Best Treadmills for Home of 2025 – CNET

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Giselle Castro-Sloboda Fitness and Nutrition Writer

I’m a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness myths. On my spare time I enjoy cooking new recipes, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or binge-watching many TV shows at once. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I’ve had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women’s Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.

Reviewed by: Valerie Cholet

Dr. Valerie Cholet is a Professor of Kinesiology. She earned her doctorate at Penn State University and has taught in higher education for over 20 years. Her areas of specialization include Exercise Physiology, Exercise Prescription, Health and Physical Education, Philosophy of Women in Sport, and Embodied Philosophy.

Best Treadmills of 2025, as Tested by a Runner With Over 15 Years of Experience

What is the best treadmill overall?

Matrix TF50 Folding Treadmill

Best treadmills for 2025, compared

How we rate fitness equipment

Other treadmills we tested

Factors to consider when choosing a treadmill

Tips for running on a treadmill

How to care for your treadmill

When we test treadmills, we usually test in our Louisville-based CNET warehouse due to its ample space. On occasion, we will test from home or try a demo at a showroom. Since we are a small team, it can take months of arranging and testing to bring you the most vital information you’ll need to know before making your purchase.

Over our years of testing, we’ve established a methodology that helps us evaluate and score each piece of fitness equipment we test. We judge fitness equipment based on the following.

Features: We look at the types of features offered by these pieces of equipment, how advanced or simple these features are, and whether the machine can connect to built-in or third-party apps or wearables. No matter how advanced it is, it should be intuitive for most people to use.

Software: Many of these machines have programs built in, so we look to see how easy they are to use and any challenges we experience when using them. 

Functionality: When testing, we determine if the machine works as promised. Additionally, we observe how intuitive it is to use, whether it has all the bells and whistles or not. Even if the machine is as simple as it comes, the device should still function as promised. If the machine is more modern, it should still be easy to use by anyone.

Assembly: We make note of how long it takes to assemble fitness equipment and if you need an extra set of hands to help. Fitness equipment tends to be heavy so it usually is a two-person job. We also make sure that there’s a white glove delivery option if you prefer and make note of the price.

Warranty: It’s important to know the warranty information for your equipment in case you need a replacement. Since fitness equipment is an investment you should feel comfortable knowing that you’re getting a top-quality product. If a piece needs replacing, the window for replacement or refund should be clear.

Read more on how we test fitness equipment.

ProForm Pro 2000: Although ProForm and NordicTrack are manufactured by the same company, I found that the quality of the ProForm did not compare. During testing I was unable to connect my iFit account and the belt did not feel smooth when in use and kept making squeaking sounds. even after our technician adjusted it multiple times. 

Mobvoi Home Treadmill: Putting together this compact treadmill at home wasn’t too complicated, but I noticed some manufacturer defects in the alignment of the handles. Although this didn’t affect the ability to use the treadmill, I found this one was better off used for walking instead of higher-impact activities like running or jogging. While jogging on the treadmill I noticed it made loud thumping noises that can be a nuisance if you live in an apartment. The belt is also narrow, therefore I don’t think it would be an appropriate pick for taller or larger people. 

Treadmills can be a significant investment, so before buying, you’ll want to take several factors into account.

Budget: set yourself a budget and figure out how much you’re willing to spend — you can get a quality treadmill on a budget, or splurge for extra features. Similarly, determine whether you want a smart treadmill with a touchscreen and virtual classes, or if you prefer a simpler model without a touchscreen that provides basic metrics.

Size: Consider the size of the treadmill and how much space you have in your home to fit one. Decide if you want the treadmill to be foldable for saving space and easy storage.

Workouts: Take your workout plans into account; do you plan on using it more for running or walking? Consider if multiple people in your household will be using the treadmill and if you need one that can handle various heights and weights. Also, consider whether you’re OK with a treadmill that makes some noise or if you prefer it to be silent.

There are various ways to use a treadmill that range from walking to running. Below are other workouts you can try out as per our experts’ recommendations.

Indoor vs. outdoor running: One thing to keep in mind is that the way you run outdoors is going to translate differently indoors. This is why sometimes you’ll notice your smartwatch is inconsistent with the pace readings it gives you when you run on a treadmill versus outdoors. Even running indoors can cause your stride to change compared to when you run outside. “The most transferable metric to outdoor running is pace and incline,” said Matt Wilpers, a Peloton instructor. Therefore if you are training for a race and plan on mixing it up between outdoor and treadmill runs, these are the key metrics to focus on. Additionally, you have more control over a treadmill workout because you can focus on dialing in your mechanics, breathing and mental focus instead of fixating on your smartwatch for data.

