The Best Portable Treadmills

The 10 Best Portable Treadmills of 2024

Treadmills remain the most popular form of cardio training gear for home users. They provide an effective low impact way to get in your workout in any sort of weather. But they also take up quite a bit of room. That’s why folding treadmills are a popular choice.

The problem is to find a decent foldable electric treadmill that doesn’t compromise durability and functionality. In his article, we highlight the 10 best portable treadmills. 

The Best Portable Treadmill:

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

The Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding treadmill is an impressive-looking budget foldable. It provides you with a reasonably powerful motor that is smooth and quiet. The cushioned deck, 12 inbuilt workout programs, space saver design, and 3 position manual incline also impress.

This is not a treadmill for serious athletes, but most general users will find the Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding treadmill a great addition to their home gym.

The 10 Best Portable Treadmills:

1. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

Pros:

  • Space-saving design
  • 10 mph max speed
  • Cushioned deck
  • 3X manual incline settings
  • 12 Programs

Cons:

  • Limited frame warranty
  • Running deck a little narrow

Though lightweight, the frame on the Exterra Fitness TR150 Folding treadmill is sturdy, being constructed from steel tubing. The side rails, motor cover, and console dashboard are made from ABS plastic.

The Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding treadmill is a compact treadmill that is ideal for restricted living spaces such as apartments. Its dimensions in terms of length, width, and height are 63.4 x 28.75 x 51.4 inches. However, when folded for storage these reduce to 28.5 x 28.75 x 61 inches.

The manufacturer of this machine recommends that you provide at least two feet of clear space on either side of the treadmill, with three feet behind and a foot at the front.

The Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding treadmill weighs 49 kgs which are relatively heavy. However, it is fitted with transportation wheels for ease of transportation. 

The treadmill features a large 5- inch LCD display to provide the workout feedback that you need to keep you motivated while exercising. You get a running readout of your speed, distance covered, total time, calories burned, and pulse. Quick touch speed buttons allow you to make instant changes. The monitor also features an integrated bookrack and accessory holder.

The Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding treadmill features a large 5- inch LCD display to provide the workout feedback that you need to keep you motivated while exercising. You get a running readout of your speed, distance covered, total time, calories burned, and pulse. Quick touch speed buttons allow you to make instant changes. The monitor also features an integrated bookrack and accessory holder.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Premium Folding Treadmill

Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Premium Folding Treadmill

Pros:

  • Foldable
  • Max Speed 8 mph
  • Max user weight 220 lbs 

Cons:

  • No pulse monitor

The Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Premium Slim Folding Treadmill is lightweight and compact, weighing in at 90 pounds and measuring in at 59 x 30 x 40 inches. Despite its small size, it can still handle a max user weight of 220 lbs. You can also fold this treadmill for easy storage. 

Shock absorbent technology ensures that your workout is low impact and the 2.5 hp motor keeps the belt running strongly and smoothly. The monitor features a clear readout of all of your key training metrics, including speed, time, distance, and calories burned. The only downsides are that you do not get a pulse monitor with this unit and the running belt width, at 1.7 inches, is pretty tight. 

The Asuna comes with transportation wheels and can be folded away for easy storage under a bed or in a cupboard. The folded dimensions are 30.5 x 64 x 5.25 inches.

3. Murtisol Folding Treadmill

Murtisol Folding Treadmill

Pros:

  • 12 pre-installed programs
  • Foldable
  • Compatible app

Cons:

  • Belt not wide enough

The Murtisol Folding Treadmill features a large, impressive-looking console that is pre-loaded with 12 workout programs. You can also pair it with the FitShow app for even more workout options. The max user weight of this treadmill is 265 lbs. You also get a multi-position incline, though it needs to be manually adjusted. The folding treadmill design allows you to easily stack this machine away when not in use.

The running belt comes with two transfer wheels to ensure that you get a smooth running performance. You also get two cup holders, and an iPad holder so you can watch your favorite Netflix shows as you exercise. However, the running belt on this treadmill is a little too narrow and some people have mentioned that the frame is not overly rigid. 

4. Walkingpad C1 Foldable Treadmill

Walkingpad C1 Foldable Treadmill

Pros:

  • 7 layer running belt
  • Foldable
  • Transport wheels

Cons:

  • No incline

The Walkingpad C1 Foldable Treadmill has a max speed of 3.5 mph, which means that it is designed for walking and light jogging rather than a running treadmill. This machine has an under desk design so it does not come with side rails. That means that the monitor is on the base of the unit. That can make it difficult to get a good view of your workout diagnostics while you are exercising. 

