Pounding out miles on one of the best treadmills can be torturous enough — and when you take away the motor, it requires a whole other caliber of mental toughness. Manual treadmills are exactly what they sound like: non-motorized treadmills powered by the user. Sound difficult? It is. They’re better for advanced exercisers than those just articulating their fitness goals, but they also offer distinct perks, including a pace and gait that more closely resembles overground running and the ability to reach higher workout intensities at lower speeds. (1) 

If you’re willing to put in the work, adding a manual treadmill to your home gym can help you power into a higher level of personal fitness. Our team of expert testers has hopped on dozens of different treadmills and carefully selected the five best manual treadmills we know can help you get the job done — because without a motor, they sure aren’t going to run themselves. Read on for our manual treadmill roundup. 

The Best Manual Treadmills of 2024

Best Overall Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Pro

Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill

Best Manual Treadmill for Running: Grit Fitness Tru Grit Runner

Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill

Best Curved Manual Treadmill: TrueForm Runner

How We Tested and Chose the Best Manual Treadmills

If the BarBend team knows one thing, it’s workout equipment. The group is chock-full of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts who’ve had the opportunity to walk, jog, and run on more than 40 different treadmills. To arrive at our top picks, we tapped their expertise and adhered to the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology. We scored each machine on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 different categories including the following

Value: It isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about what you’re getting for that amount. Manual treadmill prices range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand, so we judged each based on what they offer in relation to the dollars spent.

Durability: It takes a lot of force to manually power a treadmill, so we carefully eyed the stability, durability, and construction of these machines, including taking a look at the warranties. When it comes to warranties, our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, recommends “looking for 10 years on the frame, at least 2 years on parts, and at least 1 year for labor.”

Conveniences: Manual treads tend not to have many of the bells and whistles motorized treadmills do (think: fans, water bottle holders, built-in displays, device shelves). We kept the industry standard in mind when rating these based on their inclusion.

Best Overall Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Pro

The AssaultRunner Pro is pricier than most motorized treadmills, but relatively affordable compared to the many of the best curved treadmills. That accessible price point — plus the solid construction and seamless workout experience — are what earned this manual treadmill our top overall pick.

Take it from our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, who says, “The AssaultRunner Pro is just a fun machine to run on. As an on-and-off CrossFitter, I’ve spent my fair share of time on the AssaultRunner Pro, and I have a blast every time I use one.”

The dollars spent on this model get you a solid steel frame and handrails, plus a heavy belt with thick rubber slats to provide a stable running surface. Better yet, it comes with a 150,000-mile guarantee.

 “Heavy” might sound like a bad thing when you’re the one powering the machine, but it actually makes running easier. Once you get the belt going, inertia keeps the belt moving so you aren’t working as hard to keep up your speed. Our tester gave it a 4 out of 5 for durability and a 3.5 out of 5 for comfort. “It’s harder than running on a treadmill with a motor, but the heavier belt, along with the incline of the curve, makes it more comfortable,” they said.

Our product tester running on the AssaultRunner Elite, an upgraded version of the Pro.

One area the AssaultRunner Pro is lacking is tech capabilities, which our tester scored a 4 out of 5. “The monitor is fine. It can connect to several different heart rate monitors, but outside of that, the tech is fairly limited,” our tester said. 

Capritto, on the other hand, sees it as a plus: “I like that the simple LCD screen isn’t distracting and just shows me what I need.” There’s no water bottle holders or device shelf, unless you put your phone on top of the display itself.

Any other downsides to this treadmill are commonalities among all manual treads: a lack of incline/decline training and the fact that you have to control your speed with your running pace. The latter, though, is part of what gets you all the juicy benefits of running on a manual tread.

Read our full AssaultRunner Pro Review.

Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill

If you’re looking for a manual treadmill to walk or jog in your living space and don’t want to spend a ton of money or ruin the decor, the Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill could be the perfect machine for you. At $1,999.99, this is one of the most budget-friendly manual treadmills we’ve seen without compromising too much on style or construction. 

Other than the price, some of the best features are the stunning wooden aesthetic and small footprint. This tread will look great in a living or guest room, and the transport wheels make it easy to move. Overall, our tester, a certified personal trainer, gave it a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.

This Bells of Steel model got slightly lower marks for ergonomics, earning it a 3 out of 5. The 8.4-degree curve angle helps you power the tread with your stride, but with a 47” running deck, you have 15 inches less running space compared to the AssaultRunner Pro, for example. This makes this machine unsuitable for running and may pose an issue for taller athletes using it to walk or jog. 

That’s right: the biggest thing to note is that you can’t really run on this treadmill, so keep that in mind if you hope to crank out HIIT sprints or want to push your pace. “When I tried running on it, I felt like I was going to fall off the back, and had to use the handrails to feel stable,” our expert tester said. “The slatted belt feels looser than other competitors and isn’t the smoothest. I noticed a hitch in the belt every few steps,” they noted. 

