Top 13 Best Compact Treadmills for Small Spaces

Annoying with the limited space that is unable to accommodate a treadmill at your home? If you intend to buy a compact treadmill for small spaces, there are several specifications to look out for before deciding on a treadmill that is perfectly suited to your needs.

You should keep an eye on the stabilization and other specifications such as dimensions, noise level, speed, and incline, to name a few.

Although these compact treadmills have a lighter weight, they are still very sturdy and durable and provide you with excellent workout options.

In a hurry? Here are the top 13 best compact treadmills for small spaces:

• NordicTrack T 6.5 S Series Treadmill—Best Budget Compact Treadmill
• NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill—Best High-End
• Titan Fitness Under Desk Treadmill—Best Space-Saving Treadmill for Small Space
• ProForm 400i Folding Treadmill
• ProForm SMART Performance 800i Treadmill
• Horizon T202 Treadmill—Best Quiet Small-Space Treadmill
• NordicTrack 8.5 S Treadmill
• NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill
• LifeSpan TR3000i Touch Folding Treadmill – Gray/Black
• LifeSpan TR2000i Folding Fitness Treadmill
• Xterra TR150 Treadmill—Best Lightweight Treadmill for Small Space
• Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series
• Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmills

See the overview, pros & cons below.

How to Choose the Best Treadmills for Small Spaces?

A failure to take into account even a single factor could result in a disastrous choice. Here are some factors you must keep in mind while choosing the best treadmill for small spaces.

#1. Motor Power

The treadmill’s motor power is one of the most crucial factors that determine its suitability for use. Although you might feel tempted to choose a treadmill with a powerful motor, it is advisable to choose the best-suited motor for your fitness needs.

A 2.0 CHP motor is ideal for walkers. Joggers might require a 2.5 CHP motor, while runners require 3.0 CHP or greater. The optimal power for your treadmill motor also depends on your weight. The motor should operate as quietly as possible.

Noisy motors can prove to be a nuisance during workouts. Also, do not forget to look out for the warranty on your treadmill motor.

#2. Track Size

If you are a tall runner, always buy a treadmill with ample track size. A track measuring 55″ x 16″ might be adequate for a walker of average height but is unsuitable for most joggers and runners.

Running treadmills should ideally be 60 inches long and 20 inches wide. However, a treadmill track that is too spacious might compromise its compactness.

So, you should look for the perfect trade-off between track size and compactness, depending on your requirements. Large running belt treadmills are preferred by tall and big people.

#3. Running Surface

The quality and durability of the treadmill deck’s running surface will also be an important determiner in your purchase.

Treadmills with particle board or plywood decks are typically of lower quality. In contrast, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) decks are much more rigid and do not show any signs of bowing or curving with use.

The quality of the protective coating applied to the deck is also crucial. High-quality phenolic resin coatings will prevent the warping of the deck.

#4. Speed

Most people who use a treadmill do not require speeds over 10 mph. However, compact home treadmills that can reach up to 12mph are becoming increasingly common these days. Such treadmills are suitable for runners who wish to improve their stamina and speed to do well in a sporting event.

#5. Cushioning

Prolonged periods of jogging or running on your treadmill can hurt your knees and ankles. That is why your treadmill needs to have a cushioning feature that can minimize the risk of injuring your joints.

A good-quality cushioned treadmill will allow you to switch between the cushioning and the firm options. The firm option is trendy among people who are preparing for a marathon.

#6. Incline

A treadmill with incline options allows you to burn your calories more efficiently. It also helps to exercise specific muscles such as the gluteus muscles and the hamstrings.

While choosing a compact treadmill for your home, always choose one that has a large incline range. A decline option is an added advantage.

Another factor that needs to be considered is the ease with which the incline can be changed. The treadmill speed and the incline together determine the intensity of your workout.

#7. Deck Height

The deck height of a treadmill measures the separation between the floor and the running surface of the machine.

For the average treadmill, the deck height or the step-up height is eight to nine inches. If you are taller than average, always choose a treadmill with a low step-up height to avoid bumping your head against the ceiling of your house.

