How to buy the best treadmill

A foldable running machine suitable for home use is handy if you don't want to brave the elements – or fork out for a gym. 

Running has plenty of benefits for both regular gym-goers and fitness newbies – it can help you lose weight, loosen stiff joints and de-stress. But it's important you know what type of treadmill is best to help you reach your fitness goals.

Our guide highlights the key treadmill features to look out for, typical costs and where to buy a treadmill.

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Treadmill benefits

Running or even regular walking has many benefits and being able to do this at home has several advantages:

• Convenience – running indoors keeps you away from busy roads and poor weather, and can be easier to squeeze into your daily routine.
• A soft landing – many treadmills use a cushioned running deck to protect your joints and feet.
• Lose weight – walking and running burns calories even on flat ground; you can get even better results if you own an inclining treadmill.
• Smartphone connectivity – some treadmills let you plug in your smartphone and play music through the built-in speakers.
• Custom programs – if you don't want to constantly tap speed and incline buttons, select a pre-set program and have the treadmill change pace for you.

How much does a treadmill cost?

Before you decide whether or not to buy a treadmill to use at home, consider your budget and the amount of floor space you have. Treadmills can get rather loud when they're operating at top speed, so keep your neighbours in mind as well – especially if you live in a flat that isn't on the ground floor.

Cheap treadmills – around £100

These are often non-motorised and powered by your movement. You can easily grab one with a foldable design for around £100.

Budget-priced treadmills tend to have a manual incline, which means that if you want to run 'uphill' you need to prop the front of the treadmill up yourself using the adjustable feet.

Even the most affordable treadmills can usually measure your pulse – this isn't a feature reserved for expensive models.

If your treadmill doesn't come with a pulse monitor, you can try wearing a top-rated fitness tracker. See our best fitness trackers page.

Mid-range treadmills – up to £300

Spending up to £300 will get you a few more features, such as pre-set programs or smartphone connectivity, but you may still have to manually adjust the incline. 

You're likely to have to invest a bit more for the convenience of an electronically adjustable incline. 

High-end treadmills – £500+

Pricier machines have incline levels that you can control mid-run, without having to stop and get off if you want a harder or easier workout. Expect to pay between £500-£1,000.

They usually feel more stable at high speeds compared with budget alternatives, and tend to be bulkier. Cushioned running decks will add a subtle, joint-saving bounce to your runs.

Premium treadmills with large touchscreen displays and bigger running surfaces can cost several thousand pounds.

Types of running machine

Manual treadmill

If you're running on a manual running machine, you'll be using your feet to power the speed of the belt. That means the treadmill will come to a halt as soon as you stop moving.

Manual treadmills take more effort to use as the speed of the running deck isn't powered electronically. You might consider this a plus if you want a tougher workout, but there's a chance you'll crave the convenience of an electric machine.

As a manual treadmill doesn't need plugging in, you can use it anywhere as long as you have enough floor space. Most manual treadmills have wheels that let you move them around.

Electric treadmill

This is the most popular type of treadmill as they're easier to use than manual machines. As a result, expect to pay more.

Electric running machines plug into the wall and use mains power to control speed (and incline on higher-spec models). Some have large, touchscreen displays, though this is typically reserved for models exceeding £1,000.

Many electric treadmills have built-in speakers that you can connect to a smartphone or tablet via the headphone jack.

Curved treadmill

These are powered manually and feature a concave-shaped running belt. The process of you pushing down and then backwards with each stride is what keeps the belt turning.

In theory, a curved running deck will be comfier to jog on than a flat running deck. This is because the shape of the curved belt mimics the movements of your legs more closely. You also get to set your own pace.

As you're physically propelling the belt of the curved treadmill yourself, you'll be engaging more muscle groups than you would on a 'normal' treadmill.

Curved treadmills don't come cheap. Fitness brand Curve Runner sells its machines for around £3,000-£5,000.

Key treadmill features to look for

Size of running deck

Always consider the size of a treadmill's running deck (the surface you run on) when deciding whether or not to buy it; taller people may need a longer deck to accommodate a longer stride.

If you've got dodgy joints, look for a treadmill with a cushioned deck that will offer some bounce and reduce the pressure on knees and ankles.

Information console

If you want specific feedback on your workout and its intensity, shop for a treadmill with a detailed information console or screen.

These show you distance covered, calories burned and time spent running. Some of these screens are black and white, while pricier treadmills have large, colour touchscreen displays.

On some treadmills, the console will let you choose between different workout programs. A program is a mini course that automatically adjusts the speed (and incline, if available) at different points to simulate the varied landscape of an outdoor run. 

Treadmill incline

Walking or running on a treadmill at an incline will simulate climbing a hill outside. You'll still burn calories if you're running on a flat treadmill, but experimenting with the incline settings can add some extra challenge.

Foldable treadmills

A running machine that folds can be tucked away between workouts. This is ideal if you have limited space, or are using the treadmill in the living room, for example.

