:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shp-compact-treadmills-oct-24-test-echelon-stride-6-jthompson-1388-47fbefb72a83446b9737a0fe586e7cbb.jpeg?ssl=1 "The 8 Best Compact Treadmills of 2025, According to Treadmill Experts")
If you want to walk or run at home but don’t have the space (or budget) for a big machine, compact treadmills can be a total game changer. Perfect for apartments, spare rooms, or even while you’re running errands, these treadmills provide the cardio benefits of a full-size treadmill.
Beyond saving space, they make exercise more efficient, affordable and easier to stick with. After tapping fitness experts and testing dozens of machines, we’ve found the best compact treadmills to help you move more, no matter how small your space.
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If you think compact treadmills are flimsy machines without advanced features, the Horizon Fitness 7.4 in Treadmill will prove you wrong. This model blew us away with its plethora of premium features. Instant Bluetooth connectivity; smooth, long belt; and a weight capacity of 350 pounds. Unlike many smaller treadmills, the extra-large running surface gives your feet enough room to move forward without worrying about falling off the back of the tread. But by far, the quick-adjust dials were our favorite feature: Instead of endlessly tapping the screen to adjust your speed or incline, each arm of the treadmill features a dial that can be moved up or down for almost instant adjustments.
Dimensions: 76″ L x 37″ W x 63″ H | Maximum speed: 12 miles per hour Lake: 15% | Weight: 318 lbs
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This foldable compact treadmill is perfect for those who are tight on space and want an option to carry their belongings with ease. Our testers were impressed that the Echelon Stride-6 still felt smooth and stable on inclines at high speeds and despite its lightweight design.
The controls are very basic but user-friendly, and we appreciated the adjustable phone holder, two cup holders, and slot for tablets. We wish there were a few more tilting options, but overall, it’s a great choice for small spaces.
Dimensions: 115″ D x 60″ W x 128″ H | Maximum speed: 12.5 miles per hour | Lake: 12% | Weight: 300 lbs
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Looking for something easy and effective to dip your toe into and walk for fitness? Jamex is a no-frills under desk treadmill solution. At less than 4 feet long and 2 feet wide, this tiny treadmill manages to win on space savings while still hitting speeds fast enough for running (up to 7.5 mph) and offering a simple, easy-to-read touchscreen display and phone holder.
While you can do Switch between run and walk mode by attaching the console and side rails, be aware that this is a very manual process (tools included), so you may be less motivated to do it each time.
Dimensions: 49″ D x 27″ W x 42″ H | Maximum speed: 7.5 miles per hour | Lake: None Weight: 74 lbs
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This is worth considering
Louder than faster
Maximum speed 7.5 mph
Maximum 2% incline
In addition to a compact design, LED tracking display, and convenient shortcut buttons, the Merex Electric Folding Treadmill is easy to pack up and quick to assemble (one user said it only took five minutes!). At under $300, we also thought the display made it worth the price. Unlike other smaller treadmills, the water bottle holders were quite spacious, so you can easily sip between intervals. That said, speeds increase at 7.5 mph, and you can only increase slightly with a maximum 2% incline.
Dimensions: 23.5″ D x 55″ W x 43″ H | Maximum speed: 7.5 miles per hour | Lake: 2% | The weight: 64 lbs
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Why we love it
Split the button to lap your run
Smooth transition between high speed and incline
Strong belt even at high speed
If you love tracking stats and want a sturdy option that feels stable at high speeds, you’ll love the Bowflex T9 Treadmill. It’s perfect for training for races, especially in the winter months when you still want to log miles and workouts regardless of the weather. Our testers found it to be a smooth transition between speed and incline – even at a 15% incline.
Because it is built to withstand intense exercise, some pieces are heavy and it may take some time to assemble all the parts. We found this to be a two-man job. But it’s worth the effort if you want a reliable option for all kinds of runs.
Dimensions: 77″ L x 37″ W x 68″ H | Maximum speed: 12 miles per hour Lake: 15% | Weight: 350 lbs
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What we like about it
Offered white glove installation service
Large touch screen display
Trainer-led workouts and automatic adjustments by membership
We think the Nordic Track Commercial 2450 is a great choice for those looking for a smart treadmill with touchscreen and speaker features. With the big screen axis, and Nordic Track’s IFIT membership, you can access thousands of workouts with features like Smart Adjust, which tailors workouts to your fitness level, and Active Plus, which adjusts to keep you in your target rate zone. Membership costs range from $15 to $39 per month, depending on the plan.