The incline’s height should also be factored in along with the height of the user to figure out whether the treadmill can be used in your home.

#8. Weight Capacity

Always keep an eye on the maximum weight capacity of the treadmill you choose to buy.

This weight capacity rating indicates how sturdy the treadmill is. Durable treadmills typically have greater weight capacities than those meant for walking or jogging.

As an extra precaution, it is advisable to deduct 50 lbs from your treadmill’s weight to arrive at a realistic figure.

The average foldable treadmill has a weight capacity of 250 to 400 lbs. If you are heavier than that, you might have to pay extra for a treadmill with a higher weight capacity.

#9. Features

Other features to look out for include the level of interaction during the workout. To prevent boredom, the treadmill should preferably have a large full-color touchscreen that is iFit compatible. The training routes and workout videos available on iFit are a welcome diversion.

Zwift is App that can bring more fun elements to your workout, choose a Zwift certificated treadmill will definitely bring more fun to your daily exercises.

Built-in speakers with Bluetooth compatibility are also an important requirement, particularly for music lovers who wish to listen to their favorite music while working out.

Other features such as tablet holders and chest straps for heart rate monitoring can prove useful additions.

#10. Warranty

Despite your best precautions, your treadmill might develop a snag that might require expensive repairs.

That is why the warranty offered by the manufacturer is crucial. Ideally, your compact treadmill should have a lifetime warranty on the frame and the motor and a 5-year warranty on the parts.

Top 13 Best Compact and Folding Treadmills for Small Spaces

If you are a fitness freak but have no time to visit the gym regularly and live in a room with limited space, you need to look for a compact treadmill that can fit under your standing desk or in any other small space in your home.

The same as if you live in an apartment, an apartment size treadmill will save more of your space.

These treadmills can offer high-tech features despite their compact footprint. These home treadmills also have features that can compete with the best treadmills in your gym.

Here are the top 13 best compact treadmills for exercising in the comforts of your home.

#1. NordicTrack T 6.5 S Series Treadmill

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S series treadmill is an introductory level treadmill ideal for casual walkers and runners who require a sturdy, foldable machine but without any cutting-edge technology.

This treadmill is compact and has a unique design with simple tech features.

It has a 10% incline, which might prove to be handy if you wish to burn extra calories. Its weight capacity of 300lb is commendable, considering its compact structure.

Most importantly, the treadmill is iFit compatible. It can automatically keep track of your stats, give you access to workout videos, and provide several other benefits while exercising.

The Nordic track T 6.5 series also has a special cushioning feature to provide a softer landing and reduce your joints’ impact.

People who are training for a marathon or a road race also can turn off the cushioning feature to replicate the firmness of outdoor services.

The treadmill’s handrails are comfortably placed with heart rate sensors on the grip of the horizontal handrail.

Although the power of the 6.5 S motor might not be the best in the business, its smooth adjustments for the incline and its consistent speed more than compensate for its power inadequacy.

The console has an LCD backlit screen with a clear and legible display.

Another notable feature is the EasyLift hydraulic system that can easily fold the treadmill into a vertical position to increase the available floor space.

The manufacturers will provide you with the rare benefit of a lifetime frame warranty.

Besides, 20 in-built workout programs cover all the basic exercise routines.

You can also listen to your favorite songs or podcasts by connecting your mobile or tablet directly to the treadmill using an AUX cable.

However, you will need to have an AUX cable of your own since the machine doesn’t come with one.

#2. NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 treadmill is the premium treadmill model for working out at home. Its most attractive feature is its 22-inch high-definition touch screen perfectly suited to iFit Coach interactive workouts.

The large HD TV screen will provide you access to real-life street-level views and make monotonous workouts a thing of the past.

Besides, you will be entitled to a free 1-year membership of iFit Coach upon purchase of the treadmill.

The device also has a customized RunnersFlex cushioning that enables users to choose between a cushioned deck for maximum protection of joints and a firm deck for outdoor running simulation.

