While some runners and walkers avoid treadmills at all costs (ahem, myself), no one can argue with the convenience of having a place to get your steps in at home. The best treadmills for home help you reap the benefits of cardiovascular exercise1 such as improved heart health, reduced risk of chronic disease, boosted mental health, and more.
The trick, though, is finding the right treadmill for your needs and preferences. In our MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill review, we’ll cover the benefits and drawbacks of this budget-friendly cardio machine with real product tester insights to help you decide if this is the one destined profile for your weekly workouts.
We’ve Logged 100s of Treadmill Miles
The GGR product testing team consists of not only certified personal trainers and strength and conditioning coaches but real marathoners, triathletes, and hybrid athletes, as well, who have been logging treadmill miles for years. Between our personal experience and objective, mult-point treadmill testing methodology, we’ve tested more than 70 treadmills to date, and we’ve helped more than 3 million people learn about cardio equipment and the specs that matter. When testing treadmills, a few key criteria we evaluate include:
- Footprint and Portability: Most treadmills take up around 18 square feet of space—equivalent to a 6-foot by 3-foot rug. Compact or foldable models score higher in this category, while oversized or bulky ones score lower. Machines that one or two people can move without fuss earn at least a 3 out of 5, too.
- Durability: To hit a baseline score of 3 out of 5, a treadmill should support at least 275 pounds, have a 2.5 CHP motor, and stay steady at high speeds or inclines. Stabilizers, sturdy materials, and thicker belts bump scores up, while excessive plastic or noticeable shaking brings them down.
- Customizations: We rate treadmills on how much you can control the available speed and incline ranges. Average models top out around 10 miles per hour and 10% incline, respectively. Higher ratings go to machines with wider speed ranges, steeper inclines, and bonus features like decline training or hands-free settings adjustments.
- Value: We’re always assessing whether the product is worth its price. Machines earn a 3-point score if the features are aligned with the price point and industry standards.
- Ergonomics: The running deck size, ease of use of controls, belt cushioning, and other factors influence the ergonomics score. We look for decks at least 55 inches long, but adjust scores when features like portability or compactness are key components of the build.
The MERACH T12 Treadmill is an affordable and foldable treadmill that’s ideal for walking. It doesn’t offer much in terms of technology or conveniences, but it works well for getting some additional movement in during the day. It takes up less than 5 square feet of space when folded, making it suitable for small home gyms.
What our tester says:
“You’ll be making some sacrifices at this price point, but it’s still a decent option for anyone who needs a lightweight and portable treadmill.”
A Quick Look at the MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill
MERACH Fitness entered the home gym market in 2018 and has since made a name for itself as a company that produces affordable yet durable fitness equipment. Based in China with operations in Canada, Australia, and the United States, the company now offers a complete roster of cardio and strength training products from treadmills and rowing machines to adjustable dumbbells, weight benches, and more.
RELATED: MERACH 950 Rower Review
The T12 walking treadmill is one of three MERACH treadmills, and after extensive testing, we think it’s an excellent choice for those who are prioritizing floor space and budget.
Before You Buy
- This treadmill has a user weight capacity of 300 pounds, which is higher than the 275-pound minimum we like to see. Still, some may feel more comfortable with a higher weight capacity of 325 or 350 pounds.
- The running deck is on the smaller side at 42.5 inches long by 16.5 inches wide. This may not work for taller folks or those who want to do sprint workouts.
- This treadmill does offer incline degrees up to 6%, but the controls are manual—you can’t toggle the settings mid-workout.
Is the MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill Worth It?
If dropping a few grand on a treadmill isn’t in the cards, the MERACH T12 Folding Treadmill is a standout option in the budget category. Priced under $400, it delivers a respectable mix of features with a few expected trade-offs.
It’s not a bells-and-whistles machine like the high-end NordicTrack Commercial 2450 or other commercial options, but it’s one of the most affordable incline models we’ve tested, making it a strong pick for anyone trying to stay within a tight budget without compromising (too much) on performance.
Great for:
- Walkers and joggers on a budget
- Those who are OK with a simple machine and simple workouts
- Athletes training in small spaces
Not recommended for:
- Taller individuals or those with a long running stride
- Individuals who want to do high-paced running workouts or sprint intervals
- Anyone opposed to manual incline adjustments
MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill Specs
| Price | $329.99 |
| Footprint | Unfolded: 52.4″ L x 27.6″ W x 49.2″ H Folded: 25.6” L x 27.6” W x 49.2” H |
| Weight | 92.6 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Motor | 2.5 HP |
| Running Deck | 42.5” L x 16.5” W |
| Speed Range | 0.5-7.5 MPH |
| Incline Range | 0-6% (manual incline) |
| Foldable | Yes (hydraulic) |
| Display | Fold-down LED screen |
| Programming | MERACH app |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer’s warranty |
Workout Experience with the MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill
Priced at roughly $329.99, the MERACH T12 stands out as our best budget treadmill for walkers. It doesn’t match the top speeds of higher-end machines, but it can still reach a solid 7.5 miles per hour and offers a 6% incline, which is truly impressive for the cost. (That said, the incline controls are manual—it’s not as easy as pushing a button).
