Best Starter Treadmill Reviews: Top Picks Now

Do you dream of running or walking at home, rain or shine, without leaving your house? Many people want to start exercising more, and a treadmill seems like a great idea. But then you look online, and suddenly, you face a giant wall of treadmills! Which one is right for a beginner? It gets confusing fast. You worry about spending too much money on something you might not use, or worse, buying a flimsy machine that breaks after a few weeks.

Finding that perfect first treadmill—a “Starter Treadmill”—should feel exciting, not stressful. This guide cuts through all the confusing features and technical jargon. We will show you exactly what matters when you are just beginning your fitness journey. Keep reading to discover the top features you need, the common traps to avoid, and how to find a reliable machine that fits your budget.

Top Starter Treadmill Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

NordicTrack T Series 5 Starter Treadmill for Real Results

[5" LCD Display & Device Shelf] - See your live workout stats on the clear 5” LCD display or use your own device to follow iFIT trainers and automatically control your treadmill, all from your phone or tablet. (Train Membership Required)
[0-10 MPH] - Run, jog, or walk at speeds of up to 10 MPH. Perfect for home workouts, cardio training, and endurance building.
[0-10% Incline] - Boost calorie burn and target more muscle groups with a 0–10% incline range.
[KeyFlex Cushioning] - Reduce joint impact while walking or running. This treadmill with cushioning supports smoother strides and improves comfort for daily use.
[Powered by iFIT] - With the iFIT Train Membership*, access over 10,000 workouts on your smart treadmill. Just press start, and your machine auto-adjusts to match the trainer’s pace and terrain. SmartAdjust will scale any workout up or down based on your fitness level. (Train Membership Required)

Bestseller No. 2

Walking Pad Treadmill for Home - Folding Treadmills with Handle Bar Portable Compact Fold up Indoor Foldable Handles Electric Walk Pads Small Spaces Mini Running Quiet Under Bed Office

【Folding Treadmill with Handle Bar】This foldable walking pads functions as a traditional treadmill with handle bar, a foldable walking pad, and an under bed treadmill. It offers three speed modes: walking (0.6–1.2 MPH), jogging (1.9–2.5 MPH), and running (3.1–4 MPH). The walking pad treadmill features a compact design and includes a detachable phone holder for convenience.
【Powerful and Quiet Motor】This portable treadmills for home and office runs smoothly and quietly, suitable for home and office use. The folding walking mat can bear a maximum weight of 264lb, with a power of 440 watts and a frequency of 50-60 Hz. Walking pad with handle bar is suitable for exercising at home or in the office.
【LED Display & Remote Control】This folding walking pad features a clear LED screen showing time, speed, calories, and distance in real time, helping you track your fitness progress. The foldable walking pad with bar includes a remote control for quick speed and mode adjustments. A pause button lets you temporarily stop your workout while retaining data (pause time up to 10 minutes).
【Compact & Portable with Shock Absorption】This folding treadmills small offers a spacious 90 x 38 cm running area and features a 5-layer non-slip belt for added comfort and joint protection. Fully assembled, walking pad treadmill folds down to just 104 x 48.7 x 10.5 cm – suitable for small spaces. Walking pad with a desk features built-in wheels, making it effortless to move and convenient to store.
【Multiple Modes with Foldable Treadmill for Home】 Folding treadmill includes a handle bar and a phone holder.The handrails can be easily removed by unscrewing the fixed bolts, allowing the walking pad treadmill to be used flat as an under-desk running pad treadmill. Note: The treadmill folds easily by unscrewing the bolts.

SaleBestseller No. 3

Lichico PulseDrive 8.7 MPH Walking Pad Treadmill with BLDC, Fits up to 6' & 47"x16" Super-Long Desk with Handle Bar, Compact Under Desk Treadmill for HomOffice, Running Walking Machine Remote Control

