Purchasing the best treadmill for running is usually a significant investment. Your treadmill will be with you for years, so taking some time to research your options is a prudent move. There are so many manufacturers and brands to choose from that you may feel overwhelmed at the selection on offer.
We have decided to do the work for you and bring you eight options for the best treadmill for running. Read through the reviews below and decide on the treadmill that will best suit your training style and your level of experience.
Each of the machines on our list is noteworthy for their brand reputation, innovative design, as well as quality machine parts and accessories. You can select a top of the line treadmill that you could find in a commercial gym, or a compact, folding treadmill that you can use once or twice a week, it all depends on your budget. Read through the list and choose the treadmill that you think will suit you best.
The 8 Best Treadmills for Running at Home #1: NordicTrack Commercial 2450 + 1 Year iFit Membership
NordicTrack has a stellar reputation for creating high-quality treadmills, so you will always find them on lists of top treadmills for any occasion/goal. They definitely deserve to be on a list for the eight best treadmills for running at home. The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is a great treadmill with a load of cool features.
The first feature that you’ll notice is the 14-inch interactive HD touchscreen television. The treadmill employs a SMART motor, which auto-adjusts its output to suit your needs. This helps it become more efficient and can extend its lifespan. The treadmill has a max user capacity of 300lbs, which is decent. It also provides a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labour warranty.
There is a 15-degree incline setting, and the treadmill is also able to fold away thanks to its SpaceSaver design. The top speed is 12mph.
Advantages
- Excellent warranty for treadmill
- Folds away easily and efficiently after use
- 14-inch HD touchscreen tv
- 15-degree incline setting
Disadvantages
- Quite expensive
- 300lb max weight is a little on the low side
- iFit membership can be expensive after first year’s free membership
The Final Verdict
NordicTrack treadmills are of high quality and cleverly designed. The 2450 is a perfect example of this. The large HD touchscreen is awesome, the machine itself looks amazing, and is great at absorbing shock. It runs quietly, and there is a really good warranty attached to the product. Great for running at home.
The 8 Best Treadmills for Running at Home #2: Sole Fitness S77 Non-Folding Treadmill
Sole has a reputation for high-quality yet no-frills machines. They don’t look particularly beautiful, but they offer a high quality run at a reasonable price. If you want a treadmill which will allow you to run well, then the Sole Fitness S77 could well be for you.
As you can see from the title, this is a non-folding treadmill. If you are low on space, then this may not be the right choice for you. But non-folding treadmills tend to have several advantages. They are often more durable, with greater stability, and more powerful motors.
For example, this treadmill has a powerful motor, offers a max speed of 12mph, and has 15 incline levels. It also provides an integrated tablet holder, is Bluetooth capable, and has a USB port. The warranty is also excellent, with five years for parts and two years for labour. It also has a 30-year warranty for the motor and a lifetime warranty for the frame and deck.
Advantages
- Powerful 4.0 CHP motor
- Cooling fans
- Good warranty
- Excellent top speed and incline settings
- 400lb user weight limit is generous
Disadvantages
- Non-foldable
- Not aesthetically pleasing
The Final Verdict
Though by no means a small and compact treadmill, this really suits home use. It is stable, durable, and has excellent cushioning. It may not be the most attractive treadmill out there, but it is functional and the warranty is excellent.
The 8 Best Treadmills for Running at Home #3: NordicTrack T9.5 S Treadmill + 1 Year iFit Membership
The NordicTrack T9.5 S is an excellent treadmill for hard runs while in the comfort of your own house. It is foldable, and easy to store after use, but uses a decent motor which allows you to sprint at speeds of 12mph. The treadmill offers a 12% incline gradient and also utilises self-cooling technology. The treadmill is also easily foldable, with EasyLift assist to help you transport it after use.
The treadmill uses FlexSelect cushioning for the running deck, this will really help you to reduce the impact on your joints. The treadmill also comes with a free 1-year membership to iFit, one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a run!
Advantages
- 3.6 CHP motor is powerful enough to handle top speeds
- FlexSelect Cushioning protects joints
- 14-inch display HD touchscreen
- Easy to fold away and transport after use
- Excellent value for money
Disadvantages
- iFit membership can be expensive after the free year
- Safety handrail is a little short
The Final Verdict
The T series of NordicTrack treadmills are known for being reliable, effective, and often work out cheaper than other NordicTrack treadmills. This is their most affordable range, and yet the quality is still there. You’ll get a great running experience at a very reasonable price here.
The 8 Best Treadmills for Running at Home #4: ProForm PRO 9000
If you really want to run fast, then the ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill could well be the treadmill for you. Using a 4.25 CHP Mach Z commercial plus motor, the ProForm Pro 9000 will be able to cope with prolonged sprinting without any negative effects on the treadmill.
The treadmill offers a 15% incline as well as a 3% decline, meaning that you can simulate running up and down hills. This combines well with the 12mph top speed, and you’ll find it really challenging. This is one of the most durable commercial treadmills on the market and benefits from amazing cushioning.
The treadmill also offers a 10 inch, full-colour touchscreen with 38 workout apps, the treadmill is also iPod compatible.
