Want a treadmill at home, but find yourself living in a city condo or a home with a smaller footprint? High-quality folding treadmills are effective training tools with powerful motors, full-size decks, and programming that can appeal to professionals working at home and dedicated runners alike. If you’re balancing limited square footage with big training goals, a folding treadmill can be a useful middle ground.
We tested seven folding treadmills across a range of values. Our testers included certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and endurance athletes. Each treadmill was evaluated by walking, jogging, sprinting, and interval training, while testers also considered foldability, noise, ergonomics, and more.
Best Folding Treadmills of 2026
- Best Folding Treadmill Overall: Bowflex T16 Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill for Running: Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill
- Best Premium Folding Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Sole F63 Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners: Bowflex T6 Treadmill
Best Folding Treadmills Comparison Table
Best Folding Treadmill Overall: Bowflex T16 Treadmill
Bowflex T16 Treadmill
Product Dimensions
Speed
Motor
Incline Range




- Our thoughts: Our tester says this is a sturdy, feature-packed treadmill for walking, jogging, or interval training at home
- Who it’s for: Great for people who like built-in workout programs and tech integration like Apple Watch syncing and Bluetooth connectivity
- What makes it different: Has built-in apps such as Kindle Reader, Instagram, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Solitaire, and more
- Easy to fold up and maneuver around (weighs 187 pounds total)
- Has wheels, so you can move it without having to fold it up
- The deck felt stable and supportive while our tester was running
- The fan is weak and barely noticeable during use
- Speakers and touchscreen were glitchy for our tester
- While using, you can’t browse other programs without stopping the workout entirely
Our Thoughts on Bowflex T16 Treadmill
The Bowflex T16 Treadmill is our pick for the best premium folding treadmill because our tester found it surprisingly easy to move. The deck folds up easily using a hydraulic assist system, and there’s a built-in bar underneath that provides a good grip while lifting it upright. The Bowflex T16 also has a very stable deck, incline responsiveness, and flywheel controls that feel more high-end than many treadmills in a similar price range, per our tester.
Blair, a lifelong athlete who has been weightlifting for 12 years and regularly attends fitness classes, tested the Bowflex T16 treadmill. “I worked out at OrangeTheory for three years, so running on a treadmill was a daily experience for me,” she said. Blair tried this treadmill for one 45-minute session and rated her overall experience a 4 out of 5. “I do think the treadmill offers pretty good value for the price, because the build quality feels much more expensive than some budget treadmills I’ve used. The deck feels extremely sturdy; the incline and speed transitions are responsive, and the built-in programming gives you a lot of options,” she noted.

She also rated the noise of the Bowflex T16 a 4 out of 5. “The treadmill itself is fairly quiet during normal use, even while running at faster speeds. Incline changes were smooth and didn’t make any harsh mechanical noises or clunking sounds. The motor sounded controlled and solid overall, which added to the feeling that the machine was well-built,” she said. However, she did note that the tech features felt a little unfinished, noting a little screen lag and clunky app integration. “The fan and speakers could definitely be stronger,” she added.
Blair was a huge fan of the ergonomics of the T16, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category. “Once the treadmill is folded, you can tilt it back and roll it using the transport wheels,” she explained. “I’m about 140 pounds and had no issue moving it myself, but I do think someone under about 5 feet 5 inches or someone without much strength could struggle a little with maneuvering it. The process feels safe and intuitive overall. To lower it back down, you simply press the silver release lever with your foot, and the deck gently lowers itself.”
Best Folding Treadmill for Running: Horizon 7.4AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.4AT Treadmill
Product Dimensions
Speed
Motor
Incline Range




- Our thoughts: This treadmill is a great utilitarian option
- Who it’s for: Folks who want a basic, no-frills treadmill and don’t need onboard programming
- What makes it different: Has a 500-pound thrust incline motor
- Has 11 built-in training programs
- Has a 3-zone cushioning system on the deck
- Compatible with the Peloton app
- Doesn’t connect to Samsung Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch
- The treadmill is heavy and awkward to move, per our tester
- Its bulkier than other treadmills our tester has tried
Our Thoughts on Horizon 7.4AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.4AT Treadmill is our pick for the best folding treadmill for running because it has the Sprint 8 Program built in for interval training. It also includes 11 programs ranging from 5K, distance, hill climb, fat burn, heart rate, and some custom presets as well.
Rachel tested the Horizon 7.4AT for one session of 10 minutes at various speeds, walking, jogging, sprinting, and intervals. She’s a college strength and conditioning coach who has tested over a dozen similar products. Rachel rated her experience with the 7.4AT as a 3.5 out of 5. “I’d recommend this treadmill to someone who wants a middle of the road, average treadmill for running. It doesn’t have bells and whistles, is approachable, and is easy to get started with,” she said.

