Let’s face it, while having a treadmill in your home can be a great way to up your weekly miles, they can often eat up a lot of room.
If you want to get off to a flying start as a member of the treadmill brigade, but also want to maintain your home's interior, a foldable option is the way to go.
We've gathered our choices for the best collapsible treadmills currently available, with an alternative for every budget and fitness level.
The selections below were picked based on thorough research and examination of user feedback. The dimensions listed are in order of length x width x height.
JTX Sprint 5 (RRP: £999.00 / $1,240.46)
JTX's sought-after Sprint range has produced many runners' favourites throughout the years. The Sprint 5 falls precisely in the middle of the range, said to be aimed at runners of all levels: from beginners to those training for a half marathon.
It claims to feature a spacious running deck with plenty of room for movement and adjusting your stride. It also features JTX's multi-step cushioning and springs, which JTX say will reduce impact by up to 30%.
JTX also provide three custom programmes, enabling you to set up a regular run to meet your requirements or choose one of the 43 pre-set programmes. While running, you can track your performance using heart rate monitors or by using a Bluetooth Polar chest strap.
If you want to mix up your workouts by replicating terrain, the Sprint 5 is also compatible with Zwift, and there's a tablet holder to make it easier to stream follow-along workouts.
For packing away, JTX include a hydraulic safety system to gradually lower the deck, and transportation wheels designed to make positioning the treadmill easier.
Size when folded: 114 (L) x 82 (W) x 157 (H)cm
Weight: 78kg
Top speed: 18kph
Incline: 0-12%
Max user weight: 120kg
Echelon Stride Auto-Fold (£1,599 / $1,985.88)
- Buy now from Echelon (£1,599)
Echelon's Stride treadmill aims to simplify storage as much as possible, with an auto-fold feature that reduces the need for heavy lifting. This technology is said to allow the treadmill to fold to a height as slim as 25cm.
Echelon also provide a built-in console display and holder, which displays metrics to you as you run and offers up to eight programmable workouts. Users can also opt to buy a membership for Echelon instructors and coaching.
There are 12 speeds and incline levels to choose from, with heart rate sensors in the handlebars for monitoring during workouts.
Size when folded: 78 x 175 x 25cm
Weight: 70.76kg
Top speed: 14kph
Incline: 0-10%
Max user weight: 136kg
JLL T350 (£569.99 / $707.93)
JLL's T350 is a foldable treadmill in the lower-mid range that aims to offer a cost-effective option. It comes with 20 workout programs of different inclines and speeds, with three of them being customisable.
The monitor interface is reportedly touch-sensitive, with 5-inch displays showing time, speed, incline, distance, calories, and heart rate, which is monitored via pulse sensors on the handles.
JLL also provide Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port, enabling users to play music through the treadmill's built-in speakers.
Size when folded: 82 x 70 x 146 cm
Weight: 59kg
Top speed: 18kph
Incline: 0-20%
Max user weight: 120kg
ProForm Pro 2000
If you are particularly interested in incline training, Proform's premium foldable treadmill, the Pro 5000, might be an ideal choice. It comes with adjustable incline and decline settings, which is said to help simulate a variety of outdoor terrains and work various muscle groups.
The treadmill has a 10-inch touchscreen display for showing stats, heart rate, and follow-along classes. With your purchase, you can also access 30 days of iFit Family Membership. Additionally, for some extra motivation, users can connect their audio to 2" Bluetooth speakers.
Size when folded: 114 x 89 x 176cm
Weight: 100kg
Top speed: 22kph
Incline: -3-12%
Max user weight: 136kg
Dripex 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill (£271.99)
The Dripex treadmill serves two different purposes. It can function as a light jogging pad, with a maximum speed of 12 kph, and with the handles down, it can work as a walking pad with a top speed of 4kph.
This makes it suitable for use under a standing desk while working, and its slim profile reportedly allows it to fit comfortably under a bed or sofa when not in use.
It includes a remote control to adjust the speed while walking, a dual display to show workout statistics, and a built-in Bluetooth speaker.
If you're looking for more like this, check out our list of the best under desk treadmills and walking pads.
Size when folded: 132 x 68 x 12 cm
Weight: 33kg
Top speed: 12kph
Incline: n/a
Max user weight: 120kg
NordicTrack T9.5 (RRP: £1,799.00 / $2,234.17)
NordicTrack's T-series treadmill, the 9.5, is a high-end foldable treadmill with an adjustable incline that can reach up to 15%.
The treadmill also includes a 14-inch touchscreen monitor that can display workout statistics and heart rate readings through the handlebar sensors. The treadmill also features Autobreeze fans to keep you cool during your workouts.
The 9.5 model is also compatible with iFit for access to online classes, and the built-in speakers can be connected to iPhone audio, allowing you to use music to enhance your training.
Size when folded: 106 x 91 x 181 cm
Weight: 97kg
Top speed: 22kph
Incline: 0-15%
Max user weight: 125kg
Domyos W100 (RRP: £229.99 / $285.62)
This motorless treadmill from Domyos by Decathlon could be a good budget-friendly option for anyone looking to save space and money. It has a fixed incline of 15% and is designed for lower tempo, steady-state cardio, rather than intense running sessions like other treadmills on this list.
It includes an LCD console with five indicators, including time, distance, speed, calories, and steps. There are several resistance levels to choose from, and the treadmill can be folded away with a locking system.
Size when folded: 55 cm x 66 cm x 129 cm
Weight: 29 kg
Top Speed: n/a
Incline: 15%
Max User Weight: 129 kg
What to consider when buying a foldable treadmill?
Size
Consider the available space you have at home and the size of the treadmill when it’s both folded and unfolded. If you’re looking to store your treadmill under a bed or in a cupboard, be sure to take some measurements and check it can be stored safely.
Weight and portability
Look for a foldable treadmill that is lightweight and easy to move around. Transportation wheels can be a useful feature to look out for, particularly as treadmills with added tech can get pretty weighty.
Top speed and incline
A treadmill needs to offer a decent enough top speed and incline for your needs. If you're looking to push yourself, we’d recommend at least 15kph for a top speed and a minimum of around 0-10% for an incline. However, treadmills that facilitate that amount of power can be costly and bulky, so if that's likely to be a problem you could opt for a slimmer treadmill built for steady state cardio.
Tech
As technology develops, treadmills are changing too. Many come with displays that can give performance statistics, pre-set programmes, online classes, or videos to simulate running outdoors. While added tech can up the price, many of these features can be a great way to provide some extra motivation.