Advantages
- 15% incline and 3% decline features
- Very powerful motor will withstand even high intensity training
- Highly durable
- Lifetime warranty on frame
Disadvantages
- Pricey compared to some on this list
- Only can withstand users who weigh 300lb or less (for this price we’d expect 400lbs)
The Final Verdict
This is without a doubt a treadmill that is on the luxury end of the scale. It is not cheap. But the treadmill is incredibly durable, very powerful, and offers both incline and decline settings. This is a great treadmill, that will outlast most home treadmills on the market by a mile.
The 8 Best Treadmills for Running at Home #5: Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill
Bowflex are best known for their high-quality adjustable dumbbells, but they also have an amazing range of treadmills. Ideal for running! The BXT216 is a fantastic model. It uses a 4 CHP motor, which allows you to run at full speed without seeing any negative effects (noise being the worst of it).
The treadmill has a max user weight capacity of 400lbs, provides a 9-inch full colour, backlit LCD display, and has a motorised incline that goes as high as 15%. The Bowflex BXT216 uses Comfort Tech for its cushioning system. This is the gold standard for shock absorption.
One of the best parts of this Bowflex treadmill is not using it. We’re not kidding! This treadmill folds away better than almost any treadmill on the market. An amazing space-saver, using gas shock technology to make the job as easy as possible.
Advantages
- Powerful 4.0 CHP motor
- Comfort Tech cushioning system
- Max user weight capacity of 400lbs
- Folds away easily using gas shock technology
Disadvantages
- No decline feature, which is a shame
- LCD Display is a little small
The Final Verdict
We really love the Bowflex BXT216, it is powerful, reasonably priced, and offers fantastic shock absorption. The lack of a decline feature isn’t much of a criticism, they’re quite rare. However, we added it as a disadvantage because with one this would be one of the best treadmills around. It’s still fantastic though, and perfect for running at home.
The 8 Best Treadmills for Running at Home #6: Nautilus T618 Treadmill
Nautilus is one of the most well-known fitness equipment manufacturers in the world, with home gyms (and commercial) using their kit. Their treadmill range isn’t huge, but there is a lot of quality there. The Nautilus T618 Treadmill is an excellent treadmill with a powerful motor (3.5 CHP) and a 15-degree motorised incline.
There’s nothing incredible here, the Nautilus just offers a great service across the whole treadmill. The console is high quality, the cushioned running deck is gym-quality, the safety rests are just right, and the motor is strong enough to survive lots of high intensity running.
Advantages
- Max user weight of 350lbs is great
- Powerful 3.5 CHP treadmill
- 15-degree motorised incline
- 26 Workout Programs
Disadvantages
- Non-foldable
- Similar treadmills offer more entertainment features
The 8 Best Treadmills for Running at Home #7: NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill
This treadmill is the elite incline trainer series. If you like to train on hills and steep inclines, then the NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill trainer is the solution for you. The machine is very versatile, with a power decline and incline range.
The 3.0 CHP motor keeps the track running, even at the steepest incline, without any belt slippage, or motor failure. The extra-large track and durable frame can support bodyweights of up to 350 lbs. Other features include an adjustable-angle tablet holder, a sound-absorbing deck, and premium quality, speakers.
Advantages
- Enables rapid calorie burn.
- Reduces impact of walking/running compared with non-inclined treadmills.
- Long and extra-wide track (22″ x 60”).
- 3.0 CHP motor.
- LCD full-color touchscreen.
- WhisperQuiet™ noise reduction for the deck.
- Speed workout programs.
- iFit Coach enabled (Membership required).
- Sound System (iPod-compatible, 3” speakers).
- Adjustable tablet holder.
- Lifetime guarantee on frame, deck, and motor.
- Six-year parts and electronics warranty.
- Three-year labor warranty.
- Easily assembled.
Disadvantages
- Disappointing customer service.
- Costs a lot more than other NordicTrack products that perform just as well.
The Final Verdict
This machine is the top of the heap when it comes to incline trainers. If you are a serious runner that trains for explosive power and hill-climbing, then this machine will improve your workouts.
The 8 Best Treadmills for Running at Home #8: Precor TRM 425
Precor has developed this model with the goal of making it a maintenance-free treadmill. An end result is a machine that has a self-tracking treadbelt that does not need lubricating. The TM 425 is suitable for uphill and downhill training and comes with an extended residential warranty.
Advantages
- Club style quality.
- Maintenance-free treadbelt track.
- Nine preset workouts.
- Dual user profiles.
- Incline and decline.
- Wireless heart-rate monitor.
- Reversible deck for extended life.
Disadvantages
- Expensive.
- Heavy.
- Low-powered motor (3.0 CHP)
The Final Verdict
This machine is an example of what not to buy. A steep price tag with few features. While the brand name may be well-known, you would be better off spending the money on a NordicTrack machine.
Final Word on Finding the Best Treadmill for You
Treadmills are machines built with electronics and moving parts. Knowing the specifications of the treadmill, you are interested in and how they relate to the performance and durability of the machine is essential.
Remember to select a treadmill that suits the type of training you will be undertaking. In some cases, spending a little more on your treadmill will ensure a good workout for years into the future, while cheaper brands may break down and cost you training time. Remember to try before you buy and pay a visit to your local sports department store to try out their treadmills before you settle on any online purchase.
