The NordicTrack 1750 is one of our favorite treadmills in the game. But the fact that it has folding capability is just a bonus—there isn’t anything you wouldn’t get from a standard performance treadmill.
The ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill is a folding treadmill with features that appeal to walkers and runners alike. The huge 22 inch touchscreen is a major selling point of this teched-out tread.
Our Tester’s Take
If we had to choose one thing that sets the ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill apart from the other folding treadmills on our list, it’s the massive touchscreen. Measuring at 22 inches, the screen shows vibrant visuals to push your progress on a grueling run. Sync the iFit app to run alongside a virtual trainer or use it to mimic a real-life concrete jungle or nature trail. The Pro 9000 runs on a 3.6 CHP, which gives it a competitive edge for prolonged cardio training (in fact, it’s also one of our favorite treadmills for runners).
A built-in shock in the treadmill helps lift the deck with a push when you want to store the machine, but the large footprint might make it tricky to store anywhere but against the wall. There’s plenty of room for runners of all heights to hit their stride on the 60-inch belt (not to mention the ample up- and downhill mobility).
With the Echelon Fitness Stride-6 Treadmill, a designated space for a home gym really isn’t necessary. Knock out a few miles, pack it up with the auto-fold lever, and you’re back to your regular furnishing.
Our Tester’s Take
If you’re dealing with a small workout space, the Echelon Fitness Stride-6 packs up nicely. Our tester loved the auto-fold feature, which folds the treadmill straight in half without much elbow grease. Just unclip the handlebars, pull up a lever near the base, and the machine gently collapses into a flat machine. It does have a less intense motor at 2.5 CHP, but with a 12.5 mph max speed, achieving a sprint in a few seconds shouldn’t be too difficult.
The only thing you’ll have to sacrifice on the Stride-6 is a touchscreen. Still, it has a device shelf to store a smartphone or iPad, and you can subscribe to the Echelon app to access on-demand and live fitness classes. Even if you don’t have the biggest home gym, the Stride-6 is a compact king that packs a punch.
Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners: Sole F63
The Sole F63 Treadmill is great for running newbies, and it’s equally great for those who like to habit stack cardio day and leg day, thanks to the 15% incline.
Our Tester’s Take
To the tried-and-true running vet who has strong opinions on the best running shoes and how to avoid plantar fasciitis, the Sole F63 Treadmill might look a little, dare we say, plain. But really, the F63 has everything you’d need for a quality run—and then some. There are overarchingly good features, such as the 12 mph speed, 15% incline (way above standard), a roomy running belt, and a 3.0 horsepower motor (HP). Sure, it might not have a touchscreen, but it does have extra details, including free fitness app access, a high weight capacity, and a kick-release folding feature.
Speaking of space, the F63 doesn’t take up too much. But since it does have such a high incline capability, all that power has to be stored somewhere. This is another treadmill with a semi-large footprint, but the kick-release lever makes it easy to fold and unfold without straining your back. Overall, this is a great treadmill for beginners (or even experienced runners) looking for a user-friendly machine at a nice-value price.
The Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill is ideal for runners aiming to train at home. It has a broad incline and speed capability with a strong motor to boot, plus countless ways to train with the Atzone fitness app.
Our Tester’s Take
If you’re looking for a folding treadmill that can handle a sprint to the virtual finish line, the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill is the one. It has notable specs like up to 12 mph speed, a slightly wider running belt, and a hefty 15% incline capability. But for runners who like to go the distance or train at intervals, a 500-pound thrust incline motor lets you adjust your speed and incline more smoothly and efficiently than a budget treadmill.
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