The latest treadmills offer HD touchscreen technology so you can access your favorite TV shows and workout apps at your fingertips when a tight schedule, winter weather, or safety concerns make running outside impossible.
But, how do you choose from so many options on today’s market? Googling “treadmill with screen” turns up with too many results to pick from. What sets a high-quality treadmill apart?
You need durable equipment that fits your programming and functions seamlessly so you can focus on an exhilarating workout. I’m going to round up the best contenders, explain all the critical considerations, and name our top favorites.
Table of Contents
- Bowflex Treadmill 22
- Bowflex Treadmill 10
- ProForm Pro 9000
- NordicTrack T Series 6.5Si
- NordicTrack Commercial 2950
- NordicTrack Commercial 2450
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- ProForm Carbon T7
- ProForm Carbon T10
What to look for when buying a treadmill
Which treadmill is the best for me?
1. Bowflex Treadmill 22
- Roomy belt, high weight capacity, broad incline range, heart rate armband included, TV streaming services, screen placed close to eye level
- CHP not listed, large footprint may be too big for some spaces, JRNY app required
- Comes with a 1-year membership to JRNY, a digital workout platform that gives you access to classes, adaptive workouts, personalized workout assessments, and TV streaming services. However, some users report the app could be clunky to navigate, and it’s necessary to use the treadmill
- 22” bluetooth enabled HD touchscreen console is placed high enough to be at your natural eye level
- Roomy 22”x60” tread and high weight capacity makes it a durable choice for heavier runners. Additionally, it comes with extended handles and offers plenty of storage space.
- High range incline allows for hyper–realistic hill training
- Comes with an arm band for heart rate monitoring and heart rate hand grips
Features:
Display: 22” Console with HD Touchscreen
Streaming: Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, HBOmax
Weight capacity: 400lbs
Belt dimensions: 22” W x 60” L
Incline: -5 to 20%
Speed: 0-12mph
Motor: 4.0 HP
Rollers: 2.75”
Professional Assembly: Available in mainland US
2. Bowflex Treadmill 10
- TV streaming services, high weight capacity, large belt, heart rate armband included
- Smaller screen, CHP and roller size not listed, larger footprint, JRNY app required
- An affordable option for runners who don’t mind a smaller screen and a lower incline capacity (capping out at 15%), as well as smaller handles and fewer shelves and cup holders
- Comes with a 1-year JRNY membership
- Like the 22, it has a high weight capacity, meaning it will likely have stellar durability even though it’s not rated for CHP
- This model also comes with a heart rate monitor armband which is much more convenient than the typical handle grip sensors
Features:
Display: 10” Console with HD Touchscreen
Streaming: Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, HBOmax
Weight capacity: 400lbs
Belt dimensions: 22” W x 60” L
Incline: -5-15%
Speed: 0-12mph
Motor: 4.0 HP
Rollers: Unlisted
Professional Assembly: Available in mainland US
3. ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill
- Powerful motor, built-in 2” speakers, Bluetooth audio, sound system, large belt
- Lower weight capacity than Bowflex, smaller rollers, no streaming services, larger footprint
- 22” Smart HD touchscreen for the full enjoyment of the iFit interactive personal training app (WiFi required). A 30-day membership is included with the purchase after which, a family membership comes to $39/mo. The app tracks your stats and boasts scenic locations and studio classes
- Comes with 40 built-in workouts
- Has a powerful 3.6 CHP motor, but the rollers are a little smaller than Bowflex and NordicTrack models
- It doesn’t connect to streaming services
- You can sync a SmartBeat heart rate monitor armband to read your heart rate on the screen, but it’s not included with the unit
Features:
Display: Adjustable 22” HD Screen
Streaming: iFit app only
Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Belt dimensions: 20” W x 60” L
Incline: -3-12%
Speed: 0-12mph
Motor: 3.6 CHP
Rollers: 1.9”
Professional Assembly: Available in some locations
4. NordicTrack T Series 6.5Si
- Smaller footprint, affordable price, grip heart rate sensors, 20 built-in workouts
- No fan, fewer incline and speed settings, lower motor power, shorter belt, smaller rollers, potentially noisy
- Budget-friendly option with a more minimal build, capping out at 10% incline and 10mph, suitable for the average runner, but may not meet the required standard for a sprint or steep incline enthusiast
- Like the Proform, it comes with one month of an iFit membership, and doesn’t allow for other streaming services
- The 55” inch belt won’t be an issue for most runners, but it might not be a good fit for those with a longer stride
- Some users find this treadmill to be noisier than others in its class
- If you don’t want a membership, you can still access a limited number of iFit workouts or 20 built-in programs
Features:
Display: 10” HD Touchscreen
