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Are you in the market for a treadmill for your home gym? If so, you may be wondering what kind of treadmill is best. And if you've been shopping around for a bit, you might unknowingly have been limiting yourself to home or compact treadmills when you should be looking for the best commercial treadmill.
The Best Commercial Treadmill - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: NordicTrack Commercial X32i
- Best for Home Use: Sole Fitness F85
- Most Durable: Echelon Stride-5s
- Best Budget: NordicTrack Exp 7i
- Best Lightweight: Echelon Stride
- Best Under $5,000: Sole Fitness ST90
- Best Folding: Nordictrack Commercial 2450
- Best Manual: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
Commercial treadmills are designed for heavy use in gyms and other commercial settings. They are built to withstand more wear and tear than home treadmills. That makes a commercial treadmill a great choice for a treadmill for home use.
But not all commercial treadmills are made the same. As part of the review team at ACTIVE and a certified personal trainer, I have been doing a ton of research, searching for the treadmills that deserve to be called the best. Below, you'll find the best commercial treadmill based on a variety of categories, including the best budget treadmill, best for home use, and best folding treadmill.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Commercial Treadmill - NordicTrack Commercial X32i
SPECS
- Dimensions: 76.5"L x 40"W x 73"H
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Deck dimensions: 22” x 65”
- Incline levels: -6% decline to 40% incline
- Speed levels: 0 - 12 MPH
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Why I Picked It
I'm starting our list off on the right foot with a treadmill that is going to be a great fit for the majority of shoppers. This commercial treadmill has a little bit of everything without a price tag that's comparable to a new sports car. Between its build, features, and tech, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i is a one-stop-shop treadmill. It has a respectable weight limit, competitive maximum speed, and an incline that will be a challenge to even highly trained runners. Best of all, it has quiet drive-incline tech, ensuring you can go all out without disturbing your family, roommates, or neighbors.
The build aside, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i features a number of modern-day tech that will make your workouts much more enjoyable. A 32-inch HD touchscreen provides you with a multitude of workouts on demand that are streamed worldwide! These aren't just people running on a commercial treadmill and looking bored, these are fun workouts guided by an iFIT personal trainer.
You'll join them as they run through the Swiss Alps and other beautiful locations. What's more, the workouts also include a variety of other disciplines, from yoga to strength training. One of the coolest features of the NordicTrack Commercial X32i is that the iFIT trainer can automatically adjust your speed and incline in real-time, ensuring you get the workout that you can handle.
What I Like
- A generous warranty including a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty
- You can track your stats, including real-time performance
- The workouts are in high definition, making it easy to enjoy the scenery and learn the movements
- Variety of incline and decline capabilities and speeds
What I Don't Like
- Some reviews complain about wanting more variety in the workouts
- Weight capacity is great as is, but we would have liked to see it be closer to 350 lbs.
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial X32i
Best Commercial Treadmill for Home Use - Sole Fitness F85 Treadmill
SPECS
- Dimensions: 66"H x 82.5"L x 38"W
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs.
- Deck dimensions: 22" x 60"
- Incline levels: -6 decline to 15 incline
- Speed levels: 0.5 - 12 MPH
- Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor, 3-year deck and other components, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetics
Why I Picked It
Workout equipment for home skyrocketed in popularity in 2020, and surprisingly, it's still going strong despite gyms being back open worldwide. As I mentioned in the beginning, when shopping for a treadmill, most people immediately look at models made for consumers. In other words, they are built exclusively to be used inside of a home. But what does home use really mean? It means that it's not expected to get the same use or wear and tear as a commercial model. After all, a consumer treadmill is made to be used in a normal home whereas a commercial treadmill is for a high-traffic gym area.
Does that mean that home treadmills are all bad? Not at all. It just means that commercial treadmills tend to last a lot longer because they are designed to be used all day, every day! So, the question is, can you have your cake and eat it too? Can you have a commercial treadmill that will fit within your home and price range?
Check out the Sole Fitness F85 Treadmill. Featuring a powerful deck, frame, and motor combination, this commercial treadmill for home use is engineered to make the lifelong runner happy as the lover of fitness apps. The Sole F85 has an incredibly durable frame that is built for performance, but it doesn't sacrifice comfort by any means due to the wide running surface.
From the tech side of things, I think you're really going to love what this commercial treadmill for home use has to offer. You'll get a beautiful and detailed view of your workout on the 15.6-inch touchscreen. This is where you'll find multiple options for phones and tablets, including screen mirroring. Speaking of which, you can connect it directly to preset apps like YouTube and Netflix via WiFi or use the new SOLE+ app to use their standard or customized programs.
