Best Folding Treadmill Review Guide For 2020

Best Folding Treadmill Review Guide For 2023-2024

February 16, 2023

Best Folding Treadmill Review Guide For 2023-2024 – Could your home fit a traditional treadmill? If not, would a folding treadmill work?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a folding treadmill is conserving floor space. A typical home treadmill has a footprint about 3’ wide and 7’ long, but if its deck can be folded upwards after exercise then the footprint length can be cut in half. Typically these cardio trainers have attached transport wheels, so although a high-quality folding treadmill is heavy, these allow you to easily roll your treadmill to a corner until your next session.

Until recently, even the best folding treadmills had shortcomings for their price classes. Compared with non-folding machines, they had less power, lower quality cushioning and/or other drawbacks. But 2021 has delivered some new folding treadmills that can hold their own! Starting with our Best Folding Treadmill Review Guide For 2023-2024 below, you can find great values whether your workout objective is light strolling or heavy marathon training.

Best Folding Treadmill Buyers Guide For 2023-2024:

When you first decide you want to buy a treadmill, one of the first questions you need to ask yourself is whether you want a folding or regular model. To help you decide, you need to evaluate your space and determine whether or not it would be beneficial to be able to fold your treadmill up after each use, or whether you have the room to just leave the treadmill laid out.

One might think that everyone opts for a folding treadmill simply because it’s easier, but that isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, many people prefer the simplicity of getting a treadmill and just letting it sit where it needs to be. Where the folding treadmill really shines is if you just don’t have the space to put a regular treadmill, and therefore have no other option.

The good news is that folding treadmill options have significantly improved over the past few years, so now you can get one that folds up incredibly easily and may also be lighter than the ones that don’t fold. This makes them easier for getting into your house as well, which is something to factor in if that could be a concern for you.

Compact Folding Treadmills:

When on the hunt for a folding treadmill, compact folding treadmills tend to be the smallest in both size and weight and therefore are the best option if you want to move the treadmill from room to room. Some people just fold up the treadmill and leave it in the same room, using the extra space to complete their free weight training. Others prefer to fold their treadmill up and move it into storage. It’s a good idea to figure out what you plan to do with the treadmill once it’s folded, before making your purchase.

The biggest drawback you’re going to find with folding treadmills is that they sometimes don’t offer all the functions that a regular treadmill does. For instance, if you look at the under $500 budget treadmills you’ll see that they do fold and are very nicely priced, but they have a lower power motor, a smaller deck, and just aren’t as fancy as some of the other models on the market. If you just want to get on it and walk, this type of treadmill will definitely do the trick. But if you want to run on it regularly or you are a taller individual, it’s likely not going to be in your best interests to purchase this variety.

This doesn’t mean that a folding treadmill is not for you; just that one in this price range is not. When you increase your price range you’ll find that there are plenty of great folding treadmills that are very comparable to other non-folding treadmills on the market. You just need to spend to get that.

If you’re a larger individual, just be sure that you do pay attention to the maximum weight listed on the treadmill as this will typically tell you whether it can support your own weight or not. In addition to this, always look at how much the treadmill actually weighs. Some treadmills are advertised to be the smallest folding treadmill on the market, but they may also be very heavy and not by any means easy to move. You need to be realistic in how much weight you are actually going to lug from room to room.

Here’s a quick checklist to help ensure you make smart purchasing decisions:

Where will my treadmill be placed?
What are the dimensions of the room?
What room will I have it in?
Will I ever move it?
What is the size and weight of the treadmill I want to buy?
Is the treadmill already built or will I need to build it myself?
Once the treadmill is built, will I be able to easily move it or will I always require the help of someone
else?

If you still feel uncertain about whether you truly need a folding treadmill or not, it never hurts to get a lower priced model and see how you like it. If you find it isn’t doing the job and you don’t use the folding feature as much as you thought, you can upgrade to a regular, higher priced, fancier model in the future.

GoPlus 2.25 HP Electric Folding Treadmill

This treadmill is very light, compact and easy to move from room to room. It’s designed so that the handles can be removed and the treadmill placed under a standing desk so that you can walk while you work.

Once the handles are replaced, the treadmill transforms back into a running treadmill with a higher maximum speed.

It comes with remote control for when it’s being used as an under desk treadmill and is available in red, silver or blue.

Product Details:

Innovative 2-In-1 Folding Treadmill: When The Riser Is Folded, It Can Be Used As A Jogging Machine At A Speed Of 1-4km/H. When The Handrail Is Raised, The Running Speed Is 1-12km/H.
Powerful Quiet Motor And Shock Reduction System: Goplus Treadmill Allows You To Walk Or Run Quietly. With Multi-Layer Shield Design, It’s Shock-Absorbing And Noise-Reducing.
Non-Slip Running Belt And Multifunctional Led Display: The 5-Layer Non-Slip Texture Running Belt Providing A Safe Cushion For Your Knees. The LED Display Shows Time, Speed, Distance And Calories.
Bluetooth Speaker And Remote Control: Connect The Treadmill To Your Phone Through Bluetooth, So You Can Play Music While Exercising. The Remote Control Is Convenient To Adjust The Speed And Stop.
Easy To Move And One-Year Warranty: The Foldable Design And Built-In Transport Wheels Make It Easy To Move And Store. It Has CE, ROHS,CB,EN957,IEC Certifications By SGS.