Otherwise, our tester found the machine to be pretty durable, giving it a 3 out of 5 on that metric. The LCD display is basic but user-friendly and offers some training programs, earning it a 3 out of 5 on tech. 

Serious athletes will want to pass on this one, but those looking for one of the best walking treadmills to spruce up their living space might find the right fit in this manual tread.

Best Manual Treadmill for Running: Grit Fitness Tru Grit Runner

Most manual treadmills allow you to run or walk at different paces, but they’re essentially one-trick ponies. For runners who want to be able to vary the style and intensity of their training while spending under $3,000, the Grit Fitness Tru Grit Runner comes in clutch.

The standout feature of this manual treadmill is the functionality to add resistance. Using the six resistance levels, your treadmill workout can vary from feeling like a flat, easy run to an uphill sprint or even a weighted sled push. 

“If you turn the resistance dial to the highest setting, it feels almost like hiking or walking uphill,” our tester says. (To get this type of training on other machines — like the NordicTrack Commercial X22i — you’ll need to spend at least $1,000 more.) For this reason, our tester gave it a 4 out of 5 for both customizations and value. They also noted that, while you can use this high-quality machine for sprint work, it can get a bit loud.

Another drawback? It’s no dainty machine, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough space — and don’t plan to move it. Our tester gave it a 2 out of 5 on footprint and portability. “At 400 pounds, it’s heavy and awkward to move, especially because of the plastic shroud and small wheels,” they say. They also weren’t a fan of the amount of plastic or the quality of the welds. “But the rubber tread and frame around the belt seem like they’ll last and it uses a similar bearing system as most other curved treadmills,” they add. 

Similar to other manual treadmills, this one comes with minimal extras, including a simple LCD monitor that shows time, distance, pace, speed, calories, watts, and interval training modes, and a ledge in front of the display where you could put your phone. The big draw here, however, is the ability to adjust the resistance for a reasonable price.

Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill

If you plan to use a manual treadmill for walking workouts only, you can save yourself some serious cash by opting for one of the best budget treadmills. (Really, there’s no need to invest in heavy-duty hardware if you’re keeping it low-intensity.) In the case of this Sunny Health & Fitness manual treadmill, you can get a space-saving piece of home gym equipment for less than $200. It’s nothing stellar, but it performs for the price. Our tester gave it a 3 out of 5 for overall workout experience.

Technically, the company says you can run on this machine, though reviewers and our tester say otherwise. “I do not recommend running on this machine, or taking your hands off of the handlebars while using it,” says our tester. For walkers, however, it gets the job done — and you’ll get a pretty good workout, too. 

The tread is set at a 13.5-percent incline, so you get the benefits of incline walking, including increased intensity and calorie burn and prolonged activation of the hamstrings, glutes, and calves compared to walking on flat ground. (2)(3)

This option is also fantastic for those living in apartments or who’re looking to stow their treadmill when not in use; our tester gave it a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. 

“Even without wheels, it’s easy to move around, and I think almost anyone would be able to do so,” our tester says. The walking surface folds up into the handlebars, shrinking the footprint to 20 inches by 23 inches, small enough to slide into a coat closet. “You’ll need to be careful when folding or lowering the walking pad because there’s no hydraulic or locking mechanism. It will just fall,” our tester notes.

If you’re paying under $200 for a treadmill, you’re probably not expecting it to last forever (and really, you shouldn’t). Our tester gave it a 2.5 out of 5 on durability and construction, noting that it’s not the sturdiest thing in the world, but not a bad buy for the price.

Best Curved Manual Treadmill: TrueForm Runner

The price jump here might spook you, but hear us out: The TrueForm Runner, an upgraded version of the TrueForm Trainer, offers an unrivaled training experience. It’s fitted with a shallow, symmetrical curve to give athletes precise control over their form and speed — the latter of which is unlimited on this tread. “You can go from walking to sprint (and vice versa) in just a few steps,” our tester said, giving the Runner a 4.5 out of 5 on adjustability and ergonomics. 

It’s a machine worthy of elite athletes. The company even offers versions with an artificial turf tread, which allows you to train barefoot, or one with an outdoor track surface to help competitive sprinters train to race. These options, plus the fact that you can run at an unlimited speed, are why our tester gave the TrueForm Runner a 5 out of 5 for customizations.

The TrueForm Runner is also an absolute tank. Our tester gave it a 5 out of 5 for durability, as it’s designed to handle a lifetime of heavy commercial use. It’ll last you years and years of even the highest-intensity workouts (just peep that 20-year frame warranty). 

“It’s incredibly built, with a powder-coated steel frame, stainless hardware, high-end bearings, welded seams, and heavy-duty casters,” says our tester. The weight limit is one of the highest we’ve seen on any machine, accommodating athletes up to 450 pounds while sprinting and 700 pounds while walking.

It’s a fantastic, high-end treadmill — but not perfect. Our tester gave it a 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability, as the stable metal frame makes it quite heavy and hard to move. And despite the hefty price tag, it still lacks a few conveniences, like a device shelf, water bottle holder, and higher-end display. 

