Exercise in comfort whilst keeping your home clutter free, with the best folding treadmills for indoor workouts

xercising outside can often feel like a chore when the weather is wet and windy. Small Retractable Washing Line

A folding treadmill is the ideal option for a workout that doesn’t involve wet feet and soggy trainers. If you have limited space indoors, a folding treadmill will suit you because it can be stored away when not in use. There are a whole range of treadmills available from top-of-the-line investment buys, to compact machines that are affordably priced.

Most folding treadmills are smaller than the machines you see in gym settings, so expect to walk or run on a smaller belt. However, the features and settings that most folding machines have are equal to many larger fixed treadmills. Many of the treadmills featured in our list are paired with purpose-built apps, or offer Bluetooth functionality so you connect your phone and listen to music, or watch your favourite show whilst exercising. Some even allow you to walk or run through cities and trails, or connect to studio classes so you can exercise as part of a community.

Experienced runners might prefer a high-tech machine that offers manual programming and various incline levels, whilst those who are looking to gently walk might choose a more compact machine that fits underneath the couch. Whichever treadmill you choose we have an option that will suit your needs and abilities.

One of the best things about this treadmill is that it’s delivered full assembled, meaning you can simply unpack it and get going. Unlike some of the heavier choices on the market, this treadmill is easy to manoeuvre and can be stored completely flat to keep your home clutter free. With a maximum speed of 13 km/h and 14 user programmes, this machine suits all abilities and has a good sized base (135cm length and 71.5cm width).

This machine connects to the Zwift Run Pod if you’re keen to monitor training progress. Unfortunately it does not have an automatic incline, but the height can be adjusted manually, to add greater challenge to your walk or run. It’s ideal for bringing out and walking whilst watching your favourite TV show. For added piece of mind, this treadmill comes with a one year manufacturers guarantee.

Commenting on the benefits of having a folding treadmill at home, Olympic medallist Roger Black MBE, said: "Keeping yourself moving, especially during the winter, is important, particularly as we age. Having a piece of home fitness equipment like a folding treadmill is a fantastic choice, especially if you are limited on space. Not only does this machine fold completely flat as well as upright, it is priced at under £500 and requires no assembly - so you can just ‘click and go’. A key point with home treadmills is that the walking or running surface is consistent, so you don’t have to worry about dips or potholes, as you might on a road".

Using a folding treadmill can bring consistency into your workout routine, especially in colder weather. This treadmill combines performance and functionality with a wide running deck and a compact folding function, making the machine only 38cm deep when folded. The running deck is 45 cm wide and 120cm long, which is wide enough for most strides.

This treadmill does not have an automatic incline, but can be risen by three percent manually. It goes to a maximum speed of 14km/h which is slower than some models, but more than enough for most abilities.

This treadmill feels like a good quality product for the price, and can be connected to a purpose-built app so you can track your training sessions easily. The app includes 30 targeted programmes created by a Domyos coach, allowing you to vary training sessions and maintain motivation.

The treadmill will also sync with third-party apps including Kinomap and Zwift, plus a remote control means you can easily change the treadmill’s speed with the click of a button. It’s easy to plug in your phone or tablet via the USB charging port.

Set-up of this a treadmill will require two people because of its weight and we recommend keeping it secured in one position rather than trying to move it around your home. A reliable and solid choice that would suit both beginners and more experienced runners.

This folding treadmill is reassuringly sturdy and ideal for you if you’re setting up a home gym in the garage but still need workout equipment that doesn’t overpower the space. There are a range of settings and features with this treadmill including Bluetooth connection, built-in speakers, and 30 fixed user programmes.

A running surface size of 138cm x 46cm gives enough space to run at speed without a misplaced step on the belt underneath. This treadmill goes to a maximum speed of 18kmph, and has 15 incline levels, offering a large range of motion and the option to adapt workouts based on your ability.

Pulse readings come from the handgrips and the console has a large window and clear values for incline level, pulse, calories, time, speed and distance. This treadmill includes an integrated adjustable fan that will help to keep you cool as you exercise. This is a heavy machine with good shock absorption which makes it easier on your joints when walking or running. A handy pause function means you can stop a workout if interrupted, then return to it when ready. Although there are plenty of pre-programmed circuits on this machine, you can’t program your own, so if you have specific goals when it comes to speed versus incline they might be trickier to track.

This treadmill requires two people to assemble it, and is very heavy to lift, so we recommend using it at ground floor level.

This popular machine has a simple interface with large buttons that are easy to use to change speed or incline. With a top speed of 16kph, this machine can handle everything from a light walk to a long distance run. There are 12 incline levels and 24 changeable programmes, meaning you can vary your workout every time you use the machine.

Added features like a built-in fan will make your workout much more comfortable, especially if you are exercising in a windowless garage. Even better, the addition of a drinks holder means it’s easy to stay hydrated. Listen to your favourite music whilst using this treadmill with the built-in speakers and USB port.

The quick controls on the console and handlebars allow for easy adjustments to be made whilst in motion. Key workout data is displayed on an LED display and the built-in hand sensors allow you to keep an eye on heart rate readings. An added safety function means you can confidently run, with a cord clipped to your clothing, knowing that if the cord is pulled the treadmill will stop.

