5 Best Folding Treadmills 2024 – Tested & Reviewed

Brand: NordicTrack
Model: T 9.5 S
Color: Black
Product Dimensions: 59.4″D x 35.5″W x 78.9″H
Item Weight: 0.1 Kilograms (likely an error, actual weight is much heavier)
Material: Alloy Steel
Maximum Speed: 12 Miles per Hour
Incline Range: 0% to 12%
Display Type: 14-inch Interactive HD Touchscreen
Tread Deck Size: 20” x 60”
Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
Foldability: SpaceSaver Design with EasyLift Assist for easy folding and storage
Special Features: Integrated with iFIT for live and on-demand workouts
FlexSelect Cushioning for adjustable deck softness
Noise Cancellation Technology
SMART-Response Motor for effective running and cardio training

When evaluating folding treadmills, the NordicTrack T 9.5 S stands out as a compelling option -literally the best option- offering a blend of high-tech features and space-saving design. The ability to easily fold and store the machine is a significant factor for many users, especially those with limited living space.

Foldability and Storage: The NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill

SpaceSaver Design with EasyLift Assist: This feature is a cornerstone of the treadmill’s appeal. The innovative SpaceSaver Design allows the treadmill to be easily lifted and folded, significantly reducing its footprint when not in use.

The EasyLift Assist mechanism is a welcome addition, making the folding process almost effortless. For individuals living in apartments or homes where space is at a premium, this design allows the treadmill to be conveniently stored away, potentially under beds or in closets, depending on space availability.

Other Noteworthy Features

Just because we are looking for a folding treadmill, it would be foolish not to look at other features.

Immersive Interactive Training: The inclusion of a 30-day iFIT Membership invites users into a world of interactive training sessions. The 14-inch HD touchscreen provides live and on-demand workouts, making exercise an engaging experience. The ability for trainers to adjust the treadmill’s speed and incline in real-time adds a personalized touch to workouts.

Performance and Durability: With a SMART-Response motor, the treadmill accommodates effective cardio training and running sessions. The maximum speed of 12 MPH and a 12% incline are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Additionally, the treadmill’s construction supports a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, indicating robust build quality.

Comfort and Usability: The 20” x 60” tread deck offers ample space for comfortable running, and FlexSelect cushioning provides adjustable impact absorption to protect joints. These features, combined with the quiet operation of the motor, enhance the user experience.

Connected Fitness: The ability to sync with various fitness apps broadens the scope of tracking and integrating workout data, making it easier to monitor progress and stay motivated.

Considerations

While the NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill excels in many areas, potential users should consider a few factors:

Assembly Required: Setting up the treadmill may require some time and effort, though it’s generally manageable.

Investment: The quality and features of the treadmill come with a price tag that may be higher than simpler models. However, the investment reflects the value offered in terms of durability, technology, and the comprehensive fitness experience.

Conclusion

For those prioritizing foldability without compromising on technology and performance, the NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill is an outstanding choice. Its SpaceSaver Design addresses the needs of space-conscious individuals, while its immersive workout experiences and robust build cater to a broad spectrum of fitness enthusiasts.

Balancing these factors, it presents itself as a top contender in the category of best folding treadmills, offering a harmonious blend of practicality and advanced features.

Brand: ProForm
Model: Carbon TL
Maximum Speed: 10 Miles per Hour
Incline: 0% to 10%
Motor: 2.6 Horsepower
User Capacity: 300 lbs
Folded Dimensions: 65.7”H x 32.1”W x 32.9”D
Special Features: Built-In Speaker, Bluetooth, Auto Incline, Foldable
Warranty: 10-year frame, 1-year parts and labor

Positioning the ProForm Carbon TL Treadmill in second place on our list of best folding treadmills, especially when compared to the NordicTrack T 9.5 S, requires a detailed examination of their features, performance, and value for the user. Both treadmills cater to home fitness enthusiasts seeking quality, durability, and interactive workout options, yet they cater to slightly different priorities and preferences.

