Best Treadmills for Running (2026): Top Picks for Beginners, Ultramarathoners, and Beyond

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly treadmill that doesn’t compromise on running performance, the Bowflex T6 makes a strong case as the best folding treadmill for running. With an MSRP of $1,299—and frequent sale pricing around $999—it comes in well below the average cost of a home treadmill. Considering both the price and the breadth of training options, we scored the T6 a 4.5 out of 5 for value. “This machine feels super-sturdy and well-built for a sub-$1,000 treadmill,” GGR Senior Editor Caitlin Giddings told me. “For the functionality, durability, ease of use, and, most importantly, wide speed and incline ranges, I think this is a good price.”

Tech Capabilities: 4/5

Ergonomics: 5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Bowflex T6

For runners, speed and incline ranges can make or break a treadmill, and the Bowflex T6 delivers on both fronts. It reaches speeds up to 12 MPH and offers incline adjustments up to 15%, giving runners plenty of room to progress from easy jogs to challenging hill workouts. “It’s rare to see a range this big on a treadmill in this price class,” Cait says, which helped earn the T6 a 5 out of 5 for customizations.

All the adjustability in the world wouldn’t matter if the treadmill wasn’t comfortable to run on, but that’s another area where the T6 shines. Cait rated the ergonomics a perfect 5 out of 5, highlighting its stable feel and runner-friendly design.

“The deck is 20 inches by 60 inches, which is a nice size for running,” Cait told me. “I cranked the speed up to a sprint, and at no point did I feel like I was going to slide off the back of the machine or take a wide step off the side of the deck. The belt feels thick and well-cushioned, as well.”

As a folding treadmill, the Bowflex T6 strikes a solid balance between performance and space efficiency. Measuring 76 inches long by 35 inches wide and weighing 233 pounds, it earned a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. Cait notes that folding the deck is easy and manageable, but you’ll still want to make sure you have adequate space to accommodate the treadmill when it’s set up for a workout.

What We Don’t Like About the Bowflex T6

Technology is one area where the T6 shows some limitations. The treadmill supports popular training platforms like JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift, making it a good fit for runners who enjoy guided workouts. However, since the T6 requires you to use your own tablet to access these features, that additional expense may be a drawback for some users. For this reason, we gave the treadmill a 4 out of 5 for tech features.

Also, you should know that JRNY programming isn’t our favorite. It definitely gets the job done, but as our tester calls out, “The coaching on JRNY is not quite as ‘hype’ as you might expect if you’ve ever tried an app like Peloton. If you want a hype man on your screen, JRNY might not cut it for you.” 

If an integrated display is a must, consider the NordicTrack X24 Treadmill, which has a 24-inch touchscreen. 

Testing Breakdown

The Bowflex T6 treadmill scored highly across all categories, making it one of our highest-rated treadmills to date.

Vs. The Average

When compared to the average treadmill we test, the Bowflex T6 stands out as an incredible value, offering top-tier specs for a lower price.

For a treadmill that can support interactive programming like Peloton without the Cross Training Tread’s price tag, the Horizon 7.4 AT is a solid option. This $2,400 running treadmill—which is $2,000 less than the Peloton Cross Training Tread—can connect with a variety of running apps like Peloton, Zwift, Studio, Daily Burn, and more. You can also watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ on your tablet and play the audio via Bluetooth over the speakers. Accordingly, we recommend this Horizon 7.4 AT for anyone looking for Peloton-like performance without the Peloton price tag.

Delivery & Setup: 4.5/5

Ergonomics: 4.5/5

Customizations: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Horizon 7.4 AT

The best part about this treadmill is that you can actually use almost any program you want and have it sync to the 7.4 AT for things like metrics, heart rate, speed, and sound. This makes the 7.4 AT an even more versatile option than a high-end Peloton, even though you have to use your own tablet or smartphone for streaming. Plus, it comes with a Bluetooth chest strap heart rate monitor. As such, we rate the tech capabilities at a 5 out of 5.

The actual treadmill has a lot going for it besides connectivity to popular apps, as well. It has its own pre-programmed workouts if you don’t want an app subscription. The 60-inch running deck allows runners of a variety of heights to comfortably use this machine for any type of workout. These dimensions, and the three-zone variable-response cushioning, earn the 7.4 AT a 4.5 out of 5 for ergonomics. 

