The Best Treadmills for Every Kind of Run, According to Fitness Pros

September 25, 2023

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3 min reading time

If it’s too hot, cold, or wet to jog outside (or you just don’t feel like interacting with the outside world), then it doesn’t hurt to have a home treadmill. A good tread will make it a little more convenient to get in some cardio, and it may add variety to your running routine, too (hello, recovery walks, HIIT workouts, and hill runs). With so many options on the market, we asked experts in the running industry what they consider the best treadmills for at-home use. But first, here are some shopping tips to help you find the right machine for you.

How to find a treadmill that works for you

Although there are some budget-friendlier models on the market, a treadmill is generally a significant investment. You can get a better idea of how much it makes sense to spend and what additional features you really need based on how you plan to use it, Adrian Richardson, a NSCA-certified personal trainer and coach for Fitbit, tells SELF.

If you just want a solid cardio workout at home, look for models with a max speed and incline range that suit your goals, Louis Serafini, a running coach and community director at Tracksmith, tells SELF. For reference, a brisk walking pace is about three miles per hour (mph), while an eight-minute mile would be about 7.5 mph. Serafini adds that an easy-to-use interface and space-saving designs—like a smaller footprint or foldable construction—can be helpful, too. You should be able to find one that checks these essential boxes without costing a small fortune, he says.

On the other hand, for people who prefer more high-tech features, there are pricier models that offer additional bells and whistles—like WiFi- and Bluetooth-connectivity, large display screens, access to on-demand and live workout classes, or trackers for health metrics.

Whether you opt for a bare-bones or high-end tread, make sure it allows you to move freely while you’re running. It should have a long enough belt to accommodate your stride, and a suitable weight capacity. The former should be at least 55 inches in length, while the latter usually ranges between 250 and 400 pounds, depending on the model (some heavy-duty ones can have a maximum weight of 500 pounds).