Given the choice, we’d always prefer to get outside for a training run. But a bad storm that rolls in or a long workday that drags on can jeopardize your daily mileage. Or sometimes the convenience of a running treadmill just wins out. In those cases, it’s helpful to have a high-quality treadmill designed for running, packed with powerful training tools and cool interactive features, so you don’t end up with a “zero” in your training log.
The Best Advanced Treadmills
- Best Splurge HIIT Treadmill: The 14 Best Advanced Treadmills for Runners
- Best for the Virtual Traveler: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
- Solid underfoot experience: Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Treadmill
- Best for Runners Who Love Simplicity: Sole F80 Treadmill
- Best for the Basics: Technogym MyRun Treadmill
The Expert: Jeff Dengate has been a Runner's World editor since 2007 and has led shoes and gear testing since 2012. Over the last decade, he's tested dozens of treadmills at the RW offices, including the assembly and setup of the machines. After a mishap at a young age, which led to two skinned knees, Jeff has preferred to run outdoors, but frequently hits the treadmills for workout sessions or when the weather keeps him indoors. His favorite workout is to set the incline at 15 percent and see how far he can run in 15 minutes.
Full Reviews
Pros
- Sled push workouts
- Controls easily bumped
- Earbud, app Bluetooth connectivity
- Quiet
Cons
- We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article
- No fan
| Running surface | 20 in. wide x 68 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 15.5 mph |
| Max incline | 15% |
| Max decline | N/A |
| Programs | Jump to Products |
| Motor | 7.78 HP |
Technogym’s run and HIIT treadmill truly brings the gym—and world—to you with virtual environments, personal training, and bootcamp workouts, all richly seen on its 27-inch touch-screen display. The Slat Belt, which has raised nubs as a safety feature, is like the belt on a Woodway—only the treadmill operates like a traditional treadmill.
Runners who are reluctant gym rats can get a strength workout in with several programs, including speed intervals and floor exercises. The treadmill has handles and settings to simulate sled pushing. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect earbuds, heart rate devices, and your phone (you can check on your progress and do other activities, like meditation or create your own workout program, on the Technogym app). Fitness profiles, like Garmin and Strava, can also sync treadmill workouts.
News Editor Theo Kahler noted how quiet and soft the belt was as he tested. A major plus were the built-in sensors that allowed Kahler to review his personal metrics.
“The Technogym Run has a very smooth and soft—but responsive—surface,” he said. “There are plenty of app integrations and pairings with things like an Apple Watch or HR monitor. I loved all the high-end data, like power, cadence, stride length, etc. I feel like that kind of stuff is more accurate on a treadmill than a GPS watch. The display was very sharp too.”
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
Pros
- Quiet during incline changes
- Decline setting
- A lot training options
Cons
- Update has narrower belt
- Can’t use the display for other entertainment
Key Specs
| Running surface | 20 in. wide x 60 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 12 mph |
| Max incline | 12% |
| Max decline | -3% |
| Programs | iFit library |
| Motor | 3.5 HP |
When it comes to bang for your buck, the 1750 has always been hard to beat. This treadmill has been updated with a responsive, tilting 14-inch touch-screen console and a quiet incline motor that auto-adjusts during your workout. It still features all of the convenience options you find on NordicTrack machines—like quick keys to jump to a particular speed or incline with a single tap. “They let me adjust speed easily, instead of pounding the arrows and holding on for dear life at fast paces,” said test editor Amanda Furrer when we tested the previous generation 1750.
But you may not need those speed adjustment buttons thanks to the big touch screen and the ever-growing library of trainer-led workouts. The screen offers more than twice as much real estate as earlier models. We find it’s large enough to see the countryside in Germany, for example, where one tester virtually followed pro Lucy Bartholomew on a gentle trail run.
Underfoot, the 22- by 60-inch running surface is spacious enough for high-speed intervals, and the machine’s deck remains stable when you crank up the speed. The cushioning underfoot is just slightly bouncy, though it’s adjustable so you can make it a bit firmer, and the machine responds quickly to changes in speed and incline. The iFit training workouts are great but don’t let you adjust duration or intensity on the fly.
