Buying a Treadmill Online – The Ultimate Guide
Buying a treadmill is a step in the right direction toward better health and fitness. The harder part is figuring out which treadmill to buy.
There are more choices than ever, and it's very easy to get caught up comparing screens, workout programs, incline levels and dozens of other features. But buying the right treadmill doesn't have to be that complicated.
We've been reviewing treadmills for many years, and our advice is to start with the basics: figure out how you're going to use the treadmill, decide how much you can comfortably spend, and then determine which features actually matter to you.
You don't necessarily need the most expensive treadmill or the machine with the longest list of features. You need one that's well built and capable of handling the workouts you plan on doing.
How Much Should You Spend on a Treadmill?
Your budget will dictate the type of treadmill you can buy, so this is usually the best place to start.
If you have less than $1,000 to spend, you're obviously not going to get the same construction, motor, cushioning and features you'll find on a $3,000 treadmill. But that doesn't mean you can't find a good machine.
Here's a general idea of what you can expect:
Under $1,000: This is mostly entry-level territory. You'll find treadmills that work well for walking and lighter jogging, along with some compact and folding models. Serious runners should generally look higher.
$1,000-$2,000: This is one of the sweet spots for home treadmills. There are some very capable machines here with larger decks, stronger motors, better cushioning and more solid construction. For the average home user, this may be all the treadmill you need.
$2,000-$3,000: You're moving into more premium home treadmills, with stronger construction, more powerful motors, larger displays and more advanced training features.
$3,000 and up: This is where you'll find high-end residential and commercial-grade machines from brands such as Life Fitness and Matrix. These treadmills tend to be larger, heavier and built for considerably more use.
You don't have to spend a fortune. But buying too little treadmill for the way you plan to use it can end up costing you more in the long run.
How Are You Going to Use Your Treadmill?
This is probably the most important question you can ask yourself.
A person walking for 30 minutes a few times per week doesn't need the same treadmill as someone training for a marathon. Likewise, a treadmill being used by one person has different demands than one that's going to be shared by an entire family.
Walking
If you're primarily walking, you have plenty of options. You don't necessarily need the biggest motor or longest deck, and an entry-level treadmill may be perfectly adequate.
That said, don't automatically buy the cheapest treadmill you can find. Stability, cushioning and overall construction still matter, especially if you're going to use the machine regularly.
Jogging and Running
The faster you go, the more important treadmill construction becomes.
Runners should generally look for a longer and wider running surface, stronger motor, good cushioning and a stable frame. A 60-inch-long belt is a good target for most runners, and taller runners in particular will appreciate the extra room.
The treadmill should also feel solid underneath you. A machine that feels perfectly fine at 3 mph may feel very different once you start running at 7 or 8 mph.
Multiple Users
If several people in your household will be using the treadmill, buy for the person who will put the greatest demands on it.
For example, if one person walks and another runs five days per week, shop for the runner. The walker will be perfectly comfortable on the heavier-duty treadmill; the opposite isn't necessarily true.
What Features Actually Matter?
This is where treadmill shopping can get confusing.
Manufacturers have become very good at giving you long feature lists, but not every feature should carry the same weight in your decision.
Here's what we would concentrate on.
Running Surface
The size of the deck determines how much room you have to walk or run comfortably.
You'll commonly see treadmill belts around 20 inches wide and 55-60 inches long, although larger machines may give you even more room.
Walking doesn't require as much space. For running, we generally prefer a 60-inch-long deck, particularly for taller users or anyone with a longer stride.
Motor and Performance
Motor horsepower has traditionally been one of the first specifications treadmill shoppers compare, but don't judge a treadmill on the motor number alone.
A quality motor is important, particularly for running and heavier use, but the overall construction of the machine matters just as much. A big horsepower number on a cheaply built treadmill doesn't suddenly turn it into a heavy-duty machine.
The more frequently you'll be running—and the more people who will be using the treadmill—the more important overall performance becomes.
Cushioning
One of the biggest advantages of using a treadmill instead of running outside is the more forgiving surface.
Most quality treadmills offer some form of cushioning, although the feel varies considerably from one manufacturer to another. Some decks are noticeably softer, while others are designed to feel firmer and more like running outdoors.
There's no single cushioning system that's right for everyone. Comfort matters more than the name manufacturers give their cushioning technology.
Incline and Decline
Incline is one treadmill feature that we think is genuinely useful.
Walking or running uphill changes the workout considerably and gives you another way to increase intensity without simply increasing your speed.
Most traditional treadmills offer around 10%-15% incline, while some specialty incline trainers go considerably higher. A smaller number of machines also offer decline.
You don't necessarily need extreme incline capability, but we'd want at least some incline on a traditional home treadmill unless you have a specific reason for buying a flat machine.Folding vs. Non-Folding
If space is limited, a folding treadmill can make a lot of sense.
Today's better folding treadmills are much sturdier than older folding machines, and many use hydraulic systems that make raising and lowering the deck relatively easy.
If space isn't an issue, however, don't assume you need a folding treadmill. Non-folding machines are often heavier and can provide a more substantial feel, particularly at the high end of the market.
Console and Touch Screen
This is one area where treadmill shopping has changed dramatically.
Large touch screens, streaming workouts, trainer-led programs and connected fitness platforms are now common. They're great if you'll actually use them.
But don't let the screen sell you the treadmill.
We'd rather have a well-built treadmill with a basic console than a mediocre treadmill with a beautiful 20-inch display. The deck, motor, frame and cushioning are what you're actually exercising on.
