Best Fast Treadmills for All Your Workout Needs

Do you have a need for speed? Do you love pushing yourself as fast as you can go on your own two feet? If you’re a runner, speedwork is an important part of developing an excellent running base and improving your own skill. Even if you’re not specifically a runner, some of us live for sprinting rather than leisurely jogging.

Which is why we’re comparing the best fast treadmills today. Most treadmills are capped at 12 mph, which is ideal for those who want to train for a marathon, do a quick recovery run, or just burn some calories at the end of the day.

But when you want to do HIIT or sprint training, those won’t do. So here are the best fast treadmills you should be considering if you’re looking for one to supercharge your training. Keep in mind that the fastest treadmills are not always the most affordable treadmills… But they’re worth every penny if you want that speed!

In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks

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Why Trust BoxLife?

All of us at BoxLife have spent an extensive amount of time pounding away on the deck of a treadmill. Across the board, we’ve spent more hours on treadmills than on any other piece of cardio equipment, so it’s safe to know we know the machine!

But we’re also fastidious about maximizing performance while minimizing injury, so we look at cardio equipment a little differently to most other people. We look deeper than just the shell of the machine—we consider how the motor’s power affects its speed, how the cushioning system protects your joints, and how the built-in features can contribute to your workout.

BoxLife’s mission is to bring you informed, up-to-date information so you can make your own informed choices. Our experience, knowledge, and research… Your gain!

Who Is This Article For?

Not everyone thinks about the top speed of a treadmill. Most people hop on, set it to somewhere in the middle, and do their thing. But then there are those who want more. More power. More movement. And more speed!

If sprint training is an important part of your life, or you enjoy doing HIIT workouts on the treadmill, this guide is for you. We’ve gone out of our way to find the best fast treadmills that outstrip those average-speed machines you find in the gym.

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How We Chose the Best Fast Treadmills

Not all of the BoxLife team are speed freaks, but some of us definitely enjoy a bit of a higher pace on the treadmill. We came together and discussed our favorite fast treadmills, and once we had a list, we turned to the internet to fill it out.

We checked Amazon reviews. We read full-on debates on Reddit and treadmill fans arguing on Quora. We searched through retail stores and online sellers to find real-person reviews that were valuable.

This information helped us to grow our list of fast treadmills. From there, we tested them to narrow them down to the 7 you see on this list.

How We Tested Them

We tested treadmill after treadmill side by side, focusing on and comparing the following 7 features:

• Maximum Speed
• Motor CHP 
• Weight Capacity
• Incline/Decline
• Deck Size
• Built-In Programs
• Foldability

While maximum speed is the most important factor here, every other feature we tested adds value to the treadmill and is especially useful for those who are serious about their training.

The Best Fast Treadmills – Our Top Picks

Star Trac 8TR Series Treadmill – Best Overall

This unique-looking treadmill isn’t one that’s regularly found on lists. But with its great top speed and additional features, it comes first on ours!

Why We Like It

In terms of speed, the Star Trac 8TR has a maximum speed of 14 mph. That’s 2 mph more than the average treadmill—which might not sound like much, but it’s quite significant when you’re running at a speed for an extended period of time.

To keep your joints safer at both a light jog and higher speeds, the deck uses a Soft Trac triple-cell cushioning system, which effectively absorbs shock as your feet hit the surface.

An impressive 5 HP AC motor provides great performance and can also handle users of up to 500 lbs, making it an amazing choice for runners of all fitness levels. To better simulate real-world running conditions, there’s an incline of up to 15%.

You can choose between a few different sized OpenHub consoles to suit your own needs. These consoles offer fitness tracking and entertainment options, plus you can set them up to include the features you really want and need.

The consoles also connect directly to the Samsung Galaxy watches and Apple watches, so you can sync your workout with your smartwatch for ease. Whichever console you choose, they’re Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible, so you should be able to sync up to other devices without too much trouble as well.

With around 14 built-in programs, a USB port, a fan, multiple bottle/accessory holders, and a service light, there’s not much missing from this treadmill.

The one thing to be aware of before you buy is that it doesn’t fold. If you’re short on space, you may want to consider one of the foldable options on this list!