When it comes to the noise of the machine, Rachel noted, the 7.4AT has “average noisiness. It’s not super loud, however, it would be noticeable if you were in a small apartment or in a work meeting and someone was using it nearby.” She also mentioned that it gets noisier at higher speeds, rating this treadmill a 3 out of 5 for noise.
According to Rachel, this machine wasn’t terrible to fold—she noted that you just “push the machine up. The belt itself is easy to lift up and move.” It latches and stays compact securely, per Rachel’s testing. It’s pressurized, so the movement of the machine before latching isn’t too quick, it slows it down, earning a 4 out of 5 in this category.
However, portability was challenging. “As a 140-pound female who weightlifts frequently, I found the treadmill hard to move. It’s very awkward and bulky. I wouldn’t be able to move it very far by myself,” she said. “After folding it up, the belt sticks out at an odd angle—there’s no hiding this treadmill in a corner. It’s bulkier than most of the other treadmills that I’ve tested,” Rachel concluded.
Best Premium Folding Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Product Dimensions
Speed
Motor
Incline Range




- Our thoughts: Our tester liked the interface and storage this treadmill offers
- Who it’s for: Professionals looking for a treadmill that’s easy to use with a wide range of speed and inclines
- What makes it different: The SmartAdjust™ feature adjusts the incline and speed based on your previous workouts
- Large touchscreen (16 inches)
- -3% decline is lower than other options on our list (other treadmills start at 0%)
- Syncs with Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health via bluetooth
- No onboard programming built in—requires iFIT subscription
- Our tester said the deck was hard on his feet and hurt his shins
- It does fold up, but likely doesn’t fit under a bed
Our Thoughts on NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is our pick for the best premium folding treadmill because it has some special features, such as a pivoting 16-inch touchscreen and the most extensive incline range on our list—from a -3% decline up to a 12% incline.
Mitchell tested the Commercial 1750. He usually runs three to eight miles per week and participates in run clubs in his local area. He tested this treadmill for one 10-minute session. Mitchell rated his overall experience a 4 out of 5—he liked the interface along with the wide range of speeds and inclines. He felt it was a bit difficult to get the buttons to press in to change speeds.

He rated the noise of this treadmill a 4 out of 5. “It’s no louder or quieter than a normal treadmill,” Mitchell said. There was no shaking, wobbling, or abnormal noises during his workout, either.
When it comes to portability, our tester rated this treadmill a 1 out of 5, noting that it was pretty heavy and would require multiple people to move around. However, foldability earned a 4 out of 5. “It folds up fairly easily,” he said. However, it does still require a good amount of space.
While the brand says that the Commercial 1750 has a cushioned deck, our tester found it to be hard on his feet, and his shins hurt after his test. That being said, Mitchell thinks the treadmill has plenty of storage for your things (water, keys, phone, etc.) while using it, and the buttons and handles are easily accessible at any incline. He rated the ergonomics of the Commercial 1750 a 4 out of 5.
Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
Product dimensions
Speed
Motor
Incline range