Once you’re done with your workout it’s easy to fold the base up, but this machine is fairly heavy so it’s likely to stay out rather than tucked away in a cupboard.

Invest in this premium treadmill for a complete workout that includes access to a 30-Day iFIT Trial with personal trainers and a library of exercise programmes. Different programmes allow you to enhance your workout, including being able to run through cities and trails, or access studio classes. A personal trainer can automatically control the speed, incline, and decline of your machine whilst you workout.

This treadmill folds up when you’re finished exercising, but it is still relatively bulky so would be difficult to store away in a cupboard. One person can lift the running bed but we do not recommend moving the location of this machine, once you have it in place. This machine has a high-definition 10” touchscreen, so it’s easy to swipe through various metrics.

The 152 cm running belt is large enough to suit even the longest legs, and the 51 cm width provides plenty of space for a comfortable stride. With one of the top speeds we’ve come across, this treadmill can reach 22km per hour. Most people won’t reach that speed, but this machine can handle the fastest sprints which some of the cheaper models struggle with. Dedicated buttons allow you to increase speed quickly and the machine can handle varying intensities and intervals. If you are a hill runner you will appreciate the automatic incline and decline options.

This machine moves from a -3 per cent decline to a 12 per cent incline using the simplest controls. A built-in fan with two settings will keep you cool, whatever the temperature is around you. Plus the built-in Bluetooth allows you to sync up and listen to your music or watch an episode of your favourite box set. For peace of mind, this treadmill is protected by a 2 year parts and labour warranty. This folding treadmill is at the pricer end of the market, but it’s functionality and collection of features make it a solid investment for those who exercise regularly.

This stylish folding treadmill is aesthetically one of the best on the market, with a sleek design that folds completely flat, keeping the house clutter free. The unique design detail in this treadmill is its auto folding function. Just press a button and the treadmill chassis folds into the base. At just 10" deep when folded, we can see this machine in a modern apartment or in a home where exercise is equally as important as interior design.

From the Echelon Fit app, you can join live and on-demand classes and easily track your performance. This machine measures distance, speed and calorie burn for every workout. The treadmill can also sync up to other fitness apps, including Strava, Apple Health and FitBit to track your progress.

The solid running deck has plenty space at 55" long x 20" wide. Plus it offers 12 speeds and a 10 percent incline range. This treadmill has Bluetooth and a USB charging port to connect your phone or tablet. The double water bottle holder, and space for a smartphone are handy extras. It’s reassuring that this treadmill comes with a 12-month limited parts and labour warranty. With a folding treadmill like this you can spend less time worrying about the unpredictable British weather, and more time exercising, any time of the year.

Like all options on this list, this glossy treadmill has an simple folding function, but the extremely compact size of this machine makes it slightly different. With an overall length of just 49”, this treadmill has a small and lightweight design that is ideal for homes with limited space. After your workout simply fold and slide underneath a couch or desk. Even better, this machine can be used whilst the central console is folded down, which is ideal for increasing your daily steps.

It comes with a handy remote control that can be used to increase or decrease speed when the main console is folded. The built-in Bluetooth speaker allows you to listen to music or watch a programme whilst exercising, and a handy phone stand means you can rest your device on the treadmill whilst in use.

The LED screen shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned at a glance. A display on the base of the machine also tracks speed. You might think a compact machine of this size would have less power than some of the larger treadmills featured, but whilst it lacks some of the programming features of other treadmills, it has a powerful motor and covers all bases despite it size.

This treadmill comes with a safety key that you can attach to your clothes whilst exercising. If you fall that key will automatically stop the treadmill belt to limit any injury. The ideal choice to save space and exercise, particularly in shared houses or small apartments.

This entry-level folding treadmill has a decent belt capacity measuring 162cm length x 74cm width when in use. It has a top speed of 16kph which is fairly standard compared to other machines and suits most abilities. The incline can be raised from 0-12 per cent allowing variety and greater challenge if you plan to walk or run uphill. With 40 pre-set programs to choose from, this treadmill gives plenty of options depending on your area of focus.

The base of this treadmill has enhanced suspension which reduces the impact of walking and running on your knees and joints. There is a USB port to plug in a phone or tablet and play music through the built in speakers. Plus there’s a built-in fan which helps if your treadmill is used in a less ventilated area. Unlike many others on the list, this treadmill does not connect to an app, which matters if you are hoping to track your progress. However you can buy a separate device which attaches to your trainers and an iPad or tablet which would allow you to track workouts whilst using this machine.

Whilst it doesn’t have many of the features of the more expensive treadmills on this list, it is a good quality and affordable option for beginners who just need the basics. It also comes with a two year warranty should any problems arise, with all parts and labour included.

Double Washing Line The Roger Black Easy Fold Treadmill is a solid choice for traditional design, affordability and ease of use. It is ideal for homes with limited space, and the perfect combination of versatility and durability. Major benefits include the affordable price point (under £500), the machine being full assembled on delivery, and the fold flat function that allows this compact treadmill to be stored easily under a bed, couch or desk.