Working out at home is more convenient and affordable than a gym membership, but not everyone has room for full-sized exercise equipment.
A folding treadmill is a convenient, space-saving alternative for apartments and tiny homes, with many giving remote workers an easy way to improve their fitness by walking at their desk.
Sound like something you want in your home? Read on to find out how much you want to budget and what factors matter most for choosing the best one.
Are Folding Treadmills Any Good?
Early folding treadmills were often unstable. That’s primarily because they were designed more for portability than usability and made with lightweight, cheap materials.
Today’s treadmill folding mechanisms are more advanced. As long as you look for a unit with a steel frame and a durable running deck, it can give you a great workout. [1]
A folding treadmill model can have a lot of advantages, but it’s not going to be the best choice for everyone. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons compared to non-folding models.
Pros of Folding Treadmills
- They save space. This is the most obvious advantage of a folding treadmill. When folded, most will slide easily under the furniture and out of sight, letting you use that room for other things.
- They’re more portable. Folding treadmills are usually lighter than non-folding versions, and often have wheels on the base for easier transportation.
- They’re more versatile. With many models, you can use the treadmill folded under a standing desk while you’re working. That can make it a lot easier to fit workouts into your daily routine.
- They’re affordable. Non-folding treadmills cost more than folding versions with the same horsepower and features, with a typical price range of around $1,000-$1,500. That makes a folding treadmill an economical way to exercise at home.
Cons of Folding Treadmills
- They’re not great for runners. While modern folding treadmills are more stable than their predecessors, they’re still naturally more prone to wobbling and swaying than non-folding models, especially at higher speeds. Many folding treadmills also have smaller motors with lower maximum speeds.
- They have a lower weight limit. Foldable treadmills are lighter partially because they use less heavy-duty material for the frame. This makes many of them unsafe to use for those who weigh 250 pounds or more.
How Much Is a Foldable Treadmill?
There’s a wide range of price points–anywhere from around $400-$500 on the low end to $1,500 or more for the best commercial treadmill.
The difference between them typically comes down to two factors: the power and maximum speed of the motor and the stability of the treadmill’s frame.
Most people will want to budget around $600-$1,000 for a high-quality fold a way treadmill. The best option at this price has a max speed around 7-8 miles per hour (MPH) with a max weight rating of around 200-220 pounds.
What Is the Best Treadmill Under $600?
For those on a particularly tight budget, the good news is you can find a foldable treadmill for a price of $400-$600 that is well-made and stable enough for most home users.
Typically, these more affordable models have a smaller motor, which does mean a lower maximum speed. If you plan to use the treadmill for running as opposed to walking or jogging, that’s something to consider.
The RHYTHM FUN 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill we review below is our pick for the best treadmill at an affordable price. It’s slim and lightweight but still stable, and has a powerful enough motor to reach average running speed.
Top Picks: The 3 Best Folding Treadmills
#1: Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Space Saving Treadmill
The Sunny Health & Fitness folding treadmill is our top pick for the best collapsible treadmill on the market. Its sturdy steel frame has a shock-absorbing running deck to minimize impact on your knees and joints, and the 2.5 horsepower motor gives you a range of speeds up to 8 miles an hour, with quick buttons on the console to instantly change your speed.
The frame of this Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill folds completely flat. When collapsed, it has a slim 4.5” profile, and its dual wheels make it easy to move into storage when you’re not using it. That makes it a convenient option for spaces of all sizes.
Key Features
- 4-window display shows workout stats in real time
- Steel frame supports users up to 220lbs
- Wide speed range (.6MPH to 8MPH)
- Built-in speakers with 3.5mm audio input
- Two sets of wheels for easier re-positioning
#2: REDLIRO 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
The versatility and convenience of the REDLIRO 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill makes it a top choice for remote workers. You can use it like a traditional treadmill or keep the frame lowered and slide it under your desk.
The quiet motor lets you use it while you’re doing other things without being distracted or disturbed.
There are controls and an LED screen on the frame, and you can also control this foldable treadmill with the remote that comes included. It can reach up to 7.5MPH with the frame extended, with a max speed of 4MPH in fold-up treadmill mode.
The no-slip padded walking deck keeps your steps secure at all speeds and is comfortable to run on, with good shock absorption.
