Guide How to Buy the Best Home Treadmill

Which Treadmill Features do I need?

Like any big-ticket product category with many models and features, buying a treadmill can be intimidating, if not frankly confusing. The various terms, range of prices, and options make it harder to compare the key differences between brands, models, and cost — and then — there’s what you actually need.

In this home treadmill buying guide, we aim to make it easier for you to find the most suitable treadmill for your fitness and wellness goals and make that maybe.yes.no decision more confident by understanding treadmill features you need or would like to have.

As two of the most popular home treadmill brands, we focus on NordicTrack and Proform treadmills, but these guidelines can be applied to almost any other treadmill brand or model.

We conclude below with a number of treadmill recommendations divided into 4 categories for:

• The Serious Runner

• The Moderate Runner

• The Jogger

• Light walking and Beginner jogging/running.

• The Power Hiker, Trail-mountain Runner, and Power Walker for stamina and endurance building.

Guide Starter Questions:

To begin your treadmill quest, start by considering these questions:

✓ How much is my treadmill budget range or max limit?

✓ How much floor space do I have – does it need to fold?

✓ How many users, how often will the treadmill be used? (Durability)

✓ How long will most workout sessions be on average? (Motor Durability)

✓ How will the treadmill be used? Running vs. jogging vs. walking vs. incline.

✓ Need Console to rotate? Use treadmill display for off-the-tread cross-training?

✓ Do I want to track my workout stats, and personal bests…. over time?

✓ Do I prefer to workout independently without a Subscription? (Free Mode)

✓ Do I need Bluetooth for heart rate monitors or wireless Headphone devices?

TREADMILL KEY FEATURES GUIDE

With answers to the above questions in mind — Here are some key treadmill feature areas to focus on that provide guideline to help you decide on the most suitable/type of treadmill for you and help sort out feature sets to consider having. As a note, be mindful that a treadmill’s main components usually are a determination of its quality.

Short on time? Skip to Treadmill Recommended Picks below or download the Free maybeyesno treadmill buying guide selections for Nordictrack Treadmills or for Proform Recommended treadmills.

MOTOR POWER

Avoid early motor Burnout. Unless the treadmill has a strong enough motor, you can quickly wear it out. The motors horsepower (HP) should be at least 2.5 HP for walkers, 2.75 HP for joggers, and 3.0+ HP for runners otherwise, your treadmill will not last as long as you would like.

As a treadmill buying guide tip, add .5 HP for every 50 lbs. over 200, regardless of activity. Consider only models with 3.0+ CHP, and if the treadmill is to be in use for over 40 minutes every day and with multiple users, definitely heed this advice. If you're running 5 miles or more per session, consider a treadmill with a 3.5 CHP motor.

The Difference between CHP and HP

Treadmill motors are rated by the horsepower (HP) they provide. The higher the horsepower rating, the stronger and more powerful the motor. Look for treadmills with motors rated at continuous-duty horsepower (CHP). A 2.0 CHP motor is in fact more powerful than a 2.0 HP motor. (CHP) Continuous-duty horsepower measures the motor's HP over an extended period and is a more accurate indicator of motor output because it is performed at the voltage used in the application - in this case, running or power-walking - by the particular motor. Whereas Horsepower (HP) is just a calculation of the motor's maximum horsepower and does not measure the motor's HP over an extended time.

RUNNING DECK

DECK SIZE

After the motor now consider the width and length of the treadmill’s running deck. You will need at least 20 inches wide and 55 inches in deck length to comfortably accommodate your stride whether walking or running. If you are running 3 to 5 miles per session you want to look for something wider, closer to 22 inches and 60 inches in deck length like the New Nordictrack 1250, 1750 and 2450 treadmill models. If you like to run and are taller (over 6.3 feet), or have a long stride, then consider 60 inches in length as a minimum for the running deck.