Plus, the quick selector dials allow you to change the incline and speed in a flash. This is a big benefit, because waiting for the treadmill to catch up speed-wise on intervals and missing a few seconds of a sprint is a definite pet peeve of mine. “The QuickDial adjustments make customizing this thing a breeze,” says Anthony O’Reilly, former GGR Editor and product tester. “The custom interval keys are also great for designing your own workouts.”

Even when not using the QuickDial toggles, our tester noted that the on-console speed and incline buttons are responsive and easy to manage. “’For button responsiveness, I felt like I applied 3.5/10 worth of effort for the console to acknowledge a change,” our tester said. “Buttons are easy to read and within reach.”

What We Don’t Like About the Horizon 7.4 AT

I do need to warn you: This treadmill is massive. I’m talking 318 pounds unboxed and close to 400 pounds when it arrives at your doorstep (or inside), earning a 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.

The main drawback, too, for a lot of runners here is the lack of an integrated touchscreen display, especially at the $2,400 price point. I would like to see a future iteration include such a screen, but because the tablet holder is functional and comfortable to use (and you have such great flexibility with subscription choice), we still rate the value at 4 out of 5. 

If a built-in touchscreen and other high-tech features are a must for you, consider the NordicTrack Commercial 1750—our pick for the best treadmill for running overall. 

Testing Breakdown

The Horizon Fitness Studio Tread 7.4 AT scored above average for every testing criterion we analyze, with a slightly lower score (but still exceeding our benchmarks) for footprint and portability. 

Vs. The Average

The Horizon 7.4 AT treadmill is pricey compared to the average treadmill, but its specifications and flexibility with training apps help justify the cost. 

To read more, check out our Horizon 7.4 Studio Tread review. Or, if you’d still like to compare the two machines, read our in-depth Peloton Tread review.

The Sole F85 is a great foldable treadmill for running. We did give it a score of 3.75 for footprint and portability because it takes up a lot of space when fully set up, but you can fold the running deck for more floor space once you’re done with your training. 

The F85 has a 60-inch-by-22-inch deck, which can comfortably accommodate a variety of stride lengths, as well as a powerful 3.5-HP motor. If you only wanted a treadmill for walking, we would point you somewhere else. All together, though, the F85’s features and space-saving folding design make it a shoo-in for the best folding treadmill for running.

Former Garage Gym Reviews Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele tested the F85 and had many positive things to say about it. “For avid runners or anyone who does a lot of high-volume training, you shouldn’t have to worry about any of the treadmill’s components burning out,” she told me.

Value: 4.5/5

Dynamic Programming: 4/5

Ergonomics: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Sole F85

The Sole F85 has a strong 3.5-HP motor and a lifetime warranty on the frame. The maximum incline of 15% matches what you’ll find on many high-end commercial treadmills. While it doesn’t include a decline option for downhill training, that feature is typically limited to significantly pricier models. Dedicated incline buttons on the console make it easy to adjust elevation on the fly during workouts, as well.

Speed on the F85 ranges from 0.5 to 12 miles per hour, which aligns with the standard expectations for a high-quality home running treadmill. It also goes up to a 15% incline—pretty on par for industry standards, though not as high as treadmills like the NordicTrack X24. As such, we gave it a 4 out of 5 for customizations.

The 15.6-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth speakers are also top-notch. “The big screen makes everything very clear to read, and there was no muffling coming through the speakers. It was really easy to follow along with the instructors,” Lindsay told me.

What We Don’t Like About the Sole F85

Many Sole treadmills used to come with a strap-style heart rate monitor, but the company no longer includes this extra perk. That said, if you have a fitness tracker, you’ll still be able to keep track of your heart rate data. We still also gave the treadmill a 4.5 out of 5 for conveniences because it comes with Bluetooth speakers, a cooling fan, and a cup holder. Plus, the touchscreen swivels for off-treadmill workouts.

We do also wish that the Sole F85 came with a decline option. Previous iterations of this treadmill declined to -6%, but that’s no longer available on the current profile. “When you compare the F85 to other treadmills at a similar price point, it does seem like more and more brands are offering decline options,” Lindsay added.

