Best Incline Treadmill (2023): Climb the Mountain

Using a treadmill on an incline can be an excellent way to achieve your fitness goals. In fact, a recent study¹ showed that when you run on an incline, you increase your heart rate and burn more calories than you would on a flat surface at the same pace.

If you want to reap the benefits of some of the best treadmill workouts, check out our list of the seven best incline treadmills on the market. We ran, walked, and jogged on each of the machines on this list to rate them on factors such as the following:

• Customizations: Are there ample incline and speed ranges?
• Durability: Does the machine have a high weight capacity, and is it stable while in use?
• Ergonomics: Is there a cushioned deck? Is the run or walk comfortable?

We have used or researched more than 50 of the best treadmills. Our team of certified personal trainers, competitive triathletes, and CrossFit L-1 trainers personally tested more than 20 specifically to find the best incline treadmill for home.

7 Best Incline Treadmills 

• Best Incline Treadmill Overall: Horizon 7.0 AT  
• Best Incline Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Folding Incline Treadmill: Sole F63
• Best High-Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X32i
• Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Fitness Stride
• Best Budget Incline Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150
• Best Compact Incline Treadmill: Sunny Health And Fitness (SF-T4400) Treadmill
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Egofit Walker

Best Incline Treadmill Overall: Horizon 7.0 AT 

Best Incline Treadmill Overall

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Priced under $1,000
• Spacious 60-inch running deck
• Bluetooth connectivity
• QuickDial controls for both the speed and incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60” running surface
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Bluetooth connectivity with apps like Zwift, Peloton, and Nike Running Club
• 325 lb weight limit

Cons

• Heavy machine at over 250 lbs
• No included touchscreen
• 3-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranties are less than the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill

Bottom Line

For under $1,000, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option for people who want to use their treadmill to run.

Want a great incline treadmill without spending too much cash? The $1,000 Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill fits the bill with an impressive 15 levels of incline—ideal for people who really enjoy feeling the burn in their lower body.

The incline levels aren’t the only things to love on the 7.0. The weight capacity of 325 pounds is above the industry standard of 300, and the deck is generously sized for taller folks (or serious runners).

RELATED: Best Treadmill for Tall Runners

Several people on our team have tested the Horizon 7.0 AT. It scored an impressive 4.5 out of 5 on our rating chart for overall workout performance.

In my own use of the machine, I found the machine did not shake while in use. My only gripe is the lack of interactive programming.”

Compared to some of the best high-end treadmills, you’ll note that the 7.0 AT falls short when it comes to that kind of tech. The display is pretty basic, and it doesn’t have on-board interactive programming. However, it is compatible (via Bluetooth) with apps like Zwift and Peloton. Plus, there is a handy device holder right above the display for easy viewing.

As a HIIT enthusiast, I especially enjoy the QuickDial™ controls located on the inner handlebars—you’ll be able to easily switch between various inclines and speeds with just the push of a button.

An important callout for those in small spaces: This is big. It weighs a whopping 253 pounds. You’ll definitely need an extra set of hands to help you move the 7.0 up or down the stairs. However, it does fold, which could help you save some much-needed room in your home gym.

Want to learn more? Check out our full Horizon 7.0 treadmill review.

Best Incline Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

Good for: Serious runners or those who want a treadmill with a high-quality, HD touchscreen

Best Incline Treadmill for Running

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Spacious running deck
• Compatible with iFIT
• 14-inch touchscreen
• Incline and decline training
• Financing available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compatible with iFIT
• 3.5 CHP motor
• Free trial of iFIT subscription with purchase
• Treadmill with incline and decline training
• Foldable to save space (EasyLift Assist)
• Run that feels similar to road running
• Financing options available through NordicTrack
• Generous speed range
• Wide running deck
• Cooling fan

Cons

• Big footprint
• Heavy and not the easiest to move
• Price is around $2,000
• Warranty is voided if the treadmill is used/stored in a garage

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

Whether you’re into long-distance jogs or shorter sprint sessions, you’ll likely enjoy the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill, which scored a perfect 5 out of 5 on several of our testing categories, including conveniences, dynamic programming, durability, and ergonomics.

One of the reasons this is great for running is because this machine has a 0 to 12% incline and a 0 to -3% decline for a challenging uphill or downhill run. Plus, the 22-inch-wide-by-60-inch-long deck is sizable enough for most cardio enthusiasts to take long strides. 

Kate Meier, GGR’s head of content and former marathon runner, used the 1750 for long, steady-state runs as well as short sprints. “I found no shaking, no wobbling, just an incredibly sturdy machine,” she says.

