4 Best Folding Treadmills (2021)

If you think a treadmill is too big for your home, think again. A foldable treadmill might be a great solution for your space versus a traditional, non-folding option. When not in use, foldable treadmills are made to do what their name implies: fold and store. Not only are these treadmills convenient, but they still have all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a fancy option. 

Whether you want to lose weight, gain endurance, or get faster, there’s a foldable treadmill that will work for just about everyone, regardless of fitness level. Keep reading to figure out the best fit for your individual needs.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’ve tested a ton of the best treadmills – foldable ones, non-motorized ones, ones made for walkers, ones made for runners. When trying out a treadmill, I look at the bigger picture: things like the warranty, price tag, motor, and technology matter to me. 

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The Best Folding Treadmills 

• My Top Pick: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Folding Treadmill for Runners: ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill
• Best Budget Folding Treadmill: Sole F63 Treadmill
• Best Compact Folding Treadmill: Echelon Fitness Stride

My Top Pick: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Good for: People who want a folding treadmill with stellar interactive workout programs

My Favorite Things:

• iFit compatible and comes with a free trial period 
• 10” touchscreen 
• 15% incline settings and -3% decline 
• 3.75 CHP motor

My Callouts:

• Large footprint of 81.25” L x 39.25” W x 62.75” H
• Weighs 339 lbs
• Customer service is average 

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is one of the best cardio machines for the price. Not only do you get a 10” touchscreen with which you can view iFit programming, but this foldable treadmill has dual functionality – it has both incline and decline options. Want to pretend you’re running downhill? Sure, sounds good! Interested in training for a big hike you have coming up? Yup, the Commercial 1750 has you covered there, too.

If you’re a serious runner, the 1750 is a great option to consider. The 3.75 CHP motor is above what you’d want for a solid running treadmill (I’d expect at least a 3.0 CHP motor) and doesn’t shake even if you’re going pretty hard. If you’re someone who likes interactive programming, iFit has great classes that are fun and easy to follow. You do get a free 30-day trial period when you purchase the 1750, but after that it’ll cost you – $396 per year for a family plan, $39 per month for a family plan, or $180 per year for an individual plan. 

The 1750 has all the bells and whistles you’d hope for on a nicer treadmill. Expect to see Bluetooth connectivity, a holder for your water bottle, device holder, extra storage, speakers, and two fans to keep you cool while you workout. 

In terms of things I’m not nuts about, this treadmill is a mammoth. Even though it can be folded up and stored away, it is a process and generally requires a second person (unless the Hulk is secretly reading this). Not only is the 1750 upwards of 350 lbs, but it also has a very large footprint. If you have a small apartment or limited space, this might not be the foldable treadmill for you. 

Check out my full NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill review. 

Best Folding Treadmill for Runners: ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill

Good for: Runners who want a sturdy folding treadmill with a powerful motor that can withstand regular, intense cardio 

My Favorite Things:

• 3.6 CHP motor is good for running 
• 22” touchscreen  
• iFit compatible and comes with a free trial period 
• Cooling fans and Bluetooth speakers are great extras 

My Callouts:

• Difficult assembly requires two people 
• WiFi connectivity is spotty
• Less than responsive live-chat 

If you need a foldable treadmill that will support frequent running, the ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill is a good option for you. With a 3.6 CHP motor and 12 different speed options, you can feel good about jogging, running, sprinting, or even intervals. When I tested this treadmill, I was very pleased with how little shake there was, regardless of the speed I was going. 

The Pro 9000 features both incline and decline options (-3%-12%), which is ideal for runners who want to simulate outdoor exercise or people training for a hilly race. 

Much like the NordicTrack treadmill, which comes from the same ICON Fitness family, the ProForm Pro 9000 is compatible with iFit programming and can be viewed on the large 22-inch touchscreen. I like iFit programming and think it is worth the money because you have access to a variety of classes (besides just treadmill workouts) like yoga, strength training, biking, and more. 