Full NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill Review
Centr Inspire Series T7s Treadmill
Pros
- Top speed is fast enough for most runners
- Slow speed and incline changes
- The incline is among the steepest of any models we’ve tested
Cons
- Not a lot of programming options
- Taller runners felt like the controls were a little low
Key Specs
| Running Surface | 22 in. wide x 60 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 12 mph |
| Max incline | 18% |
| Max decline | N/A |
| Programs | 25 total, including Quick Start, HRC, Classic, Intervals, User Programs, Vision Run, and Fitness Tests |
| Motor | 5.0 HP |
The T7S is a true performance machine. The surface felt roomy for most of our testers, but slightly cramped for those of us over 6-foot as we tried to make adjustments to speed and incline. Underfoot, we appreciated the firm cushioning that didn’t bounce wildly, thanks to the sturdy, non-folding frame.
The 60-inch belt gives you plenty of space to open up your stride. One of our speedier staff members had no issues hitting faster paces. But he did feel like he was getting too close to the motor cover at the front when he made changes during an interval workout.
Speaking of speed, every tester rated the changes between paces as being smooth, even if they could have been faster. For most runners, the 5.0-HP motor has enough oomph to get you through your workout. But, if you want to use it for extremely fast intervals or post-run strides, you may find that it takes longer to get up to speed than you would normally out on roads.
We liked that the handlebars and console are positioned low and out of the way, with paddles to make speed and incline changes without us having to stab at buttons on a screen. Deputy Health and Fitness Editor Mallory Creveling said, “It feels wide, and I love that the screen is lower.”
As for programming, the number is a bit more limited than many treadmills on the market now—especially when compared to machines like NordicTrack’s iFit. But you can easily prop a tablet up over the console and do your own workout.
This treadmill is designed for heavy use and serious running. Those who do incline training will appreciate its ability to give you a steep climb, and families with multiple competitive runners will find it durable enough to handle a lot of use.
Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Treadmill
Pros
- Best for the Virtual Traveler
- Technogym workouts / training
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- No decline
- Controls easily bumped
Key Specs
| Running surface | 22 in. wide x 60 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 12 mph |
| Max incline | 15% |
| Max decline | N/A |
| Programs | 10 |
| Motor | 4 HP |
A lot of treadmill makers offer custom training content, and in a way, lock you into their ecosystem. But Horizon is trainer-agnostic, even though it wants you to take advantage of the studio-class experience. Its goal with the 7.8 AT is to give you a machine that responds quickly to inputs and lets you choose whichever training program you want to stream—just bring your own iPad— there’s no way to display workouts on this mill’s console.
To let you keep up when the trainer says it’s time to sprint, the 7.8 AT has quick-access controls mounted chest-high. “The thumb dials to adjust speed and incline were great,” said one tester. “They were very easy to use and felt much more fluid than stabbing at buttons midrun.”
But those same dials are also extremely sensitive and you have to be careful you don’t make huge jumps in speed or incline. Plus, they’re easy to bump inadvertently as you’re running. Tip: Don’t run too close to the console—there’s plenty of belt behind you.
When you command the 7.8 AT to go faster or raise up, it adjusts quickly. Horizon says its “Rapid Sync Motor” responds 33-percent faster than other treadmill motors. The 7.8 AT reached top speed faster than most of the other models here when we accelerated from a recovery jog (6 mph) to speed-interval pace (10 mph). Though not as responsive as the Technogym Skillrun (below), it’s impressive for a machine that costs less than $3,000.
One little feature that was appreciated: music control buttons built into the console. When your phone is connected via Bluetooth, songs play through the treadmill’s speakers, and you can easily skip tracks without unlocking your phone or swiping the screen with sweaty fingers.
Pros
- Rail mounted controls are easy to operate
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- Small motor
Key Specs
| Running surface | 22 in. wide x 60 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 12 mph |
| Max incline | 15% |
| Max decline | N/A |
| Programs | 10 |
| Motor | 3.5 HP |
Though it has one of the smallest motors among the machines here and lacks the fancy touch screen you find on other models, the Sole F80 treadmill is still a serious training tool. The durable frame can support runners up to 375 pounds, so it’ll take any beating you can deliver. And the belt’s gentle bounce is soft underfoot, but not so much as to cause any stability issues. (The Sole F85 treadmill Jeff Dengate has been a.)
