Sydney Bueckert
Fitness Trainer
CES, FNS, GPTS, NASM-CPT
You’ve been daydreaming of owning your own home treadmill, and you’re finally ready to pull the trigger. But which one should you buy?
Between walking pads, running treadmills, different performance and stability features, narrowing down the best option can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about buying a treadmill and rounded up the best Sunny Health & Fitness treadmills. Each option is broken down by category, key features, and cost.
How to Choose a Treadmill
Before buying a treadmill, consider these features when assessing if it’s right for your needs.
Motor
Some treadmills are manual (meaning the belt is powered by your legs) and some have a motor that moves the belt for you.
Manual treadmills require more effort to move and generally provide an intense workout. Motorized treadmills give you the freedom to make your workout harder or easier by tweaking the speed with a button to adjust the pace[NS1.1].
For motorized treadmills, 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.
Deck Size
The tread deck size you need really depends on what you plan to use the treadmill for.
For a tread pad, for instance, a smaller surface like 16” W x 40” L is plenty of room to walk as you type and take meetings. For traditional treadmill workouts you’ll want more space, at least 20 inches wide. The faster you plan to go, the longer the tread deck should be.
Deck Cushioning
Cushioning is essential for joint protection, especially for runners. Sunny treadmills are designed with built-in shock absorption to provide a lower impact, comfortable workout experience.
Incline and Speed
Treadmills come with a wide range of inclines and speeds. The treadmill you use at the gym probably has somewhere between 10-15 levels of incline and goes up 10-12 mph (miles per hour) for running.
Some Sunny treadmills offer incline and decline, and much steeper grades (all the way up to 50 levels of incline). These treadmills are great for getting a feel for training on varied terrain, without having to go outside.
Durability
You want your home treadmill to last, so durability is key. Look for a heavy, sturdy frame that doesn’t shake when in use. A max user weight of at least 50 pounds more than your weight is ideal.
Console and Features
Check what metrics the console tracks. Does the treadmill have a water bottle holder? What about a device holder? Some treadmills offer preset programs, others offer fitness app connectivity via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Any Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill can be used with the SunnyFit app. But some offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection, which means the 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 Treadmills for Running
For runners who want an option for staying consistent through weather and keeping the pace on training days, a running treadmill is worth its weight in gold.
The best treadmills for running have a 2.5 HP or higher motor power, a spacious running deck, a high weight capacity, and a wide variety of speed and incline options.
Our Top Picks
Sunny offers several treadmill options that cover these bases and more.
The SF-T723030 is a good option that offers everything listed above. It can support most running routines with speeds up to 10 mph and inclines up to 15 levels. The dashboard also tracks key metrics like calories, distance, time, steps, incline, speed, and heart rate. Plus, this treadmill has Bluetooth so you can track your workouts with the SunnyFit app, and a wireless heart rate monitor option for more targeted training.
For a step above, consider the SF-T723016. It can do everything the SF-T73030 can do, but it has a 3.0 HP motor, which means it can handle faster speeds—up to 12 mph. The console also includes 18 preset workout programs for those days you want to move but don’t want to think about your workout. Finally, it has a USB charging port, so you can stay connected without worrying about battery power.
If you want a running treadmill with all the bells and whistles, the SF-T723017 is the way to go. It has the best motor (4.0 HP), biggest running deck (20” W x 55” L), and maxes out speed (12 MPH) and incline (22 levels). This treadmill has all the same comfort and tech as the other two options, along with Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless app connection.
| SF-T723030 | SF-T723016 | SF-T723017 | |
| Motor Power | 2.5 hp | 3.0 hp | 4.0 hp |
| Deck Size | 20” W x 53.1” L | 20” W x 53” L | 20” W x 55” L |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Incline | 15 Levels | 15 Levels | 22 Levels (incline and decline) |
| Speed | 10 mph | 12 mph | 12 mph |
| Console Display | ✓ Key Metrics | ✓ Key Metrics ✓ 18 Preset Programs |
✓ Key Metrics ✓ 18 Preset Programs |
| Connectivity | ✓ Bluetooth ✓ Wireless Heart Rate ✓ Device Holder |
✓ Bluetooth ✓ Wireless Heart Rate ✓ Device Holder ✓ USB Charging Port |
✓ Bluetooth & Wi-Fi ✓ Wireless Heart Rate ✓ Device Holder ✓ USB Charging Port |
| Safety Features | Safety Key | Safety Key | Safety Key |
Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills
If you want motivation to move more during your workday, walking pads and under-desk treadmills are the way to go.
