10 Best Commercial Treadmills: Reviewed & Compared For Runners

Commercial Treadmills Compared

The Commercial Treadmill Advantage

When shopping for a commercial treadmill, you might have specific features you’re looking for. Whether it’s high speed, compact, full of extra fun features, or even if you're looking for a manual treadmill, our list includes everything you might be looking for and more.

Commercial treadmills will be listed at a higher price point because they are built to last, are typically low maintenance, and are designed for heavy use. This article will detail top notch treadmills that perform as well as the ones you will find at your public gym.

Buying Guide: Choosing a Quality Commercial Treadmill

Core Components:

Motor Capacity
The higher the HP (horsepower), the higher the quality of the engine. Higher quality engines deliver more consistent results (accurate speed, quicker changes between speed intervals) and last longer.

Typically a great engine is going to cost more, which is why most treadmills cost $1,500 to $3,000.

• For joggers, you'll need a 2.5 HP capacity, and for serious runners, 3 HP capacity. 
• If you plan to solely walk on your treadmill, you can get away with a 2.0 HP motor capacity. 
• For serious exercisers, we recommend a 3.0 HP because of daily wear and tear from consistent use. It will be an investment, but it will also be far more durable.

Incline & Speed Options
Not all treadmills come with an incline feature. For example, manual and curved treadmill models do not have incline features. The incline feature is a great addition for users who want to add variety to their workouts and can also make walking workouts more challenging.

Manual treadmills do not include incline options, but these types of treadmills are particularly cheap and are missing other features as well. Curved treadmills, on the other hand, tend to be particularly pricey and are designed for serious fitness enthusiasts. Speeds on each treadmill will vary.

Usually, they range from 0-12 MPH, but models built for serious runners might range from 0-16 MPH. To run one mile at 10 minutes, a user would need to run at a speed of 6mph. This means that most users can easily work with a treadmill that ranges up to 12mph. However, for those who want to perform a variety of sprints, up to 16mph may be a better fit. 

Durability & Stability
Every treadmill will be built uniquely using specific materials to ensure its level of durability and stability. The frame structure is an indication of a treadmill's long-term strength.

Aluminum and steel are both high-quality frame materials. Aluminum tends to cost more because it is lightweight compared to steel. Pay attention to the product description of whether it's meant for walkers, joggers, or runners. Active runners need to purchase a more durable machine because of the extra impact while running.

When purchasing a treadmill, take into consideration how long and how often you plan to use the machine. Treadmills built with higher-quality materials will last longer and be a better investment for true fitness enthusiasts.

Deck Cushioning
Shock absorption is extremely important, particularly for runners, as you'll want to protect your joints. The treadmill's deck cushioning is essential, and as a consumer, you want to make sure your joints are going to be safe before you purchase.

Cheaper treadmills may use a spring system, which can be jarring to your joints. Most treadmills use a cushioning running surface that involves a belt over a deck. Landice, NordicTrack, ProForm, Precor, Sole, and Spirit are some of the top treadmill brands when it comes to cushioning. 

Max User Weight
Most treadmills can carry a little less than what they weigh. All the products we recommend can support anywhere between 300-400 pounds.

Make sure that you choose a treadmill that has the ability to support 15-20 lbs. more than your current weight. It is also important to consider all potential users and make sure that everyone can comfortably use your new treadmill. 

Belt Quality & Deck Length (belt size)
Belt quality will depend on the level of cushioning and required maintenance. Belt sizes vary from 20" to 22" wide and 50" to 60" in length. Walkers can use 20" wide and 50" length, but for runners, we recommend 22" and at least 55" in length.

If you are six feet or taller, purchase a 60” long treadmill so you can use your full running stride. Deck length will depend on the model. Smaller decks may indicate a cheaper model, or perhaps simply the model is designed to fold up and store in tight spaces.

Consider the space that you have in your home and map out where you want to position your treadmill. Then you can compare the length, width, and height of each treadmill to find the best fit. 

Secondary Features

Treadmill Type

There are a variety of treadmills out there specially designed for specific needs. A running treadmill is going to have a greater HP motor than a walking treadmill.

Manual treadmills does not have a motor creating a more challenging workout, whereas a motorized treadmill does have a motor, but is much easier to use while watching your favorite show or chatting on the phone.

Size vs. Available Space

A commercial treadmill is what you typically find in a public gym, so the machine will be much larger than a regular home treadmill. Make sure you have enough space to accommodate the item of your selection.

Many treadmills on our list can fold away, making it ideal for someone looking for something to take up less space. Upright treadmills are not designed to fold, so you will want a larger space for this model.

Safety Features

A safety key is designed for your protection. It is a device that can be removed if a fall occurs or if you need to quickly stop the machine for any reason. Handrails are built-in for your protection.

