5 Best Treadmills for Home Gym: Reviews, Buying Guide and Price
A treadmill is optimally used for warm-up and for cardio workouts. The treadmill is the best equipment for burning calories compared to other home fitness equipment.
Advantages of a treadmill
Since the treadmill is used indoors, one does not have to worry about the weather conditions. Be it rain or sunshine; one can exercise throughout the year in the confines of the home.
The most significant advantage of motorised treadmills is the shock-absorbing capacity of the walking/jogging track. Most Motorized treadmill models are designed to absorb shock, which prevents the user from joint pains and injuries.
The track is smooth compared to an uneven or stony road. One can exercise without worrying about the landscape or its contours.
The treadmill offers a running or walking simulator to exercise correctly. One can watch him/herself in the mirror and fine-tune the running or jogging technique, which is not convenient outdoors.
One can multitask with the treadmill; on the streets, a user is limited to taking calls or listening to music. At home, one can watch Television, movies or even learn something new by watching tutorials.
The privacy the treadmill offers is also an important aspect. At home, one can work out alone, wear what they please, and exercise in the peaceful confines of their home.
Security: Walking in the home confines is safer than walking on a lonesome road. Also, one can walk on the treadmill at any time of the day as he/she pleases.
All the members of the family can use one treadmill by adjusting the speed accordingly.
We have compiled below a list of the best treadmills for home gym purposes.
Our Top Picks for "Best Treadmills for Home Gym"
Best Feature Rich Treadmill – Durafit Heavy Hike Motorized Treadmill
Best Space Saving Design – Sparnod Fitness STH-3000 Series Treadmill
Best Budget – PowerMax Fitness TDM-98 1.75HP Motorized Treadmill
Best for Jogging and light Running – MAXPRO PTM405 2HP(4 HP Peak) Treadmill
Best for Walking and jogging – Cockatoo CTM-11L 2HP (3.5HP Peak) Motorized Treadmill
What to expect from this Read?
Let us help you choose this fitness equipment for a home gym that is a must-have for cardio workouts, and to stay fit and healthy during these covid times, do have a look at this list before you make your buying decision.
Life is like a Treadmill, If you don’t move, You Fall
We reviewed 29 treadmills of different continuous (CHP) and peak horsepower, manual v/s motorised, Track length, dimensions, track composition, LCD features, Peak speed possible, max user weight allowed safety features, after-sales service, etc., for this exercise of finding the “Best Treadmills for Home Gyms.”
We narrowed down the list to the best 10 based on repetitive features and quality before finally coming up with the final list of the 5 best treadmills that met our stringent requirements.
PS – Of the top 10 shortlisted, we found that many had similar features to the one’s in our top 5, so we eliminated them to the best below.
We encourage you to glance through our Buying Guide to pick up the treadmills that suit your requirements. This is also the basis of how we chose the below list.
Best Treadmills for Home Gym: Reviews
Best Feature Rich Treadmill
The treadmill is powered by a 2.5 CHP (Continuous Horsepower) motor that can hit a peak of 5 HP. The inclination level is upto Level 15 and can reach a speed of 1 -16 Km/h making it ideal for walking, jogging, and running.
The maximum weight the treadmill can handle is upto 120 kgs, so this is suitable for users upto 100 Kgs running. (Please see our Buying guide below for an explanation about this factor).
The LCD Display shows vital parameters like speed, time, distance, calories burnt, and heart rate.
The jogging track is wide and has an anti-skid shock absorption surface and spring technology. The treadmill can be easily folded and is aided by hydraulic drop assistance. 48 preset workout program modes can be set for an efficient workout.
We also liked that the besides the usual Warranty of 1 Year Doorstep and 3-Years Motor warranty thats the benchmark warranty from most good treadmill manufacturers, this one also comes with a lifetime Frame warranty.
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2.5 CHP Motor
5 HP Peak
Ideal for walking, jogging, and running.
Can handle weight upto 120 Kgs.
48 preset workout program modes
Spring suspension technology
Free installation assistance
Mp3 player with speakers
Easily folded with the hydraulic drop assistance.
Safety Key for Auto-stopping
Warranty – 1 Year Motor Warranty, 3-Years Motor warranty and lifetime on Frame.
What needs to be improved
Nothing to cry about for the rich features provided.
Best Space Saving Design
The treadmill is a plug and run treadmill and does not require any assembly. The treadmill is powered by a 2.25 CHP super silent motor that can hit a peak of 4 HP and reach top speeds of upto 12 km/h making it ideal for walking, jogging, and running.
The maximum weight the treadmill can endure is upto 110 kgs; this is ideal for users upto 90 Kgs. (Please see our Buying guide below for an explanation about this factor).
This is a 2-in-1 treadmill and can be used as a running or under desk walking treadmill.
We would recommend this treadmill for those who have space issues as it can be easily folded and stowed under furniture when not in use.
