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If you have a home gym and want to perform cardio in your spare time, you may be considering buying a treadmill.
The problem is that you don’t have a whole lot of room at home for one of those bulky commercial treadmills that can be found in your local gym.
So what can you do?
Luckily there are treadmills available that take up very little space, or that can be folded away after use.
Here are some of the best compact treadmills you can find online.
Our Top Compact Treadmills (June 2023)
1 - Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna SpaceFlex (Editor's Choice)
On top of our best compact treadmills list has a running surface of 51 x 19 inches which is one of the largest available for any treadmills that fold.
Its user weight capacity is 220 lbs, with a speed range of 0.6-8 miles per hour. This is more than adequate for the average user.
There are sturdy handrails available to assist you when getting on and off the machine, plus a textured deck rail to avoid slipping when your feet are placed either side of the treadmill deck.
Its LED display clearly displays the most important information, with 8 built-in workout drills available, as well as the option to create your own workouts.
For added convenience, this product can be folded flat and can be placed upright against any wall, or flat surface using its non-marking transportation wheels.
- Large running deck
- The display offers various workout options
- Easily folded and moved
- Customer complaints that the motor is loud
2 - MiaGeek 2in1 Under Desk Compact Treadmill
The MiaGeek compact treadmill will allow you to perform your outdoor workout programs in the comfort of your own home.
This foldable treadmill has a running area of 40x16 inches. It also has a 2.25 horsepower motor that delivers a variable speed of 1-12 km/h, and with a load capacity of 220 lbs, it is suitable for most users.
There is cushioning on both sides of the treadmill to reduce noise and vibrations while in use.
Other features include a display that tracks your time, speed, and distance. Plus an easy-to-reach emergency stop ready for emergencies.
When not in use you can fold it up to save vital space.
- Powerful 2.25 horsepower motor
- Cushioning to reduce noise and vibrations
- Easy-to-reach emergency stop
- Running area is very small
3 - XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
This space saving treadmill may be compact but still has a large 16x50 inch walking/jogging/running surface that can hold a maximum weight limit of 250 lbs.
It has a powerful 2.25 HP motor that delivers a smooth and quiet running experience. It can reach speeds between 0.5-10 mph.
There are 3 manual incline settings, and 12 preset workout programs to improve your fitness levels.
Other features of this model include a console that will provide you with the necessary information you need when working out, plus hand pulse grips, a cushioned deck to absorb the impact when training. It is also quick and easy to fold up and store.
- Large running deck
- Smooth and quiet
- Incline settings offer variety to your routine
- It gets easily unfolded (so be very careful when moving it around!)
4 - Merax Electric Space Saving Treadmill
If you want to workout at home, you will want a compact piece of equipment that can handle your needs.
With a 16.5”x47.5” tread belt and a powerful yet quiet motor that can hit a top speed of 8 mph, this may be an option for you to consider.
It has 15 preset routines, incline adjustment, and a downloadable app offering personal training at home. As there are transport wheels attached it can be moved for easy storage.
- Quiet motor
- 15 preset workout routines
- Easily moved and stored
- Complaints that it is not suitable for heavier people
5 - Goplus 2in1 Compact Treadmill
This compact treadmill comes with a powerful 2.23HP silent motor and an 8-stage damping system that allows you to workout without causing noise that would disturb your neighbors. This makes it ideal for home use.
Made from high-quality steel pipes this machine has a weight capacity of 265 pounds. You are also able to adjust the speed from 1-14 km/h.
It is foldable and can be moved around on its 4 built-in transport wheels to save space when not in use. It also comes with a LED touch screen display that clearly shows your exercise data, as well as heart rate monitor, and a handheld pulse sensor in each armrest.
If you love to listen to music while you run, then you can there is both a Bluetooth function and MP3 cable included
- A silent motor that causes little noise
- Foldable and easy to move
- LED touch screen with a range of features
- Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility
- There is no adjustable incline
6 - Horizon Fitness T101 Go Series Treadmill
Compact treadmills like this are designed for those looking to burn calories by training at home.
