As more of us choose to workout at home, we need practical gym equipment that can fit into our living spaces.

While going to the gym is a great option for some days, it’s not always easy to be tied to a gym every time you want to workout.

Getting to the gym takes a certain amount of effort. You need to make time to get there and back.

Then there’s the planning of all the gym clothes, shower items, hairdryers, water bottles etc. that you need to take with you, depending on where you’re going onto afterward.

Having some core gym equipment at home means you can do quicker workouts during the day or even before or after work.

You can exercise in the comfort of your own home and with your favorite TV show on as well.

The equipment itself does need some investment, so you want to be sure that it’s a quality product and brand.

With this in mind, what’s the best home running machine to purchase?

We look at the best treadmills for small spaces so you can decide which is for you.

Before we go in-depth about each one’s features, here’s a quick summary of how we rated them.

Best Treadmills for Small Apartments

Treadmills are arguably the most popular piece of gym equipment both at home and in commercial gyms.

Top brands in gym equipment are now making quality treadmills for home use, which also fold up. This makes them easier to put away to one side between uses.

Here we have looked at the best compact treadmills on the market.

We Ranked Treadmills Based On:

1. Safety
2. Maximum speed settings
3. Maximum incline settings
4. Price
5. Size and ease of storage

We Have Ruled Out Treadmills With:

• Low maximum speeds
• Low maximum inclines
• Missing a safety bar at the front of the machine
• Flimsy builds

Instead we have treadmills that are foldable but which also reach high speeds and inclines to give you a harder workout.

Reebok Jet 100

Top Pick

Reebok may not be a name that you always associate with fitness machinery but they have some of the most reliable treadmills on the market.

Their Jet Series are compact, good value and foldable as well.

Physical trainers reported using Reebok treadmills for themselves at home over a number of years without them breaking down or malfunctioning.

The fact that they’re reliable as well as affordable makes their treadmills a great choice for home gym equipment, and our top pick here.

Reebok Jet Series Benefits

• Speeds up to 10 mph / 16 kmph
• 12 different incline levels for challenging workouts
• Syncs with Reebok Fitness App for workout tracking and virtual running routes
• Soft deck cushioning to reduce joint stress

Speed Settings

0-10 mph (16 kmph)

Incline Settings

12 incline levels

Dimensions

Overall: 67 x 30 x 55 in (171 x 78 x 139 cm)

Folded: 43 x 31 x 58 in (110 x 78 x 147 cm)

Running surface: 51 x 17 in (130 x 43 cm)

User Capacity

243 lbs (110 kg)

Warranty

10-Year motor, lifetime frame, 2-year parts and labour warranty as standard

Price

$ 848 (US)
£499.99 (UK)

Check latest prices and offers: Reebok Jet 100

Reebok Jet Series 100 Reviews

Reebok Jet Series 100 scored an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 350 reviews online across 2 independent websites (Argos and Very).

Customers were very happy with the quality and performance of the treadmill. They reported that it felt sturdy, was easy to set up and simple to use.

One user reported the in-built fan didn’t work but Reebok customer service fixed this case free of charge.

A select few users also wanted more modern tech features on the treadmill which this one doesn’t have. If you’re after this then the NordicTrack might be a better choice (see below).

On examining quality, value and reliability of performance, we found Reebok Jet 100 to be the best treadmill for home use.

LifeFitness F3 Folding Treadmill

Runner Up

Life Fitness are an established name in the fitness industry and supply treadmills to a large number of commercial gyms.

Their F3 folding treadmills are their more compact versions which are designed for home use.

The F3 continues to offer high speed and incline settings with a quality build (just like the commercial Life Fitness treadmills). At the same time it can be folded up and wheeled away between uses.

Life Fitness has additional security features like side and front bars, a safety stop, and a child-proof release lever.

It tracks heart rate using the hand sensors and a wireless chest strap, and it’s FlexDeck Shock Absorption System reduces stress on the joints by up to 30 per cent.

