Best Folding Treadmill

All folding treadmills are not created equal.

The best folding treadmills use hydraulic levers – making folding and unfolding a breeze. The worst? I get a hernia just thinking about how heavy those running surfaces are…

Add a wide range of budgets, technology, and top speeds, and finding the folding treadmill that works best for you appears challenging.

My guide covers fold-away home treadmills for all types of runners.

You’ll find out what features are available at each price level. Which folding treadmills work with popular running apps – and how to avoid the bait and switch scams of those no-name brands.

First up, here is a table highlighting models (more listed expensive first). You’ll find mini reviews of each one below it. After that, a features list shows what to look for – and what to avoid.

Table – Most Popular / Top Rated Folding Treadmills 2023

	High End Marvel: NordicTrack EXP 7i The latest NordicTrack tech includes a 7" HD screen (iFit or your choice of app). Add FlexSelect cushioning and incline / decline... and this is the folding treadmill we all dream of!	Check Price!Read Review
	Big and Versatile: Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro This is not just 'gym style', you'll find these big machines in gyms & health clubs. A big, safe and versatile choice with cushioning and incline. This treadmill will last you for years.	Check Price!Read Review
	ProForm Tech at a Mid-Budget Price: The Carbon T7 This treadmill combines 'Space Saver Design', with the latest ProForm technology and classic styling. Use the built-in touch-screen display for App-powered runs - a genuine bargain!	Check Price!Read Review
	Folding Budget Treadmill: The JLL T350 This JLL treadmill is the bridge between the budget and gym-style machines. Folding body, cushioned surface, app compatibility, plus the reliable, smooth action you'd expect from JLL.	Check Price!Read Review
	Basic Folding Treadmill: Nero Sports This best-seller from Nero Sports is designed for walking / light jogging. If you are getting started with home fitness, this lightweight folding treadmill ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank.	Check Price!Read Review

The Low-Down: Mini Reviews of my Top-Rated Folding Treadmills

#1 – The Amazing EXP 7i from NordicTrack

NordicTrack home treadmills combine state of the art technology with distinctive style.

The EXP 7i is a newer model, that folds away using ‘EasyLift Assist’. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to features. You can select how soft the running surface goes, use incline and decline and enjoy a top speed of 22km / hour.

It is the console that makes the EXP 10i stand out. The 7” HD screen works with iFit, or you can connect Google Maps for scenic runs or even your favourite running app. Trainers can control the speed / incline of your treadmill remotely.

An amazing treadmill that will stay with you as your fitness level improves.

Check out the impressive spec and get a free trial of iFit now – on this page at the official NordicTrack UK store.

#2 – Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro Folding Treadmill

Branx Fitness use a ‘Soft Drop’ system to fold and unfold their big, solid treadmills.

The Elite Runner Pro is versatile enough for the whole family. It has an impressive 21km / hour top speed and features 22 levels of automatic incline – challenging even the fittest runners. It features a dual-shock absorption system for comfortable running.

While the Elite Runner Pro has an LCD panel, it does have plenty of features. In addition to the 24 programmes, you get a BMI readout. Bluetooth connectivity lets you work with your own phone or tablet.

This is a big, safe folding treadmill which will stand the test of time.

Check out the gallery and latest price for yourself now, at the official Branx Fitness store at amazon.co.uk!

#3 – Carbon T7 Folding Treadmills from ProForm Fitness

For the price, you get an impressive spec with the Carbon T7 – from the highly regarded ProForm.

This model uses ‘EasyLift Assist’ design. Folding and unfolding is super-easy. The 16km / hour top speed is controlled by a powerful 2.75 CHP motor – keeping things quiet while you run. Use the 1-10% incline and you’ll really feel the burn.

When you see the HD screen, which works with apps (including iFit, which you get a free trial of), it is hard to match the value for money of this folding treadmill from a top-name brand.  This home treadmill is also chest-strap compatible.

It is rare to see a spec this good without a 4-figure price tag.

See the ProForm Carbon T7 in action now, on this dedicated page at the official ProForm UK store.

#4 – JLL T350: A Lot of Treadmill for Your Money

Birmingham-based JLL make budget to mid-priced treadmills which get glowing feedback from buyers.

Their best-selling T350 uses a soft-drop folding system. For a budget model, the 18km / hour top speed is impressive. It also comes with 20 incline levels – making it versatile enough for all fitness levels.

Bluetooth compatibility, plus a USB port and built-in speakers will help keep you entertained as you run. The console is programmable, it includes pre-set programmes and stats and a heart rate monitor.

JLL have a reputation for great service – and solid fitness equipment.

Check out the JLL T350 for yourself and see that glowing feedback – on this page at the JLL store at amazon.co.uk

#5 – Nero Sports Electric Folding Treadmill

This basic folding treadmill is perfect for anyone that wants to walk or jog at home, without breaking the bank.

It is a lightweight model, at just 24kgs, with a top speed of 10km / hour. A folding mechanism is unusual at the bargain price level. There are also front wheels to move it into place. Incline is manual (you need to get off to change it), though does add intensity to your jogs.

Nero add a basic monitor, though you can use your own phone or tablet and connect via Bluetooth. This unlocks Google Maps integration, which usually comes with a far higher price tag.

This folding treadmill gets the job done, without breaking the bank.

Check out the spec and gallery for yourself now, over on this dedicated product page at amazon.co.uk

Folding Treadmill Reviews – What Features to Look Out For?

The most common question I get when it comes to buying home fitness equipment is whether to go for a budget model or splash out a couple of hundred more on a mid-range machine?

