Best treadmills for home 2024

The best home treadmill for home workouts is sturdy, easy to assemble and simple to use. 

We recruit novice and seasoned runners to run on and rate all the treadmills we've tested, below. Because they've each tested every one, you know you're getting really solid recommendations for the very best treadmill for indoor running. 

We also rate how difficult each treadmill is to assemble, and note those with a tidy construction that eliminates small gaps and access to the underside of the belt, which could be a magnet for tiny hands and small paws.

All the top treadmills brands – including Reebok, ProForm and NordicTrack – have been rated for all this and more, below. 

Read on for our Best Buy and Great Value recommendations. 

The best treadmills

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The treadmills we tested

All the treadmills we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best treadmills from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Domyos Comfortable Treadmill T520B

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Dimensions unfolded (folded) H x W x D 137 x 75 x 163cm (146 x 75 x 98cm)

Max speed/incline 13km/h (8.1mph)/10%

Built-in heart-rate monitor Yes

Size of running surface (L x W) 123 x 43cm

Maximum user weight 130kg

Need to know Weight of treadmill 62kg, 200cm power-cord length, 1.2 stated horsepower, digital display (shows time, speed, distance, calories burned, heart rate and incline), 10 preset programmes – five for health and five for calorie burning, front and side handrails with height of 83cm (when inclined) and 89cm (when level), non-slip foot rails, phone/tablet holder, storage pockets behind display for items, two-year warranty.

JTX Fitness Slimline Fold Away Treadmill

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Also available at JTX Fitness (£599)

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Dimensions unfolded (folded) H x W x D 127 x 80 x 152cm (22 x 80 x 152cm)

Max speed/incline 16km/h (9.9mph)/no incline

Built-in heart-rate monitor Yes

Size of running surface (L x W) 123 x 44cm

Maximum user weight 100kg

Need to know Weight of treadmill 43kg, 176cm power-cord length, 1.75 stated horsepower, adjustable digital display (shows time, speed, distance and calories burned), 36 built-in workout programs, three custom programs and body-fat function to calculate BMI, front handrail with fixed height of 93cm, non-slip foot rails, phone/tablet holder, water bottle holder, two-year warranty

See also our reviews of the best walking pads and under-desk treadmills.

NordicTrack EXP 5i Folding Treadmill

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Also available at NordicTrack (£999)

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Dimensions unfolded (folded) H x W x D 151 x 87 x 182cm (156 x 87 x 119cm)

Max speed/incline 16km/h (9.9mph)/10%

Built-in heart-rate monitor No – but you can connect an external monitor

Size of running surface (L x W) 139 x 51cm

Maximum user weight 135kg

Need to know Weight of treadmill 90kg, 195cm power-cord length, 2.6 stated continuous horsepower, digital display (shows time, speed, distance, calories burned and incline), no preset programmes, can connect to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth and the iFIT app, side handrails with height of 85cm (when inclined) and 95.5cm (when level), non-slip foot rails, phone/tablet holder, water bottle holder, two-year warranty if registered.

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ProForm Carbon TL Folding Treadmill

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Also available at ProForm (£799)

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Dimensions unfolded (folded) H x W x D 146 x 81 x 176cm (162 x 81 x 101cm)

Max speed/incline 16km/h (9.9mph)/10%

Built-in heart-rate monitor No – but you can connect an external monitor

Size of running surface (L x W) 138 x 46cm

Maximum user weight 135kg

Need to know Weight of treadmill 84kg, 190cm power-cord length, 2.6 stated continuous horsepower, digital display (showing time, speed, distance, calories burned and incline), no preset programmes, can connect to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth and the iFIT app, side handrails with height of 84cm (when inclined) and 93cm (when level), non-slip foot rails, phone/tablet holder, water bottle holder, built-in speakers, two-year warranty if registered

Reebok Jet 100z Folding Treadmill

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Only available at Argos (£699)

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Dimensions unfolded (folded) H x W x D 133 x 73 x 163cm (139 x 73 x 107cm)

Max speed/incline 18km/h (11.2mph)/12%

Built-in heart-rate monitor Yes

Size of running surface (L x W) 131 x 43cm

Maximum user weight 110kg

Need to know Weight of treadmill 65kg, 207cm power-cord length, 2.0 stated continuous horsepower, digital display (shows time, speed, distance, calories burned, heart rate and incline), 24 built-in workout programs, can connect to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth/MP3, works with Zwift and Kinomap apps, side handrails with height of 81cm (when inclined) and 87cm (when level), non-slip foot rails, water bottle holder, built-in speakers and fan, two-year guarantee

How we test treadmills

We test treadmills from the most popular brands available at major UK retailers. Only we decide what we test – we don't have advertisers we need to keep happy, and no company can pressure us to test its products.