We love the 14-inch touchscreen, which is compatible with iFIT programming. Next to Peloton, iFIT has the most well-produced and engaging on-demand classes. You’ll be able to follow along with world-class instructors as they encourage you to run, walk, and sprint.

Even though the 1750 is almost $2,300, NordicTrack does offer excellent financing options. You can pay as little as $54 per month with 0% APR for 39 months. 

The 10-year frame warranty isn’t bad, but for the price, I’d expect to see at least a 15-year guarantee. It is also worth noting that you cannot store this machine in your garage for any reason. If you do, your warranty will be voided by the company. 

Kate assembled the 1750 herself. “This is a heavy machine, so you may need to enlist the help of someone else for tasks like attaching the large console,” she warns. “The entire process took me around 90 minutes, but the instructions are clear. If you have a socket wrench, use it; it will save you a lot of time!”

Take a look at our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill review.

Best Folding Incline Treadmill: Sole F63

Good for: Those who need to be able to easily fold their cardio machine 

Best Folding Incline Treadmill

Sole F63

GGR Score: 4.3

Community Score: 3.2

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Product Highlights

• Folding treadmill
• Costs around $1,000
• Heart rate chest strap included
• Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and cooling fan
• Powerful 3.0 HP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Financing is available
• Bluetooth speakers
• USB port
• Device holder
• 15 different levels of incline
• Cushioned deck
• 20" W x 60" L belt
• 325-lb weight capacity
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty

Cons

• Heavy machine
• No touchscreen

Bottom Line

The Sole F63 Treadmill is an affordable option for people who want a powerful, reliable machine without breaking their budget.

For a treadmill that saves space with an impressive incline range, check out the Sole F63. Thanks to the handy gas shock, this machine can be easily (and safely) folded and unfolded. You won’t have to worry about suddenly crushing toes or fluffy paws when you’re ready to use your F63. Plus, the folding mechanism makes it an ideal choice for people who need to be able to store their treadmill while it isn’t being used.

The Sole F63 is what I’d call a thoroughbred—it is an all-around great machine with quite a bit going for it. The 3.0 CHP motor is powerful enough to support running, sprinting, and walking with ease. I also enjoy the large 20-inch wide by 60-inch length deck, which is ideal for people of various heights. You even get an exceptional lifetime frame warranty when you purchase the F63. Definitely the kind of horse—er, treadmill—you’d want sitting in your home gym.

Kate Meier, GGR’s head of content, rated this a 4 out of 5 for durability. While it does have a high weight capacity at 325 pounds, she did find it shakes a little when you take it to top speeds.

The machine is really heavy. I’m talking 254 pounds of hulking metal and plastic. As Kate found out during assembly, you may need a friend (or two) to help move the machine to your desired space.

In terms of technology, this earned a 4.3 out of 5 from our team. Why? You have a USB charging port, Bluetooth speakers (which Kate said sounded shockingly great), Bluetooth heart rate monitoring, connectivity to apps, and an LCD screen to monitor your metrics. The only reason it didn’t get a perfect score is because the F63 doesn’t have a touchscreen.

Read our full Sole F63 treadmill review.

Best High-Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X32i

Good for: Those looking for extreme incline levels

Best High-Incline Treadmill

NordicTrack Commercial X32i Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Decline and larger incline than most other treadmills
• 32” touchscreen
• Powerful motor 
• Commercial-grade machine
• Oversized running surface

Pros & Cons

Pros

• -32” HD touchscreen
• -Heart rate chest strap included
• -6% Decline to 40% Incline
• -Quiet when in use
• -Extremely powerful 4.25 CHP motor

Cons

• -Doesn’t fold
• -Expensive
• -Heavy and hard to move

Bottom Line

While this treadmill is definitely on the expensive side, the many added features makes for a high-quality piece of equipment.

Want to really challenge yourself on extreme incline levels? The NordicTrack Commercial X32i features a -6% incline up to a whopping 40% incline.

Nicole Davis, GGR’s senior editor, who tested the X32i points out, “40% incline is very aggressive…I had to hold on for dear life!” Fortunately, there are several sets of handlebars, including handrails as well as upright handles that allow you to mimic a sled push.

This is a high-end treadmill, clocking in around $4,500 and making it the most expensive piece of equipment on this list. However, it’s also fully loaded with features, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 on our scoring chart for tech capabilities (there is a 32-inch touchscreen) and for dynamic programming (this offers interactive iFIT workouts with a paid subscription.