Why ProForm Carbon TL Ranks Second

Speed and Incline Capabilities: The ProForm offers a maximum speed of 10 MPH and an incline range up to 10%, which is slightly less than the NordicTrack’s 12 MPH speed and 12% incline. For more advanced runners or those seeking high-intensity workouts, the NordicTrack edges out with its higher specs.

Interactive Training and Display: While both models offer iFIT compatibility, the NordicTrack T 9.5 S features an immersive 14-inch interactive HD touchscreen, providing a more engaging visual experience for workouts compared to the ProForm’s LED display and external device connection for iFIT. The larger, integrated screen of the NordicTrack may offer a more seamless and immersive workout experience.

Motor Power: The NordicTrack T 9.5 S has a slightly more powerful motor at 2.6 horsepower, offering a bit more durability and smoothness for longer or more intense running sessions compared to the ProForm.

Cushioning Technology: Both treadmills have proprietary cushioning technologies (ProShox for ProForm and FlexSelect for NordicTrack) designed to reduce impact on joints. However, preferences between these systems can be subjective, with some users favoring one over the other based on their running style and comfort requirements.

Design and Space-Saving Features: Both treadmills boast space-saving designs with easy lift and fold capabilities. The ProForm is praised for its compact footprint when folded, making it slightly more appealing for users with very limited space.

Warranty and Price: The ProForm offers a competitive warranty similar to NordicTrack’s but often comes at a slightly lower price point. This makes the ProForm an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking for good value without sacrificing too much on features and quality.

Conclusion

The NordicTrack T 9.5 S secures the top spot on our list due to its superior speed and incline options, larger interactive display, and slightly more robust motor, catering to a wider range of fitness enthusiasts seeking a more immersive training experience. However, the ProForm Carbon TL is a strong contender in second place, especially appealing to users who prioritize budget, space-saving design, and the flexibility of using their own devices for interactive workouts.

It represents a balance between quality, interactive training features, and value, making it an excellent choice for users who might not need the highest speed and incline settings but still desire a solid, reliable treadmill for their home workouts.

Placing the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill in the third spot on our “best folding treadmills” list, especially after evaluating the ProForm Carbon TL and the NordicTrack T 9.5 S, requires a nuanced comparison of their features, performance, and user benefits. Each of these treadmills brings its own set of strengths to the table, catering to different user needs and preferences. Here’s why the Commercial 1750 lands in third place:

Comparison with ProForm Carbon TL and NordicTrack T 9.5 S

Technology and Interactivity

NordicTrack T 9.5 S: Leads with a 14-inch interactive HD touchscreen, offering an immersive experience with iFIT workouts. It’s this level of engagement that places it highly for users seeking interactive training sessions.
ProForm Carbon TL: Offers iFIT connectivity and interactive training options but relies on external devices for streaming workouts, which slightly limits the immersion compared to the T 9.5 S.
Commercial 1750: Like the T 9.5 S, it boasts a 14” tilt-and-pivot Smart HD Touchscreen and iFIT compatibility. While it matches the T 9.5 S in technology, its position is influenced by other factors such as design and user experience.

Design and Space Efficiency

T 9.5 S and Carbon TL: Both models highlight their foldable, space-saving designs with easy storage solutions, appealing to users with limited workout space.
Commercial 1750: Also features a SpaceSaver Folding Design with EasyLift Assist, making it competitive in terms of storage. However, its larger size and heavier weight might make it slightly less maneuverable than its counterparts.

Performance and Comfort

T 9.5 S: Provides a robust performance with a slightly stronger motor and higher incline and speed ranges, catering to a more diverse audience.
Carbon TL: Targets everyday fitness with adequate speed, incline capabilities, and ProShox cushioning for comfort.
Commercial 1750: Offers a unique blend of performance features, including a -3% decline to 12% incline range, which is notable for simulating varied terrains. The Runner’s Flex cushioning is a standout for reducing impact on joints, aligning it closely with the T 9.5 S in terms of comfort.

