While there are plenty of budget treadmills that will make you sweat, it’s the premium features that elevate some of the best treadmills on the market. High-end treadmills stand out from low-cost options by virtue of their durable builds and connected programming, and are more likely to be a fixture of your home gym for years to come.
The best high-end treadmills will feature steel frames, powerful motors, and hydraulic folding mechanisms that can withstand the slapping sneakers of marathon runners, sprinters, and all-around cardio fiends. They’re also likely to feature cutting-edge tech, like swiveling HD touchscreens, wide incline ranges, and interactive programming like iFIT or Peloton. In our quest to find the best high-end treadmills, we laced up our fanciest running shoes and took a little time to enjoy the finer things at the gym. Check out our favorite high-end treadmills below.
The 8 Best High-End Treadmills of 2024
Best Overall High-End Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
Best High-End Treadmill for Running: ProForm Pro 9000
Best Folding High-End Treadmill: Horizon 7.4 AT
Best High-End Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Elite
Best High-End Treadmill for Walking: Sole F80
Most Durable High-End Treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 10
Best High-End Treadmill for Studio Workouts: Peloton Tread
Best High-End Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial x22i
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, a NASM-certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member. She reviewed the research we cite and the treadmills we listed to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations. She also tested one of these treadmills herself.
How We Tested the Best High-End Treadmills
The expert team at BarBend is made up of certified personal trainers, CrossFit professionals, nutrition coaches, and general treadmill nuts. We’ve personally tested over 40 treadmills and drew on that hands-on experience to give you the lowdown on these luxury machines. We scored each treadmill on a rating of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 different categories, including footprint and portability, technology features, durability, adjustability and ergonomics, customizations, and even the brand’s customer service.
When we used these high-end treadmills, we asked specific questions within each category to ensure you have all the details you need to make your big investment. What’s the diameter of the rollers? How much does it shake at the highest speed? Is it a non-folding treadmill? How much extra do I have to pay for interactive programming? Will a bottle of Chablis fit in the cup holders? We took into consideration these factors and more to bring you an overview of how the best high-end treadmills may fit in your budget, your house, and your lifestyle.
Best Overall High-End Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
The NordicTrack 2450 is one of the most high-tech treadmills on the market. It features a 22-inch touchscreen display that can tilt to your comfort level, and rotate 360 degrees. Your purchase includes a free month of iFit, and all of your trainer-led classes offer automatic adjustments to the incline, decline, and speed settings.
Specs
Price: $2,999
Incline Range: -3%-12%
Max Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Dimensions: 65″ H x 78.5″ L x 35.6″ W
Weight: 286lbs
Pros
Its -3-percent decline capability is an uncommon feature, even among high-end treadmills.
iFIT integration allows you to stream over 16,000 live and on-demand workouts on the 22-inch HD touchscreen — including some that can automatically adjust your machine.
The high-quality steel build can ensure this machine is in it for the long haul.
Cons
Without an iFIT subscription — $39.99 per month — there are limited built-in programs.
At 286 pounds, it may be difficult for one person to move without help.
Storing your treadmill in an area that is not climate-controlled will void the warranty.
Even among high-end options, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 stands out as the best overall high-end treadmill for its wide array of premium features. The incline and decline can intensify any workout and its high-quality steel build helps ensure your investment will last. With a 3.6 continuous horsepower motor, you can count on smooth acceleration and deceleration. Like the best NordicTrack treadmills, iFIT integration comes standard and the 2450 allows you to stream your interactive cardio workouts on its swiveling 22-inch HD touchscreen.
The 2450’s -3-percent decline to 12-percent incline range opens up more possibilities for varied workouts. Our tester, a CrossFit trainer, rated its customizations 5 out 5. “I was impressed because not many treadmills have decline,” they explained, “and the max speed of 12 miles per hour surpasses industry standards.”
For $2,999, you’d be right to expect a quality build. The steel construction prompted a 4.75 out of 5 score for durability. Jake Herod — certified nutrition coach and BarBend product tester — said in his video review, which you can watch below, “Even at some of those top-end speeds, it really doesn’t wobble.”