The deck itself is cushioned and is an extremely spacious 22 inches wide and 65 inches long. That makes for one of the biggest running surfaces we’ve ever run on. “The deck is great, and it’s almost too cushioned,” says Nicole, who prefers a harder running surface.

In terms of footprint, this isn’t a small machine, nor is it light. You’ll need plenty of room for the X32i, which weighs 462 pounds. Also, the assembly is quite a process; we recommend springing the $199 for professional assembly.

Check out our in-depth NordicTrack X32i review.

Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Fitness Stride

Good for: A budget home treadmill for walking with a variety of incline levels

Best Incline Treadmill for Walking

Echelon Fitness Stride

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Folds flat to just 10"
• Lightweight and very portable
• Smaller motor is ideal for walkers
• Bluetooth connectivity to apps

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Auto-fold technology
• When folded, is just 10” deep
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Super simple assembly and usability
• Bluetooth connectivity to Echelon United

Cons

• Weaker motor
• Short running surface at 55”
• Short 1-year warranty

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride is ideal for walkers and those who jog recreationally, especially people looking for a treadmill that folds flat.

For those who would prefer to walk rather than run, the Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill might be the best choice. For around $1,300, you’ll get a treadmill with 12 levels of incline and a lifetime warranty.

Kate Meier, Garage Gym Reviews head of content, has had the Echelon Stride on her screened-in porch for months. She uses it primarily for morning walks, having logged hundreds of miles on it.

“This is best for walking, as it doesn’t feel as stable when I jog,” she points out.

The Stride comes eight programmed workouts and a basic LCD screen. If you have an Echelon membership, you can access thousands of live and on-demand cardio classes. “I just use it in manual mode,” Kate admits. “There are buttons on the handle where you can quickly adjust the speed and incline, so I just use those.”

One of the main selling points of the Stride is that it is one of the best folding treadmills, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 on our footprint rating chart. It actually folds to just 10 inches flat, which means it is easily stowed. “I push it up against the wall on my porch, but it also fits under my bed,” Kate says.

“This isn’t super portable, however, ” she points out. “It weighs more than 150 pounds, so getting it up over the step from my porch inside is difficult.”

The running deck is 55 inches long, which is 5 inches under the industry standard but should be fine so long as you’re not a very tall runner with a long stride. If you’re 6 feet or taller, you may find you need to take more calculated steps than you’re used to.

For more, check out our Echelon Stride review.

Best Budget Incline Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150

Good for: People who need an inexpensive treadmill with incline

Best Budget Incline Treadmill

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Simple to use
• Lifetime warranty on the frame
• Easy to build
• 12 preset programs
• Deck has sub-par cushioning

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Foldable
• Portable with transport wheels
• Ideal for beginner walkers to speed walkers
• Lightweight
• Great warranty
• Easy-to-read 5-inch LED display
• 12 preset programs onboard

Cons

• Only 2.25 horsepower motor
• Some reviewers report it is noisy
• Water bottle holders on console reportedly do not fit normal bottle sizes
• Users claim they received an error code after one use
• Several reviews reported that the dimensions provided are inaccurate
• Not suited for experienced and heavy users

Bottom Line

The XTERRA TR150 is a starter treadmill available on the lower end of the budget scale offering a commendable lifetime frame warranty and features comparable to competitive models. If you are just beginning your fitness journey, this is a great option for you.

Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a treadmill, which is why the XTERRA Fitness TR150 is among the best budget treadmills. Clocking in at just under $400, the TR150 has some good features, but you’ll also note some sacrifices.

For example, there are three levels of incline, but they require a manual adjustment. Therefore, you’ll have to get off the machine and stop the workout in order to make changes. 

It may seem like a pain to have to manually change your incline, but it is a small price to pay to save a lot of cash. Plus, the rest of the TR150 is extremely simple to use. The display is user-friendly and there is a variety of preset programs to choose from when it is time to get your sweat on. 

There is a very simple assembly process. Our team of testers found the instructions are thorough and the pieces are easy to attach. Since the machine is only a little over 100 pounds, most people will be able to complete this process on their own.

We did score the TR150 low—a 2 out of 5—when it comes to customizations and portability.

“The worst feature of the treadmill is the fold up option,” says Coop Mitchell, GGR’s founder and one of the people on our team who tested the TR150. “Unlike most treadmills that fold up, this one has no gas shock to help it slowly lower.”

This can pose a threat if you have small children or pets around.

The machine’s speed range goes up to 10 MPH, which should accommodate most users. Also, be aware that the weight capacity is 250 pounds. That’s lower than what we typically like to see on cardio machines.