The monitor has a bright LED display but no Bluetooth connectivity, workout programs, or general adjustability; it only shows pace, speed, distance, and time. For some, that might be a letdown, but for athletes looking for a running experience that rivals outdoor miles, it could be just what the coach ordered.

Read our full TrueForm Runner Treadmill Review.

Benefits of Manual Treadmills

With manual treadmills, you get all the usual benefits of treadmills plus some extras. Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, is a big fan. “I love how [it] encourages me to maintain good running form and feels more like running outdoors, but brings all the benefits of running indoors,” she says. It also poses a new challenge: “You have to work at maintaining your pace; it won’t set the pace for you,” she says. It’s not just her opinion, either — these benefits are backed by research.

Our tester walks on a Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Treadmill.

Better Replicates Outdoor Running: A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that, compared to a regular treadmill, running on a manual treadmill was more similar to overground (i.e. outdoor) running in terms of pacing and gait (1).

Can Help Refine Running Form: A 2018 study found that running on a curved, non-motorized treadmill had a significant effect on people’s gait. Specifically, runners had a shorter stride length, less gait asymmetry, and reduced stride angle, which are associated with more efficient running, reduced injury risk, and less impact upon landing. (4)

Potentially Burn More Calories: Research shows that walking or running on a manual treadmill results in higher overall exertion compared to doing so on one that’s motorized, and this seems to result in greater calorie burn while working out. (5)(6) 

No Electricity Required: Electric, motorized treadmills require a well-placed outlet supplying plenty of power, which can add up on your electric bill. With manual treadmills, there’s also no need for a nearby outlet or unsightly extension cords. As such, it’s ideal for home use, as you can set it up anywhere. 

How Much Do Manual Treadmills Cost?

The price spectrum for manual treadmills is wider than you’d think: Budget manual treadmills can go as low as about $200, while high-end options can creep up towards $10,000. Keep in mind, though, that you can often find machines on sale, especially if you shop during some of the best times to buy a treadmill.

The AssaultRunner Elite.

What to Consider Before Buying Manual Treadmills

There’s a lot to think about when buying a treadmill for your home gym. Some of the considerations have to do with the treadmill options, while others have more to do with you and your workout preferences. Give these factors some thought before you commit.

Electric vs. Manual Treadmills 

Manual treadmills come with the aforementioned benefits, but they are, admittedly, not for everyone. It’s a good idea to dig into the differences between manual vs. electric treadmills to decide which is the best type of treadmill for you. For example, if you’re a beginner, running on a manual treadmill may be too intense. They also likely aren’t fit if you want incline/decline training, to follow along with running classes, or to stream other content while you work out.

Size 

“Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position, if applicable,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer. “And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit!”

Our tester lifting the AssaultRunner Elite.

If you plan to move the treadmill on your own, take a look at the machine’s weight, too. “You’ll likely need something that weighs less than 200 pounds and has mounted transport wheels,” she adds, though “the best treadmills tend to weigh 250 pounds or more because they’re designed to withstand sprinting speeds without wobbling or shaking.”

Price 

Your budget, frankly, is your business. Still, it pays to keep in mind that, when it comes to heavy workout machinery, you typically get what you pay for — and that seems to be even more true with manual treadmills. Investing in a pricer, heavy-duty machine could be a better option if you want to run or sprint at high speeds or if you want one to last for many years and lots of high-intensity workouts. If you’re just looking to get moving (and perhaps aren’t even sure if you’ll like a manual treadmill), trying a cheaper option first may be the way to go. 

[Related: Running On a Treadmill vs. Running Outside]

Manual Treadmills FAQs

References

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. 

Silder, A., Besier, T., & Delp, S. L. (2012). Predicting the metabolic cost of incline walking from muscle activity and walking mechanics. Journal of biomechanics. 

Orozco, E., Joslin, H., Blumenthal, K., & Rosario, M. (2022). Characteristics of Lower Extremity Muscle Activation in Response to Change in Inclination while Walking on a Treadmill. European Journal of Sport Sciences. 

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). 

Dabbs, N. C., Reid, M. J., Wimbish, J., Ng, J. (2021). The Effect of Motorized vs Non-Motorized Treadmills on Exercise Economy during Acute Sub-maximal Bouts in Collegiate Cross-Country Female Athletes. International Journal of Kinesiology & Sports Science. 

Robertson, N. (2014). Comparing Calorie Expenditure and Rating of Perceived Exertion between the Curve and a Motorized Treadmill. EWU Masters Thesis Collection. 

Schoenmakers, P. P. J. M., & Reed, K. E. (2018). The physiological and perceptual demands of running on a curved non-motorised treadmill: Implications for self-paced training. Journal of science and medicine in sport. 

Thompson, Dixie L. (2010). Fitness Focus Copy-and-Share: What is Oxygen Consumption?. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. 

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