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Trying to fit one of the market’s best treadmills in your apartment can be as tough as convincing your neighbors it won’t be too loud. Sure, motorized gym equipment is bound to take up some space (and make a bit of noise), but there are plenty of approachable options out there for apartment dwellers in search of cardio...
The post The 7 Best Treadmills for Apartments for 2024, Chosen by Experts appeared first on BarBend.
Trying to fit one of the market’s best treadmills in your apartment can be as tough as convincing your neighbors it won’t be too loud. Sure, motorized gym equipment is bound to take up some space (and make a bit of noise), but there are plenty of approachable options out there for apartment dwellers in search of cardio benefits like lower blood pressure or decreased risk of heart disease. (1)
The best treadmills for apartments will have reasonable footprints, relatively lightweight frames, and motors that won’t roar like a Harrier jump jet. We ran, walked, jogged, and dumped insults on more than 40 different treadmills in search of solid options for those living in apartments with roommates or neighbors in close proximity. Check out our top picks for treadmills that (hopefully) won’t have the landlord knocking.
The 7 Best Treadmills for Apartments for 2024
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level-1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills for Apartments
After owning and testing more than 40 treadmills and logging thousands of cardio workouts, the BarBend team of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and CrossFit professionals has the hands-on experience to offer valuable insight as you look for the treadmill to suit your apartment.
Having lived in both cramped and spacious apartments ourselves — probably more cramped than spacious — we knew to look for treadmills that delivered the essentials — high max speeds, incline capabilities, and roomy decks — while still having manageable footprints, quiet motors, and price tags that won’t make you miss rent this month.
From durability and adjustability to tech capabilities and overall value, we assigned the 13 categories in our treadmill testing methodology a rating of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Whether you and your roommate need to start training for that half-marathon, or you just need a quiet enough treadmill to keep your neighbors off your back, we curated a list of the best treadmills for apartments.
Footprint and Portability
A treadmill’s footprint refers to the amount of floor space it occupies and — unless your space is less apartment and more penthouse — chances are every square foot in your apartment is precious. When making our picks, we worked to include options ranging from 9.64 to 17.16 square feet, which we think is a manageable size for most apartments.
BarBend expert tester Jake Herod running on the NordicTrack EXP 7i.
Imagine your average two-seater sofa — roughly 17 square feet — and you can visualize the space these treadmills can take up.Each option we included also folds — either upright or flat — and includes wheels to help move around your apartment.
Noise
While every treadmill will generate a bit of noise, there are some characteristics that can reduce that noise and keep you in your neighbors’ good graces. In our picks, you’ll find cushioned belt decks that can help dampen the noise from each footstrike, as well as solid, sturdy frames that should hopefully provide enough stability to prevent any rattling during use. We can’t promise that you can use these treadmills beside a sleeping baby, but we did look for features that can reduce noise.
Price
Depending on your city, number of bedrooms, and the amount of mold you tolerate, your rent could be anywhere from $880 (hello, North Dakota) to $2,418 a month (ah, Hawaii). (2) To accommodate the budgets of the most people possible, we offered up treadmills ranging from $299 to $1,699.
Our tester on the Schwinn 810 Treadmill.
Closer to $299, you’ll find smaller footprints, but fewer features like high incline ranges or cushioned decks. As your budget grows, the number of features will, too, with some of our options including app integration, touchscreens, and top speeds of 12 miles per hour.
Best Overall Treadmill for Apartments: NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
This tread still goes all the way up to 12 percent incline and 12mph in speed, plus it comes with a free one-month iFit membership (a $39 value). The adjustable cushioning can also help lower the impact on your joints, or mimic the feel of a road race if you are training for something on rougher terrain.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
Our pick for the best overall treadmill for apartments — the NordicTrack EXP 7i — has noise-reducing features like cushioning in the belt deck and a 2.6 CHP motor to ensure a smooth operation. The EasyAssist hydraulic folding system helps you raise the deck upright to reclaim some of your floor space, and the built-in transport wheels make for easy storage. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, rated the EXP 7i at least 4 out of 5 in 12 of 13 categories, including adjustability, ergonomics, durability, and customizations.
“It’s going to be great for anybody who’s tight on space,” said Jake Herod, BarBend’s expert product tester and a certified nutrition coach. “The wheels make it super easy to move around.”
Check out what he had to say about its 7-inch touchscreen, iFIT integration, and hydraulic folding mechanism in the below video review.
