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

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.

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.

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 5-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.

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.

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 mile 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.

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.

Another Amazon favorite, this compact treadmill clocks in at just 50-inches long and 24 inches wide. Similar to 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 hand rails guarantee you’ll feel safe strutting your stuff (while still tracking your heart rate). And when the workouts over? The hydraulic folding system makes storage a breeze.