6 Best Treadmills For Running in 2024

Purchasing a treadmill is close to a one-size-fits-all fitness solution. You may commit to regular seven-mile sprints, marathon sessions, or trail runs to improve speed and stamina from the comfort of your home.

Here it gets tricky, as not every model hides enough capacity under its hood to charge racing escapades.

To spare your brain sprain, we have picked the best treadmills for running. After analyzing the deck span, motor power, ramp settings, and built-in program abilities – this tried-and-tested selection will ensure you feel cherished and challenged on your way to busting PRs.

In order to create this list of 6 best treadmills for running, we’ve relied on our team of expert athletes (professionals with decades of experience in their respective fields) to invest more than 200+ hours into thoroughly testing over 14 different branded treadmills. Each product has been reviewed and rated based on adjustability, portability, comfort, monitor functionality, versatility, and price/quality, and the list below is the result of the testing.

Top 6 Best Treadmills for Running Reviewed

1. NordicTrack EXP 7i – Top Pick
2. Rogue x Woodway Curve LTG Treadmill – Runner-Up
3. ProForm City L6 – Budget Pick
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7724 Energy Flex Treadmill
5. Schwinn 810 Treadmill
6. Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT

Product	Total	Adjustability	Portability	Comfort	Monitor Functionality	Versatility	Price/ Quality
NordicTrack	59	9.5	10	10	9.5	10	10
Rogue	57	10	8.5	10	10	10	8.5
Proform	56.5	9	10	9.5	9.5	9	10
Sunny	56	9	10	9	9	9.5	9
Schwinn	56	9	9.5	9.5	9.5	10	9
Horizon	55.5	9.5	8.5	10	9	10	8

NordicTrack EXP replaces the now discontinued T Series with a more affordable price, sleeker design, and interactive features. There are three sizes: 7i, 10i, and 14i – numbers representing the screen size.

EXP 7i is carved from commercial-grade materials and boasts a 12% steep climb, a 55″ long tread belt, 8″ floor-to-deck height, and a 10-year limited warranty. NordicTrack funds a generous motor capacity, capped at 2.6 hp and thus a 10mph speed. It’s hands down the best treadmill for runners, especially if you’re a fan of smart ones!

A responsive touch-enabled, Bluetooth-compatible display competes with the likes of Peloton. The 7” screen tilts and pivots to help you strike a suitable angle. Google Maps and iFit can whisk you away to far-flung hiking trails and elite studio classes. However, the free pass ends within thirty days, costing $15 for individuals and $39 for a family monthly membership plan afterward. There are no built-in programs without iFit. You can manually toggle between intensity settings with the help of OneTouch controls.

Another area where EXP beats all competitors is supreme cushioning. Runner’s Flex is designed to reduce shock born out of fast and furious impacts. The speed of the cooling fan also auto-adjusts in accordance. Furthermore, the space-saver folding system is spruced up with one-push EasyLift Assist.

Woodway treadmills are the definition of luxury and durability. They simply pass down for generations as an heirloom. Rogue Fitness recently shook hands for an exclusive wooden LTG model.

The attention-grabbing curve track is controlled by the user's own stride and cadence instead of a conveyor-belt motor. This results in unlimited speed and unparalleled calorie burn. Put on your trainers, get a refreshing drink, and go all out on this premium treadmill for long distance running.

The non-motorized nature means you can’t hop on different intensities and programs. You’d notice a wide running surface spanning 62" in length. Tall people won’t have to disturb their natural gait. Although the width is slightly cramped, anti-slip grab bars ensure a comfortable hold. These oversized side covers were an ideal place for pulse sensors. Nonetheless, you can pair your telemetry gadgets thanks to Bluetooth and ANT+ support.

Woodway USA uses its technological upkeep for user safety. And the eternal slat-belt, wreathed in TPE popping, lives up to the reputation. The monitor rivals top-notch electronic models. It records up to four user profiles, manages circuit training, and shows basic performance metrics. The calorie counter corresponds to the rating based on active, watt, and metabolic equivalents.

