What is the difference between a treadmill and a walking pad?

A treadmill is designed to accommodate a wider range of workout including walking, jogging, and running. Walking pads are generally more compact, lightweight, and designed primarily for walking. Some walking can fit underneath a desk or couch, making it a convenient option for home offices or smaller spaces.

Can you use a treadmill every day?

Yes! You can use a treadmill daily as part of a balanced routine. Alternate between walking, jogging, incline training, and higher-intensity sessions to add variety to your workouts.

Is walking or running on a treadmill better for weight loss?

Both walking and running can support weight loss by increasing calorie expenditure. Running generally burns more calories per minute, while walking is a lower-intensity option easier to do for longer periods.

Treadmill Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Treadmill for Your Home

Everything you need to know about buying a home treadmill, from the features to shop for to the best Sunny Health & Fitness treadmills for your goals.

If you (or a special someone) walk or run regularly—or need a little motivation to get moving—a treadmill is the best purchase you’ll make this year. An at-home treadmill eliminates your top excuses with a convenient way to stay consistent.

From performance and stability, there are many treadmill features to consider before buying. Below, we’ve outlined the details and narrowed down our top Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill picks to help you choose the best treadmill for your home.

6 Treadmill Features to Know

Between motor power, incline and speed options, the running surface and size, and smart features, here’s what you need to know to make an educated purchase.

1. Motor

A manual treadmill is a good move if you plan to use it for high-intensity interval sprints or circuit sessions like CrossFit WODs.

Motorized treadmills, on the other hand, are good for the full spectrum of workouts: Walking, sprints, and everything in between. Prioritize a robust motor, or at least one designed to handle the activity you plan to use it for. At least 1.0 HP for walking and 2.0 plus for running.

2. Deck Size

The tread deck size you need really depends on what you plan to use the treadmill for. A smaller surface, like 16” W, is plenty of room for walking on a tread pad; but, for traditional treadmill workouts, you’ll want to look for at least 20” W. For walking, look for 40-50” L and at least 55” L for running. Generally, the faster you plan to go, the longer the tread deck should be.

3. Deck Cushioning

Cushioning can make the deck feel more comfortable, especially for runners. Sunny treadmills are designed with built-in shock absorption to provide a lower impact workout experience.

4. Incline and Speed

Treadmills come with a wide range of inclines and speeds. The commercial treadmills you’ll find at the gym usually have between 10-15 levels of incline and go up 10-12 mph (miles per hour).

5. Durability

A heavy, sturdy frame that doesn’t shake when in use is key. A good rule of thumb: Look for a max user weight of at least 50 pounds more than your weight.

6. Smart Features

Check what metrics the console tracks. Some treadmills offer preset programs; others offer fitness app connectivity via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Sunny Health & Fitness treadmills with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi can be synced with the SunnyFit app. When connected, metrics tracked on the console can be tracked in real time on the app and stored in the workout history in your app profile.

Best Home Treadmill for Performance

If you have a performance goal, like running a race, look no further than the SF-T725067 Platinum Smart One-Click Fold Wi-Fi Treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor is ready to handle any workout you can throw at it. It offers 15 levels of incline, and goes up to 12 MPH. Plus, the full-size running deck (55” x 20”) is designed to keep you comfortable during your hardest workouts.

Platinum Smart One-Click Fold Wi-Fi Treadmill (SF-T725067)

Shop now

Most Durable Home Treadmill

For a treadmill built to last, the SF-T723016 Advanced Heavy Duty Auto Incline Smart Treadmill is the way to go. The 300 LB weight capacity means each step will feel stable and secure. It also features a spacious running deck (20” x 53”) designed with advanced shock absorption technology. Shock absorption can help minimize impact, reducing strain so you feel better during your workout.

Advanced Heavy Duty Auto Incline Smart Treadmill with 20'' Running Deck (SF-T723016)

Shop now

Most Convenient Home Treadmill

The SF-T723030 OneClick-Fold 20" Smart Auto Incline Treadmill is ready to use right out of the box (no assembly required). Like the name implies, it also folds in a single click, making shifting your home in and out of workout mode as easy as it gets.

OneClick-Fold 20" Smart Auto Incline Treadmill With No Assembly Required (SF-T723030)

Shop now

Best Home Treadmill for Small Spaces

Most treadmills aren’t the best pick for limited home gym spaces, but the SF-T724064 Treadpad 100 Smart Wi-Fi Connected Treadmill is an exception worth mentioning. This compact treadpad is perfect for sliding under a desk or couch, making it a good choice for home offices or shared spaces and has a 245lb weight limit. It goes up to 3.7MPH, making it ideal for walkers and multitaskers.

Treadpad 100 Smart Wi-Fi Connected Treadmill (SF-T724064)

Shop now

The Bottomline

Making the decision to buy a treadmill is one of the best you’ll make for your fitness journey. Choosing a treadmill model that matches your home and goals is the fun part. Make sure to select a model that offers the speed and incline ranges you need, a big enough tread deck to support the workouts you plan to do, and a weight capacity rated at least 50 pounds heavier than your weight for durability. And don’t forget to have fun working out!

Treadmill Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Treadmill for Your Home

Finding the right treadmill starts with knowing what to look for. Learn what features to consider, including motor power and incline settings, that best match to your workout goals.