If you want a treadmill with a smaller footprint that’s also more affordable, the Bowflex T6 Treadmill is a good option. 

Testing Breakdown

As one of our highest-scoring treadmills in all of our testing, the Sole F85 impresses with its high-performance features at a lower price than similar competitors. 

Vs. The Average

Despite its lower-than-average price, the Sole F85 meets or exceeds every average specification across the treadmills we’ve tested. 

Want to learn more? Take a look at our full Sole F85 Treadmill review. You can also see how it compares to another popular Sole Treadmill, the F80, in the video below.

Trail runners need a treadmill that can replicate the unpredictable elevation changes, sustained climbs, and varied terrain of the outdoors. That’s where the NordicTrack X24 truly stands out. With a powerful 4.25-CHP motor and a wildly impressive max incline of 40%, the X24 is more than capable of handling steep grades, fast-paced efforts, and long training sessions without hesitation, making it ideal for runners who train for elevation-heavy races.

RELATED: Treadmill Vs Outdoor Running

Dynamic Programming: 5/5

Delivery & Setup: 3/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like the NordicTrack X24

The running surface measures 60 inches long and 22 inches wide, giving trail runners plenty of room to open up their stride and stay balanced when tackling aggressive incline or decline settings. That extra width is especially helpful when simulating uneven outdoor terrain or hiking-style climbs, particularly so if you’re training with a heavy pack. 

Stability is another big win for the X24. “The monitor is very sturdy,” says certified personal trainer and former GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele. “You won’t feel like you’re getting motion sickness from the screen wobbling like you do on some other treadmills.” That steadiness holds true, even when the treadmill is pushed to its faster speeds, she adds.

What truly earns the X24 its reputation as the best running treadmill for trail runners, though, is its massive incline and decline range. This treadmill can climb up to a staggering 40% incline, while also offering decline training down to -6% to better simulate downhill running. Combined with top speeds of 12 MPH, these elevation options give runners the ability to closely mimic real-world trail conditions, resulting in a 5 out of 5 for customizations. 

The technology also scores a 5 out of 5, thanks in large part to iFIT’s immersive, outdoor-style programming. “The iFIT programming just keeps getting better and better,” Lindsay says. Trail runners can follow guided runs through mountains, forests, and scenic routes from around the world, with the treadmill automatically adjusting incline and decline settings to match the on-screen terrain.

What We Don’t Like About the NordicTrack X24

While we are big fans of the X24, this machine isn’t without drawbacks. The price—around $4,300—is undeniably steep. NordicTrack does offer financing options for those who qualify, but it’s still a significant investment. That said, we have seen steep discounts on the X24, often bringing the price down to around $3,000. 

Portability is a problem, as well, with Lindsay rating the X24 just 1 out of 5 for that category. “I recommend finding a dedicated spot for this treadmill in your home, because it’s not easy to move,” she says. “There are wheels on the front, but there’s no handlebar on the back, so you have to kind of rely on your grip strength to lift it up and wheel it around.”

Accessibility may also be an issue for some people. Lindsay points out that the treadmill has a step-up height of more than 13 inches, which could make getting on and off challenging for people with mobility limitations. 

Looking for something a little less bulky but still very capable? We recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, which features a decline/incline range of -3% to 12%. 

Testing Breakdown

The NordicTrack X24 scored a perfect or near-perfect score in every category but portability and setup. Still, it retains a high overall score. 

Vs. The Average

The X24 far exceeds the average price for treadmills, but so does its specs. Its 40% incline, 24-inch touchscreen, lifetime motor warranty, and 10,000+ iFIT workouts justify the cost for the right athletes. 

Read our full NordicTrack X24 treadmill review to learn more about this behemoth of a running machine.

A manual treadmill may not be your first choice for running, but we’d like you to reconsider. Called manual treadmills because they are, in fact, manual (meaning there’s no electricity involved), you are the power behind getting the machine to move. In terms of the best manual treadmill for running, look no further than the TrueForm Trainer.

TrueForm has a great reputation for making quality yet straightforward equipment, and this treadmill is no exception: The curved design gently encourages better running technique, and you have the freedom to put it anywhere (indoors or out) since it doesn’t require electricity. 

