The 7 Best Compact Treadmills Of 2023 To Make The Most Of Your Tiny Workout Space

When your guest room doubles as a home gym, finding a cardio machine with a small footprint is key to maximizing the space—and the best compact treadmills are one of the most practical options available.

Designed to fold in half or be stored under furniture, a compact treadmill offers a less bulky alternative to traditional options. Typically smaller than 24 inches wide and 72 inches long, these sleek machines can transform any space into an instant running (or walking) track.

When a compact treadmill is integrated into your everyday routine, it's possible for you to transform a sedentary activity—like working or watching TV—into one filled with movement. After all, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend the average adult should get at least 150 to 300 minutes of physical activity per week.

Better yet, the small footprint makes storage a breeze. Most designs are slim enough to slip under a couch or bed when not in use. Otherwise, these compact treadmills easily fold in half for flat storage against the wall, which allows you to free up important floor space. Luckily, each design boasts its own unique features that makes it worth the investment, whether you prefer to walk or run.

Pros: rubber running deck, 8 preprogrammed workouts, auto-fold feature, smart device holder

Cons: paid membership, louder operation, heavy

Folding treadmills often get a bad reputation for skipping features common in their high-end counterparts—but not with this Echelon design. The 55-inch deck allows for a wide stride, which will be crucial for hitting top speeds of 12 miles per hour. The built-in screen comes with eight programmed workouts, but you can also purchase an Echelon membership to maximize your workouts. (A free 30-day trial is included with your purchase.) 

Most importantly, the cardio equipment accounts for your safety with a metal safety bar located under the rubber running deck and a safety stop

lanyard—two additions often disregarded in many compact models. Best of all, the treadmill folds in half to create a slim 10-inch footprint, so it can be stored under the couch or against the wall.

Also available on Amazon.

Pros: 30-day return period, cushioned walking belt, auto speed adjustment, ultra-small footprint

Cons: low max speed, no incline

If you're truly stretched for space, you won't find a better pick than the WalkingPad. The full dimensions of the slim design hit just under 57 inches long by 22 inches wide—and that's before your even fold the treadmill in half for storage.

Of course, the sleek pick comes with a few drawbacks. Its max speed is less than 4 miles per hour, so you won't be conquering sprints anytime soon. However, the compact pick is ideal to use when working from home, as it automatically adjusts speed based on your pace. Plus, the display screen is also located on a remote rather than the equipment, so you won't need to worry about tucking it under a desk.

We tried it: mbg commerce editor Carleigh Ferrante tested the WalkingPad herself and says, "This compact treadmill fits seamlessly under my desk, with a belt that's so smooth, I tend to forget I'm actually exercising." You can read her full review here.

Also available on Amazon.

Pros: cushioned running belt, decline and incline available, 2-year warranty, self-cooling motor

Cons: membership required for classes, heavy

If you're a regular runner and ready to splurge, look no further than NordicTrack's folding Series 1750. The space-saving design hits max speeds of 12 miles per hour with incline up to 15%, all with the touch of a button. An immersive touch screen leads you through running workouts with integrated iFit access, which allows you to steam hundreds of workouts from instructors. Better yet, it auto-adjusts the speed of the treadmill based on the class selected.

Designed to last, the folding treadmill comes with a two-year warranty—but you won't need it. The smart-response motor has cooling technology to prevent burnout.

Pros: foldable, remote-control operator, 5-layer running belt, safety key

Cons: no incline, no heart rate monitor, low max speed

More than 3,200 people gave this budget-friendly treadmill a perfect rating—and it's not hard to see why. The adaptable design has a 40-inch running deck and can hit max speeds of 8 miles per hour. And thanks to the plush five-layer running belt, you'll get sound insulation, shock absorption, water resistance, and compression to make every step as smooth as the last. 

During the workday, the GoPlus pick can be used as an under-the-desk treadmill via the remote control. When you're ready to pick up the pace, lift the handrail to enter running mode. Regardless of how you use the treadmill, you can connect with the brand's Bluetooth app to track your mileage.

Pros: quick key controls, Bluetooth connectivity, quiet operation, smooth-release fold

Cons: bulky construction

Although not as compact as other options, this folding treadmill makes up for its bulkier build with an array of covetable features. Along with Bluetooth connectivity, the treadmill features quick keys to help you rapidly transition through different stages of your workout.

But it's not all about fancy features: The 55-inch running belt offers three cushioned zones—impact, transition, and push-off—which provide differing levels of support based on the phase of your stride. It also uses Quiet Drive motor technology to keep the operation as silent as possible, regardless of the speed selected.

Pros: remote controlled, running speeds, 5-layer running belt, steel base

Cons: slim walking belt, Bluetooth connectivity issues

This small but mighty pick packs a powerful motor with enough strength to move the running belt at just under 8 miles per hour. While the 17-inch belt may be too slim for some, it's optimal for slipping under a desk while working from home. Of course, it's also ideal for running, with a layered running belt that's built with cushioning and shock absorption.