“Anyone who thrives having a trainer or coach lead you along the way will love iFIT,” said Herod. Your $39.99 monthly subscription gives you access to over 16,000 live and on-demand classes, some of which can automatically adjust the speed and incline of your treadmill to match the trail or path you’re following on the 22-inch HD touchscreen.
With iFIT on board, the dynamic programming on this tread earned a perfect 5 out 5. “Subscribing to iFIT allows you to automatically save the data from workouts you did on the NordicTrack 2450 and sync it across all your devices,” he explained.
Jake following an iFit workout on the NordicTrack Commercial 2450.
“I like that it folds, but it’s not like it comes down totally flat,” our tester noted. They rated its footprint and portability 3 out of 5 and added, “If you’re planning on moving it too far, grab a friend.”
Some people may only have space for this 286-pound beast of a machine in a garage, but our tester rated the warranty 3 out of 5 because the warranty is voided if you store it in any space that isn’t climate-controlled.
Read our full NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill Review.
Best High-End Treadmill for Running: ProForm Pro 9000
ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill
If you’re looking for a high-tech tread for your home that can fold up when not in use, the ProForm Pro 9000 is a great option with a 22-inch touchscreen display and automatic incline and speed adjustments. The 60-inch running deck can incline from -3 to 12 percent for a variety of running and hiking workouts.
Specs
Price: $2,299
Incline Range: -3%-12%
Max Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Dimensions: 59.6″ H x 77.3″ L x 35.3″ W
Weight: 263lbs
Pros
Runners will like this treadmill’s 3.6 CHP motor and max speed of 12 miles per hour.
ProForm’s ReBound Pro cushioning in the 20-inch by 60-inch deck can provide support during intense runs.
A $39.99 monthly iFIT subscription gives you access to thousands of cardio, strength, and mobility classes.
Cons
At 263 pounds, it can be difficult to move — even with upright folding and built-in wheels.
With limited preset programs, you may need a $39.99 monthly iFIT subscription to get the most out of the machine.
The warranty will be voided if this treadmill is kept in a space that isn’t climate-controlled.
We named the ProForm Pro 9000 our favorite high-end treadmill for running because of the 3.6 CHP motor, cushioned deck, and the stability it provides at high speeds. To push your runs even further, take advantage of the -3-percent to 12-percent incline range and 20-inch by 60-inch belt deck. Its powerful motor can also smoothly reach the 12-mile-per-hour max speed — two miles per hour faster than most treadmills.
During runs, your feet are hitting the belt harder than they would in a walking or jogging session. Like the best cushioned treadmills, the Pro 9000 works to lessen the impact on your joints with its own patented ReBound Pro cushioning system, which includes shock absorbers so you can work out longer and recover faster.
For its adjustability and ergonomics, Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member, rated it 5 out of 5. “I thought the 20-inch by 60-inch cushioned deck, plus the wide incline range made running super comfortable,” she said.
Our BarBend product tester doing an incline workout on the ProForm Pro 9000.
With an iFIT membership ($39.99 per month after your 30-day free trial), you get access to a deep library of running workouts, including a 10k training series and scenic classes that unfold against locales like the Hawaiian Islands and the Grand Canyon.
The features that make it solid for running also come with a trade-off. “Because it was so heavy, I almost had to scoot it across the room, even with the wheels,” Meier explained. The 3.5 out of 5 rating she gave its footprint and portability was the lowest score across all categories. “I’d probably just use the hydraulic folding to save space.”
Despite this hefty machine’s hefty price tag — $2,299 — Meier rated the ProForm Pro 9000’s overall value 4.5 out of 5. “I actually think the price is relatively modest considering all you get,” she pointed out. Stacked up against comparable machines like the NordicTrack 2450 at $2,999 and the Sole F80 at $1,899, this tread’s price lands squarely in the middle.
Considering that price point, she made sure to leave one last important note about storage. Like other machines in this price range, the warranty will be voided if you need to store it in an area that isn’t climate-controlled.
Read our full ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Review.
Best Folding High-End Treadmill: Horizon 7.4 AT
The Horizon 7.4 AT treadmill is ideal for anyone who likes to stream fitness classes throughout their workout. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity for streaming, this tread also features 3-zone variable response cushioning and feather-light folding to make storing this treadmill seamless.