The running surface on the Walkingpad C1 features three intelligent speed control options. Simply use the front area of the surface to increase speed, the middle area to jog lightly and the rear area to slow down. The console provides a running readout of your speed, time, distance, and calories. 

The Walkingpad C1 has a sturdy frame that is very durable. It is Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to sweat along to your favorite songs.

5. CitySport Walking Pad Treadmill

CitySport Walking Pad Treadmill

Pros:

  • Lightweight & portable
  • Top speed 6.6 mph
  • Max user weight 220 lbs 

Cons:

  • Flat console

The CitySport Walking Pad Treadmill is an under desk treadmill that features a very sleek, stylish design. It seeks to overcome a major issue with under-desk treadmills by providing a very large angled display that is much easier to see while you’re walking on the running bed than many of its competitors. This treadmill is designed for walking and light jogging with a max speed of 6 mph and a 500-watt motor. It has a max user weight of 220 lbs.

A cool feature of this treadmill is that it comes with a remote control unit to adjust the console. This means that you do not have to bend down to make any adjustments. The motor on this unit runs quietly and smoothly so you won’t interrupt your co-workers when you start striding out. 

6. Goplus 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill

Goplus 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill

Pros:

  • Multi-Layered running belt
  • Super quiet
  • Can be used under desk 

Cons:

  • The console is far from eye view
  • No incline function

The GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill has a solid frame made from heavy-duty ABS steel. The max user weight is 265 lbs, attesting to the stability of this compact treadmill. The side rails can be removed, allowing you to run with the support of rails when you need them. You can then remove the rails if you wish to use the treadmill as an under-desk trainer.

The max speed of the GoPlus 2in 1 folding treadmill is 8 mph. It is Bluetooth enabled and features built-in speakers. The console allows you to keep track of all your training metrics. However, as with all under desk speakers, you will have to look down at your feet to read the console. There is also a safety switch to turn off the treadmill if you get into trouble with this machine. 

Also Read:   The Best Vertical Climbers

The GoPlus 2 in 1 is foldable and features transportation wheels for ease of transportation and storage.

7. Exerpeutic 100XL

Exerpeutic 100XL

Pros:

  • 8 tension levels
  • 3 position incline
  • Extra long rails 

Cons:

  • Quite expensive

The Exerpeutic 100XL is one of the most popular manual-folding treadmills on the market. The maximum user capacity of this treadmill is 325 lbs, which is the highest of any treadmill in this entire review. That speaks to the solid and sturdy design of the frame. You also get a wide running belt to allow you to get a natural running stride. Dual flywheels ensure that you get a smooth natural rather than a jerky, stuttery belt motion. 

The magnetic tensioner on the Exerpeutic 100XL allows you to select between a number of resistance levels. There are also three manually adjustable inclines on this treadmill – 8, 10 & 15 degrees – to provide an ever-increasing workout challenge. 

A great feature of the XL100 is that it features extra-long handrails. This provides an enhanced level of stability and security. This is especially handy for seniors and those with balance issues. The console is large and clear, providing you with a readout of your important training diagnostics, including heart rate, elapsed time, distance. Speed and calories burned. 

The Exerpeutic XL is a folding treadmill that can be easily packed up for convenient storage in a cupboard or under a bed. The folded dimensions of the 100XL is 35 x 26 x 61 inches. 

8. BiFanuo 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill

BiFanuo 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill

Pros:

  • Connects with phone and app
  • No assembly required
  • Lightweight
  • 12 preset programs

Cons:

  • Display dissent from eyesight

The BiFanuo 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill comes with a dozen pre-installed workout programs so you can get straight into a range of personal trainer-created training programs. These range from fat loss to cardio and endurance. The handrail of this treadmill can be removed to allow you to exercise under a desk. It also features Bluetooth, a phone cradle, and speakers. The maximum speed of this treadmill is 6.5 mph, making it suitable for walking and jogging.

The Bifanuo 2 in 1 folding treadmill features a shock-absorbing deck to ensure low impact on your joints. Transportation wheels make it easy to move this treadmill around.