A handy feature on the F80 is the rail-mounted buttons, which let you grip the rail and squeeze the speed and incline buttons with your thumb, rather than jabbing at the console when you’re running all out. If you need interactive coaching, the iPad holder lets you bring your own device. Or, just prop this machine up in front of a big screen TV and binge some Netflix on your long runs.
Pros
- Minimalistic design
- Solid underfoot experience
Cons
- Slow speed and incline changes
Key Specs
| Running surface | 20 in. wide x 56 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 12.4 mph |
| Max incline | 12% |
| Max decline | N/A |
| Programs | None |
| Motor | 3 CHP |
You won’t find a tidier looking treadmill nor such a compact machine. But make no mistake: The MyRun is built to handle your high-mileage training. If you’re looking for a no-frills treadmill that lets you turn it on and go, this is the one. It doesn’t have a built-in touch screen or console that locks you into an ecosystem. Rather, there are only speed and incline paddles, and corresponding digits on the display. That’s it.
But if you want to run along with something like Zwift, a built-in tablet holder lets you bring your own iPad. Underfoot, we found the surface to be comfortably firm without any perceptible bounce, even at faster speeds. The lone knock is that changes in speed and incline are slower than you'll get with almost anything else around. So, look elsewhere if you need to do a lot of interval training.
Pros
- Most Engaging Run Experience
- The 11 Best Dumbbells for Your Home Gym
- From Runners World for Matrix Fitness
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Running surface | 20 in. wide x 68 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 15 mph |
| Max incline | 15% |
| Max decline | N/A |
| Programs | 50+ |
| Motor | 2 CHP, 5 HP peak |
This tank has long been the gold standard at some of the best gyms around the country. Credit that to its rock-solid build; the 4Front is hefty. It uses a heavy-duty belt that resembles a driving track on construction equipment, but delivers the most realistic road feel you’re going to find on any treadmill. The boardwalk-like slats flow smoothly underfoot, thanks to a ball-bearing design, and will last your entire running life.
Don’t be fooled by the big, modern entertainment system on the newest 4Front—this machine is still a serious training tool at its core. “I could have continued running on this for 7 miles—if I had a fan,” said test editor Amanda Furrer. “My steps were so quiet on the belt, and the transitions were smooth.”
There are no quick keys that allow you to jump from one speed to another, but you can program your workouts ahead of time and the machine adjusts speed and incline exceptionally quickly.
The big, 20-inch touch screen lets you stream video from services like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube. You can also opt to run in “real” locations, like San Francisco, or virtual worlds. The only drawback is that there aren’t any speakers or fans, so you’ll need to supply your own.
It should be noted that there is no direct path to order one of these big boys online. You can and should find a dealer (which is where we link) and speak with them about your purchase if you're looking to buy it. They can also assist you with setting it up, getting warranties and insurance, and overall making your purchase a good experience.
Pros
- Commercial-quality construction
- Advanced training features
- Extreme speed and incline capability
Cons
- Too heavy to move by yourself
Key Specs
| Running surface | 22 in. wide x 68 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 18.6 mph |
| Max incline | 25% |
| Max decline | -3% |
| Programs | 45 |
| Motor | 10 HP |
Technogym machines are more commonly found in high-end gyms, but you could put one in your house if you’re truly committed to the sport. The Skillrun is more than just a treadmill. Sure, it’ll do the basics—hit start and go—but this mill is designed to maximize power and performance. For starters, during your running workouts, a “Biofeedback” screen shows you data about how you’re moving with metrics like stride length, ground contact time, left-right balance, and even your running power measured in watts. Such info can help you identify imbalances in your stride and work on your form, which may help prevent injury.
