If you don’t have time to read the entire review and just want to find out what the best home treadmill for the walking is, then we recommend Horizon T101 Treadmill as the best choice.
Have you ever wondered why a lot of people prefer walking on a treadmill over using other exercise machines?
Whether they are being used for leisure strolls or more rigorous uphill walks, using walking treadmills is a safe and effective way to get in a quality workout.
Treadmills are designed to be purchased and portable, allowing you the convenience of exercising at home.
Without having to go outside, you can walk, jog, or run whenever you want. With a walking treadmill, you can safely walk any distance, regardless of the weather.
In this post, we’ve reviewed the Best Home Treadmills for Walking. These are:
- Best Overall Choice: Horizon T101 Treadmill
- Runner-Up Option: NordicTrack T 6.5 Si
- Best Value for the Money: Rhythm Fun Treadmill Under Desk Treadmill
- Most Budget Friendly: Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill
- Sturdiest and Longest-Lasting Option: Sole F63 Treadmill
- Best Beginner-Friendly Walking Option: Exerpeutic TF1000 Ultra High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill
- Best for Simple Set Up and Storage: Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series
How to Choose a Walking Treadmill
A top-of-the-line treadmill can cost over $4,000. However, if you know where you can make some tradeoffs, you will be able to find some great machines that are more affordable than the expensive models.
A lot of treadmills come with bells and whistles that not everyone uses, so take the time to consider exactly what you want before settling on the right machine for you.
Consider Your Fitness Objectives
Are you looking to increase your athletic performance, benefit your overall health, or maybe rehab some injured muscles?
Knowing how you will use your treadmill is important when you are trying to figure out which one is the best for your money.
Consider your Budget
A more-expensive machine will have sturdier construction, a larger running surface, a longer parts warranty, the ability to go faster, and a steeper incline.
But if you are not planning to run at fast paces or walk at a steep incline, some of these features may not be right for you.
Additionally, do you need extra features such as docks for iPods, wireless Internet connectivity, or USB ports?
The Size of the Machine
Most walking treadmills are about the same size, with an average of 77 inches long and 35 inches wide. A folding treadmill can be stored at up to half of this amount of space, but still needs adequate room around it for access and safety.
What to Do Before Buying a Treadmill
It is important to try out a treadmill before committing to buying it. This way, you will be able to feel the cushioning and shock absorption to see if it feels comfortable for you.
When you are walking on your treadmill, make sure your feet don’t hit the motor housing on the front of the machine, and also test the width of the machine by seeing if you can easily straddle the belt while standing on the side rails.
As a general rule, if you are using your walking treadmill, having a minimum of 50″ in belt length is ideal, along with 55″ for running, and 60″ for people who are over 6′ tall.
You will want the display monitor to be easy to read and simple to reach and operate. Having a user-friendly machine will allow you to quickly turn the unit off and on, and change the settings during your workout.
Keep in mind what information you will want to know throughout your walk. Do you want to be able to measure your heart rate? Some machines provide more information than others.
Walking Treadmill Features
Treadmill manufacturers are always looking for ways to make walking on a treadmill a bit less boring. It’s true—using a treadmill can definitely be fun! The trick is to decide which features you want without paying for extra things that you don’t care about.
For example, do you need to be distracted while you are working out in order to get through it, or would you rather plan your fitness routine and give all of your attention to personal challenges?
If you want to stay distracted, entertainment features and automated programs might be right for you. Otherwise, look at the features like max speed, heart-rate monitoring, incline abilities, and interval programs.
Remember, a treadmill is merely a tool to make strides toward your cardio fitness and health goals. Keep those objectives in mind to help identify features that are important to you.
What to Ask Once You Decide Which Machine Is Right for You
Once you have narrowed down your options to figure out which model you want, you then need to consider how you are going to get it home, and what happens if something goes wrong in the future.
Treadmills are very heavy and come in many pieces, so ask about delivery and assembly. This may be included in the price of some treadmills but may cost extra for others.
Look at the treadmill’s warranty and ideally purchase one that has three to seven years of coverage on all parts, and also a warranty on labor. Most treadmills come with a lifetime warranty on the frame, and it is best to have that on the motor as well.