What I Like
- Sole provides a lifetime frame and motor warranty
- If you're not completely satisfied with the treadmill, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund (when purchased on the Sole website)
- 10 integrated programs (6 standard, 2 custom, and 2 heart rate)
- WiFi connection with 7 preset apps and SOLE+ compatibility
What I Don't Like
- Some users reported that the handrail control buttons are easy to hit accidentally when in use
- Machine is heavy and large with a high step-up (8")
BUY: Sole Fitness F85 Treadmill
Best Durable Commercial Treadmill - Echelon Stride-5s
SPECS
- Dimensions: 36"W x 81"L x 63"H
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Deck dimensions: 22"W x 60"L
- Incline levels: 16 levels / max incline 15%
- Speed levels: 0.5 - 12.5 MPH
- Warranty: 1-year parts and labor
Why I Picked It
If there's one word that perfectly encapsulates the difference between home-use treadmills and commercial-use treadmills, it's "durability." Can you imagine if your local gym had to buy a brand-new treadmill every six months because it was used too much?
Likewise, if you're buying a treadmill for your home, personal gym, or personal training studio, you want to make sure it's going to be around for a very long time. And when durability is a must-have, the Echelon Stride-5s is what you're looking for. This extremely durable commercial treadmill, and Peloton rival, combines performance with comfort. It has a 22-by-60-inch running deck supported by a steel frame, ensuring plenty of landing space with Duro50 cushioned suspension.
The Echelon Stride-5s has a high-definition 24-inch class HD touchscreen that allows you to look through a ton of trainer-led studio sessions with Echelon's live and on-demand classes led by expert instructors for a studio experience in your home gym or living room. With Echelon, there are also over 25 million artist and song options to keep you motivated while you exercise. In fact, it has been shown in studies that listening to your favorite music while running may even help improve your performance.(1)
What I Like
- Very reliable durability, making it a great option for a long-term fitness investment
- Large cushioned running deck and built-in cooling fan
- Several safety features like pull-out stop lanyard, emergency stop button, and rear safety rail
- Echelon membership includes 40+ live and 15,000+ on-demand classes, and 30+ instructors
What I Don't Like
- Echelon membership is sold separately
- Speed increases in smaller intervals which may impact the intensity of your workout
Best Budget Commercial Treadmill - NordicTrack Exp 7i
SPECS
- Dimensions: 77.3"L x 35.3"W x 59.6"H
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Deck dimensions: 20" x 55"
- Incline levels: 0-12% incline
- Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Why I Picked It
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding treadmills is that every one of them is prohibitively expensive, or if the price is too low, you're better off running outside. Can you even find a commercial treadmill for under $2,000 that has quality, efficiency, and modern technology built into it?
You bet. Introducing the NordicTrack Exp 7i. NordicTrack is well known for its quality treadmills, but the Exp 7i demonstrates how you really can have it all without breaking the bank. Offering a 300-pound weight capacity, the Exp 7i has a Smart-Response Drive System, and the 3.0 CHP Smart-Response Motor is designed with the power to handle your toughest and longest workouts. This commercial treadmill under $5,000 has a 7-inch HD Smart Touchscreen that directly connects you to your favorite iFIT workouts, music, and videos. The iFIT program is a fantastic way to take the guesswork out of your workouts. With thousands of workouts to choose from and plenty of trainer-led workouts, this treadmill will help you chase after those fitness goals.
Speaking of which, you can easily monitor your workout progress and calories burned on the built-in touchscreen display. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, this treadmill has something for everyone.
What I Like
- The amount of quality and modern tech that you get for a very reasonable price point
- The number of workouts you can choose from, which can help to keep your daily exercise sessions fresh and exciting
- Auto-adjust feature that allows personal trainers to increase or decrease incline and speed
- 30-day iFIT trial included with treadmill purchase
What I Don't Like
- The 7" touchscreen might not be for everyone, especially if you need larger print when reading
- Might need to do some troubleshooting or ensure that you have strong enough WiFi with some of the workouts
Best Lightweight Commercial Treadmill - Echelon Stride
SPECS
- Dimensions: 69"L x 31"W X 49"H
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Deck dimensions: 55"L X 20"W
- Incline levels: 12 levels / max 10% incline grade
- Speed levels: 0.5 - 12 MPH
- Warranty: 1-year parts and labor
Why I Picked It
Imagine this: You live in a second or third-story apartment. Or maybe your gym space is in the basement or on the second floor of your home. You want a treadmill, but you don't love the idea of moving it up or down the stairs. Is there a lightweight commercial treadmill that offers quality and modern features at a reasonable price point?