Why the Commercial 1750 is in Third Place

Weight and Size: Its substantial footprint and weight, despite being foldable, might pose a challenge for those with very limited space or who need to move their treadmill regularly.
Price Point: When considering value for money, users might find the features of the T 9.5 S or the affordability of the Carbon TL more aligned with their needs, despite the 1750’s advanced capabilities.
iFIT Subscription Requirement: Like the other models, the reliance on an iFIT subscription for maximizing its use can be a drawback for users looking for a less subscription-dependent experience.
Assembly and Setup: The assembly requirement, while common across many treadmills, coupled with its larger size, can make initial setup more daunting compared to other models.

In summary, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a powerhouse treadmill that doesn’t skimp on technology, performance, or user experience.

It rightfully earns its spot on the list for those who prioritize advanced features and immersive training sessions. However, considerations around size, weight, and overall value place it in third after the slightly more versatile NordicTrack T 9.5 S and the more budget-friendly ProForm Carbon TL, both of which offer compelling features with fewer caveats for the average home user.

Brand: WELLFIT
Color: Black
Product Dimensions: 27″D x 50″W x 5″H
Item Weight: 97 Pounds
Material: Alloy Steel
Maximum Speed: 8.7 Miles per Hour
Maximum Horsepower: 3 Horsepower
Maximum Incline Percentage: 15%
Assembly Required: Yes
Display Type: LCD
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
Number of Programs: 25
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 350 Pounds
Deck Length: 45 Inches

Deck Width: 18 Inches
Screen Size: 18 Inches
Input Power: 300 Watts
Special Features: Auto Incline, KINOMAP and ZWIFT compatibility, heart rate monitoring, foldable design with EasyLift Assist, music player.
Included Components: EasyLift Assist, two lubricant oils, tools pack, user manual, and safety key.
Folded Size: 27*52 inch
Package Weight: 49.44 Kilograms
Warranty Description: 10 years on the frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on labor
Model Name: WFTM007
Style: Auto Incline Treadmill

Placing the WELLFIT Auto Incline Treadmill in the fourth spot on our “best folding treadmills” list reflects a strategic positioning that takes into account its unique features and how they compare to those of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, ProForm Carbon TL, and NordicTrack T 9.5 S. Here’s the rationale behind its ranking:

Comparison and Ranking Justification:

Advanced Features and Usability:

While the WELLFIT treadmill impresses with its auto incline up to 15 levels and smart connectivity options, it’s placed after the NordicTrack and ProForm models due to its maximum speed limit of 8.7 MPH. The higher speed capabilities of the NordicTrack models, in particular, cater better to a wider range of fitness enthusiasts looking for intense training sessions.

Interactive Training Experience:

The NordicTrack treadmills, especially with their larger HD touchscreens and immersive iFIT workouts, offer a more engaging user experience compared to WELLFIT’s reliance on external apps for interactivity. This places WELLFIT in a slightly less favorable position for users who prioritize built-in interactive training features.

Build and Design:

While WELLFIT’s 45 x 18-inch tread deck is commendably spacious and its foldable design highly practical, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and ProForm Carbon TL boast stronger motors and wider incline ranges. These features contribute to a more versatile training experience, from intense runs to varied incline workouts.

Price and Value:

WELLFIT’s treadmill is positioned as a valuable contender with a solid build, good incline range, and smart app compatibility. However, when weighed against the comprehensive warranty, superior build quality, and enhanced interactive features of the higher-ranked treadmills, WELLFIT secures the fourth place. It offers great value, especially for users focused on incline walking and jogging, but doesn’t quite match the top contenders in terms of overall performance and immersive technology.

Conclusion:

The fourth-place ranking of the WELLFIT Auto Incline Treadmill on our list is reflective of its commendable features tailored to all fitness levels, its smart compatibility with fitness apps, and user-friendly design aspects like its foldability and heart rate monitoring.

However, when directly compared to the advanced technology, superior interactive capabilities, and higher performance thresholds of the NordicTrack and ProForm models, WELLFIT positions as a strong, yet slightly more niche, contender. It is ideal for users seeking a reliable, app-compatible treadmill with significant incline options and a focus on moderate-intensity workouts, making it a versatile addition to any home gym setup.

