A
- Dimensions: 56.4 inches long x 21.5 inches wide x 5.0 inches high
Under-desk treadmills are a genius solution to maximize small spaces (and get some cardio in during Zoom meetings). Because they don’t have handlebars, these treadmills can slide right under your standing desk when you’re using them, and under your bed when you’re not. The Walking Pad Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill is especially great because it also folds in half for storage, taking up even less space. When folded, its footprint drops to just 5.3 square feet.
Keep in mind that these types of treadmills are made just for walking. This one has a max speed of 3.7 miles per hour and no incline capabilities. A console on the machine itself displays basic metrics, like time, speed, distance, calories and steps, and you can control the acceleration with the included remote control. It accommodates up to 220 pounds and has a cushioning layer that also prevents slipping when you’re multitasking.
Pros:
- Folds in half for easy storage
- Comes with a remote for manual control
- Cushioning layer reduces pressure on the joints
Cons:
- Lower max speed
- Not as sturdy as full-size models
Best Compact Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
NordicTrack
Key Features:
- 3.6 CHP motor
- iFit-enabled
- Decline ability
- Speed: Zero to 12 miles per hour
- Incline: -3 to 15 percent
- Dimensions: 81 inches long x 39 inches wide x 59 inches high
As far as compact treadmills go, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is on the larger side, but it does have a folding deck that drastically minimizes its overall footprint. If you have a little more space to spare and want a fully functional treadmill, this is a good choice for you. One of NordicTrack’s most advanced models, this treadmill has an enormous 22-inch HD touchscreen that tilts and pivots so you can easily view it when you’re running on the treadmill. It has a generous incline of up to 15%, and it also declines down to -3 percent so it can more closely simulate running both up and downhill.
Check out our NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill review for more information!
The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is fully iFit-enabled so, with an iFit membership, you can access hundreds of on-demand workouts. It includes an Auto Adjust feature that allows personal trainers to adjust your speed and incline based on what’s going on during the workout. It can also automatically adjust speed and incline to maintain your optimal heart-rate zone (this feature does require a SmartBeat heart rate monitor which is sold separately). Other callouts features include a powerful 3.6 continuous horsepower (CHP) motor, Bluetooth speakers and a device holder.
Pros:
- Inclines and declines to simulate hill running
- Has auto adjustments to keep you in an optimal heart rate zone
- Large, immersive touchscreen
Cons:
- On the larger side
- Expensive
Best Budget Compact Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP7i
NordicTrack
Key Features:
- 3.0 CHP motor
- SpaceSaver design
- 7-inch HD touchscreen
- Speed: Zero to 12 miles per hour
- Incline: Zero to 12 percent
- Dimensions: 77.3 inches long x 35.3 inches wide x 59.6 inches high
The NordicTrack EXP7i isn’t the cheapest treadmill out there, but it’s the best value for your money. Many budget-friendly treadmills sacrifice features and can’t accommodate higher user weights, but this model offers a lot of the same specs as more expensive options. It has a max speed of 12 miles per hour and an incline range that goes up to 12 percent, plus a seven-inch HD touchscreen that lets you follow along with the built-in workouts or iFit if you have a subscription.
The 3.0-CHP motor can accommodate faster speeds, while the cushioned running deck helps with shock absorption as you run. It has the same SpaceSaver folding mechanism as other, more expensive NordicTrack treadmill models—the running belt folds up to minimize floor space. And it also includes other standard treadmill features, like a workout fan, tablet holder and Bluetooth-compatible speakers.
Pros:
- Cushioned running surface is easier on the joints
- Easy to fold
- Quiet motor
Cons:
- Some users say the motor can lag at higher speeds
Best Smart Compact Treadmill: Echelon Stride-s Auto-Fold Smart Treadmill
Echelon
Key Features:
- Lie-flat design
- Auto-folding capabilities
- Bluetooth 5.0 and USB ports
- Speed: 0.5 to 12 miles per hour
- Incline: 12 levels
- Dimensions: 74 inches long x 31 inches wide x 53 inches high
The Echelon Stride-s Auto-Fold Smart Treadmill is the smart version of our best overall pick. It has the same incline settings (up to 12 levels) and top speed (up to 12 miles per hour) range, but with a more powerful 3.5-horsepower motor. That translates to 2.0 CHP, which can accommodate faster speeds and a higher weight capacity without lagging.
