Unlike bulky and almost treadmills always noisythe best treadmills are slim (often portable) machines that can fit under your standing desk or fit anywhere in your home, allowing you to rack up steps while working, binge-watching, or simply avoiding human interaction. Sitting at your desk all day is literally painful. It’s terrible for your posture and harms your physical and mental health, gradually turning you into a hunched keyboard gargoyle. Theoretically, you could take breaks to walk away from your screen, but even then, you’re still spending much of the day on your butt.
I also believe that treadmills make me more productive. Not only will you crush your daily steps, but regular use also improves your energy levels, mood and cardiovascular health. Walking on an incline also strengthens and tones your lower body muscles, so you can even get a decent workout in. There are tons of them on the market, offering variable speed capabilities, additional features like built-in desk platforms and wheels, and durability. Our remote testers spent long hours walking, working, and sometimes jogging to find the best treadmills that are worth the space and money.
For more WFH equipment recommendations, check out Best Standing Desks, Best Laptop StandsAnd Best office chairs.
Updated July 2026: I added a treadmill to avoid after recent safety recalls. Product information, prices and links have also been updated.
Featured in this article
Best treadmill overall
CABLE
- Impressive 14 percent tilt capacity
- Easy to configure, control and follow steps
- Durable and stable feel
FATIGUE
- Limited speed range
- Could be calmer
- Too big to store under furniture
Most treadmills have similar capabilities, but the Urevo CyberPad stands out. It offers an incline of 14%, which is one of the highest on the market. WIRED Contributing Reviewer Kristin Canning I loved being able to take on steeper walks to get a real workout without sacrificing productivity at work. She is confident in the durability of the product, thanks to its solid feel underfoot and comfortable waistband. It was ready to use right out of the box and easy to install. It weighs about 71 pounds, so moving it isn’t fun, but the wheels help.
You can control the CyberPad (and the colored lights along the side rails) with its Bluetooth remote and application. As long as you open the app at some point during your walk, it will record your workout data from the machine, so you can track daily step counts over time. You can also view your current workout metrics on a screen on the front of the machine.
The speed peaks at 4 mph, and the incline stops at level nine, which can be a 9 or 14 percent incline, depending on how you position the machine’s legs. Unfortunately, the tilt capability makes it difficult to store under furniture. Here is the full review.
Best foldable treadmill
Photography: Kristin Canning
Treadmill
C2 Foldable Walking Treadmill
CABLE
- Foldable
- Ideal for taller people and longer strides
- Stable and durable feel
FATIGUE
- Frustrating to set up
- Too heavy and too large to carry around the house
- The companion app can sometimes be wonky
It’s a lot longer and heavier treadmill; it measures 57 inches (32.5 inches when folded), which means it’s a good choice for tall people or anyone with a long stride. The deck is stable, but not as springy or as padded as the Sperax. However, I like the level of control and tracking capabilities of this device more than those of the Sperax. You can adjust the speed via the remote control or the app, and you can use the pad without the app. You can check your time, speed, distance, calories and steps on the big screen.
However, this machine was a bit of a pain to set up. Get the Bluetooth remote and KS Adjustment The app to log in was difficult. I also don’t like that when you first start using the machine, you have to spend time walking at slower speeds before you can “unlock” the upper end of the range. The app itself is a bit shaky; If you don’t start a workout with the app, your progress won’t be tracked or saved, and it won’t sync later. It also records each walking session separately, so if you take a break, you’re starting from scratch.
The app also offers workouts that automatically adjust speed to your pace via sensors below the belt. This was awkward because I couldn’t figure out how to slow down the pace without the device stopping completely. You switch between modes in the app or on the screen, and you can stop and start the machine using the app or remote control. I like to use the machine in manual mode and tend to use the app more than the remote because the remote connectivity is inconsistent.
The machine appears to have a long lifespan. Its weight makes it harder to move than the Sperax, and while the folding ability is a win overall, if you plan to slide it under something, make sure the folded height (5.4 inches) will work. Here is my full review. —Kristin Canning
Most versatile treadmill
Urevo
Strol 2S Pro treadmill
CABLE
- Can also be used as a treadmill with an adjustable handrail
- Impressive speed and incline ranges
- User-friendly companion app that syncs with the unit
FATIGUE
- The speed may not be fast enough for users who want to run
- Training data was sometimes wonky on the app
The Urevo Strol 2S Pro also doubles as a treadmill and is incredibly stable underfoot due to its light weight. I’ve tested several affordable treadmills, and they tend to shake at higher speeds, but this one stayed firmly in place even when I ran on it at maximum speed and incline (7.6 mph and 9 percent). This top speed is not fast enough if you are looking to Really sprint, but it’s certainly enough for a good workout.