We also purchase all the treadmills we test and regularly revisit the treadmills on sale to see if there are any popular, new models that need testing. When we find them, we do. 

Running experience

• A panel of testers of various genders and heights all run on all of the treadmills.
• The panel includes a range of skills from casual joggers to serious marathon runners, so we can rate from a diverse set of experiences – not just a single person's opinion.
• They use the treadmills at various speeds and inclines to see how stable the treadmill feels, how comfortable it is to run on, how easy it is to increase and decrease speed and how good the handrails are.
• They also rate each treadmill for its width and length. Some treadmills are short, which is good for saving space but can make it difficult for taller people to run on them.

Ease of use

• The panel also rates each treadmill's controls and display, as well as how easy it is to get on and off the machine.
• We also rate how easy each treadmill is to build, factoring in the time for two people to assemble and how easy the instructions are to follow.

Noise

• We rate each treadmill on noise, noting any irritating pitches and creaks. We also rate based on which machines absorb the sound of your footsteps the best.
• We measure how loud each treadmill is for both the runner and bystanders, at slow and maximum speeds.
• All treadmills are noisy, but the best remain tolerable while the worst hit highs of 78dB (about the same as a washing machine on a fast spin).

Folding, storage and manoeuvrability

• We rate how easy it is to fold and unfold each treadmill, and if the reduced footprint makes them easy to store.
• The best treadmills have clear grips and good wheels that make them easier to move around; the worst are like trying to move a mountain, or have so many fiddly steps to folding them away that you won't want to bother after a tough workout.

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

Types of running machine explained

Electric treadmills

These are the most popular type of treadmill and the ones we've tested. 

They're easier to use than manual machines and are pricier. They use mains power to control speed and incline (on higher-spec models) of the treadmill's deck.

Some key features to look out for are:

• Deck size – if you're tall, you'll want a longer deck to accommodate your longer stride. 
• Incline – raises the gradient of the belt to simulate running up a hill. This can add some extra challenge to your workout.
• Display – if you want specific stats on your runs, look for a treadmill with a detailed information screen. Most show you time and distance covered, but the higher-spec models can also show the calories burned and your heart rate. Some treadmills have older-looking LED displays, while pricier models can have large, colour touchscreens.
• Heart monitor – most treadmills have a pulse sensor built into the handles. It may not be practical to hold them for the whole workout, but they do allow you to occasionally check how hard you're working.
• Emergency stop – nearly all treadmills come with a safety key. The magnetic end attaches to the treadmill's centre console, while the other end attaches to your clothing. It stops the running belt immediately if you lose your balance and come off the back of the treadmill.
• Workout programs – some treadmills come with pre-installed programs – a virtual course that adjusts the speed (and incline, if available) at different points to simulate the varied landscape of an outdoor run. 
• Connectivity – some treadmills have built-in speakers so you can play your music via aux cable or Bluetooth. Some can also connect to smartphone apps, such as iFIT, to give you access to hundreds of pre-planned workouts.
• Folding – a lot of treadmills for home use can fold in some capacity. Some have the deck rise up, whereas others take several steps but fold away to a more compact footprint.    

Manual treadmills

These use your feet to power the belt, allowing you to set your own pace. Because they don't need plugging in, you can use them anywhere – as long as there's enough floor space. 

However, they take more effort to use as the belt isn't powered. If you want a tougher workout, this may be appealing, but there's a chance you'll crave the convenience of an electric treadmill.

Curved treadmills

These are powered manually and feature a concave-shaped running belt. The process of you pushing down and then backwards with each stride is what keeps the belt turning.

In theory, a curved running deck will be comfier to jog on than a flat running deck. This is because the shape of the curved belt matches the movements of your legs more closely.

As you're physically propelling the belt of the curved treadmill yourself, you'll be engaging more muscle groups than you would on a 'normal' treadmill.

Curved treadmills don't come cheap, though. Fitness brand Curve Runner sells its machines for around £3,000 to £5,000.