Brand: IMPREMEY
Color: Black
Product Dimensions: 46.46″D x 26.77″W x 47.24″H
Folded Size: 46.46″L x 26.77″W x 47.24″H
Item Weight: 39 Kilograms (approx. 86 Pounds)
Material: Metal
Maximum Speed: 12 Kilometers per Hour (approximately 7.5 MPH)
Special Features: Manual Incline, Foldable, Compact Design, Wheeled, Heart Rate Monitor
Recommended Uses For Product: Indoor use for walking, jogging, running, HIIT, and more
Target Audience: Adults, Children
Maximum Horsepower: 2.5 Horsepower
Maximum Incline Percentage: 15%
Assembly Required: Yes
Display Type: LCD
Number of Programs: 64
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
Included Components: EasyLift Assist, Two Lubricant Oils, Tools Pack, User Manual, Safety Key

Product Benefits: Offers a variety of workouts, mood boost, improves muscle strength, and is compatible with ZWIFT KINOMAP WELLFIT Apps
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 265 Pounds
Deck Length: 42 Inches
Deck Width: 16 Inches
Frame Material: Alloy Steel
Speed Rating: 0.6-8.7 mph
Screen Size: LCD Display (size not specified in inches for screen, might be an error mentioning 64 inches)
Input Power: 220 Watts
Minimum Speed: 0.6 Miles per Hour
Package Weight: 44 Kilograms (approx. 97 Pounds)
Warranty Description: 20 years on structural frame, 180 days on other parts and components

The IMPREMEY Treadmill, designed to offer a comprehensive and customizable workout experience, finds its place as the fifth contender in our list of “best folding treadmills.” This machine is tailored for users seeking variety in their training regimen without compromising on space efficiency.

Pros:

Variety in Workouts: With 64 programmable workouts across 8 modes, it stands out for offering an extensive range of training options to keep your routines diverse and engaging.

Adjustable Incline: The 3 levels of manual incline add an extra layer of challenge to your workouts, helping you target different muscle groups and improve cardiovascular health.

Compact and Foldable Design: Ideal for home use, especially where space is a premium. Its easy folding mechanism and wheels enhance portability and storage convenience.

Quiet Operation: The 2.5HP motor ensures a quiet workout experience, making it suitable for apartment living or shared spaces.

User-Friendly Interface: An LED screen displays essential workout metrics clearly, and the device holder adds practicality for entertainment or fitness app usage during exercise sessions.

Ease of Assembly: Coming 95% assembled with a quick setup time, it’s ready to use almost out of the box, reducing the hassle often associated with home gym equipment.

Cons:

Manual Incline Adjustment: Unlike automatic incline features in higher-ranked models, the manual adjustment might disrupt the workout flow for some users.

Limited Speed Range: A maximum speed of 7.5 MPH may not cater to more advanced runners looking for high-intensity sessions.

Weight Capacity: With a maximum weight recommendation of 265 pounds, it might not accommodate all users comfortably.

Smaller Deck Size: The 42” x 16” running surface may feel restrictive for taller individuals or those with a longer stride.

Comparison with Other Products:

Compared to the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, ProForm Carbon TL, NordicTrack T 9.5 S, and WELLFIT Auto Incline Treadmill, the IMPREMEY Treadmill focuses on providing a balance between workout variety and space-saving design. While it doesn’t boast the high-tech screens or extensive connectivity of some higher-ranked models, its strength lies in the sheer number of built-in workout programs and ease of assembly and storage, catering especially to beginners or those with moderate fitness goals.

Conclusion:

Landing in fifth place, the IMPREMEY Treadmill offers an admirable blend of workout versatility, user-friendly features, and space efficiency at a potentially more affordable price point. It’s best suited for individuals or families looking for a compact, varied workout experience at home.

While it may lack some of the advanced functionalities and broader speed range of its predecessors on this list, it represents a solid entry-level option for those new to running or seeking to supplement their fitness regime with a convenient, foldable treadmill.