A treadmill is a great way to get in shape and stay healthy, but not everyone has room for a large machine in their home.
That’s where compact treadmills come in!
They’re smaller and more lightweight than traditional treadmills, making them perfect for people who have limited space.
So whether you are short on space or want a treadmill that is easy to store away, we have something for you.
Keep reading to learn more about our top choices and find the best compact treadmill for your needs!
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Compact Treadmill
When you’re looking for a treadmill, there are several things you should keep in mind.
Size and Foldability
First, consider the size of the machine. You’ll want a treadmill with a small footprint if you have limited space.
You may also want your machine to fold. This feature is essential if you have limited space or plan on moving your treadmill frequently.
However, not all treadmills fold flat.
Some fold in a T-shape and others in a V-shape. Some require screwing in place, while others need their handlebars removed.
Remember: Consider what’s feasible for your space before deciding. For instance, you may fall in love with a treadmill that doesn’t fold completely flat; if you have room for it – that’s all that matters.
Incline
Most treadmills come with an incline feature, which allows you to adjust the angle of the deck. Using the incline is a great way to add variety to your workouts and work out your muscles from different points.
However, most compact treadmills lack this feature.
But as you’ll see from the reviews below, some small running bands may feature incline options. Choose one of these, especially if you want to challenge yourself in low-impact settings and build muscle.
Speed
You’ll also want to consider the maximum speed of the treadmill. If you’re a beginner, a lower speed may be more comfortable.
But if you’re looking for a treadmill to help you train for a race, you’ll want one with a higher top speed. Most compact treadmills don’t catch more than 12-15 km/h.
Remember: Also, consider how important quick-change speed buttons are for you. For instance, if you’re doing many HIIT workouts, you don’t want to lose time adjusting your speed.
Other Features
Other features that you should consider – but aren’t related to purchasing a compact or heavy-duty treadmill – include:
- Programs: You need several incorporated programs if you don’t know where to start or if you get bored quickly.
- App connectivity: Apps help you select more workouts and track your progress better.
- Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth allows you to listen to music or a podcast while running.
- Large display: A widescreen is clearer and easier to read.
- Accurate measurements: These are a must if you want to see your progress to become more motivated. Otherwise, they can be redundant.
- Price: You’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on a treadmill. Just because a machine is compact doesn’t mean it’s cheap. In fact, some of the best small treadmills come with a hefty price tag.
- Heart-rate monitoring: This is an essential feature if you want to keep track of your heart rate and maybe work out in the fat-burning zone.
- Water bottle holder: This can be helpful during long runs. However, most compact foldable treadmills lack cup holders.
Ultimately, the best treadmill for you is the one that meets your specific needs and fits your budget.
In our opinion, the best compact treadmill for home use is Bluefin Fitness Kick 2.0 because it ticks all the boxes above except the water-bottle holder part. Otherwise, it’s fast, has enough incline, folds completely flat and has Kinomap connectivity.
Read more about it – and other models below!
Best small space treadmills on the market:
Now that you know what to look for in a compact treadmill check out the reviews below. We’ve included various options at different price points to help you find the perfect machine for your home gym.
Let’s review our top picks:
UREVO Folding Treadmill: Best Small Treadmill for Under-Desk Use
- 【Powerful 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill】 Powered by a 2.5HP...
- 【Large Running Surface】 With a running area of 120 x 42...
- 【Cushioning Column Systems】 Providing multi-layer...
The UREVO Folding Treadmill is a reliable option for people who are short on space. It has a small footprint and can be easily folded up and stored away when not in use.
This treadmill is powered by a quiet motor and can reach speeds of up to 12 km/h. It also has a large running surface, making it comfortable for users of all sizes.
Here’s another reason in favour of the Urevo Treadmill’s versatility:
You can also use it in walking mode, where the band reaches 6 km/h. As such, Urevo is excellent for jogs and longer runs.
Besides, the cushioning column system provides maximum impact absorption, protecting your knees and ankles when you’re running. This system is beneficial if you’re suffering from joint pain.
You will also appreciate the 2 in 1 folding Dual LED display. This display tracks your workout time, speed, calories burned, and distance.
The UREVO running band also has a tablet phone bracket to use your devices while you exercise.
This UREVO model is easy to move and store thanks to the built-in transport wheels. It’s also easy to set up because it doesn’t require installation.
Even better:
You fold it in just one step, and afterwards, you can push the treadmill under a sofa or bed. And unlike other tiny running bands, this one has high enough handlebars to grab while you’re running.