Take a gander at our full XTERRA Fitness TR150 review.

Best Compact Incline Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400) Treadmill

Good for: Apartment or condo residents 

Best Compact Incline Treadmill

Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill SF-T4400

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Under $500
• Has manual incline options
• Compact and folds
• Speeds up to 9 MPH

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Has incline
• Folds easily
• Very compact
• Tread comes with shock absorption
• Quick-speed buttons on the handrail

Cons

• User weight capacity is 220 lbs
• Top speed of 9 MPH
• No decline option

Bottom Line

A great walking treadmill that can be easily folded and used in small spaces.

I’m a proud condo owner, and I know I certainly don’t have a ton of extra space to have a treadmill sitting out 24/7. If you’re like me, purchasing a machine like the Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400) Treadmill might be your best bet. At just 103 pounds, the SF-T4400 earned a perfect 5 out of 5 on our footprint and portability metric.

“This could easily fit in the back of a car,” explains GGR product tester Anthony O’Reilly.

This treadmill can be quickly folded and stored in a corner (or in a coat closet) when you aren’t using it. Its footprint is also shorter and narrower than most commercial treadmills.

At around $400, you won’t be breaking the bank with this budget-friendly treadmill. Although the three incline options have to be adjusted manually, it is a small concession to make for such an affordable and compact machine.

I will say, I’m a big fan of the speed-adjustment buttons on the handlebars, as it makes amping up your workout a breeze. If you prefer preset programs, the SF-T4400 is happy to accommodate with nine different options to choose from. 

However, it is worth noting that you don’t get an excellent warranty with the SF-T4400. Three years for the frame and 180 days for parts is the extent of this guarantee. I do realize this is a budget machine, so view this caveat with that information in mind.

Take a look at the Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400) treadmill review. 

Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Egofit Walker

Good for: Those who want an under-desk treadmill with an incline

Best Under-Desk Treadmill With Incline

Egofit Walker M1/M1T Smallest Under Desk Electric Walking Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Has incline options up to 5%
• Compact footprint
• Remote holder included
• Arrives assembled
• Works well on carpet

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $500
• Incline options
• No assembly required
• Handle folds
• Can control through an app or the remote
• Has transport wheels

Cons

• Max capacity is under 250 lbs
• Small deck
• 1-year warranty

Bottom Line

The Egofit Walker is an inexpensive way to get steps in during the workday with the added bonus of incline.

Working on a treadmill desk is a great way to keep your body active during the workday, though most of these machines are often flat walking surfaces that don’t offer much in the way of versatility.

Not the Egofit Walker, however, which gives you a 5% incline—not much when compared to standard treadmills, but it reigns supreme when it comes to the best under-desk treadmills.

This machine is strictly for walking, as it only goes up to 3.1 MPH. There is a remote control you can use to easily adjust the speed, which is great if you’re using this at a desk.

If you’re taller than 6 feet we honestly recommend you look elsewhere. When it comes to ergonomics, we rated this a 3.5 out of 5. Our expert product tester and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly, who stands at 6 feet, 3 inches, couldn’t get into a good stride due to the treadmill’s shorter deck, though he adds the incline certainly challenged his lower-body muscles.

People of average height and weight may still notice some noise from this machine, and it’s not something you can walk on for very long periods of time. The motor is only .75 horsepower, so it’s not going to last a long time.

Other Treadmills We Recommend

Are none of these incline treadmills getting the job done for you? Check out some of our other roundups to find more great options:

• Best Treadmill Under $500
• Best Folding Treadmill
• Best Walking Treadmill
• Best Manual Treadmill
• Best Cushioned Treadmill
• Best Treadmill for Home Gym

How We Picked And Tested The Best Incline Treadmills

Curious how we chose the best incline treadmills? We have an in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology that we apply to all products we recommend. Check out the questions we asked ourselves to determine if a treadmill makes the cut:

Incline options

What incline options are there? What is the maximum incline? How does this compare to others in the same price range? Are they automatic or manual incline? Are there any decline options?

Speed levels

How fast can this treadmill go and what is the max speed? How does this compare to similar models?

Weight capacity

What is the user weight capacity? How does it compare to the industry standard 300-pound user weight capacity?

Handrail

Does it have one or two sets of handrails?

Dimensions

What is the footprint of this machine? Does the machine store well?

Foldability

Can the machine be folded? Is there a gas shock for safe folding? 

Technology

Does the machine feature interactive programming? Are there Bluetooth speakers or any other type of technology features the reader should be aware of? Is there a free iFIT membership trial? 

