Shopping for an indoor running machine when you have limited space can be a tricky affair. While searching online will no doubt flood you with all kinds of slim treadmill options, one question needs to be answered – Is it worth the money?
Our Top Space-Saving Treadmills in a Quick Overview:
You’ll want it to be a space-saving treadmill, but not only that, right? In other words, it should be the best slim treadmill out there, have the speed you need, and include the features that you think are important, such as an incline, decline, non-slip belt, and many more.
First, here are our top five picks.
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Treadmill
2. NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill
3. Rhythm Fun Folding Treadmill
5. Umay Flat lightweight Treadmill
In this review, we’ll look at the best compact treadmills on the market, with my favorite the 8730G Asuna space-saving treadmill on top. If you’re on the taller side, we recommend the NordicTrack treadmill T 9.5 S because it has a large, long and well-cushioned running belt.
Top 9 Best Slim Treadmill Machines
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna 8730G Compact Treadmill
I’ve always had a treadmill in my home gym because it’s user-friendly. For me, ease of use is another important factor because I sometimes like to work out without thinking. You know, when you’re going through a tough time and you would just like to walk peacefully. A treadmill is my go-to equipment during such times.
I’ve been using an Asuna 8730G for two years now, and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about this compact treadmill. Let me share with you what it’s got.
Features
Weighing over 95 pounds, this compact treadmill has a strong, stable frame. It’s constructed of high-quality steel for durability and stability. It measures 59″ x 30″ x 40″ when assembled and folds flat at 30″ x 64″ x 4.5″.
I have a small garage, so I needed a compact treadmill that could be folded or stored against a wall. Besides, I’m short, so I didn’t need a machine so big. Surprisingly, my 16-year-old son who is tall can also use the Asuna comfortably.
This treadmill has a weight capacity of 220 pounds, which accommodates all members of my family. It has transport wheels at the base so even small-bodied women like me (I weigh 140 lbs) can move the Asuna compact treadmill easily.
One of the most important things I learned from a personal trainer is that when choosing a compact treadmill, you need to inspect the deck. It must be of adequate dimensions and have a well-layered surface. You see, the impact from running could lead to knee injury, aka runner’s knee, and you don’t want this happening to you.
The good news is that you do not have to worry about this problem if you have a Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill. The deck measures 49″ x 17.75″ which is just the right size for walking, jogging, and running exercises. The 8730 ultra thin treadmill is adequately cushioned to protect your knees and back.
Motor: This compact folding treadmill has a 2.5-CHP motor that ensures the wide tread operates smoothly and quietly. It allows speeds of up to 8 mph ( or 12 km/hr). On average, a human can sprint at around 7mph, so this is sufficient for most types of treadmill exercise. If you are a beginner, you can check out some interval treadmill training here.
Console: Another awesome feature of this lightweight treadmill is its large LCD touchscreen display, which allows you to change the speed in one touch and view important workout data like speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
With the 8730G you can achieve your daily steps goals with ease. Also, the console area features handles so you can support yourself while working out. These are great for senior persons.
Lastly, if you love to work out with background music, this small treadmill for home is equipped with built-in speaker and has a 3.5mm jack where you can connect your phone to the treadmill.
Pros
- Has a tablet holder for your phone or tablet and LCD touchscreen
- This small footprint treadmill is backed by a strong warranty
- Has a quick-fold design and transport wheels for easy storage
- Easy assembly and has an emergency safety clip for emergency stops
Cons
- Does not have heart rate monitoring, iFit, and incline
2. NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill
Purchase Direct at NordicTrack
Running is one of the best ways to add more years to your life, and one machine that can handle tough workouts is the NordicTrack T Series 9.5.
Features
The T 9.5 S is one of the most compact treadmills for home gym on the market, and you’ll be impressed by what it has to offer. This compact electric treadmill for adults has a sturdy construction and is in fact the heaviest machine on this reviews list. It is forged from steel and has a weight capacity of 325 lbs.
This Nordictrack treadmill has top speed of 12 mph and is integrated with 24 workout apps to make provide you with exciting workouts. Not only that, you get double the fun with free access to iFit for 1 year, including Google Maps workout, personal trainer, videos and more.
