If you don’t have time to go to the gym and don’t have sufficient space for a commercial treadmill in your home, you need a more compact one. Foldable treadmills are your go-to if you’re looking for a space-saving solution.
However not all foldable treadmills can offer a smooth run or a pleasant walk. These have limitations already since they are more compact. So you have to choose wisely or risk buying one that you cannot use.
Take a look at some trending treadmills on the market at the moment!
| Folding
Treadmills |
Weight capacity | Max speed | Incline levels | Dimensions | Running surface |
| Xterra Fitness TR150 | 250 lbs | 10 mph | 3 | 63.4”x 28.8”x 51.4” | 40″ x 60” |
| Go Plus 2 in 1 | 275 lbs | 7.5 mph | none | 27”x49”x42” | 40″ x 60” |
| Echelon Stride Auto-Fold | 300 lbs | 12 mph | 12 | 69.3”x31”x49.2” | 55” x 20” |
| RUNOW | 300 lbs | 8.1 mph | 12 | 60.4″x 26.6″x55.9″ | 49.2” X 16.5” |
| Horizon Fitness T101 | 300 lbs | 10 mph | 2 | 51”x32”x63” | 50”x 22” |
| UREVO | 265 lbs | 7.6 mph | 3 | 52.6”x26.4”x39.7” | 43.3” x16.5” |
| OMA 1017EB | 300 lbs | 8.7 mph | none | 58.1”x32.7”x35” | 48” x 17.7” |
| Bifanuo 2 in 1 | 265 lbs | 7.5 mph | none | 54”x26”x5.5” | 40.5” x 16” |
| Weslo Cadence G | 275 lbs | 10 mph | 2 | 64.5″x29″x55.5″ | 50” x 16” |
| WalkingPad R2 | 242 lbs | 6.5 mph | none | 57”x28.4”x51.2” | 47” x 17.3” |
Buying guide: What to look for
There may be some more important priorities when scouting for compact treadmills. Remember to gauge each factor against the other. It is wise to make a checklist of which is more important for you, should you not find all you need in one treadmill.
Weight capacity
Foldable treadmills are more lightweight. But that does not mean that all have limited weight capacity. We have chosen a handful that can accommodate taller and even chunkier users. So it’s best to get one that can handle more than your weight, especially if you’re going to jog. The impact of each step can mean twice as much as your weight.
Manual or Automatic
For starters, beginners can best make use of a manual treadmill. This gives you more control over the speed and whatnot. An automatic treadmill, on the other hand, features more convenience and challenge.
Belt Size and Unit Dimensions
These foldable treadmills are smaller than commercial treadmills or those with a more sophisticated console. They may also have slight differences in the dimensions. So you have to consider the size of the space you have allotted for working out and for storage. It can be frustrating to find out that the foldable treadmill you just bought cannot fit in the closet.
Incline and Speed Functions
Not all foldable treadmills have an incline speed function. This is perhaps one of the common limitations of compact treadmills. But we have a handful of treadmills that can indulge you with this, albeit having a smaller footprint.
You also have to check if the incline function is automatic or manually adjusted.
And for you to make the best use of it, you have to check for the speed range. There are foldable treadmills that have a limited speed range. You will not be able to run in these, it will only be suitable for walking or light jogging.
Best Folding Treadmills for Small Spaces
It’s showtime for the 10 best options – Recommended by our experts
RUNOW 3305EB
This is a treadmill that is quite friendly on the knees and joints. It is equipped with a double Shock-absorbing System that better protects your knees and ankles.
And even with a compact size, you can enjoy 3 incline levels, only that you need to manually adjust them. This is also a heavy-duty yet small treadmill that can accommodate runners up to 330 lbs. Albeit being compact, it has more to offer for chunkier folks.
Speaking of getting more value from it, you can enjoy the 36 preset programs that can make your running and walking routine progressive. You always have something new to look forward to.
Horizon Fitness T101
If you need a treadmill that has more cushioning, this is a great alternative to the RUNOW 3305EB. It has an impressive cushioning and shock absorption system that will protect your knees and joints.
The running belt is also sufficiently long, so more people, even slightly taller ones will be able to jog or walk on this treadmill. And with a 300lb weight capacity, it can be comfortably used by taller and chunkier people too, that’s without any worries. 
It has a basic yet nifty set of features that can make your training more convenient. It has a cup holder and built-in pulse sensors to help you keep tabs on your heart rate.
The downside is, the max speed might not be amenable for running, only for light jogging. Also, it doesn’t have any preset programs.
