The Best Treadmills for Walking (2023): These Cardio Machines Were Made for Walkin’

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. Heck, we even made a walking challenge because we believe everyone should make purposeful walking a part of their daily routine.

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.

Rating products in categories such as these, on a scale of 1 to 5, we land on a final score that informs how we choose the best.

Top Picks of the Best Treadmills for Walking

• Best Overall Walking Treadmill: Sole F63
• Best Walking Treadmill Under $500: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
• Best Budget Walking Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness (SF-T4400)
• Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Stride
• Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: AssaultRunner Pro
• Best Under Desk Treadmill for Walking: UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Treadmill for Incline Walking: Egofit Walker
• Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack EXP 7i
• Best Treadmill for Walking With Classes: ProForm Carbon T7

Best Treadmill for Walking Video Review

Best Overall Walking Treadmill: Sole F63

Good for: People who want an all around solid walking treadmill that will stand the test of time.

Best Overall

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.

The Sole F63 hits a ton of the marks that make this a quality treadmill you’ll have for years to come. It scored near-perfect marks of 4.5 out of 5 in our testing of customizations like speed and incline range and conveniences like cup holders, fans, and Bluetooth speakers.

There is a lifetime warranty on both the motor and the frame, especially for a treadmill around $1,200. 

We also gave this machine a 4.5 in the area of ergonomics, as the cushioned deck that Sole uses on this treadmill is extremely comfortable. Plus, if you’re someone who loves a good incline walk, the 15 available incline levels will really appeal to you. 

Other extras, like the Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and the F63’s ability to fold, make it a home run for people who want to consistently walk on a treadmill that won’t let them down.

“The machine does wobble a little when you run, but it doesn’t feel unstable,” says Kate Meier, GGR’s head of content who assembled this machine by herself in about an hour. “The hardest part of assembly was unboxing it, because the deck is pretty heavy, so you may need two people for that step.”

A durable treadmill usually isn’t light – and that is the case with the F63, as it is a heavy 325 pounds. You’ll definitely want to enlist a buddy to help you store of move the treadmill.

The LCD screen is what you’d expect from an affordable treadmill. Basic stats like distance, calories, speed, and incline are all present on the display. There is no touchscreen for programming. However, you could utilize the device shelf above the monitor to put your own tablet or phone if you want to watch a show on Netflix, or listen to music.

The Sole F63 is also the best treadmill for seniors for a few reasons, but one of them is the wide walking deck that prevents falls, a large and easy-to-read screen and buttons, an emergency stop button, and a second set of handlebars for heart rate monitoring. The No. 1 feature for seniors is the cushioned deck, which helps prevent stress to your lower-body joints—especially the knees.

Check out our full Sole F63 Treadmill review.

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.

Under $500

GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Fits seamlessly under most standing desks
• Quick assembly
• Folds extremely flat for storage
• Comes with remote to change speed with ease

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easily portable and stored
• Emits minimal noise
• Very easy assembly
• Bluetooth speaker on console
• Phone mount
• Remote control
• Safety key
• Ideal for use in small spaces and those who are casual joggers/walkers
• Transport wheels

Cons

• Not intended for sustained or fast running
• Smaller than typical running surface
• Does not fold once handrails are installed
• Handrails do not adjust and are at a fixed 3.5 feet (not ideal for taller individuals)
• Only two modes available
• Max speed is 8 miles per hour
• No incline/decline
• Can not mount a tablet

Bottom Line

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.

Understandably, many people are searching for the best budget home gym equipment to outfit their spaces. Finding a walking treadmill that’s under $500 and a solid buy can be tough, but the GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill checks a lot of boxes for our team. 

First of all, who doesn’t like free shipping for everyone on Amazon? Not only is this treadmill a great budget option, but it also comes straight to your door without you spending the extra cash. Plus, it can be used under a standing desk for steady walking throughout the workday.

Coop Mitchell, GGR’s founder, rated this high for workout performance (a 4 out of 5). He says, “I use it for a couple hours every day during the work week. I like how simple and easy this machine is to use.”

This machine is completely foldable. Not everyone has the space for a behemoth of a machine that has no capacity to be stored or folded–not the case with the GoPlus! Coop found it pretty easy to fold and store away. There are even small wheels to help you scoot your treadmill into a different spot.

