Although most of us at Garage Gym Reviews are hardcore obsessed with fitness, we still all appreciate walking. Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise that’s inclusive and accessible to almost everyone. There are major benefits, too: A meta-analysis from 20221, which analyzed 15 studies that included more than 50,000 participants from across the world, found that 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day decreased the risk of premature death in middle-aged adults. That’s enough to get us stepping!
That’s why we’ve tested more than 50 of the best treadmills for walking to give you the best option for your home gym needs. Our team includes marathon runners, step-count enthusiasts, certified personal trainers, and seasoned triathletes. We assess these machines on factors that include the following:
- Durability: We look for weight capacity above 300 pounds, a strong motor, and minimal movement during use.
- Speed and Incline Range: We assess whether the customizations will accommodate most users and their fitness goals.
- Programming: We score a product on its ability to deliver quality workout programs to the user.
- Ergonomics: We look for perks like cushioned decks and spacious running surfaces.
We use our fitness equipment testing methodology to rate products in categories such as these on a 1-5 scale, landing on a final score that informs how we choose the best.
Best Treadmills for Walking
- Best Overall Walking Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
- Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: Sole F63
- Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad Folding Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: ProForm Carbon TLX
- Best Commercial Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Best Walking Treadmill Under $500: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
- Best Budget Walking Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
- Best Under Desk Treadmill for Walking: UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
Best Treadmill for Walking Video Review
Compare Side-by-Side
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| Horizon 7.0 AT | Sole F63 | WalkingPad P1 | ProForm Carbon TLX | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | Goplus 2-in-1 | Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 | UREVO Strol 2E Smart Treadmill | |
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Rating
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| Speed Range | 0.5 – 12 mph | 0.5 – 12 mph | 0.5 – 3.75 mph | 0 – 12 mph | 0 – 12 mph | 1 – 8 mph | 0.5 – 9 mph | 0.6 – 7.6 mph |
| Incline Range | 0-15% | 15 levels | N/A | 0% – 12% | -3% – 12% | N/A | 3 manual settings | N/A |
| Deck Size | 60″ L x 22″ W | 60″ L x 20″ W | 47.24″ L x 16.5″ W | 60″ L x 20″ W | 60″ L x 22″ W | 40″ L x 16″ W | 49″ L x 15.5″ W | 40″ L x 17″ W |
| Foldable? | — | |||||||
| Programs | 8 preset programs | Sole+ app (must use your own device) | N/A | iFIT | iFIT | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Display | 7.25″ high contrast LCD screen | 6.5″ backlit LCD | N/A | 7″ high contrast, multi-color | Pivoting 16″ touchscreen | LED screen | LCD screen | LED screen |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame and motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame and motor; 2-year parts, deck, and wear items; 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | 1-year comprehensive | 10-year frame, 1-year parts and labor | Lifetime motor, 10-year frame, 2-year parts and electronics, 1-year labor | 3-month comprehensive | 3-year structural frame, 180-day other parts and components | 1-year comprehensive |
Best Overall Walking Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Good for: People who want an all-around solid walking treadmill
For under $1,000, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option for people who want to use their treadmill to run.
What our tester says:
“If you are looking for a solid, durable machine to run on, check this one out.”
Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: Sole F63
Good for: Those looking for a durable incline treadmill
The Sole F63 Treadmill is an affordable option for people who want a powerful, reliable machine that folds without breaking their budget.
What our tester says:
“I feel like any new and beginner athlete that wants to get into a more cardiovascular based training would love this treadmill, especially if they had a little bit more money to spend on one.”
Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad Folding Treadmill
Good for: Those in really tight spaces
The WalkingPad is another great option for people who want a way to walk while doing another activity.
What our tester says:
“I have used it daily in the winter/spring/when the weather is inclement for the last 1.5 years and have defintitly gotten my money’s worth.”
Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: ProForm Carbon TLX
Good for: Anyone who prefers a folding treadmill to save space
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.
What our tester says:
“Even though it says that it weighs 249 pounds in the box, I thought it moved just as easily as a high-quality, more expensive treadmill.”
Best Commercial Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Good for: People who want more of a heavy-duty option
If you’re looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. It’s one of the few treadmills that has decline training capabilities and is compatible with iFIT, one of the best training programs.
What our tester says:
“Overall this feels like a sturdy machine while remaining somewhat stylish – the update to the machine in terms of aesthetic is much appreciated.”
Best Walking Treadmill Under $500: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Good for: People who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a compact treadmill for walking.
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.
What our tester says:
“The 40-inch deck is far too short for proper running form. I’d stick to walking.”
Best Budget Walking Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400)
Good for: People who need an inexpensive home treadmill for walking that is easy to use
The SF-T4400 is a great budget walking treadmill that can be easily folded and used in small spaces.
What our tester says:
“The shock absorbers did an excellent job at reducing impact. I was impressed considering the price.”
Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Walking: UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
Good for: People who work at a desk all day who want to get more daily movement in
If you are looking for a foldable treadmill for under $500, the UREVO 2 in 1 is a great option for you.
What our tester says:
“Works for walking but it wasn’t comfortable for me to even take full strides at 5’9″.”
Other Treadmills We Researched
Besides our top walking treadmill picks, we’ve researched some other competitors you may be interested in learning more about. Check them out below:
- Costway Super Fit Treadmill: For another cheap walking treadmill recommendation, the Costway Super Fit Treadmill might fit the bill. This under desk treadmill has a 2.25 CHP motor, and is a good option for those who need a cardio machine under $400.
- Horizon Fitness T202: The T202 has a generously sized deck of 60 inches, making it an ideal walking treadmill for taller people. Plus, with incline options up to 12%, doing a serious incline walk is easy with a few presses of a button. We have a full Horizon T202 treadmill review if you want more info on this machine.
- XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill: Another affordable walking treadmill is the TR150, which can easily be ordered on Amazon with free delivery for everyone. This machine also has three incline settings and multiple programs at your fingertips.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Treadmills for Walking
After researching some of the most popular walking treadmills, we decided to get our hands on a few ourselves. Well, actually, we have put more than 50 treadmills through our in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology.
Before we recommend any product to our readers, we thoroughly test it, and you can be sure we will tell you both the good and bad about each piece of equipment.
Besides looking at the technical information, we put each treadmill through a variety of tests. We like to see how it performs with people of various heights and weights as well as with workouts that involve walking, running, or sprinting.
In terms of walking treadmills, we look at the following criteria when testing:
Footprint and Portability
You don’t need a huge machine if you just want to walk. However, we score treadmills high in this area if they are compact and easy to move. If they are bigger machines, they can still score well if they have features that help with moving, like transport wheels, foldability, and handles.
Durability
There are a few ways we measure durability. First, we look at the overall weight capacity. We like to see treadmills with a weight capacity of 300 pounds or more. We also like when these machines have quality motors that run at least 1.75 CHP or higher for walkers.
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Assembly
We give preference to walking treadmills for which the assembly doesn’t take the equivalent of the blood of three baby kittens and a human sacrifice to complete. In other words: You can put it together yourself, or you have the option to pay for professional assembly.
Customizations
Our expert product testers look for signs that you’ll be able to customize your workout on a treadmill that provides options for speed settings and incline. We give priority to machines where this can be done by the touch of a button.
Ergonomics
For walking, you don’t necessarily need a 60-inch deck, because for most people, their strides will never come near to taking up that much room. So we favor machines with at least a 50-inch walking surface as well as those that offer cushioning for joint protection.C
Conveniences
Even budget-friendly treadmills offer extras like:
- Water bottle holders
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Tablet holders
- Cooling fans
Tech and Programming
We don’t put as much emphasis on the tech and programming of walking treadmills, because most people just want to get in their steps. However, we still rate a machine on its ability to provide you with a solid workout experience.
Value
Does the price match the quality of the machine?

Benefits of Walking Treadmills
It’s no secret that exercise of almost any kind has a host of benefits. Check out some of the top reasons you should purchase a walking treadmill and some treadmill benefits:
Improving Cardiovascular Health
Shocker: you don’t have to sprint for an hour and a half on the treadmill to reap the cardiovascular benefits. In fact, studies have shown2 that consistent walking habits can play a key role in increasing your heart health (and disease prevention!).
“Walking is often underrated due to misconceptions about its intensity and the emphasis on high-intensity workouts,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “Despite this, walking offers significant health benefits, including cardiovascular and mental well-being improvements, and it’s accessible to people of all different fitness levels.”
Reducing Arthritis Pain
Walking on the treadmill can be a surprisingly good way to reduce arthritis pain because it allows you to exercise without doing a high-impact form of exercise like running or jumping.
Aiding Weight Loss
There is no magic secret to weight loss—you simply must consume fewer calories than you burn in a day. However, walking on a treadmill can help you burn more calories than sitting on your couch. So the next time you feel like watching TV but still want to get your sweat on, why not do both at the same time?
Hitting Your Daily Step Goal
If you’re trying to hit a certain number of steps per day, walking on the treadmill while doing other activities is a great way to meet your goal. For example, an under-desk treadmill like the UREVO can be a slow but steady way to hit those 10,000 steps per day.
Do you need to hit that magical 10K number? Not necessarily. According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, while the recommended daily step count is between 7,000 to 10,000 steps, this can vary based on individual needs.
“It’s important to prioritize the quality of activity over sheer step count,” he explains. “The ultimate goal is to stay active and lead a healthy lifestyle.”
RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Walk 10,000 Steps?
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Walking Treadmill
With so many treadmills on the market, how the heck are you supposed to decide what will be the best option for your personal home gym? We break it all down with some of the top things to consider before making your big purchase.
