Compact Treadmills Comparison
Are you searching for a compact treadmill? These models are a fantastic option when space is an issue, especially if you're planning to run regularly in an apartment, small condo, or small bonus room in your house. To save even more space, most of these treadmills fold up as well. The table below compares the 5 best compact treadmills available:
| Treadmill | Smooth 9.65LC |
NordicTrack C900 |
ProForm Power 1080 |
Smooth 5.65 |
LifeSpan TR1200i |
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| Rating |
Rating: 96.5%
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Rating: 86.1%
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Rating: 82.7%
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Rating: 82.6%
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Rating: 78.9%
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| Full Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
| Compact? |
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| Speed | 0.6 - 12 mph | 0 - 12 mph | 0 - 12 mph | 0.5 - 10 mph | 0.5 - 11 mph |
| Incline | 1 - 15% | 0 - 15% | 0 - 15% | 0 - 15% | 15 Levels |
| Motor | 4.0 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 3.25 CHP | 2.75 CHP | 2.5 CHP |
| Max. Weight | 400 lbs | 350 lbs | 350 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Folding? |
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| Deck | 21" x 64" | 20" x 60" | 20" x 60" | 20" x 55" | 20" x 56" |
| List Price | $3,999.00 | $1,499.00 | $2,499.00 | $1,999.00 | $1,499.00 |
| Best Price | $1,999.00 | $999.00 | $2,499.00 | $949.00 | $999.99 |
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Compact Treadmills Buying Guide
The only major drawback to owning a treadmill is that the fitness wonder does take up a lot of space. Quite often, you will run across people who would absolutely love to buy a treadmill, but they are concerned as to where they may put the trainer. Or, they may not quite be settled and are planning a move in the next year or two.
Thankfully, compact treadmills are the answer to all of those concerns. Constructed for those individuals in mind, compact treadmills (like the name implies) are perfect for home owners who lack a lot of space or need something that is easily portable. Designed with a lighter-than-average frame and transport wheels, compact treadmills also fold to provide even more floor space when not in use.
While they are ideal for their light weight and space needed to house the machine, compact treadmills are forced to make sacrifices with some specs. Unfortunately, this can at times equate to a treadmill that is simply not strong and durable enough to support a lot of adult users. However, if the primary user(s) will be teenagers and/or adults who weigh 150 lbs. or less this is probably not a huge concern.
The great thing about compact treadmills is that they are also usually very affordable and are a terrific selection for that very first treadmill. Compact treadmills will always remain a fantastic bargain just as long as they can support your fitness and exercise means. Remember, the whole point you invested in a treadmill is to improve your health, not to buy something that is unusable but will look good in storage because it takes up very little space.
Compact Treadmills — Pros vs. Cons
- Lightweight, easy to transport if you move often
- Require less floor space in tightly condensed rooms
- Often fold to create extra room
- Regularly equipped with transport wheels for additional mobility
- Traditionally affordable
- Since the trainer is smaller, compact treadmills may sacrifice specs
- Stability of the frame may not be as consistent
- Arguably not as well produced
In the end, it all depends on availability. If space is a premium in your household, you need a space efficient treadmill. However, if you have the extra storage compact treadmills might not provide the most attractive option.
The stereotype inside the fitness world for years has been that compact treadmills (like other compact home gyms) are inferior to other treadmills that are not as concerned about saving space but performance. While true to an extent, compact treadmills have actually traveled miles in terms of quality production.
Thus, the final decision is up to you. Can you afford the extra space large commercial treadmills require? Do you need something that is lightweight and portable? Compact treadmills have an awful lot to offer.
More Compact Treadmills
The following did not make the Top 5 Compact Treadmills, but are still worth a look:
LiveStrong LS8.0T
List Price: $1,499.99 - Best Price: $799.99
The LiveStrong LS8.0T is an entry-level treadmill with some luxurious features like LiveTrack Interactive Technology and MaxComfort Adjustable Cushioning. A portion of each purchase also goes to the LiveStrong Foundation to fight cancer.
