We all have a dream of owning a beautiful spacious home gym, complete with weight machines, floor mats, treadmills, and a personal trainer at our beck and call.
Yet, dreams remain dreams for a reason, and for many of us, just finding the time to get in a workout at the local gym can be a daunting task in itself.
As we are avid proponents of calisthenic programs and home training systems, we want to help our readers to prepare themselves with an adequate home exercise facility, despite their limitations.
Treadmills are a fantastic way of establishing a cardio routine around a busy schedule. And for those who live in a gloomy climate for much of the year, they are a great way to get those much-needed endorphins flowing.
This article covers the best compact treadmills currently available on the 2020 market and discusses why each model could be perfect for varying needs.
What defines a compact treadmill?
Despite the name being quite obvious, there are certain factors that customers should be looking for when trying to find the right compact treadmill model for their home gym:
Weight
Moving a treadmill around can be a daunting task for those who live alone, especially after a heavy workout. If the goal is for the treadmill to be light and easy to move around, weight becomes an important factor.
Portability
Different compact treadmills have different modes of portability. Some have wheels that allow them to be moved easily, while others fold down and tuck away flat. Depending on your space limitations, it’s important to understand where and how you wish to place your treadmill when it’s not being used.
Functionality
Like any other niche product, it’s important to not compromise functionality to the point where you won’t even use it. Finding a balance between being compact and portable but also functional for your needs is hard to find. If you’re looking for a durable, heavy-duty treadmill that is also compact, your choices may be limited.
Best Compact Treadmills of 2020
Without further adieu, below is our list of the best compliance treadmill models for 2020.
1. ASUNA Spaceflex Folding Treadmill
The ASUNA Spaceflex model, as the name suggests, is designed to be a perfect balance of functionality and space-efficient.
The Good
The ASUNA Spaceflex model holds a powerful 2.5 hp motor and can be folded down completely flat or leaned up against a wall to maximize space.
It also sports 12 automatic incline levels and 8 built-in workout programs to allow versatility in workouts. It also has transport wheels and added handrails for extra safety.
The Could be Better
For those looking for intense cardio training, HIIT, or interval running practice, this model maxes out at 8mph. While the motor is sneakily quiet, it does have the power that might be needed to achieve next-level interval training.
However, for those who are looking for a compact treadmill that is functional, good quality, and adequate for recreational cardio training, the ASUNA Spaceflex will be just fine.
Modern design offers large deck space to run or walk.
- Ergonomic vertical handles
- Reach a maximum speed of 8 miles
- 12 levels of recline will automatically go up and down with the easy-to-reach buttons
- 8 built-in workout programs
2. NordicTrack T Series
While NordicTrack provides various treadmill models to fill multiple needs, the T Series was designed to be more compact and more mobile, without sacrificing functionality. It is a bit more powerful than the Spaceflex, and can be used by athletes with slightly higher fitness goals and expectations.
The Good
The NordicTrack T series sports a maximum 12 mph speed and a digital incline system up to 10° incline. The motor comes with a 25-year warranty, and the treadmill also has a built-in sound system.
Like all NordicTrack models, the product’s purchase comes with a subscription to iFit, an interactive personal training system that can help you stay on track.
The Could be Better
While the NordicTrack is excellent for those not looking to compromise any functionality, there are more compact models on the market. For those who do not like iFit, much of the software compatibility will be unnecessary.
Finally, there is no cooling fan- a feature that some other compact treadmill models have.
SMART-Response Motor for effective speed
- 1-month of individual Interactive Personal Training by iFit included
- 20” x 55” tread belt
- Auxiliary music port and dual 2-inch speakers
- 300-pound user capacity
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty
- Dimensions 54” H x 36” W x 73.5” L
3. Horizon Fitness T202 Treadmill
The Horizon Fitness T202 series is for those who are looking for great value on a small budget. It is one of the most affordable models on the list yet still provides adequate power for walkers and joggers.
The Good
Like the Spaceflex, the Horizon Fitness T202 has a slightly smaller 2.75 hp motor, making it perfect for joggers and walkers. It is designed to be foldable and compact and quickly moved.
It also carries a slightly higher top weight than the ASUNA model, making it a better option for anyone over 200 lbs. The Horizon T202 model is also one of the quietest models on the list and perfect for those sharing close quarters with neighbors.