GGR Senior Editor and longtime runner Cait Giddings gives the T12 an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5, noting, “When I was moving the treadmill and walking on it, it felt very sturdy with no rickety feeling or shaking. I cranked it to the highest running speed and the treadmill felt very sturdy at this pace, too.” So, while we primarily recommend it for walking, it’s reassuring to know it can handle light jogging or even quicker bursts without feeling unstable.
That said, Cait noted that it was hard to maintain the faster pace because of the shorter running deck, which made her strides feel awkward and constrained.
Footprint and Portability
A major perk of the T12 is its small footprint. When folded, it occupies under 5 square feet, making it a great choice for small spaces. Cait put the T12 through testing and came away especially impressed with how little of a footprint this treadmill carries.
“This treadmill’s strength is its portability and compact size, which makes it ideal for people who are pressed for space yet want to work more movement and walking into their day,” Cait says. “It was easy for me to move around on my own using the rear wheels in the back.”
Thanks to its minimal floor space requirement, hydraulic folding mechanism, and built-in transport wheels, the T12 earns a perfect 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
Related: Best Compact Exercise Equipment
Durability and Construction
Despite being such a compact treadmill, Cait found it to be surprisingly durable and sturdy. She rated the durability a 4 out of 5, saying, “I was surprised by how sturdy it feels for a machine this cheap. There was no rickety feeling and no shaking.”
At under $400, this treadmill is a bargain for someone looking for a compact treadmill or a way to get more steps in throughout the day, Cait says. “It’s definitely not for running, but that’s immediately evident from the short running deck. Dedicated walkers can still get in a great workout on this and then stow it away into a closet.”
For reference, we typically recommend a running deck of 55 inches or longer for those interested in running-focused workouts.
The Ergonomics
Although this treadmill has plenty of upsides, its most noticeable limitations are the compact deck and modest motor size.
It can reach 7.5 MPH, which is more than enough for walking, but the running surface isn’t long enough to support a true running stride. It’s great for steady walks, but as Cait puts it, “If you’re looking for a treadmill that will give you lots of running options, this is not the machine for you.”
Because of the short 42.5-inch deck and narrower range of speed options, we rated its adjustability and ergonomics at 2 out of 5. That said, the cushioning pulls its own weight. Thanks to MERACH’S six-layer shock-absorbing running belt, this can be a solid choice for those who struggle with knee pain.
Related: Best Treadmills for Bad Knees
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
At this price point, we really wouldn’t expect to see a built-in display that’s more than a few inches of LCD readout. However, the MERACH T12 foldable treadmill features a large LED display with a great deal of functionality. Just below it, there’s a small LCD readout of metrics like speed, incline, time, distance, pace, and calories burned. That’s also where you’ll find the speed adjustment toggles and start-stop button. On the handlebars, there are optical heart rate monitors, as well.
This home treadmill comes with 12 onboard workout modules, but it’s also Bluetooth-enabled, and you can use it with the MERACH fitness app where you can find a number of treadmill sessions and other home workouts. “Another surprise here,” Cait says, rating dynamic programming at 5 out of 5. “The machine syncs with an app that tracks all your fitness data and has interactive workouts. It’s no iFIT, but the fact that this is offered at all is impressive for a treadmill this bare-bones and basic.”
One feature dropped this treadmill’s tech score down to a 3 out of 5—the lack of automatic incline. There are no buttons to adjust the incline setting. Rather, you have to stop the treadmill, get off, and manually adjust the rear toggles. This means you can’t easily do incline treadmill workouts across a range of different pitches. This may be a dealbreaker for some, but no biggie for others.
MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill vs WalkingPad Folding Treadmill
The WalkingPad is another great option for people who want a way to walk while doing another activity.
What our tester says:
“I have used it daily in the winter/spring/when the weather is inclement for the last 1.5 years and have defintitly gotten my money’s worth.”
We recommend the MERACH T12 treadmill to those looking to get more steps in throughout the day, but if you’re really tight on time and want to bump up your daily movement, consider something like the WalkingPad P1 Classic Folding Treadmill. Designed to work as an under-desk treadmill, the WalkingPad is one of the best treadmills under $1,000 for walking.
Like the MERACH T12, The P1 folds, but not in the way you might think. The walking surface itself actually folds in half. This makes it an exceptional choice for small apartments and studios. It measures just under 33 inches long when folded—not even 3 feet. It also weighs a light 62 pounds, making it easily portable.