Incline: none
Max speed: 7.5 mph
Electric or manual: electric 2.25 HP motor

Pros:

Very compact, light and easy to move.
Can be used as a walking desk.
No assembly required, just install one bolt – that’s it.
Powerful motor and 7.5 mph top speed is more than enough for brisk walking and light jogging.
Available in different colors.

Cons:

Slightly shorter deck may be too short for running if you’re tall.

Bottom Line:

Perfect for walkers with mobility issues who want a safe indoor walking option. One of the best folding treadmill for small spaces.

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Merax Electric Folding Treadmill

This inexpensive, compact walking or jogging treadmill is great for small spaces and those who are happy with a maximum speed that is good for running but won’t reach a sprint.

It is quiet so you won’t disturb others while you work out and when you are done, it folds to a nearly vertical position and can be easily moved using the attached transport wheels.

Product Details:

Interactive personal training at home powered by FitShow Sports App. Advanced Bluetooth connection allows FitShow sync your performance, adjust your treadmill’s speed at your fingertips.
Enjoy a quiet workout with a powerful motor perfect for walking, jogging and running in the comfort of your own home, speed ranging between 0.5-8.0 MPH.
Integrated device deck that’s compatible with most smartphone
Other features: Compact folding design with easy lift and transport wheels so that you can fold up your treadmill after workout and roll it away for simple storage. 3 Manual incline options available.
Spacious 16.5” x 47.5” tread belt provides an added sense of security and freedom. Assembled Size: 56.9” x 22.8” x 45.1”. Folded Size: 36.6” x 22.8” x 47.2”.

Incline: 3 manual incline levels
Max speed: 8 mph
Electric or manual: electric

Pros:

HR sensor built into the handlebars.
Compact, folds to a near-vertical position.
Quiet operation, won’t disturb neighbors or others in the house.
Bluetooth connectivity and 15 preset workout programs.

Cons:

No cushion or impact control.

Bottom Line:

Simple, compact, affordable jogging treadmill that fits just about anywhere. This Merax treadmill is one of the best cheap folding treadmills available.

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GoPlus Electric Folding Treadmill

This electric treadmill is very quiet and very compact. It has a small deck, just 38” long, to fit small spaces, and the noise will not bother the neighbors.

It is easy to move and even has small wheels to help with transport if you need to get it out of the way.

It folds completely upright to just 9” wide when not in use to take up the least space possible. This means it can be stashed under the bed, in the closet behind the couch or up against a wall.

Product Details:

Compact Treadmill With Installation-Free Design: The compact, simple and stylish appearance makes this treadmill perfect for home and office use. It has been installed for you, so you no longer need to waste time. Sticking to running on our treadmill can help you maintain your body shape, exercise your vital capacity and get a healthy body.
LED Touch Display & Ipad/Phone Holder: The LED touch display monitors your distance, speed, time and calories in real time during the exercise, so that you can know the exercise status at any time. The foldable iPad/phone holder is made of aluminum alloy and is equipped with two non-slip strips to prevent the phone from falling.
Various Exercise Modes: Powerful but quiet motor delivers speed from 0.5-6.5 MPH to meet different fitness demands. P1-P12 preset programs are set for different challenging workout. Selectable Time/ Distance/Calorie countdown modes help you achieve training goals.
Easy To Fold And Move: The ultra-thin and lightweight design makes this treadmill easy to fold, carry and store. Two built-in wheels facilitate transport from one room to another. When you don’t use it, you can put it in the corner of the room or under the bed to save space.
Intimate Detail Design: The treadmill features a 5-layer non-slip and shock-absorbing running belt that absorbs impact and protects your knees and ankles. The rotatable foam armrest feels comfortable, and you can adjust its position as needed. Equipped with a safety key to shut down immediately in an emergency to protect your safety.

Incline: no incline
Max speed: 6.5 mph
Electric or manual: electric 1 HP motor
Weight limit: 220 lbs

Pros:

Folds up to a small footprint of just 9 by 23 inches when not in use.
Very quiet operation, will not disturb others.
Safety stop key built-in.
Easy to use, 4 buttons, for less technical, uncomplicated operation.

Cons:

Not fast enough for running.
No incline.

Bottom Line:

Best folding treadmill for walking in small spaces.

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NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill

This iFit compatible treadmill is great value with quality you would expect from NordicTrack but a price you would expect from a no-name brand.

