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Walking treadmills can benefit a person’s overall health. The best treadmills for walking feature adjustable speeds and incline levels and offer access to exercise classes.
- Best overall: NordicTrack New Commercial 2450
- Best value for money: Horizon T101 Treadmill
- Best space-saving: ProForm City L6
- Best for fitness app compatibility: Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
- Best auto-folding: Echelon Stride
- Best for reducing stress on joints: Schwinn 830 Treadmill
- Best for heavier individuals: Bowflex Treadmill 10
- Best under-desk and running combination: Go Plus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
- Best incline range: NordicTrack New Commercial X22i
- Best access to classes: Peloton Tread
- Best manual treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults get
A treadmill may help a person achieve this physical activity goal.
This article looks at some of the best treadmills for walking. It discusses who treadmills may be suitable for and how effective they may be. It also provides a list of products a person can consider and answers some frequently asked questions.
A treadmill is a piece of equipment that allows a person to walk or run while staying in the same place. A person can use a treadmill at home or at a gym.
Users can often change the speed of the treadmill belt to increase their walking or running speed. They also may be able to increase the incline of the treadmill to simulate walking or running uphill.
Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:
- Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
- Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and strength levels.
- Connectivity: For equipment that involves fitness memberships or subscriptions, MNT ensures variation in classes and services that benefit a person’s health.
- Materials: MNT chooses products that have safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If setup is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a setup or installation service.
- Quality: MNT selects companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
- Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and offer reliable customer service and support.
Below is a list of some of the best treadmills for walking a person may consider purchasing online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best overall: NordicTrack New Commercial 2450
- List price: $2,999
- Standout features: 22-inch (in) touch screen and 30-day iFit membership
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds (lb)
This treadmill features a variety of smart features, including a 22-in touch screen, allowing users to stream workouts. It also has premium audio speakers and Bluetooth connectivity so a person can connect to their own music.
The speed ranges from 0–12 miles per hour (mph), and the incline ranges from -3–15%.
This treadmill offers a range of features that will make it suitable for people of varying experience levels.
It is adjustable for uphill and downhill walks and has a high weight limit. Additionally, the wide range of workout sessions users can choose from means that this model may appeal to multiple users, such as family members with different exercise goals and interests.
Pros
- space-saving design, as it is foldable
- iFit membership for 30 days
- suitable for different fitness levels
Cons
- higher price than competitors
- screen may shake during workouts
Best value for money: Horizon T101 Treadmill
- List price: $999
- Standout features: Bluetooth speakers, foldable design
- Weight capacity: 300 lb
This foldable treadmill has shock-absorbing three-zone cushioning support to help relieve pressure on the joints. It also features Bluetooth speakers and a device holder to allow a person to play audio and watch a tablet or phone screen while they walk, meaning a person can follow a fitness class if they wish.
The speed range is 0.5–10 mph, and the incline range is 0–10%.
Positive reviews state that the treadmill can be a good investment for persons who are into home workouts. Some claim that they did not receive their order on time, and the company did not provide any shipping updates.
Pros
- monthly payments available
- white glove delivery
- 30-day refund policy
Cons
- possible shipping delays
- arrived defective, according to reviews
Best space-saving: ProForm City L6
- List price: $599
- Standout features: small and foldable design, tablet holder
- Weight capacity: 250 lb
This foldable treadmill includes a 30-day iFit membership, giving a person access to personal trainer sessions. The ProForm City L6 does not include a screen, but it does have a tablet holder.
The speed ranges from 0–8 mph. The incline level is not adjustable.
There are only two reviews on the product page, stating that the treadmill is easy to set up but does not connect to Apple Watch.