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One of my least favorite parts of this treadmill was the assembly process. It is fairly complicated and definitely requires the help of another person. I also had issues connecting the treadmill to my WiFi. I don’t think I was alone in that struggle – I noticed many customers in the reviews mentioned their personal frustrations with getting the technology to work. 

The customer service was also surprisingly not stellar. Although the ProForm website does have a live chat option, they often refer you to a separate email or phone number and don’t really answer your questions. When I emailed the brand, it took them almost a week to respond, which isn’t great if you need tech support or assistance with another urgent matter.

Read all my thoughts on the ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill. 

Best Budget Folding Treadmill: Sole F63 Treadmill

Good for: People looking for a budget-friendly foldable treadmill 

My Favorite Things:

• Just over $1,000 
• Lifetime motor and frame warranty
• Free shipping
• Comes with a heart rate chest strap

My Callouts:

• Console features basic LCD screen display   
• Weighs 325 lbs
• Shakes a bit when sprinting or running 

I’ve always loved finding the best budget home gym equipment, and scoping out a foldable treadmill to fit the bill was a must when compiling this list. The Sole F63 won me over by being just over $1,000 with free shipping. Considering this treadmill weighs 325 pounds, I was happy to note it ships free because otherwise it would cost me a pretty penny.

I like that Sole Fitness stands by the durability of the F63 – there is a lifetime warranty on both the motor and frame. It also has cushioning on the running deck to “help reduce the impact on joints by 40%” as claimed by the Sole website. I can’t tell you if it actually does reduce joint impact, but I liked it and found it comfortable to use. 

Although there isn’t a fancy touchscreen to view workout classes on, there is an LCD display that shows you things like heart rate, incline, speed, and preset programs. The F63 even comes with a free heart rate monitor strap, which is a nice extra that can be connected to the treadmill. 

For being a budget option, the F63 really shines with its extras. Expect to see Bluetooth speakers, a cooling fan, USB port for charging devices, and an integrated tablet holder. These conveniences really up the desirability of this treadmill for me.  

While this treadmill is a great budget foldable option, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for serious runners. I found that it shook slightly when I really got going. It wasn’t enough for me to say never run on this treadmill, but it is something to be aware of. 

See my full thoughts on the Sole F63 Treadmill. 

Best Compact Folding Treadmill: Echelon Fitness Stride

Good for: People who need to store their compact treadmill upright when it isn’t in use

My Favorite Things:

• Just over 10 inches deep when folded
• Smaller footprint of 69” L x 31” W X 49” H 
• Meets international safety standards
• 156 lbs and easy to fold on your own

My Callouts:

• Smaller running surface
• 1.75 CHP motor 
• Spot to put your device isn’t very large 

If you’re searching for a treadmill that not only folds but also is compact, the Echelon Fitness Stride is a great choice for you. The footprint unfolded is smaller than most treadmills, but the real draw for this machine is the depth when folded. At only 10 inches deep folded, the Stride is a solid option for people who need to store their treadmill vertically or against the wall. 

Since the Echelon Stride only weighs 156 pounds, I found it to be easy to fold and store on my own without help from another person. This treadmill is also very simple to get started with and would be good for beginners due to its easy-to-use format. 

At just under $1,300, it doesn’t come as a surprise that there is no touch screen to view interactive programming. However, there is a device holder where you can put your smartphone to watch Netflix or follow along with a workout. I did notice that the holder isn’t all that large and putting my iPad in it seemed almost precarious. 

Although the Stride doesn’t have a built-in screen, you can connect your own smart device to the Echelon United programming. This costs $39.99 per month and gives you access to thousands of classes including treadmill runs, yoga, strength training, and cycling. 

The motor is my least favorite part of the Stride. It isn’t very powerful – at 1.75 CHP, this is far less than the 3.0 CHP minimum I recommend for people who plan on running on the treadmill at least 3-4 times a week. However, I would recommend the Stride to someone looking for a decent treadmill for casual running and walking workouts. 

Read more details on how I feel about the Echelon Fitness Stride. 