The treadmill has a 4.25 CHP motor that vibrates less and delivers adequate power for longer periods. It also has a whisper-quiet deck to muffle the sound produced by your footfall.

The fans can operate automatically, but you may choose to adjust the speed if you wish manually.

Other features include an integrated accessory tray for towels, phones, and bottles and a wireless chest strap for continuous wireless heart rate monitoring.

The device also offers a large variation in inclination ranging from a decline of 3% to an incline of 15%.

#3. Titan Fitness Under Desk Treadmill

If you are looking to avoid sedentary behavior while working, the Titan Fitness Under Desk Treadmill is the perfect choice for you.

This mini treadmill can fit under your standing desk, providing you with the ideal opportunity to exercise while working.

The console unit is handy and can fit onto most desks. You can use the console to vary the treadmill’s pace from half a mile to four miles an hour.

The device is meant only for walking. It comes with a safety clip that helps avert accidents.

All you need to do is attach an end of the clip to your clothing and the other end to the console’s emergency key.

Whenever the clip is disengaged, the treadmill stops immediately.

The Titan Fitness Under Desk Treadmill might be a compact device, but it leaves no stone unturned to monitor your progress.

The device keeps track of your workout time, the distance covered, steps taken, and calories burnt. The quick-speed buttons will help you seamlessly move from one speed to another.

The belt is 53 inches long and 18 inches wide. It has an additional length of 3 inches that makes it particularly suitable for tall users.

The treadmill can withstand user weights of up to 250 lbs. The machine itself weighs a paltry 114 pounds and has transportation wheels for enhanced portability.

#4. ProForm 400i Folding Treadmill

The ProForm 400i Treadmill is an affordable device that is ideal for walkers and light joggers. It has a maximum speed of 10 mph and can be inclined up to 10% for strengthening the hamstrings and glutes.

Its 2.0 CHP motor can maintain a steady speed during walking workouts but cannot withstand high speeds for a long time.

It is compatible with iFit Coach and comes with a 1-year free subscription to the fitness app.

You have the option of choosing from thousands of training routes and trainer videos on the app.

It has a small 7″ HD touchscreen in which you can view over 16,000 workouts on iFit. To make up for the touchscreen’s smallness, the treadmill has a tablet holder for your phone or tablet.

The tread belt is compact with dimensions of 18″ X 50″. However, people who are over 6 feet tall have to try it out to make sure that the length is enough for them.

The hydraulic system provided under the treadmill deck will ensure that you do not manually fold the deck. The ProShox cushioning might not be of the highest quality but is adequate for walking.

The device comes with a lifetime frame warranty and a 25-year motor warranty. It has a weight capacity of 300lb, which means virtually anyone can use it.

#5. ProForm SMART Performance 800i Treadmill

The ProForm SMART Performance 800i Treadmill is another treadmill in the Performance series suitable for walkers and joggers but not for runners.

Its 2.75 CHP motor is the most powerful in the series. The machine not only has a large 14″ HD touchscreen monitor but also comes equipped with a tablet holder that can hold your phone or tablet during your workout.

It has both a 10% incline and 2% decline features. It has as many as 50 different workout programs, with each program having a different goal.

Besides, the device has iFit Coach compatibility to provide you with access to thousands of training routes and trainer videos.

The deck is 60″ long, which makes it longer than the average treadmill deck. However, its width of 18″ is minimal for a treadmill of this price.

The SMART Performance 800i Treadmill has EasyLift Assist Technology that makes folding up the treadmill be a cakewalk.

It also has ProShox cushioning to reduce the impact on your joints during workouts.

To add to these features, ProForm offers an attractive lifetime warranty for both the frame and the motor.

There is also a three-year warranty for the parts and a one-year labor warranty.

A 1-year free iFit coach membership is an added benefit.

The treadmill deck works in perfect synchronization with the iFit Coach app and adjusts the elevation according to the terrain of the virtual training route you choose.

#6. Horizon T202 Treadmill

The Horizon T202 treadmill offers the perfect balance between quality and affordability. The treadmill track can incline up to 12% to add intensity to your workouts and burn more calories.

