Did you know that cardio workouts are extremely beneficial to our bodies? Among many other things, they can improve our brain function, decrease stress on the pancreas, and even stabilize our mood. Treadmills are popular devices for cardio workouts, and now you can get them for your home even if there’s not much space.
While writing this article, we’ve tested 23 different products to select the 8 best compact treadmills that you can buy right now. The main thing about the treadmill is its speed range, and we have models that can offer up to 5.6 mph. Since we’re talking about compact models, the dimensions were an important consideration, with options that can take up just about 4.7 square feet when folded. All things considered, we decided to make the Dynamax RunningPad our Editor’s Choice.
Extra features: Bluetooth connectivity, App compatibility, remote controller, adaptive speed control system
The first model that we will consider, and which many people consider to be the best of its kind, is the Dynamax RunningPad. This is a compact and lightweight treadmill that despite the size still offers you excellent performance. As indicated by the name, the treadmill is one that is foldable. Therefore, if you have a small apartment or space, you will find it to be the perfect companion.
It gives you the ability to set it up quickly and put it away as quickly as well. This is the main attraction of this model. You can set it up wherever you desire without using any tools. If you are a student or live in a small home, this come in especially useful.
The treadmill offers certain nice advantages over the other models in its category. For example, if you workout late at night, the silent performance of the treadmill ensures that you do not disturb others. The design also comes with useful features. For instance, it has an LED display and can be connected via Bluetooth connection.
The build quality is another thing that makes this a good choice. While it is compact and lightweight, it is a sturdy model that can handle up to 110 kilograms of weight without much fuss.
What we liked: This treadmill is lightweight, compact, and can be folded. It is a reliable and practical solution to another that wants to work out even if they don’t have plenty of space.
What could be better: The treadmill has no incline which is rather disappointing.
Extra features: manual and auto modes, remote controller, child lock, overload protection, WalkingPad APP
While the Dynamax that we reviewed above is a popular option, the Skalet A1 is less popular. However, it manages to give you excellent overall performance which you are certain to find enjoyable. The Skalet A1 is a compact and lightweight model that is made of god quality parts. It is also one of the most affordable on the market.
Despite the lower price and the small size, this still gives you good performance and is the value pick that is designed for people that want a treadmill machine in their small space.
It comes with a simple design that makes it easy to bring out for use and easier to put away. If you don’t have plenty of space in your dorm or apartment, then you will find the ability to use this in the smallest of spaces just right for you.
It comes with nice features, with one of the things that we loved about it being the ability to set it up without the use of tools. Right out of the box, it is clear that this is a simple option that offers excellent value.
The Skalet A1 can carry weights of around 90 kg, which is smaller than our top choice and means that not all people can use the unit. The low weight capacity is the major downside of an otherwise excellent machine. In addition, it does not allow for high running speeds, which is rather expected as it is not a powerful machine.
What we liked: This treadmill boasts of a sturdy build. It is lightweight and easy to set up. If you want the best value for money, then this is a strong contender.
What could be better: It can only carry weights of up to 90 kg and the top speed is not really great.
Extra features: up to 80 pounds of leg load, more than 160 calories per hour, adjustable height and speed
Is it possible to get the benefits of a treadmill while you are seated on a desk? Well, you might suppose not, but with the TechEngage miniTREAD, you can do this without any fuss. This is an excellent model that offers lots of functionality and is the best model if you are looking for something that is small enough to be used while you are seated on a desk.
You can use it as an underdesk treadmill and enjoy the top speed of 2.5 mph. While this is not for running, it is just the right speed for walking. This model, due to the main functionality, is compact and really portable. You can adjust the speed and the incline of the model, which is something that is not commonly found in other options on the market today.
It weighs around 10 kg, which allows you to easily keep it out of the way when you are through with your workout session.
It surprisingly offers one of the best weight capacity out of the models that we have reviewed because it can handle weights of up to 136 kg. As you workout, you will enjoy that this model comes with remote control. That way, you can use it without having to stress yourself about the controls.