The Echelon Stride provides a full training experience in the comfort of your home at a fraction of the weight of the other commercial treadmills. Weighing only 156 pounds inside of the box, the Echelon Stride can easily be folded and moved up or down stairs. If you're lucky enough to have an elevator in your apartment, this treadmill will fit in there, as well!
Can a lightweight treadmill really perform as well as heavier and bulkier models? The Echelon Stride has several design features that give the other treadmills on this list a run for their money like the three-step patented auto-fold feature that condenses the treadmill to 10 inches tall for easy storage. As for speed, it couldn't be easier and safer to adjust your running speed during a workout. With the touch of a button, you have complete control over your workout. Quickly change your speed without breaking your stride or concentration, so you can get the most out of every second.
While this lightweight commercial treadmill doesn't have a built-in touchscreen, it does come equipped with a space for a tablet, making it simple to find an Echelon workout that will challenge you and help you achieve your fitness goals.
What I Like
- Lightweight and suitable for a small apartment or a few flights of stairs
- Console screen has 8 pre-programmed workouts and tablet holder
- Folds up for easy and convenient storage
- Sturdy and quiet according to users
What I Don't Like
- Warranty could be better, must purchase extended warranty
- Echelon membership is sold separately and must have use own smart device
Best Commercial Treadmill Under $5,000 - Sole Fitness ST90 Treadmill
SPECS
- Dimensions: 65"H x 70"L x 33.5"W
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs.
- Deck dimensions: 20" X 60"
- Incline levels: 15
- Speed levels: 0 - 12.5 MPH
- Warranty: 5-year frame and motor, 3-year deck and electronics, 1-year parts and labor
Why I Picked It
Sole Fitness has been providing commercial-quality cardio equipment for homes for over 20 years now, and doing so at an affordable price. At well under $5,000, the current sales price for the Sole Fitness ST90 Treadmill is a bargain. Marketed as a "running experience like never before," the Sole ST90 is a combination of safety and comfort due to the slat belt design. This feature uses a conveyor belt-like system for a smoother running surface that reduces friction and wear on the tread.
As for the technical features of this dynamic commercial treadmill, it is Bluetooth compatible with your tablet and phone to stream your favorite workouts or take advantage of the SOLE+ App and a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with screen casting. The monitor is also set up with 10 standard, 12 custom, and 7 heart rate programs. Speaking of heart rate, the Sole ST90 includes both pulse and telemetric heart rate monitoring.
What I Like
- Bargain-priced under $5,000
- Bluetooth and WiFi compatibility
- Mixture of safety and comfort
- Great warranty and available financing
What I Don't Like
- 10" step up height
- At nearly 400 lbs., could be difficult to maneuver and adjust
BUY: Sole Fitness ST90 Treadmill
Best Folding Commercial Treadmill - NordicTrack Commercial 2450
SPECS
- Dimensions: 81"L x 39"W x 59"H
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Deck dimensions: 20" x 60"
- Incline levels: -3% decline and 15% incline
- Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Why I Picked It
Do you have Alexis or Google running your home? Love the convenience of your home adjusting the temperature and music selection before you even walk in the door? Do you like when your fitness equipment can track your workouts for you? Do you also want the ability to easily fold and store your equipment when not in use? If your home is a bona fide smart home, then the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 will fit in perfectly.
This treadmill combines the quality that you'd expect from the NordicTrack brand with the convenience of modern-day smart tech. It all starts with the large 22-inch tilt and pivot HD touchscreen that features a massive library of on-and-off treadmill workouts. No matter if you're running with your personal trainer in the Alps or going through a challenging strength training session, you'll be able to see your workouts in high definition.
One of the coolest things about this smart commercial treadmill is that it's designed with SmartAdjust™ machine learning technology, which tailors every workout to you and your fitness level. How's that possible? ActivePulse technology makes it easy for you to stay in your ideal heart-rate zone by automatically adjusting the speed and incline on your 2450 treadmill.
When you're all finished with your workouts, you can review your results and progress as everything is automatically tracked by the treadmill. You can review how far you've come and what you need to do to achieve your fitness goals.
Finally—the reason you came to this category in the first place—when you turn off the treadmill and step off for the day, you can easily claim your space back with its efficient SpaceSaver® design technology. Simply fold it up and the room is back to being an office, guest room, etc.
