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

At a Glance 

• Costs around $1,300
• Running deck folds for more convenient storage
• Included Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and cooling fans
• Powerful 3.0-HP motor

The Sole F63 is a great running treadmill for right around $1,300. I know, I know; $1,300 is still a lot of cheddar. However, if you want a treadmill used for running, going too cheap can mean sacrificing elements that are crucial to supporting your exercise, such as the running surface or motor capacity. 

The F63 has a 60-inch deck, which can comfortably accommodate a variety of stride lengths, as well as a powerful 3.0-HP motor. If you only wanted a treadmill for walking, we would point you somewhere else. All together, though, the F63’s features and price point make it a shoo-in for the best budget treadmill for running. “For the price, you get a lot for your money in the way of conveniences,” Kate Meier, former GGR product tester and head of content, told me.

Value: 4.5/5

Dynamic Programming: 4/5

Ergonomics: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Sole F63

A lot of the best budget treadmills have a super short deck or weak motor, which can make more intense cardio difficult to accomplish. The Sole F63 has a strong 3.0-HP motor, 15 levels of incline, and a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, earning it a 4-out-of-5 durability rating. Additionally, The F63 is equipped with a durable two-ply belt—a step up from the thinner one-ply belts commonly found on lower-cost treadmills.

The Sole F63 offers a maximum incline of 15%, matching 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 F63 ranges from 1 to 12 miles per hour, which aligns with the standard expectations for a high-quality home running treadmill. Between the speeds and the incline range, our testers award this machine a score of 4.5 out of 5 for customizations.

For such a large machine, it was also easy to put together, Kate says. “It took less than an hour, and it was pretty effortless!” she notes. “The hardest part was unboxing it because the deck is pretty heavy. The rest was very simple and the instructions were clear enough.”

Alternatives

The Sole F63 used to come with a strap 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.

Our tester also had some readability and accuracy issues with the center console. “I never saw a data screen showing an increase in mileage until the 0.10 randomly popped up,” they note. Additionally, when testing the distance accuracy, we saw that while the display stated a completed distance of 0.1 miles (160.9 meters), our findings determined an actual distance of 177.1 meters; a 16.2-meter difference that may be problematic for those needing accurate data.

The LCD display isn’t my favorite, but for the price of this affordable treadmill for running at home, it’s unsurprising that there is not a touchscreen. It’s not that the display is necessarily bad or unusable, but it doesn’t look caught up with today’s technologies. It reminds me quite a bit of an early 2000s LCD monitor on a treadmill you’d see in a gym. You can still use the device holder to watch your own programming, if you choose. Because of these factors, we still rate the tech capabilities on this machine at 4 out of 5.

If you want a treadmill with an integrated touchscreen and extensive dynamic programming, our top overall pick, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a good option. 

Testing Breakdown

One of our highest-scoring treadmills in all of our testing, the Sole F63 impresses with its high-performance features at a lower price than similar competitors. 

Vs. The Average

Despite its lower-than-average price, the Sole F63 meets or exceeds every average specification across the treadmills we’ve tested. 

Want to learn more? Take a look at our full Sole F63 Treadmill review. 

At a Glance 

• Lifetime frame and motor warranty
• Monthly payment plans available
• QuickDial controls for speed and incline
• Works with multiple fitness streaming apps

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.”

Alternatives

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 super high-tech features are a must for you, consider the ProForm Carbon Pro 2000—our top pick for the best treadmill for running with virtual classes. 

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.

At a Glance 

• Compact size
• Built-in 10″ touchscreen
• 0-12% incline settings
• Bluetooth compatible

If you’re looking for solid interactive programming on a durable treadmill, the ProForm Carbon Pro 2000 passes the test with flying colors. The 10-inch touchscreen is user-friendly and connects to iFIT (which you get a free 30-day trial of with purchase). The classes you can take aren’t limited to a studio, either; I enjoyed running with the instructors in a variety of outdoor settings, which kept my interest and honestly made the best treadmill workouts more bearable. We give the Carbon Pro 2000 a 5-out-of-5 rating in the programming category.

Footprint & Portability: 4/5

Customizations: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like the ProForm Carbon Pro 2000

Many of ProForm’s newer treadmills, including the Carbon Pro 2000 (not to be mistaken for the ProForm Pro 2000, which is now discontinued), are built to integrate with iFIT. This subscription-based platform gives you access to guided, trainer-led workouts you can stream directly from home. 

Plus, when using iFIT, the treadmill automatically responds to the coach’s cues by adjusting speed and incline in real time, so you can stay focused on the workout rather than manually changing settings while you run. All this led us to rate the tech capabilities of the ProForm Carbon Pro 2000 at 4 out of 5 (one point docked because of the smaller 10-inch screen). 

Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, our lead reviewer for Garage Gym Reviews Everything, put the Carbon Pro 2000 through hands-on testing that included walking, running, sampling iFIT workouts, and moving the treadmill around to assess how portable it really is. According to her evaluation, the treadmill feels sturdy, provides a comfortable running experience, and is impressively easy to move for a machine of its size. She gives it a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability, as well as a 5 out of 5 for durability. 

