A gym can be a great place, but there are a lot of downsides; there is the commute, parking, dealing with crowds, the cleanliness issue and many other things. One of the big draws for a gym has to do with the available cardio equipment. They have very high end pieces of equipment, and many choose to work out in a gym to use the state of the art treadmills they carry.
Treadmills can be a great way to get fit and allow you to run at any time when running outside is not practical. Treadmills also generally feature a floating running surface that reduces the impact compared to the hard pounding you get running on pavement. This is ideal to help protect your knees, joints, and tendons. But what if you want to run in the comfort of your own home? Yes, treadmills are expensive, but you would be surprised at the very affordable options out there.
The other concern that may put you off buying a treadmill for your home is the space. Most treadmills are huge, but this list will show you the option of the folding treadmill. Not only are these affordable, but they can fit no matter how small your space is.
Best Folding Treadmill For Small Space
SereneLife Smart Electric Folding Treadmill
The SereneLife folding treadmill is a low profile and space saving unit that only weighs 60 pounds. This is a great option for those with strength or mobility issues such as seniors as they could still easily move and store it.
Despite its small size, you still get a lot of built-in technology such as an LCD display and built-in hand grip pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate. This is an ideal choice for those who like a lot of workout variety as it is connected with the FitShow app that you use on your device with Bluetooth.
This app allows you to record and track all your fitness data and post it if you feel like. You can connect and compete against friends and family which can provide more motivation and encouragement to exercise.
We like this treadmill as it has everything you’d want in a folding treadmill. It is light, compact, easy to move, but still solid enough for a serious run. What makes this an ideal choice is the technology it provides such as the built-in heart rate sensors, but also the FitShow app. Having the ability to connect with others is critical for keeping you on track and holding you accountable for your fitness pursuits.
Pros
- Safety key and safety handrail to keep you secure during your workout
- 12 preset training modes
- Quiet but powerful motor
Cons
- Some people have difficulty with assembly of the treadmill
Goplus 1100W Electric Folding Treadmill
The Goplus 1100 is ideal for those who still want a serious run, but need a lightweight and transportable option. The whole thing weighs under 60 pounds and can be stored away in a few moments. This treadmill is great if you need more safety features such as handrails. It is also a great choice if you are very specific with your training and need to track your heart rate with its built-in sensors
The Goplus 1100 is an astounding treadmill considering how compact and thin it is and only weighs 59 pounds. This is the ultimate space saver treadmill but is ready for any run you throw at it.
This foldable treadmill had some great handrails for support during your run, and not only does it have an LCD display to track your date–it also can track your heart rate. This is great to make sure you are in your specific training target rate.
This treadmill also gives you peace of mind during your run as it has a built-in safety key that will shut it down if things get out of control. This is an extremely well built treadmill–despite its small size–and comes with a 2 year warranty to back that up.
Pros
- Emergency stop button
- Handrails have built-in +/- speed adjustment buttons
- Built-in tablet/phone holder to watch your own content
Cons
- Top speed is only 6 mph
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
The TR150 is another Amazon top choice so you know you’re getting a quality folding treadmill. Despite it’s compact size, it features a large running area which is great if you have a wider running stride.
This treadmill is a great option if you like preset programs for added variety in your workouts as the TR150 has 12 of them. The TR150 also has a large LCD display so you can easily see your time, distance, speed, and calories burned while running.
Another great feature with this treadmill is the built-in pulse sensors on the hand grips. This allows you to find your heart rate while you are in the middle of the run and then you can adjust your pace as needed.
There is a good reason that the TR150 is an Amazon top choice. This treadmill will cover you for any option you are looking for, but is still a space-saving and foldable treadmill. It has all the features and options you would want that would normally be in a high-end treadmill, but comes at an affordable and convenient package.
Pros
- XTRA-soft cushioned deck for those with joint problems
- Adjustable incline so you can change the intensity of your exercise
- Quiet 2.25HP motor that can go up to 10mph
Cons
- Weight limit of 250 pounds
Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Treadmill
Even though the T7643 is small and compact, it is very heavy duty. If you have a heavy running stride, or are a larger size, a folding treadmill like this will easily accommodate you. It can hold up to 350 pounds, but is still very supportive. It features handrails for added support and is great for a run, or if you just feel like a more low-key walk.
The T7643 is also very easily foldable and can be stored away in just a few seconds. Nothing will get in the way if you’re anxious for a run with this quick set up time.
Pros
- Built-in cup holder and tablet support to keep your own entertainment
- Large buttons for easy readability on an LCD display
- Quick speed adjustments so you can change your running pace instantly
Cons
- No set programs
- Highest speed is 6 miles per hour
Wikole 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
The Wikole is a brilliant design that is space saving but still provides a great workout. This is a more basic folding treadmill, but that’s the point. This unit is about practicability and easy storage. The entire treadmill folds flat so it can be stored anywhere.