9. Real Relax 2 In 1 Under Desk Treadmill

Real Relax 2 In 1 Under Desk Treadmill

Pros:

  • 2.0 HP motor
  • Max speed 7.45 mph
  • Shock absorption technology
  • 12 preset programs

Cons:

  • No handrails

The Real Relax 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill is fitted with a powerful 2.0 hp motor which provides a max speed of 7.45 mph. This is an under-desk treadmill that is ideal for walking and light jogging. A pressure-balanced lateral shock absorption system makes for an impact-free workout, making it ideal for those with knee or ankle joint problems. 

The Real Relax 2 in 1 is foldable and comes with transportation wheels. The high-definition display panel features an attractive multi-color display that provides a running readout of your key training data. There are also a dozen pre-set programs built into the console so you will never be short of training options. Three incline options allow you to ramp up your workout intensity. 

Your purchase also comes with dual wireless Bluetooth speakers. There is no assembly required so you can use the Real Reax 2 in 1 right out of the box. 

10. SereneLife Smart Electric Folding Treadmill

SereneLife Smart Electric Folding Treadmill

Pros:

  • Incline adjustment
  • 12 preset programmes
  • Digital Bluetooth app sync

Cons:

  • Not overly sturdy

The SereneLife Smart Electric Folding Treadmill is a solid budget portable treadmill that comes with 12 preset programs, a max speed of 6 mph, and a max user weight of 265 pounds. You get three manual incline levels to make your workout more intense. The digital LCD display provides you with an ongoing record of your running time, heart rate, distance, speed, and calories burned.

This is certainly one of the most portable and compact treadmills that we have come across. The downside of that is that the running bed is not very big, which may hamper the natural gait and stride movement of some people. This treadmill is also not overly sturdy.

Buyer’s Guide

Here are the five most important things to consider when choosing your portable treadmill.

Running Belt Length & Width

The size of your running belt will determine whether or not you have room to move naturally. If not, you won’t be able to run with your natural running gait. The ideal belt width for a walker is 20 inches, with 22 inches being best for running. When it comes to running belt length, 50 inches is best for walkers. Runners will need an extra five inches.

Price

When it comes to electric treadmills, anything under $500 is considered to be budget. However, in terms of portable treadmills, $500 is around the middle of the range, with the high end getting close to $1000. 

Features 

The key features to look for in a treadmill are:

  • Auto Incline
  • Workout Programs
  • Maximum Speed
  • Wifi Connectivity
  • Monitor size and colors
  • Transportability

Motor

The power output of the motor will determine the speed and smoothness of the running belt. If you plan to only use the treadmill for walking a 2 continuous horsepower (CHP) motor will do the job. Joggers will need to go up to 2.5 CHP with runners needing a 2.0 CHP or higher motor. 

Warranty

You should expect your treadmill to cover four areas of warranty:

  • Frame – even some of the budget treadmills will provide you with a lifetime frame warranty
  • Motor – you should expect your portable treadmill to come with a minimum of 5 years converge on the motor
  • Parts – look for a portable treadmill that provides you with at least a 12-month parts warranty
  • Labor – most budget treadmills will not offer a labor warranty. Thode over a thousand dollars should provide you with a minimum of 12 months of coverage. 

FAQs

Are foldable treadmills reliable?

Yes, the majority of folding treadmills on the market are reliable. Modern foldable treadmills are surprisingly solid. Most low to mid-priced foldable treadmills have a maximum weight of between 200 and 275 pounds, which is sufficient for most people. The majority of them will also provide a 5-year motor warranty and longer on the frame.

Should you wear running shoes on a treadmill?

Yes, you need to wear good running shoes on a treadmill? You can wear the same shoes that you use for running outside. 

Is running on a treadmill easier on the body than running outdoors?

Running on a treadmill is less stressful on the body than running outdoors. The padded running belt of the treadmill absorbs a lot of the impact of your body. That does not happen when you are running on the road. However, there is a downside to this. Running on a treadmill does not condition the muscles of the lower body to handle the stresses of non-treadmill running.

Conclusion

The portable treadmill market is thriving, with a wide range of quality portable machines available. Prices range between a few hundred and around a thousand dollars. Manual, walking pad, and folding electronic options are all good options. However, the best portable treadmill on the market right now is Xterra Fitness TR150, which features a space-saving design, a cushioned deck, and 12 programs. 

This article was last updated on July 26, 2024 .

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Written by
Steve Theunissen

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