Alternatives

Honestly, we don’t have a lot of negatives to call out with the ProForm Carbon Pro 2000. However, we noted a couple of areas of improvement. 

Lindsay scored the Carbon Pro 2000 a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics, noting that the running surface measures 20 inches wide by 60 inches long, which is typical for treadmills in this price range and offers enough space for most walkers and runners. 

That said, she mentioned that the integrated ProShox cushioning does provide some impact reduction, but it doesn’t stand out compared to higher-end systems. In her experience, the cushioning felt average rather than exceptional. “Some other treadmills at the same price offer more cushioning, but it’s not like it offered nothing,” she says. “I would say it’s a mid-level cushioning.”

She also noted that the display has an appealing look and good size, but responsiveness was inconsistent. Lindsay explained, “I like how large the screen is, but it wasn’t as quick to respond as I expected. I often had to swipe more than once before it registered my input.”

If lack of underfoot cushioning is a concern for you, we recommend taking a look at the Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Studio Tread. Its proprietary cushioning system has impressed many of our testers.

Testing Breakdown

This treadmill scored 4s and 5s all around, ultimately earning a 4.4-star overall rating from our testing team. 

Vs. The Average

Can you say, “Good deal”? The ProForm Carbon Pro 2000 exceeds industry standards for many specifications, yet costs less than the average treadmill. 

Our full ProForm Carbon Pro 2000 review has all the details and more testing insights.

At a Glance 

• -6% decline to 40% incline
• Speed range of 0-12 MPH
• 24″ swiveling touchscreen
• Powerful 4.25 CHP motor

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 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.

Alternatives

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.

At a Glance 

• 20-year frame warranty
• No motor—manually powered
• Basic LCD console
• Bluetooth connectivity

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.

Alternatives

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 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.

At a Glance 

• Sizeable running surface
• Foldable frame can save space in storage
• Compatible with JRNY programming 
• No integrated display

If you’re searching for a folding 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.

Alternatives

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 ProForm Carbon Pro 2000, which has a 10-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.

At a Glance 

• Auto-fold feature
• Two sets of transport wheels
• No assembly required
• 10-inch screen

For runners who need a treadmill that can handle running workouts without permanently taking over their living space, the Echelon Stride 6s-10 earns its spot as the best compact treadmill for running. This model is built around Echelon’s patented auto-fold system and includes both vertical and horizontal transport wheels, making it easy to collapse and store when your workout is done. Plus, while it can fold nearly flat similar to some of the best under-desk treadmills, we prefer this option over other compact models thanks to its running-capable motor as well as the waterfall front that can be more accommodating for longer strides.

Ergonomics: 4/5

Footprint & Portability: 5/5

Customizations: 5/5

Why We Like the Echelon Stride 6s-10

Kate Meier, former GGR Head of Content and expert product tester, owned the original Echelon Stride for years and put thousands of miles on it. “Even the deck on the original model felt pretty cushioned and I felt good running on it,” she tells me. The updated model provides even more in the way of features, she adds. “I think it would be a great option for those who need a more compact treadmill for running.”

The updated Stride 6s-10 has a top speed of 12.5 MPH and a maximum incline of 12%, giving runners enough range to tackle everything from easy jogs to faster-paced, hill-focused sessions. The handrail-mounted speed and incline controls are another standout feature, allowing for quick adjustments mid-run without breaking stride.

One of the biggest advantages of the Stride 6s-10 is its near-instant setup. There’s no traditional assembly required—simply take it out of the box, raise the arms, plug it in, and you’re ready to train. That convenience is especially appealing when compared to larger treadmills that can take hours to assemble and often cost more. When folded, the Stride 6s-10 measures just 10 inches deep, making it easy to store upright against a wall or slide under a bed.

For programming, we gave the Stride 6s-10 a 4 out of 5. You can use the built-in workout options directly through the console, or opt into the Echelon Premier membership, which offers instructor-led classes similar to Peloton or iFIT. We deducted a point because the Echelon subscription costs more than a basic iFIT membership, and iFIT is the gold standard of dynamic treadmill programming, in our opinion.

Alternatives

On the original Stride, Kate noticed some wobble while running at her body weight of around 150 pounds. Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, shared a similar experience on the 6s-10 model, which led us to knock a point off the durability rating, giving the machine a 4 out of 5 in the category.

Lindsay also pointed out some limitations with impact absorption, giving the treadmill a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics. “I’m not sure how well it would do with heavier users running, but walking should be fine. It’s not the most cushioned deck I’ve used,” Lindsay explains. “The deck feels much closer to running on the road.”

Another drawback is the warranty coverage. The Stride 6s-10 includes just a one-year warranty, which is well below the industry norm for treadmills in this category.

If warranty coverage is a big concern for you, we recommend looking at a model like the Sole F63, which features a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. 

Testing Breakdown

This treadmill wowed our testers with its ease of portability and setup, as well as its available customizations, but there is room for improvement with regard to conveniences.

Vs. The Average

The Echelon Stride 6s-10 stands up to the competition, though there’s an obvious drawback in the length of the warranty. 

Check out our Echelon Stride-6s-10 review for details about this machine.