What we liked: This is the best for underdesk walking. It comes with a shock absorbing track which will make it comfortable to use.
What could be better: The model is cool, but it doesn’t come with things like a heart rate monitor.
Extra features large 2″ LCD display screen, auto scan, scratch proof suction cups
The North American Health band is a relatively popular brand that is responsible for a number of good quality home fitness and gym fitness equipment. Most of the products from the brand are excellent in terms of design and quality, and the Hometrack is certainly one of the their better offerings.
As the name implies, this is meant for home use. If you are on a budget and are looking for a very cheap, yet effective compact treadmill to use, you will find this to be an excellent choice. Who is it meant for? This product is designed for those on a budget that also have a small space but still want to get the treadmill experience.
Right out of the box, it is clear that this is not like your regular treadmill. It comes in one of the smallest sizes that we have seen, and looks more like a weighing scale than a treadmill. The design is pretty basic and simple. However, considering the price, this is not too surprising.
The weight capacity is not stated, but we believe that it is even smaller than any of the options that we have considered so far. The equipment weighs around 5 kg, which means that it is something that is easy to take around with you if desired. The lightweight and compact form is perfect for anyone that doesn’t have plenty of space.
What we liked: This is an affordable model that comes in a lightweight and simple design.
What could be better: The treadmill is not as sturdy as others and can only take a rather limited amount of weight.
Extra features: remote controller, 50 dB, flexible running board, moving wheels
The TOE Treadmill is the best running board out of all the models that have have reviewed so far. It is a powerful option and is the most powerful compact treadmill that we have reviewed. There are several things to consider about this model, and all of these combine to give you one of the best overall options. A consideration of the treadmill reveals that it has the right balance of cost and features. This is a quality that is not found in all compact treadmills on the market.
The dimensions are larger than what you might encounter from the rest of the compact models we have reviewed. Nevertheless, despite the larger size, it still falls in the compact treadmill category. It is easy to set up and can be put away easily too.
The design makes this an excellent pick. For one, it has several workout programs installed, which will let you to have different types of exercises on the treadmill. You can target whatever you want, ranging from burning calories to improving heart rate.
When the equipment has been used, you can simply fold it up and store it away. All of these combine to make it a good choice. It is made of sturdy materials and can carry weights of up to 100 kg without any fuss. However, increased weight will damage the treadmill.
Another thing that we like about this unit is that it offers quiet performance. It is easy to use and will not make plenty of noise. Therefore, if you have neighbors or roommates, you won’t have to worry about disturbing them.
What we liked: This is a quiet unit that is made of good quality materials and is the best running treadmill that is compact.
What could be better: The unit is not meant for serious running.
Extra features: 5-layer non-slip texture running belt, 2 modes
Right out of the box, it is clear that this is not like your regular treadmill. The design is pretty basic and simple. However, considering the price, this is not too surprising. The treadmill offers certain nice advantages over the other models in its category. For example, if you workout late at night, the silent performance of the treadmill ensures that you do not disturb others. The design also comes with useful features.
It offers a weight capacity of 90 kg, and speeds of up to 6 KM\H. It is an excellent power saving fitness equipment. Despite the portability, there is no compromise on the level of performance. It is a portable option which is also foldable. It is this foldable nature that makes it easy to fit into the smallest spaces of your home after you have used it.
You get a 1-year warranty with the model. Therefore you are covered in case of repairs or replacement.
What we liked: This model offers good space and walking track. You get a good speed and a quiet overall-activity.
What could be better: It has a pretty basic design.
Extra features: 50 dB, fitness data
If you work out in the early mornings or late in the evening, you likely have been approached by neighbors or roommates about the noise from your treadmill. Well, say good bye to a noisy treadmill with the Janizy Treadmill. This is an excellent option that not only works really well, but also does its job without making a lot of noise.
The design and build quality are excellent and are some of the reasons why we enjoy using this treadmill. For example, the body of the model is made of high quality ABS plastic. This is also combined with high hardness steel. To that end, it can withstand loads of up to 100kg. While others might be able to carry more, we found this to be a reasonable option for the price.
