If noise-sensitive housemates or neighbors are keeping one of the best treadmills out of your home, fear not. While no cardio machine will be absolutely silent, cushioned decks, sturdy builds, and soft surfaces like carpet or treadmill mats can mitigate some of the racket caused by the slap of your sneakers. 

After years of being annoyed by noisy treadmills, our team of fitness pros and running enthusiasts knows how valuable a quiet treadmill can be. We rounded up the best quiet treadmills on the market to help you improve your cardiovascular health and keep the peace in your home or apartment. So lace up your softest, gentlest slippers (maybe don’t run in slippers) and check out our top picks for the best quiet treadmills.

The 6 Best Quiet Treadmills of 2024

Best Quiet Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Best Cushioned Quiet Treadmill: Sole F80

Best Quiet Treadmill for an Apartment: ProForm Carbon TLX

Best Quiet Folding Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT

Best Quiet Treadmill for Running: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite

Best Budget Quiet Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill

Best Treadmills Video Review

In his video review of the best treadmill, BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, takes you through some of the best options on the market in 2024 from brands like NordicTrack, Sole, Horizon, and Assault Fitness.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Quiet Treadmills

BarBend’s team of certified personal trainers, marathon runners, and CrossFit coaches has hands-on (feet-on?) experience on over 40 treadmills, so we used that expert perspective to bring you the lowdown on the best quiet treadmills on the market. Whether you need to stay in your neighbor’s good graces or have a sleeping baby in the next room, you can count on our multi-point methodology and first-hand (foot?) experience to inform your decision. 

[Related: The 12 Best Pieces of Home Gym Equipment]

We rated each treadmill on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across categories like noise level, ergonomics, durability, and more, and we used those scores to help craft this list. To soften the blow of each foot strike, look for — like we did — cushioned decks, strong builds, and Bluetooth connectivity to keep your audio to yourself. Check out how we made our picks for the best quiet treadmills out there.

Noise Level

While no treadmill is going to be silent, it’s important to be able to spot the design features that can mitigate as much sound output as possible. When force is applied to an object, the vibration it causes results in sound energy. (1) Thus, more force applied (like from the pounding of a running foot strike) equals more sound produced. So the question is, how can a treadmill soften the impact of each step, as well as reduce the sound of the energy itself?

Our tester adjusting the incline on the Sole F80.

Many treadmills feature cushioned decks, but some offer more cushioning than others. We prioritized the models that offer a good amount of bounce to soften the impact of your steps. A solid, sturdy build can also stabilize all the moving parts in a treadmill so you’ll hear less rattling or clanging as those parts move around. These treadmills made the cut because they are not generally as loud as the average machine; we worked to relay just how much noise you can expect to help you find the match for your space.

Cushioned Deck

In addition to absorbing some impact from each footstrike, a cushioned belt deck can also absorb a bit of sound. Instead of driving the force of each step into the deck and the floor, a bit of cushioning can serve as a buffer between your feet and the machine. Beyond the noise-dampening effect, we also prioritized cushioned decks for those who may need to work around knee discomfort or chronic back pain.

The cushioned belt deck of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

Our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC laid out the potential benefits of cushioned decks when she assessed treadmills for BarBend. “A cushioned treadmill absorbs shock, thus relieving joint impact while walking, jogging, and running,” she said. “More cushion usually means more comfort, which can mean more running, more walking, and more health benefits.”

Bluetooth Connectivity

Several options on our list are integrated with fitness apps that offer virtual classes or scenic runs that can offer a boost in motivation and engagement, but the accompanying music and callouts from your virtual trainer can contribute to a machine’s overall noise. That’s why we made sure to add treadmills with Bluetooth connectivity so you can pop in your headphones and isolate that additional sound. 

The console of the Sole F80.

In addition to making your endurance run a bit more palatable, music has been found to have a positive effect on running speed, heart rate, and perceived exertion compared to silent treadmill runs. (2) Being able to stream your own music may allow you to take advantage of those heart-pounding beats while still keeping your environment relatively quiet.

Best Quiet Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

If you’re looking for a powerhouse machine that can also keep the noise to a minimum, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 checks all the boxes. Its hefty build and Runners Flex cushioning help mitigate the noise from each step, while its incline range, top speed, and motor size check all the boxes our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC looks for in the best high-end treadmills.