Key Specs

Maximum Speed	14 mph
Motor CHP	5 HP AC motor
Weight Capacity	500 lbs
Incline/Decline	15% incline
Deck Size	60 x 21.5 inches
Built-In Programs	14+ pre-set programs
Foldability	Not foldable

Final Thoughts 

If you’re looking for a treadmill that allows you to run faster than the average commercial machine and has a good amount of extras, the Star Trac 8TR Series Treadmill is a great choice. The only potential issue is the lack of foldability, so it’s best for those who have a dedicated space to leave it up all the time.

Lifespan TR6000i – Runner-Up

The Lifespan TR6000i is a fantastic treadmill for home use. A higher-than-average speed, multiple handy features, and a nice price make it a good choice if you’re looking for something a little better than the average machine. 

Why We Like It 

This is a robust treadmill, featuring a steel frame and a powerful 3.5 HP Continuous Duty AC motor. Both are covered by a lifetime warranty, which gets a bit thumbs-up from us. 

While technically this is a commercial-grade treadmill, its price is more home-friendly. Within that price range, it’s unusual to find treadmills that go faster than 12 mph, so it was a pleasant surprise to find that the TR6000i can hit 13.5 mph. 

In addition, there’s a 13% incline, which is a little shorter than most. But you’ll also find a 3% decline, which is unusual but much appreciated by those who want the option for a real-life-like a run as possible. 

Your joints are decently protected by the 8 shock absorbers built into the 1-inch, heat-resistant deck, which runs on 3” and 2” rollers. 

We also like that the deck is a little wider than average, at 22 inches in width and 60 inches in length, so you can run freely without feeling cramped. 

The weight capacity of 350 lbs is tight in the middle of the range. You can find treadmills that hold more, but the general capacity for home treadmills is 300 lbs, so we’re still pretty happy with it. 

It includes 19 built-in programs, 2 custom programs, 2 heart rate programs, and 2 fitness tests—the Rockport Fitness Test and the Navy Fitness Test. 

The only possible downside is that it’s not foldable, but it does include wheels for easy moving around if you need to.

Key Specs 

Maximum Speed	13.5 mph
Motor CHP	3.5 HP Continuous Duty AC
Weight Capacity	350 lbs
Incline/Decline	13 levels of incline, 3 levels of decline
Deck Size	60 x 22 inches
Built-In Programs	19 preset programs (5 weight management, 5 healthy living, 7 sports training, warm up, cool down), 2 heart rate programs, and 2 customized user program
Foldability	Not foldable

Final Thoughts 

An excellent machine with a good top speed and multiple built-in programs to suit anyone’s training needs. We love that it includes a decline option and that the dek is a little wider than average for spacious running.

LifeSpan Fitness TR5500iM – Best Built-In Programs

Love picking a new program every time you run? Aiming for a goal but don’t want to waste time creating your own programs? The LifeSpan Fitness TR5500iM has all that you need… And probably more. Plus, it folds! 

Why We Like It 

With a top speed of 13.5 mph, you can get your sprint on if you want to on this treadmill. A 4.0 HP continuous-duty motor is powerful enough to handle faster speeds, and we like that it’s housed underneath the deck, out of the way. 

You’ll also be able to incline the deck to 13%, which is a little less than some. But it also comes with 2 decline levels, which is a pleasant surprise and gives you a lot more choice when it comes to training options. 

You’ll never be bored with this treadmill, thanks to 50 built-in programs, including warm-up and cool-down programs and two built-in fitness tests. Mix these with the incline/decline functions, and you can pretty accurately match outdoor conditions. 

The 60 x 22-inch deck offers plenty of space for runners of all sizes. The extra-thick deck rolls smoothly on 2.5-inch rollers at the front and 2-inch rollers in the back. 

One of the great things about this machine is that it folds, unlike our top two! The EZfold system is simple to use and safe. It also features wheels that make it easy to roll. 

It syncs up with a variety of apps, including Apple Health and Google Fit, so you can easily keep up with your fitness goals on whatever platform you use.