It also has a longer running deck and the addition of a 10-inch HD touchscreen, which makes following along with on-demand and live workouts easier. There’s advanced connectivity too—this model supports Bluetooth 5.0 for both audio and a heart rate monitor. If you want to forego Bluetooth, you can use the included USB port to listen to music or charge your phone while you run. Like the other Echelon model, the Stride-s also has a lie-flat design and auto-folding capabilities—lift up the handrails and press the button, and it will shrink down to just 10 inches tall.
Pros:
- Folds automatically by pressing a button
- Shrinks down to just 10 inches tall
- Touchscreen included so you don’t have to connect a tablet
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a decline option
Best Compact Treadmill for Trainer-Led Workouts: ProForm City L6
ProForm
Key Features:
- 1.6-CHP motor
- 8 MPH top speed
- Lie-flat design
- Speed: 0 to 8 miles per hour
- Incline: N/A
- Dimensions: 70.25 inches long x 29 inches wide x 44.5 inches high
The ProForm City L6 is a hidden gem, especially for the budget-friendly price. You’ll save some money on the initial cost since it doesn’t have its own touchscreen. Instead, you can set your tablet up on the built-in device holder to follow along with hundreds of on-demand or interactive trainer-led home workouts (with an iFit membership). If you choose interactive workouts, your trainer will be able to control your treadmill’s speed remotely. If things are heating up too quickly, you can also override the speed control and change it yourself.
The 1.6-CHP motor is a little less powerful than the others on this list, so this compact home treadmill caps out at a top speed of 8 MPH. But that’s about a 7.5-minute mile, which will work for most casual runners. When you’re not using it, it folds flat—the handrails come down to meet the running belt—so you can stow it away completely out of sight.
Pros:
- Folds completely flat for easier storage
- Compatible with iFit
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- Less powerful motor
- No incline capabilities
Best Compact Treadmill with Incline: Horizon T101 Treadmill
Horizon
Key Features:
- Three-zone running deck
- Quick dials on handles
- Basic console display
- Speed: Zero to 10 miles per hour
- Incline: Up to 10 percent
- Dimensions: 71 inches long x 34 inches wide x 57 inches high
In some cases, you have to sacrifice incline capabilities for a compact design, but the Horizon T101 has most of the features of a full-size treadmill with a much smaller footprint. It offers speeds of up to 10 miles per hour and an incline range that caps at 10 percent. Both speed and incline can be easily controlled via quick dials on the edge of each handle, or directly on the console.
To keep the price down, Horizon Fitness didn’t include an LCD screen on this treadmill, but it has a basic display that shows metrics like time, speed, distance and calories. There are also five pre-programmed workouts, plus a manual mode that lets you adjust speed and incline on your own. The running deck is cushioned to help reduce fatigue, with firmer cushioning in the push-off zone and softer cushioning where your feet land. The T101 folds for storage when you’re not using it, and has wheels so you can roll it to the side of the room if you need to save some space.
Pros:
- Deck is designed to reduce fatigue as you run
- Speed and incline can be quickly changed via handlebards
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- No touchscreen
Benefits of a Compact Treadmill
The biggest benefit of a compact treadmill is that it takes up less space than its full-size counterpart. Because of this, it’s a good option for those who prefer a treadmill over another piece of cardio equipment (like a compact elliptical), but have limited space. Because they’re smaller, they’re often lighter and easier to move out of the way than traditional treadmills. Many of them also fold for easier storage, so if you don’t have a dedicated place to put them, you can more easily move them out of the way.
Additionally, many compact treadmills are less expensive than more feature-rich options. This makes them a good choice for those shopping on a budget who don’t really care about large screens or extra features. Of course, because they’re a cardio machine, compact treadmills offer the same health benefits of regular treadmills, like better heart health.
How to Choose the Best Compact Treadmill for You
While there are many good compact treadmill options to choose from, what works for someone else may not work for you. Here are some things to consider before landing on your choice.
Consider your needs and goals
The right home treadmill for you depends on how you want to use it. For example, if you’re mostly sedentary now and your goal is weight loss, you can get away with a machine that has a lower top speed. If you’re an avid runner and you’re trying to beat your PR, you’ll need a treadmill that can go faster.