Pros
- affordable compared to competitors
- supports personal trainer sessions
- 30-day iFit membership trial
- foldable design to save space
Cons
- no adjustable incline levels
- holds the P65 warning label, as it may contain chemicals that may increase a person’s risk of developing cancer
Best for fitness app compatibility: Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
- List price: $2,699
- Standout features: LED color touch screen, folding design
- Weight capacity: 375 lb
This treadmill features an LED touch screen a person can use to connect to various fitness apps. It also has Bluetooth speakers, a Bluetooth chest strap, and multi-position device holders. The chest strap monitors the user’s heart rate as they exercise.
The speed ranges from 0.5–12 mph, and the incline ranges from 0–15%.
Pros
- can integrate with external fitness apps
- LED touch screen
- monitors heart rate
Cons
- may be heavier and bulkier than competitors
- difficult to integrate Bluetooth with some apps
Best auto-folding: Echelon Stride
- List price: $1,299.99
- Standout features: auto-fold feature, smart device holder
- Weight capacity: 300 lb
The Echelon Stride treadmill folds up at the touch of a button. The running deck is impact-absorbing, and the treadmill includes a smart device holder.
Live and on-demand classes are also available, but a person must pay extra for this and view these classes via their own device.
The speed range is 0–12 mph, and there are 12 incline levels.
According to reviews, Echolon’s treadmill can fit in any workout space. It is foldable, and a person can store it under their bed or against the wall.
However, it can be a bit noisy when increasing the incline.
Pros
- space-saving design
- 12 incline levels
- on-demand classes available 24/7
Cons
- no screen for watching classes
- does not come with the tablet
- may be a bit noisy
Best for reducing stress on joints: Schwinn 830 Treadmill
- List price: $949
- Standout features: 4-cell deck cushioning system, 22 exercise programs
- Weight capacity: 300 lb
The Schwinn 830 model features a four-cell Softrak deck cushioning system to reduce the pressure on a user’s joints. It also has an LCD screen and a shelf that can hold smart devices or books.
It has 12 incline levels, and its speeds range from 0–12 mph.
One customer wrote that the product features a quiet motor, so it does not disturb others when in use. It is also easy to set up.
Pros
- USB charging port and MP3 port
- 12 incline levels
- financing options
Cons
- requires assembly
Best for heavier individuals: Bowflex Treadmill 10
- List price: $1,999
- Standout features: high weight capacity, HD touchscreen
- Weight capacity: 400 lb
This product has a high maximum weight capacity of 400 lb. It also has an HD touchscreen that allows access to apps such as Netflix and Disney Plus. The treadmill can fold up to save on storage space.
The treadmill’s speed goes up to 12 mph, and its incline levels range from -5–15%.
This treadmill has positive and negative reviews. Its assembly instructions are easy to follow and comes with different workout programs. Some customers had issues with the operating system and had to restart it multiple times.
Pros
- high weight capacity
- wide incline range
- 90-day returns
- foldable design
Cons
- price is higher than its competitors
- difficult to assemble
- may have difficulty syncing with some fitness apps
Best under-desk and running combination: Go Plus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
- List price: $349.99
- Standout features: 7 color choices, foldable design
- Weight capacity: 265 lb
This folding treadmill comes in seven color options. A person can also choose whether to use it as an under-desk treadmill or as a running treadmill. It has Bluetooth connectivity, so it can connect to a person’s smart devices.
When a person uses it as an under-desk treadmill, the speed ranges from 0–2.4 mph. If a person uses it as a running treadmill, the speed can increase to 7.45 mph.
Pros
- affordable compared to competitors
- small footprint
- available 24/7 customer service
Cons
- low weight capacity
- no incline
- low running speed
Best incline range: NordicTrack New Commercial X22i
- List price: $3,499
- Standout features: up to 40% incline level, HD touchscreen
- Weight capacity: 300 lb
The NordicTrack X22i has an incline and decline range of -5–40%. The auto-adjusting technology changes the speed and incline to keep a person in their optimal heart rate zone.
The speed ranges from 0–12 mph.