These compact treadmills feature a smaller tread deck and typically lack handlebars (or have an adjustable option) so that they can easily slip under a desk. Since most walking pads are only for walking or jogging, less motor power is needed (1.0 HP for walking, and up to 2.0 HP for light jogging and running). The console is typically on the tread deck, so a remote and safety key are crucial for safely starting, stopping, and adjusting your speed and incline mid-workout.
Our Top Picks
Sunny’s walking pad and under-desk line up is designed to cover a variety of needs from work walks to jogs and runs, hitting all the above features and more.
For basic walks, the SF-T724064 is the go-to tread pad. It’s the most affordable and compact option (16.1” W x 39.8” L) and goes up to 3.7 mph without incline. The tread pad tracks key metrics on the console, which you can control with a remote. It even has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection so you can track your workouts and steps with the SunnyFit app.
Incline is helpful for a walk that packs more of a punch. In that case, the SF-T722069 is a better choice. This Treadpad is similar to the SF-T24064, with a bit more motor power (1.5 HP), a slightly bigger tread deck (16” W x 45.7” L), and 6 levels of incline.
If you want an under-desk treadmill that can handle work walks and post-work workouts, the SF-T722076 is the best option. With the most speed (up to 6 mph) and incline settings (6 levels), this treadmill keeps your workout options open.
| SF-T724064 | SF-T722069 | SF-T722076 | |
| Motor Power | 1.0 hp | 1.5 hp | 2.0 hp |
| Deck Size | 16.1” W x 39.8” L | 16” W x 45.7” L | 16” W x 45.7” L |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 245 lbs | 265 lbs | 265 lbs |
| Incline | No | 6 Levels | 6 Levels |
| Speed | 0.5-3.7 mph | 0.5-3.7 mph | 0.5-6.0 mph |
| Console Display | ✓ Key Metrics | ✓ Key Metrics |
✓ Key Metrics |
| Connectivity | ✓ Bluetooth & Wi-Fi | ✓ Bluetooth |
✓ Bluetooth |
| Safety Features | Safety Key | Safety Key | Safety Key |
Best Treadmills for Small Spaces
We get it – you want a treadmill, but don’t have much space. Sunny has several treadmills designed with small spaces in mind.
It’s worth knowing that compact treadmills often have lower weight capacities, and smaller motors. So, you typically lose some durability and have less speed and incline options in comparison to larger, more powerful treadmills. If your space allows you to size up slightly, you’ll get more adjustability and durability.
Many compact treadmills are also foldable. So, it’s worth checking the folded dimensions if that’s how you plan to store it.
Our Top Picks
Beyond walking pads and under-desk treadmills (see above), which are the smallest treadmills on this list, the SF-T722021 is the most compact, motorized option. With a 17.3” W x 47” L tread deck and a foldable frame, this space-saving treadmill goes up to 9 mph with no incline.
The SF-T722022 is nearly identical in size and can fold up when not in use. This compact treadmill only goes up to 3.7 mph but offers 12 levels of incline—making it a better option for walkers.
For a slightly larger option that can handle any running or walking workout, consider the SF-T722052. The tread deck is 20” W x 55” L, with speeds up to 12 mph, and 15 levels of incline.
Another compact honorable mention: the SF-T1407SMART. This manual treadmill is just 13” W x 42” L, on a fixed slight incline, and powered by how fast your legs can push.
| SF-T722021 | SF-T722022 | SF-T722052 | |
| Motor Power | 2.0 hp | 2.0 hp | 3.0 hp |
| Deck Size | 17.3” W x 47” L | 17.3” W x 47.2” L | 20” W x 55” L |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 265 lbs | 265 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Incline | No | 12 Levels | 15 Levels |
| Speed | 0.6-9.0 mph | 0.5-3.7 mph | 0.5-12.0 mph |
| Console Display | ✓ Key Metrics ✓ 15 Preset Programs |
✓ Key Metrics ✓ 15 Preset Programs |
✓ Key Metrics ✓ 24 Preset Programs |
| Connectivity | ✓ Bluetooth ✓ USB Charging Port |
✓ Bluetooth ✓ USB Charging Port |
✓ Bluetooth ✓ USB Charging Port |
| Safety Features | Safety Key | Safety Key | Safety Key |
Best Smart and Connected Treadmills
The ability to connect to an app that automatically tracks your workout metrics while you take a science-based, instructor-led fitness class is a game changer. Sunny’s smart and connected treadmills do just that.