They will help you keep your balance and help you with climbing on and off of the treadmill. Automatic slow start is designed for those who want to be eased into their run or jog. Seniors may want additional safety features.

Warranty

Warranty will vary depending on the manufacturer and the seller. You’ll find the better quality the motor, the better warranty it will come with. Parts and labor might have a shorter warranty. It’s best to contact both the seller and manufacturer to make sure you have the right details for your product’s warranty. 

1. NordicTrack T Series 9.5 S - Best Commercial Treadmill For Home Use

The Nordictrack T Series 9.5 S Treadmill is the best commercial treadmill for home use. Many users love this product because of its 1-year iFit membership, which allows you to work out at home the way you would in a studio or workout class.

An iFit membership gives you access to unlimited workout programs and countless trainers to choose from. This 14 inch model is also the best commercial treadmill for running as it’s got a spacious running belt that is 60 x 20 inches and can reach up to 12 MPH in speed.

This treadmill can hold a maximum of 300 lbs, and the incline range is excellent at a 12% maximum incline. The best home commercial treadmill has various features, including a smart response motor (for effective speed) that stays quiet, making it possible to work out at any hour and not disturb others at home.

The EKG grip pulse sensors are a bonus feature on this model as they are designed to regularly and accurately monitor your heart rate. This treadmill has folding capabilities and is designed to be compact.

The reviewers note that this product is comfortable to run on. However, many experienced difficulties with setup. Note that a credit card is needed to access iFit and contact the manufacturer for details on the 1-year free membership. This model also does not include a warranty. Assembly and in-home delivery are also not included.

2. NordicTrack Commercial 2950 - Best Treadmill Under $5000

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is the best commercial treadmill under $5000. With the purchase of this affordable 22-inch model, buyers will receive a 1-year free iFit membership. The benefits of this membership include classes and trainers who will help you target your goals.

Visit the iFit home fitness website for more information on all the benefits you’ll receive with this purchase. With a 22” HD touchscreen, workout programs are easy to follow from home.

This is also a foldable model meant for an easy stow-away, leaving you with ample space to utilize in your home. The manufacturer describes the protective cushion as "Runners Flex" cushioning, which is designed to help with shock absorption to protect your joints. This cushioning is also adjustable on this model.

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 has a generously sized belt and running surface of 60 x 22 inches. The speed on this treadmill ranges from 0-12MPH, and the incline runs up to 15%. EKG grip sensors will be found on the handlebars.

This machine's weight capacity is up to 300 lbs. Customers were also satisfied with a generous 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.

This NordicTrack seems to have it all; however, customers did note that a tablet holder and chest strap were no longer included with this purchase. We recommend contacting the seller and manufacturer about these additional items before buying.

3. Precor TRM 835 - Top Of The Range

The Precor TRM 835 treadmill is top of the range. Among its most attractive features, consumers love the 25 preset workout programs included with this model. Whatever level of fitness you’re starting at, this product has a workout program perfectly designed for you.

Compared to other treadmills, this machine is designed for speed with an impressive range of 0.5-16MPH. Not only is it built for speed, but this treadmill can support up to 400 lbs and has a generous running surface of 60 x 22 inches.

With a 0-15% incline range, the consumer can climb any mountain from the comfort of their own home. This treadmill has specific and targeted cushioning where the front foot lands and harder cushioning where the back foot lands to give you a solid push-off.

This high-quality belt is designed for no maintenance, and no lubrication is necessary thanks to the carefully designed steel rollers that ensure a quiet run. A digital display on the console will show you your stats: time, speed, incline, calories burned, heart rate, workout summary, etc.

Heart rate sensors are located on both handlebars to ensure the accuracy of your heart rate throughout your workout. A lifetime warranty is offered on the frame and welds as well as 10-years on other parts and wear items. 

This product is not foldable, so be sure the size will suit your home. Also not included is a cooling fan.

4. IN10CT Health Runner - Best Manual Treadmill

The IN10CT Health Runner is the best commercial manual treadmill. This manual treadmill's curved design will challenge you even more. In fact, statistics point to manual treadmills offering users a greater cardio workout because you are pushing the machine rather than the machine pushing for you.

They say you burn 30% more calories with a manual model. The machine will always stop when you stop, which helps in case of a fall. No safety key is necessary when the treadmill is designed to follow your lead.

Curved treadmill models are typically more expensive, as they are a newer design and technology. This model can be found for under $5000, which is rare for a curved model. What sets this Health Runner apart from other models is the excellent shock absorbing belt, which offers you the right amount of cushion to protect your joints for a long run and frequent use.

