How to Buy a Treadmill

Last updated: October 2026.

A treadmill is one of the most used pieces of home gym equipment, and also one of the easiest to get wrong. Buy one that is too small, too weak or too loud and it ends up as a clothes rack. This guide walks through what actually matters, in the order you should decide it: how you will use it, how much space you have, what specs that use needs, and what to spend.

1. Start with how you will use it

Your main use decides almost every spec that follows:

Walking only (including walking while you work): a smaller motor and shorter belt are fine. Look at walking treadmills and under-desk treadmills.
Jogging a few times a week: you need a stronger motor, a longer belt and some cushioning.
Regular running or interval training: prioritise motor power, belt length, deck stability and top speed.
Hill and fat-loss walking: power incline matters more than top speed. See the incline treadmill guide.
More than one user: size for the tallest and heaviest person, and the most demanding workout.

2. Measure your space

Measure the floor area and the ceiling height before you look at a single model. Leave about 2 feet (60 cm) of clear space on each side and around 6.5 feet (2 m) behind the treadmill for safety. For ceiling height, add the deck height (often 7–10 inches), your own height, and a few inches for the bounce of each stride. Low ceilings and incline do not mix well.

If floor space is tight, a folding treadmill or a compact treadmill can be stored upright or slid under a bed, but check that the folded height fits where you plan to store it.

3. The specs that matter

Spec	Walking	Jogging	Running
Motor (continuous duty HP)	2.0 CHP or more	2.5 CHP or more	3.0 CHP or more
Belt size (width × length)	20″ × 50″–55″	20″ × 55″–60″	22″ × 60″
Top speed	4–8 mph	10 mph	10–12 mph
Incline	Optional	0–10%	0–12% or more
Max user weight	At least 50 lb above your weight	At least 50 lb above	At least 50 lb above

Motor

Look for continuous duty horsepower (CHP), not peak horsepower. Peak figures look impressive but only describe a short burst. A motor that is too weak for your use runs hot and wears out early. Our treadmill motor guide explains DC vs AC motors and what the numbers mean.

Belt and deck

The running surface is the most important comfort feature. Runners need length: a 60-inch belt lets you stride out without clipping the motor hood. A thicker belt and a cushioned deck reduce impact on your joints and last longer. When a belt does wear, it can be replaced; see how to replace a treadmill belt.

Incline and decline

Power incline lets you change gradient during a workout. Most home treadmills go to 10–15%; incline trainers go much higher, and some models also decline to simulate downhills.

Console, programs and apps

A clear display with speed, time, distance and incline is enough for most people. Touchscreens and subscription apps (such as iFit on NordicTrack and ProForm machines) add guided classes but also an ongoing cost, so check what still works without the subscription.

Warranty

Warranty length is a good signal of build quality. A solid home treadmill typically offers a lifetime frame warranty, a long motor warranty (10 years or more is common in the mid-range) and at least 1–2 years on parts and labour. Very short motor or parts warranties are a warning sign.

4. Set a realistic budget

Budget	What to expect	Best for
Under $500	Small motor, short belt, light frame, few programs. Often a walking pad or basic folding model.	Walking, light use
$500–$1,000	Better motor and belt, power incline, folding frame, decent warranty.	Walking and jogging
$1,000–$2,000	Strong motor, 22″ × 60″ belt, good cushioning, longer warranties, touchscreen options.	Regular running
$2,000+	Light-commercial build, very stable deck, large screens, decline.	Serious runners, several users

Want to spend less? Read our budget treadmill picks or learn how to check a used treadmill before you pay. If you are buying for a gym, see commercial treadmills.

5. Compare brands

Most home treadmills come from a handful of manufacturers. Our brand guides compare their ranges: NordicTrack, ProForm, Sole Fitness, Horizon Fitness, LifeSpan, Life Fitness, Spirit Fitness and Weslo.

Treadmill buying checklist

Decide your main use: walking, jogging, running or incline.
Measure floor space, storage space and ceiling height.
Set a motor minimum: 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 CHP for walking / jogging / running.
Check belt size: 22″ × 60″ if you run.
Check the max user weight against the heaviest user.
Compare warranties on frame, motor and parts.
Check what the console does without a paid subscription.
Plan delivery: treadmills are heavy, so ask about assembly and stairs.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I spend on a treadmill?

For walking, $300–$800 buys a capable machine. For regular jogging or running, plan on $1,000–$2,000 to get a strong enough motor, a 60-inch belt and a decent warranty.

What horsepower do I need?

About 2.0 continuous HP for walking, 2.5 CHP for jogging and 3.0 CHP or more for running. Heavier users and people who train daily should go higher.

Is a folding treadmill as good as a non-folding one?

Modern folding treadmills can be very solid, but at the same price a non-folding model is usually more stable. See our folding treadmill guide.

How long does a treadmill last?

A good home treadmill typically lasts 7–12 years with basic care: keeping it clean, lubricating the belt as the manual recommends and fixing small issues early. Our treadmill repair guide covers the common problems.