Interval training: You can practice interval training on the treadmill by mixing up your easy walk or jogging pace with a fast running or jogging pace. This will vary from person to person, so it’s helpful to use your perceived rate of exertion to determine what these speeds are for you. An interval workout can look like running at a fast pace for a minute, followed by a walk or jog for two minutes and alternating between that sequence for 20 minutes and adding in a cooldown.

Hill and flats: If you find walking on a treadmill to be monotone, then you can always play around with the incline. Peloton instructor, Rebecca Kennedy said, “Walking is gentle on the joints while offering an incredible cardio output so you’re still able to get conditioned without the impact of running.” For example, during Peloton hikes (one of the classes she teaches) you have walks that vary from a 4 to 15% incline.” Take turns with flat and incline intervals. If you are familiar with running on hills, aim to crank up the speed when you’re doing a flat interval. Not only will you challenge yourself doing these types of workouts, but you’ll target muscles like your glutes, quads and hamstrings.

Sprint intervals: If you’re trying to improve your speed, sprinting is a good way to achieve this goal. You could play around with the timing and start off with 30 seconds of running at the highest speed you can tolerate and alternate with 30 seconds of walking. As you get more comfortable with sprints, you can add on more time for the sprint.

If you’re new to the treadmill and are looking for guidance on the proper way to use one, our experts shared the best practices you should be following.

Warm-up: As with any workout, you shouldn’t neglect the warm-up. At an easy walking pace warm up for five to 10 minutes.

Don’t hold onto the handrails: If you’re running on a treadmill at a pace that’s slightly too fast for you, it’s tempting to hold onto the console or the handrails. “This risks injury and it isn’t proper treadmill form,” warns Wilpers. If you find the speed too fast, reduce it until it feels comfortable enough to keep your elbows by your sides.

Don’t go out too fast: One common mistake some people make is cranking up the speed too soon. Wilpers says, “Make sure you do an easy warm-up or jog before transitioning into an actual run.”

Use your arms: It’s easy to forget about your arms if you’re jogging or running on a treadmill, but using your arms by swinging them as you run makes you a more efficient runner. “Make sure to keep them bent at around 90 degrees and by your sides and not swinging across the body because that is a sign that your torso is rotating too much,” advises Wilpers.

Run tall, run light, run relaxed: If you’re running on the treadmill, you want the movement to feel as natural as possible. Wilpers says, “Throughout runs, perform mental body scans to assess how you are doing from head to toe, including breathing.” When thinking about your form, running tall means you are maintaining an upright posture with a forward lean from the ankles, whereas running light refers to light quick feet, and running relaxed is relaxing everything else that isn’t driving the movement.

Who should avoid treadmills: It’s important to avoid hopping on a treadmill if you are currently injured, have an illness, recently had surgery or are recently postpartum. “I would not recommend a tread workout at the moment, but once given clearance by your doctor the tread can likely be a good training tool to get you back in good condition,” says Kennedy. If you have heart conditions, vertigo, arthritis or disc issues, it’s best to consult with your doctor first.

If you want your treadmill to last a long time, you’ll need to do some maintenance to keep it in good condition. You will need to clean your treadmill to keep it debris-free with a cleanser that’s appropriate for gym equipment. Sometimes the treadmill manufacturer will sell the best cleanser for their product on their website. Making sure the safety key (usually found on all treadmills) is fully functioning is also important to make sure your treadmill is still safe to use. According to ProForm, you should check monthly to verify the treadmill belt still has tension and is properly aligned. Usually, the instructional manual will include information on how to adjust your treadmill belt. Additionally, inspect the power cord for any potential damage and check that the bolts and screws on your treadmill are still screwed in tight. Over time and use, some of these pieces can come loose so they may need to be tightened up occasionally. 

Another aspect to look at is if the treadmill needs lubrication. When you purchase your treadmill, you’ll notice that your package probably came with a small tube of lubrication. This is to keep the treadmill belt in good condition since the lubrication can dry up over time. According to NordicTrack, if the treadmill isn’t properly lubricated it can affect the way it works by making the belt stick and can even cause it to overheat. For proper instructions on how to lubricate your treadmill, adhere to the instruction manual or call the manufacturer’s customer service number for assistance.

Finally, if you’ve done all the inspections required and notice that your treadmill belt is worse for wear, it may be time to replace it. Make sure you have the model number of your treadmill on hand before reordering a replacement belt. Follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s website or owner manual to make sure that you’re installing it correctly. 

Which is better: A treadmill or elliptical?

How long do treadmills last?