Our tester raising the incline on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

“My experience on this treadmill has been that it is sturdy, comfortable, and powerful. It has a 3.5-CHP motor that powers speeds up to 12 miles per hour, allowing the most serious runners to sprint to their heart’s desire,” she says. “It also features an impressive incline/decline range of negative 3 percent to 12 percent. The main drawback for this machine is its footprint. It’s large and heavy, so definitely ensure your space can fit it.”

All three of our testers — including yours truly — rated the noise level during their workouts 5 out of 5. One tester, a certified personal trainer, did some hill interval training via iFIT on the 1750 to test how much noise it made during incline adjustments. “No treadmill is going to be completely silent,” they said, “but the 1750 does a really good job of minimizing noise.”

In his video review of the 1750, BarBend’s Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, demonstrated how iFIT — a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming — helps users make the most of the treadmill’s 14-inch HD touchscreen, incline and decline capabilities, and high speed range. “[Speed, incline, and decline] can be automatically adjusted in the middle of your workout, depending on what that specific workout is,” he said. Just keep in mind that a subscription will set you back an additional $39.99 per month.

The 14-inch HD touchscreen on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

Capritto also advises to measure where you plan on putting this treadmill, as its footprint of 21.11 square feet is about 4.5 square feet larger than your average two-seater sofa.  (3) “The main drawback for this machine is its footprint. It’s large and heavy, so definitely ensure your space can fit it before purchasing it.”

While $1,999 is at the top of the average price range we’ve seen for high-end treadmills like the 1750, our tester still rated its value 5 out of 5. “For under $2,000 you still get all of the highest-end technology, comforts and capabilities,” they said.

Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Review.

Best Cushioned Quiet Treadmill: Sole F80

Solid cushioning in the belt deck can reduce the noise from the impact of each step, which is why the foldable Sole F80 is one of the best cushioned treadmills we’ve tested. While we can’t verify Sole’s claim that it can reduce impact on joints by 40 percent compared to running on asphalt, our tester — a certified personal trainer — thought its cushioning found the sweet spot between comfort and support.

Our tester walking on the cushioned deck of the Sole F80.

“I liked how it wasn’t jarring to run on this treadmill,” they said, rating their overall workout experience 4.5 out of 5. “It’s not too plush or soft, yet not hard, either.”

In addition to comfort and noise reduction, the 22- by 60-inch cushioned deck meets the standards of BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “A comfortable width [for a belt deck] is between 16 and 20 inches,” she said. “A padded deck can [also] be helpful for individuals with joint pain.”

The 22- by 60-inch cushioned belt deck on the Sole F80.

The 15-percent maximum incline and 12-miles-per-hour top speed also meet Capritto’s recommendations for the best treadmills for running, as they allow you to vary your intensity and potentially improve your VO2 max. (4) “I do wish it had even a -3-percent decline,” our tester said, rating its adjustability 4 out of 5. “However, a 15-percent incline is more than enough for an extra burn.”

When the cushioned deck on the F80 is folded upright, you’ll cut its footprint from 21.77 square feet down to 11.61. But when you fold it down for a run, it takes up just two fewer square feet than a three-seater sofa. (3) This earned the F80 a 3.75 out of 5 for its footprint, and our tester came up with an apt description for its size. “This thing is a behemoth,” they said.

Read our full Sole F80 Treadmill Review.

Best Quiet Treadmill for an Apartment: ProForm Carbon TLX

In our experience, the best treadmills for apartments need three features: quiet operation, compact footprint, and varied training options. The ProForm Carbon TLX has entered the chat. With a cushioned deck to reduce noise, hydraulic folding to save space, and iFIT integration to mix up your workouts, the TLX can help you stay on your neighbors’ good side while saving a bit of space.

Our tester walking on the ProForm Carbon TLX.

The TLX is designed to fold up and roll away when you aren’t pounding the pavement — er, tread — so you can save over 10 square feet in your place. Our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC laid out why it might be ideal for small spaces. “Folding treadmills are a good option for people who need to keep their space multifunctional,” she said.

[Related: The 4 Best ProForm Treadmills]

After our tester, a certified personal trainer, completed Tiki Barber’s ladder workout and incline course on iFIT, they rated its noise level 3.5 out of 5. “I’d say it was quieter than average,” they reported. “When I cranked up the incline, obviously it made some noise, but that’s to be expected for any treadmill.”