NordicTrack's BEST Valued Treadmill?? — NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KGDZi_mow)
Most mid-range treadmills weigh around 200 to 300 pounds, so its 228-pound overall weight is close to the low end, but the EXP 7i may still be tough for one person to move. Its footprint and portability earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester, who noted that it takes up just 17.16 square feet, which is pretty close to your average two-seater sofa. (3)
The 55-inch belt deck is the minimum length we recommend for any intense running. “The actual deck — the running surface — is a little bit small,” said Herod. “Somebody who has a long stride will probably want to target a different model.”
Our BarBend product tester using the incline on the NordicTrack EXP 7i.
The best NordicTrack treadmills come compatible with the iFIT fitness app, and the EXP 7i has a 7-inch touchscreen for you to follow the action. An iFIT membership costs an additional $39 a month, but our testers think its vast library of fitness classes — more than 17,000 — is worth the cost. “iFIT has some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom,” says Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer.
Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Review.
Best Treadmill for Apartments for Running: Horizon T101
Horizon T101 Treadmill
Horizon T101 Treadmill
The T101 from Horizon has a solid mix of tech and running features. Whether you're looking for integrated bluetooth speakers, or a reliable motor to keep you moving, the T101 has something for everyone.
Shop Horizon
Specs
Pros
Cons
On the Horizon Fitness T101 — our choice for the best treadmill for apartments for running — you’ll find a 55-inch cushioned running belt to provide some bounce for each step, a 10-percent incline range to bring some intensity to your runs, and six preset workout programs to add structure to your cardio regimen. The T101 also allows you to quickly cycle through its speed range of 0 to 10 miles per hour with quick-dial controls, which should help with interval training.
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, gave the T101 a rating of 4 out of 5 in the areas of adjustability, ergonomics, footprint, portability, and their workout experience.
This treadmill occupies about 16.76 square feet, which is about the size of a typical two-seater sofa. (3) However, it only needs that much space when it’s in use, as the FeatherLight hydraulic folding system can assist you in raising the running deck upright, saving around 6 square feet of precious floor space.
Our tester noted how easy it was to manage by themselves. “Between the folding system and wheels, I had zero issues moving it around by myself,” they said.
Our product tester running on the Horizon T101.
While taller runners with longer gaits may want a deck closer to 60 inches, we think the Horizon T101 has a leg up over other compact treadmills — like the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 — due to its three-zone Variable Response Cushioning. “Other treadmills, like the SF-T4400 have similar features, but what separates the T101 is the deck,” our tester explained. “With the cushioning and extra 6 inches of length, the quality of the belt deck is 10 times better.”
Here’s how the Variable Response Cushioning works: The front of the belt is more cushioned than the back because that’s the area where your foot will strike the deck. As your foot moves toward the back of the belt for your next stride, the cushioning gets progressively firmer, providing a solid base for you to launch into your next step.
Tech lovers won’t find an immersive touchscreen or any app integration, but the treadmill can connect with devices via Bluetooth and even Includes an onboard USB port. The T101 is best suited for those who simply want to hit the belt running.
Read our full Horizon T101 Review.
Best Folding Treadmill for Apartments: Echelon Stride-6
Echelon Stride-6 Treadmill
Echelon Stride-6 Treadmill
This tread folds flat to just 10 inches tall. Its max speed is 12 miles per hour, and you get a free 30-day Echelon Premier membership with your purchase, which provides access to over 3,000 live and on-demand classes.
Shop Echelon
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Echelon Stride-6 is perfect for small spaces, as it can fold completely flat (automatically, no less) using Echelon’s AutoFold system, which gently lowers the console and handrail. When folded, it stands just 10 inches high, and you can use its vertical and horizontal wheels to stash it under a bed — or in your roommate’s closet.
[Related: The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024 (Expert Tested)]
BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier has used the similar model, the Echelon Stride, for years and rated its footprint and portability 5 out of 5. “The ability to fold flat has been a game changer in my place,” she said. “I can tuck it under my bed or even just lean it up against a wall.”
The Echelon Stride folded flat.
“Just because folding treadmills save space, it doesn’t mean they aren’t as functional or comfortable as non-folding treadmills,” notes Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “Sure, some may lack features in the name of being compact, but many models boast just as many high-tech features and perks as commercial-like options.”