Key Features
- 2-in-1 operation as a standing or an under-desk treadmill
- Rugged steel alloy frame (max weight of 220lbs)
- Control speed on frame or with included remote
- Non-slip 5-layer shock absorbing running belt
- Quiet 2.25 horsepower motor with 7.5MPH max speed
- Multi-function LED display tracks your workout
#3: RHYTHM FUN Under Desk 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
If you’re looking for the best value, the Rhythm Fun 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a bit more affordable than many of the other models on the market. It’s also one of the thinnest fold-a-way treadmills, with a platform that’s just 1.18” at its thinnest end and only 5” at its widest point. It’s versatile, too, with the option of using it as a traditional treadmill or under a desk.
The Smart Workout app that comes with the Rhythm Fun Folding Treadmill gives you all the features you’ll find on the frame’s control panel and LED display. You can track your speed and calories burned, change the treadmill’s speed, or set up a training program easily through your phone. All things considered, it’s a convenient and portable treadmill at a great price.
Key Features
- Dual operation (standing or under-desk)
- Track workout on your phone with Smart Workout app
- 7-level shock reducing running belt
- Slim profile for easy storage in any space
- 5 horsepower motor (max speed of 5.5MPH)
7 Things to Check Before Buying a Folding Treadmill
Like any exercise equipment, the quality of folding treadmills on the market varies widely. How do you know if you’re getting a good machine?
Reading reviews from other buyers can be one way to gauge the treadmill’s quality, but just because it works for someone else doesn’t make it the best treadmill for you.
Knowing what to look for before you start shopping will help you find the right model at the best value. Here are 7 key factors to think about during your search:
#1: Stability.
The less a treadmill weighs, the less stable it’s likely to be when you’re using it. Sturdy steel-frame models cost a bit more but are less likely to wobble during use.
Stability is especially important if you’ll be using the treadmill at running speeds (6MPH or faster).
#2: Motor strength.
The quality and power of the motor affects both how fast the treadmill goes and how long it will last before wearing out. Home treadmill motors range from 1-5 horsepower.
A 2.5-3 horsepower engine is a good size for both running and walking, while a smaller 1.5-2 horsepower motor can be suitable for joggers.
#3: Belt size and quality.
You want to be able to take a full comfortable stride on your treadmill, and both its length and width are important. For walking, look for a belt that’s 16-18 inches wide and at least 48 inches long.
For runners, a 20-inch width and 54-inch length will give most people enough space. [2]
Your height is a factor here, too. If you’re 6 feet or taller, a 60-inch belt may be in order. Conversely, if you’re on the shorter side you may want a narrower belt to make sure you can safely start and stop your workouts.
Along with the size of the belt, consider how it feels to run on it. Decks with shock absorbing technology can reduce the impact on your joints, reducing the risk of pain and injury.
#4: Portability.
All folding treadmills are easier to move around than their non-folding counterparts, but some are more portable than others. This isn’t just about the weight of the treadmill, although that’s certainly a factor.
Also think about the treadmill’s dimensions when collapsed and whether it has wheels or other features to make it easier to move around.
#5: Safety features.
Most foldable treadmills don’t have side rails, which can be a concern from a safety perspective. This makes the other safety features especially important.
When raised, the frame should lock into place and be sturdy enough to hold your weight. An easy to access emergency stop button can also help prevent accidents.
#6: Control and display options.
The most important thing is that you can change speeds or settings on the treadmill easily, even while you’re running.
Many treadmill displays also track fitness stats like calories burned or distance traveled, which may be helpful information to see.
Some folding treadmills can be controlled when the frame is lowered, either using an included remote or through an app you can download on your phone.
Pay attention to this if you plan to walk on the treadmill when the display isn’t available.
#7: Warranty and support.
Warranty protection can give you peace of mind that the money you invested in the treadmill won’t go to waste. Consumer reports recommends looking for a 3-7 year warranty on parts and at least 1 year warranty coverage on labor.
Read the warranty carefully to see exactly what it covers and how to get repairs or replacement parts if something goes wrong.
What’s the Bottom Line?
If you don’t feel comfortable using your treadmill, you probably won’t use it much. Pay attention to details like the width and design of the belt, especially if you’re concerned about your knee and joint health.
For many, that’s just as important as the stability of the treadmill in providing a good workout experience.
Choosing the right folding treadmill starts by knowing what you need out of it. Consider the average intensity and length of your workouts as well as the size of your space.
Any one of the three models reviewed above could be the best choice for you.