The Could be Better
While this model does a great job of allowing portability, it lacks some of the versatility of the more powerful treadmills on the list. With a smaller motor, users are limited in speed. As mentioned previously, this product is best for walkers or light joggers, not high-intensity interval runners.
Experience exercise, upgraded get a workout that's personal, powerful and totally connected.
- Includes free app to control your workout and push data to favorite fitness Apps
- Quickly shift speed and incline with one-touch keys
- Powerful, 2. 75 chap motor
- Quick-rotating Dial and handle bar controls
- 60" 3-Zone cushioned deck for comfortable footfalls
4. MaxKare Folding Treadmill
Making the list is the MaxKare folding treadmill, a great entry-level product that has similar features to the Horizon and ASUNA models listed above.
The Good
With a large LCD screen and 15 built-in workout programs, the MaxKare treadmill is perfect for those starting out who want a bit more guidance, and an easy way to track their progress.
It has a key attachment that stops the treadmill immediately if unattached and a soft landing feature for extra safety. Finally, this model is a great budget option and is one of the most affordable options on the list.
The Could be Better
With a 2.5 hp motor, the MaxKare model is limited to a top speed of 8.5 mph. While this is perfectly adequate for most joggers, it can’t provide high-intensity workouts that other models such as the NordicTrack might be able to.
It also only has 3 manually adjusted inclines. For those who wish to change incline options more often than not, finding a product with a digital or automatic incline change is a better option. Similar to the ASUNA model, the MaxKare has a limited weight capacity of 220lbs.
5. GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
For those who live alone, in small quarters with annoying neighbors, the GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill might be the best option. It’s light, it’s quiet, and it’s affordable.
The Good
Weighing in at only 75lbs, the GoPlus is one of the lightest models on this list, making it easier to be moved around by an individual. It has a very quiet 2.25 hp motor, making it perfect for sneaking in some workouts without the neighbors hearing.
As the name suggests, the model also folds up flat to hide under a couch or lean up flat against a wall. It’s Bluetooth compatible and even comes with a remote, making speed changes more convenient.
The Could be Better
The quiet 2.25 hp motor comes with a slight disadvantage for heavy runners and maxes out with a 7.5 mph speed. Not great for interval training, but adequate for jogging and walking.
Some users complain slightly about the narrowness of the running belt, so for those who are taller than average, it might be best to look at a somewhat more significant treadmill size.
2-in-1 Superfit treadmill has 2 modes to meet your different sports needs
- With a powerful and ultra-quiet 2.25HP motor
- The LED display clearly shows time, speed, distance and calories
- The 5 layer non-slip texture running belt features a spacious running area
6. ProForm 905 Series
If you’re looking for a compact model that is also packed full of features, the ProForm 905 series is a great product. It’s more powerful than most compact treadmills and offers more versatility for those who want more intense workouts or the ability to progress up to HIIT.
The Good
The Proform 905 series boasts a maximum speed of 12mph, a badge only matched on this list to the NordicTrack model. A more powerful motor and a wider running track allow athletes to complete higher intensity runs and more interval training.
Like the NordicTrack, the ProForm 905 series comes with a year subscription to iFit, and access to thousands of personalized workout programs to keep the motivation high. It also comes with a CoolAire fan to provide users with added convenience and comfort.
For those who do not wish to use iFit or cancel their subscription after a year, the ProForm 905 also comes with 30 built-in workouts that can be used separately. It also comes with a lifetime warranty for both motor and frame.
The Could be Better
As you can imagine, the ProForm 905 series features lead to a slightly higher price tag, so for those on a stricter budget, other products on this list might be more attractive.
The ProForm 905 makes sure to provide versatile cardio opportunities geared at varying experience levels. Because of this, it’s slightly bigger and heavier than some of the other compact treadmills featured on this list. While it is still considered highly portable, it might not be as small or easy to move as other models.
The ProForm 905 CST is where the miles begin. Access instant Stat tracking, unlimited workouts, and Google maps routes with iFit that communicates with your treadmill via Bluetooth wireless technology
- 0-12 MPH Digital QuickSpeed controls
- Folding SpaceSaver design for compact storag
- ProShox cushioning and 1.9” balanced non-flex rollers