In terms of downsides, the GoPlus has a max weight capacity of just 265 pounds, which limits the amount of people that can purchase this machine to walk on. We also would not recommend standing on this treadmill before you actually hit the start button, because the motor seems to struggle slightly if you do.  

Read our entire GoPlus Folding Treadmill review.

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.

Best Budget Walking 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.

The Sunny Health and Fitness (SF-T4400) is one of the best budget treadmills for those who want a solid treadmill they can walk on comfortably. At under $500, this machine has a lot going for it: three incline options (albeit manually, meaning you have to adjust the incline by hand before getting on the treadmill), an easy fold mechanism, and user-friendly buttons.

We really love the soft-drop system that Sunny added to this treadmill. When you’re ready to unfold it, the SF-T4400 essentially does the work for you, making this a safer process where hands and feet won’t get smashed on the treadmill’s way down. “The soft-drop feature is actually soft, and you don’t have to worry about it slamming on the floor,” says Anthony O’Reilly, GGR expert product tester. “It is so compact, it could easily be stowed under a bed.”

The SF-T4400 is a good choice for beginners, because there are a variety of buttons and stats available that make it easy to use and get started on. You can jump between speeds with the press of a button, or view things like time elapsed, calories burned, and speed. 

The weight capacity of this treadmill does leave something to be desired, scoring just a 3 out of 5 on durability in our testing. The max capacity of 220 pounds is not very high at all, and isn’t even close to the industry standard of close to 300 pounds. This is definitely something to keep in mind, because 220 pounds is quite low and isn’t inclusive to much of the general population.

This machine is made with a lot of plastic on the outer shell, so it may not hold up insanely well over time.

“If you need something to just remain active and burn a few calories, this will serve you well,” Anthony says. “It was sturdy enough, easy to operate and move, and displays all the usual stats on the odometer.”

RELATED: Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400) review

Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Stride 

Good for: People who need a walking treadmill that folds easily.

Best Folding 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.

Most folding treadmills on the market tend to have super short decks that make even walking difficult for taller people. The Echelon Stride folds completely flat and features a 55-inch long deck, which is comparable to the industry standard of 55-60 inches on non-folding treadmills. This makes it ideal for most people to walk comfortably on it. 

GGR’s head of content and walking enthusiast Kate Meier has logged hundreds of miles on the Stride. She stores it vertically in her sunroom when it isn’t in use, giving it a 5 out of 5 for its footprint and portability.

“I love that it can be put out of the way easily when I’m not using it, because my house is small, and I don’t have the space for a large machine,” she says. “However, it is on the heavier side at 150 pounds, so stowing it vertically may not be easy for everyone. It does also fit under a bed!”

RELATED: Best Folding Treadmill

Even though this treadmill can be completely folded to just over 10 inches deep, it is a sturdy machine that doesn’t shake while being used if you’re walking (Kate has noticed some wobbling during runs). Plus, there are 12 different incline levels for you to switch between.

The motor on the Stride isn’t very powerful: At just 1.75 CHP, it isn’t suited for heavy runs. It’s a great option for people who just want to walk or are tight on space.

If you’re not someone who already owns one of the best fitness trackers, the Echelon Stride comes with an included heart rate monitor, which is a nice way to check on your heart rate throughout your walk. At just $1,300, this treadmill has a ton going for it, except for a touchscreen.

If you’re someone who likes interactive programming, Echelon does offer a membership (sold separately) but you’ll need to use your own device on the Stride to view it. There are two device holders on the Stride: one on the console, and an adjustable one above it.

Read more of our thoughts on this treadmill in our Echelon Stride treadmill review.

Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: AssaultRunner Pro

Good for: People looking to walk or jog with better form.

Best Manual Treadmill for Walking

TrueForm Trainer

GGR Score: 4

Community Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Well-designed treadmill to help refine running form
• Smooth belt
• Expensive, but worth the money
• Not made in the USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Curved running surface to promote better form
• Durable frame
• Hefty weight capacity
• Excellent for HIIT and sprints
• 60 percent more affordable than the TrueForm Runner

Cons

• Costs around $3,000
• Non-motorized treadmill
• Basic monitor
• No preset workouts

Bottom Line

The TrueForm Trainer is a unique treadmill designed to help runners improve their form.

