The 14 best treadmills for indoor walking and running, tested

Score: 90/100

Short on space but still want a larger treadmill to run on? The Bowflex T6 could be the solution. While it’s slightly wider and longer than other foldable machines, it is stored upright.

Assembly took some time, so set aside at least an hour. Once up, our expert found the machine stable and comfortable to jog and sprint on, and it reached a top speed of 20kmph with an incline up to 15%. The treadmill’s FlexZone cushioned running deck is designed to reduce impact on the joints, too.

With a large display, you can see stats clearly, including distance, pace and calories burned. And if you love keeping on top of your fitness data, it can also be synced to your Apple or Galaxy smartwatch. Although there’s no HD screen, it does have a tablet holder and connects easily to apps including JRNY and Peloton. Interval fans will also appreciate the QuickDial controls – thanks to the scrolling wheel, it’s simple to alter speeds quickly as you run. The machine also features a built-in Bluetooth speaker so you can stream music or podcasts as you run, and there’s a fan with three speeds to keep you cool.

Note that after your workout, you’ll need someone to give you a hand folding it away, as the deck isn’t light.

Score: 88/100

This connected Bowflex design doesn’t have a built-in screen but it still won our expert over with an array of impressive features. The roomy running deck is cushioned and supportive for joint-friendly running, quick-response dials allow for effortless speed and incline changes, and you can pair it with your fitness watch to track your metrics in real time.

The sleek machine was straightforward to set up (you may need an extra pair of hands as it’s on the heavier side) and just as simple to fold away. It boasts plenty of storage options, punchy Bluetooth speakers and, best of all, an incredibly powerful fan to keep you cool as you go. The petite LCD display neatly presents your data – including calories burned, distance, speed, time and incline – and there are two tablet holders if you fancy streaming a workout via Bowflex’s JRNY app (for an additional cost) or another app like Kinomap or Zwift.

Our expert also raved about how quiet the treadmill was, even on the highest speed settings, and praised the sturdy base, which was extremely stable and secure to run on. Just note, it will take up a fair bit of space in your living room or home gym.

Score: 85/100

We’re big fans of Domyos equipment here at Good Housekeeping – the brand features heavily in our best home gym equipment round-up – and its latest treadmill is no exception. It’s more affordable than the options above, yet it still delivers a punchy 22kmph top speed and a 12% incline, making it a solid choice for at-home training.

Our tester found the set-up process fuss-free thanks to clear visual instructions, and once it was up and running, the robust frame and smooth belt made for an exceptionally comfortable workout. The bright console is easy to read mid-workout, while the speed and incline shortcuts, plus the remote control, are thoughtful touches – especially if you’re tackling tough intervals and don’t want to break your stride.

They also raved about the powerful built-in fan, designed to help you stay cool, calm and collected as you work up a sweat, and appreciated the well-sized, easy-to-reach bottle holders that make staying hydrated simple. There’s an impressive selection of built-in workouts, along with a tablet holder for streaming classes or binge watching your favourite shows. It’s equipped with transport wheels and folds for storage, though it is a sizeable piece of kit.

Score: 82/100

Whether you’re new to fitness or a regular runner, this Horizon design is a reliable mid-range pick. It has a decent 10% incline and a top speed of 16kmph along with eight built-in HIIT programmes, app integration for seamless tracking and a range of workouts available via the atZone app.

On test, it provided a firm, solid base for our sessions, without any wobbling, even on the highest inclines. The cushioning was just the right balance between bouncy and firm (so you don't have to worry about sore joints) and though the deck isn’t the widest out there, there was still enough space for lengthy strides, without feeling boxed in.

When it comes to adjustments, there’s a handy ‘EasyDial Thumb Control’ for speedy changes. It reached its top speed in 28 seconds and its top incline in 20 seconds, with smooth, consistent transitions. Though it lacks a fancy touchscreen, you still get a bright LED console which presents your progress neatly, including time, calories burned, distance, heart rate and more.

Another plus point is its compact design – it’s small enough to squeeze into any home gym, however makeshift and it boasts a ‘FeatherLight’ folding system with a hydraulic mechanism to lift and fold the deck easily.

Score: 81/100

Setting up a treadmill can sometimes be stressful, but there’s no such problem with this sleek Technogym running machine. Your purchase comes with free installation – no need to worry about faffing around with screws and bolts – as well a training session with a Technogym expert so you can get to grips with your new running buddy quickly and safely.