That’s certainly true of the Stride-6, which boasts a max speed of 12.4 miles per hour, an impressive 12-percent incline range, and a cushioned 20- by 60-inch belt deck, all of which are suitable for high-intensity runs.
Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer, walking on her Echelon Stride.
If you’re interested in streaming one of the 6,000+ workouts or live classes available on the Echelon Fit app — for $39.99 a month — you’ll need to supply the device. While the console has a large device holder above its LED windows that track your steps, speed, and distance, it lacks an HD touchscreen. If you do join, however, the standard one-year warranty for your treadmill is supplanted by a five-year warranty.
Best Budget Treadmill for Apartments: Schwinn 810
Schwinn 810
Schwinn 810
This treadmill offers a 20-inch x 55-inch running belt with Softrak deck cushioning. It can reach speeds up to 10 MPH with 10% motorized incline.
Shop Schwinn
Specs
Pros
Cons
Compared to many of the best budget treadmills — around $1,000 to $1,500 — the $899 price point of the Schwinn...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 7 Best Treadmills for Apartments for 2024, Chosen by Experts appeared first on BarBend.
Trying to fit one of the market’s best treadmills in your apartment can be as tough as convincing your neighbors it won’t be too loud. Sure, motorized gym equipment is bound to take up some space (and make a bit of noise), but there are plenty of approachable options out there for apartment dwellers in search of cardio benefits like lower blood pressure or decreased risk of heart disease. (1)
The best treadmills for apartments will have reasonable footprints, relatively lightweight frames, and motors that won’t roar like a Harrier jump jet. We ran, walked, jogged, and dumped insults on more than 40 different treadmills in search of solid options for those living in apartments with roommates or neighbors in close proximity. Check out our top picks for treadmills that (hopefully) won’t have the landlord knocking.
The 7 Best Treadmills for Apartments for 2024
- Best Overall Treadmill for Apartments: NordicTrack EXP 7i
- Best Treadmill for Apartments for Running: Horizon T101
- Best Folding Treadmill for Apartments: Echelon Stride-6
- Best Budget Treadmill for Apartments: Schwinn 810
- Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Apartments: Urevo 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
- Best Treadmill for Small Apartments: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
- Best Treadmill for Apartments Under $500: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level-1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills for Apartments
After owning and testing more than 40 treadmills and logging thousands of cardio workouts, the BarBend team of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and CrossFit professionals has the hands-on experience to offer valuable insight as you look for the treadmill to suit your apartment.
Having lived in both cramped and spacious apartments ourselves — probably more cramped than spacious — we knew to look for treadmills that delivered the essentials — high max speeds, incline capabilities, and roomy decks — while still having manageable footprints, quiet motors, and price tags that won’t make you miss rent this month.
From durability and adjustability to tech capabilities and overall value, we assigned the 13 categories in our treadmill testing methodology a rating of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Whether you and your roommate need to start training for that half-marathon, or you just need a quiet enough treadmill to keep your neighbors off your back, we curated a list of the best treadmills for apartments.
Footprint and Portability
A treadmill’s footprint refers to the amount of floor space it occupies and — unless your space is less apartment and more penthouse — chances are every square foot in your apartment is precious. When making our picks, we worked to include options ranging from 9.64 to 17.16 square feet, which we think is a manageable size for most apartments.
Imagine your average two-seater sofa — roughly 17 square feet — and you can visualize the space these treadmills can take up.Each option we included also folds — either upright or flat — and includes wheels to help move around your apartment.
Noise
While every treadmill will generate a bit of noise, there are some characteristics that can reduce that noise and keep you in your neighbors’ good graces. In our picks, you’ll find cushioned belt decks that can help dampen the noise from each footstrike, as well as solid, sturdy frames that should hopefully provide enough stability to prevent any rattling during use. We can’t promise that you can use these treadmills beside a sleeping baby, but we did look for features that can reduce noise.
Price
Depending on your city, number of bedrooms, and the amount of mold you tolerate, your rent could be anywhere from $880 (hello, North Dakota) to $2,418 a month (ah, Hawaii). (2) To accommodate the budgets of the most people possible, we offered up treadmills ranging from $299 to $1,699.
Closer to $299, you’ll find smaller footprints, but fewer features like high incline ranges or cushioned decks. As your budget grows, the number of features will, too, with some of our options including app integration, touchscreens, and top speeds of 12 miles per hour.