If you’re looking for a treadmill without a motor, we love the AssaultRunner Pro. Its motorless design means less noise, and instead of a machine dictating your pace, you get to.

The curved shape of the shallow deck on the AssaultRunner forces you to walk or run striking with your midfoot, which is the ideal way to walk in order to prevent unnecessary injury. Plus, since it’s a manual treadmill (AKA self-propelled), you can go as fast or as slow as you want and don’t need any electricity to operate it. 

RELATED: TrueForm Trainer Treadmill Review

Think of it as the human equivalent of a hamster wheel, except much more expensive. At almost $3,000, the AssaultRunner Pro isn’t exactly a budget option, but it will definitely help you walk with better form. It’s also worth noting that it cannot be folded, and isn’t easy to move around. If you have plenty of space in your home gym, this is likely less of a concern. 

Since this treadmill is an absolute behemoth, it can support a variety of people of different weights, with a user capacity of 350 pounds, which is about the standard for most treadmills. This also means you can do things like weighted farmers carries on this treadmill since it can withstand extra pounds.

The monitor on the AssaultRunner Pro isn’t anything special – in fact, compared to the awesome machine itself, it does seem slightly lacking. You can see basic stats like distance, time, heart rate, and speed, but nothing extra. 

Check out our full AssaultRunner Pro review.

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.

Best Under Desk Treadmill for Walking

UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Folds flat to fit under beds and couches
• Comes ready to go; no assembly required
• Easy to move
• Can also be used under a standing desk
• No incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $400
• Handle can be folded under to use under a desk
• Easy to store and good for people in tight spaces

Cons

• Short and skinny deck not ideal for running
• User weight capacity below industry standard at 265 lbs
• Max speed of 7.6 mph

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a foldable treadmill for under $500, the UREVO 2 in 1 is a great option for you.

COVID-19 has changed the way a lot of us workout. With more and more people working from home, it’s not surprising that fitness enthusiasts are looking for new ways to stay moving during the day. The UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill is a budget-friendly treadmill option that fits well under most standing desks.

At just 59 pounds, you won’t need to worry about bugging your partner or roommate to help you move this treadmill. It folds easily to an almost completely flat state to be stored in places like under beds and inside closets. This makes it an ideal choice for people who don’t have a ton of space where they’re able to leave their treadmill out 24/7. 

With a surprisingly strong motor for the price tag (2.5 CHP), the UREVO can hit a top speed of 7.6 miles per hour. However, after my 5’9” self used this treadmill, I realized it likely will be a speed you will not hit unless you’re particularly short. This is due to the fact that the deck is 42.5 inches long, which is quite a bit shorter than the industry standard of at least 55 inches, so you’d have to have a short stride.

The UREVO is as bare bones as you can get, receiving low marks on our rating matrix for technology and conveniences. However, it costs only $400, which is super cheap for a treadmill, but it does exactly what it’s supposed to–allow you to slowly and continuously get steps in while working. I’m honestly not sure how long the machine will last, as there is quite a bit of plastic used, but that’s less of a concern when it’s a fraction of the cost of many other walking treadmills. 

Check out the full UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill review.

Best Treadmill for Incline Walking: Egofit Walker

Good for: Those who want to walk on a slight incline indoors

Walking Treadmill with Incline

Egofit Walker M1/M1T Smallest Under Desk Electric Walking Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.3

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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.

We’ll be honest: There are many better incline walking treadmills than the Egofit Walker. So why did we pick it for this category? Simply put most people who are looking to walk on their treadmill don’t need a large machine that takes up a lot of room, and the Egofit can fit under your desk or bed frame.

Even better, it comes fully assembled, can be controlled via remote, and works well on all home gym flooring, including carpet. GGR’s head of content Kate Meier logged around 200 miles on this machine. “It’s great for rainy days when you want to walk but can’t get outside,” she says.

Garage Gym Reviews performance editor Anthony O’Reilly, a certified personal trainer, found the Egofit wasn’t good for his fellow tall people (he’s 6 feet, 3 inches), but Kate(5’4″) said it works great for her and her children.