Our tester adjusting the controls on the ProForm Carbon TLX.

Without a built-in touchscreen, our tester was able to keep an eye on their metrics via the 7-inch display, but had to supply their own device (and the $39.99-per-month subscription) to take advantage of iFIT workouts. “I just set my phone on the media shelf and it was easy to connect my phone to follow the classes,” they said, rating the dynamic programming a 4 out of 5. 

You can also connect your own headphones so nobody but you can hear a class’ soundtrack or trainer shoutouts. 

[Related: 8 Best Compact Treadmills]

Best Quiet Folding Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT

Horizon’s FeatherLight Folding technology makes folding up and tucking the 7.0 AT away a breeze for just about anyone. In the upright position, you’ll cut its 18.47-square-feet footprint down to just 10.69 square feet — around two-thirds the size of the average loveseat. (3) It’s also one of our picks for the best treadmills on Amazon, having scored a 4 out of 5 (or higher) for its footprint, portability, adjustability, conveniences, and value from our tester, a CrossFit coach.

Our tester lowering the deck of the Horizon 7.0 AT.

When you lift the deck up, the hydraulics kick in to take on most of the load, but when you need to fold it down, just tap the lever and watch it float by itself all the way to the floor.

The folding technology is not the only intuitive design feature on the 7.0 AT. With the flick of a dial, you can adjust the 15-percent incline range and speed straight from the handle to simulate outdoor running. Although its lack of decline will prevent you from mimicking dips and valleys, its incline range is still around 3 percent more than many other treadmills in this price range.

Our tester gripping the handles on the Horizon 7.0 AT.

The 60-inch belt deck on the 7.0 AT also bests most options under $1,000 by 5 to 10 inches, making it ideal for those with long strides who need a foldable treadmill. Some higher-end models may reach 15 miles per hour, but the max speed of 12 miles per hour is around a 5-minute mile pace, which our tester pointed out. “Although it’s less than some more expensive treadmills, it’s usually enough for most people.” 

While its tech capabilities earned a 3 out of 5 from our tester, its Bluetooth capability still allows you to use your own device to sync with some of the best running apps, like Zwift or Peloton. However, its limited options for third-party apps gave our tester some pause. “Sure, this treadmill has Bluetooth, but only certain apps can connect,” they said. “I also would have liked a touchscreen but there’s only a small LCD display.”

Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.

Best Quiet Treadmill for Running: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite

If you’re looking for a supportive, spacious running surface that can encourage proper form, the Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite is a favorite among CrossFitters and one of the best curved treadmills out there — if you have the cash. (5) A manual treadmill, this non-motorized machine requires the user’s stride to move the belt, thus forcing runners to practice proper running form. This may take a little getting used to, but studies have shown that user-powered treadmills can result in more burned calories. (6)

Our tester running on the AssaultRunner Elite.

Our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, raved about her experience on the AssaultRunner. “I love how the AssaultRunner encourages me to maintain good running form and feels more like running outdoors, but brings all the benefits of running indoors,” she said.

While the price tag may be prohibitive to some — around $2,000 to $2,500 more than the average machine — you can count on it to last thanks to its powder-coated steel frame. Our tester called out some of the plastic in the build, but still rated its durability a 4 out of 5. “I had some help during assembly, but still could not get those plastic pieces flush,” they explained, rating the set up 3.5 out of 5.

The belt deck of the AssaultRunner Elite.

Once it’s ready to go, the curved design of the 62-inch belt deck — 2 inches longer than most running treadmills — can potentially save your joints from taking on as much impact compared to a flat option, earning its ergonomics a 4 out of 5 from our tester. (5) “I thought the curved, heavy tread provided a softer landing area compared to a regular treadmill belt,” they pointed out.

Our tester adjusting the controls on the AssaultRunner Elite.

Although our tester liked using the basic display to track their metrics, the lack of technology earned it a 3.5 out of 5 for tech. On the other hand, Capritto appreciated that it allowed her to focus on the work. “Though some may see it as a downside, I like that the simple LCD screen isn’t distracting and just shows me what I need,” she explained.

Read our Full Assault Runner Elite Treadmill Review.

Best Budget Quiet Treadmill: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill

The XTERRA TR150 will only set you back $394, but with a max speed of 10 miles per hour (around a 6-minute-mile pace) and three manual incline levels, you can still bask in all the potential benefits of treadmill training — improved cardiovascular function, weight loss, and increased quality of life. (1) 

Our tester running on the XTERRA TR150.