On the downside, the remote control doesn’t work when you’re in running mode.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Bluefin Fitness KICK 2.0: Best Compact Treadmill for Motivation
One thing that makes Bluefin Fitness Kick 2.0 different from other products in this review is its integrated smartphone Kinomap APP.
With this app, you will have access to thousands of training videos worldwide. You can also join the Kinomap community for coaching and training classes.
That’s a neat advantage if you lack motivation, get bored quickly, or don’t know where to start.
Another good part is that the treadmill arrives 90% assembled, so you don’t have to waste time putting it together. However, the UREVO Folding Treadmill above comes 100% assembled; that’s a point against KICK 2.0 if you dislike piecing together machines.
Both treadmills are compact, foldable and have excellent shock absorption.
KICK 2.0 is just a bit better with its aero-damping system. This system makes every stride smoother and more comfortable, which is excellent if you have joint problems.
The extra-large anti-static track is also a selling point. It’s quiet and provides good traction, even in humid conditions. Besides, the 5-layer design increases the cushioning.
The motor is silent and powerful, with a top speed of 12 km/h. There’s an 18% manual incline, too. That option is excellent for building up your leg muscles and increasing your heart rate if
You can monitor your progress on the digital screen, displaying speed, time, distance, and calories burned. The hand sensors are for monitoring your heart rate. You can also wear a wireless heart rate strap (not included) for more accurate readings.
Nero PRO: Best Goldilocks Treadmill for Intermediate Outdoor Runners who Do HIIT
- ✔ Bluetooth Connectivity (FREE app download required) -...
- ✔ Log training activity indoor & Outdoor while Running...
- ✔ Adjustable Incline (3 levels) ✔SmartPhone App Control...
Nero PRO Treadmill is a reliable small treadmill for those who want to get fit without going to the gym. With its Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect your iPhone, iPad or Android and log your training activity indoors and outdoors while running preset google maps.
You can also adjust its incline (three levels) and control it with your smartphone app.
That feature is a nice middle option between KICK 2.0 with its 18% incline and UREVO. Besides, Nero PRO’s Bluetooth Connectivity is another “Goldilocks” feature among its two peers above.
You can connect your treadmill to find different maps and workouts, but you won’t be using an app for indoor workouts.
Side-note: There’s an app for outdoor use that you can download. You will need this app to track your progress when running/ walking outside. You can set goals, log your workouts and run real-world google satellite road maps.
Nero PRO Treadmill has solutions if you don’t want to use Bluetooth connectivity!
The treadmill comes with a smartphone/tablet stand, a complimentary bottle and 12 auto programs, plus a manual program.
Last but not least, Nero PRO has quick keys and an onboard computer with an LED display that shows time, speed, distance, calories and scan mode.
On the downside, Nero PRO reaches just 10 km/h – and that speed isn’t best for advanced runners. However, you have quick keys at 2kmph, 4kmph, 6kmph, 8kmph and 10kmph.
That’s a practical benefit for HIIT workouts when you need to change speeds quickly.
Another disadvantage is how Nero PRO folds:
Its handlebars don’t double over the band, so Nero Pro looks like a “T” when folded. As a result, you can only store it vertically in a tight space, but not horizontally under furniture.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
BTM W501 Electric Treadmill: Best Lightweight Folding Treadmill for Running
- 【Powerful 1.5 HP Motor】A smooth and quiet 1.5HP...
- 【Functional & Large Console with Speakers】The BTM W501...
- 【Convinient Quick Buttons & Secure Workout】Use the...
We’ve rated BTM W501 the best lightweight folding treadmill in this review because it only weighs 29 kg and has a slew of features that benefit you.
BTM W501 has a speed range of 0.80 to 12 KM/H, although its maximum power is lower than other items in this review. However, this treadmill’s 1.5 HP motor is smooth and quiet.
Having a quiet treadmill is best if you have kids or other family members at home while you’re working out.
There are 12 preset programs and three count-down modes that help you meet different fitness goals. For example, you can use the treadmill for jogging, walking, running or cardio workouts. Use the large digital LCD screen to keep track of your speed, distance, time and calories burned.
Besides, BTM W501 has speakers to listen to music or audiobooks while you work out. You can also use the USB port to charge your phone or other devices.
And hydration is always within easy reach, thanks to the two built-in cupholders.
Side-note: Bottle holders are a vital feature you don’t often see in compact, foldable treadmills. Still, you want to drink plenty of water during your workout, and you need that water close by, especially if you’re doing HIIT or get winded quickly.
The anti-slip lawn texture running belt is another advantage.
It’s designed to absorb shock and protect your joints. The non-slip feature is also great for safety.
W501 is also easy to assemble and comes with a two-year warranty.