This treadmill has a large running deck with an extended 20 inch wide and 60-inch long deck that is built with shock-absorbing 3-zone variable response cushioning. This helps to give you the comfort you need when you workout.
Its 3.0 CHP motor offers a smooth and natural run, while the control offers various training programs.
As there is Bluetooth connectivity you can connect to your favorite media, plus there is a device holder and a USB port to keep your devices charged on long runs.
- Large running surface
- Smooth and natural run
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Can be difficult to move
7 - IPO Electric Portable Treadmill
Compact treadmills should be able to fold up and store away, so I am glad to state that this one does exactly that.
When in use you will be able to adjust the speed from 0.5-8.7 mph. There are also 12 pre-set training programs, as well as the ability to check your progress while you train.
This treadmill comes with 1 year warranty, so if you are not happy with your purchase you can contact them directly to resolve any issues you have.
- Treadmill folded and moved easily
- Lots of variety in each session
- 1 year warranty
- No incline
8 - REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill
This is one of the best treadmills available suitable for home use or in your office.
It's an entry level treadmill with 2 main modes. When it has been folded it can be used as a walking treadmill at your desk. In this mode, it has a maximum top speed of 4 mph.
When opened up it can be used as normal, with a top speed of 7.5 mph.
It has an ultra-quiet 2.25 HP motor that allows you to walk while working without disturbing your colleagues.
There is also a shock-absorbing running belt and multi-functional display that shows everything you need to track while you workout.
Made from a rugged steel frame the maximum user weight is 220 lbs.
- Can be used at home or in the office
- Ultra-quiet to avoid disturbance
- Shock-absorbant
- Reports of the platform cracking during use
9 - ProForm Performance 400i Treadmill
Compact treadmills are ideal for those with space at a premium in their homes, but still want to work on their fitness.
The ProFrom Performance model 400i may be what you are looking for.
It has a 2.5 CHP drive system, an 22 inch wide by 55-inch surface to run on, and 50 preset workouts available. There is a maximum speed of 10 mph, and a weight capacity of 115 kg, as well as both an incline/decline of 0-10% available.
There are also built-in sensors to monitor your heart rate as you work on your fitness.
For further peace of mind, there is a 25-year motor guarantee.
- Large surface to run on
- 50 preset workouts
- The ability to workout at an incline and decline
- Difficult to assemble
10 - MaxKare Compact Treadmill
This compact treadmill has a 17-inch wide running surface with an anti-shock system that can hold a maximum user weight of 220 lbs.
Its pure copper motor offers a near-silent running experience, with an adjustable pace between 0.5-8.5 miles per hour.
If you want variety in your workouts, which will be of benefit to your fitness levels, then you will be pleased with the large LCD display offering 15 pre-set drills that can be accessed with one easy click.
This monitor also shows real-time data while you exercise, showing your speed, time, calories, distance, and heart rate.
Like many of the other products listed on this list of the best compact treadmills, this machine is foldable, making it ideal for home space.
- The motor offers a silent running experience
- A large number of pre-set workout programs
- Its monitor shows real-time data
- Difficult to put together
Compact Treadmill Buyers Guide
There are certain things you need to consider before you buy a treadmill:
1. How Much Does It Cost?
This is probably your number one consideration, but it is important that you choose the highest quality machine for your budget. The treadmill should be comfortable to run on, it should be quiet, easy to use, and should last a long time.
2. What Features Does It Have?
Does the LED/LCD touchscreen have workout programs available? A heart rate monitor, or even a place for your drinks container? These are all things you may want.
3. How Many People Are Going to Use It?
Is it just you, or are multiple people going to be using it? Do they have any special requests?