This machine can also carry a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds and has a comfortable running surface of 61 x 17.16 inches. The IN10CT Health Runner offers customers a warranty of 5 years for the frame and 3 years warranty for all other parts.

Manual treadmills are upright and do not offer an incline option. This model also cannot be folded up, so it’s best to make sure you’ve measured the space in your home where it will be placed before purchasing.

5. 3G Cardio Elite Runner - Best Rated Commercial Grade Model

The 3G Cardio Elite Runner is the best rated commercial treadmill. An advanced Ortho-Flex Shock suspension feature sets this treadmill apart from the rest. This treadmill model will give you a smooth and silent experience, a perfect option for people living in an apartment. It’s carefully designed running belt and 3-inch rollers, making the foot-to-floor action as light as possible. 

Additionally, this product comes with 8 pre-programmed workouts, customizable workouts that you can design for specific needs, and 3 different physical tests to determine what kind of exercise routine is best suited for each user. With a generous running surface of 62 x 22 inches and a weight capacity of 400 pounds, this machine can suit just about anyone.

One-touch controls make this treadmill user friendly with quick and easy incline and speed adjustments. The speed range on this model is between 0.5-12MPH, and the incline range is 15% to help users target specific muscle groups. The warranty offer is generous, giving customers a lifetime on the motor, 10 years on the parts, and 2 years for home labor.

MP3 compatibility and built-in speakers make it possible to enjoy your music while using this machine. Unfortunately, some users complained that there was no shuffle function. Also noted was a missing cool-down button, which this model seems to come without. However, a fan is designed to operate at the end of your workout automatically. This model cannot be folded.

6. Life Fitness 95T Elevation - Most Extra Features

The Life Fitness 95T Elevation series treadmill has the most built-in features and extras. Lifespring shock absorbers reduce knee and joint stress up to 30% more than other models with much less cushioning. A generous running surface or 60 x 2 inches gives you ample room to run in your own style.

A unique feature offered with this Life Fitness model is the heart rate adjustment monitor, which can adjust your speed according to your heart rate. The incline goes up to 15%. Lifescape interactive courses are offered to challenge you with extreme to light hiking and running through beautiful locations worldwide.

The machine has been delicately designed to adjust as you run through the different terrains on your journey around the world.

A great safety feature this product comes with is a stride sensor that can sense when you've left the belt or fallen, and it actually stops the belt from moving. A variety of 41 different workouts and fitness tests are offered with this machine and designed for every user.

It also has the ability to track all of your stats, including heart rate workouts, performance, and goal-oriented workouts. This Life Fitness machine will track your time, distance, calories burned, distance climbed, time in zone, pace, etc.

According to certain sellers, limited and extended warranty is offered. You will need to contact the seller for more information. Customers felt the warranty could be better. This model does not fold up, so be sure you have the measurements before purchasing.

7. 3G Cardio Pro Runner - Best Budget Commercial Model

The 3G Cardio Pro Runner is the best budget commercial grade treadmill. With the impressive Ortho-Flex shock suspension system, this machine is built to protect any user of any size. This advanced feature sets this model apart from the others, given that it is also the best commercial grade treadmill under $2000—an unheard of price with such an advanced cushioning design.

The 8 built-in workout programs and 2 additional customizable programs are another great feature this model offers. A machine that can easily fold away for the kind of user looking to utilize the space in their home between workouts. Unfolded, this model is smaller than most models making it an excellent treadmill for someone looking for something a little more compact.

The running surface is 58 x 20.5 inches. The running speed range is between 0-12MPH, and the incline range is 15%. This model can support a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds.

A safety key and large STOP button are placed on the lower center portion of the console to ensure your safety in the case of an accident or for any reason you may need to stop the machine. This product's warranty is a lifetime for the frame, 5 years for parts and 1 year for home labor. 

Customers noted that the running surface was smaller than they had anticipated, and they also were missing the headphone jack that other models offer.

8. XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 - Popular Model

The XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 is an affordable treadmill with several features typically only seen on more high-quality, expensive machines. A powerful 3.0 HP motor is backed by an alloy steel frame for more outstanding durability.

The device has built-in Bluetooth connectivity so that you can back up your workouts with third-party apps. The speed range is 0-12 mph, and the incline range includes 12 levels. This treadmill can also be folded up to make it easy to store and give you more space at home. We also love the built-in fan and cupholders to keep you cool while working out. XTRASoft deck cushioning offers users a smooth ride.   

The belt size on this treadmill is 20” by 60.” While 60” long will allow people of all heights to workout on the machine, the 20” width is the smaller size for runners. The large backlit LCD display is easy-to-read; however, you won't be able to use it to watch live workouts or stream video.