In addition to that, the model comes with an LED digital display. This will reveal plenty of things about the unit and your workout so that you can get the best from it. With the controls, you can have speeds of 2 to up to 6 km\h. Although this will not satisfy fitness nuts, it is good enough for most people.
As it is made of good quality materials and a 550W motor, it offers a lengthy lifespan of operation.
What we liked: This is a lightweight, affordable model that does not make a lot of noise. It is portable and comes with a motor that will last for long.
What could be better: The unit is a compact option, but it only carries weight of 100 kg. The warranty period is also not specified.
Extra features: multi-layer design, remote controller, WalkingPad APP, suitable for people aged 14 to 60
While the Dynamax that we reviewed as number one is a popular option, the Skalet brand is less popular. However, it manages to give you excellent overall performance which you are certain to find enjoyable. The Skalet C1 is a compact and lightweight model that is made of god quality parts. It is also one of the most affordable on the market.
We have reviewed the A1 earlier in this post, and while that offered the best value for money, the Skalet C1 offers the best storage. It comes in a really nice design that you will love if you don’t have plenty of storage space in your home. It also comes in a lovely, attractive design and white color that many users enjoy having in their home.
It offers a weight capacity of 100 kg, and speeds of up to 6 KM\H. The Skalet C1 is an excleent power saving fitness equipment. Despite the portability, there is no compromise on the level of performance. With this treadmill, you get something that only few treadmills on the market can offer you – the ability to exercise from the comfort of your room. It is a portable option which is also foldable. It is this foldable nature that makes it easy to fit into the smallest spaces of your home after you have used it.
It also comes with transport wheels that come in handy and allow you to move the unit from location to location without plenty of fuss.
What we liked: This is the best for storage. It comes in a foldable design and with wheels that make it easy to transport.
What could be better: This model has a rather small motor size and will not support weights that exceed 100 kg.
In the section above, we reviewed eight of the best compact treadmills that you can find on the market at the moment. Each of them comes with special features that make it a good pick. Well, you might be looking to buy something other than what we have considered. In this buying guide section, we consider the important information that will aid you in making the right buying decision. With this in mind, it will be easier for you to choose the right compact treadmill to meet your requirements.
Before we delve into the benefits of a compact treadmill and the features to consider, let us first consider what you will gain from using a treadmill. What are the benefits of this exercise equipment? We will find out in this section.
There are several benefits that come from using a compact treadmill. One of the major advantages of the treadmill is that it works to reduce the impact. When running on a treadmill, you will have a lesser amount of impact than if you were running on the street or hitting the pavement. As you run on the dirt or some other hard surface, the legs will suffer plenty of impact.
At first, this might not seem a big deal, but over time, it will have an effect. By running on these hard surfaces, you might suffer from joints problems because of the hardness of the surface or because of stepping on the dirt or rock the wrong way. If care is not taken, these issues might become so severe and become really painful.
The treadmill offers a good alternative to this. Treadmills are designed with soft surfaces that take the brunt of the impact and will reduce the impact suffered by the joints. The shock absorption that you get from these is unmatched.
With a treadmill, you will have less impact. Additionally, unlike running on other surfaces, the surface of the treadmill is smooth and even. There are no surprises, so to speak, as you run. There is very little chance of stumbling while running on a treadmill.
Another excellent benefit of the treadmill is that it gives you near complete control of the running session. Based on your level of fitness, you might have a light workout or you can increase it to meet the demands of an intense workout. It is all in your hands. The main thing is that all aspects of the workout can be adjusted by you based on your level of fitness.
With a treadmill, you have control of your warm up , the incline, the speed, the amount of energy spent in a timeframe, and so much more. Regardless of your fitness level, you can customize the workout and achieve whatever you want. Whether you are a beginner or not, you will find the treadmill an excellent exercise equipment.