- Our thoughts: Our tester felt stable and safe while using this treadmill
- Who it’s for: Great for treadmill beginners and folks who don’t want advanced technology on their machine
- What makes it different: Comes with free SOLE app, which brand says has hundreds of free fitness classes and thousands of hours of exercise content
- Has an integrated tablet holder
- User-friendly
- Easy to shift incline and speed
- Magnetic fields on the treadmill may interfere with medical devices (pacemakers, insulin pumps, and more)
- Deck felt more like pavement than cushioned, per our tester
- The fan is weak and not adjustable for height
Our Thoughts on Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 treadmill is our pick for the best folding treadmill for walking because is user-friendly, approachable, and not complicated to get started. If you’d simply like a machine to walk on at home, we think the Sole F63 could be a good fit.
Rachel, who tested the Horizon 7.4AT Treadmill, also tested the Sole F63. She tested this treadmill for one session of 10 minutes, trying walking, jogging, and sprinting. Rachel rated her general experience a 4 out of 5. “I liked how easy it was to increase or decrease the speed and incline; the buttons are located on the screen and on the handles. However, at lower speeds when adjusting the incline, I could feel the track bunch up—it felt loose and like I was pulling up a rug with a bump in it,” she said.

She rated the noise of the treadmill a 3 out of 5. “The incline was quiet when I adjusted the settings. Overall, the treadmill was of average noise level.”
When it comes to foldability, this machine earned a 4.5 out of 5. “The machine is super easy to fold up and move down; it’s smooth and not hard at all to lift,” she said. “It’s heavier to move around once folded, however. A shorter person or someone who doesn’t weight lift might have trouble moving it alone.” Rachel also noted that when folded, the treadmill is at a “weird angle” and doesn’t fold up flat. Even folded, it would take up a decent amount of space in a room.
Best Folding Treadmill for Beginners: Bowflex T6 Treadmill
Bowflex T6 Treadmill
Product Dimensions
Speed
Motor
Incline Range




Our thoughts: Our tester loved that the quick-dial wheel controls on the handles make adjustments seamless during workouts
Who it’s for: Folks training for a 5K or 10K road race, per our tester
What makes it different: The deck has three responsive zones with varying amounts of cushioning, which can help coach you on proper running technique
- Ideal for folks who prefer performance and responsiveness over having a large touchscreen
- Has a MaxReact™ drive system, which is a powerful motor that reacts instantly to any speed or incline changes without feeling jerky, per our tester
- Fan is powerful; it has three settings
- No separate screen to use for apps or watching a show, the LCD/LED display is for the machine metrics only
- Doesn’t have wifi, but does connect easily to bluetooth
- Shock absorption could be better, per our tester
Our Thoughts on Bowflex T6 Treadmill
The Bowflex T6 treadmill is our pick for the best folding treadmill for beginners because the deck has three responsive zones that can help support you while learning proper running technique. The brand describes the zones as: “enhanced cushioning at the front for softer impacts, supported mid-zone for smooth transitions, and firmer zone at the back for powerful push-offs.” The Bowflex T6 also comes with programs built in, along with a free two-month subscription to JRNY, which is a guided workout app that you can download on phone or tablet (Android and iOS compatible).
Pete, a certified nutrition coach (CNC), certified personal trainer (CPT), former collegiate swimmer, and current CrossFit athlete tested the Bowflex T6 treadmill. He’s tested a number of treadmills in the past and also run multiple 5K and 10K distances. Pete used the Bowflex T6 one time for a 15-minute workout. He rated his overall experience a 4 out of 5, saying that he thinks this treadmill would work well for most people, particularly due to the $1,299 price point, which provides good value.