Best Overall Treadmill for Apartments: NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
This tread still goes all the way up to 12 percent incline and 12mph in speed, plus it comes with a free one-month iFit membership (a $39 value). The adjustable cushioning can also help lower the impact on your joints, or mimic the feel of a road race if you are training for something on rougher terrain.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,299
- Dimensions: 59.7” H x 70.8” L x 34.9” W
- Weight: 228lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Incline Range: 0%-12%
- Max Speed: 10mph
Pros
- The EXP 7i features adjustable belt deck cushioning and a high-performance 2.6 CHP motor to help mitigate noise.
- This high-quality pick has a hydraulic-assisted folding system and transport wheels.
- The 12-percent incline range is also what you’ll find on most high-end machines.
- Follow over 16,000 live and on-demand iFIT classes on the 7-inch touchscreen.
Cons
- Even with the built-in wheels, the 228-pound overall weight may require the help of a roommate during transport.
- The 55-inch deck is at the low end of the 55- to 60-inch range we like to see for running workouts.
Our pick for the best overall treadmill for apartments — the NordicTrack EXP 7i — has noise-reducing features like cushioning in the belt deck and a 2.6 CHP motor to ensure a smooth operation. The EasyAssist hydraulic folding system helps you raise the deck upright to reclaim some of your floor space, and the built-in transport wheels make for easy storage. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, rated the EXP 7i at least 4 out of 5 in 12 of 13 categories, including adjustability, ergonomics, durability, and customizations.
“It’s going to be great for anybody who’s tight on space,” said Jake Herod, BarBend’s expert product tester and a certified nutrition coach. “The wheels make it super easy to move around.”
Check out what he had to say about its 7-inch touchscreen, iFIT integration, and hydraulic folding mechanism in the below video review.
NordicTrack's BEST Valued Treadmill?? — NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KGDZi_mow)
Most mid-range treadmills weigh around 200 to 300 pounds, so its 228-pound overall weight is close to the low end, but the EXP 7i may still be tough for one person to move. Its footprint and portability earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester, who noted that it takes up just 17.16 square feet, which is pretty close to your average two-seater sofa. (3)
The 55-inch belt deck is the minimum length we recommend for any intense running. “The actual deck — the running surface — is a little bit small,” said Herod. “Somebody who has a long stride will probably want to target a different model.”
The best NordicTrack treadmills come compatible with the iFIT fitness app, and the EXP 7i has a 7-inch touchscreen for you to follow the action. An iFIT membership costs an additional $39 a month, but our testers think its vast library of fitness classes — more than 17,000 — is worth the cost. “iFIT has some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom,” says Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer.
Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Review.
Best Treadmill for Apartments for Running: Horizon T101
Horizon T101 Treadmill
Horizon T101 Treadmill
The T101 from Horizon has a solid mix of tech and running features. Whether you're looking for integrated bluetooth speakers, or a reliable motor to keep you moving, the T101 has something for everyone.
Shop Horizon
Specs
- Price: $649
- Dimensions: 55? H x 70? L x 34? W
- Weight: 180lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Incline Range: 0%-10%
- Max Speed: 10mph
Pros
- Its top speed of 10 miles per hour and 10-percent incline should satisfy most runners.
- The cushioned 55-inch running surface offers most users enough space to comfortably tackle endurance or HIIT treadmill workouts.
- The T101 has six preset programs, including speed and incline training.
Cons
- Outside of Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port, you won’t find much tech on this unit.
- While 55 inches may be long enough for most users, taller athletes may want to look for a 60-inch long belt deck.
On the Horizon Fitness T101 — our choice for the best treadmill for apartments for running — you’ll find a 55-inch cushioned running belt to provide some bounce for each step, a 10-percent incline range to bring some intensity to your runs, and six preset workout programs to add structure to your cardio regimen. The T101 also allows you to quickly cycle through its speed range of 0 to 10 miles per hour with quick-dial controls, which should help with interval training.
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, gave the T101 a rating of 4 out of 5 in the areas of adjustability, ergonomics, footprint, portability, and their workout experience.
This treadmill occupies about 16.76 square feet, which is about the size of a typical two-seater sofa. (3) However, it only needs that much space when it’s in use, as the FeatherLight hydraulic folding system can assist you in raising the running deck upright, saving around 6 square feet of precious floor space.
Our tester noted how easy it was to manage by themselves. “Between the folding system and wheels, I had zero issues moving it around by myself,” they said.