Streaming: iFit app only
Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Belt dimensions: 20”W x 55”L
Incline: Up to 10%
Speed: 0-10mph
Motor: 2.6CHP
Rollers: 1.9”
Professional Assembly: Available on Amazon, available in most American cities via NordicTrack
5. NordicTrack Commercial 2950
- 4.25 CHP motor, large HD screen, AutoAdjust technology, wide belt, 40 built-in workouts
- Screen is nonadjustable
- 22” screen HD touchscreen
- Equipped with the most powerful motor of the lineup and a roomy tread, the 2950 ensures maximum durability and power
- Trademarked AutoAdjust technology for quieter and more accurate incline adjustments
- The Commercial series is engineered with 2.5” belt rollers, a little larger than ProForm
- Comes with 40 built-in workout programs
Features:
Display: 22” HD Touchscreen
Streaming: iFit app only
Weight capacity: 300lbs
Belt dimensions: 22”W x 60”L
Incline: -3-15%
Speed: 0-12mph
Motor: 4.25 CHP
Rollers: 2.5”
Professional Assembly: Available in most American cities
6. NordicTrack NEW Commercial 2450
- Adjustable 22” screen, ActivePulse Cardio Cruise technology, wide belt, 40 built-in workouts
- Must purchase a SmartBeat to use ActivePulse
- ActivePulse technology automatically adjusts speed and incline to maintain your optimal heart rate zone. The SmartBeat heart rate monitor for the ActivePulse feature is sold separately
- 22” screen tilts and pivots so you can find the perfect angle and the unit even has an amplified sound system
- The motor is a little less powerful than the 2950, which means it might be less durable if you’re heavier or plan on using it more often. But, it’s still more than powerful enough for the average runner
- 40 built-in workout programs
Features:
Display: 22” Tilt & Pivot HD Touchscreen
Streaming: iFit only
Weight capacity: 300lbs
Belt dimensions: 22”W x 60”L
Incline: -3-15%
Speed: 0-12mph
Motor: 3.6 CHP
Rollers: 2.5”
Professional Assembly: Available in most American cities
7. NordicTrack NEW Commercial 1750
- Adjustable 14” screen, ActivePulse Cardio Cruise technology, wide belt, quiet motor
- Must purchase a SmartBeat to use ActivePulse
- Like the 2450, it comes with the ActivePulse technology (heart rate monitor sold separately), a wide belt, and sizable 2.5” rollers
- The ergonomic adjustable screen is sized down to 14”
- Features Quiet Drive Incline Tech for a quieter motor, and built-in workout programming
- Strikes a balance between quality build, flashy tech, and a moderate price range
Features:
Display: 14” Tilt & Pivot HD Touchscreen
Streaming: iFit only
Weight capacity: 300lbs
Belt dimensions: 22”W x 60”L
Incline: -3-15%
Speed: 0-12mph
Motor: 3.5 CHP
Rollers: 2.5”
Professional Assembly: Available in most American cities
8. ProForm Carbon T7
- Lower price point, smaller footprint, IsoFlex cushioning, CoolAire fan
- Limited incline and speed range, weaker motor, small screen, shorter belt, no built-in workouts, smaller rollers
- Budget-friendly treadmill, with a smaller footprint than the more tricked-out models
- 7” Smart HD Touchscreen display
- Shorter 55” belt and a narrower range of speed and incline options. It might not be up for heavy use, but it’s perfect for jogging and shorter runs
- It doesn’t come with any on-board workouts, so plan on using the iFit app unless you like the basic manual mode. It comes with a 30 day membership to iFit
- Same specifications as the 6.5Si but with a fan, giving this model an edge
Features:
Display: 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
Streaming: iFit app only
Weight capacity: 300lb
Belt dimensions: 20”W x 55”L
Incline: 0-10%
Speed: 0-10mph
Motor: 2.6 CHP
Rollers: 1.9”
Assembly: Available in some locations
9. ProForm Carbon T10
- Lower price point, smaller footprint, 3 years iFit membership included, 30 built-in workouts
- Less incline range than higher-end models, shorter belt, smaller rollers
- When you buy 3 years of the iFit membership, you get the Carbon T10 included. Even though the list price is a little higher than the T7, all the other models only come with one month of iFit. Factor in the better specifications, and the T10 is the top choice for a budget option that doesn’t compromise on features
- A step up from the T7, Carbon T10 offers a 10” screen and the addition of heart rate grip sensors, more speed settings, a higher incline, and a 3.0 CHP motor
- Comes with 30 on-board workouts, so if your WiFi goes out or you want to skip the membership, you have plenty of program options
Features:
Display: 10” Smart HD Touchscreen
Streaming: iFit app only
Weight capacity: 300lb
Belt dimensions: 20”W x 55”L
Incline: 0-12%
Speed: 0-12mph
Motor: 3.0 CHP
Rollers: 1.9”
Assembly: Available in some locations
What to look for when buying a treadmill
- TV & Wifi: Screen size and WiFi connectivity are important to consider for enjoyment and ease of use. Additionally, those models that have access to specific streaming platforms let you catch the latest episode of your favorite show. A WiFi connection is required for streaming or any workout apps, meaning a Bowflex requires stable WiFi as it runs through the JRNY app. iFit treadmills can be run without it.
