My Top 3 Recommended Treadmills For 2023 (Updated)

Woman running on a recommended treadmill

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By Simon Gould

I have been around treadmills at home and work for over 30 years. I must have seen, used and tested many, and while they all do the same sort of thing, some are better than others. Whether you want a treadmill to lose weight, get fit and healthy, run faster or replace an old one. I’ve chosen the very best on this page.

Quick summary

I’ll first introduce my top 3. They all have the best specifications at their price range. With every one of them you’ll be able to get effective workouts in your home. They are durable, reliable, fun to use and kind to your joints. They stand out above the rest.

RatingTreadmillVisit
Top Pick!Horizon 7.0 ATBest Price*
2ndBowflex Treadmill 22Best Price*
3rdBowflex Treadmill 10Best Price*

How I’ve chosen the best

There are certain key features I’m looking for in a treadmill. The motor must be strong and be able to power a run. The deck must be cushioned and large enough to take all kinds of users, big or small. There has to be an incline for those power walkers and enough speed for experienced runners.

The console must have all the workout information we need. This is speed, distance and calories burned. This means you can track your fitness or weight loss progress. I also look for a treadmill that will keep you entertained as you exercise. The ones I’ve recommended can last for many years if they’re well looked after.

Here is my number 1 treadmill

Here is my favorite treadmill of the year. It’s made by Horizon Fitness and is one of their Studio series of equipment. It’s the budget model and has everything you need to get a good and enjoyable workout. It’s proven to be very popular with it’s users. I think you’ll agree it represents good value for money when you consider what you get.

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

The 7.0 AT is part of a new range of treadmills by Horizon. It’s a formidable machine for the price and a sturdy one too. It has a large weight capacity of 325 lbs so it can take a large person and the deck surface is large and wide. You’ll be able to exercise with confidence when you get on.

  • Motor Power: 3.0 CHP
  • Folding: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
  • Shipping: Free

The motor is capable of providing a comfortable walk or run. The big incline means if you’re trying to lose weight by power walking then you’ll burn more calories. At the same time, a runner who wants to get a good workout as part of a training routine, can appreciate the impressive top speed. The whole family, if they choose, can achieve their aims with this treadmill.

I also like the 8 workout programs. The reason is because they all have levels within each. Whatever your fitness stage, you can make the workout program of your choice as hard or as easy as you like. Not many treadmills offers this functionality. You can also trust the durability as there’s a good warranty. This shows the company is confident on the build quality of their product.

What will appeal especially is the workout apps that come with the treadmill. One I want to mention is called Zwift and is free. This has you exercising on a choice of hundreds of different courses with other people around the world. It’s connected via Bluetooth and takes this treadmill to a whole new level. You’ll enjoy your exercise routines again thanks to this popular new technology.

Good
Free shipping
Warranty
Bluetooth
Big Incline
Price
Bad
Heavy treadmill

Click here for the best price and free shipping on the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill*

My number 2 treadmill

My 2nd favorite and a great treadmill in its own right is made by Bowflex. With Bowflex you have a choice between the Treadmill 10 and the Treadmill 22, I think the 22 is worth it if you can afford it. The difference between the size of the touchscreens is big and visible. You can’t underestimate the benefit of a clear and crisp screen whether you’re using the app or watching Amazon Prime. I think they’re both very good but my preference is this one.

Bowflex Treadmill 22

bowflex-treadmill-22-1

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is very high spec and is designed in such a way that anyone can get an effective workout indoors. Whether you want to lose weight by power walking up the 20% incline. Or you want to do high intensity interval training at high speeds as an experienced runner. This treadmill can cater for your needs as I’ll discuss in this review.

  • Motor Power: 4.0 CHP
  • Folding: Yes, SoftDrop folding system
  • Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
  • Motor Warranty: 15 Years: Frame & Drive Motor

The display screen has a formidable size. Regarding some of the specs, the weight capacity is 400 lbs which is one of the highest you can find for a home treadmill. Maybe someone in the family is a little heavier and wants to lose weight, well they can do it on the 22.

The treadmill 22 is very high spec and is designed in such a way that anyone can get an effective workout indoors. Whether you want to lose weight by power walking up the 20% incline. Or you want to do high-intensity interval training at high speeds as an experienced runner. This treadmill can cater to your needs as I’ll discuss in this review.

The speed goes to 12 mph which is standard for most good treadmills. This equates to a 5-minute mile and very few runners can achieve that kind of time. If you’re close to an elite runner, you’ll know what kind of speed on a treadmill you need. I used to do some speed training and I never needed 12 mph and I consider myself a proficient runner.

The top speed is 12 mph is more than enough for even the quickest of runners and is standard for good treadmills. The powerful motor can handle it which means it won’t struggle no matter how often you exercise. As with all the treadmills here, the whole family can get healthy and fit with this one. I like it and why I recommend it.

Good
22″ interactive full HD touch screen front and center
Bad
Stable Internet Required

Click here for the best price on the Bowflex Treadmill 22 *

My number 3 treadmill

My 3rd pick I’ve gone for a treadmill that is new to the market and is made by Bowflex. Bowflex are known for making advanced equipment for a fair price. While this one comes in at just under a few thousand you actually get a very high spec machine for the money. There is a powerful motor, high weight capacity and a good warranty.

Bowflex Treadmill 10

Bowflex Treadmill 10

The Bowflex Treadmill 10 represents a big leap forward when it comes to technology and workouts. I like that the technology is on point and so is the build quality and warranty. Sometimes you get one without the other but not here. The whole treadmill is controlled using a touch screen 10″ HD interactive console and a unique app.

  • Motor Power: 2.5 CHP
  • Folding: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
  • Labor Warranty: 2 years

The app is called the Bowflex JRNY app. It has been rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by over 3,500 users on the Apple App Store. This turns the treadmill into a digital fitness platform and it comes with some excellent features. You start with a fitness assessment so your fitness level can be determined and workouts created just for you.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to lose weight or an experienced runner looking to run at home, you are all well cared for. The tailored workouts get harder for you over time as your fitness improves or you can select your own workouts, the choices are endless. There are over 40 different destinations around the world on the screen you navigate as you exercise.

You can even watch Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video or other services you’re a member of. There’s still a lot more to the app. The specifications of the treadmill are high with a 5% decline and a 15% incline. 12 mph top speed. Soft drop folding system. Bluetooth enabled with an included heart rate arm band. There’s a lot to consider with this treadmill and a worthy pick.

Good
Bowflex JRNY app10″ interactive full HD color screen
Warranty
Decline
For any fitness level
Bad
Large footprint

Click here for the best price on the Bowflex Treadmill 10*

Summary

Out of every treadmill I’ve used and seen, it’s come down to these last 3. They represent the best of what’s available today and I stand by my number 1. This is the Horizon 7.0 AT. When I compare all 3, the Horizon just beats Bowflex at number 2. Whenever I get emails asking which treadmill I recommend I always point them to the Horizon 7.0 AT.

I understand that a treadmill is a big investment for the home. But at the same time you don’t want to go for a cheap one. A good treadmill can last from 10 to 12 years and sometimes longer, so it’s worth getting it right. Whatever your goals for exercise, making the right choice is important, and that’s why I recommend the 3 above.

Thinking of buying a treadmill? Here’s my favorite, I always recommend it when asked.

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