How We Tested

Before I tested a single treadmill to compile this roundup, I first determined the categories I would be testing each against. Here are the things that helped me decide which foldable treadmills made the cut and which didn’t:

• Footprint and portability
• Delivery and setup
• Durability
• Customizations
• Adjustability
• Ergonomics
• Workout experience 
• Technology capabilities
• Conveniences
• Dynamic programming
• Customer reviews
• Value
• Financing, returns, and warranty
• Customer service

Each foldable treadmill was put through a variety of different workouts – walking, running, jogging, sprinting, and intervals. I tried out all the features available on each including things like the Bluetooth speakers, USB ports, touch screens, fans, and quick select buttons. It was also important to me to see how easily each of these treadmills could be folded (since that’s a big reason one might purchase a foldable treadmill) and stored away. 

Benefits of Folding Treadmills

You might be asking yourself, “Why the heck should I choose a folding treadmill over a regular one for my home?” This is a valid question, and one I can hopefully answer for you pretty quickly and easily.

Easy Storage 

One of the main reasons people prefer to purchase foldable treadmills over regular ones often has to do with being able to store the machine. If you need to be able to constantly store your treadmill away for whatever reason, it makes sense to purchase one that folds.

Space Saver

If you have a small space, getting a foldable option is helpful to alleviate some of the worry about where you’ll put it. Regular treadmills can be bulky and have to be left out all the time. If you purchase a folding treadmill, you’ll have less space concerns. 

Quality

Gone are the days of all folding treadmills being low-quality – today’s options that fold can be just as durable and long lasting as their non-foldable counterparts. If you have the option to pay the same price for a treadmill that folds versus doesn’t fold, why wouldn’t you choose the one that provides an easy storage solution?

What to Consider in a Folding Treadmill

Budget 

When determining which foldable treadmill is best for you, it is crucial to look at what your ideal price point is ahead of time. If you decide to spend under $1,500, you may not get things like a touchscreen display for programming or dual cooling fans. Having realistic expectations based on your budget is important to know in advance so you aren’t disappointed. However, spending less than $500 on a treadmill is generally not worth it because the quality of the machine just won’t be there. It makes more sense to save a bit longer to get a treadmill that will last. 

Features

What does your ideal folding treadmill look like? Does it need to have a device holder, a touch screen built-in, or two water bottle holders? Decide what the non-negotiable features are for you. Your ideal foldable treadmill may need to have horsepower higher than 3.0. It may also be important to you to check what the weight capacity is – anything less than 250 pounds is something to be concerned about.

Speed

Treadmills can vary in top speed from 8 all the way to 15mph. Generally speaking, most people will not need to go past 10mph. However, if you are someone who does a lot of sprinting or are particularly fast, make sure the treadmill you choose can accommodate what you need. 

Space

Even though foldable treadmills are made to be compact than a traditional treadmill, they can still vary wildly in size. Determine how much floor space you have to spare for the treadmill both fully extended and folded. Don’t forget to account for things like the running belt moving or an HD touchscreen jutting out when calculating how much space you need.

Technology

Some people go nuts for high-quality, interactive programming (like that of the Peloton and Peloton alternatives) because it makes working out easier for them. Others prefer to make their own workouts and don’t really need to pay extra for something that can stream interactive programming to their treadmill if they’ll never use it. Another option is to purchase a monthly subscription to a fitness app and simply use the attached tablet holder to place your device and watch programming. 

FAQs About Folding Treadmills

The Competition

We have yet to get our hands on these treadmills, but did some research and read reviews on them to give you additional options: 

Horizon Fitness 7.4 Studio Treadmill: This foldable treadmill is just under $1,600 and has a 3.5 CHP motor, which makes it suitable for running. Although there isn’t an attached touchscreen, the 7.4 treadmill does have a device holder for you to supply your own tablet or smartphone.

Bowflex Treadmill 10: At $2,000, this mid-range treadmill includes extras like a 10” touchscreen, 1 year free interactive programming with JRNY, and decline options. It has a fairly average max speed of 12 MPH.

Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill: Although this foldable treadmill might not be the best option for someone who wants to run, the under $500 price tag can be enticing for those who like to walk.