Pros
- auto-adjusting technology
- 30-day iFit trial
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- price is higher than competitors
- P65 warning label
Best access to classes: Peloton Tread
- List price: $3,495
- Standout features: thousands of exercise classes available, HD touchscreen
- Weight capacity: 300 lb
This treadmill from Peloton offers users thousands of classes in different disciplines. However, a person must sign up for a membership, costing $39 per month, to access these classes. These classes appear on the HD touch screen provided with the treadmill.
The speed ranges from 0.5–12.5 mph. Users can adjust the incline from 0–12.5%.
Positive reviewers note that the Peloton’s treadmill is easy to set up and the workouts it offers are motivating. There are also negative reviews stating that the device shakes during workouts, making it difficult to run onto.
Pros
- allows users to compare progress with other members and friends
- 30-day home trial
- textured running belt
Cons
- extra cost for Peloton membership and delivery and setup
- not steady, especially when increasing incline
Best manual treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill
- List price: $179.98
- Standout features: no electricity required, foldable design
- Weight capacity: 220 lb
This treadmill does not contain a motor, so it does not need electricity. A person powers it by walking on the belt. Because it lacks a motor, this treadmill is less expensive than most of its competitors. However, the absence of a motor may mean a person does not benefit from the motion and power of the moving belt, which may make this treadmill harder for some to use.
The speed range of this treadmill will vary depending on the person powering it. The treadmill sits on a slight incline and cannot be adjusted.
The product has a 4.1 star out of 5 based on 191 reviews. Most of them praise its quality and claim that it may suit individuals who have a tight budget.
People may also consider reading negative critiques, which state that the treadmill has a lightweight design and may not feel secure.
Pros
- affordable price compared to competitors
- foldable design
- 30-day returns
Cons
- may be harder for beginners to use
- no adjustable incline
Below is a table comparing the treadmills for walking included in this article.
| Price | Weight capacity | Speed range | Incline range | Tread belt size | Warranty length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack | $2,999 | 300 lb | 0–12 mph | -3–15% | 22 x 60 in | • 10 years frame, • 2 years parts • 1 year labor |
| Horizon T101 | $999 | 300 lb | 0.5–10 mph | 0–10% | 20 x 55 in | • lifetime home and motor • 1 year parts and labor |
| ProForm | $599 | 250 lb | 0–8 mph | — | 17.5 x 45 in | • 10 years frame • 1 year parts and labor |
| Horizon 7.8 AT | $2,699 | 375 lb | 0.5–12 mph | 0–15% | 22 x 60 in | • lifetime frame and motor • 3 years parts • 1 year labor |
| Echelon | $1,299.99 | 300 lb | 0–12 mph | 12 incline levels | 20 x 55 in | • 1 year parts and labor |
| Schwinn | $949 | 300 lb | 0–12 mph | 12 incline levels | 20 x 55 in | • 10 years frame and motor • 2 years mechanical and electronics • 1 year labor |
| Bowflex | $1,999 | 400 lb | 0–12 mph | -5–15% | 22 x 60 in | • 15 years frame and motor • 5 years mechanical parts • 2 years labor |
| GoPlus | $349.99 | 265 lb | 0–2.4 or 0–7.45 mph | — | 16 x 40 in | 1 year |
| NordicTrack X22i | $3,499 | 300 lb | 0–12 mph | -5%–40% | 22 x 60 in | • 10 years frame • 2 years parts • 1 year labor |
| Peloton | $3,495 | 300 lb | 0.5– 12.5 mph | 0–12.5% | 20 x 59 in | • 5 years frame • 3 years motor and belt • 1 year parts and labor |
| Sunny Health and Fitness | $179.98 | 220 lb | — | — | 13 x 42 in | • 3 years frame • 180 days parts and other components |
A few factors a person may wish to consider when choosing a treadmill for walking include:
- Budget: There are many quality treadmills available at different price points. A person should consider their overall budget and choose a treadmill that offers a wide range of features and fits their ideal price range. A person should also consider any additional costs for memberships, payment schemes, and extra features they would like.