What makes this a unique option is that you have the ability to turn any desk into a treadmill desk so you can be active while you work. Sitting for extended periods of time can not only cause weight gain, but muscle loss due to inactivity.
The Wikole gives you the option to be active while you work leading to better productivity and creativity, while boosting your fitness.
Pros
- Safety stop button
- 12 preset modes for varying workouts
- Built-in Bluetooth speaker
Cons
- Doesn’t feature a built-in water bottle holder
- No side rails for added support
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Another great 2 in 1 folding treadmill. This option allows you to use it as a running treadmill when you fold up the support handles, or you can fold them down and use it for just a simple walk.
This is a great option if you are just wanting a slower paced workout and when it is in the walking position, it stays at a preset speed so there’s no risk of going too fast without any support.
It also has a remote control to help you change the speeds, and also is extremely compact so you can store it anywhere no matter how small your space.
Pros
- Built-in Bluetooth speaker
- Very quiet motor to not disturb others if you work out while they sleep
- Shock reduction system to make it even easier on joints and knees
Cons
- No side rails for extra support
- Not for intense running speeds or higher paces if you are a more serious runner
Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Space Saving Treadmill
The Asuna space saving treadmill is a basic but effective folding treadmill. This is a great option for those who need a simple but intense running experience. This treadmill is an Amazon Choice, and still provides some great features.
There is a large display so you can track your speed, time, distance, calories burned etc. This is a great multimedia option too. You can plug your headphones right into it, and it also has built-in speakers to blast your music as loud as you want.
This is one of the most portable options here and folds smaller than most other options meaning it can be stored up against a wall, or slid under a bed.
Pros
- Bulti-in tablet holder to watch your favorite videos or movies
- Shock absorbing running deck to help cushion your knees
- Powerful 2.5 horsepower motor despite it’s small size
Cons
- Can only hold up to 250 pounds
- Top speed of 8 mph
MaxKare Folding Treadmill
The MaxKare folding treadmill looks like it would belong in most gyms. This is a fully functional treadmill that is still easy to transport and store. It features a large display panel that has two built-on cup holders.
It has some nice built-in handles to give you added support if you need more balance while exercising. It has a large LCD display to help you track your workout and know your speed, distance, time etc.
This folding treadmill is a bit wider than most at 17 inches which is great to provide a wider platform for any running style. Despite all these great features, it is still foldable and easy to move around.
Pros
- Powerful motor with a near-silent operating function
- Multi layer tread belt and integrated shock system for the ultimate support for knees and joints
- Only weighs 91 pounds
Cons
- No Bluetooth or built-in technology
- No preset running programs
Goplus Ultra-Thin Electric Folding Treadmill
There have been some thin folding treadmills on this list, but the Goplus Ultra-Thin may take the cake. This is one of the easiest treadmills to fold, move, and store that you can find on the market so it is a great option for people who might have trouble with heavier or larger options.
Despite its size, it has a powerful 450w motor that is still really quiet so it won’t disturb those around you. This treadmill is perfect if you are looking to improve your cardiovascular health, or are looking for weight loss.
It has great safety options and 12 different speed adjustments. No matter where you live, the Goplus Ultra-Thin will fit. It can be used in a bedroom or home office to give you a great run whenever you feel like it.
Pros
- Easy to use controls with built-in tablet holder
- Various training modes on the LCD display
- Built in wheels for even easier transport
Cons
- Top speed of 5 mph
- No side handrails for extra support
RHYTHM FUN Treadmill
This is a unique option, but worth considering. The Rhythm Fun Treadmill is a flat treadmill with no supports attached to it. This is to create a realistic running experience but one that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
It’s an ideal option if you prefer a light run or walking at a brisk pace. It has a wide 18-inch running belt so gives you enough surface area to support yourself. This is like having a moving sidewalk in your own home but still is very smooth, supportive, and stable.
It also comes with a smart remote so you can control and change the pace and speed you are going. If you need the ultimate in a space-saving treadmill, this is it. The whole thing is just 2.3 inches thick so can be stored anywhere.
Pros
- Lightweight, small, compact, and convenient
- Shock absorption and noise reduction design features
- Display console on the bottom of the treadmill
- No assembly required
Cons
- Not a top choice for intense runners
- Not ideal for those with support and balance issues
Final Thoughts
Treadmills are no longer these giant, hulking pieces of cardio equipment that take up an entire room. The technology has improved so much that they have now decreased in size, but still are able to provide the support you need for a great run.
As mentioned at the start of the review, treadmills are a big reason most people join a gym. You can now bring the gym to your own home with these great options. They are not only ideal to provide you with a great cardiovascular workout but can be easily moved and stored in no time.
Having to head out to your gym can be an inconvenient experience, but having your own treadmill, in your own space, allows you to train in comfort, and whenever you want to.