That price tag — roughly $600 to $1,100 less than the average mid-range machine — easily makes it one of the best treadmills under $500 we have tested, as it earned at least a 4 out of 5 from our tester in six categories, including value, assembly, and customizations.

For most casual runners, the 10-mile-per-hour speed range and the three incline levels offer enough variety, but the TR150 also includes 12 preset programs. You can access these structured workouts on the 5-inch LCD screen along with metrics like calories burned, pulse, and time elapsed.

Our tester adjusting the controls on the XTERRA TR150.

However, depending on your own height and running gait, the TR150’s 16- by 50-inch belt deck could be too small for anything more intense than a brisk walk, thus earning it a 2 out of 5 for ergonomics. “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “[However], shorter individuals may be able to get away with a shorter deck.”

Our tester also had no issues putting the TR150 together when it arrived. “It’s light enough that I was able to take it out of the box without the help of another person,” they noted. “It was one of the simpler treadmills I’ve ever had to put together. Because it’s so small, most people should be able to build this by themselves.”

Our tester walking on the XTERRA TR150.

One crucial omission could be a potential safety issue for anyone with small kids or pets around the house. “My least favorite thing about the entire treadmill is that it lacks assisted lifting and lowering,” they explained. “If someone (like a child) were to accidentally pull the pin out when it’s folded, the deck would just fall right down.”

Read our full XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill Review.

What to Consider Before Buying a Quiet Treadmill

Before dropping any hard-earned cash on a new treadmill, consider whether it’s actually going to fit your situation. Whether you’re looking for a gentle walk or to fire up some HIIT treadmill workouts, here are a few things to consider.

Housemates and Neighbors

If you’re apprehensive about how your housemates or neighbors will react to seeing a treadmill delivered to your door, consider just how loud is too loud for your living situation. Also think about where exactly your treadmill will live. If you’ll be doing your sprint workouts in the living room where everyone is trying to watch TV, it will probably need to be quieter than it would need to be in a garage or basement. 

Our tester on the ProForm Carbon TLX.

Remember that while no treadmill will be completely quiet, the cushioned belt decks in the models we picked can help reduce some of the sound generated by each step. Also, sturdy steel builds will help stabilize all of the moving parts that can create some of the mechanical whirring and clanging of louder treadmills. 

Soft vs. Hard Flooring

When you’re thinking of how to cut down on noise, imagine a recording studio lined with foam walls. If you want to stop sound waves, you’ll need a soft material like carpet to cushion the sound of your feet striking the deck, as well as the working parts in the machine. Sound can be transferred more easily on harder floors, so consider positioning your treadmill on a soft floor or looking at one of the best home treadmills mats.

Preferred Training

Before clicking add to cart, think about whether the treadmill you are considering can support the training you want to take on while still keeping noise to a minimum. Even beyond the sound they produce, ensure your machine has the programming, incline range, or top speed you need.

Our tester adjusting the controls on the Horizon 7.0 AT.

Our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC broke down what exactly you can expect to find during your search. “Any treadmill can suffice for walking and maybe light jogging, but not every treadmill will perform for running, sprinting, and hill training,” she says. “Finding a treadmill that’s just right for your needs — your Goldilocks — will require some research and knowledge of treadmill specifications.”

How Much Do the Best Quiet Treadmills Cost?

Securing a treadmill that won’t rupture an eardrum doesn’t have to make you miss your rent this month. However, if you’re looking for high-end features like built-in HD touchscreens or decline capabilities, you may need to dig deeper into your piggy bank. Here’s how much you can expect to drop on our favorite quiet treadmills.

The treadmills on our list have a wide price range — $394 to $3,999. Machines that incorporate higher-tech features like touchscreen displays and fitness app integration will skew towards the top of the range. Other models, like the AssaultRunner Elite, justify their price with sturdy builds and strong warranties. 

Our tester walking on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

At the lower end of the range, the treadmills tend to shrink in size. For instance, the XTERRA TR150’s belt deck is roughly 10 inches shorter than the 60-inch length we like to see for running treadmills. For walking and jogging, though, it should be more than suitable.