An ample 55” deck allows you to walk or run, you can adjust the deck to feel like you are running on the road, or dial it up for a more shock-absorbing ride. And, for its size, it takes up little space when folded.

Product Details:

Your purchase includes: NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S + 1-month iFit Membership
Review the instructions regarding your iFit program to redeem your one month iFit membership and activate your equipment for unlimited workout programs and experiences
Item dimensions (unfolded): 73″ L x 36″ W x 54″ H – User weight capacity: 300 pounds Item dimensions (folded): 38″ L x 36″ W x 67.5″ H. 22″ x 55″ Tread belt
Engineering: 2.6 CHP motor, 0-10 MPH speed, 10° Incline, Dual CardioGrip Heart rate monitor, One-Touch controls, 1.9″ roller.
Assembly or Inside-home delivery not included. Please coordinate with Amazon or delivery partner to request this additionally. Subject to availability.
Smart-response motor for effective speed, interval, and endurance training. Innovative SpaceSaver design with easy lift assist for compact, simple storage. Auxiliary music port and dual 2-inch speakers provide entertainment

Incline: up to 10%
Max speed: 10 mph
Electric or manual: electric 2.6 HP
Weight limit: 300 lbs

Pros:

Accommodates up to 300 lbs.
Suitable for both walking and running with 55” long belt.
Adjustable shock absorbing system for a firmer or softer ride.

Cons:

Speakers are not very good, no built-in fan.

Bottom Line:

Best fold up treadmill for the money and the best folding treadmill for running. Great quality and a great price make it a winner.

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Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Treadmill

The Asuna SpaceFlex is good for walking or light jogging. It is one of the more compact folding treadmills on this list and it folds down to lie flat on the ground to tuck under a bed or can stand upright.

The compact size is possible because the console is very streamlined and takes up little space.

Product Details:

Design: State of the art modern design offers large deck space to run or walk, but compact enough to fit in most areas of the home. 6 separate LED windows clearly display all the important workout data i.e. Incline level, Heart Rate, Calories, Time, Distance, Step Count, Speed.
Construction: Sturdy handrails are available to assist getting on and off the treadmill. Textured deck rails allows user to place feet securely on both sides of the treadmill deck. Folding tablet bracket securely holds mobile devices.
Performance: Control functions are user friendly with easy to reach start and stop buttons. Quick speed and incline buttons. 8 built in workout programs or create your own workout with the 3 user customizable programs. Ergonomic vertical handles with pulse sensors accurately read your heart rate.
Fitness: Reach a maximum speed of 8 miles an hour with the powerful motor. 12 levels of incline will automatically go up and down with the easy to reach buttons. Integrated shock pads minimized the ground reaction resulting in less impact on the joints.
Convenience: Folds completely flat and stands upright by itself, against a wall or flat surface. Non-marking transportation wheels make moving in and out easy and convenient.

Incline: 12 levels
Max speed: 8 mph
Electric or manual: electric 1.25 HP
Weight limit: 220 lbs

Pros:

Built-in HR monitor in the handles.
Long and Wide 19” by 51” deck especially considering how compact the treadmill is overall.
Controls are very easy to use, even for those not technically inclined.

Cons:

No frills console holds a tablet and not much else.

Bottom Line:

Large walking surface on a compact treadmill, a true space saver.

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Spirit Fitness XT485 Treadmill

The attention to detail and design quality sets this treadmill apart. This solidly built treadmill has a strong 4 horsepower motor and is sturdy enough for walkers and runners up to 425 lbs, the highest weight limit we have seen for a treadmill.

It also has a nice long deck at 60” long so running will not be a problem. It has cast motor mounts that will not shift or cause the belt to slips, and the engineering around the motor and electronics are designed to ventilate well and keep heat away from key components.

Product Details:

Console: Oversized 9″ bright blue backlit LCD screen with separate Muscle Activation Profile and HR % Profile LED displays.
Quick Speed & Incline Keys: Quick Speed and Incline keys to save time and make workouts more efficient.
Remote Adjustment Keys: Remote Handlebar Toggles for both speed and incline allow for secure workout changes without taking your hands off the side handlebars.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Contact and wireless heart rate monitoring options make your workouts more effective (chest strap transmitter included).
Deck / Motor: Spacious 22” x 60″ workout area with powerful 4.0HP motor. – Comfort: Adjustable cooling fan and dual speakers with audio jack for comfort and entertainment. – Bluetooth: Bluetooth compatible with SPIRIT FIT App to monitor and record your workout data.

Incline: 0 to 15%
Max speed: 12 mph
Electric or manual: electric 4 HP motor
Weight limit: 425 lbs

Pros:

High weight limit – 425 lbs.
Stable cast motor mount for a slip-free belt for a treadmill that will last for years.
Ample 60” belt designed for running or walking.