Specs
Price: $2,399
Incline Range: 0%-15%
Max Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 350lbs
Dimensions: 67″ H x 77″ L x 35″ W
Weight: 318lbs
Pros
Horizon’s FeatherLight hydraulic folding system allows for effortless upright folding.
Its 350-pound weight capacity is about 50 pounds more than many treadmills in this price range.
The 22-inch by 60-inch running deck is two inches wider than most treadmills.
Cons
With such a large footprint and overall weight — 318 pounds — you may want to leave it one spot.
Unlike other high-end machines, it does not offer a touchscreen or integrated interactive programming like iFIT.
The Horizon 7.4 AT is our pick for best folding high-end treadmill because its FeatherLight hydraulic folding system lets you save space — and your back — by taking most of that weight off your shoulders — and your back. To fold the deck down, just tap the lever with your foot and the hydraulics gently lower it to the floor completely hands-free. When folding it back up, the same hydraulics carry most of the weight up for you, as well. This system makes Horizon Fitness machines some of the best folding treadmills out there.
With a steel frame and overall weight of 318 pounds, the 7.4 AT is built like a tank. The weight capacity for most treadmills around this price is around 300 pounds, so we love that this model can support up to 350 pounds. “The weight capacity and larger-than-average running deck told me this tread is in it for the long haul,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. That prompted a durability rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Our product tester folding and moving the Horizon 7.4 AT.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, its footprint and portability earned the lowest rating for all 13 categories — a 3.5 out of 5. “In the upright folded position, it’s still 3 feet wide and 6 feet tall,” our tester pointed out. “I like the extra-wide 22-inch belt, but this machine is not meant for small spaces.”
Many other treadmills at this price point offer touchscreens or access to dynamic programming. While the 7.4 AT includes a few preset programs — My First 5K, Fat Burn, and Hill Climb among them — this treadmill is designed more for those who simply want to hop on and start running.
While you can take advantage of Horizon’s financing options, at this price, our tester rated its value 3.75 out of 5. “I think that, overall, it performs very well,” they said, “but at this price point, it should.”
Read our full Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill Review.
Best High-End Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Elite
Assault Runner Elite Treadmill
The Assault Runner Elite is a top-tier motorless treadmill thanks to its heavy shock-absorbent belt that utilizes inertia to reach and maintain optimal speeds in training. We also appreciate the added conveniences of built-in water bottle holders and a center storage compartment.
Specs
Price: $3,999
Step-Up Height: 13.45”
Incline Range: None
Max Speed: Unlimited
Weight Capacity: 400lbs
Dimensions: 64.4″ H x 69.9″ L x 31.7″ W
Weight: 289.2lbs
Pros
With proper care, its powder-coated steel frame and heavy-duty oval tubing can support years of heavy use.
Its curved, manual design helps promote a natural running form.
The 62-inch curved belt is easier on the joints than the flat belts of electric treadmills.
Cons
$3,999 is pricey given its lack of smart features or integrated workout programs.
The plastic along the sides of the machine may be susceptible to cracks.
It has no folding option.
Our pick for the best high-end manual treadmill, the AssaultRunner Elite, is designed to sustain heavy use over many years. Its solid steel construction and oval tubing provide a sturdy foundation for runs. The powder-coated frame works to prevent corrosion, and the lifetime belt warranty ensures there’s no risk of running it into disrepair. Add in the large side panels for secure foot placement and a UV-resistant console, and it’s hard to argue with its durability.
Traditional treadmills operate using electric motors that move the belt according to the speed you set. Manual treadmills are user-powered, so the maximum speed is however fast you can make it go. Leading with the ball of the foot, you’ll propel the belt forward all by yourself. It can take some getting used to, but the design of curved treadmills encourages proper form and is lower-impact than flat belts. (1)
Our product tester running on the AssaultRunner Elite.
The AssaultRunner Elite’s 62-inch belt prompted a 4 out of 5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics from our tester. “I thought the curved, heavy tread provided a softer landing area compared to a regular treadmill belt,” they said. While standard treadmill belts are supported by hard, flat decks, the slats in this belt are made from thick rubber to absorb shock in each footfall.
