Top 5 Best Folding Treadmills for Small Spaces (2023)

Are you low on space or want to avoid landing a spaceship-sized treadmill in the middle of your office or living room? Apartment dwellers and office pros all know how important efficient use of space is to enhance the quality of life. A great fitness solution for a small space is a compact folding treadmill. There are treadmills on the market that now pair as under-desk walking treadmills & running treadmills as well as compact folding treadmills for apartments. You are now entering my fresh guide to choosing the best folding treadmill for small spaces.

In this guide, I share:

Best Compact Folding Treadmill Reviews

Now that you’ve checked out the key ingredients and specs of the folding treadmills in my Top 5, let’s take a closer look at each of the five treadmills to help you decide which one suits your office, apartment, or home the best. Important features that I factored into my decisions were weight, folded dimensions, noise level, speed range, and functionality.

In each review, I highlight the reasons why I chose these treadmills followed up by a list of pros and cons that I found reported in current info. If you’re still undecided now, I’m confident that by the end of the reviews you’ll know without a doubt which treadmill to pick for your space.

#1) Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna 8730G

The Asuna 8730G folding treadmill is the most premium and well-built model in my Top 5. Of all the treadmills in my Top 5, it’s built to last the longest and made with the highest quality parts and materials. The 2.5 peak HP motor is more powerful than the smallest folding treadmills such as the Merax and Goplus models. If you like to jog and run at faster speeds, the 8730G and Xterra TR150 are your best bets.

What features set the 8730G apart from its competitors? One feature I really like is the multi-directional transportation wheels. This is a unique feature that makes moving the treadmill easier than ever. Since the 8730G does weigh more than other models in my Top 5, the multi-directional transportation wheels are a nice added bonus. Basically, there are two sets of wheels that allow you to roll the treadmill backward, forward, left, and right.

The folded dimensions are also amazingly small, with just a 4.5″ height. This is the slimmest model in my guide. A couple of drawbacks are the lack of Bluetooth and the 220-lb max weight capacity. Instead of Bluetooth, there are integrated speakers and a 3.5 mm headphone jack to connect your phone or other devices to push music through the speakers. The tablet holder is a nice touch, especially if you plan to use on-demand fitness programs or watch your favorite shows while working out. The cool thing is you can use the built-in speakers to listen to your fitness programs and TV shows.

#2) Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is the only treadmill in my Top 5 that operates while folded. If you’re looking for an under desk treadmill, the Goplus 2-in-1 is your best option in this guide. This treadmill is built for quietness to avoid bothering your officemates and neighbors. According to Goplus, the treadmill operates at less than 60 dB, which is equivalent to a conversation in a restaurant or an air conditioner at 100ft (*).

The feature I like the most is the variable max speed between standing and folded positions. The Goplus 2-in-1 is made to be a folding walking treadmill with a max speed of 2.5 mph. Compared to premium under-desk treadmills, the Goplus is a lot more affordable and ready for use with a standing desk.

In the upright position, the max speed jumps up to 7.45 mph, which means running and jogging is very possible. The 7-layer non-slip running belt provides ample shock absorption for the running motion. Other noteworthy features are Bluetooth connectivity, a remote control, an integrated phone/tablet holder, transportation wheels, and a higher max weight capacity than the 8730G at 265 lbs.

#3) XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Review

Of all the treadmills in my Top 5, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 is the best space-saving treadmill for running with the highest max speed of 10 mph. It features the most functional console with 12 preset speed programs and quick-speed buttons from 1 to 9 mph. It’s also the first treadmill in my top 5 with an upward folding design, which makes it better for renters and office pros with less floor space who desire a folding treadmill with the smallest footprint when folded.

If you’re a fan of running on an incline, the TR150 offers 3 manual incline levels. The XTRA Soft Cushioned Deck technology provides better impact absorption for running than other models in my Top 5. A 1-year warranty on the high-torque, quiet 2.25HP is an added bonus, especially in this price range.

The biggest drawback is the weight of the TR150. It’s the heaviest treadmill in my Top 5, although that also makes it one of the sturdiest, which is why I recommended it for small apartments to avoid upsetting neighbors (especially if you live on a higher floor). Overall, the XTERRA TR150 is a budget folding treadmill with premium features, and it’s backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame from a reliable company.

#4) Merax Electric Folding Treadmill

If you weren’t a fan of the TR150’s weight and 7.5 max mph is good for you, then the Merax folding treadmill is a good option for you. Being lightweight and better for walking & jogging, it also costs considerably less than the TR150 (at the time of this writing).

Additionally, you probably already noticed that the frame designs of the Merax and TR150 treadmills are essentially the same. The Merax treadmill also folds upward and takes up less space than the TR150. Despite its smaller size, the max weight capacity is only slightly lower at 240 lbs compared to 250 with the TR150.

My personal favorite feature is the anti-slip lawn texture running belt that makes for a sure-footed and comfortable jogging experience. Another feature that’s worth a mention is the shortcut buttons on the handles that allow you to make in-workout speed adjustments and turn the machine on/off. Also, the dual cup holders in the console are a nice touch.

Overall, the Merax is a good small office treadmill and also worth a look for renters, though if you’re a renter looking for higher max speed and a sturdier frame, it’s best to stick with the TR150.

#5) Goplus Compact Folding Treadmill

If you were a fan of the Goplus 2-in-1 treadmill but prefer an upward folding frame, the Goplus compact version might be the one for you. Of the five treadmills in my guide, the Goplus Compact is the lightest at just 51 lbs, making it one of the best portable electric treadmills on the market as well.

However, it’s important to note that sacrificing weight also means sacrificing sturdiness, just think of the weight as being the anchor that holds the treadmill in place. Having said that, the Goplus Compact is certainly sturdy for its weight and delivers a smooth experience. It’s also important to keep in mind that a lighter treadmill typically equals a lower max weight capacity. Surely the Goplus weight capacity of 220 lbs is not meant for everyone.

The feature I like the most is the finished folding size. Of the three treadmills with an upward folding design in my Top 5, the Goplus is by far the slimmest at just 9″ deep when folded. One drawback of the Merax and TR150 treadmills is that the folded footprint is a good chunk larger than the Goplus. This treadmill by Goplus will fit into tighter spaces such as between a sofa and wall or bed and wall.

The final consideration I want to point out is the max speed of 6.5 mph. This treadmill is best for walking, power walking, or a light jog rather than running, which is understandable considering the motor is 1HP, and it’s extremely lightweight.

Bottom Line

These are the top 5 best folding treadmills for small spaces currently on the market. No matter your budget or space, there’s an option in this guide for you. The important thing to keep in mind is there are two types of compact folding treadmills:

1. Folding treadmills that fold down flat, including 2-in-1 treadmills that can be used in the folded position as under-desk walking treadmills
2. Upward folding treadmills such as the latter 3 in my guide

This is the most important feature to consider before you buy a folding treadmill so you can plan where to put it and take measurements first. This way, you don’t have to deal with any unwelcome surprises when you receive your treadmill. For example, your dreams get crushed when you realize it doesn’t fit where you planned to put it. Since treadmills are large, returning them is not something anyone wants to do. Take measurements first, and you’ll be golden. Happy running!

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