Key Specs 

Maximum Speed	13.5 mph
Motor CHP	4.0 HP Continuous Duty DC
Weight Capacity	350 lbs
Incline/Decline	13 levels of incline, 2 levels of decline
Deck Size	60 x 22 inches
Built-In Programs	50 built-in programs, plus 2 fitness tests
Foldability	EZfold folding system

Final Thoughts 

Runners who enjoy having many program options will appreciate this treadmill. There’s never a need to create your own (although you do have that option), and no matter your goal, there’s a program that you can use to help you get there.

Assault Runner Pro – Best Manual Treadmill

If you want to go fast, a manual treadmill is your absolute best bet. You can, quite literally, go as fast as your legs can carry you! The Assault Runner Pro is one of the most popular manual treadmills on the market, and you won’t go wrong with it. 

Why We Like It 

Once you’re on this machine, there’s no ceiling on the speeds you can reach. It all depends on the effort you put in. Note that there’s no incline or decline on this treadmill, but you can still get an amazing workout, and you can simulate an incline by running closer to the front curve of the deck. 

The curved deck is one of the best features of this treadmill. It encourages better form, helping you to run more efficiently and get into better habits. The heavy-duty belt is made up of thick rubber slats, which absorb shock and run smoothly. 

Although the console is quite basic, it does feature a few built-in programs, including HIIT workouts, target heart rate workouts, and more. 

Bluetooth connectivity also allows you to connect to your chosen fitness app, plus ANT+ connectivity means almost any heart rate monitor can work. 

The powder-coated metal frame is heavy-duty and corrosion-resistant, so you can expect this treadmill to last ages. 

It doesn’t fold and it’s heavy to move, but these are small prices to pay for an excellent workout machine. There’s also the added bonus of not using electricity and being easier to maintain than electronic treadmills!

Key Specs 

Maximum Speed	As fast as you run
Motor CHP	No motor, self-propelled
Weight Capacity	330 lbs
Incline/Decline	None, curved deck
Deck Size	62.2 x 17.1 inches
Built-In Programs	Onboard Training Programs: Quick start, Intervals (20/10, 10/20, Custom), Targets (Time, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate), Competition Mode
Foldability	Not foldable

Final Thoughts 

If you’re going for speed or planning on doing HIIT workouts, we highly recommend the Assault Runner Pro. There’s no ceiling on the speed, it encourages proper form, and the extra length makes it suitable for almost any runner.

Star Trac 4 Series 4TR Treadmill with 10″ LCD – Best Deck

This treadmill is super heavy-duty, and it features a great deck that’s extremely durable. You may notice the difference in your joints running on this one… And you should also notice a positive difference in how long it lasts. 

Why We Like It 

Let’s talk about the deck first. You won’t find a nicer deck than this one, and it’s in part the actual surface and partly the rollers. 

The deck is 60 inches in length, which is more than enough for most runners to get a good stride in. It extends to 22 inches in width, which allows for a bit more arm-swing room. 

The belt is reversible, so you’ll essentially get twice as much use out of it as other belts. It features triple-cell cushioning technology, which does an excellent job of absorbing shock and keeping your joints safer. 

It rolls smoothly thanks to 3.5-inch rollers, which is a full inch and a bit more than the average sized rollers you find on machines in this class. Big thumbs-up here! 

You can get a top speed of 12.5 mph out of this treadmill. There’s also an incline of 15%, and you can push as hard as you want to thanks to an unusually heavy-duty frame. 

It can handle up to 450 lbs in weight, but bear in mind that it weighs around 400 lbs itself! You won’t be able to fold this hefty treadmill, but its weight may make it hard to wheel around as well, unless you have someone to help. 

Other features we love include the addition of more than 20 preset programs, quick-touch speed buttons, a USB charging port, tablet holder, a built-in fan, and a water bottle holder. 

It comes with a great residential warranty: 10 years on the frame, 5 years on the motor, 10 years on parts, 3 years on labor, and 1 year on wear and tear.

Key Specs 

Maximum Speed	12.5 mph
Motor CHP	3 HP
Weight Capacity	450 lbs
Incline/Decline	15% incline
Deck Size	60 x 22 inches
Built-In Programs	20+ workout programs
Foldability	Not foldable

Final Thoughts 

This treadmill features an amazing deck that’s reversible for extended durability and uses triple-cell cushioning technology to provide better shock absorption. It’s also wider than average, so you have plenty of room to swing your arms.