And since you’re going to be doing some high-performance training on this machine, it’s built to handle the abuse. The frame weighs a ton—figuratively, but it did take four men to deliver it to our office—and it doesn’t budge when you’re at a full-out sprint. The belt, made of slats, rolls smoothly underfoot and gives you plenty of space to really lengthen your stride. Plus, the 10-horsepower motor can crank, making speed changes faster than on virtually any other machine we’ve tested. If you’re committed to doing intervals on a treadmill, this rig is for you.
You can also use the Skillrun to build functional strength. It has the ability to add resistance to the belt so you can simulate sled pushes and parachute training. At the heaviest setting, the 300-plus-pound “sled” didn’t budge for our skinny distance runners. But you can dial the resistance down all the way to 11 pounds, then choose the distance you’ll push and the number of reps.
Likewise, for parachute training, you can select the resistance—basically, the size of your parachute—and strap a waist belt to the machine’s arms. The Skillrun gradually adds resistance as you push farther and faster. After a set of parachute drills and sled pushes, we had sore hamstrings and glutes for a couple of days.
Pros
- Bounce-free frame
- Easy to create workouts
- Streaming platforms built-in
Cons
- Belt feels a little narrow
Key Specs
| Running surface | 20 in. wide x 61 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 12 mph |
| Max incline | 15% |
| Max decline | N/A |
| Programs | 30 |
| Motor | 4.0 HP |
Unlike Peloton and NordicTrack machines, which lock you into their own training ecosystems—both jam-packed with workouts—Bodycraft allows you to bring your own platform. Want to run in a Zwift virtual world? The T800 lets you do that. Want to binge Cobra Kai during your long run? You can do that, too, with Netflix—plus Hulu and YouTube—pre-loaded on the machine. It even has an HDMI port, which one staff member used to hook up Apple TV while testing the treadmill in his garage.
When streaming, the monitor hides metrics like distance and time, so you can blissfully zone out without watching every second and hundredth of a mile endlessly tick by. If you want to keep it simple, leverage the machine’s 30 built-in training programs and its firm, bounce-free platform. Our testers also liked that the T800 makes it easy to quickly draw your own workouts: Just drag your finger along the speed and incline charts on the touch-screen display to add hills and speed surges.
Pros
- Rail-mounted controls are easy to use
- Easily-to-read display
Cons
- Locked into Peloton training system
- Touch screen sometimes unresponsive to sweaty fingers
Key Specs
| Running surface | 20 in. wide x 59 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 12.5 mph |
| Max incline | 12.5% |
| Max decline | N/A |
| Programs | 7+ daily live classes, 400+ on-demand classes |
| Motor | 3 HP |
Peloton’s first treadmill was called “Tread.” Then it launched this more compact, more affordable model, named it “Tread,” and renamed the other model to “Tread+.” This machine wasn’t impacted by the (now resolved) recall of the larger ’mill because it has a shorter, more standard treadmill belt rather than the smooth rolling slats (similar to those on Woodway machines) found on the Tread+.
We had the Tread set up in the home of one New Jersey-based tester during the summer and he found the Tread to run impressively smooth. “It’s not a Woodway or a commercial treadmill, but I’ve run on many home treadmills and this ranks among the best I’ve used.”
With Peloton’s unique rail-mounted dials, it’s easy to make changes in speed and incline quickly. Its slightly smaller—though still fairly large—23.8-inch touch screen (the Tread+ features a 32-inch screen) makes studio classes immersive, but our tester found it stopped responding to wet fingers when he was sweating heavily.
NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
Pros
- Cant use display for movies
- Adjusts automatically to programming
Cons
- Frame has more movement than non-folding models
- Can't use display for movies
Key Specs
| Running surface | 20 in. wide x 60 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 12 mph |
| Max incline | 12% |
| Max decline | -3% |
| Programs | iFit Library |
| Motor | 3.6 CHP |
The new Commercial 2450 is an update to the machine that we’ve loved for many years. Aside from its more modern angles and Z-shaped frame, the 22-inch touch screen tilts and pivots. And the deck makes quicker adjustments to speed and incline than earlier generations.
Our testers loved the enormous 22-inch touch-screen display on the 2450. It offers a broad range of coaching options. “It actually kept me engaged in the running rather than droning music and TV,” said Pat Heine, Runner’s World senior video producer and ultrarunner. “The trail climb I did had a lot of speed and incline variation that felt natural.”