Thanks to the great customer service and support, our expert found the treadmill refreshingly simple and intuitive to use. There’s one lever to adjust the incline, one for speed and another for stopping and starting. There’s a quick start function so you can get going without fiddling with any controls, and we loved the accompanying Technogym app, which is jam-packed with engaging guided workouts and scenic running routes, and there's auto-adjust speed and incline functionality. It also links to third-party apps like Strava and Zwift, or you can just stream Netflix as you rack up the miles.

Unlike many premium running machines, MyRun’s design is neat and compact, so it won’t take over your entire living room. It’s also much more aesthetically pleasing than most treadmills. We found it moved smoothly at even the highest speeds, the motor was whisper-quiet and the data screens (which you can access via the app) were detailed and clearly presented all our main statistics.

Coming in at over £3500, it isn’t cheap, but if you can afford to splash out, it’s undoubtedly worth it.

Score: 81/100

If you like the sound of the feature-heavy treadmills above but simply don’t have the space, let us introduce you to the Echelon Stride-6s. It’s extremely compact and folds completely flat, so you can easily store it away when not in use.

Our tester rated the Echelon app, which is packed with a plethora of live and on-demand classes, plus leaderboards to keep you accountable. Classes are delivered via a crisp 10-inch HD touchscreen and there’s a neat console which reveals your stats and helps you keep track of your progress.

It offers a 20kmph top speed and a respectable 12% incline, which should be sufficient enough to challenge most runners. Adjusting these was quick and easy thanks to sliding dials on the sidebars. There are two conveniently placed cup holders, charging ports to plug in your tech and heart rate sensors on the handlebars. The built-in fan was a tad disappointing, though.

Our fitness pro did experience some wobbling at top speeds and the deck might be too small for some. On the plus side, the motor is almost whisper quiet.

Score: 79/100

Looking for a gym-quality treadmill experience at home for under £2,000? You can’t go wrong with the JTX Sprint-8 Pro, which comes in at £1,449.

The sleek machine ticked all the boxes for our experts, who were impressed with the generous running deck and solid steel frame. It didn’t shake once during our rigorous testing, and it was seriously smooth underfoot, even at higher speeds. This makes it a good choice for those with a larger frame or a heavy footfall.

With a max speed of 20kmph (that’s a 4:40min per mile pace) and a respectable 15% incline, it’s suitable for both couch-to-5kers and speedsters. There are lots of pre-set workouts to choose from, or if you prefer interactive coaching, there’s a device holder and built-in speakers for streaming sessions.

The motor was pretty quiet (ideal for 6am sessions before work), it was easy to adjust the speed and incline during our runs, and there’s a heart rate monitor for more focused training. The machine also comes with a three-year warranty for peace of mind. Though it's foldable and has a wheeled base, we found it difficult to move around and store away, but that was our only quibble. Overall, a quality piece of kit that’s suitable for the whole family.

Score: 79/100

This compact UREVO design, which reaches speeds up to 12km/h and boasts a decent 9% incline, is designed for walking and light running. It’s a great option for casual runners who don't want to do any sprinting and those who work from home and want to up their daily step count.

The robust handlebars offer stability while jogging, but you can also choose to have them folded down and use the machine as a walking pad underneath your desk instead. There’s a basic but easy-to-read display that shows your key workout metrics, a wide holder for your phone or tablet, and a remote control so you can easily switch up the speed or pause the machine. There are also six pre-programmed workouts to flit between, plus the UREVO app, which features an extensive library of workouts to choose from.

Our expert said the treadmill felt extremely smooth underfoot and provided a sturdy base for their sessions. They also noted the incline offered a realistic uphill experience, making workouts more challenging, without having to increase the speed.

The motor is quiet, and the machine is easy to store away when you're not using it. Just note, the belt is on the smaller side and may not be suitable for tall runners.

Score: 78/100

Another Domyos treadmill, this one doesn’t have all the mod cons of more expensive models, but it still impressed our testing team with a solid all-round performance. Our expert praised the robust, high-quality steel frame and appreciated the cushioned belt, which provided sufficient bounce while protecting their long-suffering knees.

Its top speed of 18km/h should be plenty for most, while it has a decent 10% incline for replicating hilly routes, and there are no fewer than 32 pre-set workouts to suit all experience levels.