He rated the noise of the Bowflex T6 a 4 out of 5. “I thought the sound level on this treadmill was excellent,” Pete said. “There wasn’t a lot of noise coming off the treadmill with each stride I took, and it was quiet overall when changing speed or incline.”
The foldability of the T6 is “pretty compact, once folded” per Pete, earning a 4 out of 5 for foldability. “After folding the length of the treadmill goes from 76 inches down to 44 inches. You probably couldn’t fit it under a bed, but you could tuck it away fairly nicely in a corner or a large closet,” he said.
When it comes to ergonomics, Pete rated this treadmill a 3 out of 5. He felt that the T6 didn’t have the shock absorption that he prefers—it felt more similar to running or walking on pavement, especially when running on higher speeds. He does think this treadmill would work very well for cross-training workouts, such as training for a HYROX or shorter distance run like a 5K or 10K. “If I was training for a half or full marathon, I’d want a treadmill with more cushion and give,” he said.
Why the Right Fitness Equipment Matters to Professionals
Folding treadmills can be an invaluable piece of equipment for professionals who prefer to configure their space depending on the day—maybe your home office doubles as your gym, or you live in a city condo and want to have guests over without your workout equipment in the room. Folding treadmills can also be moved relatively easily, so if you’re relocating frequently for your job or on an extended stay for a work trip, you can take your treadmill along with you.
How We Tested and Selected the Folding Treadmills
We tested folding treadmills by considering the following aspects: foldability, noise, durability/construction, ergonomics, and value. Each tester spent a minimum of 10 minutes testing the machine by walking/using the incline feature, jogging, sprinting, interval training, and built-in training. Here are the details.
Foldability
Testers consider whether the treadmill has the ability to fold and how easily they can fold the machine up. We also took into account the treadmills’ size and angle once folded. From there, we take a look at the footprint, considering how much space would be needed to stow away the folded treadmill.
Noise
Our testers pay close attention to the sound coming from the treadmill while in use. Is it loud while walking, jogging, or sprinting, doing interval training, or changing the incline? They rate the noise on a scale of 1 to 5.
Durability and Construction
Testers note if they experience any shaking, wobbling, or abnormal noises coming from the treadmill during their workout. They also share if they feel safe while using the machine, and if the floor stabilizers help with any wobbling.
Testers also rate their overall impression of the construction of the treadmill on a scale of 1 to 5.
Ergonomics
Our testers consider if the treadmill had enough storage space in the console for their things (such as a water bottle, phone, etc.). Testers also look for conveniences, such as buttons on the handles, a fan that is effective, and if all buttons/handles are still easily accessible while at different incline levels. They rate their overall impression of the ergonomics on a scale of 1 to 5.

Value
Testers rate the overall value prop of the treadmills, considering both the cost and features. They then explain if the treadmills offer good value for the price, or not.
Folding Treadmills vs. Regular Treadmills
Benefits of Folding Treadmills
Folding treadmills have several advantages, especially in a smaller size home. Here are some of the benefits.
- Storage: Treadmills that fold up compactly can be stored away in a large closet, under a bed, or in a corner, depending on the dimensions
- Convenience: It’s easier to clean underneath and around a treadmill if it’s folded up, plus it may be more convenient for families or folks with pets to move the treadmill out of harm’s way after usage
- Price: Folding treadmills tend to be competitively priced while still offering standard treadmill features
- Performance: Many folding treadmills offer similar motor power, incline capabilities, and same size deck as full-size treadmills
How to Find the Best Folding Treadmills for You
Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for the best folding treadmill for you.
Size
Consider the total footprint of the treadmill. While the specs for treadmills can seem complex, it’s worth looking for the in-box dimensions, assembled dimensions, and folded dimensions before purchasing to make sure it suits the space where you are going to use and store it.
Customization
Review the treadmill’s total incline capability (both negative and positive), smoothness when adjusting, and any jerky movements or small stops while using.
Portability
Before purchasing, check the boxed weight and the item weight of the treadmill. This way, you can have some idea if the machine will easily move around. Check for wheels. If you want a foldable treadmill, see if there is information on the product page describing the mechanisms used to fold it (hydraulics, manual, etc.) and if seems safe.

Programming
Check to see if the treadmill has onboard programming. You may see manual options, intervals, hill sprint, distance goal, 5K, fat burn, custom, target heart rate, and more. Some treadmills require purchase of a program library (or a subscription) for use, so be sure to keep that in mind when considering the programming as well.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
We think that folding treadmills have more to offer than just convenience and space-saving. These machines can support regular walking routines or more structured 5K,10K training, too. While there are some tradeoffs, the best folding treadmills have a balance between their overall footprint and functionality. A well-selected machine can be a worthy investment.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth getting a foldable treadmill?
A foldable treadmill is worth getting if you’d prefer to be able to pack up the treadmill after use and store is away, which can be beneficial in city apartments or condos.
What are the disadvantages of a folding treadmill?
Some disadvantages of a folding treadmill might be that the folding mechanism might not work right; it could be too heavy to actually move once folded, or despite being folded, it might not be the right size to stow away under a bed or in a closet.
Can I use a treadmill with osteoarthritis?
We recommend that you speak with your doctor or other healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine, going over any prescriptions, conditions you are managing, and your goals.