Can you return the treadmill if it doesn’t work out for you? If the store has a return policy that allows them to take back the treadmill, you may have to pay for the store to come to pick it up and cover any restocking fees.
If you buy the machine online, look into how return shipping is handled before buying the product.
Seven Best “Home Use” Walking Treadmills
Whether you are just starting out with your first treadmill and want something simple, or are willing to spend a bit more money to get a product that will last a long time, there is a treadmill out there that is right for you. Here are seven of your best options.
1. Best Overall Choice: Horizon T101 Treadmill
The Horizon T101 Treadmill has all the advanced features and reliability you want in a treadmill, offered at a great price.
Far from being a budget machine, it has Bluetooth connectivity, smooth and quiet operation, and a three-zone variable response cushioning deck for perfect support and protection while you work out.
Frequently awarded as a “Best Buy,” the Horizon 101 gives great bang for your buck.
The Horizon T101 Treadmill has a robust 2.5 CHP motor that runs at lower RPMs for improved efficiency and reduced noise.
The Johnson Drive system is responsive to your needs, recalibrating with every footfall to prevent lags or surges. The 55 inch deck has three zones, perfect for walkers, joggers, and runners.
The three-window display tracks your calories, distance, heart rate, incline, speed, and time, while allowing you to access 4 built-in pre-programmed workouts tailored for calorie burn, maximum distance, duration, or weight loss.
It has built-in Bluetooth speakers and a device holder for your phone or tablet.
The rapid-charge USB port also allows you to keep your devices powered while working out. When you are done, the FeatherLight Folding frame has hydraulic assistance to make folding and storing this treadmill a snap.
Even better, this treadmill is fast and easy to assemble, unlike so many others.
The Horizon T101 Treadmill has speeds from .5 to 10 MPH, an incline range of 0-10%, and can support weights of up to 300 pounds. It has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, and a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
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2. Runner-Up Option: NordicTrack T 6.5 Si
NordicTrack T 6.5 Si is a great product for someone who is ready to invest in a high-quality machine. It comes with a 20″X55″ tread belt and a 2.6 continuous horsepower motor.
With 20 trainer-designed built-in workouts, you can achieve your fitness goals without leaving your house or paying extra for a personal trainer.
This treadmill also allows you to digitally adjust your incline up to 10, adding intensity to your workout while targeting specific muscle groups.
While this machine is a little more expensive than others, it offers the user more choices during their workout and a more powerful motor. Also, it has a wider array of technology options, so it is suitable to meet anyone’s technology preferences.
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3. Best Value for the Money: Rhythm Fun Treadmill Under Desk Treadmill
If you are looking for a convenient, sleek, and affordable treadmill, this under desk treadmill from Rhythm Fun is a good option to look into.
This treadmill is designed with a super slim platform, one that’s just over an inch in thickness, thus making it super compact and easy to store in tight spaces. It’s perfect for fitting under a desk, under a bed, or in any other such area.
The Rhythm Fun Treadmill does come with very sturdy handrails to offer you some stability and balance while walking or running. These handrails do fold down to be flush with the platform when it comes time to put it away.
On that same note, this treadmill also has a very lightweight design, making it easy to quickly move around, set up, and to put away.
Do keep in mind that this under desk treadmill comes in 2 options, a walking option which tops out at 6 kmph and a running option which can reach speeds of nearly 9 kmph.
This treadmill does come with a really nice LCD display, which is located directly on the platform. This display does make navigation quite easy, although it’s down at foot level, so it can be a bit hard to see when in use.
What you may like about the Rhythm Fun Treadmill is that it is specially designed to reduce shock on the legs thanks to the padding which the platform features. At the same time, it also helps to reduce noise and vibrations caused by the treadmill.
This is a treadmill that can be remotely controlled. There is a compatible smart fitness app and remote control function which you can install on your phone.
This allows you to control the treadmill using your smartphone, plus there are lots of cool fitness activities and challenges to engage in as well.
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4. Most Budget Friendly: Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill
If you are looking for a really nice walking treadmill that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, the Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill is a great option to check out.
First off, while this is not the smallest or lightest treadmill around, it does have the distinct advantage of coming with rolling wheels for a bit of added portability. It’s easy to move around from one room to the other.
