If you don’t have time to read the entire review and just want to find out what the best folding treadmill for your small space is, then we recommend XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black as the best choice.
Treadmills can provide a great home workout. Whether you are running, walking, or simply looking to get in a few extra steps, purchasing a treadmill can be a wise investment for a healthy lifestyle.
A treadmill is a great way to increase your cardiovascular exercise But it can also take up quite a bit of space in your house.
This is why you should look into the benefits of foldable treadmills rather than the type that only stay upright. If you have don’t have a lot of space, you might consider checking out one of these seven best rated folding treadmills.
Let’s get to it!
Folding Treadmill Buying Guide
Understanding The Essential Differences Between Foldable Treadmills
Security Locks
Most folding treadmills have security locks to make sure that they stay locked when they are folded. It is important that this is a high-quality lock because a broken security lock can lead to injury when you open the storage area and the treadmill quickly unfolds.
Heart Rate Monitor
It is important to be able to monitor your heart rate during your workout. You may have a wearable heart rate monitor, but it is easier to be able to display the information on the treadmill so you can glance down at it during your run.
Treadmill Features
You can limit your features depending on your budget, but there are some features that are important to have in a folding treadmill.
First, you will likely want a timer and some kind of display that shows you your progress in your workout. Without these, you won’t be able to tell how far you have gone or the pace at which you are moving.
You will also want to make sure that your treadmill comes with the varying speeds you need. Otherwise, your workouts will become stale and you won’t be able to improve your fitness.
One favorite among the non-essential features is the option of an incline. Training on an incline adds an extra layer of challenge to your workout and mimics outdoor routes better. It is typically best to find a treadmill with a 10 to 15 percent incline option.
Treadmill Horsepower
This can be a key in foldable treadmills. With the smaller space requirements for foldable treadmills, something has to go. Cheaper folding treadmills will have simply have less motor power than those that are higher in quality.
It is preferable to have at least 2.5 CHP for walking, and at least 3.0 CHP for running.
Treadmill motors without as much power may not perform smoothly, especially if you alternate your speed during your workout. Cheap motors are also prone to getting hot and breaking.
Durability
Just like regular treadmills, folding treadmills come in a wide range of durability standards, and you want to get one that will last you a long time. First, look at the warranty. You will likely find that most folding treadmills have lifetime frame and motor warranties, but models that are not very durable tend to have only one-year parts warranties.
Also, look at the treadmill’s user weight capacity. The folding treadmills that are less durable will have lower maximum weight capacities. The more durable folding treadmills can safely support around 400 pounds.
The diameter of the track rollers makes a big difference in durability as well. Some brands have smaller rollers to make the machines more compact, but this trade-off has consequences. With smaller rollers, the tread belt can quickly show signs of wear. Look for roller sizes that are close to three inches.
How to Choose a Folding Treadmill that is Right for YOU
Portability
Wheels are a common feature on folding treadmills. Most people want to move their treadmill from some storage area to a space they use to exercise. But some foldable treadmills are simply made to be more portable than others because of their weight. Very high-quality folding treadmills can weigh over 200 pounds, so they are not particularly portable.
For many people, however, the best options can be used and then packed away in the same room. When you are trying to figure out whether a machine will fit in your workout area, don’t forget to add several inches of clearance around the treadmill.
Size
One of the main reasons to buy a folding treadmill is to save space. Before you decide which model is the best fit for you, it is important to make sure that you have enough storage space for the folded treadmill to fit.
Some folded treadmills are made in compact models that you can store out of sight. Make sure you know what kind of space you are working with before making a purchase.
Noise
You probably want a quiet treadmill if you are looking for one to use at home. Typically, the noise decreases as the price increases. Here are some qualities that influence noise:
Belt Material
If you want your foldable treadmill to last any significant amount of time, the treadmill belt is key. Belts are almost always the first thing to wear out on any treadmill. (Folding or not).
It typically is not the top surface of a belt that wears out, but rather the backing. Almost all folding treadmill belts are made with a PVC top coating and use either a monofilament or poly-blend material for the backing.
With the use of poly-blends, you will have a quieter machine with lower friction levels than the monofilament belts. But monofilament belts typically last longer.
Some higher-end belts use a stronger backing material or a durable urethane hybrid belt, making them noisier. But a little noise is actually preferable if you want your treadmill belt to last longer because the noise is diminished only when the belt is making contact with the deck.
With a smooth deck surface and belt contact, the noise level will decrease. The trade-off is that the more contact surface you have, the more power is needed, and the more tension is put on the system and electronics of the machine.
Lastly, thinner belts actually last longer than thicker belts because they trap less heat, which makes the system last longer because one thing that wears down a treadmill is heat.
Before investing in a folding treadmill, know the essential features that you want and consider your fitness needs. The key takeaway on belts is that to remember that sometimes “super quiet” running of a foldable treadmill can also mean that the belts may break more often, requiring replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Folding Treadmills
What does “CHP” mean in a motor description?
