Top 12 Best Folding, Compact, & Quietest Treadmills for Apartment Exercises

As usual in the early morning, you wake up and look at the sky. The sky is full of rain clouds, and the air is not at its usual pace. Will you tie your laces and go jogging? Most likely, no one will try to get outside in these adverse weather conditions.

So if you have a space-saving treadmill in your apartment, you need not worry about the weather conditions. Treadmills have become an essential machine for aerobic workouts, and they keep you healthy by increasing your heart rate and blood flow.

Selecting a lightweight apartment-sized treadmill might be confusing, as there are numerous manufacturers out there. So after researching multiple products and features, I came up with a list of the best folding treadmills for a condo available in the market.

What Makes a Good Treadmill for an Apartment?

Except for the basic consideration, a good treadmill for an apartment should possess certain key features that address space constraints, noise levels, and functionality. Here are the main factors to consider:

1. Size and Footprint: A compact design is crucial for apartment living. Look for treadmills that are appropriately sized for the available space. Folding treadmills are ideal as they can be stored away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space.
2. Noise Level: Since apartments often have shared walls, floors, and ceilings with neighbors, a quiet treadmill is essential. Treadmills with quiet motors and sound-absorbing features minimize disturbance to others.
3. Cushioning and Deck: Good cushioning reduces the impact on joints and also helps in dampening the noise when the treadmill is in use. A sturdy deck that doesn’t shake or wobble during workouts is also important.
4. Ease of Assembly and Movement: Look for a treadmill that is easy to assemble and move. Models with transport wheels are preferable for easy repositioning within the apartment.

Which Is the Best Apartment Treadmill Overall?

Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Folding Treadmill: This model is the top choice due to its balance of features and suitability for apartment use. It boasts a powerful 4 CHP motor, making it ideal for a range of exercises from walking to intense running. The large running surface (22″ x 60″) is a significant advantage, especially for taller users. Its impressive weight capacity of 350 pounds and a 15% power incline make it versatile. Additionally, the treadmill offers Bluetooth heart rate monitoring and an impressive warranty, enhancing its value.

Best Folding, Compact & Quiet Treadmills for Small Apartments

NordicTrack T Series Small Treadmill (NordicTrack T 9.5)

Under the NordicTrack T series, three different space-saving treadmills are NordicTrack T 6.5 Si, NordicTrack T 8.5 S, and NordicTrack T 9.5 S.

Among the three, NordicTrack T 9.5 S is an advanced foldable treadmill that can be easily folded away. Let us look at some of the features of it.

This silent-running treadmill comes with a 14″ high-definition touchscreen to act as a display and control panel. Bluetooth speakers and Autobreeze workout fans are available in this product.

The NordicTrack T 9.5 S is a folding model. Unlike the heavy foldable treadmills, you need not spend a vast amount of energy to fold up.

If you raise the deck, it’ll automatically get locked at some point. There is a speed range of 0.5 to 12 MPH and an incline range of 0 to 12 %; you can adjust this using the console.

The maximum weight capacity of the NordicTrack T 9.5 S space-saving treadmill can sustain 300 pounds and is packed with a 3.6 continuous duty horsepower (CHP) DurX commercial plus motor.

The commercial-grade electric treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, five five-year warranty for other parts, and a years labor warranty.

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black

The Xterra Fitness TR 150 folding treadmill is manufactured with quality, performance, and flexibility. You can fold this lightweight treadmill easily and can keep it away after a workout.

This budget-friendly treadmill is specifically made for those who want to reap the benefits of rigorous cardio workouts in their home comfort. The Xterra Fitness TR 150 comes with a large and easy-to-read 5″ LCD, 16″ x 50″ running surface, and a 2.25 HP motor.

This lightweight treadmill can hold up to 250 pounds, speed range from 0.5 to 10 MPH three manual incline settings, and twelve pre-set programs for various workouts.

The foldable treadmill comprises a heavy steel gauge frame and Xtra soft cushion deck technology to provide maximum impact absorption and reduce stress on your joints.

The assembled dimensions of this product are 63.4-inch x 28.75-inch x 51.4-inches (L x W x H), whereas the folded dimension is 28.5-inch x 28.75-inch x 61-inches (L x W x H).

This Xterra Fitness TR 150 quiet treadmill has a lifetime manufacturer warranty for the frame and one year for the motor, and ninety days for parts and labor.

Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Folding Treadmill

Horizon fitness is a familiar brand delivering budgeted foldable treadmills for customers who look for the best apartment-sized treadmills. Let us look at the Horizon 7.8 AT apartment-used treadmill, which has more sales.

The Horizon 7.8 AT space-saving treadmill comes with a 9.3-inch full-color display and a running area of 22″ width and 60″ length.

This small treadmill also comes with a 15% power incline and a speed range from 0.5 to 12 MPH. And the Horizon 7.8 AT has the most powerful motor with a capacity of 4 CHP.

This quiet-operating treadmill has a feather-light holding capability, so you need not deliver much effort on holding. The storable treadmill has a user capacity of 350 pounds, and the manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on frame and motor, five years on parts, and two years on labor.

ProGear HCXL 4000 Ultimate High Capacity Foldable Treadmill

If you are under the overweight or obese category and wish to reduce the weight and look for a durable treadmill that can bear high user weight capacity? Then this Progear HCXL 4000 is the best available option for you.

Progear HCXL 4000 foldable and transportable treadmill can handle 400 pounds of the user weight, and the folding treadmill comes with a 1.5 HP high torque motor for efficient and noiseless running and extra-long 18-inch handrails for more convenient and stable walking.

The long-handrail treadmill can keep you safe while walking, jogging, and running, suitable for seniors as well. There is a heart rate monitor embedded in the handrails that let you monitor your heart rate.

And this foldable treadmill comes with two different manual incline ranges and a speed of 1 to 10 MPH.

The Progear HCXL 4000 lightweight treadmill is easily foldable to keep aside after a workout and has a five-year motor warranty.

NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Foldable Treadmill

NordicTrack commercial series has three different foldable treadmills, NordicTrack Commercial 1750, NordicTrack Commercial 2450, and NordicTrack Commercial 2950. Let us look at the NordicTrack Commercial 2950, which is an advanced one among the series.

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is the ultimate treadmill that can be folded up to save lots of space. It has a great sound absorption facility, and a 22″ touch screen display is available. NordicTrack 2950 is one of the best treadmills with a large TV screen.

Sometimes you might be bored by running between the walls. So, the iFit coach system embedded in the foldable treadmill gives you a virtual feeling by showing streets using Google maps.

The commercial-grade treadmill has an incline and decline range from -3 to 15% and a speed range of 0.5 to 12 MPH. There are 40 different workout programs, and a 4.25 CHP DurX motor powers this folding treadmill.

This space-saving treadmill is offered with a frame warranty of 10 years, an electronics and parts warranty of 2 years, and a labor warranty of 1 year.

Proform Performance 600i Foldable Treadmill

Suppose you are a moderate runner and looking for a compact treadmill for limited spaces. Then this Proform Performance 600i is best suitable for you.

This Perform treadmill is foldable, so you need not allocate an entire room for it. It has a 20″ x 60″ running area and is supported by four shock absorbers powered by ProShox Cushioning System.

The frame and the belt are sturdy enough to bear at a maximum of 325 pounds, and the cushioning system allows you to work out smoothly, and it reduces the impact on the knees and joints.

There is an incline range of 0 – 12 % and a speed range of 0.5 – 12 MPH. Using the variety of incline range, you can burn more calories than running on a flat surface.

The Proform Performance 600i folding treadmill is packed with 22 different built-in programs, and the iFit compatibility encourages you throughout the workout. You can also enjoy the outdoor feeling using the virtual street view supported by iFit compatibility and Powered by Google maps.

Proform 600i noiseless treadmill offers lifetime coverage on the frame and motor, two years on parts, and one year on labor.

Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna SpaceFlex Motorized Folding Running Treadmill

The ASUNA SpaceFlex folding treadmill will give a stunning look to your room, and it’s more compact. The ASUNA SpaceFlex console is equipped with six different indicators: incline, pulse/calories, time/program, distance/mode, step count, and speed.

This compact treadmill can be easily folded, and the folded dimension is 19″ x 28″ x 57″. So it doesn’t require huge space. You can hold down the treadmill when needed, and after the workout, you can fold up and keep it aside.

This small treadmill has a running area of 51″ x 19″ powered by a 2.5 HP motor, which is more than enough for jogging and walking, and it can support the user’s weight up to 220 pounds.

ASUNA SpaceFlex foldable treadmill offers twelve different incline ranges, adjusted using the buttons, and has two different speed variations adjusted by two quick keys, one for 3 MPH and the second for 5 MPH.

Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Folding Treadmill

Gold’s Gym 720 treadmill is a sturdy, foldable, and compact model specially designed for residential usage. It has all kinds of features similarly available in the high-end model treadmills.

One of the best features of the folding treadmill is it has 18 pre-programmed workouts and music compatibility. And this Gold’s Gym 720 compact treadmill will be the best solution for you if you don’t have dedicated space for this health equipment because it can be folded whenever you wish.

The Gold’s Gym 720 space-saving treadmill has a running surface of 55″ x 20″, which is more sufficient for running and walking, and the running deck is powered by G Force-2 commercial motor for better performance.

And this small running treadmill comes with multiple speed variations of 0 to 10 MPH and an incline range of 0 to 10 %. These variations are doable using the buttons in the console.

The console has an LCD for a clear presentation of data, and the Air stride cushioning system offers better joint protection.

Gold’s Gym 720 portable treadmill has a user weight capacity of 300 pounds, and as an additional feature, it has a cooling fan and pulse grips for heart rate monitoring.

SOLE F80 Foldable Treadmill

The space-saving feature of the Sole Fitness F80 impressed most of the customers. F80 commercial-grade treadmill has a sturdy frame built up with various features and can bear up a user’s weight to 375 pounds.

If you are on the hunt for a treadmill that can be easily folded up for long-distance running, interval training, and HIIT training, the F80 foldable treadmill has got you covered.

It has a wide running surface of 22″ x 60″, which is best suited for tall runners and gives you a spacious surface for running and walking.

This F80 folding treadmill has a 3.5 CHP DC-type motor. It has a large 9″ display, and you can adjust the motor speed from 0.5 to 12 MPH. It also offers an incline feature with a range of 0 to 15%, and the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces the joint strains and the impact up to 40%.

And it has a wireless chest strap for heart rate monitoring, so this foldable treadmill is familiar amongst cardiologists.

LifeSpan Fitness LifeSpan TR3000i Touch Folding Treadmill

This LifeSpan TR3000i foldable treadmill is designed for space-saving and longevity. It has a two-ply belt that moves along the 2.5″ rollers to ensure longevity.

This small-footprint treadmill runs on a 2.75 CHP commercial-grade motor. It can run between 0 to 12 MPH speed range and has an incline feature with 15 levels.

This compact size treadmill has a big speaker where you can plug your MP3 players and enjoy it to keep you more energetic and entertaining.

Horizon Fitness T101 Folding Treadmill

Horizon Fitness T101 is a budget-friendly and Zwift-certificated treadmill available with a 20″ x 55″ running surface. It runs on a 2.5 HP motor with a top speed of 10 MPH. It also has an incline feature of 0- 10% and a weight capacity of 300 pounds.

To make this folding treadmill unique, it has 30 built-in workout programs. This high-end treadmill for small space use also has embedded Bluetooth speakers and offers a lifetime warranty for the frame and motor and one year warranty for parts and labor.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Foldable Treadmill

The treadmill’s weight should be your first goal to watch to place a treadmill in your apartment. Sunny & Health SF-T4400 noiseless treadmill weighs only 103 pounds, which helps reduce the impact on your flooring.

On the other hand, if space is your problem, the ST-T4400 treadmill can fold up and move easily for quick storage. The model is completely foldable, obtaining a dimension of only  36 “x 26” when folded and 62” x 27” when unfolded.

It is manufactured with an impact absorption system that reduces noise and an LCD screen to start 9 different training programs.

Also, it has an incline system that provides an extra challenge to your workouts.

How We Rate Treadmills?

Homegymmag.com’s treadmill rating system evaluates treadmills across eight key areas: maximum speed, motor, built-in programs, cushioning, space, inclines, durability, and ease of use. Each category is rated on a 1-10 scale, with 10 indicating top quality.

To gather necessary information, the team follows a rigorous process:

• Scouring Manufacturer’s Websites: Collecting current specs and features.
• Interpreting Product Specs: Analyzing specs to identify the ideal user profile.
• Evaluating Value for Money: Comparing quality to price.
• Listing Pros and Cons: Offering a balanced perspective.
• Engaging with Customer Service: Testing support and responsiveness.
• Reviewing Customer Feedback: Incorporating real-world user experiences.
• Comparing with Other Models: Understanding how each treadmill stands in the market.