Matrix T7xe – Best for HIIT

Looking for a treadmill that can easily handle HIIT workouts? The Matrix T7xe is the best choice of electric treadmill if you want to sprint or do high-intensity interval training. 

Why We Like It 

The impressive 5.0 HP motor also features a Dynamic Response Drive System, which means you can get a top speed of 15 mph out of this one. It’s particularly excellent for HIIT workouts, and has the popular Sprint 8 program built in. 

One of the things we really like about the 2-ply deck on this machine is that it’s self-lubricating. That means you don’t have to worry about servicing it until you’ve hit about 25,000 miles on it! Plus, the Ultimate Deck Cushioning tech keeps your joints safer and more comfortable. 

Aside from the Sprint 8 program, there are 13 other preset workouts to choose from. You can also take advantage of Virtual Active Workouts, which take you through some beautiful locations and change your speed and incline automatically for you, allowing you to run freely like you would outdoors. 

With a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, plus a 2-year parts and labor warranty, you can feel safe buying this treadmill. Note that it doesn’t fold, but that’s about the only thing that could potentially be an issue.

Key Specs 

Maximum Speed	15 mph
Motor CHP	5.0HP motor with Dynamic Response Drive system
Weight Capacity	399 lbs
Incline/Decline	15 incline levels
Deck Size	60 x 20 inches
Built-In Programs	14 preset workout programs including the Sprint 8 program
Foldability	Not foldable

Final Thoughts 

Runners who enjoy HIIT workouts will love this treadmill. Not only does it have the Sprint 8 program built in, but it has an impressive motor and a top speed of 15 mph, ideal for speedier workouts.

Precor TRM 835 with P30 Console – Best Discontinued Treadmill

This treadmill may be discontinued, but you can still find it being sold by various retailers. It’s every bit as good as others—the new version features an updated console, so you’re not missing out on much by choosing this version. 

Why We Like It 

The 4 HP motor gives you a max speed of 16 mph. It’s an AC motor, which means it’s likely to last longer and give you more power, and when paired with the heavy-duty frame, you can comfortably sprint without feeling unstable. 

The deck is made from multi-ply pre-waxed polyester, which requires little maintenance. It’s also reversible, which makes it last longer. When work is needed on it, a handy light pops up on the front of the machine so you know you need to get it sorted. 

This treadmill features the P30 console, which has an LCD screen. It’s nothing fancy, but does the job it’s designed to do. With 25 built-in programs, you’ll always have something that works for your current goal. 

There’s also an incline range of 15% to -3%, which is great for adding extra challenge to any workout. 

Aside from potentially not having customer service for this treadmill in years to come, the only possible disadvantage is that the treadmill doesn’t fold.

Key Specs 

Maximum Speed	16 mph
Motor CHP	4 HP AC motor
Weight Capacity	500 lbs
Incline/Decline	15% incline, -3% decline
Deck Size	60 x 20 inches
Built-In Programs	25 preset workout programs
Foldability	Not foldable

Final Thoughts

This treadmill may be discontinued, but it’s got a variety of excellent features that make it a superb buy. You most likely won’t get customer service for this console, but it should last you ages. 

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For In a Fast Treadmill 

The best fast treadmills have some features that overlap. We focus on speed, convenience, and other performance factors in our quest to find the perfect treadmill to run at higher speeds. 

Maximum Speed 

Obviously, this is what you’re really looking for when searching for the best fast treadmills! The standard treadmill speed for most commercial treadmills is 12 miles per hour, and for walking treadmills around 8 miles per hour. 

However, if you’re planning on doing sprint training, this could be a little slow. So we’ve made sure that the treadmills on this list are above the average 12 mph speed. 

Motor CHP 

The higher the CHP, the faster the treadmill, typically. There’s just no way of getting a good speed on a mediocre motor without risking damage to the motor, so the power and quality of the motor and the top speed the treadmill can achieve are closely linked. 

We’ve chosen treadmills with high-quality motors wherever we could here. In some cases, the treadmill has a smaller motor but offers enough other great qualities to be worthy of a spot on this list.