The motor is fairly quiet, so there’s no need to worry about waking up your neighbours during early morning runs, and it can be folded away – ideal for those who don’t want a cardio machine to take over their entire living room. There’s no fancy touchscreen but the backlit console displays all your key stats clearly, including time, distance, pace and calories burned. According to our experts, it’s incredibly easy to navigate, with large buttons for adjusting the speed and incline as well as pausing and ending a session.

As a bonus, there’s a tablet holder and built-in speakers so you can stream Netflix during more relaxed sessions. You also get a fan to keep you cool as you work up a sweat and a chest strap to monitor your heart rate accurately.

Score: 77/100

If you struggle to get your steps in, a walking pad is the perfect solution. Unlike most of the other treadmills in our round-up, this UREVO design, which has a slim flat base and no handles, has been created specifically for walking and light jogging, reaching speeds up to 6km/h. It’s a great option if you work from home and want to be more active during the day – all you need is a standing desk converter and you’re good to go.

According to our expert, it couldn’t be simpler to use – simply plug it in and get moving. Despite the purse-friendly price tag, the build is surprisingly sturdy, there's a nice level of cushioning on the belt and it’s quiet enough to use in a shared space.

There’s a basic but easy-to-read LED display, which toggles between your time on the pad, speed, distance and calories, allowing you to keep track of your progress, and you can switch up the speed or pause the machine using the remote control.

It scored highly for accuracy in terms of step count and speed, and thanks to its compact size, you can store it away under the sofa when not in use. Just note, it may be too small for anyone on the larger or taller side (over 6ft).

Score: 74/100

Another design from the experts at JTX, this one is an excellent choice if you’re short on space. It’s lightweight, compact and can be stored completely flat, with a handy wheeled base to make lugging it around the house a doddle.

As for space-saving credentials, it earned our experts’ seal of approval for its simple yet effective design. It has a max speed of 16km/ph, with 36 pre-set workouts and the option to create your own personalised routines based on your goals. At under £600, it doesn’t have a touchscreen, but it can be linked to a phone or tablet to stream sessions from your favourite running apps or just catch-up on your favourite shows as you wrack up the miles. It also has a large digital display – showcasing your speed, time, distance and calories burned – to help you keep track of your progress.

The speed buttons located on the handlebars were easy to reach and adjust mid-run, the smooth-moving belt provided a stable surface for all our walks, jogs and runs (no wobbling reported), and the motor was one of the quietest out of all the machines we tested.

Just note, there are no incline or decline options, so look to one of our other options if hiking or hill running are your thing.

Score: 74/100

The third Domyos treadmill in our round-up, the RUN500 is £200 cheaper than the T900D above, yet it’s still brimming with impressive features.

Unlike many small machines, which can feel unstable, the design proved extremely sturdy, even when running at faster speeds. Though on the narrow side, there was sufficient room to run, and it felt comfortable and smooth underfoot. Its petite stature and neat, folding design also mean it’s ideal if you’re short on space.

Our expert raved about the generous touchscreen console and bright LED display, which shows your stats, including time, distance, speed, calories and pace. You don’t get a built-in screen (perhaps not surprising for the price) but you can plug in your phone or tablet and work your way through the 30 pre-set workouts. The machine is also super quiet.

The top speed of 16kph should be more than enough for the average runner and the 10% incline is fantastic for hilly walks and runs. The sidebars are a little short, and the water bottle holders are tricky to reach mid-run, but these are minor quibbles for an otherwise reliable machine.

Score: 70/100

Designed with space-saving in mind, this is a compact, lightweight treadmill that can fit under a desk, with easy-to-use and responsive controls. However, we didn’t find it very stable for running on, so it could be best used as a walking pad.

There isn’t an interactive screen, but with an adjustable front rail and a dual display, there’s plenty of room for a tablet should you want to connect to the UREVO app. In the app, you’ll find interactive elements, including scenic routes to follow, plus you can programme daily goals including calories burnt and miles you’d like to hit.

Our expert found the belt smooth to walk on and was able to make speed changes via the remote control. The treadmill has a maximum speed of 10 kmph; however, we found it less stable for running on, mainly due to the short belt and the lack of side rails.

The treadmill has an incline of 12% for those who want to recreate the demands of hill walking, but this isn’t controlled automatically – it has to be manually changed by raising the feet underneath the treadmill. When you’re finished, though, it’s lightweight and small enough to move or store away easily.