Benefits of Quiet Treadmills

Finding a treadmill that operates at a low volume can be a challenge, but it can also open the door to convenient cardio exercise that’s conducive to your living situation. BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, also highlighted how adding a treadmill to your home or apartment can make accessing the benefits of regular cardio more accessible.

“Home treadmills offer the opportunity to run and walk in the comfort of your own home.” she says. “This can be particularly beneficial in situations in which walking and running outdoors isn’t safe, such as in bad weather or where there isn’t a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.” 

Having access to your own treadmill might also be the difference between reaping the benefits of regular cardio exercise, like decreased risk of heart disease and blood pressure, along with positive effects on your mental wellbeing. (7)(8)(9)

Better for Shared Spaces

If you are planning on bringing a treadmill into a home with roommates, family members, or a partner, chances are they won’t be huge fans of feet thumping on a cardio machine in their living room. 

Fortunately, treadmills with cushioned decks can lessen the noise created by the pounding of each step, while options with strong steel builds can assist in stabilizing the working parts that can generate noise during use. Treadmills designed with sound reduction in mind can help keep your body and your living situation a healthy one.

Awareness of Surroundings

With the pounding of your feet on the tread — along with the whirring of motors and moving parts — it can be difficult to hear the ambient noise around you. That might be fine — unless that noise is a hungry kid or an important phone call. 

Our tester lowering the cushioned deck on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

As one of our testers, a certified personal trainer, attested, a quiet treadmill may be more than a luxury for some. “Having a treadmill that won’t bother anyone is basically a necessity for me,” they said. “With two small kids, I like being able to do a walk or run after they go to sleep, but if they wake up screaming, I can still hear them.”

Improved Cardiovascular Health

If the noise of the treadmill has been keeping you from accessing the proven benefits of consistent cardiovascular training —  like decreased risk of heart disease and blood pressure — it’s possible that owning a treadmill might be your ticket to improving your cardiovascular health. (7) According to Capritto, “Having a treadmill at home may encourage a person to exercise more frequently, which is almost always a good thing.”

Mental Health

Outside of the noise factor, research has shown that regular physical activity can lead to positive effects on your mental health in addition to your physical health. (8)(9) With a quiet treadmill nearby, regular cardio exercise can be a bit more accessible. According to several studies, some of those positive outcomes can include preventative effects for anxiety, depression, and even some sleep disorders. (8)(9)

Final Word

From housemates and neighbors to sleeping babies, there are plenty of reasons you might be looking for a quiet treadmill. Although treadmills tend to be large, noisy machines, some are designed to mitigate some of that noise. Cushioned belt decks can cut down on the sound generated by pounding feet, while heavy-duty builds work to stabilize the whirring mechanical parts that help your treadmill reach its top speeds and incline. 

Because treadmill workouts can offer so many cardiovascular benefits — decreased risk of heart disease and blood pressure among them — they are popular pieces of home gym equipment. If your biggest obstacle to getting your own treadmill is the noise they can generate, check out the six options on our list for expert-tested machines that can get your heart pumping and keep the peace in your home. 

FAQs

References

Just Energy. (2023, August 17). Sound energy: Everything you need to know. https://justenergy.com/blog/sound-energy-everything-you-need-to-know/ 

Edworthy, J., & Waring, H. (2006). The effects of music tempo and loudness level on treadmill exercise. Ergonomics, 49(15), 1597–1610.

Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/ 

Ferley, D. D., Osborn, R. W., & Vukovich, M. D. (2014). The effects of incline and level-grade high-intensity interval treadmill training on running economy and muscle power in well-trained distance runners. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 28(5), 1298–1309.

Hatchett, A., Armstrong, K., Parr, B., Crews, M., & Tant, C. (2018). The Effect of a Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill on Running Gait Length, Imbalance and Stride Angle. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 6(3), 58.

Edwards, R. B., Tofari, P. J., Cormack, S. J., & Whyte, D. G. (2017). Non-motorized Treadmill Running Is Associated with Higher Cardiometabolic Demands Compared with Overground and Motorized Treadmill Running. Frontiers in physiology, 8, 914.

Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135.

Imboden, C., Claussen, M. C., Seifritz, E., & Gerber, M. (2022). Die Bedeutung von körperlicher Aktivität für die psychische Gesundheit [The Importance of Physical Activity for Mental Health]. Praxis, 110(4), 186–191. 

Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus, 15(1), e33475.

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