The LCD Display shows vital parameters like speed, time, distance, and calories burnt. The 7 level running belt is wide and has decent shock absorption properties.
There is a phone holder and built-in Bluetooth speakers for listening to music. There is a convenient remote control provided for changing speed and stopping the treadmill. Safety features like the auto-stop key ensure a safe workout.
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✅ 2 CHP Motor
✅ 4 HP Peak
✅ Ideal for walking, jogging, and running.
✅ Can handle weight upto 110 Kgs.
✅ 2 in 1 treadmill for running or under desk walking.
✅ Space-saving design
✅ Built-in speakers
✅ Safety Key for Auto-stopping
✅ Warranty – Lifetime Frame Warranty, 3-Years on the motor, and 1-Year Parts Warranty
What needs to be improved
🚫 The mobile holder space provided is not adequate for large mobiles.
🚫 There is no heart rate sensor.
Best Budget
The treadmill is powered by a 1.75 CHP super silent motor that can hit a peak of 3.5 HP and reach top speeds of upto 10 km/h making it ideal for walking and jogging.
The maximum weight the treadmill can handle is upto 90 kgs, so this is suitable for users upto 70 Kgs. (Please see our Buying guide below for an explanation about this factor).
The LCD Display shows vital parameters like Speed, time, distance, calories burnt, and heart rate. The heart rate sensors are on the handrail. 12 preset workout program modes can be set for an efficient workout.
The running surface is low and closer to the ground, and the track is anti-skid with a six-ply running board, which offers adequate shock absorption for walking and jogging.
There are built-in speakers for listening to music from a USB or with an AUX cable. Safety features like the auto-stop key ensure a safe workout.
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✅ The Budget price
✅ 1.75 CHP Motor
✅ 3.5 HP Peak
✅ 12 preset workout program modes
✅ Ideal for walking and jogging.
✅ Can handle weight upto 90 Kgs.
✅ Built-in speakers
✅ Safety Key for Auto-stopping
✅ Warranty – Lifetime Frame Warranty, 3-Years on the motor, and 1-Year Parts Warranty
What needs to be improved
🚫 The track is not the most spacious; a couple of inches in width would have been ideal.
🚫 The quality of the speakers is not the best.
Best for Jogging and light Running
The treadmill is powered by a 2 CHP (Continuous Horsepower) motor that can hit a peak of 4 HP. There are three manual incline levels and can reach a speed of 1 -14 Km/h making it ideal for walking, jogging, and light running.
The maximum weight the treadmill can handle is upto 110 kgs; this is suitable for users upto 90 Kgs. (Please refer to our Buying guide below for an explanation about this factor).
The jogging track is wide and has an anti-skid shock absorption multi-layered surface. The treadmill can be easily folded and is aided by hydraulic drop assistance. 12 preset workout program modes can be set for an efficient workout.
The blue LCD Display shows vital parameters like Speed, time, distance, calories burnt, and heart rate. The heart rate sensors are on the handrail.
There are built-in speakers for listening to music from a USB or with an AUX cable. Safety features like the auto-stop key ensure a safe workout.
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✅ 2 CHP Motor
✅ 4 HP Peak
✅ 12 preset workout program modes
✅ Ideal for walking, jogging, and running.
✅ Can handle weight upto 110 Kgs.
✅ Built-in speakers
✅ Multi-layered running surface
✅ Safety Key for Auto-stopping
✅ Warranty – 1-Year Product Warranty
What needs to be improved
🚫 A bit noisy, especially at speeds > 8 km/hr
Best for Walking and jogging
The treadmill is powered by a 2 CHP (Continuous Horsepower) motor that can hit a peak of 3.5 HP.
There are three manual incline levels and can reach a speed of 0.8 -14 Km/h making it ideal for walking and jogging.
The maximum weight the treadmill can endure is upto 110 kgs; this is suitable for users upto 90 Kgs. (Please refer to our Buying guide below for an explanation about this factor).
The blue LCD Display shows vital parameters like Speed, time, distance, calories burnt, and heart rate. The heart rate sensors are on the handrail. The user can also calculate BMI (Body mass index) on the LCD.
The jogging track is 16.5” wide and has an anti-skid shock absorption surface. 12 preset workout program modes can be set for an efficient workout.
There are built-in speakers for listening to music from a USB or with an AUX cable. Safety features like the auto-stop key ensure a safe workout.
Check this out
✅ 2 CHP motor
✅ 3.5 HP Peak
✅ 12 preset workout program modes
✅ Ideal for walking and jogging.
✅ Can handle weight upto 110 Kgs.
✅ Built-in speakers
✅ 1.6mm running surface
✅ Safety Key for Auto-stopping
✅ Warranty – Lifetime Frame Warranty, 3-Years on the Motor, and 1-Year Parts Warranty
✅ Auto lubrication system
What needs to be improved
🚫 The heart rate sensor does not deliver accurate results
🚫 The inbuilt speaker is average.