Our testers found that the belt was smooth once up to speed but felt a little jerky when accelerating. The speed and incline buttons also had to be pressed in exactly the right place so there was a bit of a learning curve to adjusting the controls.
Dimensions: 77.3″ L x 37″ W x 63.4″ H | Maximum speed: 14 miles per hour Lake: 12% | Weight: 400 lbs
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The Walking Pad X21 Double Fold Treadmill is perfect for walkers looking to increase their steps indoors and don’t need shock absorption or an incline option. This convenient, low-profile walking pad is impressively thin and lightweight, folding neatly for storage and sliding easily under a standing desk. The console is simple and easy to operate and has an optional holding bar for those looking for extra stability.
Dimensions: 55.8″ L 27.9″ W 41.4″ H | Maximum speed: 7.5 miles per hour | Lake: No Weight: 240 lbs
Other form-loving compact treadmills
While we haven’t taken our running shoes to these treadmills yet, users love the commercial-grade construction and ability to put them away when not in use. It is a pleasant surprise to many people how well they go. If you’re still in the market for a compact treadmill, these are worth considering.
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Why we love it
Perfect for everyday use
Easy setup, no assembly required
Quiet operation
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What to Know About Compact Treadmills
- Price: While compact treadmills vary, most retail for $300 to $600. Higher-priced compact treadmills typically include more features, such as display screens, water bottle holders, incline adjustments, and faster speeds. “If space and budget aren’t a concern, or you’re looking for a gym with the best treadmill, I’d be better off with ones that are more powerful to feel smooth and stable, fast and easy to incline with an adequate level for your fitness goals, and enjoy connected or gamification features or virtual courses,”
- Size: Compact treadmills are usually less than 6 feet long and less than 3 feet wide. Because of this, they may be too small for long-distance runners or walkers.
- Weight Limit: Compact treadmills generally have lower weight limits than larger commercial treadmills. Most of the compact treadmills for the home we reviewed have a weight range between 220 pounds and 260 pounds.
- Speed: Most compact treadmills will reach speeds of up to 7.5 mph, and some can adjust the incline for a walking workout. Although similar in appearance, it’s important to keep in mind that many treadmills will only go over 4.0 mph.
- Features: Although compact treadmills typically have fewer bells and whistles than commercial treadmills or treadmills you see at the gym, they have the basics you need to run or walk. Compact treadmills usually have adjustable handrails that can be stored or removed to fit the treadmill under a desk. Compact treadmills usually have some sort of display to show time, distance, speed, and calories tracked, and your compact treadmill may come with a remote to adjust speed and incline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a compact treadmill worth it?
If you’ve been dying for an exercise machine in your home but don’t have much space, a compact treadmill is worth it. For apartment dwellers or those with limited space for a regular-sized treadmill, investing in a compact treadmill is a great way to ensure you have a way to exercise without leaving the house or joining a gym.
Can you walk on a compact treadmill?
Yes, you can walk on a compact treadmill. However, remember that not every compact treadmill offers the same speed level, so check the maximum speed of your choice of treadmill to make sure it’s as high as you’d like for your cardio workout.
When should you use a compact treadmill?
“I recommend limiting treadmill training to specific incline and speed training unless it’s safe to run outside. Because the moving conveyor belt pulls your legs back, you use less of your glutes and hamstrings than you would running on static ground where you’re pushing your legs back and forth without assistance.” “As a result, treadmills overpower the quads and create an imbalance in hamstring glute function. This is exacerbated for runners who spend most of their day sitting at a desk, shortening and tightening the leg muscles. Also, relying heavily on the tread will not prepare you for the vagaries of race season and terrain.”
Why form trust?
As the health and fitness editor who’s been regularly examining the entire activewear category since 2009, Jean Attor has nearly 15 years of identifying the highs and lows of running gear and accessories. As the former editor-in-chief of Women’s Running, a four-time marathoner and Ironman finisher who often trains on treadmills, Jane has personally tested a variety of treadmills and knows what to look for in terms of durability, features and ease of use. For this piece, Jane leaned on the detailed insights of shape editors and real-world testers.
