If you live in a small space, chances are you take every opportunity to exercise outdoors. But what about when the weather’s bad, or it’s dark, or it’s just not feasible to get out of the house?
This is one of the reasons investing in a treadmill is an excellent idea. But if your living space is cramped, you need a smaller-than-average treadmill if you want to reach your fitness goals but be able to use the space to live in comfortably.
We’ve put together a list of our choices for the best compact treadmill for home use. All of these options have a compact footprint that should fit nicely into smaller spaces, and their smaller size doesn’t compromise their quality or performance.
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In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks
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| Product's name | The best overall Lifespan Fitness TR5500iM Home Treadmill, with 10" Full-Color Touchscreen... | The runner-up NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill with 14” HD Touchscreen for... | The best for walking No products found. | The best motor Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Studio Series 4.0 HP Smart Treadmill with Bluetooth... | The best screen by far NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill with 22” HD Touchscreen for... | The best manual foldability No products found. | The best warranty XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Premium Performance Series Folding Treadmill, Large... |
| Verdict | Excellent features that can't be beaten by other compact treadmills. | Excellent choice, especially the on/off cushioning. | Weak motor, but great for those who just want to walk. We love its folding mechanism. | Great choice, great motor. | The screen on this treadmill is far above any others. | Good manual folding choice that might be a budget option. | Some great features, but the warranty is one of the best we've seen. |
| Weight Capacity | 73" L x 34.5" W x 55.5" H | 80” L x 38” W x 65” H | 70.25" L x 29" W x 44.5" H | 76.5" L x 36" W x 59" H | 81" L x 39" W x 59" H | 63.4" L × 28.8" W × 51.4" H | 77.2" L x 35.5" W x 56.1" H |
| Max Speed Level | 13.5 mph | 12 mph | 8 mph | 12 mph | #REF! | 10 mph | 12 mph |
| Max Speed Level | $$$$ | $$$ | $ | $$$ | $$$ | $ | $$ |
| Floor Space | 73" L x 34.5" W x 55.5" H | 80” L x 38” W x 65” H | 70.25" L x 29" W x 44.5" H | 76.5" L x 36" W x 59" H | 81" L x 39" W x 59" H | 63.4" L × 28.8" W × 51.4" H | 77.2" L x 35.5" W x 56.1" H |
| More Info | See on Amazon | See on Amazon | No products found. | See on Amazon | See on Amazon | No products found. | See on Amazon |
Why Trust BoxLife?
Our team here at BoxLife has a lot of years of exercise experience between us. If you have to add up the number of hours we’ve spent on treadmills between us… We’re sure it’ll stretch into months!
We’ve spent time running, walking, and sprinting on multiple treadmill brands, and we also aren’t just your average gym-goers. We’re big on injury-prevention, which means we place a lot of stock on the quality of the machines we use.
Which is why we see treadmills a little differently to most. Motor horsepower gets us excited. Deck cushioning is something we pay attention to. And you can bet we’re analyzing the performance of the machine as we run.
The reason BoxLife exists is to share all our hard-learned knowledge with you so you can make more informed decisions. Our experience is your gain!
Who Should Choose a Compact Treadmill?
Treadmills are great fitness tools, but they do take up a fair bit of space. If you’re wondering how to fit a treadmill into your home space, then this article is for you.
These treadmills will be more suited to those who:
- Have a small living space and limited room for exercise equipment
- Want a smaller-than-average treadmill so it’s inconspicuous
- Don’t want a foldable treadmill but need it to be space-saving
How We Chose the Best Compact Treadmill For Home Use
Our team put our heads together and made a list of all the most compact treadmills we have personal experience with. From there, we set out to find everything we needed to know about those machines, plus any other treadmills we hadn’t considered.
We browsed through user reviews on sites like Amazon and big sports retailers. We scrolled through questions on Quora and Reddit. And we pored over forums asking questions about the treadmills on our list.
This helped us to build up our list of the best compact treadmills, based on real-world information from people who’ve actually tried and tested the products.
