We Found the Best Folding Treadmills for Home Workouts After Testing 35 Options

What to Look for When Shopping for a Folding Treadmill

• Size: Folding treadmills are a popular pick for small spaces because they’re easy to store between workouts. But when unfolded, a folding treadmill can be as big as a regular treadmill, so you’ll want to double-check unfolded dimensions before buying to ensure it can fit in your space. You should also consider the width and length of the running belt, says Jeff Raines, certified triathlon coach.
• Weight Capacity: Some treadmills can support more weight than others, so always check their weight capacity. When purchasing, make sure the treadmill can support you (or anyone else using it) and any extra weight you might be wearing or using while working out, such as ankle weights or weighted vests.
• Maximum Speed: Another thing to look at before making a purchase is maximum speed. Many models can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, and some advanced ones can even go up to 12 miles per hour. However, some models cap at a modest 3 miles per hour. Consider whether you will be walking, jogging, or running, and choose a treadmill that aligns with your needs.
• Incline: Many folding treadmills offer inclines up to 12%, while others offer no incline settings. Some even offer decline functionality, letting more experienced runners mimic downhill running or racing conditions. Consider the type of workouts you like, and make sure the machine you’re eyeing can deliver them.
• Workout Programs: Built-in workout programs offer diversity and help keep workouts engaging and challenging, says certified personal trainer Anel Pla, CPT. Many treadmills feature pre-programmed workouts accessible from their display, with some also offering companion apps, on-demand workouts, or guided training programs. Just keep in mind that access to some workouts may require paying for a subscription-based service.

How We Tested the Folding Treadmills

To find the best folding treadmills for at-home workouts, we spent over 112 hours testing 35 options from top, trusted fitness equipment brands. When testing folding treadmills, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: After unboxing each treadmill, we note how easy it is to set up. Does it come fully assembled? If not, how difficult is it to put together, and how long does it take? Once the treadmill is fully assembled, we review any safety features, sign up for applicable streaming services, connect to compatible apps, and check out additional features. We evaluate the instructions and assess whether they’re clear and concise or difficult to follow.
• Ease of Use: A high-quality folding treadmill should be user-friendly and easy to navigate. During testing, we evaluate whether using the treadmill and its features is straightforward or difficult. Is the console clear and intuitive? Does it track helpful workout metrics? How easy is it to adjust the incline and the speed? Is the running belt long enough to accommodate a variety of heights and strides?
• Foldability: We evaluate how easy it is to fold each treadmill. Since treadmills have different folding mechanisms, we rely on the provided instructions to get started. We consider how intuitive the process is: Are the instructions straightforward? Can one person do it by themselves? When folded, we note how compact and space-saving each folding treadmill truly is.
• Features: Every treadmill offers different features—touchscreens, built-in fans, app connectivity, and more. We test each treadmill's unique features and determine whether they add value to our overall experience with the product. Do the features make this treadmill stand out for a specific user? We also consider whether the treadmill is missing any features that would have improved our workouts.
• Value: To give each treadmill an accurate value score, we don’t check its price until the end of the testing period. Based on how it performed in the above-tested categories, we consider if the product is priced fairly. Would we buy it for ourselves? Would we recommend it to a friend or family member? We prioritize treadmills that earn a resounding yes to these questions.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some helped us better understand why users might opt for a folding treadmill and what features to look for when shopping. Others helped inform our testing process. While we always choose products independently, expert insights influence our decisions.  

• Jeff Raines, certified triathlon coach
• Anel Pla, CPT, certified personal trainer and partner at 5 Point Zero Fitness in New Jersey 
• John Honerkamp, RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a foldable treadmill worth it?

Folding treadmills offer compact convenience for at-home workouts, making it easier to reap the health benefits of running or walking, such as lower blood pressure. When folded, they can be easily stored and transported in small spaces. They're also more cost-effective than regular treadmills yet provide similar functionality and features for diverse fitness needs.

Are folding treadmills as effective as regular treadmills? 

Yes. Most folding treadmills are just as effective as regular treadmills since foldability has very little to do with a treadmill’s ability to deliver a good workout. It’s more important to consider factors like incline, speed, and added features, which will determine the quality and effectiveness of your workout—whether interval training or simply walking after meals to kickstart digestion.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga instructor and writer for Verywell Fit, specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a fitness enthusiast, Michelle enjoys all forms of movement, especially yoga, pilates, and fitness walking on her treadmill. 

Additional reporting contributed by Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT and Christine Luff, ACE-CPT

Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she's dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing.

An avid runner, certified running coach, and fitness writer for Verywell Fit, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, loves researching and testing the latest and greatest fitness equipment and gear. Her decades of running experience and training athletes have helped her understand the value of using the best gear and products for optimal performance and comfort. Although she prefers running outdoors, she enjoys interval workouts on the treadmill.