The motor isn’t meant for daily use, and Anthony (who weighs around 225 pounds) felt it struggling under its weight. So is it worth the roughly $500 asking price?

We say yes, because you’re not going to find many other walking treadmills with an incline that don’t take up a ton of space, or have a four-figure price attached to them.

Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill

Good for: Those looking for a foldable treadmill

Best Compact Treadmill for Walking

NordicTrack EXP 7i

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• 7-inch touchscreen display
• iFIT-enabled and comes with a free 30-day family membership
• 3.0 CHP motor suited for walking or running
• Speeds from 0 to 12 mph with incline ranges up to 12%
• Folding design
• 20-inch-by-60-inch cushioned running deck to reduce stress on joints and back
• Supports weights up to 300 pounds
• Conveniences include Bluetooth connectivity, a console fan, and tray for storage

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Interactive 7-inch screen allows for easy access to the iFIT library
• Folding design
• Large running surface for a folding treadmill
• Cushioned running deck
• One-month family membership to iFIT is included with purchase

Cons

• Small screen
• No tablet or phone holder
• Heavy

Bottom Line

True to the NordicTrack brand, the NordicTrack EXP 7i is a high-quality treadmill best suited for walkers, joggers, hikers, and the casual runner. With iFIT connectivity, you will have no shortage of motivation to stay on track towards your fitness goals.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill isn’t the only foldable treadmill on our list, but it is one of the few that comes with the industry standard 60-inch long running deck while still being compact. This allows taller runners to get into a comfortable stride, a luxury they might not have on other compact treadmills with shorter running decks.

Is this a small machine? No. There are smaller machines on this list. But if you want a high-quality treadmill that folds and is ideal for walking, this is it. You won’t experience the banging that you sometimes get when you try to fold treadmills. That’s because the EXP 7i comes with a gas shock folding mechanism that allows it to slowly fold down.

Enough about its stowability, you want to know if this is a worthwhile treadmill to use for walking. The answer is yes. It comes with incline capabilities up to 12 percent, goes from 0 to 12 miles per hour, has a 10-year frame warranty, and a powerful motor.

Plus, we love that this machine comes with what NordicTrack calls “Runners Flex Cushioning.” They used to call it FlexSelect Cushioning. And before, that, it was probably called something else. But what it all means is that you have the ability to turn the cushioning on for a more comfortable walk, or turn it off to simulate road-walking.

Also, like all of the best NordicTrack treadmills, this machine is compatible with iFIT. That unlocks thousands of live and on-demand workouts, including walks, yoga, and strength.

One important callout: GGR’s senior editor and expert product tester, Nicole Davis, warns that the 7-inch screen may be hard to read. “Streaming iFIT is an excellent, option but this screen is so small,” she says. “I’m not a fan of the size because I found it difficult to read.”

Read more in our NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill review.

Best Treadmill for Walking With Classes: ProForm Carbon T7

Good for: Those who want to take guided walking workout classes

Walking Treadmill with Classes

ProForm Carbon T10 Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Cushioned running deck
• 3.0 horsepower motor
• Free three-year iFIT family membership
• 10" HD smart touchscreen 
• Built-in workout fans
• Dual audio auxiliary port speakers
• EKG grip heart rate sensors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3 year iFIT family membership included with purchase
• Interactive smart screen
• Incline ranges from 0-12 percent with quick incline one touch button
• Speed ranges .5-12 miles per hour with quick speed on touch button
• Cushioned running deck
• Foldable
• 30 day return policy

Cons

• Smaller running belt: 20” x 55”
• A 3.0 horsepower motor does not match price point
• Returns will be charged a $250 shopping fee and 10% restocking fee

Bottom Line

Is the ProForm Carbon T10 a good treadmill? It really depends on your fitness goals. If you prioritize performance and durability over technology then this is not the treadmill for you. But, if you are looking for a tech savvy machine and trainer led program optionality, you will be hard pressed to find another treadmill with an interactive touchscreen and three years of iFIT membership at this price.