How We Tested Them
Once we had a long list of compact treadmills, we tested them side by side against 7 specific features:
- Floor Size
- Foldability
- Weight Capacity
- Motor/Maximum Speed
- Screen
- Features
- Warranty
While floor size and foldability are the two most crucial features for finding out how compact a treadmill is, it’s still important to know that you’re getting a machine that can perform to your specifications.
We cover each one of these details in the reviews below so you can find the treadmill that really works for your goals.
Lifespan 5500iM Treadmill – Our Top Pick
This treadmill may be compact, but it can handle a lot of work! It’s the most heavy-duty option Lifespan offers, so if you’re looking for a quality treadmill that fits into tight spaces, this is the best one we recommend.
Why We Like It
Unfolded, the TR5500iM measures 73″ L x 34.5″ W x 55.5″ H, but has an EZfold system which cuts its folded size down to 40.5″ L x 34.5″ W x 65.5″ H. This makes it ideal for small spaces—unfold it when you need it, and fold and store it when you don’t.
This treadmill offers everything a serious runner needs. Thanks to its features, you can do almost any kind of running workout you want, so it’s the ideal choice for those who are training for competitive races.
You’ll find a spacious running surface of 22″ x 60″, excellent for tall runners and for speedwork. The 1″ deck rests on 2.5″ rollers at the front and 2″ rollers at the back, helping it to run more smoothly during workouts.
It’s also very well-cushioned, featuring 8 compression shocks to reduce impact as you run. Between the deck, the 13.5 mph top speed, the 13 incline levels, and 2 decline levels, you can truly replicate real-world conditions without the joint strain.
The motor is a powerful 4.0 CHP, which accounts for the speed and also means runners of up to 350 lbs can run on it safely.
Plus, there are over 50 preset programs for you to use so you don’t need to spend time creating your own workouts if you don’t want to.
The 10″ touchscreen supports screen mirroring, and works in conjunction with dual Bluetooth speakers so you can keep yourself entertained while you run, or follow along with an online workout easily.
The one downside is that the media holder blocks the display, so if you want to use a tablet to watch a TV show or something similar, you won’t be able to check your stats without moving it.
Pros
- Already compact and also easily foldable
- 4 CHP motor can handle high speeds
- Can safely handle up to 350 lbs of weight
Cons
- It’s heavy to unpack and move around
- Media holder blocks the display
Key Specs
| Floor Size | 73″ L x 34.5″ W x 55.5″ H |
| Foldability | EZfold™ System |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Motor/Maximum Speed | 4 CHP motor, 13.5 mph |
| Screen | 10-inch screen |
| Features | Max incline 13%, max decline -2%, 50+ programs |
| Warranty | Frame 10 years, parts 2 years, labor 1 year |
Excellent for Serious Runners
This treadmill offers everything a serious runner could want in order to work out indoors and according to their own specifications. Plus it folds into a very manageable size for easy storage.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 – The Runner-Up
The NordicTrack 1750 is a commercial-grade piece of equipment so if you want something strong that can still fold to an easy-to-store-in-small-spaces size, this is worth looking at.
Why We Like It
This treadmill received various updates in 2022, including a reduction in footprint when it’s unfolded. It’s lost an inch in both length and width, so it’s likely to fit better into spaces it couldn’t before.
No changes have been made to the folding capabilities, but why change something that works so well? The EasyLift Assist makes it simple for any single person to fold this treadmill on their own.
Plus, it has a hydraulic descension system that means you don’t have to worry about dropping on your head when you unfold it.
Most folding treadmills don’t offer a decline function, but you’ll be pleased to know that this one has a 15% incline and a 3% decline to handle all your needs. It comes with a top speed of 12 mph, which is pretty standard, and can handle up to 300 lbs of weight.
They also upgraded the screen from 10″ to 14″ and gave it the ability to pivot, so if you’re doing off-treadmill exercises you can continue watching.