The 2.75 CHP motor can supply an adequate amount of power for walking and indoor jogging.

It comes with a lifelong warranty and can operate at speeds ranging from 0.5mph and 12 mph. The treadmill deck is extremely light and can easily be folded up.

The PerfectFLEX Plus cushioning will help you avoid straining your knees and ankles during workouts. However, the belt is only 1.4mm thick and is quite prone to wear and tear.

The LCD screen of the 2020 version of the Horizon T202 Treadmill is backlit. The console also has two LED windows that display the heart rate, the number of calories burnt, and the deck’s inclination.

The connectivity features are quite advanced for a treadmill of this price range. It allows you to connect your audio streaming device to the treadmill speakers via Bluetooth.

You can also use the built-in USB port to charge your smartphone or tablet. The T202 comes with 12 workout programs focusing on weight loss, calories burnt, the time elapsed, and distance covered.

It has an energy saver mode that prevents energy loss if you forget to turn off the machine after a workout. The maximum user weight that the T202 can withstand is 325lbs.

It is highly compact when folded up and can fit into a small space in the corner of the room.

#7. NordicTrack 8.5 S Treadmill

The NordicTrack 8.5 S Treadmill includes many commercial treadmill features but has a compact footprint.

The running belt is 20″ wide and 60″ long, comparable to the dimensions of commercial treadmill belts.

However, once you are done with your workout, the hydraulic EasyLift Assist technology will ensure that the treadmill can be easily folded up to conserve space.

The treadmill belt is quite durable, and the machine has a maximum user weight capacity of 300lbs.

The device has an incline that can be varied from 0% to 12%. It also has a full-color 8.5″ HD touchscreen that will ensure greater engagement in the iFit Coach fitness videos and training routes.

The 8.5 S Treadmill has FlexSelect cushioning; a lever beside the deck can control that. You can turn the cushioning on if you wish to reduce the impact on your ankles and knees during workouts.

However, if you wish to train for outdoor running, you may turn the cushioning feature off using the lever. The machine has a 3.5 HP motor that is great for jogging or light running by a single user.

However, it lacks power for multiple users in a single day. You will get a 1-year free iFit coach membership upon the purchase of the device.

If you do not wish to subscribe to iFit, you also have the option of choosing from 50 in-built workout programs.

#8. NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill

The NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill is a great choice for runners looking for a sturdy device with a compact footprint.

The treadmill has a 3.6 CHP motor that is powerful enough to withstand intense workouts. It also has FlexSelect cushioning to avoid injuries during workouts.

The cushioning is adjustable, and the deck can be made firm if you wish to work out in outdoor conditions.

An adjustable incline range can tilt the deck from 0% to 12% for more effective burning of calories.

The speed can be varied from 0.5 mph to 12 mph using the arrows or buttons on the console.

You are unlikely to face any problems while folding up the NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill. It has EasyLift Assist hydraulic technology that makes it easy to fold up.

All you need to do is raise the deck to a certain height, and it will lock into position spontaneously.

However, the treadmill’s most attractive feature is its 14″ HD touchscreen that is ideal for iFit Coach video workouts.

You can also use the touchscreen to navigate through your user profile, settings, and in-built programs.

The treadmill has 50 in-built workout programs that offer a variety of workout options.

You will also get a one-year free membership to iFit Coach and a 10-year warranty on the frame.

#9. LifeSpan TR3000i Folding Treadmill 

The LifeSpan TR3000i Treadmill meets all the basic workout requirements for people of diverse fitness levels.

It is a compact folding treadmill that ensures comfort during workouts. Its EZfold technology uses a hydraulic shock mechanism to fold and unfold the treadmill.

It measures 42″ X 33″ X 56″ when folded up. Although the machine is quite compact, its running belt measures a decent 20″ X 56″.

The length might still be inadequate for taller runners who might have to try out the treadmill once before purchasing it.

The LifeSpan TR3000i is compatible with your MP3 player and iPod. All you need to do is to connect any smart device to the console and enjoy your music while working out.