Heart monitor

Most treadmills have a pulse sensor built into the handles. Holding onto these throughout your workout may not be practical if you're running and need free arm movement, but they do allow you to check in on how hard you're working. 

Safety key

Nearly all treadmills come with a safety key. The magnetic end attaches to the treadmill's centre console and the other end attaches to your clothing. These are intended to stop the running belt immediately if you lose your balance and come off the back of the treadmill.

If you move too far back on the running deck, the magnetic end of the key will break away from the console.

How much space do you need for a treadmill?

With any home gym equipment, you want to make sure you have enough space to use it correctly and safely, so below is a list of things to look out for: 

• According to BoxLife Magazine, the average treadmill will measure around 1.75 metres in length and around 0.3 metres wide.
• Never have the back of the running deck up against a wall or a piece of furniture. If you lose your footing, you'll be sent backwards and may injure yourself. Behind the treadmill, you need a clearance space of at least 1.2 metres.
• A manual treadmill (one without a motor) doesn't need much clearance space ahead of it. But if you're using an electrical treadmill, allow for around 50cm of space so the motor is properly ventilated.
• In terms of space on either side of the equipment, we recommend it's double the width of your treadmill. This should provide enough room to prevent you from accidentally striking something with your hands if you stretch them out or lose your balance.
• You don't want to hit your head while you're sprinting, so place the treadmill carefully if you have low ceilings. If your treadmill has a higher inclining running deck, the higher you'll be, so do factor this in. 
• If you have a really tiny space, maybe pick a foldable treadmill. As the name suggests, it will allow you to fold the machine to create room. 
• Invest in a mat if you have wood floors. Treadmills are heavy and the slightest movement could scratch your floor. Check what the manufacturer says for the specific product you're considering.

Where to buy a treadmill

When you're deciding where to buy your treadmill, only deal with trusted sellers online or in-store.

Do some research on the retailer before buying – check the returns policy and read customer reviews for the model you're looking at. In some cases, the retailer will help you set up the treadmill in person. Otherwise, you'll need to build it yourself.

Popular retailers that stock treadmills include:

• Amazon – has hundreds of treadmills in stock, but stick to brand names you recognise.
• Argos – offers a range of foldable treadmills. Prices start around £300 and rise to around £2,000. Brands include Nordic Track, Reebok and Argos's own brand, Opti.
• Decathlon – stocks treadmills costing from less than £300 up to around £3,000. Brands include Domyos, Nordic Track and ProForm.
• Fitness Superstore – a fitness specialist that serves a similar market to Powerhouse Fitness. It sells folding treadmills costing from around £500 up to more than £3,000. Brands include Horizon, Life Fitness and Matrix Fitness.
• John Lewis – stocks treadmills from brands including Adidas, NordicTrack, ProForm and Reebok. Prices start at around the £500 mark and go up to several thousand pounds for high-end running machines. 
• Powerhouse Fitness – offers fixed and folding treadmills from brands including BodyMax, Nordic Track, ProForm and Reebok. Its running machines are at the pricier end, starting at around £400 and many cost more than £2,000.

Discover the best websites to buy from based on thousands of shoppers' experiences. See our guide on the best online shops and websites.

Is it OK to put my treadmill in an outbuilding?

Most treadmill manufacturers advise against keeping running machines in the garage or other outbuildings for a number of reasons.

Garages can get chilly and cold temperatures could potentially damage a treadmill's belt, display and motor. Dirt and dust kicked up from the floor of the garage could also find its way inside the motor.

Check your warranty, and the manual, when buying a treadmill, as keeping it in the wrong spot could invalidate it.

Tips for using your treadmill

If you're new to using a running machine, don't push yourself too hard to start with – as with any new exercise, this risks injury. 

Even if you're familiar with treadmills from the gym, read instructions carefully as there may be some important differences from the machines you're used to.

Stay safe with our top treadmill tips:

• Walk before you run – Always warm up with a few minutes' easy walking before starting your workout in earnest. Jumping straight in at full tilt risks injury.

• Try interval training – Alternate longer, slower sessions with shorter, faster ones. Mixing up your treadmill workouts in this way can help get results and improve fitness faster. 

• Adjust the incline – Adjusting the incline will allow you to use slightly different muscles, and better replicate the outdoor experience. If bad knees mean you prefer not to run, you can increase your workout intensity by walking uphill.  

• Use running headphones – They're sweatproof and use a wraparound design to stay in place while you jog. Listening to your favourite tunes will help you push harder on your workout.

For more exercise tips and fitness guides, see the NHS exercise guide.

Get headphones that will produce the best sound quality for your workout with the help of our expert headphone reviews. 

How we selected prices and retailers

Retailers and gym equipment chosen based on popular UK search terms and availability; we've only selected models from brands that achieved decent scores in our previous survey. Prices are correct as of July 2023 and obtained from manufacturer's own website where possible; otherwise, obtained from third-party retailers listed on Google Shopping.