CHP is short for continuous horsepower, which is an updated acronym from the former HP, meaning simple horsepower. “Continuous horsepower” better describes a motor’s capability than simple horsepower because it tells you how much power the motor can continuously produce instead of only its peak performance. This means that a treadmill motor with 3.0 CHP is stronger than one with 3.0 HP.
The power of your treadmill’s motor adds to its price. You don’t want to pay more than you have to, but you also don’t want a motor that won’t meet your needs because you will wear it out quickly.
Consider your exercise routine and your body weight when looking at treadmill motors. If you are a runner, you will need more power than if you tend to walk. If you are heavier, you will also need more power. For people who are up to 200 pounds, you should have 2.0 CHP for walking, 2.5 CHP for jogging, and 3.0 CHP for running.
Are folding treadmills as sturdy as non-folding treadmills?
Folding treadmills are made to be used in smaller spaces in your home. The decks are able to be easily folded upward after your workout. While older folding treadmills required you to make some compromises in stability, motor power, track size, and features, most current folding treadmills are equally as sturdy and have the same features as non-folding treadmills.
What should I know about the warranty?
Folding treadmill warranties will include up to six categories: frame, motor, deck, electrical, parts, and labor. Most treadmills come with lifetime guarantees for the frame and deck. The motor is likely going to be the most expensive part to replace, so if you plan on using your folding treadmill often, make sure you are satisfied with the motor warranty.
Parts’ warranties typically range from three months to six years. Some treadmill companies don’t mention an electronics warranty, but this is something you should inquire about because replacing a console will likely be expensive.
An average labor warranty for home treadmills is one or two years. The most valuable labor warranties include in-home repairs, but not every brand offers this perk. If in-home repair is not included, it means that “free labor” might turn out to be expensive because you will be expected to pay for shipping your broken machine.
What is the difference between LCD and LED on the data screen?
LCD means “liquid crystal display” and LED means “light-emitting diode.” LED is the newer of the two technologies, and provides more clarity while still being high-contrast at any angle. The readout on an LCD screen can be difficult to see if you are not looking at it straight on.
The LED screen will last longer because it is able to hold up better with the machine’s vibrations. Additionally, it costs less to repair than an LCD screen because when an LCD burns out, the entire console must be replaced. But if an LED display becomes damaged, you can replace its individual pieces instead of purchasing a whole new monitor.
Now that you have some guidance on what you may be looking for in a folding treadmill, let’s look at some of the best options on the market.
7 Best Rated Folding Treadmills for 2024
1. Best Overall Choice: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black
XTERRA treadmills are great for people who want a durable, attractive machine that will be reliable in the long run.
This brand is known for their products’ longevity, look, and feel, which makes this model a great candidate for people looking for a dependable treadmill that will last for a long time.
XTERRA Fitness concentrates on providing low-priced, high-quality fitness machines to use in the home.
This treadmill is the best value you will find for the low price. The XTERRA TR150 has a bright, five-inch LCD screen that monitors your time, speed, distance, the number of calories you have burned, and heart rate to help you track your progress.
It comes with grips on the handles to help you track the intensity of your workout and reach your fitness goals. This machine comes with 12 preset workout programs that vary in intensity, and three options for incline levels.
The XTERRA TR150 weighs 108 pounds and can hold up to 250 pounds, which is about 30 pounds more than most other folding treadmills. It has a 2.25 horsepower motor and can move up to speeds of 10 MPH, which makes this a great option for light running workouts.
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2. Runner-Up Option: LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill
This machine is durable and interactive, yet affordable. It comes highly recommended and is the most popular option among people buying folding treadmills. This treadmill has 15 motorized incline level options and comes preset with 17 workout options.
It also allows you to design and save two workout programs of your own. The console also saves exercise data, allowing you to easily track it online.
You can run up to 11 mph on this treadmill. It has a 2.5 CHP motor that comes with a lifetime warranty and will give you sufficient power for long jogs without causing the belt to stutter if you change the speed.
The LifeSpan TR1200i has convenient buttons on the handlebars that you can use to adjust your workout intensity and activate the heart rate monitor. It comes with high-fidelity speakers, a headphone jack, and a port for your smartphone as well.
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3. Best Value for the Money: Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series
The Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series has everything you need in a folding treadmill, with an integrated tablet holder, a comfortable tread belt, and a space-saving design, at an affordable price.
Adding iFit technology enables a whole new world of on-demand workout sessions, intense studio workouts, and even scenic runs around the world.
The Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series has easy controls and a 16 x 50 workout deck for comfort at any fitness level.
The tread deck has comfort cell cushioning for reduced impact, and it has a convenient space-saver design that lets you fold it up and tuck it away in one easy step.
This treadmill comes with one month free membership of iFit, which works with your internet, your tablet computer, and your Wi-Fi to give you access to incredible workouts and coaching that keep you challenged and motivated.
The Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series has a 275 pound weight capacity, and is capable of speeds from 0-10 MPH, and has two levels of incline.
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4. Most Budget-Friendly: Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill
This is the most affordable option. It is a servicable folding treadmill. But it is not “top of the line”
With a sale price of around $299, it still comes with a lot of features. Other folding treadmills in this price range do not have ample workout programming, but this machine has nine preset workout programs in addition to a manual mode.