What I Like
- SpaceSaver® tech allow you to fold it up and store out of the way
- Pivoting touchscreen makes the strength workouts easier to learn and perform
- Tracks your heart rate and automatically adjusts for you to ensure you reach your target
- Lower step-up height
What I Don't Like
- Your credit card will be charged if you forget to cancel free trial to iFIT
- Need to make sure you have a stable and secure internet connection, otherwise, there might be some lag in the workouts
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
Best Manual Commercial Treadmill - Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
SPECS
- Dimensions: 69.9"L x 31.7"W x 64.4"H
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Deck dimensions: 17.1"W
- Incline levels: N/A
- Speed levels: N/A
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 3-year non-wear parts, 1-year labor
Why I Picked It
Hands down, one of the most surprising things to happen in the fitness industry is the explosion in popularity of manual commercial treadmills. Strip away all the fancy tech. Do away with the motor. Focus on a solid performance deck, varying levels of incline, and magnetic resistance. That doesn't sound like much, right? Wrong!
Manual treadmills, also called "magnetic commercial treadmills," combine old-school simplicity with modern performance and design. What you end up with is a powerful workout tool that delivers everything you need to get into shape fast.
Some of the benefits of manual commercial treadmills include:
- A low price point compared to other types of commercial treadmills, making them accessible to all budgets.
- High levels of durability and resistance, allowing you to get a challenging workout regardless of your fitness level.
- Calories burned during a workout on a manual treadmill are up to 30% higher than a motorized model due to increases in intensity.(2)
Sound like your kinda treadmill? If you're looking for a manual commercial treadmill that delivers results, look no further than the AssaultRunner Pro from Assault Fitness. You don't have to worry about punching in a specific workout, or scrolling through a giant library of trainer-led sessions—just get on and start moving. You'll instantly feel the difference between this and a standard motor-based treadmill.
It might not have the fancy tech of some of the smart treadmills, but it does have built-in training programs, Bluetooth and ANT+ Connectivity, and is compatible with the Assault Fitness App and Zwift. Best of all, it's compact, low maintenance, and doesn't require a plug-in. It also has transport wheels for easier moving and storing.
What I Like
- Efficient yet low-maintenance treadmill
- Great for all fitness levels—sure to provide a challenge!
- Built-in programs and app compatibility
- Transport wheels make it easier to move and store
What I Don't Like
- There is a learning curve with these treadmills, so be patient when you hop on the first few times
- Some runners would definitely prefer to have a smart touchscreen available for convenience
BUY: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
How I Chose the Best Commercial Treadmills
As a certified personal trainer specializing in sports conditioning, I compiled this list of the best commercial treadmills for home use based on recommendations I would feel confident sharing with clients and friends. I looked at the criteria the ACTIVE team prioritizes for cardio fitness equipment: including price, set-up, ease of use, features, warranty, and commitment to excellent customer service. I prioritized commercial models with excellent value for cost and positive word-of-mouth from users. I also looked at our trusted equipment brands—such as NordicTrack and Echelon—for top-of-market options.
How to Choose the Best Commercial Treadmill For You
When choosing a commercial treadmill, there are several key features you should look for:
Size
The first is size. Commercial treadmills can often be quite large, so you need to make sure that it will fit in your home gym or workout space.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is another important consideration when choosing a commercial treadmill. Most commercial treadmills can accommodate users up to 300 pounds, but you may want to look for one with a higher weight capacity if you are particularly heavy or tall.
Features
You should consider the features offered by different commercial treadmills. Some of the most important features to look for include auto incline, speed settings, and heart rate monitoring.
Budget
Finally, you should also keep your budget in mind when choosing a commercial treadmill. These treadmills can often be quite expensive, so you need to make sure that you find one within your price range.
Benefits of Commercial Treadmills
While commercial treadmills may be more expensive than home or compact treadmills, they offer a number of benefits that make them worth the investment.
Higher Weight Capacity
One key benefit of commercial treadmills is their high weight capacity. Some commercial treadmills can accommodate users up to 400 pounds, which makes them ideal for tall or heavy users.
Better Durability
Commercial treadmills are also more durable than home or compact treadmills, making them ideal for heavy use in gyms and other commercial settings. They are built to withstand the demands of frequent running, allowing you to get a more intense workout with less worry about equipment failure.
Even the best home treadmills might not be able to compete with a commercial treadmill, simply because one is built for consumer use and the other is built to be used by many people every single day.
Incline Settings
Many commercial treadmills also offer a range of incline settings, which allow you to vary the intensity of your workout, which can help you work different muscle groups and burn more calories. Even walking on an incline treadmill has been shown to lead to greater metabolic increases.(3) Home treadmills or compact treadmills might not have the same options for incline and intensity, especially if they are on a budget list.
Is a Commercial Treadmill Right for You?