RELATED: Best Home Gym Equipment
Budget
Generally speaking, cardio equipment isn’t exactly cheap. However, walking treadmills can be slightly cheaper than something like the best treadmill for running. Curious why? Usually, it has to do with things like a longer deck, a thicker belt, and an increased motor capacity when you’re looking for a treadmill for running. Luckily, a treadmill you just plan to use for walking doesn’t necessarily need all the extra bells and whistles, so these can be slightly less of a concern.
Size
If you’re tight on space, seeing how large the treadmill is when fully unfolded is an important step. Verify that the space you’d like to use is compatible with a treadmill’s unfolded footprint. You can generally view that information for a specific item on the “specs” section of a product’s page.
Foldability and Stowability
Many of the best walking treadmills I would recommend are foldable (yay!). If it is important to you that your treadmill can be folded and stowed away when not in use, you won’t want to pick a walking treadmill that cannot be folded like the TrueForm Trainer. Be sure to check if your prospective treadmill has wheels that can make moving it easier.

Features
Different features are important to different people. Things to consider include cup holders, Bluetooth speakers, heart rate monitors, programming, and device holders.
Incline
For those who like to walk on an incline, make sure your treadmill has these options available. Some of the more budget-friendly options may not come with the ability to change inclines.
Deck Size
Generally speaking, an ideal deck size to support walking, jogging, and running would be around 55 to 60 inches. However, if you plan to use your treadmill exclusively for walking, the length of the deck will likely matter less to you (unless you are over 6 feet tall). If you are on the taller side, getting a treadmill with at least a 55-inch deck will best support you, even if you only plan to use your treadmill for walking.

FAQs about Walking Treadmills
What length of treadmill do I need for walking?
Depending on your height (and stride length), you ideally want a treadmill with at least a 50-inch running surface. If you’re on the taller side, you may want an even longer treadmill belt between 55 and 60 inches.
Can I get a great walking treadmill on Amazon?
Yes, multiple treadmills mentioned in this roundup are available for purchase on Amazon. Both the UREVO and the Goplus can be bought through the links provided above.
What metrics are important for me to be able to see on a walking treadmill?
This is 100% personal preference. If you’re simply looking for a machine to get some steps in, the metrics available to you are less important. However, things like distance traveled, time elapsed, and calories burned are common stats to have on a walking treadmill.
How do I choose a treadmill for walking?
Here are some of the main factors to consider when looking to purchase a treadmill:
-Size
-Foldability
-Features
-Stowability
-Incline
-Deck Size
-Budget
Are treadmills good for beginners?
I would recommend a treadmill to almost anyone. Everyone has to start somewhere. Keep in mind that you don’t have to run on a treadmill; you can use it to simply walk and build your movement endurance.
What are some high-end brands that make treadmills for home use?
Some brands that make treadmills include Peloton, NordicTrack, and Bowflex. If you’re looking for a machine that has a lot of extras like pre-loaded workout programs, an HD touchscreen, and a higher decline/incline range, these brands will deliver.
RELATED: Best Treadmill Workouts
Is walking on the treadmill as good as walking on the ground?
Walking on a treadmill might be better than walking on the ground because you can increase the speed and, depending on what type of treadmill you have, walk on an incline or a decline.
What is the best speed to use for walking on the treadmill?
The best speed to use for walking on a treadmill is about 3 miles per hour, though that can change based on your fitness levels and experience.
References
- Amanda E Paluch, Shivangi Bajpai, David R Bassett, Mercedes R Carnethon, Ulf Ekelund, Kelly R Evenson, Deborah A Galuska, Barbara J Jefferis, William E Kraus, I-Min Lee, Charles E Matthews, John D Omura, Alpa V Patel, Carl F Pieper, Erika Rees-Punia, Dhayana Dallmeier, Jochen Klenk, Peter H Whincup, Erin E Dooley, Kelley Pettee Gabriel, Priya Palta, Lisa A Pompeii, Ariel Chernofsky, Martin G Larson, Ramachandran S Vasan, Nicole Spartano, Marcel Ballin, Peter Nordström, Anna Nordström, Sigmund A Anderssen, Bjørge H Hansen, Jennifer A Cochrane, Terence Dwyer, Jing Wang, Luigi Ferrucci, Fangyu Liu, Jennifer Schrack, Jacek Urbanek, Pedro F Saint-Maurice, Naofumi Yamamoto, Yutaka Yoshitake, Robert L Newton, Shengping Yang, Eric J Shiroma, Janet E Fulton. Daily steps and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis of 15 international cohorts. The Lancet Public Health, 2022; 7 (3): e219 DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(21)00302-9
- Murtagh, E. M., Murphy, M. H., & Boone-Heinonen, J. (2010). Walking: the first steps in cardiovascular disease prevention. Current opinion in cardiology, 25(5), 490–496. https://doi.org/10.1097/HCO.0b013e32833ce972