This machine can also calculate your BMI.
This entry-level treadmill comes with a compact and foldable frame, a high speed of nine MPH, a 2.2 peak HP drive, and a 16″ wide x 49″ long running surface.
It has an option of three inclines and comes with a simple LCD screen that displays your speed, distance, time, and calories burned.
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5. Best High-End Treadmill: NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill
The NordicTrack T 6.5S treadmill is not only the best for beginners, it is also one of NordicTrack’s most inexpensive models. This machine uses the patented SpaceSaver design, and comes with a 2.6 HP motor.
Its running belt is 20″ wide and 55″ long, and comes with optional FlexSelect cushioning. This treadmill can incline up to 10%, has a speed capacity of 10 mph, and a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
The console on this machine has a 5″ LED backlit display that shows a track view. It offers 20 preset workout programs, and it is iFit compatible. The dual-grip heart rate monitor can help you track your workout progress.
For audio, this treadmill has an MP3 music port and two speakers. Lastly, the console has one-touch control keys in addition to quick-start keys.
This treadmill includes a lifetime warranty on the frame, a 25-year warranty on the motor, and a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
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6. Best for Hardcore Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts: NordicTrack Commercial 2950
The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is a complete fitness solution in a single treadmill, with built-in workouts that cover cross-training, bootcamps, cardio, yoga, and global running.
With an incredible library of workouts, live interactive training, and daily challenges, this machine allows you to push your workouts further and get real results every day.
The ability to simulate real-world running surfaces, scenery, incline, and coaching makes it a great folding treadmill for serious runners.
The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is an incredible fitness machine with the latest in technologies and capabilities. The tread belt surface has versatile Runner’s Flex Cushioning, so you can have an authentic road-running experience, or engage cushioning dampeners for lower impact.
The self-cooling Smart-Response Drive System reduces vibration, making even your toughest workouts less disruptive in your home. It has an integrated tray, two digitally amplified speakers, and dual AutoBreeze workout fans.
But what makes the NordicTrack 2950 truly special is the 22 inch interactive HD touchscreen. Using the screen, you can access over 17,000 workouts, and have live interactive training with world-class fitness instructors.
During an interactive workout, your iFit trainer can control the speed, incline, and decline of your NordicTrack, for as much challenge as you need.
Or use Google Maps workout technology to run anywhere in the world, transporting you to all your favorite places, and having the treadmill automatically adjust the incline and decline to the landscape.
The NordicTrack 2959 tracks all your stats and helps you achieve your fitness goals, and you can also create up to four iFit profiles for customized workouts for anyone in the family and track your progress and workouts on any iFit compatible machine.
The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 can go from 0-12 MPH, 0-15% incline, and 0-3% decline. It is rated for users up to 300 pounds and folds up to just 41.9 inches deep for easy storage.
It comes with a free 1-year iFit membership valued at $468, and is backed by a 10 year warranty on the frame, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty.
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7. Best for Trainer-Led Workouts & Smart Technology: ProForm SMART Pro 2000
The ProForm SMART Pro 2000 uses the latest and best iFit technology to keep your workouts interesting and challenging.
Access a huge range of workouts, interactive training, live and streamed sessions, and more for the best, most personalized, most challenging workouts at home.
Transport yourself to faraway lands, track your progress, and get world-class coaching all from your own home.
The ProForm SMART Pro 2000 uses iFit to give you in-home, trainer led studio workouts, live interactive training, streamed workouts with your favorite trainers, and thousands of workouts for all fitness levels.
Interactive trainers control your treadmill’s speed and incline for an extra challenge, or take advantage of studio classes, cross training, or scenic locations where your coach provides encouragement and tells you about the natural landscape while you run.
With iFit, every workout session is automatically recorded so you can track your progress and move toward your fitness goals.
Touch button controls let you adjust your speed and incline without breaking a sweat, and the built-in CoolAire fan keeps you comfortable.
Play your favorite audio through the built-in 3 inch Bluetooth speakers, and stay captivated by the 7 inch touchscreen display.
It also has an EKG Grip Pulse Rate Sensor, so you can monitor your heart rate for optimal fitness. The heavy-duty drive system is self-cooling to keep pace with even the toughest workout.
The SpaceSaver Design folds up for storage, with Easy Lift Assist that makes it easy to raise and lower the deck.
The ProForm SMART Pro 2000 has a 300 pound weight capacity, with speeds from 0-12 MPH, a 0-15% incline, and a 0-3% decline. It has a 10-year warranty on the frame, a 2-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty on labor.
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Final Thoughts on Best Folding Treadmills for Your Small Space
The clear winner in this product category is the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black. Although there are other treadmill options that might be better for specific situations, this option is a great balance between price and quality.
It comes with a warranty that backs up its quality with lifetime protection on the frame and motor, a three-year warranty on parts, and one year on labor.
It has a higher weight capacity than other products, so it can be used by more people. Also, it goes a bit faster than the other product options. With a high-quality belt, you can be sure that this treadmill is durable.
Get your foldable and get active!
Enjoy.