Buying Guide to choose the Best Treadmills (Home Gym)
How to choose the Best Treadmill for home use?
Types of Treadmills
The treadmills can be classified into two types
1 Manual treadmill – is powered by the user as he/she walks on the treadmill and pushes the belt with his/her feet.
2 Motorised treadmill – as implied by its name, it is powered by a motor. We will throw more light on this aspect later in this post.
Why don’t we recommend manual treadmills?
A manual treadmill, on average, costs between 10000 to 15000 Rs and is cheaper than most motorised variants. However, the cons outweigh the pros in manual treadmills, and we don’t use them, neither would we ever recommend a manual treadmill.
The most significant disadvantage is that the manual treadmill can cause joint stress; a user must power the manual treadmill by pushing the belt with his/her feet. This is catapulted if the user has existing hip or joint issues or the model is a flat treadmill. Also, manual treadmills are comparatively noisy and require more frequent lubrication.
To cut a long story short, we DO NOT recommend manual treadmills.
The Motor power
The motor is the heart of the treadmill, and the maximum weightage should be given to this factor while choosing a treadmill. Another important aspect is the Continuous horsepower rating – CHP.
Pay close attention to this factor while choosing the right treadmill. The peak horsepower rating is the secondary rating to watch out for.
For walking: Should be powered by a motor that is 2.0 CHP or higher
For jogging: Should be powered by a motor that is 2.5 CHP or higher
For running: Should be powered by a motor that is 3.0 CHP or higher
If the user weighs over 90 Kgs, it’s ideal to Add another 0.5 CHP because a motor running at its full load tends to wear out faster.
Weight of the User
Most manufacturers specify the maximum weight of the user that the treadmill can handle. One must add 20 kgs to the top user’s weight to factor the weight impact during running and avoid straining the motor.
For example, a treadmill that can handle 110 Kgs is ideal for users upto 90 Kgs.
Size of the Belt – Track size
For walking – a minimum of 55″ in belt length is recommended,
For jogging and running 58″ to 60″ for runners
In case the user is over 6 Ft tall – 60″ to 63″ for tall runners.
The belt’s width is usually 18 to 20″. There are some models that have extra broad width of 22″.
Tread belt durability
The factors that determine tread belt durability are
1) Thickness
2) Metal rollers and
3) Lubrication.
Belt Thickness: A 2 ply or a 4 ply belt thickness is ideal. Thicker tread belts, besides being more durable, also tend to be quieter during use. The budget home treadmills usually have one-ply tracks.
Treadmill rollers that propel the track. This is directly proportional to the diameter of the rollers. Rollers with larger diameters puts less stress on the treadmill motor and helps to safeguard the belt. The diameter of a good roller for home treadmills is about 2.5′.
Lubrication is an essential aspect of tread belt durability. The belts of the treadmill must be lubricated periodically for optimum performance. Most models even have a slot from where treadmill oil can be poured for lubrication purposes.
Track speed
Treadmills that support peak speeds of 10 km/h work for most users. Besides, some treadmills can reach a peak speed of 12 to 16 km/h
Track cushioning
Track cushioning absorbs the shock while exercising and helps protect your joints from the impact of exercise.
When one compares running on the road, cushioned treadmill running typically reduces impact by about 20 to 30%. The shock absorption is beneficial to avoid joints stress and niggles.
Treadmill incline
Treadmill belts can be inclined to simulate outdoor terrains. The greater the incline, the more demanding is the workout.
Level 2 incline means the treadmill is inclined by 2%; Level 3 incline means the treadmill is inclined by 3%, and so on. On average, treadmill belts can be inclined to a maximum of 10 to 15%. Some high-end brands have small declines on their treadmills as well.
Programs
Most treadmills models have pre-set workout programs. These can be set accordingly for different family users with varying exercise goals, such as weight loss and endurance training.
Depending on the model chosen, programs automatically control
1) The speed of the treadmill,
2) Time duration of the workout,
3) Distance,
4) Calories to be burnt and
5) The incline/decline too can be automatically programmed if available.
Storage and portability
For home use, it’s always recommended to choose a foldable treadmill. The treadmills can be folded after the workout to free up some floor space.
There is power-assist technology available in some select variants, which makes it easy to fold the treadmill.
Safety
Auto-stop is a crucial safety feature available in most modern day treadmill models. A magnetic auto-stop is attached to the treadmill, which is usually connected by a threaded clip attached to the user’s clothing.
If the user slips, the safety clip will disengage, and the treadmill will turn off.
Additional features available in some treadmills
✓ Water bottle holders
✓ Bluetooth speakers
✓ Mobile/Tablet holders
✓ HD TVs for virtual workout
✓ Can be voice-controlled with Alexa
✓ Massagers for muscle relaxation
✓ Health Apps
Best Treadmills (Home Gym) Price and Price Comparison
“Here you will find prices of all the products mentioned in this feature”