ROLLER SIZE

Next treadmill buying guide tip is to quickly check the size of the roller. Pick a treadmill model which has a roller at a minimum of around 1.9 to 2 inches in diameter or more for walking / jogging and 2.5 inches if heavy running.  Roller size matters — with a larger roller there is less pressure, and it will last longer as it needs to spin fewer revolutions (slower), resulting in less wear and tear. 

[MYN PRO NOTE:] with a larger roller, there tends to be less slippage on the running-deck belt as there’s more surface area in contact with the roller as it spins.

INCLINE ABILITY (Running Deck Elevation)

Do not under-estimate the Power of the Incline! — by this, we mean running, walking, or hiking uphill. Just walking at a 10% incline grade, even for a little bit, can be so much more effective for you in calorie burn, increasing stamina and endurance. We have written a number of articles on the subject.

Check out our review on this highlighting two of the best incline treadmill models the Nordictrack Commercial X16, X24, X22i and X32i with a 16-inch, 24-inch, 22-inch, and 32-inch-wide touchscreen respectively — they have set the gold standard in this category — all these models support running deck incline grades up to an incredible 40% and a downward decline to -6% for downhill running, hiking or walking and have powerful motors.

To understand the model differences read the comparison NordicTrack X22i vs. X32i Incline Treadmill — 7 big differences, where we compare both of these award-winning treadmills. Note: In late 2024 the X32i and X22i are to be discontinued and replaced by the X24 and X16 incline models.

CALORIE Burners and STAMINA Builders

If you are looking to burn more calories within a shorter period or like a challenge with variety to boost your workout, while running walking, or jogging, you will want a treadmill that has at least a 10 to 12% incline ability. If you’re looking to really challenge yourself then consider NordicTrack’s award-winning line of incline treadmills that can elevate the running deck all the way up to 40% and simulate downhill running with down to a negative -6 percent elevation decline. See recommended options below.

Downhill Running or Walking

An incline in reverse. Downhill Running or Walking can be very effective to help to strengthen the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. If a treadmill has a downward decline ability, this is a great option to have for training, recovery, or weight loss goals.

BUDGET

A quality treadmill will be comfortable, quiet, easy to use, and should last 5 to 7 years depending on use and maintenance. Under $1,000 (with sales tax excluded) your treadmill will most probably tend not to last as long, especially when there is more than one user of the exercise equipment.

In general, you want to purchase the highest quality treadmill you can within your budget. Although you can spend less than $1,000, especially if you are just walking — remember you generally get what you pay for. It will make more sense for your treadmill investment to spend between $1,800 and $3,900. These models will last longer with better durability, better motors, offer more features, and improved warranties. Plus, have interactive, connected-fitness workout options integrated with the treadmill’s functionality such as Realtime dynamic speed, and elevation incline/decline adjustment.

ASSEMBLY OPTIONS

If you are a DIY person, the assembly should be reasonably simple for you. Usually, 30 to 60 minutes after unboxing. For everyone else, we recommend you purchase the assembly option to avoid some unnecessary frustration, placing the treadmill in the room you select, and remove all packing materials used to ship your equipment.

Treadmills are generally heavy and bulky to move around. That said, many of the NordicTrack and Proform treadmills are designed for the running deck to easily fold up to save floor space — plus they have small wheels in front to assist in moving short distances.

On rare occasions parts can be missing or broken, your assembly team will be able to immediately assist with any issues, place the machine in the room you choose, set it up, assemble, and test it.

As a budget guide, you can have a treadmill set up in the room of your choice with assembly included, for approximately $199 to $299. This is a great option to ease delivery assembly and setup and allow you to get moving quicker.

• You may also consider using Amazon Treadmill Services (Recommended even if you did not buy the tread on Amazon), Thumbtack.com is a good option to check out. SELECT OR TYPE “Treadmill Assembly Services”, put in your zip code and select for qualified options Thumbtack presents. Another idea, inquire at your local sports equipment or bike store as an option.