The treadmill also comes with a 3-speed cooling fan to keep you comfortable while jogging or running.

The machine has a 2.75CHP motor that steadily delivers a decent amount of power without producing any noise. The motor comes with a lifetime warranty, and so does the frame.

You will also get a 5-year warranty on the parts of the treadmill and a 1-year labor warranty.

The LifeSpan TR3000i has 21 workout programs with diverse goals such as controlling heart rate, losing weight, and training for sports activities.

The incline range of 0 to 15 is impressive too.

If you are worried about the strain on your body during workouts, the treadmill has eight shock absorbers to maximize user comfort.

#10. LifeSpan TR2000i Folding Treadmill

The LifeSpan TR2000i is a slightly less expensive version of the LifeSpan TR3000i. It is a folding treadmill with a spacious running belt that is suitable for jogging and running.

Its most exciting feature is its interactive touchscreen that allows users to set the incline and speed by just dragging a finger across the screen.

The 7″ full-color touchscreen display is equipped with Quick Draw technology and offers users the option of selecting their favorite workout view from multiple themes.

The LifeSpan TR2000i also has Bluetooth-compatible built-in speakers. You can also choose an appropriate workout from 21 built-in programs that are designed by expert physiologists.

The EZfold hydraulic shock technology is designed to make folding and unfolding a hassle-free experience.

The device has a continuous-duty 2.5CHP motor that offers the perfect balance between power and durability.

The all-steel frame is quite durable as well and comes with a lifetime warranty. However, unlike the TR3000i, the warranty on the motor is only for five years.

The treadmill has eight shock absorbers that provide cushioning during workouts.

#11. Xterra TR150 Treadmill

Xterra TR150 foldable treadmill comes with a small running belt of only 16″x 50″ and weighs only 108 pounds. It has moving wheels that make it an easily located treadmill.

With a 5-inch deck height, Xterra TR150 is one of the best treadmills for low-ceiling rooms and shorter basements.

It features a high-performance 2.25 HP quiet motor and is made of XTRASoft cushioned that helps reduce the impact and vibration of your training and, therefore, the noise.

Also, it presents 12 training programs vary in speed and variety. Thanks to its 5 ” LCD screen, you can have all the controls at your sight, such as speed, time, etc.

Xterra TR150 is also the best budget treadmill for Zwift—An app you can use to bring more virtual fun to your exercise.

#12. Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill Series

This model of treadmill deserves to be on this list because it only weighs 115 pounds. The price makes it a good option if you are looking for price quality and, at the same time, help you save space.

With a convenient two-position manual incline, this treadmill helps you personalize your workout for the best results.

Also, you can gradually increase the speed to 10 mph and get the intensity you need. In turn, you can benefit from its 6 included training programs.

As for its noise, due to its 2.5 CHP engine and trademarked Comfort Cell Cushioning, the noise will be significantly reduced.

#13. Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmills

Weighing 194 pounds and made with heavy-duty wheels, Horizon T101 folding treadmill offers a simple and sophisticated performance.

It is an easy assembly and folding treadmill that capable of saving space. It is also built to cushion thanks to its 3-zone deck system that reduces vibrations, noise, and impact.

This treadmill is a great balance of features, quality, and value—ideal for walking or smooth running that requires simple training.

Final Words

While there is no such thing as the best folding treadmill for use at home, the ten compact treadmills for small spaces that have been mentioned above can help you make an informed decision on the one that suits you the best.

If you are a jogger, the best choice for you will be different from that for a runner.

Your weight, height, and entertainment needs also play a crucial role in determining the best choice for you.

Whatever treadmill you choose, try your best to avoid paying for features that you might never use. Also, do not ignore minor factors such as warranties and free subscriptions.

So, choose the perfect treadmill for small spaces and keep yourself in perfect shape without stepping outside your home.

Read Also:

• Top 10 Most Expensive Treadmills Review
• Top 15 Best Folding Treadmills for Home Gym Use
• Top 7 Best Treadmills for Seniors – Read Before You Buy