UP TO 8.7 MPH FOR WALKING & RUNNING: This 2-in-1 lichico treadmill switches from 0.5–3.7 MPH for under-desk walking to 8.7 MPH for running. Perfect for home, office, or HIIT—your pace, your goal, from daily steps to serious training.
3.0HP Lichico PULSEDRIVE BLDC CORE: Features a new-gen brushless motor for strong, quiet running. Compact and powerful, it resists overheating and supports up to 265 lbs for smooth, reliable workouts.
MORE BELT +10" & 47"X16" SUPER-LONG STRIDE DESK: With an expansive 47" x 16" belt, it comfortably accommodates all walking styles and users up to 6' tall. Enjoy the space to walk naturally or run fast, finding your perfect pace for a personalized workout.
SMART TREADMILL WITH APP: Sync for virtual runs, challenges & stats. Use the remote to adjust speed (0.5-8.7 MPH) or stop. Fits under-desk for your space, with a phone holder to stream on the go.
DUAL SHOCK ABSORPTION FOR KNEE-FRIENDLY COMFORT: With advanced suspension and cushioning to reduce joint impact. Perfect for all paces, allowing you to comfortably walk or run with a smoother, more supportive feel.

SaleBestseller No. 4

Walking Pad Treadmill Under Desk - Portable Small Mini for Home Office Compact Walk Running Machine Mat Wide Quiet Indoor Flat Floor Standing Pads Lightweight Caminadora Eléctrica para Casa

Motor & Speed Range - This walking pad features a 2.5HP motor with a speed range of 0.6–4.0 mph. The steel frame of the walking pad helps reduce vibration and noise, making it suitable for home or office use with reduced noise impact
Shock-Absorbing & Anti-Slip Design - Treadmill uses a 5-layer anti-slip running belt, basic shock absorbers, and honeycomb cushioning, which aims to relieve foot impact and maintain surface grip during use
LED Display & Remote Control - This walking pad displays time, speed, calories burned, and distance in real time. The walking pad's speed and pause functions are adjustable via remote control
Lightweight & Portable Structure - The walking pad can be carried and relocated by hand. This walking pad requires no setup and includes wheels for movement. The walking pad can be stored under sofas, beds, or desks, and be used while working
Package Contents & Support - Included with the walking pad are a remote control, lubricating oil, hex wrench and user manual. After-sales assistance is available for walking pad any usage or maintenance questions

SaleBestseller No. 5

Lacuffy Walking Pad,6% Walking Pad with Incline,No-Assembly Walking pad Treadmill with APP and Remote Control,LED Display,2.5 HP Quiet Under Desk Treadmills,300 lbs Capacity

6% Manual Incline 3-IN-1 Walking Pad treadmill With Adjustable Speed:This versatile under desk treadmill allows you to easily customize your workout intensity with adjustable speed settings and a 6% Manual Incline. Whether you're walking, jogging, or running, this adaptable design ensures a personalized fitness experience tailored to your needs, making it perfect for home or office use.
LED Display & Smart PITPAT: This unique walking pad with incline use requires downloading PitPat for activation.Walking pad under desk tracks fitness data accurately with a LED display and smart Pitpat APP to quickly track your calories burned, speed, time and distance.Walking treadmill with a speed range of 0.6-3.8MPH, you can customize your workout program according to your physical needs.
Ready-To-Use Moveable small treadmill: This desk treadmill arrives fully assembled and is ready for immediate use right out of the box. Featuring built-in transport wheels, this compact treadmill can be easily moved and stored under furniture or in tight spaces, optimizing your home workout space or office layout.
Quiet And Powerful Walking pad:Under desk walking pad is equipped with a 2.5 horsepower motor and can hold up to 300 lbs.portable treadmill operates at less than 45DB, allowing you to use it in your office or home without worrying about disturbing others at rest or work. Enjoy a quiet and comfortable exercise experience with treadmills for home.
Non-Slip & Stable Running Belt:This mini treadmill is equipped with a 5-layer multi-functional running belt.Portable treadmills for home not only provides you with a comfortable and safe exercise experience, but also effectively reduces joint impact and protects your knees.

SaleBestseller No. 6

Smug Compact Armless Treadmill, Space Saving Design for Home & Office, Quiet Under Desk Walking Pad, 200 Lbs Capacity 3 in 1 Portable Walking Treadmill

Compact & Space-Saving Design：The SMUG small armless treadmill is designed to fit seamlessly into any home or office setup. Its slim, portable design allows for easy storage under desks, beds, or even in closets, making it perfect for small spaces
Quiet Motor for Discreet Workouts：Equipped with a powerful quiet motor, this treadmill allows you to stay active without disturbing others. Whether you’re working from home, in a shared space, or watching TV, you can walk or jog with minimal noise
Remote Control for Easy Operation：Adjust your speed effortlessly with the included remote control. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a faster pace, the SMUG treadmill's variable speed settings make it easy to personalize your workout
LED Display for Progress Tracking：Keep track of your fitness goals with the built-in LED display that shows your time, speed, distance, and calories burned. Stay motivated by monitoring your progress in real time as you work or relax.
Please note: The treadmill will only start when the SAFETY KEY is ATTACHED. Error code E14 indicates that you are not using the safety key properly.