Ergonomics: 4.25/5

Durability: 3.5/5

Delivery & Setup: 5/5

Why We Like the TrueForm Trainer

With a generous 400-pound user weight capacity, a relatively approachable price, and a thoughtfully curved running deck, the TrueForm Trainer offers a strong balance of performance and accessibility. The curved surface acts like a built-in running coach, subtly encouraging efficient mechanics and a smoother stride. Thanks to centrally mounted handlebars that are easy to reach while learning the curve, we scored the ergonomics at 4.25 out of 5.

Compared to many manual treadmills, moving the TrueForm Trainer is relatively manageable at 270 pounds. While it’s not featherlight, the mounted transport wheels make repositioning it within a home gym realistic. The 400-pound capacity also makes this treadmill a more inclusive option for runners across a wide range of body types and training levels.

GGR founder and home gym expert Cooper “Coop” Mitchell awarded the TrueForm Trainer 4 out of 5 for price and value, noting that it delivers a running experience very similar to the brand’s premium model, the TrueForm Runner, at a significantly lower cost.

“Ultimately, the main attraction to the TrueForm Trainer is that it’s more than $2,000 cheaper than the TrueForm Runner,” Coop explains. “This is mainly due to the material disparity, but ultimately makes an enormous difference to the buyer’s budget.” Plus, Coop notes, the materials of the treadmills (more steel vs more plastic) might not differ too much in practice for home use.

What We Don’t Like About the TrueForm Trainer

The primary drawback relates to construction quality. The Trainer features a welded frame paired with a thick black plastic exterior and a belt system supported by hundreds of bearings. While the plastic components may be more prone to wear or cracking over time, the treadmill itself should hold up well for consistent home cardio use. Assuming most home gym owners aren’t outfitting a commercial gym, we still rate the durability a 3.5 out of 5.

For footprint and portability, the Trainer received a 3.5 out of 5, as well. It’s compact enough to work in most home gym setups and can be moved when needed, though we’ve had an easier time moving some other manual treadmills that are more compact. 

Finally, the console is fairly minimal, relying on a basic LCD display. While it provides essential training metrics, runners looking for a larger or more modern screen will likely be better served with more advanced options. “The monitor is still too simple, perhaps even behind-the-times, compared to other treadmills, but it does what it is made to do,” Coop says. “You can measure distance and speed, and if you have a Bluetooth device for heart rate, you can sync it and monitor it as you run.”

If a manual treadmill doesn’t feel right for you, but you still want to mimic outdoor running, consider the NordicTrack X24—our top choice for trail runners.

Testing Breakdown

This treadmill received above-average scores for most categories. It falls short in dynamic programming and conveniences, but that’s not out of the ordinary for manual treadmills. 

Vs. The Average

It’s a little tough to compare the TrueForm Trainer to the average treadmill, since manual treadmills are inherently different. Still, it meets expectations for running surface size and far exceeds the typical weight capacity of a treadmill. 

Read our full TrueForm Trainer review for more details.

Still trying to decide if spending the extra cash on a running treadmill is worth it for your home workouts? Check out some of the treadmill benefits you could reap by adding one to your home gym:

Free From Weather Constraints

If you have your own treadmill for running, weather becomes a non-issue. You don’t need to worry about the rain staying away or the temperature warming up or cooling down if you can run indoors. This means you can run year-round without interruption, if you so desire. 

Support Your Health

Running not only helps improve endurance but also can give you better heart health. Studies have shown that regular running can reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases¹. Running on a treadmill can help you burn calories, as well, which means it can be an additional tool used to help you possibly lose weight. 

“Regular physical activity helps in managing and maintaining a healthy body fat percentage,” says Chris Mohr, PhD, RD. “The balance of physical activity and a calorie deficit helps in reducing body fat over time. Certain types of exercises like running, swimming, and cycling are great for burning a high number of calories.”

Running is also a boon for blood sugar management. “Exercise helps lower blood sugar by making your body (particularly, your muscles) more sensitive to insulin and allowing them to pull in glucose for energy,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, GGR’s Chief Medical Advisor. “This means less sugar floating around in your bloodstream, which is exactly what you want if you’re trying to keep your levels in check.”