Also, while it’s not the smallest treadmill around, it is still compact enough to fit in a fairly tight space with relative ease. It does also have a very low profile in order to make it easier to step onto.
What is important to note here is that this is a walking treadmill with a top speed of 5 mph. This is ideal for people who just want to walk or jog, and for people who want light exercise, but probably is not ideal for serious high-speed runners.
The speed can be easily adjusted using the easy to reach speed control buttons. The 2.5 HP motor is more than strong enough to keep going for years to come.
Speaking of the buttons, the Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill does come with a fairly nice display, one which consists of several small LED backlit screens for easy reading.
It is easy to navigate, and it also displays all of the important jogging metrics, such as speed, calories burned, and distance.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill is also a safe option to go with, as it has fairly durable and stable handrails, as well as a non-slip belt as well.
Speaking of the belt, it is soft and well padded, plus it comes complete with shock absorption tech, something that reduces the impact transferred to your joints, for a more comfortable walking or jogging experience.
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5. Sturdiest and Longest-Lasting Option: Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 Treadmill was named “Best Treadmill in its Price Range” by Fit Rated, Run Reviews, Treadmill Reviews, and other expert sites, and it’s easy to see why.
This treadmill is great for walking at any fitness level, with a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck that reduces joint impact by up to 40%, 15 levels of incline, and a folding design that tucks neatly out of the way when not in use.
With Bluetooth speakers, an integrated tablet holder, and even a USB port for charging your devices, it also makes it easy to maintain your motivation and meet your fitness goals.
This treadmill has all the features you need for a low-impact walking workout, at a great price.
The Sole F63 Treadmill is a heavy-duty treadmill, with a powder-coated all-steel frame and an industrial quality 3.0 HP motor. The zinc-coated steel flywheels have smooth, vibration-free operation that extends the life of the motor.
The large, high-end rollers have sealed bearings and a copper ground to reduce static and provide smooth and quiet rolling motion.
The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck has a unique design that reduces impact when working out, while also keeping the treadmill whisper quiet.
It has a big, bright LCD screen with simple controls, and the treadmill has 6 preset workout programs, including cardio training and fat burning exercises.
It also has integrated Bluetooth speakers, an integrated tablet holder, and a USB port so you can charge devices while working out.
With the Sole F63’s smart technology, you can download your workout data and store or transfer it to your favorite fitness app.
When you are done with the treadmill, Easy Assist technology helps you easily fold the treadmill and lock it in place for convenient storage.
The Sole F63 Treadmill has 15 levels of incline, and speeds from .5 to 12 MPH. It can hold up to 325 pounds in weight. It has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, a 2 year warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty on labor.
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6. Best Beginner-Friendly Walking Option: Exerpeutic TF1000 Ultra High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill
This electric walking treadmill has a 1.5-horsepower high-torque motor with adjustable speeds up to four mph. The Exerpeutic TF1000 is the easiest treadmill to set up, which is great for people who don’t want to spend the extra money for professional assembly.
It comes in the box with as much assembled as possible, leaving the user with a minimum number of pieces to put together.
Its folding frame comes with a 20-inch-wide treadmill belt and extra-long 18-inch safety handles. The LCD display clearly monitors the user’s time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
This machine has been tested with up to 400 pounds of body weight, allowing you to get in a great workout at any age and body size. It is also quite durable.
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7. Best for Simple Set Up and Storage: Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series
If you are just starting out with your treadmill workouts, Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill may be the right machine for you. It comes with all of the basics that are needed for an effective walking treadmill.
This inexpensive model easily folds up, and can be stored out of sight. It features six workouts designed by personal trainers, a dual-position manual incline, and Comfort Cell Cushioning, reducing stress on your joints.
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The Verdict
The clear winner is the Horizon T101 Treadmill. It is easy to set up and is built to last for a long time. With its warranty and durability, this machine is sure to be put to great use for years to come.
This machine does not come with the added expense of bells and whistles that you are likely not looking for. It is great for the simple purpose of walking and keeping track of your progress.
There is very little assembly required to put this treadmill together, so it can be put to use soon after delivery. Its wider treadmill belt allows for more safety and security than other machines, giving the user confidence throughout their workout.
This is a great product that fulfills all of the needs of a walking treadmill at an affordable price.