LifeFitness F3 Folding Treadmill Benefits

• 7 integrated workouts
• Reaches up to 10 mph (16 kmph)
• FlexDeck Shock absorption system can reduce stress on the knee by up to 30%
• Soft drop for safety when you’re unfolding the treadmill
• X3 incline positions
• Child proof release lever
• Reduces power consumption on standby
• Charges iPod and allows you to play music
• You can create more workouts online and transfer them via USB

Speed Settings

0-10 mph (16 kmph)

Incline Settings

0-12% incline

Dimensions

Overall: 78.5 x 34.5 x 58.5 in (200 x 88 x 149 cm)

Running surface: 55 x 20 in (140 x 51 cm)

User Capacity

350 lb (159 kg)

Warranty

5 years on parts, 1 year on labor (US warranties)

Price

Price: US$ 2,429 / £ 2,495.00

Where to Buy LifeFitness F3

LifeFitness F3 Folding Treadmill

LifeFitness F3 Folding Treadmill Reviews

The F3 Folding treadmill scored an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 59 customers reviews on Google.

Many purchased it because LifeFitness is known for quality in the fitness equipment industry and they wanted something reliable.

The treadmills were reported as being well-made and sturdy. Users said that they worked reliably even with a few adults using them on any one day.

In comparison to some other foldable treadmills, the F3 was found to be better quality and much more hard-wearing.

Another stand-out feature for reviewers was the child-proof release lever.

As the treadmill is used by people that have children and pets, they commented that the safety lock gave them peace of mind that the treadmill wouldn’t fall when folded up.

If you want to read more about Life Fitness treadmills including the T5 model you can take a look at our in-depth treadmill comparison here: Life Fitness vs NordicTrack.

NordicTrack T Series 9.5S Treadmill

The NordicTrack T9.5S is another high quality treadmill which also folds away.

We liked both the high incline and speed settings and the interactive workouts that it offers through its integrated screen:

NordicTrack Benefits

• Access to over 16,000 interactive workouts
• Workout all over the world with Google Maps
• Up to 12% incline
• Up to 12m/h (19km/h) speed
• X2 Bluetooth speakers
• Flexselect cushioning on the tread to soften impact

NordicTrack has a variety of workouts with 16,000 to choose from. You can access these through the touchscreen which is built into the treadmill.

This is larger than other integrated treadmill screens at 14 inches wide.

When you order your T9.5S, it comes with 1-year free membership to iFit. You can create up to 4 users in one year, meaning the whole family could use the exercise routines.

There are over 16,000 workouts to choose from, that are on demand and available 24/7.

The workouts have been created and include world-class trainers. You can also workout in different parts of the world.

During the sessions, the treadmill is automatically adjusted to the speed and incline in the workout.

Speed Settings

0-12 mph (or 0-19 kmph)

Incline Settings

0-12% incline

Dimensions

Overall: 78.9 x 35.5 x 59.4 in (200 x 90 x 149 cm)

User Capacity

300 lbs (136 kg)

Warranty

Protected with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.

Price

$ 1,899 (US)
£ 1,699 (UK)

Check latest prices and offers: NordicTrack T-Series Treadmill

NordicTrack T9.5S Reviews

The NordicTrack T9.5S treadmill received an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 10,816 reviews across 2 independent platforms Google and Amazon.

At the time of writing it was even marked as being Amazon’s Choice.

The main advantages customers cited were how sturdy the treadmill was.

Even users who consider themselves to be quite ‘heavy-built’ found that it was still steady and strong.

They also found that it offered better value than other equivalent machines which were priced at $2,000 or more.

The negative comments seemed to focus on the subscription to iFit which some users felt forced them to give their credit card details for.

However you get 1 year free with the machine and after that it’s optional. A few users also weren’t happy with NordicTrack customer service.

All in all NordicTrack customers loved the treadmill and being able to workout at home. They found it to be a high quality machine and it could also be stowed away easily when not in use.

If you want to read more about NordicTrack treadmills including the 2950 and x22i models you can take a look at our in-depth treadmill comparison here: Life Fitness vs NordicTrack.

Pro-Form Performance 600i

Best on Price

The Pro-Form Performance 600i is a quality treadmill but it’s also more reasonably priced than some of the other options.

Pro-Form Benefits

• 0-10% incline
• Run up to 10 mph (18 kmph)
• 1-year iFit included (worth over £400)
• 10 inch color touchscreen
• Additional tablet holder for entertainment
• Compatible with BLE chest heart rate monitor
• Compact and can be folded
• ProShox cushioning system

This treadmill also comes with 1 year’s free iFit subscription. This means you have access to on demand workouts with top trainers.