That said, even as an under-desk treadmill, the WalkingPad lacks some features we’d like to see at its $499 price point. Its app is a bit finicky, and our tester had trouble using some of the controls, which ultimately landed the technology score at a 2 out of 5. The weight capacity is also quite low at 220 pounds—larger athletes may bog the P1’s brush motor down in use.
Read our full WalkingPad review for more details on this machine, and check out our comparison chart below with key specs for both walker-friendly treadmill profiles.
| MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill | WalkingPad P1 Classic Folding Treadmill | |
| Price | $329.99 | $499 |
| Footprint | Unfolded: 52.4″ D x 27.6″ W x 49.2″ H Folded: 25.6” L x 27.6” W x 49.2” H | Unfolded: 56.37” L x 21.5” W x 5” H Folded: 32.5” L x 21.5” W x 5” H |
| Weight | 92.6 lbs | 62 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Motor | 2.5 HP | Brush motor |
| Running Deck | 42.5” L x 16.5” W | 47.24” L x 16.5” W |
| Speed Range | 0.5-7.5 MPH | 0.5-3.75 MPH |
| Incline Range | 0-6% (manual incline) | 0% |
| Foldable | Yes (hydraulic) | Yes |
| Display | Fold-down LED screen | No screen |
| Programming | MERACH app | KS Fit app |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer’s warranty | 1-year manufacturer’s warranty |
Customer Experience
MERACH offers a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on the T12 folding treadmill. This is “substandard but not surprising,” Cait says, given the pricing. She rates the customer experience at 3 out of 5, noting the 30-day home trial and money-back guarantee.
Note: The brand does offer a two-year warranty on the MERACH site, but we cannot confirm at this time whether this is a standard coverage package or, rather, a promotional add-on as part of the brand’s holiday sales season.
You can open and use the treadmill, and if you don’t like it, you can send it back with the original packaging. The catch is, however, that the customer is on the hook for return shipping (unless the return is due to manufacturer error). On Amazon, you may get a longer return window, especially during holiday shopping periods like Black Friday.
If you need support, you can email the MERACH customer service team anytime or call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday.
Ordering and Assembling the MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill
I’ve got good news for all of you who despise fumbling with parts and hardware: This treadmill comes 90% assembled. There’s really not much to do once you unbox the T12 outside of unfolding the frame, attaching the plastic feet and safety clip, aligning the running belt with an Allen key (included), and lubricating the treadmill belt.
RELATED: Treadmill Maintenance
You can also opt for professional in-home delivery and assembly for an additional fee if you wish. It earns a 5 out of 5 for delivery and setup from Cait.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are largely positive, with the MERACH T12 treadmill boasting an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. There are not yet any reviews on the brand’s retail website.
One buyer states, “I’m happy to say, I am thrilled with it!! Solid construction, according to my partner, easy assembly, side rails which are a must for me as I am handicapped and in my mid sixties, ease of use, concise information on how to utilize all it has to offer for your fitness and health!”
Final Verdict of Our MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill Review
All in all, we recommend this T12 treadmill to beginners and those who are simply looking to increase their step count throughout the day. It may not be the best option for advanced runners due to its belt size, but it is one of the best space-saving treadmills for light exercise.
- Even at its affordable price, the MERACH T12 has some features that are typically reserved for more expensive treadmills, like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 or Horizon Fitness AT 7.0 Studio Tread.
- Despite its 6% incline, this isn’t the best treadmill for incline walking intervals due to the manual control. It may be suitable, though, for walking at a consistent pitch over the course of your entire workout.
- Conveniences like a water bottle holder and storage tray for your phone or other device make this machine great for home use.
- The running deck on this treadmill is shorter at 42.5 inches, so it’s best for walking or light jogging as opposed to running.
MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill
The MERACH T12 Treadmill is an affordable and foldable treadmill that’s ideal for walking. It doesn’t offer much in terms of technology or conveniences, but it works well for getting some additional movement in during the day. It takes up less than 5 square feet of space when folded, making it suitable for small home gyms.
Product Brand: MERACH
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 329.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.9
MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill Review: FAQs
Where is MERACH Fitness located?
MERACH is a global brand. According to its website, it operates in over 60 countries. The brand’s corporate or registered operations appear to span the United States, Canada, Australia, and China.
Are foldable treadmills worth it?
Foldable treadmills are worth it if floor space and easy storage are priorities for you. Generally, folding treadmills can make some concessions in size and durability to improve portability and footprint. That said, there are some very high-end folding treadmills available, but they’re not cheap.
Is the MERACH T12 a good treadmill?
The MERACH T12 is a surprisingly good treadmill for its price. While it lacks a spacious running deck, it can be great for walking and light jogging.
The durability is excellent, as well, especially for such a low price. Additionally, it comes with a large LED touchscreen display, which is typically unheard of at this price point.
References
- Kazemi, A., Soltani, S., Aune, D. et al. Leisure-time and occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease incidence: a systematic-review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 21, 45 (2024).