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Weight Capacity 

The higher the weight capacity of the treadmill, the better the construction of the machine. To be able to support a higher weight, the treadmill must be made from quality materials and constructed with care and strength. 

For naturally petite people, the weight capacity may not matter very much. But a higher weight capacity does suggest a better build quality, so it’s always a good idea to go for a higher number there. 

Incline/Decline 

Speed is important, but when you mix it with incline, you can get a helluva workout! It’s up to you to decide if incline and decline are important to you, but we highly recommend at least choosing a treadmill with incline. 

This will allow you to do the treadmill equivalent of hill workouts, which are excellent for both cardiovascular fitness and muscle building. Not all treadmills come with a decline, so if this is something you’re interested in, your options may be more limited. 

Deck Size 

The average deck size is 20 inches wide by 60 inches long. This is good for most runners, but those who have longer legs may prefer to opt for a 22 by 62-inch deck to give them a touch more space. 

Built-In Programs 

Some treadmills come with iFit enabled on the machine. It’s important to check the treadmill you’re planning on buying, because some have iFit and built-in programs, while others only have iFit and come with no onboard running workouts. 

You can find treadmills with anything from 8 to more than 50 programs built in. Depending on the scope of your training, 8 may be too few, or 50 may be too many! If you want to avoid being bored, then 50 is great. 

Foldability 

The ability to fold is handy, but it often has no bearing on the performance of the treadmill, although many folding treadmills don’t include declines. Whether or not you want a folding treadmill generally comes down to whether you have space to leave it up all the time or you need to move it out the way when it’s not being used. 

Manual folding works, but it can be cumbersome and difficult. Most treadmills have some kind of folding technology built into them that makes folding it up and unfolding it again easy and safe, even for a single person doing it on their own. 

Price 

Price is a personal thing. Whether you have thousands to spend or you’re sticking to a lower budget for whatever reason, there’s good news. Most budget treadmills are vastly better than they used to be, so even if you only have a finite amount to spend, you can find something pretty great. 

But you’re also able to buy most top-quality treadmills using financing now, if you buy them through the manufacturer and not a reseller. 

That means you’ll be required to enter a contract for a certain period of time, but you’ll be paying between $50 and $100 a month for the treadmill, as opposed to a lump sum. This makes top-tier treadmills much more affordable to everyone!

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What’s the Top Speed of Home and Commercial Treadmills? 

The standard speed for home treadmills is 12 mph. Anything above that is considered fast. Most entry-level treadmills reach about 10 mph, mid-range treadmills hit 12 or maybe 13.5 mph, and top-of-the-range treadmills can go even higher. 

Commercial treadmills—those you’d find in a gym—usually range between 12 and 15 mph. Top-quality commercial treadmills can reach 25 mph! But you’re unlikely to come across one of these in the gym, as they’re usually used by Olympic runners. 

Manual treadmills can reach higher speeds. Because they have no motor to cap the speed, you can reach excessive speeds—as fast as your legs can go! 

What Treadmill Speed Do I Need?

This depends on your fitness level and our skill. The National Council on Strength and Fitness states that the average person can run at a speed of 15 mph, but only for short bursts of time. 

Here’s a quick overview of various times and speeds so you can figure out what your speed needs are! 

• Sub-10 second 100m sprinter: 27 mph 
• 2-hour marathon runner: average 13 mph 
• 3-hour marathon runner: average 8.7 mph 
• 4-hour marathon runner: average 6.5 mph 
• 5-minute mile runner: 12 mph 
• 6-minute mile runner: 10 mph 
• 8-minute mile runner: 7.5 mph 

What Is the Ideal Horsepower for Fast Treadmills?

The faster you want to run on a treadmill, the higher the horsepower needs to be for the motor to keep up. It’s important to distinguish between peak horsepower and continuous horsepower when it comes to treadmills.

The peak horsepower is how much power the motor puts out at its peak use, for example, a heavier, muscular runner running at full speed. Continuous horsepower is the power it uses at startup and continues with.

You want a treadmill to have good continuous horsepower. This is the number you need to focus on when buying, not peak! The minimum you should consider is a 2.5 CHP motor if you’re going to be running, but 3.5 CHP to 4 CHP is the better choice.