This small footprint treadmill has built-in EKG grip sensors to monitor your pulse. Other features that will make you want this treadmill are its Autobreeze workout fan, FlexSelect cushioning, LCD touchscreen, and a wide belt. Also, this NordicTrack compact treadmill provides up to 12 percent incline, ensuring you sweat more and burn body fat.
Pros
- Media shelf for your phone or tablet and music port
- iFit-enabled for more workout options
- Best for tall runners
- 12 mph max speed which is perfect for HIIT
- Has incline function to provide your workouts more intensity
- Has a lifetime warranty on structure, 1 year on frame
Cons
- Costs more than most compact treadmills
3. Rhythm Fun Folding Treadmill
The Rhythm Fun treadmill is one of the best compact treadmills on the market today. I believe, it’s the only cheap small treadmill on this review list that can hold a candle to our first option. Here are some features our testers loved about it.
Features
The Rhythm Fun mini treadmill for adults has a light steel frame with floor stabilizers at its base so users can safely use it in all types of floors. It folds flat for portability and easy storage.
Silver and black rust resistant and scratch resistant coating makes this a low-maintenance machine.
Motor: It is integrated with a 2.0HP brushless motor that has a self-cooling system to ensure that it stays cool even after long exercise sessions. It also works quietly and ensures the wide surface runs smoothly.
Deck: This compact treadmill for home offers a larger surface at 50″ x 18″ and is suitable for users of different heights. The running surface has 7 layers of cushioning, including layers for noise reduction and skid prevention.
This compact walking treadmill can be used in two speed modes:
- 0.6 – 3.7 mph – walking mode
- 3.8 – 7.5 mph – running mode
Console: Its console area is pretty basic and comes with built-in Bluetooth speakers and a media shelf for your phone. You can wirelessly pair your phone for background music while working out. It also features a small round LED screen display that shows basic workout data like speed, distance, time, and calories burned. Side Note: You might also like to read how much is a mile on a treamill article
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Has a decent warranty
- Wide side rails for easy getting on and off the machine
Cons
- Lower capacity than most space-saving treadmill in its price range
- Does not have cooling fans and heart rate monitoring
4. Goplus Thin Treadmill
From stationary bike to squat machines to treadmills, Goplus has them. Honestly, this brand has made most fitness equipment affordable.
This brand has several small treadmills, and for this review, we’ll look at their walking treadmill option. You can check other best Goplus treadmills here.
Features
It has an ultra thin structure that measures 51.5″ x 23.5″ x 6″, which means you get a sizeable deck. This compact treadmill is meant for use under a desk and can be stored under a couch or bed.
Deck: The 41″ x 17″ is a nice size for most people. Also, all Goplus compact electric treadmills are equipped with well-cushioned running decks and this compact treadmill is no exception. The running surface is flexible and well-cushioned to give you the right amount of bounce, protecting your knees and back.
Motor: Now this small treadmill has the least powerful motor on this review list. A 1HP motor is built for one type of exercise only; walking. This motor is quiet and allows from 0.5 to 4mph which are sufficient for slow and fast paced exercise.
Monitor: This compact treadmill has an LED monitor that is built into the front part of the high end treadmill. it displays the basic training data. The small treadmill can be controlled via remote control or manually.
Pros
- Has floor stabilizers to make sure no vibration during exercising
- Best compact option for slow paced exercises
- Has 3-inch wide side rails for easy on and off the equipment
- Touch sensitive LED display
Cons
- Not ideal for running exercise
5. Umay Flat lightweight Treadmill
The Umay portable treadmill has a structure similar to the Goplus model but slightly longer by a few inches to accommodate taller runners.
Features
Deck: This compact treadmill has a wide, flexible running surface that has a nice bounce.
Motor: It is equipped with a 1.5 HP motor that works efficiently to provide from 0.6 to 4 mph.
Also, this storable unit features an LED screen where you can track your workout stats plus choose a workout from 12 preset programs.
Preset programs: A lot of people, especially beginners, prefer a walking treadmill with preset programs that control the treadmill’s speed and incline.
Pros
- Can be controlled via a remote control or via Gfit app
- Cushioned wide surface and weight capacity of 220 lbs
- Movable and folds for compact storage and 1 year warranty
Cons
- Not great for running exercises
6. Goplus Ultra Thin Electric Folding Treadmill
Here’s another Goplus compact treadmill that comes in black and silver. We recently reviewed some Goplus pink treadmills that you can check out here.