This thorough approach ensures potential buyers receive comprehensive, unbiased information to aid their decision-making.

Can I Use a Treadmill in an Apartment?

There are many factors to be considered before buying an easy-to-store treadmill to place in your apartment. And go through the lease agreement in detail that it allows having something like that.

#1. Does the Lease Agreement Allow It?

If there are no specific clauses or the agreement is not clear about this matter, kindly talk with your landlord to sort out your queries.

#2. Do You Have Enough Space to Place Your Quiet Treadmill?

We use a mini folding treadmill to reap the health benefits, and it should not be a disturbance to day-to-day life. So, measure the available space accurately before buying.

#3. Is your House’s Electric System Able to Handle the Load?

Most of the apartment treadmills can use the usual residential power. But if you plan to acquire a big commercial one, that may require a separate sachet and high volts. So be sure what your treadmill requires.

#4. Neighborhood

Running on a treadmill might cause a bit of noise that might disturb your neighborhood. By that relationship may get ruined. So place your treadmill in such a place to avoid the noise or choose the best time for running.

Where Should I Put My Portable Treadmill in a Small Apartment?

This depends on what apartment you are living in. The living room is a great place to put your treadmill if you live in a one-bedroom apartment.

But if you live in a studio apartment, you have no choices as the kitchen, bedroom, and living are all in the same place. The folding models are the best option to save space in case your apartment is small.

How to Make It Quieter When You Are Using an Apartment Treadmill?

1. Place Gym Flooring Under the Treadmill

Use treadmill mats or gym flooring. The impact produced by running becomes vibrations that, in turn, are noisy. This is because the treadmill is in direct contact with the floor. A good option to reduce it is to use a dense treadmill mat that absorbs those vibrations.

You can place gym exercise rubber tiles under your lightweight treadmill. It is the same material that many gyms use to reduce noise. You can find them with different thicknesses but choose the flooring at least 1/2 inch to reduce noise effectively.

Cork tiles. This material is another good option as it is biodegradable, flexible, and helps reduce vibrations from the conventional treadmill.

Polyurethane acoustic foam. Placing this material under your space-saver treadmill will help muffle the noise you make while running, and your downstairs neighbors won’t feel the vibes.

Use cardboard. Place cardboard under the portable treadmill folded evenly. This will also help reduce vibrations, but you may not like it aesthetically, although it may be a temporary solution. Then you can cover it with an anti-vibration mat.

2. Other Methods to Reduce the Noise

Lubricate the belt. Lack of lubrication can cause the belt to make annoying noises with each step. Lubricate it from time to time with a specific product that is for small treadmills.

Check for worn-out bearings. Foldable treadmills need maintenance, so apart from lubrication, you should also look at their bearing and rollers. Over time, they wear out and produce noise, so they must be replaced.

Incline the apartment treadmill. The impact noise will reduce considerably when the folding treadmill is inclined.

Don’t run so fast. Undoubtedly, the higher the speed, the greater the impact, and the greater the impact, the greater the noise. So you can choose to run at a reasonable speed or just walk on it.

Wear the right shoes. There are special running shoes that help with cushioning since some are built with a special gel and are not as heavy. This will help reduce the impact.

It is impossible to make the storable treadmill 100% silent, so you will only have to change its position as an option. But if you live in an apartment, you should think carefully about its location since the neighbors can complain.

Final Words

When you look for a compact and folding treadmill to place in your apartment, the first thing you have to consider is the noise issue. If the treadmill is noisy, it won’t make either you or your neighbors happy. Instead, it’ll be a nuisance to the neighbors.

Now you might have got a glimpse of the best available treadmills in the market. So choose the best suitable treadmill for your apartment.

Even though you bought a noise-free treadmill, there will be some noise. Let me suggest some other points to make your apartment quitter.

• Buy a mat

Buy a thick and quality rubber mat to place under the treadmill unless there will be noise because of the friction between the floor and the frame. Sometimes the friction may damage your floor too. It might amount to a huge cost. So always buy quality and thick rubber mats.

• Lubrication

When the motor runs, the belt moves on the rollers, and that thing generates noise. So always make necessary maintenance and lubricant filling with regular intervals of time.

• Choose the right shoes.

Use soft shoes when running or walking on the treadmill because the hard shoes themselves may cause awkward sounds. Consider all the factors and issues we discussed. Shop the best suitable treadmill for you.