It’s important to note that this treadmill is iFit-enabled, which means if you choose to subscribe, you’ll have access to almost 20,000 workouts, including on-demand workouts of various types and trainer-led workouts.
If you choose not to subscribe to iFit, there’s still a free version that has a few instructor-led workouts and pre-programmed workouts built into the treadmill.
Another feature we really like on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is that the deck cushioning has been created specifically to be soft and protective, apparently reducing impact by around 30%.
In the previous version, you could switch the shock absorption on and off, but this treadmill has it on all the time, so your joints should feel the difference!
Pros
- EasyLift Assist for one-person folding without stress
- Incline and decline functions
- Beautiful touchscreen
Cons
- Limited workout options without paid iFit subscription
Key Specs
| Floor Size | 80” L x 38” W x 65” H |
| Foldability | EasyLift Assist |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Motor/Maximum Speed | 3.5 CHP, 12 mph |
| Screen | 14” HD Touchscreen |
| Features | Max incline 15%, max decline 3%, 50 different workout programs, includes iFit |
| Warranty | 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, 1-year labor warranty. |
For the iFit Junkies
iFit is a superb platform, so if you’re willing to pay the subscription fee, then this is the treadmill we recommend. Even if you have to be off the iFit subscription for a while, the treadmill still has built-in workout options.
ProForm City L6 – The Best For Walking
Those who prefer to walk on the treadmill will be more than satisfied with the ProForm City L6. It has a smaller motor than most, but it’s also more affordable than others, so if you’re only going to walk, it’s an excellent choice.
Why We Like It
This walking treadmill is a truly compact design, even before it’s folded! It takes up 70.25″ L x 29″ W x 44.5″ H of floor space when unfolded, which is smaller than most. That includes a running deck of 45″ x 17.5″, which is quite a lot smaller than most.
But because you won’t be going at speed, this surface should be fine for average-sized walkers. Those over 6 feet may find it a touch short for their stride. A nice feature is the ProShox Cushioning, which adds a bit of impact-reduction and protects your joints.
The treadmill can hold up to 250 lbs of weight, and the 1.6 CHP Mach Z motor will power your brisk walking up to a speed of 8 mph, which should be enough for most.
The foldability is a huge bonus. Rather than complicated folding mechanisms, the ProForm City L6’s legs and console flatten against the deck, so you can slide it right underneath a bed or sofa. Ideal for tiny spaces!
It comes with iFit built in, and you’ll also get a 1-year family membership for free when you purchase the machine. This gives you access to an unlimited number of workouts, live-training sessions, and instructor-led classes.
However, you’ll need to use your own device to stream the workouts on. The machine has only a small screen for metrics, which keeps it compact. If you choose to not renew your membership at the end of the year, there are no built-in workouts on the treadmill, so you’ll need to set up your own each time you walk.
Pros
- Small footprint and folds flat to slide under a bed
- Suitable for walkers or joggers up to 250 lbs
- 1.6 CHP Mach Z motor that’s powerful for walking
- ProShox Cushioning and 1.6″ rollers for smooth deck movement
Cons
- No screen
- No built-in programs
- No incline capabilities
Key Specs
| Floor Size | 70.25″ L x 29″ W x 44.5″ H |
| Foldability | Folds down flat to fit under a bed |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Motor/Maximum Speed | 1.6 CHP, 8 mph |
| Screen | 5 inches |
| Features | None built in |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, motor, deck; 1-year electronics & parts; 1-year labor |
More Than Enough for Walkers
Those who are looking for a treadmill for walking will enjoy this one. iFit can make walking a lot more engaging, and the foldability is a huge bonus on this machine.
Horizon Fitness 7.8AT – The Best Motor
If a powerful motor is your number one priority on a treadmill but you still want foldability, then the Horizon Fitness 7.8AT comes out on top.
Why We Like It
This machine has a powerful 4.0 CHP motor that accelerates and decelerates without a lag, thanks to Rapid Sync technology. But that’s not all—the motor also comes with a lifetime warranty, which is very welcomed.