Display

Is the display LCD or a touchscreen display? How large is the screen? Are there any preset training programs on the display?

Portability

Can the machine be moved easily? Are there included transport wheels? Is it a compact treadmill or good for small spaces?

Weight

How heavy is the machine? Can it be moved by one person or will you need an extra set of hands?

Motor

What horsepower does the motor have?

Deck

Is the deck shock-absorbing? How large is the running deck/what are the dimensions?

Price

How expensive is the treadmill? Is it a budget, mid-range, or high-end option?

Extras

What extras does this treadmill have? Is there a tablet holder, phone holder, or water bottle holder? Does the treadmill come with a heart rate monitor? Does it have a cooling fan or speakers?

Assembly

Can you pay for professional assembly? How much is professional assembly? Is it easy to assemble by yourself or will you need help? How long did it take you to assemble?

Benefits of Incline Treadmills

Want to know why incline treadmills are so beneficial? GGR writer and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly has the 4-1-1.

“Incline treadmills offer all the same benefits as your good old-fashioned treadmills, with a few bonuses,” Anthony explains.

Works Your Posterior Chain

“Running or walking on an incline treadmill works your posterior chain (glutes and hamstrings), as well as your calves, which can help tone those muscles. And because your body is working harder when climbing an incline, you’re burning more calories than you would on a flat treadmill.

Incline treadmills can also prepare you for real-life situations like climbing a long flight of stairs or a rigorous mountain hike.”

Increases Caloric Burn

Because climbing a hill, no matter how small it is, burns more calories than walking on a flat surface, incline treadmills provide an effective way to increase your overall caloric burn.

Workout Versatility

One underrated benefit of incline treadmills is that they make your workouts more fun.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Incline Treadmills

Finding a quality treadmill can be tricky, but luckily, we’re here to help. Here are five things to consider before purchasing a new treadmill.

Incline Options

If you’re someone who enjoys incline runs or walks, you’ll need to make sure your new treadmill can support your habits. Most treadmills above $1,500 have a wide range of incline options. However, if your budget is on the lower side, you’ll need to pay special attention to the included incline levels, as not all inexpensive treadmills have them.  

Price Tag

Considering your budget is one of the most important steps to finding a treadmill that will work for you. If you’re set on a machine that you can’t afford all at once, check to see if there are financing options available. Many brands like NordicTrack and ProForm offer excellent payment plans to help you break up the cost.  

Weight Capacity

Especially if you plan to share your new treadmill with family and friends of different sizes, finding a machine with a high weight capacity is a must. The industry standard for user weight capacity is 300 pounds, but you may need more or less depending on who will be using the machine. 

Footprint

Deciding ahead of time where your treadmill will live will help you narrow down your list of potential machines. Do you need your new cardio machine to fold or have a small footprint? Do you have the capacity to leave the treadmill out 24/7? These are important questions to ask yourself to avoid buying a treadmill that doesn’t actually fit in your space.

Speed Range

If you enjoy HIIT, you’ll want to choose a treadmill that has a wide range of speeds. For those folks who prefer a slow jog or a walk, speed range will be less important to you. Decide what you plan to do on your treadmill ahead of time, so you can find a machine that fits your preferences. 

Incline Treadmills FAQs

References

1. Padulo J, Powell D, Milia R, Ardigò LP. A paradigm of uphill running. PLoS One. 2013 Jul 10;8(7):e69006. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069006. PMID: 23874850; PMCID: PMC3707880.

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

Further reading

The Best Cardio Exercises at Home, From a Personal Trainer

by Kate Meier CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Looking for cardio exercises at home? We have a comprehensive list and guide for how to do them. Read more

Best Incline Treadmill (2023): Climb the Mountain

by Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Want to find the best incline treadmill for your home gym? We have you covered with six of our top picks for home use. Read more

10 Tips to Speed Up Muscle Strain Recovery From a Physical Therapist

by Jessica Thomas, MPH

Using a treadmill on an incline can be an excellent way to achieve your fitness goals. In fact, a recent study1 showed that when you run on an incline, you increase your heart rate and burn more calories than you would on a flat surface at the same pace.If you want to reap the benefits of some of the best treadmill workouts, check out our list of the seven best incline treadmills on the market.  » Read more about: Best Incline Treadmill (2023): Climb the Mountain  » Read more

ProForm 705 CST Treadmill Review (2023): A Reliable Option for Walkers and Joggers

by Jessica Thomas, MPH

In our ProForm 705 CST Treadmill review, we take a look at the specs of this now-discontinued treadmill. Read more