Its four preset training modules include Interval Training, Quick Start, Targets, and Competition Mode. Because it has fewer mechanical parts, you won’t find much in the way of technology. Our tester rated its tech capabilities a 3.5 out of 5 and said, “I did like that the monitor displayed my metrics, like heart rate, but there wasn’t much else.”
Despite the steel frame and powder-coated parts, our tester noted the plastic pieces along the sides of the machine and knocked a point off its durability score — 4 out of 5. “I had some help during assembly, but still could not get those plastic pieces flush,” they said.
In terms of overall value — 3.5 out of 5 — our tester pointed out that the Elite model is a little too similar to the $2,999 Pro model to justify the price hike. “I appreciated the dual cup holders and device holder,” they said, “but for $1,000 less, I think I’d take the shorter warranty, and lower weight capacity.”
Read our full AssaultRunner Elite Treadmill Review.
Best High-End Treadmill for Walking: Sole F80
The Sole F80 treadmill is full of modern touches. It can withstand long runs, offers an incline range up to 15 percent and speed range up to 12 mph, and has a cushioned deck that makes running 40 percent less impactful on your joints than the outdoors.
Specs
Price: $1,899
Incline Range: 0%-15%
Max Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 350lbs
Dimensions: 66″ H x 82.5″ L x 38″ W
Weight: 274lbs
Pros
A 15-percent incline range can add some intensity to your walking workouts.
This folding treadmill has a 3.5 CHP motor and a wide 22-inch belt deck.
The free Sole+ app offers over 3,000 on-demand cardio classes.
Cons
It has no decline capabilities.
The 274-pound overall weight may make it difficult for one person to move very far.
With a 22-inch wide belt deck — 2 inches wider than most treadmills — 15-percent incline, and a 3.5 CHP motor to power those incline walks, we think the Sole F80 is the best high-end treadmill for walking. If you like following on-demand walking workouts, Sole’s integrated app — Sole+ — delivers more than 3,000 on-demand studio workouts at no additional cost.
Our tester walking on the Sole F80.
“I do wish it had even a -3-percent decline,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer, “but with a 15% incline available, that’s more than enough for an extra burn.” The adjustability and ergonomics earned a 4 out 5 rating from our tester, with the lack of decline accounting for the lost point.
The Sole+ app used to be a paid companion, but is now available simply as an included feature on Sole’s integrated machines. This free dynamic programming earned a 5 out of 5 score from our tester. The fitness apps integrated into machines like the NordicTrack 2450 or ProForm Pro 9000, on the other hand, include a monthly subscription fee.
[Related: The 8 Best Walking Treadmills of 2024]
This is still a large machine at 274 pounds, though it can be folded upright to make more space when it’s not in use. Our tester rated its footprint and portability 3.75 out of 5. “I thought an underrated aspect of the design that I loved was the wheel placement,” they said. “I wouldn’t say it was easy to move from room to room, but when the deck is upright, it was easy to lower and rotate.”
For $1,899, we do think there is a lot to love about the F80 for walking. We rated its overall value a 4 out 5. “It’s just one of the best all-around machines I’ve used,” said our tester.
Read our full Sole F80 Treadmill Review.
Most Durable High-End Treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 10
This treadmill features a foldable design, a 400-pound weight capacity, a wide range of incline and decline settings, and offers streaming capabilities.
Specs
Price: $1,999
Incline Range: -5%-15%
Max Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 400lbs
Dimensions: 65.3″ H x 85″ L x 39.6″ W
Weight: 323lbs
Pros
The durable steel frame and 4.0 CHP motor can support users up to 400 pounds.
The wide decline and incline range — -5 percent to 15 percent — can add intensity and an additional challenge to your workouts.
You can stream workouts via the JRNY app via the 10-inch HD touchscreen.
Cons
A JRNY subscription costs $19.99 per month.
Even though it can fold upright, its 323-pound build can make it a pain to move around.
It’s 85 inches in length, making it roughly 6 to 7 inches longer than most treadmills we tested.
