Best Treadmill for Home Use: How to Choose for Your Home Gym

Updated 30/06/2026

Having a treadmill at home can help you stay healthy and feel good when you don’t have time to hit the gym. Overall, around 50 percent of U.S. consumers report wellness as a top priority in their day-to-day lives, according to research from consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

Treadmills are one of the most commonly used types of exercise equipment for home gyms, as it offers a convenient way to get a cardio workout anytime, regardless of the weather outside. But, with so many options on the market available, finding the best treadmill can be a daunting task. 

To help you find the best treadmill for home use, let's examine some key factors to consider in your search.

Cushioning

The cushioning system of a treadmill is important for reducing impact. Research conducted in 2019 found treadmill running with cushioning may be a useful method in the prevention of forefoot injuries.

Look for a treadmill with a cushioning system that provides good shock absorption and feels comfortable underfoot. Models like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill and Commercial 2450 Treadmill feature RUNFLEX™ cushioning that has a road-running feel that supports long-distance comfort while protecting your joints.

Explore the Commercial 1750 — cushioned, foldable, and road-running ready.

Incline

An adjustable incline on treadmills can help vary your workouts and target different muscle groups. Incline settings also allow you to simulate real-world terrains.

The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill offers incline/decline from -3% to 12% with AutoAdjust™ that syncs to iFIT workouts. For advanced cross-training, the X16 Treadmill or X24 Treadmill deliver -6% to 40% incline ranges.

CTA: Train smarter withiFIT incline workouts that automatically adjust your treadmill to real-world terrain.

Console Features

From LED displays to HD touchscreens, consoles make a big difference in your workout experience. Look for clarity, interactivity, and easy navigation.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill includes a 10” rotating touchscreen for treadmill workouts plus floor-based strength or yoga sessions with iFIT.

For a bigger upgrade, the X24 Treadmill delivers a 24” HD screen, built-in entertainment apps, and premium design. Pair either model with an iFIT Pro membership to unlock global workouts, streaming services on your screen, and SmartAdjust™ training that keeps every session challenging and personalized.

See the Commercial 1250 Treadmill — rotating screen + iFIT cross-training built in.

Foldability

If space is tight, foldability is key. A treadmill with a folding frame helps reclaim floor space when not in use.

The T Series 10 Treadmill folds vertically for compact storage. The Commercial 1750 Treadmill and Commercial 2450 Treadmill also fold neatly, making them ideal for multipurpose rooms.

Shop the full NordicTrack treadmill lineup to compare folding and non-folding options.

Price

If you're asking yourself, “how much is a treadmill,” you're not alone. When shopping for the best in-home treadmill, many consider the price first. Treadmills can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on their quality and features. 

In other words, while buying a treadmill is exciting as an investment in yourself, perhaps not so much for your wallet.

If you have your eye on a new dream workout machine, but the price isn’t right, treadmill financing may be a solution. NordicTrack Financing offers special financing, exclusive benefits, and easy online management.

Whichever way you slice it, several effective ways exist to help minimize cost getting in the way of your home fitness goals.

The Bottom Line

Finding the best treadmill for your home gym comes down to space, budget, and goals. From compact folding designs to advanced incline trainers, NordicTrack has an option that fits.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable foldable treadmill or an advanced runner seeking road-realistic incline, the best treadmill is one that supports consistent training and keeps you motivated long term.

Start your journey with iFIT membership — structured training that makes your treadmill workouts more engaging and effective.

Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

FAQs: Finding the Best Treadmill for Home Use

What is the best treadmill for home use in a small space?

The NordicTrack T Series 10 Treadmilland Commercial 1250 Treadmill fold vertically, making them perfect for apartments or multipurpose rooms.

What’s the benefit of incline walking on a treadmill?

Incline workouts burn more calories, engage your glutes and calves, and reduce joint strain. See why it works in our article on incline treadmill benefits.

How do I know which treadmill is right for me?

Start by comparing models based on space, features, and training goals. Our 2025 Treadmill Buying Guide breaks down every key detail.

Do treadmills come with personalized training options?

Yes. Every NordicTrack treadmill connects to iFIT, where personalised training programs adapt to your progress.

How does a treadmill compare to other cardio machines?

Each machine offers unique benefits for calorie burn, joint impact, and training style. See side-by-side differences in our cardio machine comparison.

Should I buy a treadmill or an elliptical?

Both are excellent for home gyms, but treadmills mimic real running while ellipticals offer low-impact cardio. Read our breakdown: Ellipticals vs. Treadmills.