Nobody wants to drop a large investment on a piece of equipment they won't use. Not only is it a waste of money, but it's also demoralizing when your state-of-the-art machine is sitting in the corner collecting dust. The difference between a run-of-the-mill and a commercial treadmill is the sturdiness and power that can accommodate a wider range of users. If you're looking for a treadmill that your entire family can use with lasting power, high-tech features, and a sizable warranty, then a commercial treadmill could be the best choice. They're also more accessible for taller or heavier users. Ultimately, the right treadmill for you will be the one that you commit to using regularly.
FAQs About Commercial Treadmills
What makes a treadmill commercial-grade?
A commercial treadmill is a type of treadmill that is designed for heavy use in gyms and other commercial settings. It is typically larger, more durable, and has a higher capacity than home treadmills.
What's the difference between a commercial treadmill and a regular treadmill?
The main difference between a commercial treadmill and a standard treadmill is that commercial treadmills are built for heavy use, whereas home treadmills are typically designed for more casual use.
Commercial treadmills tend to be larger and more durable than home treadmills, and they may also have different features such as incline settings and heart rate monitoring.
Can a compact treadmill be a commercial treadmill?
Yes, depending on the model. A great example is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450, which has the larger footprint of a commercial option but the ability to fold into a more compact size for space and storage.
How long do commercial treadmills last?
There is no concrete answer to this question, as the durability of a commercial treadmill will depend on factors such as its size and weight capacity, the intensity of use in its intended setting, and how well it is maintained.
Most commercial treadmills are designed to last for many years, hence why so many old-school bodybuilding gyms still have treadmills from the 90s. But this can vary depending on the specific model. The best way to determine how long a commercial treadmill will last is by doing your research and reading reviews from other users.
How much do commercial treadmills cost?
Commercial treadmills are designed for heavy use, and the cost can vary depending on the size, features, and add-ons—such as third-party apps and training programs—that have an extra monthly fee. The majority of commercial treadmills on our list sit in the $1,500 to $3,500 range, but some models can be as expensive as $5,000 to $7,000.
My Final Takeaway
A commercial treadmill can be a great addition to your home gym, especially if you need a heavy-duty model that can take a pavement-level pounding. The sturdy machines also tend to have high-tech features that can help make your regular cardio sessions fun and satisfying. I hope my selection of the best home commercial treadmills has a piece of equipment that can help take your running regimen to the next level.
Our Experts
- Alexandra Ginos, MBA, RD, CSP, nutritionist and fitness expert
- Roger Lockridge, 20 year fitness industry expert
- Ali Nolan, marathon runner
- David J. Sautter, NASM CPT, FNS, PES; ACE SES, personal trainer and fitness expert
- Cory Kessler, CPT, FNC, health and wellness writer
- Daniel Preiato, RD, CSCS, sports nutrition expert
- Erin Chancer, CNC, expert health and wellness writer
- Katie Simpson, CPT, health and wellness writer
- Dr. Jacob Wilson, PhD, CSCS*D, training expert
- Lindsay Boyers, functional nutritionist
- Elspeth Huyett, cycling expert
- Gaby McPherson, nutrition expert
- Krisitne Golden, triathlete
- Lindsey Cooke, CNT, nutrition therapist
- Karla Tafra, nutritionist and yoga instructor
- Rachael Gonzalez, health and wellness writer
- Sosha Lewis, certified sleep coach, health and wellness writer, CrossFit veteran
- Frieda Johnson, expert health and wellness editor
References
- Jebabli N, Granacher U, Selmi MA, Al-Haddabi B, Behm DG, Chaouachi A, Sassi RH. Listening to Preferred Music Improved Running Performance without Changing the Pacing Pattern during a 6 Minute Run Test with Young Male Adults. Sports (Basel). 2020 May 11;8(5):61. doi: 10.3390/sports8050061. PMID: 32403345; PMCID: PMC7281270.
- Edwards RB, Tofari PJ, Cormack SJ, Whyte DG. Non-motorized Treadmill Running Is Associated with Higher Cardiometabolic Demands Compared with Overground and Motorized Treadmill Running. Front Physiol. 2017 Nov 14;8:914. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00914. PMID: 29184508; PMCID: PMC5694659.
- Silder A, Besier T, Delp SL. Predicting the metabolic cost of incline walking from muscle activity and walking mechanics. J Biomech. 2012 Jun 26;45(10):1842-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.03.032. Epub 2012 May 11. PMID: 22578744; PMCID: PMC4504736.
About the Author
David has over a decade of experience as a NASM-certified personal trainer, fitness and nutrition specialist, and sports conditioning specialist. David has written blog posts, e-books, training guides, and online courses that cover a range of health and fitness topics.
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