Proform is touted as the budget-forward sibling of NordicTrack. The all-new City L6 is a pleasant addition to this family. It also offers the immersive and interactive benefits of iFit.

City L6 packs stellar features in its small-form size. Measuring only 45” above the ground, its streamlined display panel lays flat along with crossbars for easy storage. Front-mounted casters let you push and roll it with your fingertips. Big enough to work up your sweat, yet portable enough to sneak under a desk or into a closet!

With a 1.6 hp Mach Z motor revving up to 8 miles an hour, Proform has released a jogging treadmill. It’s an affordable buy for casual cardio workouts at home instead of competition-level training. Thus, you don’t have the option of uphill running either. Its limited tread surface grinds atop 1.6”-diameter, precision-balanced, and whisper-quiet rollers. ProShox cushioning further adds to the seamless movement.

The iFit programming, as it appears in more expensive models, is an x-factor here. Trainers can virtually adjust the speed. A memory section records your progress. You can stream global terrains, video lessons, and live on-demand sessions. In order to do so, you’ll need a tablet since there is no built-in HD screen. Also, the subscription tax on your credit card after a 30-day trial.

Sunny is a renowned, reasonably-priced home gym equipment seller. The website is brimming with diverse cardio machines. T7724 is a top-of-the-line treadmill in its arsenal.

Automatic inclination, color performance monitor, Bluetooth connectivity, and heart rate sensors are some of the best running treadmill specs. The 2.5 peak hp motor still maxes out at 10mph. However, the 15% incline is an incredible cameo in T7724. You can press direct-access buttons for rise and run. Despite veering off notorious cost-cutting measures, it still clocks in well under a grand.

You can use the machine's speakers, play your fav music, receive phone calls, and switch workout intensity using on-console knobs. USB media charging is also available. Shake up your routine with 16 preset, 2 custom, and 3 countdown programs. A BMI calculator and media ledge accent this large panel. An emergency key is required to power the machine, which then clips your shirt and halts the belt in case of a fall. Bottle holders on each side allow you to stock beverages that improve sports performance and minimize fatigue.

The in-demand hydraulic Soft Drop System safely lowers the deck to the floor. Ironically, Sunny Fitness hasn't upgraded its skinny belts. Thus, shock absorption remains mediocre. Weight capacity at 240 lbs is evidently subpar. In addition, a three-year warranty does little justice to the price tag.

Schwinn has long dominated cardio spheres with its highly rated bikes, ellipticals, and treadmills. The 810 is an entry-level machine meticulously stocked to fulfill your need for speed.

Schwinn 810 is perfect for light morning jogs, intense interval sprints, or anything in between. Its motorized incline, 10mph top speed, and substantial motor delivering 1.9 continuous horsepower can support your running workouts.

The monitor issues a dozen data fields, illuminated with blue light for easy visibility. They include time, calories, distance, and the long-term progress of the logged-in user. You can keep tabs on your heart rate by holding integrated sensors or connecting a wireless transmitter. There are 16 preset and custom programs grouped into categories like heart health, weight loss, etc. You'll still get direct-access buttons for these settings, lining the edges of the console.

Other amenities include a media ledge, a well-cushioned folding deck, sturdy rollers, twin bottle holders, USB charging ports, and audio jacks. It's the best running treadmill to bring home at a value. One downside is the non-availability of third-party apps and Bluetooth connections.

Horizon has emerged as a main player in the treadmill market, partnering with Dick’s Sporting Goods, Johnson, and Amazon. The 7.4 and 7.8 AT last updated the critically-acclaimed Studio Series.