If you’re looking for a Peloton experience on a treadmill, the ProForm Carbon T7 comes with iFIT programming that can be used to access walking classes or other guided workouts on the 7-inch touchscreen. iFIT is one of the best training programs we have used. Plus, ProFrom has structured the price of the T7 to be “free” — if you sign up for three years of iFIT.

Kate Meier, head of content for GGR, has used iFIT extensively, including running the Hawaiian Islands Endurance Series. “You can do runs or walks with iFIT, but also a lot more,” she explains. “I’ve done core workouts, HIIT workouts, and strength-based workouts with it, so you can definitely get full use of the program.”

Many iFIT machines, such as the ProForm Carbon T7, are equipped with automatic trainer control. This allows the virtual trainer of the workout class you’re following to control your speed and incline. Our testers have used iFIT on nearly a dozen machines, and we all agree that the automatic adjustments feel smooth. Plus, you have the option to turn those off if you prefer to adjust the machine manually.

The motor on the T7 is a 2.6 continuous horsepower motor—which in English means that it’s powerful enough last several thousands of miles of walking. You get a range 0 to 10 MPH and incline up to 10%, which should be challenging for even the most advanced walkers.

Nicole Davis, senior editor at Garage Gym reviews, used the T7 for several iFIT workouts. She give it a 4 out of 5 for her workout experience, noting, “The fan is a nice added benefit, and there was room for all my stuff (water bottle, phone, keys). However, the machine itself is really loud when you’re in action.”

“I think this is a decent treadmill for someone who wants to walk or jog a few times per week and enjoys interactive programming like iFIT.”

We should note that the deck on this machine is 55 inches in length—that is still a lot of space, though people with longer strides who want to run may have issues. We will note that people of all strides should love the cushioned deck, which prevents excess shock to your joints and dampens the noise of your foot hitting the tread over and over again.

Read more in our in-depth ProForm Carbon T7 treadmill review.

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. 

ProForm Carbon T10 Treadmill: If you’re looking for a walking treadmill with interactive programming, the T10 has iFIT membership capabilities (purchased separately). However, it is on the pricier side of a walking treadmill at almost $1,500. 

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, you can be sure we have thoroughly tested it and 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.

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 shown that consistent walking habits can play a key role in increasing your heart health (and disease prevention!). 

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. 

Weight Loss

There is no magic secret to weight loss – you simply must consume less 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?

Daily Step Goal

If you’re trying to hit a certain amount 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. 

RELATED: Best walking shoes for seniors

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. Be sure to 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 out 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 55-60 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, getting at least 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

Kate Meier CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Kate has nearly two decades of experience working in both the fitness and content industries. On the fitness side, she has worked in a number of settings: youth athletics, owned a CrossFit affiliate, personal training, weightlifting coach, CrossFit coach, and fitness floor consultant at a YMCA. Personally, Kate enjoys competing in weightlifting and stores her barbell in her bedroom.On the content side, Kate’s background is in newspaper journalism. She branched into public relations for the American Red Cross for about five years and then moving into content marketing.Today, her work at Garage Gym Reviews blends her excitement for fitness and love of writing. If she isn’t reviewing fitness equipment, you can find her working out or spending time with her two children.Certifications:NASM Certified Personal Trainer CrossFit Level 1 Trainer USA Weightlifting Level 1 Trainer

Further reading

How Much Cardio to Lose Weight: The Answer Might Surprise You

by Stacey L. Nash, CPT

Cardio can take many forms, but to be considered cardio, the exercise must increase heart rate, oxygen use, blood flow, and engage large muscle groups. Read more

PYHIGH S7 Indoor Cycling Bike Review (2023): A Good Value or a Pie High in the Sky?

by Anthony O'Reilly, CPT

How good can an exercise bike under $400 be? Our PYHIGH S7 Indoor Cycling Bike review will let you know the answer. Read more

Gobble Reviews (2023): This Meal Kit Is Convenient, but Is It Healthy?

by Lauren Strong, CPT

Find out if this meal kit is worth the subscription in our honest Gobble reviews. Read more

Good Running Form for Beginners: (Foot) Strike While the Iron is Hot

by Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Trying to figure out good running form for beginners? Check out our top tips for a safe and efficient run. Read more