:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shp-compact-treadmills-oct-24-test-echelon-stride-6-jthompson-1388-47fbefb72a83446b9737a0fe586e7cbb.jpeg?ssl=1 "Need a Tread That Fits in Your Tiny Apartment? We Found the Best Compact Treads After Testing 29")
If you want to walk or run at home but don’t have the space (or budget) for a bulky machine, compact treadmills can be a total game changer. These streamlined picks deliver the cardio benefits of a full-size treadmill while fitting neatly into apartments, spare rooms, or even under a desk when you’re done.
Beyond saving space, they make workouts more accessible, affordable, and easier to stick with — no commute to the gym required. After tapping fitness experts and actually testing dozens of machines, we found the best compact treadmills to help you move more, no matter how small your space is.
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If you think compact treadmills are flimsy machines without high-end features, the Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill will prove you wrong. This model wowed us with its plethora of premium features; quick Bluetooth connectivity; smooth, long belt; and weight capacity of 350 pounds. Unlike many small treadmills, the extra-large running surface gives your legs plenty of room to stride without worrying about falling off the back of the tread. But far and away, the quick-adjust dials were our favorite feature: Rather than endlessly tapping on the screen to adjust your speed or incline, each arm of the treadmill features a dial that can be turned up or down for an almost immediate adjustment.
Dimensions: 76″L x 37″W x 63″H | Maximum Speed: 12 mph | Incline: 15% | Weight: 318 lb
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This foldable compact treadmill is perfect for those who are tight on space and want the option to transport their equipment with ease. Our testers were impressed that the Echelon Stride-6 still felt smooth and stable at high speeds and on an incline despite its lightweight design.
The controls are pretty basic but user-friendly, and we appreciated the adjustable phone holder, two cup holders, and slots for tablets. We wish there were a few more incline options, but overall, it’s a smart choice for small spaces.
Dimensions: 115″D x 60″W x 128″H | Maximum Speed: 12.5 mph | Incline: 12% | Weight: 300 lb
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Looking for something simple and effective to dip your toe into running and walking for fitness? The GYMAX Under Desk Treadmill is one no-frills solution. Less than 4 feet long and 2 feet wide, this small treadmill manages to win on space-saving while still hitting speeds fast enough for running (up to 7.5 mph) and offering a simple, easy-to-read touch-display screen and phone holder.
While you can switch between run and walk mode by folding down the console and side rails, know it’s a very manual process (tools are involved), so you may be less motivated to do it every time.
Dimensions: 49″D x 27″W x 42″H | Maximum Speed: 7.5 mph | Incline: None | Weight: 74 lb
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It’s Worth Noting
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Loud at high speeds
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Max speed 7.5 mph
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Max 2% incline
In addition to a compact design, LED tracking display, and convenient shortcut buttons, the Merax Electric Folding Treadmill is easy to unpack and assemble quickly (one user said it only took them five minutes!). At under $300, we also thought the display outperformed its price tag; unlike other small treadmills, the water bottle holders were plenty spacious, so you could easily sip between intervals. That said, the speed maxes out at 7.5 mph, and you can only get a slight hike going with the max 2% incline.
Dimensions: 23.5″D x 55″W x 43″H | Maximum Speed: 7.5 mph | Incline: 2% | Weight: 64 lb
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Why We Like It
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Splits button to lap your run
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Transitions smoothly between a range of speeds and inclines
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Sturdy belt even at high speeds
If you love tracking stats and want a sturdy option that feels stable at a range of speeds, you’ll love the Bowflex T9 Treadmill. It’s perfect for those training for races, especially in winter months when you still want to log miles and workouts regardless of the weather. Our testers found that it transitioned smoothly between speeds and inclines — even a 15% incline.
Since it’s built to withstand intense workouts, some of the pieces are heavy and it can take some time to assemble all parts. We found it to be a two-person job. But this effort is well worth it if you want a reliable option for all types of runs.
Dimensions: 77″L x 37″W x 68″H | Maximum Speed: 12 mph | Incline: 15% | Weight: 350 lb
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What We Like It
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White glove installation service offered
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Large touchscreen display
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Trainer-led workouts and automatic adjustments via membership
We think the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is a great choice for those looking for a smart treadmill with touchscreen and speaker features. The large screen pivots, and with NordicTrack’s iFit membership, you can access thousands of workouts with features like SmartAdjust, which scales the workout to your fitness level, and ActivePulse, which adjusts to keep you within a target heart rate zone. Membership costs about $15 to $39 per month depending on the plan.