- Premium version: T101-05: https://www.amazon.com/Horizon-Fitness-T101-05-Folding-Treadmill/dp/B07FPRYTSK
Xterra Fitness TR150
This treadmill is packed with nifty features. Though lacking an LED screen, you get 12 preset workouts, a sturdy frame, a widescreen display, and three incline settings.
It is also a workhorse since it can speed up higher, so you can use this for running. And with a longer belt, those with longer strides can also run comfortably on it. 
The console is pretty basic, but it has large digital figures that you can easily read. And it gives basic information you need such as your speed, incline, time, distance, pulse, and calorie burn.
The interface is also pretty easy to use, with no learning curve. The tech is pretty basic like 1,2 and 3. But you can’t complain since it is quite sturdy yet cheap at the same time. 2.
Go Plus 2 in 1
This is a compact treadmill that even taller and chunkier users will find quite comfortable and stable to walk or even jog in. It is substantially sturdy and can hold a weight of up to 275 lbs. What’s amazing is that despite the higher weight capacity, this unit is quite light. Thus, making it easy to move around the house or stow away when not in use.
But keep in mind that it has a relatively limited speed range, so a light jog is the best that you can do with it. So runners or those who are looking into progressing their speed might find this lacking. It is perfect for those who want to elevate their heart rate with a walk or light jog, but it’s not for serious trainers.
This is also quite basic and does not have workout programs. But in terms of stability and durability, you will not be disappointed.
Echelon Stride Auto-Fold
This treadmill is one of the more compact ones. Having a very small footprint makes it very easy to just slide under the bed, it only needs a very small space for storage. The unit also flattens out completely, and the process is also automatic, that’s why it’s called an auto-fold treadmill. You just need to press a button with your foot and the handlebars will come down on their own.
It is very small, yes, but it has more to offer than just the basics. This treadmill comes with eight preset programs. There’s more, you can sign up with an Echelon membership to access more than 40 daily live classes and 3,000 on-demand workout programs, but of course, with a recurring monthly fee.
But the downside is that it lacks an LCD screen.
UREVO
This is an under-the-desk treadmill that allows you to stick to your cardiovascular training despite having a very small space for working out. You can easily slide it under the desk or the bed when not in use. 
It has amazing features that can make your training more than just the basics. It has 12 different HIIT running settings, and an adjustable LCD platform will keep track of your exercise data, such as speed, time, distance, and calories. So despite the smaller footprint, this means this can be used for serious training.
OMA 1017EB
This treadmill has more of the bells and whistles that you need for more fancy and progressive training. It has 36 pre-set programs and speeds up to 8.7 miles per hour. You will be able to track your speed, time, distance, calories, and heart rate on the LED screen. 
But it does not have an incline function, so that is something to ponder on. But the various preset programs may be enough for some to amp up their routine every day.
Bifanuo 2 in 1
If you’re looking for a friendlier treadmill to run on, this is it.
It has a layer shock-absorbing structure and anti-skid noise reduction running belt. So it can provide safe and comfortable cushioning for your back, joints, knees, ankles, and muscles.
You can jog and run to your fancy without having to worry about your knees. But let us break the ice here, this is by no means a fancy treadmill, it has more of the basic functions. There are no preset programs or real adjustments for the incline. But it can go pretty fast and it can still measure the time, speed, distance, steps, and calories.
Weslo Cadence G
If you’re used to running at large treadmills, the speed range of this unit may seem a bit off at first. But this can suffice if you’re just looking to go walking every day. The build is decent, not the strongest; but it is even better than most compact treadmills within its price range.
It is also quite cheap, so this is a great budget treadmill. There is nothing fancy about it, no bells and whistles, but it can work for casual training. You still get 6 preset workout programs that can add variety to your training.
WalkingPad R2
This is the size of a yoga mat. So if you still find our options above too big for your space, perhaps you can consider this walking pad. You can also easily slip it under the desk or your bed.
You can enjoy 3 different workout modes, so pretty much fitting for basic training. It is an elegant solution though for very tight spaces since it can be a bit pricier compared to the competition. 
The running belt also has impressive shock absorption features. It is made of four different layers of material. A good racetrack will protect your knees during jogging.
Foldable treadmills are cheaper
but you have to consider other factors too
Compact and foldable treadmills have more limitations, thus they have a lower price. While price can be a big determining factor for decision-making, you have to weigh in all the other components so you can get a treadmill that can best serve you. Missing out on one of these buying guides can put you at risk of getting a treadmill that you cannot really use for the intended purpose.