While taller runners with longer gaits may want a deck closer to 60 inches, we think the Horizon T101 has a leg up over other compact treadmills — like the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 — due to its three-zone Variable Response Cushioning. “Other treadmills, like the SF-T4400 have similar features, but what separates the T101 is the deck,” our tester explained. “With the cushioning and extra 6 inches of length, the quality of the belt deck is 10 times better.”
Here’s how the Variable Response Cushioning works: The front of the belt is more cushioned than the back because that’s the area where your foot will strike the deck. As your foot moves toward the back of the belt for your next stride, the cushioning gets progressively firmer, providing a solid base for you to launch into your next step.
Tech lovers won’t find an immersive touchscreen or any app integration, but the treadmill can connect with devices via Bluetooth and even Includes an onboard USB port. The T101 is best suited for those who simply want to hit the belt running.
Read our full Horizon T101 Review.
Best Folding Treadmill for Apartments: Echelon Stride-6
Echelon Stride-6 Treadmill
Echelon Stride-6 Treadmill
This tread folds flat to just 10 inches tall. Its max speed is 12 miles per hour, and you get a free 30-day Echelon Premier membership with your purchase, which provides access to over 3,000 live and on-demand classes.
Shop Echelon
Specs
- Price: $1,699
- Dimensions: 57” H x 64.8” L x 32.4” W
- Weight: 182.35lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Incline Range: 12 levels
- Max Speed: 12.4mph
Pros
- This Stride-6 folds flat when not in use, making it possible to store under beds or in closets.
- This foldable treadmill has sets of horizontal and vertical wheels, making it one of the easiest-to-transport treadmills we’ve seen.
- The max speed of 12.4 miles per hour and cushioned 60-inch deck is suited for running.
- With a 12-percent incline range, you can intensify any workout.
Cons
- With only LED windows to display stats, there is no screen for streaming workouts or entertainment.
- The standard warranty for non-Echelon Premier members is for just one year.
The Echelon Stride-6 is perfect for small spaces, as it can fold completely flat (automatically, no less) using Echelon’s AutoFold system, which gently lowers the console and handrail. When folded, it stands just 10 inches high, and you can use its vertical and horizontal wheels to stash it under a bed — or in your roommate’s closet.
[Related: The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024 (Expert Tested)]
BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier has used the similar model, the Echelon Stride, for years and rated its footprint and portability 5 out of 5. “The ability to fold flat has been a game changer in my place,” she said. “I can tuck it under my bed or even just lean it up against a wall.”
“Just because folding treadmills save space, it doesn’t mean they aren’t as functional or comfortable as non-folding treadmills,” notes Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “Sure, some may lack features in the name of being compact, but many models boast just as many high-tech features and perks as commercial-like options.”
That’s certainly true of the Stride-6, which boasts a max speed of 12.4 miles per hour, an impressive 12-percent incline range, and a cushioned 20- by 60-inch belt deck, all of which are suitable for high-intensity runs.
If you’re interested in streaming one of the 6,000+ workouts or live classes available on the Echelon Fit app — for $39.99 a month — you’ll need to supply the device. While the console has a large device holder above its LED windows that track your steps, speed, and distance, it lacks an HD touchscreen. If you do join, however, the standard one-year warranty for your treadmill is supplanted by a five-year warranty.
Best Budget Treadmill for Apartments: Schwinn 810
Schwinn 810
Schwinn 810
This treadmill offers a 20-inch x 55-inch running belt with Softrak deck cushioning. It can reach speeds up to 10 MPH with 10% motorized incline.
Shop Schwinn
Specs
- Price: $899
- Dimensions: 56.7? H x 69.1? L x 35.6? W
- Weight: 155lbs
- Weight Capacity: 275lbs
- Incline Range: 0%-10%
- Max Speed: 10mph
Pros
- At just $899, this budget-friendly model is around $100 less expensive than the average for mid-range treadmills — $1,000 to $1,500.
- Its 55-inch belt deck length can support the running strides of most people, save for the tallest users.
- With a soft drop folding mechanism, the deck gently lowers to the floor
- The USB charging port and Bluetooth speakers will help those streaming Netflix or online workouts.
Cons
- Our tester noted the belt felt thin and may not be supportive enough for those with joint issues.
- While it should securely hold most devices, large tablets may not fit in the device holder.
Compared to many of the best budget treadmills — around $1,000 to $1,500 — the $899 price point of the Schwinn...
Click here to view the article.
