The best folding treadmills offer many of the same features as pricier nonfolding machines. That includes heart rate programs, where you choose a target heart rate zone and the treadmill adjusts its speed and/or incline to automatically let you reach that goal; heart rate monitoring, either via grips or a chest strap (the latter is usually more accurate); cup holders; and savable program modes for each user.
That said, you’ll need to pay close attention as you shop for one of these less expensive treadmills. First, if you’re planning to use your treadmill for running, you’ll need to check the length of the deck, says John Galeotafiore, who oversees CR’s treadmill testing. We recommend opting for a deck at least 60 inches long, especially if you’re on the taller side, to make sure the treadmill will accommodate your running stride.
Just planning to use your treadmill for walking? You’ll still want a model with plenty of features and versatility, including a significant amount of incline that will allow you to simulate climbing up a steep hill. “Even if you are a beginner, you want to make sure the treadmill can accommodate the progress you will make in your exercise program,” Galeotafiore says.
Keep in mind that while a folding treadmill could save you some storage space, we’ve found that the space savings might be less than you think. The full length of a treadmill is typically between 60 and 90 inches, Galeotafiore says, and although you’d think that footprint would be cut in half when you fold the machine, that’s not always the case. They don’t get any narrower when you’ve put them away, either.
One more thing to consider: Like the popular Peloton treadmills (which don’t fold), several manufacturers of foldable machines require or at least heavily encourage you to subscribe to their exercise services to access all of the treadmill’s features. That can add significantly to the overall cost of your treadmill. Our top picks in this article don’t include treadmills that are meant to work exclusively with one exercise subscription service.
But many of the models we tested are compatible with several third-party exercise subscription services. You connect the treadmill with an app through Bluetooth, and the machine will automatically adjust the speed and incline depending on the workout you’re doing.