To accomplish that, the treadmill taps into the iFit programming platform, where you can get video lessons from coaches and elite runners. A guided run through Patagonia leads you along scenic trails, while the machine automatically adjusts the incline and speed to make the experience feel realistic. Is it? Well, no. But the large display helps you forget that you’re stuck in your basement. We just wish you could use it to stream Netflix, too.
Pros
- Minimalistic design
- Declines for downhill running
- Roomy belt size
Cons
- We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article
- Declines for downhill running
Key Specs
| Running surface | 22 in. wide x 60 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 13.5 mph |
| Max incline | 13% |
| Max decline | -2% |
| Programs | 50+ |
| Motor | 4 HP |
The TR5500i has been updated with a 10-inch touch-screen console, but still has the plain-Jane look that we’ve long loved and the small stance that won’t take up much space in your basement. The refreshed console is a nice upgrade, even if it doesn’t bring you live coaching or Google Streets views, because it’s so easy to use.
When you’re preprogramming a workout, you can simply slide bars on a chart up or down to adjust the speed and incline for each segment. That console also sits quite low—taller testers had to look down more while running on this LifeSpan than they did on other machines. However, we like that the lower console would be out of the way if you were watching a TV.
Though the TR5500i is a bit slow to respond to speed changes, it’s on par with treadmills in this price range and can go as fast as 13.5 mph, which isn’t typical for a lower-priced model. And when you’re really cranking along at your top speed, there’s a slight bounce in the deck to help cushion your stride.
Pros
- Allows you to naturally speed up and slow down
- Slat belt surface feels great underfoot
- Rail mounted controls are easy to operate
Cons
- Takes time to adjust to motor-free machine
- Small display
| Running surface | 17 in. wide x 67 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max speed | N/A |
| Max incline | N/A |
| Max decline | N/A |
| Programs | 50+ |
| Motor | None |
Get ready to sweat. This curved treadmill doesn’t have a motor—you power the belt with every stride. It takes some time to get used to, as you have to engage the muscles in your glutes and hamstrings to keep the belt moving smoothly. But once you get the hang of it, you can accelerate quickly for high-speed interval workouts.
Mounted on the left handrail are plus and minus buttons that let you dial in 20 levels of resistance. At the toughest setting, you’ll need to be a sled-drill-loving linebacker to get the belt to budge; at the lowest, the belt spins more easily, but distance runners might still find it too taxing for their easy days. Set it somewhere in between for HIIT workouts.
The entertainment options are the same as on the 4Front. You can watch videos from Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube or surf the Internet. Though given that the Curve has just a 10-inch display, you might be better off setting up a separate television for your viewing.
Pros
- Belt feels enormous
- Sturdily built
- RunFree mode
- Easy controls
Cons
- Learning curve to operate and use
| Running Surface | 22" x 69" |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 15 mph |
| Max Incline | 15% |
| Programs | Zwift and Wahoo App |
The Wahoo Kickr Run is an impressive treadmill by any assessment, but particularly, the wide open feel of the deck, and the innovative "RunFree" mode that allows you to change your speed based on your position on the belt. After you get up to a pace of faster than 19-minutes, you can put the mill in RunFree mode with then uses a sensor to locate your position. If you move closer to the front, the treadmill speeds up, if you fall back, the treadmill slows down.
It does have a bit of a learning curve, and different members of our team had different reactions to it, with some thinking that slowing down required more concentration, and others felt that speeding up was trickier, but once you get the hang of it, it's an attractive feature, especially for those of us who don't love treadmill running because of the need to adjust speeds.
This is a machine that pushes you to be your best runner. The Wahoo’s automatic change in speed is wild! My 6x400 workout had me going from 8:20 jog intervals to 5:40 pace reps. When it would speed up, it was almost too abrupt a change. I don’t think I take off as quickly on the track to start an interval. I love it.
Another great thing about the Kickr is the paddle shifters on the handles that control speed and incline changes. They're a feature unique to Wahoo, and it makes it a breeze to change your speed and incline without breaking your stride. Lots of machines have rockers, dials, or knobs for quick changes, but the paddles may have them beat.