You can select workouts that are in line with your goals. For example, strength, endurance and HIIT workouts (high intensity bursts) are there to improve your health in whichever way suits you.

iFit also automatically adjusts your treadmill to follow the workout. So if your trainer is going uphill, the treadmill’s incline will adjust accordingly. You don’t need to worry about adjusting the controls.

The Proform is another foldable treadmill so the running track can be lifted up between uses.

When folded, the treadmill is compact and can fit in small spaces and hidden away.

That being said, the running surface area is 46cm width by 140cm length, so there is still enough space to walk/jog. You can get a good workout without feeling compressed.

Speed Settings

0-10 mph (18 kmph)

Incline Settings

0-10% incline

Dimensions

Overall: 72 L x 33 W x 63 H in (or 183 L x 85 W x 160 H cm)

Folded: 42 L x 33 W x 64 H in (or 107 L x 85 W x 163 H cm)

Running Surface: 18 W x 55 L in (or 46 W x 140 L cm)

User Capacity

275 lbs (125 kg)

Warranty

Lifetime frame motor warranty, Lifetime motor parts & labor warranty, 2 year parts warranty, 1 year Labor warranty.

Price

£ 1,199 (UK/EU)
$ 1,350 (US)

Check latest prices and offers:

US: ProForm Performance 600i
UK/EU: Proform Performance 600i

Pro-Form 600i Reviews

The Pro-Form 600i has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 227 reviews across Amazon, Google and Best Buy.

Users liked that it was more compact than other treadmills while still giving a good workout.

A number of them commented on how quiet the treadmill was, even at high speeds, which is an advantage when you’re working out at home.

Many users loved the iFit workouts that came with it, although others chose not to follow the workouts on there.

Of the negative reviews some cited that the treadmill could be made from less plastic than it is.

Others struggled to set the treadmill up so we would recommend getting someone to set it up for you. There is usually an option to do this at the time of ordering.

Overall users were happy with the size of the treadmill, its performance and its noise levels.

Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA

Best Compact Treadmill

This treadmill may not be quite as sturdy as our top 3 but what it lacks in stature, it more than makes up for with its ease of storage.

The treadmill is completely foldable and can slide under furniture like sofas and beds to be stored away seamlessly.

Price-wise it’s about a half to a third of the price of some of its alternatives.

This makes it the best option if you’re on a budget and if you want a treadmill that can be collapsed and stored out of sight between uses.

Sunny Health Asuna Treadmill Benefits

• Compact design – can be stored under sofas or beds
• Easy set up in a few seconds
• High speed settings going to 8 mph (13 kmph)
• Safety bar along the front
• device holder for iPad

Speed Settings

0-8 mph (0-13 kmph)

Incline Settings

Fixed incline

Dimensions

Overall: 59 x 30.5 x 40 in (150 x 79 x 102cm)

Folded: 64L x 30.5W x 4.5H in (163cm x 79cm x 9cm)

Running deck: 49 in x 17.75 in (125cm x 45cm)

User Capacity

220 lb (100kg)

Warranty

5 year structural frame 180 days other parts and components.

Price

US $ 834.90

Check latest prices: Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna

Sunny Health Asuna Space Saving Treadmill Reviews

The Sunny Health Asuna scored an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 579 reviews. The majority of these reviews were from Amazon and a handful were from Sunny Health’s own website.

Many users reported loving the treadmill as it could be used in the smallest of spaces.

Storing it and setting it up was said to be quick and easy, without issues.

Although it doesn’t have incline options, users were happy with the maximum speeds which go up to 8 mph (some would have been happy with a 6 mph maximum).

There were a handful of users who had the treadmill breakdown after a period of use or who found faults. Others weren’t happy with the customer service response.

As with all treadmills we recommend looking closely at the warranties before purchasing so that you can have that peace of mind.

Overall users loved the treadmill and were thrilled to find something that could give them a good 20 minute run and then be stowed away out of sight.

AssaultRunner

Best for Athletes

The AssaultRunner is completely unique in the world of treadmills, let alone home treadmills.