As always in the world of fitness machines, the right answer is ‘it depends!’.

What it depends on is which features are must-have for you, which are nice-to-have and which are optional extras. Once you have decided on a category for each of the key features, you’ll find the right answer when it comes to the price range will follow much more easily.

We already established than ‘Folding’ is a must-have for you – at least I assume that is why you are here on this page. Here are 10 of the other key treadmill features to look out for.

#1 – Size: As you will have seen from the examples above, treadmills of all sizes can fold up. For me the size requirement goes along with speed to a large extent. If you are a lighter user, happy to jog and walk briskly to burn off those calories, then a smaller treadmill is often fine. If you want to lengthen your stride – then it can be safer / more comfortable to get a model with a bigger running surface. At the very least you will not have to focus so hard on keeping within the running surface. Of course, the size of the space you have available also makes a big difference. As a rule of thumb as you progress through budget to the upper priced models, treadmills get bigger.

#2 – Speed: Smaller users and those who want to gently burn some calories (jogging and slower running speeds) should be fine with a 10km / hour treadmill. If you are a more serious runner, then you should look at 12km / hour (or even 14km / hour + to add in some sprints). Related to both speed and quietness is the size of the motor unit. High end treadmills go from 18km / hour+.

Incline for Variety and Challenge

#3 – Incline: You will be very surprised how effective even a small incline of a few percent can be in making your run more intensive. This feature has 2 formats. For lower priced incline treadmills you’ll need to adjust this manually, which means you need to stop running and get off of your machine. The best treadmills have computer controlled incline. This can be used as part of preset programs and adds some variety to your run. Incline combined with speed changes is perfect for interval type training programs.

#4 – Wheels: This might seem like a minor point, though if you want to store your folding treadmill anywhere other than the position where you’ll use it, wheels are vital! These are usually just very small plastic wheels, all that is needed to push your machine from a to b.

#5 – Cushioned Running Surface: As you move up the price brackets, you’ll find models which have cushioned running surfaces. There are several unique technologies for this – after all too spongy a surface would not be good for running. Higher end treadmills will often feature 10 point shock absorbing tech (for example!). If you have sensitive joints, then this feature can be a worthwhile investment. Note that even a basic treadmill should be comfortable enough for most users!

#6 – Preset Training Programs: Any folding running machine above the budget level should come with preset training programs. These follow familiar patterns such as interval, cardio and so on. These are useful as you will not have to keep adjusting the speed of your run manually. As you move up the budget levels you get treadmills which you can program with your own routines. At the top end there are options which adjust the program to your pulse rate – and even ones which store the data / presets for several people.

Bigger Motor + Padded Running Track = Less Noise

#7 – Quietness: Treadmill noise comes more from the pounding of your feet as it does from the motor and movement of the belt. Many people invest in a durable rubber matt to go under their machine to dampen the noise coming through the floor. Quietness is again dependent on how much you spend. I recommend taking a special interest in the comments for any model you are interested in. People are quick to call out folding treadmills which are overly noisy.

#8 – Style: This might seem a little frivolous among the list of ‘hard’ features. I think style is worth a mention. A treadmill with sleek lines and an attractive console is more likely to be used by many people. You’ll feel good about your machine, and you just never know when that will make the difference between skipping a session and going ahead with one.

#9 – Technology: Several things here, the first is covered somewhat with the presets – only this time I’ll include app compatibility. Popular running apps have communities and targets, and picture your run as graph of speed / heart rate (just for example). You can also find treadmills which are MP3 Compatible (for iPhones or Android). Some even have integrated speakers. Above the small budget level, you’ll find pulse rate monitors as standard these days. The best new models having Polar compatibility (and sometimes even free chest straps). The best folding treadmills will connect to KinoMap and other new products.

#10 – Price: I left this one until last deliberately. We would all love the best features above, only budgets mean that compromise is the name of the game for most of us. I do recommend you look for treadmills which have come down a rung or two on the price ladder. You’ll often find models with feature sets of the mid-range machines at budget prices. Amazon.co.uk is my recommendation, their discounts (and easy returns policy) are very hard to beat. If you prefer to stay on budget, check out my detailed guide to the cheapest running machines here.

Folding Treadmills – Wrap Up – List of Folding Treadmill Reviews

Here are my recommendations (in table form) once again. Below that you will find links to the many folding treadmills I have reviewed in detail. New fold-away models will be added here as the reviews are added to the main section. Good luck in finding the perfect folding treadmill for your needs!

	High End Marvel: NordicTrack EXP 7i The latest NordicTrack tech includes a 7" HD screen (iFit or your choice of app). Add FlexSelect cushioning and incline / decline... and this is the folding treadmill we all dream of!	Check Price!Read Review
	Big and Versatile: Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro This is not just 'gym style', you'll find these big machines in gyms & health clubs. A big, safe and versatile choice with cushioning and incline. This treadmill will last you for years.	Check Price!Read Review
	ProForm Tech at a Mid-Budget Price: The Carbon T7 This treadmill combines 'Space Saver Design', with the latest ProForm technology and classic styling. Use the built-in touch-screen display for App-powered runs - a genuine bargain!	Check Price!Read Review
	Folding Budget Treadmill: The JLL T350 This JLL treadmill is the bridge between the budget and gym-style machines. Folding body, cushioned surface, app compatibility, plus the reliable, smooth action you'd expect from JLL.	Check Price!Read Review
	Basic Folding Treadmill: Nero Sports This best-seller from Nero Sports is designed for walking / light jogging. If you are getting started with home fitness, this lightweight folding treadmill ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank.	Check Price!Read Review