Supports Sleep Quality

On top of health components like body composition and heart health, exercise can deepen your sleep, improve your overall sleep quality², and is proven to help with insomnia, says Dr. Shelby Harris, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. 

“At least 20 to 30 minutes of cardio a day can help you fall asleep faster in the evening and reduce daytime fatigue, so you feel more energized during the day,” she says. “When you exercise, such as running, your brain releases dopamine, serotonin, and no norepinephrine; all neurotransmitters that have a significant positive impact on mental health. Running is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, which are commonly known to negatively impact sleep.” 

Run Anytime, Safely 

Feeling unsafe is a big reason why many people never start running. If you don’t feel like your area is safe to run in, or you just don’t feel comfortable running outside when it’s dark out, a treadmill can provide you a safe haven for running any time of day.

Reduced Joint Impact 

“Running on a cushioned treadmill is easier on the joints than concrete or asphalt, which helps with long-term joint health,” says Chris. That’s because cushioned decks absorb some of the impact forces that would otherwise travel through your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Many treadmills use shock absorption systems (elastomers, rubber mounts, or flexible decks) designed specifically to reduce peak ground reaction forces. Additionally, the surface is uniform and forgiving, which can help reduce repetitive stress compared to hard and uneven surfaces like pavement or gravel. 

Control Over Training Variables

Calling all control freaks (yes, I’m calling myself out here, too): You can control pretty much every aspect of your run with a treadmill. Switch the speed, incline, programming, and music at your own leisure. You don’t need to stress about being stuck in traffic on the way to the gym, or the impending thunderstorm that could derail an outdoor run. With a running treadmill in your home, you run the show. 

Fun Programming

Most of the treadmills we discussed above have interactive training programs available, which can help turn your boring run into something fun. Trying to get faster and beat a personal record? You can do interval training and sprints with ease. Looking for a change of scenery? Use an equipped workout app to run along a beach or through a European city.

Figuring out how to start running can be difficult enough, but if you’re also trying to figure out how to choose the right treadmill for your home gym, that can add to the stress. Here are some things to consider when picking out your ideal fit:

Budget

Generally speaking, you can get away with a lower-quality treadmill if you only plan to walk on it. Most high-quality treadmills I’d recommend for running are close to $1,000 and over. If you really want to get a treadmill with a large enough deck, a high-powered motor, and a solid warranty, I’d suggest spending a little extra upfront. 

Running Deck Size

If you plan to run on your treadmill, getting a machine with at least a 55-inch deck is important. I’d personally recommend a 60-inch deck if you’re taller, but that’s personal preference. You want your deck to be long enough to support longer strides so you can focus on the workout at hand (and not falling off the treadmill). 

Workout Programming and Tech

There are usually only a few options when it comes to treadmill displays: HD touchscreens or LCD displays. If you want to have the option to watch built-in interactive programming, purchasing a treadmill with a touchscreen makes more sense for you. However, others have a device holder you can use to hold your own phone or tablet and watch your own workout classes.

Aside from the screen itself, look for features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, compatibility with streaming services and online workout programs, and the ability to pair your preferred wearables (headphones or heart rate monitors, for example).

Incline and Decline Options

Incline options are fairly common on running treadmills. Decline options are slightly less available, and usually come on higher-priced machines. Having the ability to do both on a treadmill can be useful for people training for a race who need to simulate running up and down hills.

Speeds

A good running treadmill has at least a max speed of 10 MPH. More advanced runners will likely want to look for a max of at least 12 MPH to support all-out sprinting efforts. 

Motor

For a treadmill that can support running, having a powerful motor of 2.5 CHP or higher is critical. A treadmill motor that has less than that will struggle to last with repeated running. For high-volume running, we recommend at least 3.0 CHP, and even higher if you plan to do a lot of incline work or sprint intervals.

Weight Capacity

I would recommend getting a treadmill that has at least a 275-pound weight capacity. More would ideally be nice (in case you want to do weighted farmer’s carries) but that’s the industry standard for a running treadmill.

Warranty

The best treadmills have a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. Depending on your personal price point, you may have to make some compromises on the warranty your treadmill has. 10 years on the frame and motor is the minimum we typically recommend.

Have more questions on what you should look for in your new treadmill? Check out our comprehensive treadmill buying guide.