If you want to use the treadmill as a walking mat, you can keep the handrail down, which limits the maximum speed to 4 mph (although you can still use the full incline feature). There is a screen on the front of the machine that alternates between time, distance, calories, incline and speed. To access faster speeds, you need to raise the handrail, which requires using a hex tool to tighten it in place. The handlebars also have a display that allows you to control the basic functions of the machine. There is also a tablet holder that you can attach.
The machine was very easy to install, and the remote control and application connected immediately. This app was my favorite of the ones I tested: it was intuitive, displayed the information I wanted to see in my profile (like daily step count), and synced well with the machine. There are a few wonky translations, but nothing that bothered me or made it difficult to use. As long as you open the app and connect to your treadmill at some point during your walk (even if you start and control the machine outside of the app), it will save your workout data. (That’s not the case for most of the options on this list.) In the app, you can use the Quick Start feature to walk freely and adjust settings from your phone, or you can take a virtual walk with iconic scenery.
I really appreciated how quiet this treadmill was. Overall, this seems to be a durable machine that offers excellent value for money, especially when it comes to speed and incline ranges. —Kristin Canning
Quietest treadmill
Photography: Kristin Canning
Photography: Kristin Canning
Flexispot
Automatically inclined walking treadmill
CABLE
- Quick to set up
- Quietest treadmill we’ve tested
- Solid 12 percent tilt capacity
FATIGUE
- Limited speed range
- Doesn’t follow steps
This treadmill had the most intuitive setup on this list, likely due to the lack of a companion app, which often feels redundant. Critical Kristin Canning I was able to set it up in just a few minutes and the remote connected immediately. It was stable underfoot, even on steep slopes. The remote also lets you follow pre-programmed 30-minute walking workouts, during which the machine automatically adjusts the speed (but not the incline). Otherwise, you can use it in manual mode and adjust the settings as you wish. Unfortunately, it doesn’t count steps like some of the other treadmills I’ve tested.
The auto-incline walking treadmill offers a solid incline range, going all the way up to level nine, which is a 12% incline. After the Urevo CyberPad, this is one of the highest tilt capacities I found in my testing. Canning was very impressed by his silence. You can also connect your phone to listen to music through the speakers.
Compare our 4 best treadmills
Honorable mentions
Photography: Kristin Canning
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill for $2,500: With a top speed of 19 km/h, tilt and lower options, racing deck elastic, fans, a 16-inch swivel touch screen, And two water bottle holders, this is the best treadmill tester Kristin Canning has used. Although it is a foldable treadmill and suitable for walking and hiking workouts, it is still bulky and relatively expensive if you are only looking for a space-saving treadmill. If you’re looking for a running treadmill, check out Canning’s guide to the Best Treadmills.
Toputure TP6 Treadmill for $238: This is a foldable, screen-free treadmill ideal for small apartments and spaces. Setup and compaction only take a few minutes, but it weighs 56 pounds, so it’s not the most portable. During my second day of testing, the pad started making a high-pitched scraping noise, which likely indicated poor belt alignment. This unbearable noise came and went throughout my two weeks of testing. The handlebars are height adjustable, ranging from 32 to 45 inches, and it is also tilt adjustable. Be careful of handlebar locks when driving past them, as they can get caught on clothing. As a budget option, I still prefer the Sperax, which is a few dollars cheaper.
Urevo SpaceWalk 5L Smart Treadmill for $400: We tested a few Urevo treadmills, and although the SpaceWalk 5L is decent and less expensive, we still prefer the CyberPad for Home for its 14% incline and the Strol 2S Pro for its speed and ability to double as a treadmill. The SpaceWalk 5L has a larger weight capacity, up to 300 pounds, with the same incline as the Strol 2S Pro (9%) and the same top speed as the CyberPad (4 mph). Its track length is 39 inches, and WIRED’s contributing reviewer Michael Venutolo-Mantovani said it was compact enough to store under a couch or loveseat.