The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is our choice for the most durable high-end treadmill because of the heavy-duty steel frame and 400-pound weight capacity, which is between 50 and 100 pounds more than most treadmills we tested. The 4.0 CHP motor packs more of a punch than the standard 3.5 CHP motors typically seen in this price range — like on the similarly large Sole F80. “After racking up miles on this treadmill, I do think it’s pretty durable,” our tester said. “It has a lot of electronics that I guess could need replacing eventually, but I expect it to hold up long-term.”
[Related: Buying A Treadmill? Here’s Everything You Need To Know]
Decline capability is uncommon in treadmills, but a -3-percent decline is what you’ll often find on machines that do have it. As such, we were impressed by the -5-percent decline here. The belt is also two inches wider than the standard 20-inch belt on most treadmills, like the ProForm Pro 9000. “I loved the extra two inches of belt width,” our tester said, rating its adjustability and ergonomics 4.5 out of 5. “I could feel the shock absorption, too.”
Our product tester using the incline on the Bowflex Treadmill 10.
It measures 85 inches in length, which is 6 to 7 inches more than most treadmills at this price range, but the deck folds upright to make space when it’s not in use. It also weighs 323 pounds, which is between 40 and 60 pounds more than many comparable treadmills, making it difficult to transport. If it’s left mostly in one spot, we think it’s one of the best treadmills for seniors, beginners, and experienced athletes alike.
Because of that, its footprint and portability earned just a 2.5 out of 5 from our tester. “Part of being so big is that it’s also stable,” they pointed out, “but I don’t recommend moving it much. 323 pounds is heavy and the small wheels hardly moved on carpet.”
Two key technology features they mentioned are the 10-inch HD touchscreen and JRNY app integration. Using machine learning, JRNY can track your workout data to create an adaptive program tailored to your skill level. It costs just $19.99, half the cost of popular apps like iFIT and Echelon Fit, but our tester wasn’t sold quite yet. “JRNY is fine, but I don’t think it’s as good as iFIT — at least not yet,” our tester said.
Read our full Bowflex Treadmill 10 Review.
Best High-End Treadmill for Studio Workouts: Peloton Tread
Stream live and on-demand classes on the 23.8-inch touchscreen where you can also view leaderboards, view suggested classes, and keep up with your community. The 59″ running deck length also provides most runners enough space to pick up the pace.
Specs
Price: $2,995
Incline Range: 0%-12.5%
Max Speed: 12.5mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Dimensions: 652″ H x 68″ L x 33″ W
Weight: 290lbs
Pros
With a Peloton All-Access Membership for $44 per month, you can choose from thousands of live and on-demand workouts to stream right on the 23.8-inch HD touchscreen.
The front-facing stereo speakers and rear-facing woofers can provide an immersive studio experience.
Use the built-in handrail knobs to adjust the speed up to 12.5 miles per hour and the incline up to 12.5 percent.
Cons
There are no pre-programmed workouts, so you’ll need an All-Access membership — $44 per month — to maximize its potential.
At $2,995, the Tread is around $700 more expensive than many treadmills with similar features, like the ProForm Pro 9000.
If you live for the energy of studio fitness classes, look no further than the Peloton Tread. We picked it as our best high-end treadmill with studio classes because with a Peloton All-Access Membership — $44 per month — you get access to thousands of cardio classes on one of the best running apps available, not to mention strength, boxing, and Pilates classes you can take off the Tread. Classes unfold on a massive 23.8-inch HD touchscreen — nearly 2 inches larger than the displays on the NordicTrack 2450 and x22i.
The machine has standard features in line with other machines in this price range, including a 20-inch by 59-inch belt deck, 12.5-percent incline, and a max speed of 12.5 miles per hour. The emphasis is on the Peloton workout experience.
Delivery and setup earned a 4 out of 5 rating from our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer. “Since Peloton offers their ‘white-glove install,” she explained, “most people won’t need to assemble it themselves. However, it could easily be done by one person.”
That’s evident in the tech features like the touchscreen display. “I liked that there are basically no buttons,” our tester, a certified personal trainer, noted. “The screen is like the control panel. Tap incline or speed and adjust right on the screen. I think my 8-year-old could navigate it.”
Our BarBend tester walking on the Peloton Tread.