The road like feel to the deck, combined with the patterned belt helps keep you running straight and connected, and the 69-inch belt makes it feel like you have all the space in the world to do it. The board is simple, without a huge touch screen or entertainment center. It's a run-focused machine. That being said, there is a place for your tablet or phone.
You can log into the Wahoo app or lock into a Zwift workout, but with the great interval and pacing tools already built into the machine, you may not feel the need to do so. That being said, it's an easy connection, and both apps can be extremely motivating — though perhaps not as motivating as that rocket fast interval shift!
If you're looking for a great combination of controls and programming, this may be your answer.
Rail mounted controls are easy to operate
If you’ll be spending any considerable amount of time on your treadmill—or if you have multiple family members who will use it for training—a higher-quality option will suit you. Larger (and more durable) motors, sturdier frames, and advanced tech will better withstand the abuse that running inflicts on a treadmill. That kind of quality running treadmill, with added programming and interactive features, can set you back a few thousand dollars, but the investment will pay dividends for many years as you bank miles and workouts you might have otherwise skipped.
That said, if you are on a tighter budget, or plan to use your treadmill only occasionally for shorter runs, check out our guide to the best entry level treadmills for runners and walkers here. Our experts reviewed seven of the top options under $2,000 that you can actually buy now.
Summer Running Gear?
These are a few of the key features you should keep in mind as you shop for a machine that can last for many years of high-mileage training.
- Belt size: For faster running speeds, you need a longer belt to accommodate your longer strides. Look for a treadmill that has a belt at least 60 inches long. You’ll also appreciate a few extra inches of width—it’s hard to hold a perfectly straight line when you’re sprinting. A few of the options here have belts narrower than 20-inches, but most are at least that wide, which we feel is optimal for runner comfort.
- Belt type: Woodway has long been a top performer in our tests thanks to its boardwalk-style belt. The rolling slats provide a firm, road-like sensation underfoot, which feels more natural than a belt that drags between your foot and a platform. Other brands like Technogym, Peloton, and TrueForm Runner all use similar construction on some of their machines.
- Interactive features: Connected fitness has exploded in recent years. Peloton gets a lot of hype because of its star-studded lineup of coaches and trainers. But a great training alternative is iFit, which you’ll find on NordicTrack, Pro-Form, and, now, Matrix treadmills. iFit offers similar interactive studio-style classes along with engaging training runs. But choose your platform wisely: You’re locked into Peloton’s ecosystem, whereas you can use iFit on a tablet with other brands’ machines.
- daily live classes, 400+ on-demand classes: All of the treadmills here let you run at 12 mph or faster. That’s a 5-minute mile, which is quicker than most non-elite runners will ever go, even during interval sessions. Incline, however, is another area that deserves attention. If you want to replicate hilly races, look for a treadmill that can raise to grades as steep as 15%, but also one that rises quickly and smoothly. The faster and smoother it changes incline, the more realistic it’s going to feel during your run.
How We Tested
We put 38 advanced treadmills through their paces in the RW Test Zone to find the top performers based on their quality, features, and reliability. We researched the market, spoke with product managers and engineers, and used our own experience to determine the best options.
Our test editors and staff also set available models in our homes so we could live with and use them full-time, just as you will when you purchase one. We’ve done easy runs while listening to music, long runs watching movies, and even speed workouts to assess the machines’ interactive and studio-class functions.
Whether you’re upgrading an older version or searching for your first serious piece of equipment, one of these treadmills will suit your needs. (And once you have your new mill, check out these great workouts Sole F80 Treadmill.)
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Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner’s World and the director of product testing. He has tested and reviewed running shoes, GPS watches, headphones, apparel, and more for nearly two decades. He regularly tests more than 100 pairs of shoes each year, and once had a 257-day streak running in different models. Jeff can usually be found on the roads, racing anything from the mile to a marathon, but he also enjoys racing up mountains and on snowshoes. When he’s not running, you’ll probably find him hanging from a ladder making repairs and renovations to his house (he’s also director of product testing for Popular Mechanics).