Photography: Kristin Canning
Lifesmart TM2202 3 inch -1 treadmill for $699: THE 3 in 1 treadmill gets its name from its ability to serve as a treadmill (with the rail lowered, the speed reaches 3.7 mph), a treadmill (with the rail raised, you can run up to 7 mph), and a workstation (with the rail raised and desk attachment enabled) for multitasking. It’s easy to set up and switching between modes is quick and simple (you just use a small tool to adjust the rail; the tool is magnetized, so it can live on the rail and never get lost in a junk drawer). The height of the desk will not suit everyone; it was lower than I’d like and I’m 5’4″. But for quick, basic work like answering emails or attending a meeting, it did the job just fine. It also doesn’t have any tilt options. —Kristin Canning
GoYouth 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill for $270: This is an Amazon Top Pick, but it’s very simple for this price. There is no app and the remote and controls are not intuitive. Unsurprisingly, the built-in Bluetooth speaker sounds crappy. But it feels great underfoot, is very quiet, and has a higher weight capacity (300 pounds) and slightly longer waistband than the Sperax above. If you are a tall person looking for a simple and affordable treadmill, this will work for you. —Adrienne So
Egofit Walker Pro M1 for $479: It is one of the first treadmills we tested, and it has a fixed 5 percent tilt which could pose storage issues (you won’t be able to just slide it under the couch). It can be controlled via an app or remote, but it doesn’t sync automatically if you use the remote. But it is lightweight and easy to move around your house.
Avoid this treadmill
Sperax treadmill: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned consumers to stop using several models of Sperax treadmills and treadmills because of the fall and fire hazards they pose. According to the CPSCmachines can change speed unexpectedly or stop abruptly, and cases of overheating and fire have also been reported. The warning applies to the Pro, Q1, RM-01 and RM-02 models, but I would avoid this brand altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose a treadmill?
Size and storage: Treadmills are generally much smaller than traditional treadmills, but check the dimensions of the product and make sure the footprint will suit you. If you work in a particularly small space, consider a foldable or under-desk treadmill. If you plan to store it under furniture or in a closet when not in use, purchase slimmer models that have casters for portability.
Belt Size and Track Length: The size of your track depends on the dimensions of the product and you need to take into account the space you have to work with. But, in general, I prefer wider, longer belts that are more stable to walk on, especially if you are taller or have a longer stride.
Weight capacity: Treadmills are not as durable as treadmills and tend to have a lower weight capacity. Check the limit of the machine and make sure it will work for you and anyone else in the house who will use it. From the online reviews we’ve read, treadmills are notorious for falling apart after just a few years or even months of use, so it might be worth buying something a little more sturdy.
Speed range: Choose a treadmill with a speed range that best fits your lifestyle and goals. Most models typically offer speeds of up to 4 mph, which should cover everything from gentle strolls to brisk walks, and is ideal for home office use. There are walking pad and treadmill hybrids that offer faster paces if you’re also looking for jogging.
Adjustable inclinations: Some models stay flat, but I prefer treadmills that have adjustable levels so you can customize your cardio intensity to your liking. Walking on an incline can also strengthen your lower body muscles and reduce anterior knee loading.
Metrics and display: Most treadmills have an LED screen that records your steps, distance, time and calories. Some models also include a remote control and/or app, which can sometimes sync your measurements from the machine, so you can check your workout data on your phone. This may not matter to you if you prefer to use your Apple Watch or fitness tracker.
Price: You can buy a solid, no-frills treadmill for less than $200, but if you’re looking for a high-end model with a surplus of features, it can cost more than $500.
Our remote team members evaluated each treadmill from their own home office, using the treadmills during real workdays. Testers of varying heights, stride lengths, and lifestyles walked for more than an hour while responding to emails, attending meetings, and performing other work-related tasks; we noted how each cushion felt over time and whether any discomfort arose during prolonged use. We evaluated each model for at least two weeks using the following criteria:
- Design: We rated how intuitive and painless each pad was to set up, transport, and store. We tested whether its footprint actually worked under a series of standing desks, in cramped apartments, and in garages.
- Speed and incline ranges: We recorded the speed ranges and incline options, paying particular attention to how smooth the adjustments were during use and how responsive or laggy the controls were. For models equipped with wireless remote controls, we also tested how intuitive the controls were during daily use and whether Bluetooth connectivity remained stable.
- Noise: Pads were used during normal work hours to see how much sound was being picked up in the background of Zoom calls. Beyond work days, we also noted whether noise levels were generally a distraction.
- Additional features: For models with add-on apps, we tested the software separately to determine whether it significantly improved the user experience with additional controls or information, or whether the treadmill worked just as well (sometimes better) without it.
Power up with unlimited access to CABLE. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe today.