Between the screen and the front-facing stereo speakers and rear-facing woofers, you’ll get as close to a studio experience as possible. With many workouts, your machine can automatically adjust the speed and incline, following cues from the trainer.
The downside is that without the $44-per-month subscription, the treadmill itself would be pretty average. It has speed and incline knobs in the handrails, but no decline, minimal deck cushioning, and no fans.
Our tester pointed out that while this is a top-of-the-line machine for studio classes, people who need something foldable, portable, or aren’t sold on interactive programming may want to look elsewhere. “For someone looking for a boutique experience, this is a great machine,” our tester explained. “If you have the budget, the space, and really love this kind of interactive programming, I think it’s a good investment.”
[Related: Peloton vs. NordicTrack]
Best High-End Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial x22i
NordicTrack X22i Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is built for those who want to climb. The machine inclines up to 40 percent and declines down to -6 percent. It features a Sled Push option where you can power the belt with your own leg drive, and it has a 22-inch touchscreen display where you can follow your workout and take iFit classes.
Specs
Price: $3,499
Incline Range: -6%-40%
Max Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Dimensions: 72.5″ H x 70″ L x 39″ W
Weight: 417lbs
Pros
It has a -6 percent decline and 40 percent incline, which is one of the highest ranges we’ve seen on a treadmill.
Its 4.0 CHP motor — more powerful than the 3.0 to 3.5 CHP average — can reach a max speed of 12 miles per hour.
It has a 22-inch HD touchscreen with iFIT integration.
Cons
The $3,499 price may be out of reach for a lot of folks.
With its 417-pound overall weight and 18.96-square-foot footprint, you’ll need a lot of space to house this treadmill.
We chose the NordicTrack Commercial x22i as the best high-end incline treadmill because it has a -6-percent decline and a 40-percent incline. That’s a whopping 25 percent higher than the average 12- to 15-percent incline range on most high-end machines. It’s one the best incline treadmills we’ve used.
Our tester, a CrossFit trainer, rated their workout experience 4.5 out of 5, specifically noting the incline range. “It didn’t shake or anything, even at that super-high incline,” they said. “It’s just a really heavy, sturdy treadmill.”
The monstrous 417-pound overall weight is between 100 and 150 pounds heavier than other treadmills at this price range. It also has a footprint of 18.96 square feet — 2 to 3 square feet larger than average — so it may be difficult to find space for this machine. “It can’t fold, so I doubt it would fit in most apartments — or even houses — without a sizable home gym,” our tester explained. Its footprint and portability earned a 3 out of 5 rating for this reason. “Also, remember you’ll need to store it in a climate-controlled space or the warranty will be voided.”
Ourtester walking at tallest incline on the NordicTrack X22i
The 4.0 CHP motor — more powerful than the 3.0 or 3.5 CHP motors you’ll find in this price range — can keep your walking or running sessions steady. “A 4.0 CHP motor is actually more powerful than a lot of running treadmills,” our tester noted. Running treadmills use powerful motors to support faster speeds. “It definitely has the power to handle the top speeds, even at that high incline,” they said. The motor contributed to their overall durability rating of 5 out of 5.
Between its iFIT integration, 22-inch HD touchscreen, and dual speakers, our tester rated its tech capabilities a 5 out of 5. Though the price tag is among the highest for machines we have tested, our tester rated its value at 4 out of 5. “With features like the enormous incline range, huge touchscreen, and sturdy build, I would recommend it for someone looking for an absolute top-of-the-market machine,” they said.
Read our full NordicTrack x22i Treadmill Review.
How We Chose the Best High-End Treadmills
We tested over 40 treadmills looking for features that make a treadmill “high-end.” We’d define a high-end treadmill as having features like heavy-duty steel frames, motors between 3.0 and 4.0 continuous horsepower, large incline and decline ranges, and weight capacities greater than 300 pounds. Additionally, we’re looking for cutting-edge tech, from HD touchscreens to app integration.