SaleBestseller No. 7

MERACH Treadmill with Incline 6%-15%, 300 LBS Capacity Foldable Running Treadmills for Home, 0.5-7.5MPH Quiet 2.5HP Brushless Double Deck Incline Foldinng Treadmill LED Display with Smart APP

【Engineered for Quiet & Durable Performance】 Powered by a 2.5 HP powerful and quiet mo tor, the MERACH compact treadmill delivers stronger, smoother, and quieter performance (<40 dB) compared to ordinary treadmills. The advanced motor design reduces heat, prevents belt slippage, and extends lifespan—built for years of reliable workouts at home.
【Optimized Running Experience】 With a 0.5–7.5 MPH speed range, 3 incline levels (0%, 3%, 6%), and a 42.5" x 16.5" extra-wide belt, this foldable treadmill provides stability and comfort for every stride. The double-deck technology, combined with 4 silicone shock cushions, 6 shock-absorbing pillars, and built-in heart rate sensors, minimizes joint stress while supporting a maximum user weight of 300 lbs.
【Portable & Space-Saving Design】 This portable treadmill easily fits into any living space. Folded dimensions are just 49.2" × 25.6" × 27.6", making it one of the most space-efficient treadmills for apartments, small homes, and family gyms. Built-in transport wheels allow effortless moving and storage whenever you need extra room.
【Immersive Calorie-Burning Workouts】 12 preset programs simulate outdoor training with incline walking or jogging—burn up to 40% more calories than flat running. The quiet deck design keeps noise under 40 dB, so you can exercise anytime without disturbing family or neighbors. Whether used as a small treadmill for your apartment or a family fitness solution, every step feels stable, cushioned, and natural—just like running outdoors.
【Exclusive MERACH Interactive App】 Go beyond traditional workouts with the MERACH self-developed app. Explore scenic routes, challenge friends in multiplayer games, join professional coach-led classes, and track your progress with real-time workout data. Fitness becomes engaging, fun, and goal-driven.

SaleBestseller No. 8

Hartwares NeoSilent Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill for Home with BLDC Core and Extra-Large Belt, App and Remote Control, Portable and Compact for Small Space Red Black

2.5HP NeoSilent BLDC POWER: Hartwares Quiet walking pad with New-Gen brushless motor runs up to 8 hours. Strong yet whisper-quiet walking pad under desk for work and office, and a great pick among treadmills for home
WIDE & JOINT-FRIENDLY DECK: Hartwares Wide walking pad treadmill features a 40" x 16" surface. Dual TPR cushioning helps reduce impact, while the diamond belt adds grip for stable steps on your walking pad
SMART APP + REMOTE CONTROL: Manage your Hartwares walking pad treadmill by app or remote. Track steps, time, and calories, set plans, and enjoy trail-style modes—perfect for treadmill under desk sessions that stay motivating
SMALL, PORTABLE, NO ASSEMBLY: Hartwares Small walking pad arrives ready to use—no setup needed. This portable walking pad with wheels is a compact walking pad that stores under a sofa, ideal walking pad for small spaces
HOME & OFFICE FITNESS SPEEDS: Use as a treadmill under desk or walking pad for home with 0–4 mph range. Hartwares quiet walking pad fits daily routines and includes a 1-year protection plan for worry-free use

The Starter Treadmill Buying Guide: Taking Your First Steps

Thinking about buying your first treadmill? That’s great! A starter treadmill is a fantastic way to begin your fitness journey at home. This guide helps you pick the right machine without getting overwhelmed. We focus on what really matters for beginners.

1. Key Features to Look For

A good starter treadmill needs a few essential features to keep you motivated and safe. Don’t chase the fanciest screen; focus on the basics.

Motor Power (The Engine)

Look for: At least a 1.5 Continuous Horsepower (CHP) motor. This means the motor can run steadily without overheating.
Why it matters: A weaker motor struggles when you walk or jog, making the machine loud and likely to break sooner.