- Weight capacity: Users with a high body weight should research the weight capacity before purchasing.
- Settings: Speed ranges and incline settings may influence a person’s decision when purchasing a treadmill. For those who want to use their treadmill for walking, models with lower speed ranges may be adequate.
- Warranty: A person should ensure they purchase from a company that provides a suitable warranty. Some brands may also offer an in-home trial.
- Shock absorption: A person can check the treadmill has shock absorption to reduce pressure on the joints.
Treadmills can be suitable for many adults for daily exercise, injury rehabilitation, and athletic training. People of all experience levels can use a treadmill. As a person can start walking slowly and can gradually increase their pace and distance, walking can be good for people who have not exercised before or have been sedentary for an extended period.
According to the advocacy organization Arthritis Foundation, the benefits of walking include:
- improved circulation
- weight loss
- reduced risk of bone density loss
- stronger muscles
- improved mood
- improved sleep
- lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Walking can also benefit people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) notes that walking at a brisk pace can lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. It can also improve a person’s insulin sensitivity.
It is important to note that some treadmills may have a weight limit. People with high body weights should check the weight limit of their chosen treadmill to ensure that it is safe for them to use.
Treadmills are not safe for children to use, and research has found that children can be at risk of sustaining injuries. For example, researchers in a small 2020 study analyzed records of 12 children with hand abrasions from treadmills and found that this injury occurred after they touched the treadmill belt when it was in use.
A person should also keep pets away from the treadmill when it is in use.
Treadmills are effective in allowing users to regularly participate in moderate aerobic activity. Aerobic activity makes the heart and lungs work harder than usual. This can
Aerobic exercise can also help a person burn calories and lose weight.
Additionally, treadmills can be part of a person’s rehabilitation after heart disease and can help
A 2021 study states that treadmill walking and overground walking can be effective for persons with chronic stroke. These can help with improving balance, motor function, and walking speed.
Treadmills can be beneficial for people with neurological disorders as well. The authors of a
When using a treadmill for walking, a person can choose the speed at which they walk. This means that treadmills can be suitable for people who need to build up their walking pace and duration slowly.
A treadmill provides a stable walking surface, and if a person has one at home, it can be a convenient way to take part in exercise each day. This can help people keep up with exercise plans.
Below are some common questions about treadmills for walking.
Is walking 30 minutes on a treadmill good?
A daily 30-minute session on a treadmill is a suitable aim for people beginning their exercise plan. Spending more time on the treadmill may result in increased health benefits.
The ADA recommends that a person new to exercise to start walking for a few minutes a day and aim to build up to five 30-minute walking sessions per week.
How should a beginner walk on a treadmill?
Beginners should start at a slow speed and gradually increase over time. They should also start with shorter sessions lasting 15 minutes at a time. A person may also wish to keep the incline neutral to make their exercise session easier when they are starting out.
Is walking on a treadmill bad for the knees?
Users who run or jog on a treadmill may find that it puts pressure on their knees. However, walking on a treadmill should not cause as much pressure on the knee joints.
Treadmills can also help a person build their bone density, as stated in a
What’s a good treadmill for just walking?
People who wish to buy a treadmill for walking may consider various factors, such as:
- speed ranges
- budget
- weight capacity
- shock absorption features
Is it OK to walk on the treadmill every day?
People can choose to walk outdoors or on their treadmill every day. They
Is walking on a treadmill as effective as walking?
A 2021 study indicates that treadmill walking can be effective as overground walking. Another study found that older adults may feel unstable after walking on a treadmill and may take time to adjust afterward.
A variety of treadmills for walking are available on the U.S. market. Many include access to exercise classes, smart device connectivity, and a range of speed and incline settings that make them suitable for walking and running alike.
A person should consider their budget and the weight capacity, shock absorption, and warranty length of a treadmill before making a purchase.