Durability
A treadmill that costs upwards of $3,999 should last longer than a budget treadmill. The same principle applies to that $5 pair of jeans you have. If you only spend $5, it’s reasonable to expect you’ll have to buy another pair soon. When putting together this list, we looked for treadmills that can withstand intervals, sprints, and steep walking workouts. That meant prioritizing models with steel construction, motors between 3.0 and 4.0 continuous horsepower, and user weight capacities over the industry standard of 300 pounds.
Our BarBend product tester holding the handrails while walking on the ProForm Pro 9000.
Our testers pushed their limits when testing these machines, hitting the top speeds and incline settings to ensure that there’s minimal shaking at those extreme ranges. If you spend this much on a high-end treadmill, it’s fair to want a sturdy machine that can withstand daily workouts.
Technology
Treadmills in this price range should have lots of bells and whistles that make for a premium experience. When curating this list, we looked for HD touchscreens, quality speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, app integration, and built-in heart rate monitors. While not required to work up a sweat, these kinds of features can make workouts that much more productive (or at least a little less painful).
Dynamic Programming
Interactive programming is a key component of many high-end treadmills, which often include a touchscreen where you can access the live and on-demand classes of apps like iFIT or Peloton. Since this is a list of high-end treadmills, we included several models with this kind of immersive programming.
The console on the BowFlex Treadmill 10.
Not only do these apps come packed with thousands of on-demand cardio, strength, and mobility classes, but they may also include interactive elements to help motivate the user, from leaderboards and virtual high-fives to digital tracking and community feeds. Some apps can even automatically adjust a machine’s speed and incline to the specifications of a particular class, relieving you of the need to fiddle with buttons and settings mid-workout.
What to Consider Before Buying a High-End Treadmill
Before investing in a high-end treadmill, make sure you consider what exactly you should be looking for to make your money go as far as possible. You’ll need to plan where you will put it, what types of training you plan to use it for, and just how much you are willing to spend to reach your fitness goals.
Budget
What separates these treadmills from mid-range machines, entry-level options, or the best budget treadmills is their price tag. When any product costs a lot to make, it will cost a lot to buy. Since high-end treadmills tend to have premium features like steel frames, decline and incline capabilities, HD touchscreens, quality Bluetooth speakers, and integrated workout platforms, they are going to cost more.
High-end treadmills — whether you look here or Amazon — tend to range from about $1,500 to $4,000, so it’s certainly not a decision to take lightly. Make sure you consider the price of the machine, as well as any monthly subscriptions you may need.
Available Space
Again, hefty machines command hefty price tags. A lot of high-end machines are large compared to less expensive treadmills because they have more features. Many will be around 70 to 80 inches long and 30 to 40 inches wide. We made sure to include precise dimensions, so you’ll be able to measure where you plan to put it, as well as entryways and hallways you’ll have to navigate.
Our product tester moving the Sole F80.
While most fold upright, they are still going to weigh about 300 to 400 pounds, so consider identifying a semi-permanent spot to leave it. One hurdle to consistent exercise is convenience, so if it’s cumbersome to move your treadmill in and out of storage every time you use it, it will be tough to commit to a regular routine.
App Integration
Some brands have their own compatible apps that they integrate into their treadmills. NordicTrack, for example, outfits their machines with the iFIT app, while the Peloton Tread utilizes the Peloton app. Before purchasing your machine, it’s a good idea to either download those apps — without subscribing just yet — to see what they have to offer.
Are you interested in following studio classes or virtual workouts around the world? Do you want to hop in live classes or prefer to just tap play on an on-demand option? Does the app offer more than cardio that you could do off the machine, like yoga, strength training or Pilates? High-end machines typically have some preset training programs, but if you are spending this much, those may not cut it.
Of course, not everyone wants this kind of programming built into their machine. If you’re the type who just wants a sturdy, efficient treadmill that you can just hop onto and run, there are high-end options available for you, too.
Different Types of High-End Treadmills
High-end treadmills have something in common: they offer premium features that make for a premium experience. However, as with treadmills in any price range, some are designed to support a certain type of training, while others use one advanced feature — like auto-adjusting speed and incline — to enhance all cardio workouts.