On the other hand, the maximum weight limit is 110 kg – below other treadmills above, such as UREVO. Also, W501 doesn’t fold unto itself completely.
But unlike Nero PRO, which forms a T-shape when folded, W501 forms a V-shape. Moreover, the treadmill needs a screw to keep it in the folded position.
Lastly, the handlebars are relatively low, meaning you have to bend to hold on to them if you’re close to 6′.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Mobvoi Home Treadmill: Quiet Walking or Running Treadmill
- Walking and Running Mode: Two exercise modes and adjustable...
- Remote and Touch Control: You can turn on/off the machine or...
- Foldable Design for Easy Storage: Save space by storing the...
Mobvoi Home Treadmill is similar to the UREVI model we reviewed above. For instance, it has two exercise modes: walking and running. Besides, the maximum speed is 12 km/h when running.
Another similarity is the remote and touch control. You can quickly turn on/off the machine or adjust the speed with these two.
The motor on this machine is also powerful and quiet. It’s a great choice if you want a compact home treadmill for walking and running.
Side-note: Mobvoi’s motor is 2.25 HP, slightly lower than UREVO’s 2.5 HP engine.
And both running bands fold entirely so that you can store them under your furniture. However, Mobvoi’s fixed and non-folding support handles require to be unscrewed when you want to keep the Mbvoi treadmill under a bed.
The point of difference is that the Mobvoi treadmill has a built-in Bluetooth speaker!
Having Bluetooth is nice while you’re exercising. You can play all your favourite tunes to keep you going.
On the downside, it takes a while to scale down to a lower speed if you’re running on the highest. That’s not practical if you’re doing lots of HIIT or become winded fast.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
CITYSPORTS Treadmill: Best Compact Walking Treadmill
- 【Multi-Speed + LCD screen】: With speeds ranging from 1 -...
- 【Bluetooth Integrated Speakers】: Increase the intensity...
- 【After-sales Service and Quality Assurance】Behind the...
Citysports Treadmill is a compact folding treadmill for walking. This machine’s speed varies from one to six kilometres per hour. Even better, you can use the remote control to adjust its speed according to your physical condition and workout type.
Besides, having this remote means you don’t have to stop or look down at the screen when you’re running.
That’s excellent for HIIT or sprints.
Citysports treadmill has an LCD screen that displays essential data such as calories expended, the number of steps taken, time travelled, and distance covered.
As you can see, the treadmill offers no pulse measurements – but that’s because it lacks handlebars. Both of these features have associated disadvantages:
- You won’t be able to track/evaluate your progress very precisely, and:
- You must have a good balance so as not to fall.
But this same design has two significant advantages:
- The treadmill is already flat for easy storage, and:
- Walking without handlebars engages your abs more.
Additionally, Ciysports Treadmill features Bluetooth integrated speakers that connect to any Bluetooth device within seconds.
Another advantage is the cushiony running board.
This band features a suspension shock-absorbing system and five layers that protect your knees, ankles, and hips while you’re running.
The best part, though, and its unique selling point compared to the other treadmills here is having a machine prompt for lubrication.
That’s an advantage because oiling your treadmill extends the machine’s lifespan. However, many people forget when to do that or postpone it. As a result, these treadmills don’t feel smooth when you’re running or can even get damaged beyond repair.
Conversely, the Citysports Treadmill only holds people up to 110 kg and can be somewhat squeaky. Another frequent gripe among some users is its surface; if you’re the tall and heavy type, this treadmill may be too small for your awesome shape.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a space-saving, powerful, and relatively affordable treadmill for walking and running at home, any of the six treadmills above would make an excellent choice.
The Bluefin Fitness Kick 2.0 has the most extensive set of features. However, it also comes with a heftier price tag.
The Citysports Treadmill also has neat features for a walking band, such as an LCD screen and Bluetooth speakers. However, it doesn’t have handlebars, which might not be ideal for everyone.
The other four treadmills are all excellent choices with affordable price tags.
So, which one should you choose? It depends on your budget and what features are most important to you. Here’s a quick reminder:
- UREVO: Best small treadmill for under-desk use
- Bluefin Fitness KICK 2.0: Best compact treadmill for motivation
- Nero PRO: Best Goldilocks treadmill for intermediate outdoor runners who do HIIT
- BTM W501: Best lightweight folding treadmill for running
- Mobvoi: Quiet walking or running treadmill
- CITYSPORTS: Best compact walking treadmill
She had to trade the gym for home fitness equipment when her two little angels were born. But she successfully managed to make the transition, and sharing her vast fitness experience online is the engine that keeps this website going.
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