If you’re planning to run your first 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon within the next year, consistent training is essential—even when outdoor weather conditions are less than ideal. Running indoors on a treadmill can be an excellent alternative, offering a controlled environment that supports your fitness goals. Beyond convenience, running regularly, whether indoors or outdoors, provides significant benefits for cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
However, purchasing a treadmill is a considerable investment, and the options on the market can be overwhelming if you’re unsure what features to prioritize. Many potential buyers have questions about motor power, maximum speed, incline capabilities, and warning signs to watch for during the selection process. To help clarify these concerns, I tested several popular treadmill models from top brands like NordicTrack, Peloton, BowFlex, and Horizon, examining their features, functionality, ease of use, and overall value.
### NordicTrack Commercial 2450: The Best Overall Treadmill
The standout treadmill from my tests was the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. While it’s a larger machine, it justifies its size with a robust set of features designed to replicate outdoor running experiences within the comfort of your home. One of the most impressive aspects is its massive 22-inch adjustable touchscreen, which can tilt and pivot, allowing users to easily follow workout classes or even perform floor exercises with the screen angled toward them.
This model offers both incline and decline options, ranging from a 0% to 15% incline and up to a 3% decline—an uncommon feature in treadmills, making it excellent for varied workouts that simulate real-world terrain changes. The maximum speed of 12 mph is ideal for runners of all levels, and the belt is wide and long enough to accommodate taller runners comfortably, supporting users up to 300 pounds.
The treadmill integrates with NordicTrack’s iFit program, which provides a 30-day free trial before requiring a $39 monthly subscription. iFit offers a wide range of live and on-demand classes, and one unique feature lets you create custom running routes using Google Maps, enabling immersive experiences like running through Central Park or other scenic locations worldwide. The most advanced feature, however, is the AutoAdjust technology. This allows a virtual instructor to automatically change the treadmill’s incline and speed to match the terrain shown in the workout video, making your indoor run feel incredibly realistic.
The NordicTrack’s belt runs quietly and smoothly, making it suitable for shared living spaces. The console also includes quick-touch buttons for speed and incline adjustments, a built-in fan, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for headphones and heart rate monitors. However, the treadmill does not support music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music directly, which is a minor drawback for some users.
Assembly can be time-consuming, taking about two and a half hours and requiring at least two people. NordicTrack offers professional assembly for an additional $299, which might be worthwhile if you prefer convenience.
### Peloton Tread: Sleek Design with a Focus on Classes
Peloton’s Tread treadmill is known for its sleek black-and-red design and features the largest HD touchscreen on this list at 23.8 inches. It requires ample space and does not fold, measuring 59 inches in length to accommodate tall users comfortably. Like the NordicTrack, it supports users up to 300 pounds and reaches speeds up to 12.5 mph with an incline maximum of 12.5%. Unlike some competitors, it lacks a decline option.
The Peloton Tread’s speed and incline are controlled by dials on either side; however, the speed dial can lag slightly when adjusting settings. The treadmill stops abruptly when you hit the stop button—a likely safety feature following past recalls—along with a safety key and a tread lock requiring a four-digit code to resume after stepping away, which some users may find inconvenient but is useful for households with children or pets.
Compared to the NordicTrack, Peloton’s console is more minimalistic, lacking a fan and offering only a small plastic cup holder that fits two water bottles. The treadmill requires a $44 monthly All-Access membership for access to Peloton’s live and on-demand classes, which many fans of the brand will appreciate. The display quality is excellent, with clear instructor videos and real-time stats, alongside a leaderboard to foster community engagement.
While the Peloton Tread excels in streaming class experiences, its higher price and fewer features like the absence of decline options