How to operate a treadmill safely

• Keep children and pets away while in use Treadmills can have little gaps between the belt and frame, or space at the back where they can touch the underside of the belt. If you have little ones in the house, keeping them out of the room while the treadmill is in use will reduce this risk but, for extra piece of mind, our tests have identified treadmills with good designs that reduce the risk even further.
• Remove the emergency stop (safety key) when not in use The belt cannot move once the key is out. This will further help to keep children and pets safe.
• Clear the area around it The more space, the better – but you need a clearance space of at least 1.2 metres behind the treadmill. In terms of space on either side of the equipment, we recommend double the width of your treadmill. Never have the back of the running deck up against a wall or a piece of furniture. If you lose your footing, you'll be sent backwards and may injure yourself.
• Always use the safety key If you fall, the machine will turn off and prevent additional injuries.
• Start slow and work up This is so you can get used to the pace. You should also wait for the machine to come to a complete stop at the end of your workout before dismounting.
• Make sure the treadmill is secure when folded away Some models fold flat and can be stored upright. Make sure they are properly secured and out of reach of little ones, so they can't be accidentally toppled.

How to tighten and lubricate a treadmill belt

Keeping a treadmill's belt maintained will help it last longer and potentially reduce the wear and tear of other parts of the treadmill. 

It's important to check the instruction manual of your treadmill to see how to tighten and lubricate the belt on the model you own. However, as a general overview, here is how to keep the belt in top working order:

Tightening a treadmill belt

You should be able to lift the belt a few inches off the frame. If it's more than this, then the belt is likely too loose. If you can't lift it at all, it's probably too tight.

1. You can tighten/loosen the belt on most treadmills by turning two heads (sometimes called adjuster holes) located at the back of the treadmill belt. You'll need an Allen key to do this. Some manufacturers will supply the correctly sized key with the treadmill.
2. To tighten the belt, use the Allen key to turn the head on each side of the treadmill clockwise. To loosen it, turn the heads anticlockwise.
3. Make sure you turn each head an equal amount.
4. Start with just a quarter to half turn of each head. This is so you don't overtighten or loosen the belt.
5. You shouldn't have to do many turns, so if after three full turns of each head the belt is still too loose or tight, get in touch with the manufacturer for assistance.

Recentring a treadmill belt

Over time, the belt on your treadmill may slide left or right and no longer be centred. You'll be able to see this if the gap between one side of the belt and the edge of the treadmill is much larger than the other.

1. If the gap is bigger on the left-hand side of the treadmill, use the Allen key to tighten the head on the left-hand side of the tread mill.
2. If the gap is bigger on the right-hand side of the treadmill, use the Allen key to tighten the head on the right-hand side of the tread mill.
3. Start with a quarter to half turn, so you don't move the belt too much.
4. Turn on the treadmill and see if the space is now even. Repeat steps if needed.

Lubricating a treadmill belt

You'll need to read your treadmill's instructions to see which type of lubricant to use. It is important you use the right lubricant to avoid damaging the belt. For example, some treadmills use wax lubricant and need lubricating less frequently.

More commonly, though, belts use a silicone-based lubricant. You'll usually apply this in the following way:

1. Unplug the treadmill.
2. Lift up the left-hand edge of the belt near the top of the treadmill.
3. Place the nozzle of the lubricant bottle between the underside of the belt and base, roughly in the centre of the treadmill.
4. Pull the bottle back towards you, squeezing it to apply the lubricant as you do.
5. Repeat on the right-hand edge.
6. Turn on the treadmill and walk on it for a few minutes to help spread the lubricant around under the belt. 

Are treadmills good for weight loss?

Yes, they are. Running or even regular walking has many benefits, one of which is burning calories. Using a treadmill can be useful as part of a sustainable weight-loss plan.

You can run and walk outside, but the convenience of a treadmill in the home keeps you away from busy roads and poor weather.

They can also make it easier to squeeze a quick run into your busy daily routine.

Running and walking on flat ground burns calories but you can get even better results if you run on an inclined treadmill.

Plus, you can get the following benefits from a treadmill:

• Soft landing – Many treadmills use a cushioned running deck to absorb the impact of your steps and protect your joints and feet.
• Smartphone connectivity – Some treadmills let you plug in your phone or tablet to play music through built-in speakers. Some also work with fitness applications such as iFIT, giving you access to preset workouts for all fitness levels.
• Custom programs – If you don't want to constantly tap speed and incline buttons, some treadmills have preset programs that change pace for you.

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