Our testers found that the belt was smooth once a pace was set but did notice a slight jerking when increasing speed. The buttons for speed and incline also had to be pressed in exactly the right spot so there was a bit of a learning curve to adjust to the controls.
Dimensions: 77.3″L x 37″W x 63.4″H | Maximum Speed: 14 mph | Incline: 12% | Weight: 400 lb
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The WalkingPad X21 Double Fold Treadmill is best for walkers who are looking to increase their steps indoors and don’t need added shock absorption or the option of an incline. This simple, low-profile walking pad is impressively slim and lightweight, folding neatly for storage and sliding easily under a standing desk. The console is convenient and easy to operate and there’s an optional holding bar for those looking for additional stability.
Dimensions: 55.8″L 27.9″W 41.4″H | Maximum Speed: 7.5 mph | Incline: No | Weight: 240 lb
Other Shape-Loved Compact Treadmills
While we haven’t taken our running shoes to these treadmills just yet, users love the commercial-grade construction and the ability to tuck them away when not in use. It’s a pleasant surprise to many how well they run. If you’re still in the market for a compact treadmill, these are worth considering.
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Why We Like It
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Excellent for everyday use
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Easy setup, no assembly needed
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Quiet operation
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What to Know About Compact Treadmills
- Cost: While compact treadmills vary, most retail for about $300 to $600. Higher-priced compact treadmills typically include more features, such as display screens, water bottle holders, incline adjustments, and higher speeds. “If space and budget are not a concern, or you are looking for a gym with the best treadmill, I would optimize on ones that are more powerful to feel smooth and stable, easy to adjust speed and incline with adequate levels for your fitness goals, and enjoyable with connected or gamification features or virtual courses,” says Raj Hathiramani, a certified running coach.
- Size: Compact treadmills are generally less than 6 feet long and less than 3 feet wide. Because of this, they may be too short for runners or walkers with a longer stride.
- Weight limits: Compact treadmills typically have a lower weight limit than larger commercial treadmills. Most of the compact treadmills for the home we reviewed had weight limits between 220 pounds and 260 pounds.
- Speed: Most compact treadmills will reach up to speeds of 7.5 mph, and some can adjust incline for incline walking workouts. While similar in appearance, it’s important to keep in mind that many walking pads will only go up to a maximum speed of 4.0 mph.
- Features: While compact treadmills usually have fewer bells and whistles than commercial treadmills or treadmills you’d see at the gym, they have the basics you need to get walking or running. Compact treadmills typically have adjustable handrails that can be stored or removed to fit the treadmill under a desk. Compact treadmills generally 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
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Is a compact treadmill worth it?
A compact treadmill is absolutely worth it if you’re dying for an exercise machine in your home but don’t have much space. For apartment dwellers or those with limited space for a regular-sized treadmill, investing in a compact treadmill is the best way to ensure you have a way to get exercise without leaving the house or needing to join a gym.
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Can you run on a compact treadmill?
Yes, you can run on a compact treadmill. However, remember that not every compact treadmill offers the same speed levels, so check out the maximum speed for your treadmill of choice to ensure it goes as high as you would like for your cardio workouts.
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When should you use a compact treadmill?
“I recommend limiting the treadmill to specific incline and speed training unless it is not safe to run outside. Because the moving conveyor belt pulls your legs back, you use glutes and hamstrings less than you would running on static ground where you propel yourself forward by extending your legs backward without any assistance,” says Hathiramani. “As a result, treadmills are more quad-dominant and create imbalances in the hamstring-glute function. This is exacerbated for runners who spend most of their days sitting at a desk, shortening and tightening lower leg muscles. Moreover, relying too much on the tread will not prepare you for the randomness of race day weather and terrain.”
Why Trust Shape
As a health and fitness editor who has been regularly testing all activewear categories since 2009, Jen Ator has nearly 15 years of pinpointing the highs and lows of running equipment and accessories. As the former editor-in-chief of Women’s Running, a four-time marathoner and Ironman finisher who frequently trains on treadmills, Jen has personally tested various treadmills and knows what to look for regarding durability, features, and ease of use. For this piece, Jen leaned on detailed insights from Shape editors and real-world testers.