A Featherlight folding system makes it easy for you to fold it up and unfold it on your own, no second person required. Slide it into a corner and your space is saved!
In terms of performance, you’ll be able to hit max speeds of 12 miles per hour, and there’s also a 15% incline so you can add some challenge to your workouts.
There are various built-in programs, including the Sprint 8 program, which is a HIIT program and is also unusual to see on a treadmill.
You can download their free app, which will sync your workouts to any other fitness app you want. But this particular brand also offers discounts for a variety of fitness apps, so check beforehand to see if you can get your favorite workout app for less!
The running deck is more than big enough for most, at 60″ x 22″. It also features their 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning, designed to give you a soft landing and a bouncy toe-off.
There’s a full-color 9.3″ screen, and a smaller, longer, and dimmer screen below it which shows basic metrics. Unfortunately, you can’t use the screen for streaming, but you can connect your own device and use one of the two handy tablet holders without obscuring your metrics.
The console may be on the chunky side, but there’s plenty of room for your water bottle, phone, and the TV remote controls!
Pros
- One-step hydraulic folding system
- Powerful 4.0 CHP motor with a lifetime warranty
- Comes with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor
- Can handle up to 325 lbs for walking or running
Cons
- The fan isn’t very strong
Key Specs
| Floor Size | 76.5″ x 36″ x 59″ |
| Foldability | FeatherLight Folding |
| Weight Capacity | 325 lbs |
| Motor/Maximum Speed | 4 HP, 12 mph |
| Screen | 9.3″ full-color display |
| Features | Max incline 15%, 10 programs |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor |
You Won’t Find a Better Motor Than This
You may find other treadmills with 4.0 CHP motors, but not many of them come with a lifetime warranty. This is a great deal for a powerful motor! Plus, the speed and incline settings are rollers, which is a nice little touch.
NordicTrack Commercial 2450 – The Best Screen
Looking for the top quality screen you can find? How does a 22″, full-color screen sound? If you like following live workouts, you’ll never go back!
Why We Like It
This is just about the biggest screen you can find on a treadmill that still remains quite compact. It measures 22″ across, which means it’s easy to see even if you’re in the middle of a sprint, and has an amazing soundbar right beneath it.
Aside from the screen’s size, it also pivots. If you’re doing a program that requires you to get off the treadmill and perform squats, for example, you can tilt the screen towards you and not miss a minute.
It’s not the tiniest when unfolded, but it folds up easily to a much more manageable size for small spaces. EasyLift Assist ensures that you can fold it with as little hassle as possible.
A 3.6 CHP motor is pretty good, and you can run up to 12 mph. There are multiple built-in programs, which is a bonus. You can also join iFit and get access to thousands of on-demand classes and coach-led programs, which you can follow along to on the lovely screen.
The steel frame has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, which complements the motor. The deck is also long and wide enough for even taller runners, measuring 60″ x 22″, and well cushioned for foot and joint protection.
Pros
- 22″ full-color touchscreen
- EasyLift Assist folding system
- Comes with both incline and decline functions
- iFit-enabled
Cons
- The screen can shake when you’re running
Key Specs
| Floor Size | 81″ L x 39″ W x 59″ H |
| Foldability | EasyLift Assist |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Motor/Maximum Speed | 3.6 CHP, 12 mph |
| Screen | 22″ HD touchscreen that tilts and pivots |
| Features | Max incline 15%, max decline -3%, iFit |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor |
Dream Screen!
With a 22″ HD touchscreen that tilts and pivots, you really don’t need a tablet or a TV in the background when you have this treadmill. It’s an excellent choice if you want something you can follow along with on the screen.
Xterra Fitness TR150 – The Best Manual Foldability
The Xterra TR150 is compact as it is, but it also comes with an easy-peasy folding system. If you live in a flat, a small apartment, a college dorm, or a single room in a house, this one could be a great option for you.