• Extended warranty OPTIONS are usually available in the cart.

iFIT PRO CONNECTED-FITNESS

Exercise equipment has gone hi-tech and is now connected — treadmills are no exception. Some of the better treadmills deliver well produced quality workout and studio training streams right to your console display in HD and can also include a wide range of cross-fit workouts Off-the-Treadmill.

iFit for example tightly integrates with NordicTrack, ProForm, and FreeMotion treadmills bringing the studio class experience to your home gym with elite professional trainers who motivate, encourage, support and instruct you. If you want to be challenged and coached to hit your goals this personal guided, connected-fitness approach might be perfect for you — especially if you have any type of gym anxiety, can use some guidance and encouragement on running workouts, or just want to reduce / avoid going to the gym some days, or all together.

Sometimes NordicTrack and Proform treadmills include the first month of an iFit Pro for free – a $39 value, which allows up to 5 users to create their own accounts. This is great value a family or when you have multiple people using the same treadmill.

THE COST OF iFit SUBSCRIPTION

An iFit Pro membership COSTS JUST ABOUT $1 PER DAY.

If you pay for iFit annually, the Family membership cost is $396 ($33/month), saving $72 or 15%. Otherwise, you can pay the regular monthly $39 for iFit, which is about a dollar a day gives you unlimited workout access, and the ability to add four additional users, plus covers any additional exercise equipment, powered by iFit, which you may wish to add to your home gym at a later date, like a NordicTrack Rowing machine or Exercise Studio Bike.

[MYN PRO TIP:] If on-the-mat or off-the-treadmill sessions are important to you then consider a treadmill with the ability for the console / display to rotate at least 100 degrees (Left or Right) or more to allow viewing the screen from virtually any room angle. You will find most of the Nordictrack Commercial Series treadmill models do this up to 180 degrees left or right.

Additionally, iFit Pro offers Google Map options to create your own routes and have trainer-led destination workouts from scenic walks, and hikes, taking you to motivating, challenging trainer-led runs, walks, and hikes all displayed on your treadmill’s touchscreen or to any smart device including Apple TV and Chromecast with Google TV devices, or using Amazon Firestick.

iFIT Pro provides an extensive choice of run, walk, hikes and jogs and interactive trainer-led destination workouts, plus a great selection of off-the-treadmill cross-fit training exercise sessions, so it's a good value no matter which NordicTrack or Proform treadmill you go with.

TREADMILL RECOMMENDATIONS

1. For the Serious Runner

Our recommended picks from NordicTrack’s Commercial Series for serious training, frequent runs, multiple users and runs generally longer than 45 minutes per session. All of these models have both incline and negative decline elevation features that work extremely well with the iFIT Connected-fitness platform. All Commercial Model Treadmill support a user’s weight up to 400 lbs.

If one of your fitness goals include too quickly build strength and stamina or support a weight-loss program, then you may want to consider one of the award-winning Incline Treadmills from NordicTrack’s Commercial Incline Treadmill Series below. Running, walking, or hiking at an incline burns up loads more calories, much quicker. These machines provide an additional challenge with incredible inclines up to 40% and downward declines of down to negative -6 percent.

If you are looking for an outstanding treadmill as part your wellness program to support fitness or weight loss goals, the NordicTrack Commercial X24i or the X22i model are fantastic high-end, feature-packed treadmills whether you power-walk, jog, like to hike or are a serious runner. Read the Comparison with the Peloton Tread.

2. For Moderate Runners, Light Jogging

Our recommended pick for this group of users is Nordictrack’s EXP Treadmill Series models, (see above) which was released after the T Series, with improved touchscreens and iFit integration. EXP treadmills are for runners who plan to run less than 30-40 minutes per session and less than 5 times per week. If you’re into power walking these are also good choices. These machines will support multiple users. Price includes a 30-day iFit Pro membership to get familiar with workouts options, session types and trainers.

