The best folding treadmill for 2025, tested and reviewed

Having a treadmill at home makes fitting cardio into your daily routine more doable, especially since it eliminates some of the biggest barriers to fitness, including limited access to fitness facilities … and the motivation to actually get there. But then there’s the treadmill obstacle — they’re big! Enter the folding treadmill: all the benefits of a traditional treadmill in a more compact design.

The best folding treadmill brings all the benefits of walking and running — activities shown to lower risk of chronic diseases, boost heart health, manage weight and improve mood — right to your home. Beyond convenience, these machines offer personalized workouts that fit your current fitness level. “You can walk, jog or run at your own pace, and adjusting speed and incline lets you tailor workouts to your fitness level, so treadmills are great for beginners and seasoned athletes alike,” says Michael Betts, director at TrainFitness.

Today, there are folding treadmills that suit every budget and need. While this is great, it also makes choosing the best folding treadmill more complicated. That’s why we tested 11 popular models to help you find the right one for you. As a personal trainer and strength and conditioning specialist, I’ve narrowed our list to find the best folding treadmill overall, plus a few more options designed to fit different needs and preferences.

Table of contents

Best overall folding treadmill

More folding treadmills we like for 2025

Factors to consider when purchasing a folding treadmill

A folding treadmill is a relatively big purchase that requires some forward thinking. Here are some of the most important points to consider before buying:

• Folding design and ease of use: Folding treadmills generally come in one of two formats: flat-folding models with adjustable handlebars that secure in an upright position with latches or thumbscrews, or upright-folding models that lift at the deck. The upright design most often uses hydraulic assistance, making it easier to lift the deck while also ensuring it lowers in a smooth and controlled fashion. Flat-folding models often take up less space when folded, but they may lack some of the features of upright-folding options.

• Storage dimensions vs. available storage space: Consider your storage space carefully. Flat-folding treadmills can be as slim as 5 inches high, perfect for sliding under a bed, couch or desk. Upright-folding models save floor space by halving their length (for example, 80 inches becomes 40), but need more height clearance than when in use. They may also still look big and bulky in your space.

• Transport wheels: Most folding treadmills have two wheels mounted either at the front or under the middle of the deck, so they need to be tipped slightly to move them. It’s a good idea to check the weight of the treadmill you’re interested in before buying, as a heavier treadmill may require more than one person to move it safely. Some higher-end models have four wheels and can be moved around much more easily after folding up the deck.

• Belt size: Belt size matters, especially for runners and taller users, says Betts. Most home treadmills offer 20-inch-wide belts, though some are as wide as 24 inches — nice for those with a wider gait or who tend to drift from side to side while walking or jogging. A longer belt — ideally 55 to 60 inches — provides more room to move comfortably and safely. Users over 6 feet tall may need even longer belts.

• Performance vs. portability: When choosing a folding treadmill, consider the balance between features and mobility. High-performance models deliver the full package — advanced cushioning, powerful motors and premium electronics — but often tip the scales at 300 pounds or more. Portable models sacrifice some stability and speed for a lighter, simpler design that’s easier to move and store. The upside? They’re usually gentler on your wallet.

How we chose

Finding the best folding treadmill means balancing workout performance with space-saving convenience. We put 11 models through their paces, assessing everything from running comfort and speed transitions to how smoothly they fold and store. With guidance from fitness experts, we evaluated the features that matter most: folding mechanisms, motor power, belt cushioning, display clarity and bonus elements like touchscreens and Bluetooth. Our hands-on/feet-on testing revealed which treadmills truly deliver on exercise quality and space efficiency, helping you choose a model that works for your workout goals and your home.

Other products we tested

NordicTrack Commercial 2450: A premium treadmill packed with features, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 ($2,499) boasts pluses like a 24-inch touchscreen and a 14-mile-an-hour top speed, faster than any other treadmill on the list. It doesn’t quite make the cut on account of its size and weight, making it awkward to move and store even when folded.

XTerra WalkSlim WS300: This treadmill is easy to use and folds to a height of just 8.5 inches, making it incredibly easy to store. It offers incline controls too, which is a rare treat for this under-$1,000 price point. The bummer? The smaller running surface, stability issues at higher speeds and limited incline functionality take away from its performance.

WalkingPad Denise Austin 2.0: When folded, the Denise Austin 2.0 ($999) is more compact than the other treadmills on this list, making it ideal for tight spaces. While it comes in fashion-y colors, like gray and powder blue, the shock-absorbing capability doesn’t really hold up at higher speeds.

Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE: Due to the amount of vibration and sideways movement when running, in addition to the super-small deck size (17 by 40 inches), the budget SE ($129) holds up much better as a walking pad than as a treadmill.

FAQs

Are folding treadmills as good as regular treadmills?

You’ll get nearly all the benefits of a standard treadmill with the added bonus of space-saving design. While folding models might skip specialized features like extreme inclines or curved decks, they generally match nonfolding treadmills in most ways that matter for everyday workouts.

How much space do I need to use a folding treadmill?

Plan for more than just the machine’s roughly 7-by-3-foot footprint. You’ll need a minimum of 2 feet of clearance on each side and 6 feet behind for safe use. The good news? When folded upright, the treadmill takes up roughly half its footprint — just remember it’ll extend taller, so be sure to account for the treadmill’s folded height too.

Are folding treadmills stable enough for running?

Yes, most quality folding treadmills offer the same sturdy construction and cushioning as their nonfolding counterparts, making them perfectly stable for running. Just keep in mind that budget models might sacrifice some stability to keep prices lower.

What should I look for in a folding treadmill for small spaces?

First, ensure you have enough clearance for safe use: 2 feet on each side and 6 feet behind the deck. Then consider storage: Check the folded height against your ceiling and look for built-in wheels for easy moving. If you’re planning to store it under furniture or against a wall, consider models that fold completely flat.

Meet the experts

• Michael Betts, personal trainer and director of fitness at TrainFitness, a fitness education provider

• Sara Pope, personal trainer and group fitness instructor with Life Time Clarendon in Arlington, Va.

• Josh York, personal trainer and founder and CEO of Gymguyz, which provides in-home fitness training

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.

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