One of the best treadmills in your home gym set-up can really elevate your workouts. No longer will you have to miss a run because of poor weather, as you will be able to jump on the indoor tread and sprint as much as you want.

When it comes to burning calories, these machines are very efficient. They came out top in energy expenditure when compared with other indoor gym machines, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. A high intensity interval training session is the only thing that will burn up more of your energy.

Virtual running tours of other countries or competitive live classes are some of the innovative ways modern machines can be used to work out. The more expensive models allow your instructors to manually adjust the speed and incline on your treadmill, so that you are matching the required rhythms and energy of the class.

It is worth considering if you need all the bells and whistles. If you want to skip the classes and listen to some music with a pair of the best running headphones, you can get a budget treadmill that will do all the basics. If you are looking for a machine that is under $650, we recommend the T101.

Are you looking for more advice on running gear? We rounded up the best running watches and sports bras. If you just want to find out the top treadmills from the past year, then read on.

Best treadmills

NordicTrack X22i collage of images

(Image credit: Future)

The users say what they say.

The NordicTrack X22i has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews praise the incredible incline on the machine.

The price is the first thing you have to flag when talking about this model. After testing several different models, we found that this one came out on top.

You will need a lot of space to install it because it is a huge machine. It is a completely different experience to step onto this treadmill.

The belt is long and wide so you won't feel crowded. We found that a steady-paced run only made the machine to reach 75 decibels, which is about the noise of a vacuum cleaner.

At its highest incline option, the machine feels almost vertical, which is a great challenge for the legs, and the slick 22 degree screen is responsive, so you can make quick work of it.

The machine has a 3.6 CHP motor, which makes it easy to move across a treadmill.

It isn't a budget option, but it was a clear winner in our testing.

  • Read our full NordicTrack X22i review

Peloton Tread collage images

(Image credit: Future)

User reviews.

Out of five stars, the Peloton Tread scored 4.2. Positive reviews praise the choice of workouts, as well as off-treadmill classes, guided runs and the motivational Peloton instructors. Negative reviews wanted a steeper incline option to make workouts more challenging.

A treadmill that offers a satisfying running experience for all fitness abilities is the Peloton Tread. It has a striking minimalist design and is made of black and red colors. The machine has a touch screen that is easy to navigate.

There is very little to distract you from the shiny display because the speed and incline dials are on the handrails. It does not have a base at the front of the tread so you can run along its full length.

The machine doesn't have as many features as we would like to see at this price point, but you can find a slightly cheaper NordicTrack model, which has a decline option and in-built fan. You will need a subscription to access those virtual classes. It is a compact, stylish and quiet machine for runners of all ability.

  • Read our full Peloton Tread review

Proform Pro 9000 collage image

(Image credit: Future)

The users say what they say.

There aren't many reviews for the ProForm Pro 9000. A few happy reviewers on the ProForm site have praised the machine for its ease of use, large display and fun mix of classes.

The tread of the ProForm Pro 9000 is slick and subtle, thanks to the use of black and silver. You'll need some cash and space to house this model, because it's not subtle about the size or price tag.

The 9000 comes complete with dual speakers, fans, and iFit capability which allows access to a vast array of workouts and classes from top-notch coaches and trainers in the game. With so much workout choice available, this tread can quench the thirst of even the most avid runner. The speed and incline quick controls are splashed across the dashboard to offer fuss-free on-the-go adjustments, as well as up to 22 km/h of speed.

We found some of the tech difficult to master, although we could connect our headphones. There are a couple of tech fixes that could make this model more competitive when compared to other models.

  • Read our full ProForm Premier 9000 review

Best treadmills: Horizon Fitness T101 treadmill

(Image credit: Horizon Fitness)

The users say what they say.

33 percent of people gave the treadmill a 5 out of 5 rating on Amazon. Fans of the running machine said it was good value, quiet, sturdy and comfortable. For walking or running, it just works. Negative reviews complained that the fan was useless and that the heart rate monitor was incorrect.

The T101 is a budget-friendly treadmill that is ideal for beginners who want to build up strength and endurance slowly. It has a rather small 2.5 HP motor so is probably better suited to smaller users, walking and light jogging, but on the plus side it's super quiet, just 56 decibels at 5mph, about the same as an electric toothbrush.

Despite its low price tag, it has a 10% incline, which is enough to work up a sweat, and it is foldable, so you can store it away when you aren't using it. It comes with a decent speaker system, workouts and a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. It is easy to get on and off for people with joint issues because of its step up height.

The tread belt isn't long enough for tall people, and it isn't recommended for heavier people who want to run long distances or do interval training. It doesn't have access to live or on-demand classes. It comes with shock absorbers, but we found the deck wasn't super thick.

This buying guide will be updated once the review of this machine is complete.

Best treadmills: Image of Echelon Stride treadmill

(Image credit: Echelon)

The users say what they say.

Only two reviewers gave the Echelon Stride a full five stars on Best Buy. The treadmill was easy to set up and quiet. The deck is hard and it is overpriced according to negative reviews. One reviewer said that this is just one step above walking on pavement. I've owned treadmills with great suspension and soft decks and it's frustrating that they're like this for the price.

The Echelon Stride is a foldable treadmill that is ideal for people who don't have a lot of space. It can fit under a bed if you have 11 inches of height to spare.

You need to subscribe to the Echelon Fit app to access the virtual classes. These are workouts that challenge you and have motivating and engaging instructors.

The Echelon Stride doesn't come with an in-built touchscreen, but it does have a touch console with metrics such as speed, distance, steps and heart rate. It has pulse monitors as well. The running deck is shorter than average, but if you are under 6ft it is adequate. The treadmill lacks oomph thanks to a small motor, but it's quiet and useful for those living in apartment blocks.

This buying guide will be updated once the review of this machine is complete.

Best treadmills: Lifespan Fitness treadmill

(Image credit: Lifespan Fitness )

The users say what they say.

Fans praise the Lifespan TR3000i for its good size and easy assembly, and it gets lots of five star reviews on Lifespan. Negative reviews said that the display doesn't show pace and that it was very heavy. One reviewer said that the console is simple and doesn't have a lot of features.

The Lifespan TR3000i is a budget-friendly space saving machine. It's easy to fold up and store away because of its EZfold technology. It has a good range of pre-programmed workouts and a 15% incline.

A total of eight shock absorbers help cushion bones and joints from the impact of running, and you can measure your heart rate through the pulse grip and wireless chest strap. Handlebar controls make it easy to change speed and incline mid-run, and you can use your smart devices to listen to your music.

It doesn't have a screen, but it has a display with metrics from distance, steps, calories, speed, incline and heart rate. The safety feature stops the running belt if you step off the treadmill. The deck is small and the handrails are short, making it a better choice for people under 6 feet.

This buying guide will be updated once the review of this machine is complete.

How to choose the best treadmill for you

Buying a running machine is a big expense so you need to make sure you choose something that has everything you are looking for.

Lucy Arnold, a personal trainer, told Live Science that treadmills are different to road running and that you should take a free trial session at your local gym to see if you like them.

Lucy says that it depends on what you want to achieve and how often you use it. If it is for the odd occasion, consider buying a foldaway treadmill. They are cheaper and take up less space.

If you want to buy the best treadmill, what should you do first? Lucy says to do your research and set a budget. Measure your space to make sure you can fit in.

The noise is another consideration. If you are a serious runner, you will want a decent size motor for the treadmill. Check the weight capacity. A treadmill with a higher max weight is required by larger individuals.

The running belt size is important. If you are over 182 cms (6ft) you will need a belt for walking and a belt for running.