Another advantage of treadmills is that they are fitted with programmable ability. This will also you to determine the run. You can choose the time, speed, and distance. The best compact treadmills will also allow you to know the level of your fitness. With the trackers that are included, you can see how far you are going with the exercise.
The next advantage of the treadmill is that it comes in very handy if you are training for a run or race. You can simulate the path and the course of your exercise. This will make it easier to run and run well on the actual road. As this equipment can be programmed, you have the ability to simulate an actual race. With the treadmill, it is easier to control stuff like speed and incline. With the ability to make your training conditions as real as the actual thing, you can rest assured of a good performance on the day of the race.
Once you have some information on stuff like the route and the terrain of the route, you can program these and get the direction that you want.
One unexpected benefit that comes from using the treadmill is that you can get better motivated to smash your goals. By using the treadmill, you will discover that your brain will work better, you will have better health, and you will have a happier outlook.
Exercise is one way to boost your mood because all of that activity helps to release endorphins to the body from the brain. With these happy chemical coursing through your body, you will certainly feel better. Having a treadmill at home will contribute to this happy feeling and remove the anxiety and depression that you might be suffering from.
Another benefit that you get from running on a treadmill is that it is excellent for the health of your heart. It works to boost the health of the heart and will reduce the chances of suffering from problems of the heart. With this treadmill, you will have more blood pumping to the heart, giving you more oxygen and making you healthier.
With a stronger heart, you will have a reduce blood pressure level and this goes a long way to reducing your susceptibility to harmful heart problems.
With this stronger heart, you will not be worried about stuff like bad cholesterol overcoming the body. Some of the best treadmills on the market come with a heart rate monitor that will let you have an eye on your heart rate.
As we have shown in this section, there are so many advantages to using a regular treadmill. If you have one at the gym, you will find it very useful. However, it is even more fun and better if you own your treadmill at home. With this treadmill, you enjoy plenty of other benefits. Get them today and enjoy the safety and convenience that the offer to all users.
In the section above, we considered the advantages of getting a regular treadmill or using it. If you are thinking of whether to buy a treadmill and use it at home, it is prudent to consider the foldable or compact treadmill. In this section, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a compact treadmill.
Let us start with the pros:
As the name of the treadmill implies, these treadmills are compact. And that is the major advantages of the treadmill. The compact nature of these treadmills have made them really popular today. With these treadmills, you can carry them around and use then whenever and wherever you desire to exercise.
Therefore, you can use it in the office, carry it out, take it home, use it is a small space, and so much more. You can even take it outdoors and enjoy using it there.
Aside from that, due to the compact and portable nature, these treadmills do not take up plenty of space. Do you have a small apartment or space? If so, then you will enjoy using these equipment. They are easy to fold and store and will take up very little space. The models that we have reviewed, like the TechEngage miniTREAD, and Dynamax RunningPad come in this compact form.
Motorized models often take up more space and take up a large portion of the limited space that you have. However, with such portable and compact treadmills, you do not have to make plenty of space just to accommodate your treadmill.
Another excellent thing about these compact treadmills is that they are lightweight. This is to be expected considering that they are compact and portable. However, other machines might claim to be portable but have a weight that makes it near impossible to move from one spot to the other. The weight is an impressive advantage because that is what makes it possible to carry around. Out of all the options that we have reviewed, the North American Health + Wellness Hometrack model comes with the lightest weight.
The affordability of these units is another reason why many have fallen in love with the compact treadmills. It should be noted that they are still slightly expensive, however, when compared with the other types of motorized treadmills, they are quite cheap. If you are looking to buy a compact treadmill, be ready to spend some money to get a high quality option.
Some people would love to have a treadmill but feel that there is simply no place to put them. Thankfully, these are an exception. You can put this exercise equipment in the smallest room of your home , use it, and fold it up when you are through with it. They are convenient and out of the way. Once done you can put it up in the closet and have a neat space.
As with several other gym equipment on the market, there are some disadvantages to using a compact treadmill. In this section, we look at some of the disadvantages of these products.