This treadmill does come with several built-in training options, including 30 preset programs and 2 custom programs. The LCD records the program you are using and shows the time, pace, speed, distance, incline, calories burned, and pulse rate while working out. You can toggle between speed and incline using the machine’s buttons or the convenient handlebar buttons. The weight limit is up to 350 lbs.  

9. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T&515 is a treadmill that works best for light exercisers who want an affordable machine. This machine is one of the most affordable treadmills on the market. It’s also a great space saver because of its small frame and ability to be folded up to create additional space at home.

This treadmill does come with Bluetooth wireless connectivity so that you can listen to music through the included speakers. A backlit LCD display shows the speed, time, calories, distance, heart rate, and incline. We like the alloy steel frame, which is both durable and lightweight. The black and white color scheme will work with most home decor systems, and two cupholders give users the option to bring water and sports drinks to each home workout.  

As one of the most affordable treadmills on the market, it does lack a few key features that some users may want. The first is that the maximum weight limit tops out at 240lbs. The second is that the treadmill speed ranges from 0-8mph and cannot reach the 12mph or 15mph options of more elite machine models. The motor is also weaker than other models at 2.2 HP.

If you are looking for an affordable treadmill for walking and light jogging, then this is a fantastic purchase. Simply make sure that your weight falls within the max range and that the length and width are comfortable for your height.  

10. Sole F80

The Sole F80 is an expensive treadmill but one of the best that money can buy for home fitness enthusiasts. The powerful 3.5 HP motor can handle any type of workout, and the incline range goes all the way up to 40% incline (very rare!). The treadmill can be folded up to create extra space at home and includes a large stop switch for safety while working out. Coolings fans keep users cool while running, and built-in speakers make it easy to listen to your favorite music while jogging. The aluminum steel frame is heavy-duty and will last for years to come. An integrated tablet holder lets users watch their favorite shows and catch up on emails. The entire unit is built with commercial-grade components, including a smooth deck surface with a superior cushioning system. This roomy design is perfect for users of all heights.  

The only problems that users might find with this machine are that it comes with few preset programs, and it is expensive. If you like to create your own programs, however, this shouldn't be an issue since the treadmill does come with 6 preset programs and 2 custom workout programs. The max weight is 375lbs, which is significantly more than most of the other treadmills on our list. This treadmill also comes with a lifetime warranty on the motor, frame, and deck. If money isn't an option, the Sole F80 is the best commercial treadmill on the market.  

More Cool Features of Commercial Treadmills

How Much Space is Needed for a Commercial Treadmill?

Depending on where you plan to place your commercial treadmill, sizes on these advanced commercial treadmills may vary. The good news is compared to regular home treadmills, commercial doesn’t always mean they are much larger in size.

Make sure to evaluate the space needed and compare measurements before purchasing. The average size of a commercial treadmill is between 75-80 inches long, 30-40 inches wide, and 50-60 inches tall. We recommend the best space for a commercial treadmill is the garage or in a home gym.

Tips for Setting Up & Using a Commercial Treadmill

If you plan to set up a commercial treadmill yourself instead of hiring a professional, you will want to get a strong friend to help you. Assembly is typically straight forward. Make sure you have all the pieces in place, and all cables are connected properly.

Tighten all screws, and because the belt is already pre-assembled, it shouldn't need any adjustments. Make sure you never start at a higher speed than you’re used to. Keep an eye on where your safety key is so that you can stop the machine quickly in the case of an emergency.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How much weight can you lose on a treadmill in a month?

It helps to remember that diet is more important when it comes to weight loss. If you are on a healthy, steady diet, you can lose 20 pounds in 10-20 weeks. Avoid these common mistakes to maximize your weight loss.

How do I calculate the calories burned on a treadmill?

Most treadmills will calculate calories burned for you automatically, look for the digital display once you’ve set it up.

What commercial treadmills do gyms use?

Many popular gyms use Sole Fitness and NordicTrack treadmills.

What is the most reliable commercial treadmill for home use?

The 3G Cardio Elite Runner has impeccable reviews, and it really has it all in terms of features. Shock absorption, built-in workout programs, and an excellent warranty make this treadmill hard to beat.

Why are commercial treadmills marked as low maintenance?

Commercial treadmills are designed for gyms. A gym couldn’t afford to have maintenance come in at all hours of the day, so these models are designed to take a lot of wear and tear.

Where is the best place to find commercial treadmills for sale?

We highly recommend purchasing your treadmill through Amazon and Rogue Fitness. You’ll find they both have labor options to purchase separately as well.

Conclusion

Any of the treadmills we’ve thoroughly reviewed for you would be an excellent addition to your home. The number one product we recommend is the NordicTrack T Series 9.5 S treadmill. This machine has all the fun extra accessories and workout programs to ensure the best possible road to your fitness goals.