Horizon Fitness manufactures gym-quality treadmills for marathon training. And 7.4 AT is no exception! It has the longest running path, covered in a durable three-ply belt and advanced variable response cushioning. Multisized elastomers provide a soft landing at the front and propelled kick off the back, working like a running shoe. You’ll get intuitive handle-mounted speed and incline controls besides direct-access buttons on the 8.25” display screen. An ECG chest strap and grip sensors are embedded for those who like to monitor their heart rate zone.

Its 15% ramp incline is a leading characteristic, as are the 3.5 hp motor and 350 lb load capacity. Various workout programs, ranging from weight management to cardiovascular endurance, use the versatility of this machine to the fullest. Infinite applications await FTMS Bluetooth connection. To name a few, Zwift, Peloton, Apple Fitness +, and Nike Run Club. You can indeed find more tech-savvy bells and whistles on similar-priced models like Sole F80 and NordicTrack 1750.

An avenue where 7.4 AT refuses to bow down is a lifetime frame and motor warranty. The company also offers white glove delivery. You must consider the service because putting this treadmill together is time-consuming and nerve-racking.

What Are Treadmill Running Benefits?

A potent cardio machine, a treadmill is unsurpassable when it comes to energy expenditure. Aerobic exercises result in a healthy heart, weight loss, quality sleep, and improved fitness in general.

In this section, we’ll discuss exclusive benefits professional and recreational runners can reap by throwing treadmill training at regular intervals.

✅ Boost Your Cadence

Cadence is an essential running criterion, indicated in SPM (steps per minute). Elite runners prefer about 182 SPM. A higher frequency means shorter and smoother strides, lowering the impact force on knees, hips, and back. The controlled environment of a treadmill is perfect for shoring up your cadence. 

✅ Reduce Injury Risk

Running on a treadmill is safer than hitting outdoor tracks in many ways. First, it’s gentle on your joints. This 2014 study found that runners follow a shorter stride on treadmills. Second and more importantly, weather and road conditions can’t hinder or complicate your exercise.

✅ Take Control of Your Workouts

Imagine the struggle of doing speed works in a hilly area or, alternatively, looking for inclined slopes in flat surroundings. Treadmills can switch the pace and incline with one screen tap, allowing you to squeeze in enough miles and interval runs. Hill workouts spike your heart rate and break the monotony.

✅ Heighten Brain Functions

Only ten minutes of running can do wonders for your mental health. The research found sizable improvement in the brain's core functions, such as memory, planning, and attention. Achieving specific goals on a treadmill helps you efficiently replicate them in a racing scenario.

What to Look For in the Best Treadmills for Running?

Several considerations come into play when browsing for treadmill options: your height and body weight, available floor area, programming requirements, and so on. Let's have a look at key quality indicators.

1. Motor Power

A motor is a lifeline of the treadmill's mechanics. It's expressed in either HP or CHP – the latter is a favorable choice for runners because it puts out the stated power continuously instead of just at the peak. Most non-commercial treadmills range between 2.0 and 3.5 horsepower. Track speed varies accordingly.

Speed Range	Suitable For
Under 4 mph	Casual calorie-burning workouts
4-8 mph	Light jogging and running
8-12 mph	Most Trainees
Above 12 mph	Health clubs and gyms

2. Automatic Incline

Incline options bring a twist to your training. They mimic real-world uphill terrains. Also, you get enhanced calorie burn and muscle definition. Look for a motorized incline so you don't have to manually fiddle with the base and disrupt your interval rotations. Up to 12% is a fine grade in a home treadmill for running. The decline is a much rarer find.

3. Belt Size and Quality

Tread belts are one-ply unless stated otherwise. They demand frequent lubrication and run a high risk of heating up. Multi-ply belts have additional mono-filament, cotton, or polyester coatings. They’re thicker, sturdier, and quieter. In addition to the belt quality, ask about the usable surface on the deck. 20” x 55” is a sweet spot. But above-6ft folks should give more thought.