Features & Specs
Weighing 61 pounds, this Goplus ultra thin electronic model comes with a strong foldable frame that can support up to 220 lbs of weight.
Its ultrathin deck uses 5 layers of material to provide users with the best training experience. A rubber layer produces the right bounce, a shock absorbing layer reduces impact by up to 30%, a sound insulation layer for quiet routines, and a top antiskid layer to keep you from slipping.
The running surface is powered by a 450W motor, which works quietly and efficiently. It’s best for light jogging exercises but not for intense training.
This lower motor capacity means it has slower speeds than other quick-fold walking treadmill in its price range, offering from 0.7 to a top speed of 5 mph, which are great for walking and light jogging.
Console: This small treadmill has a standard console equipped with basic LCD touchscreen display where you can access your distance, speed, time, and calorie burned.
You’ll also get a media shelf where you can keep your phone or tablet for entertainment and most importantly, you get a safety key for emergency stops.
Pros
- This Goplus ultra thin electric folding treadmill is easy to transport
- Foldable and can be stored upright or under a couch
- Runs quietly
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Motor capacity limits the type of exercises you can do
7. Ancheer 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
If you are looking for an ultra thin treadmill that has a weight capacity of more than the standard 200 lbs, the Ancheer 2-in-1 folding treadmill is the best option. This machine can hold a candle to the Rhythm Fun treadmill and Asuna treadmill we reviewed earlier. So, let’s dig in.
This folding treadmill is built using durable and sturdy materials and has floor stabilizers to eliminate vibrating and shaking.
Features & Specs
Running deck: Ancheer has done a good job at ensuring all their treadmills are well cushioned to protect the knees and joints. This Ancheer foldable treadmill features a 7-layered deck, including a shock absorption layer. The treadmill feels strong and sturdy underfoot.
Motor: This compact treadmill is equipped with a 2.25HP motor. What this means is it can support various types of exercises without overheating and allows for max speed of 7.5 mph which you can set to for sprinting.
2-in-1 construction: Another reason why you should consider this small footprint treadmill is the unique dual mode, allowing you to use it in two ways, namely;
- Walking mode: This mode is great for the elderly or anyone recovering from knee injuries. You get from 0.5 – 3 mph. The rail can be be folded/down, allowing you to use this mini treadmill under desk.
- Running mode: 3.1 to max 7.5 mph which are sufficient speeds for most people. With this compact folding treadmill, you can also do treadmill HIIT. The rail can be raised to provide support for those who want it.
Pros
- On/off switch hidden to protect from kids
- Free lubricant for the long belt
- Quiet operation allows you to use it in the office or at home
- Has a powerful motor
Cons
- Doesn’t have incline function, iFit, and heart rate function
8. Fannay 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
More and more fitness brands are producing 2-in-1 compact treadmills, which are portable and have some of the most important features that traditional treadmills offer.
Features & Specs
The Fannay fold treadmill is one of the best slim treadmills on the market. It ships fully assembled, you’re good to go out of the box. It is foldable for portability and space and weighs about 77 lbs. It is coated with scratch-resistant and rust-resistant paint for durability.
Tread: The Fannay treadmill boasts of a 7-layered tread to protect the user’s knees and back against impact. The layers are constructed from durable PVC material that absorbs impact and reduces stress.
The long belt is wide and large enough for most people. With its speed and large running tread, you’ll find this light treadmill sufficient for walking, jogging, and running.
Motor: This quick-fold treadmill comes with a 2.25HP motor which works quietly and efficiently without overheating. You’ll love how the long belt moves smoothly. No choking at all.
Console: Its console area is simple like most 2-in-1 treadmills. From the console, you can view your exercising data and also select a training program from the 12 offered by this compact folding treadmill.
The programs ensure you get a good workout per session. You’ll never have to worry about the weight loss plateau.
Pros
- Large LCD touchscreen display
- Multi-layer surface protects runners back and knees from impact
- Has a weight capacity of about 225 lbs
- Max speed 7.5 mph
- 1 year warranty
- Easy to control via remote
Cons
- No cooling fans and incline
9. Redliro Treadmill
The Redliro under desk treadmill is a great option for anyone on a budget. This small treadmill is one of the best compact treadmill on the market.