To be honest it’s not compact and it’s not cheap – in fact it’s the most expensive treadmill on this list – but it’s here because it offers something unique.

A motor-free treadmill that adjusts to your own speed with no controls needed. Some athletes and professional trainers have used it and referred to it as ‘mind blowing’.

AssaultRunner Benefits

No Speed Limit 

It works off your own body’s speed. This means it doesn’t have a motor and you don’t need to adjust the speed settings. You can just get on and go.

No motor also means you can throw all you have at it. You could go up to a full sprint and then slow down to a jog without having to adjust the controls. This can make it a much freer way of running on gym equipment.

Corrects Running Form  

As it has a curved design, you have to position your body correctly to run on the AssaultRunner.

It means that you automatically adjust your running form in order to be able to run on it.

Some athletes and trainers stated that it helped them to correct some problems that they had with their posture when running.

Eco-Friendly 

As it works off your own body’s speed it has no motor. This makes it the most environmentally friendly treadmill on this list.

Other benefits include:

• No wires and cables
• Integrates with Queenax circuit training
• No deck below it
• Motor free and no electric
• Manual, run as fast as you can
• You can pair it with a heart rate monitor
• Digital console with HIIT and heart rate programs

Speed Settings

No speed limit. This treadmill works off your speed and can go as fast as you go.

Incline Settings

No incline settings on this treadmill. The curvature gives a more challenging workout on its own.

Dimensions

Treadmill dimensions: 69.9 x 32.8 x 64 in (177 x 84 x 163 cm)

User Capacity

350 lbs (159 kg)

Warranty

5-year frame, 3-year non-wear parts, 1-year labor.

Price

$ 3,699 (US)
£ 2,999 (UK)

Check latest prices: AssaultRunner

Assault AirRunner Reviews

Overall, 157 users rated the Assault AirRunner at 4.6 out of 5 stars on average from Amazon and on Assault Fitness’ own website.

Users reported that they loved how natural the treadmill was to run on as the speed is adjusted by your own body position.

They also stated that it had very smooth mechanics. Athletes frequently used it to correct their running stance when training.

However it is a very large machine and as one user put it – it’s ‘built like a tank’ – with tank-like treads too.

So it’s probably best suited to athletes or those who want to work out at high intensities.

What is the Best Treadmill for a Small Space?

Our Top Pick is the Reebok Jet 100 treadmill.

It is compact in size, has a record of reliable performance over time, reaches high speed and incline settings for challenging workouts, and is also good value for money.

All these factors on balance mean that we have selected it as our Top Pick for home treadmills.

All it is missing is the integrated touchscreen and the ‘bells and whistles’ of some of the other treadmills on the list.

Many reviewers were also impressed with Reebok’s customer service that was responsive and fixed any small issues they had.

Customer service is important to consider when purchasing a treadmill in case you experience any faults. All in all we would recommend the Reebok Jet 100 as a great choice for home workouts.

Our runner-up is from the renowned LifeFitness, a gold standard in gym equipment. Their F3 folding treadmill is also reliable and high-performing, so it’s a solid choice for a home gym.

The other foldable treadmills are the NordicTrack T9.5S and Pro-Form 600i. Both offer integrated touchscreens and 1 year’s iFit membership with 16,000 workouts included.

If you like the idea of following workouts through an integrated screen, then either of these treadmills would be a great option for you. 

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with small spaces and need a treadmill that collapses away completely, then the best option is the SunnyHealth Asuna.

It folds down so that it’s flat and can be stored under furniture like sofas or beds.

While it may not be as sturdy as the top 3 and it doesn’t offer incline, it still gives you a good workout.

It reaches speeds of 8 mph (or 13 kmph), which is significantly higher than most other fully collapsible treadmills.

So you can get a good workout without it taking up any additional space in your room.

Athletes may also love to look at the Assault AirRunner. It doesn’t fold and is a bulky piece of equipment. But it’s also a unique treadmill with motor-free functionality and a design that helps to correct running form.

Whichever you choose, having a treadmill at home can make it so much easier to work out a little every day. You can get fitter at home and without the hassle of making it to the gym every time.

*Check latest warranties and prices before purchasing.