4. Cushioning

Cushioning is the difference between treadmill training and overground running. It absorbs shock and minimizes the injury risk. Latest treadmills, such as Horizon 7.4 AT, feature differential cushioning that stands firm as you push off the track but falls soft during the landing. Patented technologies entail the special efforts the company has put in for your comfort.

5. Durability

You don’t have in-store testing opportunities when shopping online. See that the frame is constructed of steel, insured for at least five years, and bears over 250 lb load.

6. Monitor Functionality

The foremost duty of a console is to show performance stats, including time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate. The interface should contain intuitive and quick-access adjustment controls. A streamlined and backlit specimen makes readouts visible in the dark. Lastly, goal-track capabilities help permanent users compare and trace their journeys.

7. App Support

Tech trains are full of à la carte features: wireless connections, touchscreens, and speakers. Perhaps, the biggest lodestone is the support of external applications. You’ll get access to training centers, scenic views, and advanced trackers. However, most of these incur an ongoing expense. Rest your primary focus on the longevity of mechanical parts.

8. Portability

Our ten-point scale of running treadmill reviews recount portability as a significant parameter. Every ideal home-use device is compact, lightweight, and maneuverable. The majority of treadmills can fold with vertical storage and transport wheels. Soft Drop ensures the deck doesn't slam on the ground as you pull out the locking pin.

9. Value of Money

The budget ultimately shapes your decision. How much you'll spend, what dimensions you'd prefer, and what sort of tech gizmos you fancy are some prerequisites you should identify beforehand to narrow the search. After all, seek maximum value (price upon quality) instead of the lowest cost.

How to Use the Treadmill for Running Right?

1. Prep

Consult a doctor before modifying your training regimen, especially if you carry joint problems or some cardiovascular disorders. Also, inquire about a suitable speed range. Have your trainers and crew socks ready. And drink about two glasses of water (16 ounces) one to two hours prior.

2. Train

Accustom yourself to manual settings before jumping on preset programs. Attach the safety lanyard if given. Warm-up and cool down for five minutes at low speeds. One common mistake beginners make is they continue holding handrails. Swing your arms back and forth to get into proper posture.

3. Avoid

Most people lean onto the monitor, restrict their arm drive, look down on their feet, or disturb the stride by excessively stomping and pounding the deck. Think of yourself as running outdoors. And keep the motion as natural as possible. Getting lost at VR mountains and beaches do help!

FAQ

Do Professional Runners Use Treadmills?

The idea that treadmills are a beginner's domain exploded long ago. The ability to switch pace and intensity in progression gives it a decided upper hand over junk miles outdoors, especially during the winter. That's why many elites embrace treadmills for short tempos and marathon streaks. However, they stress on taking your workout in nature as well.

Is It Ok to Jog on a Treadmill?

Walking, jogging, and running on a treadmill doesn't entail any inherent risk in a normal condition. You can settle for a much lower expenditure for jogging treadmills, such as ProForm City L6. Older adults can fight off chronic strokes and balance issues with light runs and jogs.

Who Should Not Run on a Treadmill?

In some instances, the gym staple may be off-limits to you. These include postural deformities, flat feet, knock or runner's knees, osteoporosis, and obesity. Even in normal conditions, treadmill overtraining can inspire physiological and psychological issues. Hence, consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Marathoner or triathlete, threshold or long-distance hurdler – a treadmill is integral to runners' training regimens. It lets you control and transcend difficulty levels. We found NordicTrack EXP 7i the best treadmill for running, fashioned head-to-toe to satiate your need for speed.

Which treadmill modality do you prefer: 1) long and slow endurance runs or 2) short and fast cardio-busting sprints? Let us know in the comment section.

Also read:

• Best Compact Treadmill
• Best Budget Treadmill
• Best Incline Treadmill
• Best Treadmill for Home Under $500
• Best Treadmills for Elderly
• Exercise Bike vs Treadmill
• Is Stairmaster or Treadmill Better

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17. Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team.