One caveat to keep in mind? While the remote control will unlock speeds up to 3.8 miles per hour, you'll have to adjust directly on the base of the treadmill to go any higher. This safety feature prevents you from accidentally bumping up the speed in the middle of a work call, but it also makes sprints slightly inconvenient.

Pros: hydraulic folding system, time, distance, speed, & heart rate tracker

Cons: manual incline, low running speed

Another Amazon favorite, this compact treadmill clocks in at just 50 inches long and 24 inches wide. Similar to a full-sized design, it tracks your run time, distance, speed, and heart rate directly on the LED screen to get better insight into your workout. While you'll have to manually adjust the machine's incline, you can still reach speeds up to 6 miles per hour on the cushioned running belt.

Plus, the safety key and handrails guarantee you'll feel safe strutting your stuff (while still tracking your heart rate). And when the workout's over? The hydraulic folding system makes storage a breeze.

Still not sure which compact treadmill is best for you? Consider the below factors:

Space: If you're searching for the best compact treadmill, chances are you're trying to make the most of your space. Consider where you will put the treadmill and whether you plan to leave it out or store it. Keep this in mind when looking at the dimensions of each product.

Setup: Most compact treadmills are extremely easy to setup, but it's something you'll want to take note of when making your choice. Every option on our list requires minimal setup and can be used right away.

Weight capacity: One downside of compact treadmills is they tend to have a lower weight capacity than more durable models. We've noted these details on our list, so you can choose one you know will support you.

Cost: Compact treadmills come at a range of prices. To narrow your search, determine the budget you are comfortable with. We've included a variety of options on our list.

Use-case: While most compact treadmills have a lower maximum speed and are meant primarily for walking, there are a few on our list that support running speeds. Additionally, some have incline capabilities. Think about your use-case and choose a model that aligns.

You'll find a wide range of costs on our list of the best compact treadmills. We've included a budget option for $340 and a couple investment-worthy picks up to $1,900.

Most compact treadmills are (of course) smaller (which, again, comes with plenty of benefits). Compact treadmills are perfect for anyone who wants to stay active throughout the day but lives in a smaller space. People who work from home or spend much of the day at home will particularly enjoy having a compact treadmill in their space, as it allows you to incorporate movement into activities that would typically keep you sedentary.

That said, there are a few drawbacks of these smaller machines, depending on your intended use-case. If you're in the market for a treadmill for running, a compact treadmill will (most likely) not be the best option. Instead, compact treadmills are a great investment for people who love to walk—which has its own set of benefits that are certainly worth your attention.

On that note, let's take a moment to distinguish the benefits of walking vs. running. The two activities have many things in common: both are great for cardiovascular health1 and overall longevity, and can help lower inflammation2, improve metabolic health3, and reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease4.

While running can indeed be a quick way to burn a significant amount of calories, walking is lower impact (in other words: easier on your joints) while still strengthening your bone health5. And the list of mental health benefits goes on and on. Walking can boost your mood6, improve cognitive function7, reduce blood pressure8, and help you sleep better9. It's a great activity in itself, but an excellent form of active recovery, too.

Certified personal trainer, Bethany Welch, previously told mindbodygreen, "There are so many benefits of walking. It's an amazing low-impact workout that's free and accessible to most people. Walking is perfect for those with injuries who shouldn't have high-impact stress on their body."

Again, walking and running are extremely beneficial for your physical and mental health. Still, finding the time and space to exercise can be tricky. In fact, only 1 in 4 adults meets the standard physical activity guidelines10. And don't even get us started on the negative effects of too much sitting!

Whether you're a runner, a walker, or are simply seeking ways to add movement into your day, a treadmill can help. As these small-footprint picks show, treadmills don't need to take up a ton of space to be beneficial.

Treadmills are serious pieces of machinery, so it's important to keep your safety in mind. Be aware of the below precautions.

A compact treadmill is a great investment for making the most of your at-home gym space without dedicating half the room to a bulky piece of cardio equipment. Whether you want to transform your work-from-home setup with an under-the-desk treadmill or simply need a folding option that tucks away into the corner of the room, these customer-loved picks are a phenomenal way to actually walk 10,000 steps a day. Just don't forget to put on your best pair of supportive sneakers.

2/10/23: This article was reviewed by certified personal trainer, BB Arrington. We also updated each product to include whether there are decline capabilities and added the product weight.

3/7/23: We updated this guide by adding insights on how to choose a compact treadmill, who should use a compact treadmill (and who shouldn’t), the benefits of walking vs. running, how much compact treadmills cost, and how large compact treadmills are. We also added information on each product’s warranty and belt length, to help guide your search.

5/19/23: We checked the availability of these compact treadmills and added a comparison table so you can view them side by side.