If interactive training is important to you, then by all means make it part of your decision. Just remember that some of these features require an ongoing subscription, so factor that cost into your purchase.
Pay Attention to the Warranty
Warranties are one of the most important things to consider when buying a treadmill.
Generally speaking, the longer the coverage, the more confidence the manufacturer has in the machine.
Pay particular attention to coverage for the frame, motor, parts and labor. Labor can get expensive if something goes wrong, so even a year or two of labor coverage can be valuable.
Don't just look at the headline "lifetime warranty," either. Find out exactly which components are covered and for how long.
Check the Return Policy Before You Buy
This isn't the most exciting part of buying a treadmill, but it's something you should know before ordering a 250-pound piece of exercise equipment.
Return policies vary considerably.
Some companies give you a trial period, but that doesn't necessarily mean returning the treadmill is free. You may be responsible for return freight, restocking charges or other costs.
Find out:
- How long do you have to return the treadmill?
- Can you return it simply because you don't like it?
- Who pays return shipping?
- Is there a restocking fee?
- Does the treadmill need to be disassembled or repackaged?
Hopefully you'll never need to use the return policy, but it's much better to know the answers before you buy.
Don't Forget About Delivery and Assembly
Treadmills are big and heavy.
Free shipping sounds great—and it can represent significant savings—but find out exactly what "free shipping" includes.
In many cases, standard delivery means getting the treadmill to your driveway, garage or front entrance. Getting it downstairs into a basement gym or upstairs into a bedroom can be a completely different story.
Some manufacturers and retailers offer upgraded room-of-choice delivery and assembly for an additional charge.
If you're comfortable putting things together, treadmill assembly is usually manageable with two people. If not, paying for assembly may be money well spent.
Should You Buy a Treadmill Online?
Buying a treadmill online is now the easiest option for most people.
You can compare dozens of models, check specifications, read reviews and shop at your leisure without dealing with a salesperson. You also have access to far more treadmills than you'll typically find on the floor of a local fitness equipment store.
Brands such as Sole and NordicTrack sell extensively online, and many manufacturers regularly offer discounts, free shipping or financing.
There is still one advantage to shopping locally: you may be able to get on the treadmill before buying it.
If there's a fitness equipment store nearby with the machine you're considering, trying it is never a bad idea. Pay attention to how the deck feels, how easy the controls are to use and how stable the machine feels when you increase the speed.
But we wouldn't limit our search to whatever happens to be sitting on a showroom floor.
Where Should You Buy Your Treadmill
You generally have three choices: buying directly from the manufacturer, buying from a major online retailer, or buying from a local fitness equipment dealer.
We've bought and researched treadmills through all of these channels over the years, and there isn't one answer that's best for everyone.
Buying directly from the manufacturer can give you access to the latest models, manufacturer promotions and financing offers.
Large retailers can be worth checking for competitive pricing, convenient returns or membership benefits.
Local fitness equipment stores give you the advantage of seeing and trying the treadmill before purchasing, and some provide delivery, assembly and local service.
Wherever you buy, make sure you're dealing with an established seller. Check its history, customer reviews, return policy and customer-service options before placing your order.
Do You Need Financing?
Many treadmill manufacturers and retailers offer financing, which can make a more expensive treadmill easier to fit into your budget.
That can be useful, but don't let a low monthly payment convince you to spend considerably more than you intended.
Look at the total price of the treadmill, the interest rate, the length of the financing period and any promotional terms before deciding.
If financing allows you to move from an underpowered treadmill to a machine that's genuinely better suited to your needs, it may make sense. Financing features you don't need is another story.
Don't Pay for Features You Won't Use
This may be the easiest way to overspend on a treadmill.
It's tempting to look at the machine with the largest screen, most workout programs, highest incline or longest feature list and assume it's automatically better.
It isn't.
Think about what you'll actually use six months from now.
If you love trainer-led workouts, a large touch screen and subscription platform may be worth every penny. If you normally put on headphones, hit Quick Start and run for 45 minutes, you're probably better off putting more of your money toward the actual treadmill.
The same applies to extreme incline, decline, built-in speakers and dozens of workout programs.
Pay for the treadmill first and the extras second.
Start With Your Needs, Then Choose Your Wants
When it comes to finding the best treadmill, start with your budget and what you're looking for.
Ask yourself:
What's the most I comfortably want to spend?
Then determine your needs. Walking or running? How often? How many people will use it? How much room do you have? Do you need it to fold?
Only after you've answered those questions should you start thinking about your wants: the big screen, advanced programming, decline capability, streaming workouts and other extras.
Your budget determines the range of treadmills you can consider. Your needs narrow the field. Your wants help you choose between the machines that are left.
That's usually a much better way to shop than falling in love with a treadmill first and trying to justify the price afterward.
How Do I Choose The Best Treadmill?
There isn't one treadmill that's best for everybody.
A great treadmill for a walker with limited space may be completely wrong for a serious runner. Likewise, spending $4,000 on a commercial-grade treadmill doesn't make much sense if you're going to walk on it for 20 minutes three times per week.
We've reviewed hundreds of treadmills over the years, and the biggest thing we've learned is that you don't need the "best" treadmill—you need the right treadmill for you.
Start with how you'll use it. Set a realistic budget. Make sure the construction, deck and performance can handle what you're asking of it. Check the warranty, delivery and return policies. Then compare the features and decide which ones are worth paying for.
If you aren't sure where to start, take a look at our Best Treadmills page. We've broken down our top selections by type and price to make narrowing down your choices a little easier.