Proform Treadmill Options

A recommended option also powered by iFit is the Proform Pro Series of treadmills which are excellent running machines. Below are the two bestselling Proform Treads. The Pro 9000 is a particularly impressive treadmill with its 22-inch-wide touchscreen and has a negative 3% decline for downhill movement working the quads, hamstrings and calves. (As does the Pro 2000 treadmill model as well.) Click following link to compare these Proform Treadmills or Download the Free Proform Buying Guide.

3. Ultimate Treadmills for Running & Hiking

Incline Treadmill Series for Stamina, Cardio, Endurance

The Nordictrack Commercial Incline Treadmill Series with its sleek design, and the latest technology, is for those who want to embrace the power of intense incline training to support their wellness goals to lose weight or get fit faster. 

All NordicTrack incline treadmills are highly recommended options and include 1-month iFit subscription membership, come with a 10-year warranty on the Frame, Motor, and Deck, and two years on Parts & Electronics. Discover why we call this incline treadmill the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All-Time Treadmills) in our review.

Explore more Review articles on the Commercial incline series. Compare the X22i vs the X32i Treadmill or the X32i vs. Peloton Tread Comparison.

You can also Learn more details about the 32-inch-incline treadmill model, by reading the Latest Commercial X32i in-depth Review Guide.

To Shop at Nordictrack follow this link X22i and X32i Incline Treadmills.

Both the Commercial X32i incline treadmill and the Commercial X22i treadmill support up to an incredible 40% elevated incline and down to a negative -6% decline. To learn more, see all reviews and articles on these two award winning incline Treadmills.

In 2022 NordicTrack updated its Commercial Series of Incline treadmills with a stronger frame and a new Sled Push feature and added the Commercial X32i with its wider 32-inch HD screen.

Then again, in late 2024 they announced the New X16 and X24 models that will replace these incredible machines with a 16-inch and 24-inch touchscreen option respectively. These 2025 models will come out with improved HD screen quality, faster top speed, much quieter motors, particularly when inclining or declining, and enhanced Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity supported by an updated new iFIT UI (user interface).

Feedback from users of the earlier Commercial Incline Treadmill models is they now would like to upgrade to the latest NordicTrack Commercial treadmill. A major reason is due to the improved/better incline support with AutoAdjust and SmartAdjust features supported by iFit, and because there are so many exciting real-world trainer-led runs, walks, and hikes specifically made to take advantage of the incline features of both these great new incline treadmills.

Watch the short clip below where Matt 'The Bear' Novakovich explains how he has been using NordicTrack Incline Treadmills over the years to help him become a Spartan and Obstacle World Champion. Even though somewhat dated the principles of the incline treadmill remain the same. He also gives some good inspirational advice on getting in shape no matter your age or level of fitness.

4. Treadmills for Walkers & Joggers

Walking is such a great way to counteract the negative side-effects of sitting for long periods. Initially thought of as a gimmick, a TREADMILL for some people can be life changing.

If you want to incorporate more walking into your day or ensure you complete 10,000 steps+ every day — spend some time walking on a treadmill and use the incline option to build a little more stamina plus burn those extra calories at the same time — Consider the newer EXP Series treadmills which replaced the still very popular T Series models like the T 6.5 Si as an entry-level folding treadmill — still an oldie but a goodie — this NordicTrack treadmill is great value under $1,000 and exclusively available at Amazon.

If you are looking for a solid feature rich Treadmill deal under $1,000 especially with Free Prime delivery on Prime Day and on other major sale events, the Nordictrack T-series treadmills are well-priced and great for walking on, or for daily short and medium distance runs, and available only at Amazon. Read the Comparison Review to get the details on the T 6.5 Si vs. T 6.5 S model.

If you prefer a more powerful treadmill with the latest technology or prefer a larger screen, then consider the EXP 7i, EXP 10i, or the EXP 14i model with a 7” to 14-inch touchscreen respectively, introduced in 2023. All are good treadmill model purchases. Read Full Review to discover more on the EXP 7i - EXP 10i & EXP 14i treadmill Series.