Why We Like It
With a footprint of just 63.4″ L x 28.8″ W x 51.4″ H, this treadmill is pretty easy to fit into most spaces. It also folds incredibly easily, despite not having an auto-fold feature. It does have a manual folding system that uses a pull knob. It’s fairly easy to do, though, and the treadmill is light enough to unfold and fold without strain.
The XTRASoft cushioned deck measures 50″ x 16″, so taller runners may struggle to find their stride. But it has a weight capacity of 250 lbs, so it’s stronger than it looks.
A 2.25 CHP motor can handle walking and light jogging, up to 10 mph. There’s also an incline three manual levels, which could add some fun and challenge, and 12 preprogrammed workouts.
The screen measures 5″, and although it’s nothing fancy, it does the job well and is to be expected from this price range.
Pros
- Naturally small footprint can fit into most indoor spaces
- Easy pull knob for manual folding, so you save even more space
- Manual incline and up to 10 mph speed
- XTRASoft Cushioning eases joint pain
Cons
- Shorter deck than most
- Not suitable for sprinting
Key Specs
| Floor Size | 63.4″ L x 28.8″ W x 51.4″ H |
| Foldability | Pull knob for easy folding and lifting |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Motor/Maximum Speed | 2.25 HP, 10 mph |
| Screen | 5″ LCD Screen |
| Features | 3 manual incline levels, 12 built-in programs |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 1-year motor, 90-day deck, parts, and labor |
Excellent for Small Spaces
It’s already petite, and can be folded up to be hidden away if necessary. This is the best choice for those who are short on space but want a treadmill they can jog on and not just stick to walking on.
Xterra Fitness TRX3500 – The Best Warranty
We all want our expensive equipment to last for a good long time. This treadmill is built to last, but just to be on the safe side, it has an excellent warranty so you’re covered should anything happen.
Why We Like It
When unfolded, this treadmill is a pretty standard size. But it’s designed to save space when you aren’t using it, as it can fold up with LiftAssist tech to become compact enough to slide into a cupboard to save space.
In comparison to others, this treadmill has a great warranty. Both the frame and the motor have a lifetime warranty, which is good to see and gives you some peace of mind. The deck and parts come with 2 years, and there’s a 1-year in-home labor warranty too.
It’s quite standard in most ways. The 3.0 CHP motor allows you to run at speeds up to 12 mph, you can incline the deck up to 12% for a harder workout, and the double-layer deck measures 20″ x 60″.
Interestingly, Xterra decks feature 2 cushioning levels, which you can toggle between if you want more or less shock absorption.
It’s also nice to know that it’s compatible with external heart rate monitor chest straps, which is rare for more affordable treadmills such as this one.
Pros
- Compact and foldable, easy to fit almost anywhere
- Excellent warranty in comparison to many others
- Folds down quickly and safely using LiftAssist
- 30 onboard programs to choose from
Cons
- The track needs to be manually lubricated every 180 miles or so
- Plastic side rails are a little lower quality than others
Key Specs
| Floor Size | 77.2″ L x 35.5″ W x 56.1″ H |
| Foldability | Folding Frame with Lift Assist |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Motor/Maximum Speed | 3.0 HP, 12 mph |
| Screen | 6.5” bright blue backlit LCD display |
| Features | 12 levels of electronic incline, 30 preset programs, 2 custom, 1 heart rate control |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 2-year deck, 2-year parts, 1-year in-home labor |
Warranty King
This treadmill offers all the standard features that help you to have a great run every time. But its warranty stands out above others, so if that’s something you consider, we can highly recommend this machine.
Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In A Compact Treadmill
Browsing through the best compact treadmill choices to find the right one for you? Here’s what you should be looking at and why.
Floor Size
Floor size is obviously important when space is a consideration for you. Although the majority of these treadmills can fold, it’s still essential to know that it will fit right into your space when it’s unfolded… You can’t use it folded, after all!
It’s a good idea to measure the space in which you plan to put the treadmill so you can get an idea of whether the one you like will fit into it or not. Do this before you shop so you don’t waste time looking at treadmills that won’t fit into your space.