Read the full LiveStrong LS8.0T Review
ProForm 590T
List Price: $799.00 - Best Price: $799.00
The ProForm 590T is a moderately priced treadmill with a 2.25 CHP motor, 20" x 55" running surface, LCD display and iFit Live. The workout experience is further enhanced with Google Maps compatibility.
Read the full ProForm 590T Review
ProForm Performance 400
List Price: $799.00 - Best Price: $579.00
The ProForm Performance 400 is an entry-level treadmill with the basic specs required for a number of workout opportunities. The treadmill provides ProShox Lite Cushioning which is intended to produce less stress on vital muscles and joints.
Read the full ProForm Performance 400 Review
Horizon Fitness T202
List Price: $999.00 - Best Price: $799.00
The Horizon Fitness T202 treadmill is an upgraded version of last year's T102. Consumers will appreciate their collaboration with Nike, evident with the workout programs and exercise customization. The treadmill is also compatible with iPod players and offers rich SonicSurround speakers.
Read the full Horizon Fitness T202 Review
Horizon Fitness T101
List Price: $829.99 - Best Price: $629.99
The T101 is a quality budget treadmill designed mostly for walkers. While it's not the most stable or powerful machine the T101 does have some great features like mp3 input and built-in speakers.
Read the full Horizon Fitness T101 Review
Merit Fitness 725T Plus
List Price: $599.00 - Best Price: $495.00
The Merit 725T Plus is a dirt cheap treadmill that has noticeably cut some corners, yet still found a way to get people on a treadmill and exercising. The budget treadmill is ideal for smaller users searching for a light exercise experience.
Read the full Merit Fitness 725T Plus Review
Merit Fitness 715T
List Price: $399.00 - Best Price: $349.99
The Merit Fitness 715T is an entry-level treadmill with a smaller-than-average motor and undersized running surface. It's extremely affordable, but not suitable for all body types.
Read the full Merit Fitness 715T Review
Horizon Evolve SG
List Price: $799.99 - Best Price: $599.99
The Horizon Evolve SG is quite possibly the most compact treadmill we have ever seen. It's a great buy for those who absolutely need something that does not take up a lot of space, and are not expecting a lot in terms of pre-defined workout programs.
Read the full Horizon Evolve SG Review
LifeSpan Fitness LS-5T
List Price: Discontinued - Best Price: Discontinued
LifeSpan LS-5T is an ultra-compact and very cheap treadmill. While it's not loaded with many extra features (or power for that matter) it does provide an easy way for walkers to exercise.
Read the full LifeSpan Fitness LS-5T Review
ProForm 380 CS
List Price: Discontinued - Best Price: Discontinued
The ProForm 380 CS is a very cheap, entry-level treadmill with a few luxuries like an iPod dock, Dual-Grip EKG heart rate monitor, and LCD display. The ProForm 380 CS is ideal for smaller users that need a treadmill for walking purposes.
Read the full ProForm 380 CS Review
Weslo CrossWalk S 7.9
List Price: Discontinued - Best Price: Discontinued
Priced at $399, the Weslo CrossWalk S 7.9 is one of the cheapest treadmills on the market. The compact treadmill features a 2.5 HP motor, 18" x 50" running surface and CrossWalk arm trainer.
Read the full Weslo CrossWalk S 7.9 Review
Gold's Gym Crosswalk 570
List Price: Discontinued - Best Price: Discontinued
The Gold's Gym Crosswalk 570 is equipped with CrossWalk Upper Body Arms, a new way of burning extra calories. In addition to finding a way to include your upper body into the workout routine, the Crosswalk 570 also features a Dual-Grip Heart Rate Monitor and QuickSelect speed/incline controls.
Read the full Gold's Gym Crosswalk 570 Review
NordicTrack T7 si
List Price: Discontinued - Best Price: Discontinued
The NordicTrack T7 si is an upgrade from the C2155 treadmill, equipped with iFit and iPod compatibility. The treadmill also sports a 2.25 HP motor and 20" x 55" running surface.
Read the full NordicTrack T7 si Review


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