4. How Much Space Does the Treadmill Take Up?
Treadmills will look smaller in a store than in your own home so make sure you measure it before buying. If space is tight you should consider a treadmill that folds. When looking at machines like this you will need to look to see how easy they are to fold and to move around.
5. How Often and How Long Will It Be Used?
Different treadmills will have a different motor horsepower. You need to choose one that has at least 1.5 continuous-duty horsepower (CHP). If you are planning on using the machine frequently then you should opt for a CHP of between 2.5 and 3.0.
6. What Is the Belt Size?
This should be at least 48 inches long and 18 inches wide. If you are over 6 feet tall it should be at least 54 inches long.
7. Is There Cushioning?
The running bed should be able to absorb the shock of each foot strike.
10. How Fast Is the Treadmill?
You should choose a treadmill that goes up to at least 10 mph.
11. How Stable Is the Treadmill?
When trying out the treadmill in the store you should make sure that it does not shake when running on walking on it. The frame should remain stable throughout.
What Is A Compact Treadmill?
A compact treadmill offers similar features as those treadmills you can find in your local gym. The only difference is that they are lightweight, portable, and typically cost less.
There are a lot of good cardio machines but compact treadmills seem to be the most popular piece of home fitness equipment.
As they are designed for the home, where space is a premium they often have a slimmer frame and can be easily folded and stored away when not in use.
If you are looking for other compact machines, check out the best compact rowing machines.
We also did a list of the best compact elliptical machines, if you are low on space in your home gym.
The usual features found on these machines include:
- Wheels for transport
- LCD/LED touchscreen
- Foldable frame
- Ability to adjust the incline
Types Of Treadmill
There are various types of treadmill:
- Manual treadmill - These utilize a belt and rollers that are moved by a person’s own effort. As the belt does not move on its own you will be setting your own tempo, which is not ideal if you do not have much motivation. These treadmills are cheaper than the other varieties and are made with cheaper components so they won’t last very long.
- Motorized treadmill - This type will allow you to set the pace of your own workout. Most will allow you to adjust the incline that you are running on.
- Compact treadmills - These are designed for use in your home, where space is an important aspect to consider. They offer similar features as a motorized treadmill but they can be folded almost flat for storage when they are not being used.
- Commercial treadmills - There are commercial and semi-commercial treadmills found in most gyms. They will have the best features but have a high cost.
The difference between a commercial and semi-commercial treadmill is the number of hours they can be used.
Typically you will only be able to use a semi-commercial machine for 5 hours daily, while a commercial machine could be used constantly for as long as 12 hours.
If you get tired of your treadmill and want an extra challenge, try looking into stair climbing machines.
Are Folding Compact Treadmills As Sturdy As Non-Folding Treadmills?
Folding compact treadmills are as sturdy as non-folding treadmills. Older machines would require you to make compromises in stability, motor power, track size, and features, but nowadays, you can find the same in non-folding treadmills.
What Is The Difference Between LCD And LED On The Monitor?
The main differences between LCD and LED on the monitor are the following:
- LED is the newer of the two and provides more clarity and is more high contrast when viewed at any angle. LCD screens can be difficult to view if you don’t look at it straight on.
- LED screens are able to last longer as they can cope better with the vibrations of the machine.
- LEDs are cheaper to repair as you only need to replace the screen when they are damaged. You would have to replace the entire console if an LCD burns out.
Which Compact Treadmill Is Best?
With the unpredictable weather we are all faced with sometimes it can be difficult to get enough cardio exercise into our training programs.
A treadmill could be the answer, but if you have very little space in your home gym this may put you off. Luckily there are options available, such as the Asuna SpaceFlex.
This small treadmill packs a punch, with a wide enough running surface while still being easily foldable and portable.
It comes highly recommended with numerous positive user reviews singing its praises.
Our #1 Recommendation
Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna SpaceFlex
- Large running deck
- The display offers various workout options
- Easily folded and moved
- Customer complaints that the motor is loud
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