For Running
High-end treadmills tend to have features at the high end of standard ranges or that surpass those standards altogether. If you plan to rack up the miles on your treadmill with running workouts, you want to see a motor of 3.6 continuous horsepower or higher, cushioning in the deck, and incline to mix up the intensity on your runs. It helps to follow built-in workouts or some interactive programming like iFIT because sometimes following a trainer in a live class or on-demand workout can add a little motivation, as well.
For Walking
Treadmills that best support walking prioritize their incline range, the motor to power those incline walks, and the belt deck size. In high-end machines — unlike less-expensive options like under-desk treadmills — an incline range beyond the standard 12 percent is ideal and you’ll need a motor around 3.0 to 4.0 continuous horsepower to keep the deck stable at higher inclines.
Manual
We included a manual treadmill with a curved belt on our list because, although they are not as common as motorized machines, they provide a unique experience and challenge. Since they are powered completely by the user, they require more exertion, which results in more calories burned. (1)
The belt deck of the AssaultRunner Elite.
The curved design tends to be easier on joints and since these treadmills lack motors and other mechanical parts, there are generally fewer maintenance issues.
Benefits of the Best High-End Treadmills
With such a wide range of treadmills available, you may be wondering what makes high-end machines worth the investment. On most options you’ll see advanced tech capabilities, comfortable design features, and sturdy builds that can last long-term.
Technology
If you drop this much cash on a treadmill, you’d be correct to expect a premium experience. That’s what many high-end machines offer with integrated workout platforms like iFIT or Peloton, large HD touchscreens, quality speakers, and digital or handrail controls for speed and incline.
[Related: The 8 Best Treadmills with Screens of 2024]
A big draw for these machines is the streaming workouts and entertainment they support. High-end treadmills with iFIT usually support auto-adjusting speed and incline so your machine will respond to cues in the workout. Many high-end treadmills can also support apps like Netflix or Hulu, relieving you of the need to boot up shows on a separate device.
Comfort
A premium price tag should bring a premium walking or running experience. For the same reason you’d buy a Mercedes or a Tesla, you’d buy a high-end treadmill. These machines range in price from $1,899 to $3,999, so you can expect cushioned belt decks of at least 20 inches wide by 60 inches long, with many options offering an extra two inches in width.
Adjusting settings on the Commercial 2450.
You can also expect a smooth belt and a frame that won’t shake when you hit high speeds. And since the small stuff matters, most treadmills at this price point will phone or tablet holders, bottle holders, fans, and quick-adjust knobs and buttons.
Durability
If you are paying top dollar for a quality treadmill, you should expect to see heavy-duty builds that use materials like powder-coated steel frames with minimal plastic. If you find a machine with a steel frame, a 3.0 to 4.0 CHP motor, rollers between 2.5 to 3.5 inches in diameter, and a high incline range, you can expect your investment to pay off.
Final Word
Shopping for a high-end treadmill for home use has one prerequisite: a thick wallet. If you plan on spending the cash required to make one of these your home treadmill, we think you should be well-informed. We have spent many years and logged many treadmill workouts, so we are familiar with what makes a machine “high-end.”
If you’re paying a premium, you should also expect your machine to last long-term. The durability and overall quality of your treadmill should far exceed that of less expensive options. A high-end treadmill is a big investment, so capitalize on our experience with these machines to make the best decision for you.
FAQs
What is the best high-end treadmill?
We chose the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 as the best high-end treadmill. We think it’s the most well-rounded machine in this price range because it offers a 22-inch swiveling HD touchscreen, decline and incline capability, and iFIT integration. With the $39.99 subscription, you can follow workouts that will automatically adjust your incline and speed.
What is a high-end treadmill?
The “high-end” in high-end treadmills refers to the above-average price, but also the above-average features. Like many things in life, you often get what you pay for. So if you pay for a high-end machine, expect lots of technology functionality like HD touchscreens — instead of LCD screens — and Bluetooth connectivity. Also look for a wide decline and incline range, as well as quality parts that will help make your investment last.
What is the best high-end treadmill brand?
Over the years, we have been particularly impressed by the treadmill lineups from NordicTrack and ProForm. We have personally owned or tested eight NordicTrack treadmills — like the NordicTrack Commerical 1250 Treadmill — and four ProForm machines — like the ProForm Pro 9000.
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, 8, 914.
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