Users of compact treadmills have complained about the cushioning of the compact treadmill. The cushioning refers to the ability of the treadmill to absorb the weight and force of your runs. Treadmills are designed for you to walk or run on them and your entire weight is on it. Therefore, it should have the ability to carry the weight correctly.
A glance at our top models reveals that most of these models do not come with the features that you’d usually get from the motorized treadmills. They are scanty on features and you might not find extra features like the heart monitor, strap, app, and so on.
With all of these in mind, you might be thinking about how you can choose the right treadmill. Well, we have considered some important factors, and in this section, we will discuss each of them in detail.
This is obviously the main thing to consider. When in the market for a compact treadmill, the size is the fastest way to decide whether a treadmill is for you or not. It is especially important when you think about all the space that you might have in your room. If you are looking to use a treadmill for working at home, then you should consider buying options that have really small dimensions.
Among compact treadmills, there are size ranges. Some of the models that we have considered are compact, but still bigger than most. An example of this is the Skalet C1. Others are really small, and are not big enough for running. An example is the North American Health + Wellness Hometrack.
Apart from the space needed to place the treadmill, it is also important to consider the storage options that you have. If the unit cannot be folded, you will have a really hard time storing it away.
Up next is the overall quality of the treadmill. The features and the physical appearance might deceive you into thinking that the model is a good choice. However, you need to look beyond that. You should not buy a treadmill just because of the appearance and features.
It is important to consider the durability of the treadmill. Look for options that will last for a long time. Some cheap models might start out well but fall apart after a short time. How can you know the quality of the treadmill? One way to know it is by considering what other users are saying about the unit. This will give you a good idea about what you should expect.
The options that we have reviewed come as durable models. The Skalet A1 is an example of a durable treadmill.
The running surface of the treadmill is another thing that you should consider. The length of the treadmill should be a good comparison with the overall size of the equipment. If you have a large belt, you will have more space to move.
If you have a long stride, it is recommended to look for models with large surfaces.
Although you should work up a sweat, it is important that you still remain comfortably during the exercise period. Some models come with really long belts while others are smaller.
The horsepower refers to the power of your treadmill. The capacity of the motor is an important factor that will determine the level of the exercise session. Before you make a final buying decision, we recommend that you look at the manufacturer’s description and see the horsepower rating.
The higher horsepower rating likely will affect the price of the unit. It will also depend on the goal of your work out. A more powerful motor will last for longer despite frequent use. If you plan to use the treadmill every day, ensure that it comes with a high horsepower rating.
You might not put in much stock in the warranty, but it is an important consideration. The warranty offered by the manufacturer is an indicator of the quality of the treadmill.
The higher warranty will show that the manufacturer has belief in their products. Additionally, a warranty will have you covered when you need to repair or replace the treadmill.
The next thing to consider is how you will get the treadmill to your space. You should consider what would be involved in getting the treadmill to your home. Some of the units on the market need to be assembled out of the box after the purchase. Others come pre-assembled. We recommend going for the pre-assembled options as these will save you plenty of time and effort.
The units that we have reviewed come pre-assembled. An example is the Janizy Treadmill.
One of the most important things that every buyer must keep in mind before deciding on the treadmill to buy is the weight capacity of the treadmill. This will obviously depend on the weight of the user. If you are a large person, then you definitely should be looking for a treadmill that will work to carry all of the extra weight.
Check out what the manufacturer has listed out as the maximum recommended weight.
The speed of the model that you purchase will depend on whether you want to walk or run. If it is just for walking, then you certainly will not need something that is very fast.
The compact treadmill is a very good alternative to the regular treadmills. We have discussed 8 of the best compact treadmills. The Dynamax RunningPad is our top choice. It is lightweight, compact, and can be folded. The Skalet A1 offers good value for the price. It boasts of a sturdy build, is lightweight and easy to set up. For people on a budget, the North American Health + Wellness Hometrack is the best model. It is an affordable model that comes in a lightweight and simple design.