Features & Specs
Here’s what it has to offer.
Like the Goplus slim treadmill, the Redliro small foldable treadmill is lightweight. Weighing 57lbs, this home treadmill is light enough for you to easily move around so you can exercise in any room you want. It’s coated with durable scratch-resistant paint and has built-in floor stabilizers at its base.
Deck: Its long belt is slightly smaller compared to other treadmills on this review list. The dimensions of the belt, 41″ x 14″, makes it the best compact treadmill for short users. If you are on the taller side, we recommend you opt for a model like the Rhythm Fun fold treadmill. This belt is powered by a 2.25 HP motor that works quietly and efficiently.
Monitor: To ensure that users achieve their fitness goals, the manufacturers equipped it with LED touchscreen display that is integrated to the front of the unit. You can control the speeds via the console or a remote control which is included in the package.
Like the Ancheer fold treadmill, this machine can also be used in 2 modes. Walking mode gives you from 0.6 to 4 mph and running mode from 4 mph to max 7.5 mph.
Pros
- Comes with a phone bracket for your phone or tablet
- Weight capacity of about 200 lbs
- Has a safety key for emergency stops
- Wide tread
- Has 5 layers of cushioning
- Does not require assembling
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- Does not have pause function
- You have to glance down to see your workout data
How to Choose a Compact Treadmill
Key Factors to Consider
Here are some few key factors we looked at when choosing the thin treadmills on this review.
Brand
Most people go for renowned brands, and there is nothing wrong with that. It’s a way of assuring quality. If you’re looking for a treadmill from a trusted brand, go for the 8730G treadmill by Sunny Health & Fitness, the NordicTrac, or any Goplus treadmill.
The good news is that new brands are designing and manufacturing training machines that are as good if not better than those from renowned brands. As you’ve seen from this list, there are several new names, and they’re all durable and high quality. They also feature some of the best functions you’ll need from a treadmill, even one that’s slim and portable.
Space
Thankfully, with compact treadmills you don’t have to worry about space or lack of it. These lightweight treadmills come with a foldable frame and built-in wheels at the base, making transporting and storing a non-issue. When setting up your exercise space, allow enough space around the machine to move your elbows and for ease of getting on/off the treadmill.
Frame
There are various options on the market. We have options such as the Goplus treadmill which does not have hand rails, the Asuna 8370G that has handrails with a big LCD window display, and the Ancheer 2-in-1 folding treadmill that can be used with the riser up or folded.
Of course, the type you choose depends on your exercising needs. If you want a treadmill to use at the office, go for the mini treadmill options, and for home use, you’ll be happy with any of the 8370G, NordicTrack, or Rhythm Fun.
Programs
Treadmill programs offer guided workouts where the selected program controls the treadmill’s speed. Now, if you are a beginner, we recommend that you go for a treadmill with preset programs and iFit, which gives you access to Google maps workout, video, personal trainer and more.
Belt
When you’re buying any exercise equipment, always go for a product that ensures user safety and comfort. For a treadmill, its the belt that determines your comfort and safety. Choose a treadmill with a layered belt designed to absorb shock. The treadmills above come with well-built and secured belts to prevent slipping.
Budget
Treadmills come in a wide range of prices. We have high-end treadmills such as the NordicTrack 12 mph treadmill and more compact treadmills like the Redliro. The compact treadmills are price friendly and won’t break your bank.
Final Thoughts
Compact treadmills are a great choice – they’re home-friendly, portable, and space-saving. A slim treadmill offers the important features found on traditional treadmills without the excess weight and bulk.
The treadmills on this review have decent weight capacities – mostly 220 lbs, with some even going up to 265 lbs. And, lest you forget, they’re also more affordable than their hefty siblings. We believe you’ll find a treadmill suitable for your exercising needs here.
Written by Alisha Wishart – TheHealthPot.com
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Writer and Contributor
Alisha, is a Mother, Wife and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). She understands how demanding everyday life can be and takes great pride in working with individuals and groups to help them achieve their desired fitness goals. Read more about Alisha here.