Foldability
The ability to fold is another sought-after trait in compact treadmills. This is particularly important if you want to be able to move it out of the way when you aren’t using it so you free up space.
It’s also important to find a foldability system that works for you. If the treadmill has a complicated folding system that requires two people and you live alone, it’s not likely to be the best choice for you, as an example.
Weight Capacity
Even if you’re a lighter runner, the weight capacity of the treadmill you choose is an indication of how well it’s built. Even if you know you’ll never have that much weight on the machine, getting one with a high weight capacity means you can safely assume the frame is strong and sturdy and the deck is cushioned.
It’s imperative that you don’t exceed the weight limit on any given treadmill, as it could damage the treadmill or lead to injury.
Motor/Maximum Speed
Generally, the more powerful the motor, the higher the maximum speed you can run on a treadmill. A motor below 3 CHP is usually more geared towards walking rather than running, or perhaps some light jogging.
If you want to HIIT workouts, you’ll need a motor of 4.0 CHP or more. A smaller motor won’t be able to handle the intensity of your workouts, and may burn out faster.
Screen
Some treadmills feature a screen, while others require you to use your phone or tablet. They work the same way, regardless, but you may have a preference one way or another.
Some also come with spectacular screens which are designed for streaming workouts as you’re following along. Of course, these are more expensive, so you need to choose your needs wisely!
Features
Here you want to consider things like inclines, declines, and built-in programs. Many treadmills come with an incline function, but if you want to simulate real-life running as much as possible, a decline is a great feature to have.
A lot of treadmills also come iFit-enabled. This is amazing if you love the iFit platform and you’re happy to pay the subscription fee to keep using it. But if you want to disable it, be aware that some treadmills have no built-in programs. It’s a good idea to check this before buying!
Warranty
Having a great warranty will give you peace of mind. If something does go wrong or break, you want to know if it’s covered or if you’ll have to pay for repairs or replacements.
Double-check the warranty beforehand so you know exactly what to expect. Some companies offer lifetime warranties on the frame, while others go with 10 years. So it’s a good idea to find out before you buy.
Can You Run on Compact Treadmills?
It depends on if your treadmill has a compact footprint, or just folds up into a compact size. If the treadmill is naturally compact in design, taller runners may not be able to get their full stride on it, as the deck is likely to be shorter than usual. Smaller treadmills may also be less sturdy and better for walking or jogging.
However, if the treadmill is standard size but just folds up to be compact, then you should be able to run on it. A good rule of thumb is to check the maximum speed. If it’s less than 10, it’s probably geared towards walking. If it’s between 10 and 12, you should be able to run.
Do Compact Treadmills Fold Easily?
Most compact treadmills are equipped with technologically-advanced folding mechanisms. These are usually very easy to use, and most can be used by a single person without needing help, both for folding and unfolding.
If you choose a manual folding treadmill, it may be a little less easy to fold. These ones may require help from a second person, unless you have the strength to support the weight of the deck by yourself.
Do All Compact Treadmills Have Incline?
The majority of compact treadmills these days have an incline function. It’s rare to find treadmills, even entry-level ones, that don’t. However, they don’t all have a decline function, which helps you to better simulate the feeling of the road or trail.
Is Using a Compact Treadmill as Effective as Running Outdoors?
You can get as effective a workout on the treadmill as you can on the road or trail. It’s all about how you use the built-in programs, the incline and decline, and the intensity of your workout.
There are certain advantages to using a treadmill over running on the road. Firstly, you can create your ideal running environment, from the temperature you like to the snacks you prefer, to whatever you’re watching on the TV or tablet.
Secondly, you can create your ideal running course, including incline, decline, speed changes, and so on, without the hazards that you would find on the road. For example, if the roads nearby are covered in potholes, you don’t need to deal with that.
You may not get the wind in your hair, but you’ll definitely be able to train as well on a treadmill as you can outdoors.