The same is true for advanced features, like touchscreens and connectivity. If you want to sign up for a fitness app membership and follow along with trainer-led workouts, you may want a large touchscreen on your treadmill. If you don’t care about that and you’d prefer to save some money, you can forego the screen in favor of a more budget-friendly price tag.
If you don’t have a dedicated space for a new cardio machine, you might need a treadmill that folds completely flat so you can put it under your bed when you’re not using it. If you do have a home gym or corner you can dedicate to a treadmill, a model that doesn’t fold may work well for you.
Before choosing a treadmill, write down a list of your must-haves and make sure you get a model that matches your needs.
Size
When shopping for a compact home treadmill, size is one of the most important considerations. Measure the space where you want to put it and then make sure the treadmill has dimensions that work for it. Consider the overhead clearance too. Some treadmills are propped up higher than others, and you want to make sure your head won’t hit the ceiling when you’re running.
Belt length
The belt length ties into your desired speed and height. If you’re planning to walk only, you can get away with a shorter treadmill belt. However, if you want to run, you’ll need to make sure the belt is at least 48 inches long. If you’re six feet or taller, ideally you’ll need a belt that’s at least 52 inches.
Motor
Treadmill motors are typically listed two ways: as peak horsepower (HP) or continuous horsepower (CHP). Peak horsepower is the maximum power a treadmill can reach. Continuous horsepower is the power it can consistently maintain during heavy use. You typically want to look at continuous horsepower, since that’s a better measure of how it will perform when you’re actually using it. In general, the higher the continuous horsepower, the faster your machine will go. Higher CHP treadmills also usually have stronger motors, so they can handle higher weight capacities without stalling or lagging.
Extra features
There are plenty of extra features to consider too. Do you want a device holder and a workout fan? What about Bluetooth connectivity and/or USB ports? In addition to looking at speed and incline ranges, dig into the specs to see what extra features the model you’re considering has.
Warranty
You should also think about the warranty. Treadmills can be a big investment and you want to make sure you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Most warranties offer different periods of coverage for varying parts. For example, the belt may be covered for three years, while the motor is protected for 10. Read the warranty’s fine print and make sure you’re comfortable with the coverage offered.
How we Chose the Best Compact Treadmill
When narrowing down our picks, we considered all of the points mentioned above, plus construction and overall quality, size and price.
Construction and quality
Buying a smaller treadmill doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice quality. We made sure that every option on our list has a solid construction and a durable frame, like steel and aluminum, that’s built to stand up to continuous use. We also made sure the belt was made of a high-quality rubber that won’t break down with regular wear and tear.
Size and storage
All the treadmills on our list are smaller than full-size options, and/or can fold for storage when not in use. We also considered whether you could wheel it out of sight when not using it. Some full-size treadmills are really heavy and, even though they have wheels, they can be really cumbersome to move. All the options on our list can be wheeled out of the way, if needed.
Price
Price is always a consideration when recommending products. We made sure that the compact treadmills we chose appeal to a wide range of budgets. To do this, we included options with different levels of features and technology.
FAQs
What is the smallest size treadmill you can buy?
The smallest size treadmill you can buy is a walking pad that’s about 56 inches long, 22 inches wide and five inches tall. These treadmills don’t have handrails, but they can slide under your desk when you’re using them and under your bed when you’re not. Keep in mind that they don’t have the same top speeds or weight capacities as full-size treadmills.
Are small treadmills worth it?
Yes, as long as you choose one with a powerful enough motor and a sturdy construction that doesn’t shake under your weight when you try to use it. Some small treadmills sacrifice quality for size, but the options on our list are all good choices.
Is there such a thing as a mini treadmill?
There are very small treadmills, often called mini treadmills, available. These treadmills may be smaller than the compact options on our list, but they’re lacking in quality and only work well for a small subset of the population. If you weigh less than 200 pounds and don’t want to go faster than 5 MPH, they may be a good option for you.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a compact treadmill, you have to be extra discerning about quality. Many smaller treadmills are built with lower quality materials and less powerful motors that negatively affect the overall performance. When building our list, we made sure that the options could live up to the speed and power of larger-size treadmills, and accommodate most users. Whether you’re looking for a slim option that can slide right under your bed, or a foldable treadmill with as many tech features as possible, we’ve got you covered.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