Running Belt Size

Look for: A deck that is at least 18 inches wide and 50 inches long.
Why it matters: This gives you enough room to move comfortably. Shorter or narrower belts make you feel cramped, which reduces safety, especially if you pick up speed.

Incline and Speed Options

Look for: Manual or automatic incline settings (even a little bit helps!) and speeds up to 10 mph.
Why it matters: Incline adds challenge without needing high speed. Speed options ensure the treadmill grows with you as you get fitter.

Display and Console

Look for: A clear, easy-to-read screen that shows basic stats like time, distance, and calories.
Why it matters: You need to track progress easily. Fancy touchscreens are nice, but simple buttons work perfectly for starting out.

2. Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used determine how long your treadmill lasts and how stable it feels.

Frame Stability

What to check: The frame should feel solid, not wobbly, when you step on it. Steel frames are the standard for durability.
Quality Indicator: Heavier treadmills are usually more stable. If you plan to walk daily, a sturdy frame is crucial.

Cushioning System

What to check: Look for some form of deck cushioning or shock absorption. This protects your knees and ankles.
Why it matters: Running on a hard surface causes joint pain. Good cushioning reduces impact significantly.

Folding Mechanism (If Applicable)

What to check: If you need to store your treadmill, ensure the folding mechanism is easy to use and locks securely when unfolded.
Quality Reduction Factor: Cheap plastic hinges fail quickly. Look for strong metal supports.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality isn’t just about price; it’s about design choices.

Factors That Improve Quality:

Longer Warranties: Manufacturers offer longer warranties on the motor and frame because they trust their product. A 5-year frame warranty is good for a starter model.
Good Customer Support: If something breaks, you need help. Researching the brand’s support reputation helps.

Factors That Reduce Quality:

Low Weight Capacity: If the maximum user weight is very close to your actual weight, the machine struggles. Always choose a machine rated for at least 50 lbs more than you weigh.
Flimsy Handrails: Weak handrails wobble when you grip them, making you feel unsafe during your workout.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Think about *how* you will use the treadmill most often.

Use Cases:

The Walker: If you only plan to walk while watching TV, you need a quiet motor and good, simple controls. High top speeds are unnecessary.
The Light Jogger: If you jog occasionally, prioritize the 1.5 CHP motor and better deck cushioning to handle the extra impact.
The Space Saver: If space is tight, prioritize a “foldable” design, but make sure the folded footprint still fits your space.

Noise Level

A very important part of the user experience is noise. If you live in an apartment or plan to work out while others sleep, read reviews specifically mentioning noise levels. Quieter motors generally mean better quality.

Starter Treadmill FAQs

Q: How much should a good starter treadmill cost?

A: Expect to spend between $400 and $800 for a reliable new machine with decent features. Anything significantly cheaper often sacrifices motor quality or stability.

Q: Is a used treadmill a good idea for a beginner?

A: Used treadmills can be great value, but you must check the motor and belt condition carefully. If the previous owner only walked, the motor might be fine, but check for squeaks.

Q: Do I need a complicated screen with apps and streaming?

A: No. For a starter treadmill, focus on reliable mechanics. You can use your phone or tablet for entertainment and tracking apps.

Q: What is the most important feature to check before buying?

A: The motor (CHP rating) is the most important. A weak motor guarantees frustration very quickly.

Q: How much assembly is usually required?

A: Most starter treadmills require you to attach the uprights and console to the main base. This usually takes one person about 30 to 60 minutes.

Q: Can I use this treadmill for running long distances?

A: Starter treadmills are best for walking and light jogging (up to 30 minutes at a time). Serious runners usually need more powerful motors and larger decks.

Q: What is the difference between “peak HP” and “CHP”?

A: CHP (Continuous Horsepower) is the power the motor produces constantly. Peak HP is just the maximum burst it can achieve briefly. Always look at CHP.

Q: How much space do I need around the treadmill?

A: You need about two feet of clear space behind the machine for safety, especially if it folds up. Measure your room before ordering!

Q: Is a manual treadmill a good alternative?

A: Manual treadmills (where you push the belt yourself) are cheaper and smaller. However, they are much harder work and less realistic for learning a normal walking or jogging pace.

Q: How do I maintain my new starter treadmill?

A: Keep the belt clean and dust-free. Most importantly, check the manual for lubrication instructions and apply silicone lubricant as recommended, usually every 3 to 6 months.