- Speed and Incline: Whether you prefer training long endurance runs at a slower pace, sprint intervals, gentle slopes, challenging hills, or simple walking, make sure these specs suit your needs. Keep in mind you’ll be able to increase your speed the more you train, so choose a treadmill that leaves room for progress!
- Belt dimensions: A bigger belt is better for running, but it’s important to pick a size that is comfortable for your frame and build. You can choose a smaller belt for walking, but pick at least 20” x 60” for running. Budget-friendly treadmills tend to have smaller belts.
- Weight capacity: For safety and durability, choose a weight capacity that is at least 20% over your own weight.
- Motor Power: Motors are rated in either horsepower (HP) or continuous duty horsepower (CHP). CHP is the power the motor can comfortably sustain without burning out under the rated load, whereas HP measures a peak. At least 1.5 HP is recommended for walking, 2.5 for jogging, and 3.0 for running. Higher CHP also means the belt can change speeds faster, enabling a smoother workout. If you are heavier or train hard and often, invest in a motor with high CHP.
- Roller size: Shoot for rollers that are around 2.5” if possible. A larger diameter means less stress on the motor and a longer belt life.
- Apps and workouts: The JRNY app is required to run a Bowflex. Treadmills using iFit can run without it, but you’ll likely want to keep the app to access better features- plus it offers strength training and mindfulness programs. Consider your preferred app and how many months of membership are included when choosing a treadmill.
- Installation: Assembling your treadmill will likely take 2 people and a couple hours. Many treadmill companies have an option for adding professional assembly to your delivery, but you’ll need to check if they service your location.
- Dimensions: Make sure you have space to accommodate the length and width of your treadmill and that you can place it in a permanent spot. Since a treadmill is a heavy piece of equipment, you don’t want to count on moving it around. All of the listed treadmills fold up when not in use, so you’ll make the most of your home space.
Which treadmill is the best for me?
Finding a balance between durability, features, and budget is a unique process for every runner, but some of these treadmills stand out from the crowd. Now that we’ve assessed all the intricate factors that define the perfect treadmill with a screen, here are our favorites:
Best overall: Bowflex Treadmill 22
- Roomy belt, high weight capacity, broad incline range, heart rate armband included, TV streaming services, screen placed close to eye level
- CHP not listed, large footprint may be too big for some spaces, JRNY app required
With the biggest range of settings, a crisp 22” HD touchscreen, extensive TV streaming options, armband heart rate monitor, roomy belt, and a super-durable build, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a beast of a machine that will fire up any athlete.
Runner Up Treadmills
Best midrange crowd-pleaser: NordicTrack New Commercial 1750
- Adjustable 14” screen, ActivePulse Cardio Cruise technology, wide belt, quiet motor
- Must purchase a SmartBeat to use ActivePulse
While it doesn’t hit the ultra-steep slopes and rock-solid weight capacity of the Bowflex, the Commercial 1750 shines with solid specs and an ergonomic 14” HD touchscreen at a great price.
Best for marathon training: NordicTrack New Commercial 2950
- 4.25 CHP motor, large HD screen, AutoAdjust technology, wide belt, 40 built-in workouts
- Screen is nonadjustable
With a high-powered 4.25 CHP motor, full-size belt, and 2.5” rollers, the NordicTrack 2950 is built to withstand an endurance-oriented training program, while the 22” screen lets you enjoy scenic routes mimicking outdoor runs.
Best budget-friendly treadmill: ProForm Carbon T10
- Lower price point, smaller footprint, 3 years iFit membership included, 30 built-in workouts
- Less incline range than higher-end models, shorter belt, smaller rollers
If you’re willing to compromise on a slightly smaller belt size, smaller rollers, and limited incline settings, the Carbon T10 gives you the most features for the price point, and it comes with a 3-year iFit membership and a reliable 3.0 CHP motor.
Feeling the itch to lace up your sneakers and pump out a run after looking at all those treadmills? Me, too! I bet at least one of these high-tech machines caught your eye, and now you have all the information you need to buy the most powerful tool in your running arsenal with confidence.