For the best-connected experience, Wi-Fi is just better. Yes, Bluetooth can do the job. But a treadmill with Wi-Fi on board offers a stronger connection to apps, streamed workouts, and smart devices. Unlike Bluetooth, Wi-Fi also means you don’t have to reconnect your device every time you use the treadmill. Just turn on the treadmill and it’s connected and ready to go.
Other features to note for the best-connected experience: USB charging, wireless heart rate tracking, and a device holder. USB charging means you always have the battery power to get through your workout. And while pulse sensors can be useful for quick heart rate checks, wireless heart rate tracking is more accurate and consistent.
Our Top Picks
Both the SF-T724011 and SF-T724012 are designed with the full connected experience in mind, including all of the above listed features. They also both handle speeds up to 9 mph.
If mid-workout incline changes are important to you, go with the SF-T724012. It has built-in automatic incline up to 15 levels. The SF-T724011 has three manual levels of incline, meaning you have to pause your workout and get off the treadmill to adjust the angle.
| SF-T724011 | SF-T724012 | |
| Motor Power | 2.0 hp | 2.0 hp |
| Deck Size | 16” W x 50” L | 16” W x 50” L |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Incline | 3 Levels (Manual) | 15 Levels |
| Speed | 1.0-9.0 mph | 1.0-9.0 mph |
| Console Display | ✓ Key Metrics ✓ 24 Preset Programs ✓ Device Holder |
✓ Key Metrics ✓ 20 Preset Programs ✓ Device Holder |
| Connectivity | ✓ Bluetooth ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ USB Charging ✓ Wireless Heart Rate |
✓ Bluetooth ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ USB Charging ✓ Wireless Heart Rate |
| Safety Features | Safety Key | Safety Key |
Best Safety and Stability Treadmills
If you’re coming back from an injury or set back, or have a health condition, stability should be a top priority.
Stability treadmills feature handrails for an extra layer of security within grasp. The best options have a wide, low deck, and built-in shock absorption for a low impact workout that meets your individual limits while giving you the confidence to push your boundaries when you’re ready.
Our Top Pick
The SF-T722062 comes with handrails, a low, wide deck, and shock absorption on board. Plus, it has Bluetooth, so you can get the same great Sunny workout experience, while feeling safe and supported.
| SF-T722062 | |
| Motor Power | 2.5 hp |
| Deck Size | 18.9” W x 47.2” L |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 245 lbs |
| Incline | No |
| Speed | 0.5-8.5 mph |
| Console Display | ✓ Key Metrics ✓ Device Holder |
| Connectivity | ✓ Bluetooth |
| Safety Features | ✓ Safety Key ✓ Handrails |
Best Treadmills for Athletic Performance
When you want to push boundaries and break PBs, an advanced treadmill will help up the ante.
Our Top Picks
Sunny’s X Series treadmills feature heavy duty frames, and unique elements like resistance, and steep inclines and declines that will challenge your fitness much more than the average treadmill.
For the ultimate manual treadmill experience, it doesn’t get better than the SF-X7100. The curved running surface encourages good running mechanics, while the non-slip slatted tread deck keeps you steady while pushing the pace. 8 levels of resistance means you can level up the muscular effort needed to walk and run.
If you’re into hiking, or simply love the intense challenge incline puts on your lower body, the SF-X7200SMART is the treadmill for you. Designed for trail-worthy indoor ascents and descents, this treadmill ranges from -5% to 50% and goes up to speeds of 5 mph.
For general performance, the SF-X7210 is the best treadmill for the job. It’s a heavy-duty, durable treadmill that can handle walking and running, with speeds up to 10 mph. The thing that sets it apart is the incline and decline, which ranges from -3% to 45%. Meaning: It can handle just about any workout you can imagine.
| SF-X7100 | SF-X7200SMART | SF-X7210 | |
| Motor Power | Manual | 5.0 hp | 2.5 hp |
| Deck Size | 17.7” W x 59” L | 20.1” W x 43.9” L | 19.7” W x 51” L |
| Foldable | No | No | No |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs | 330 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Incline | No | -5 to 50 | -3 to 45 |
| Speed | Unlimited | 0.3-5.0 mph | 0.5-10 mph |
| Console Display | ✓ Key Metrics ✓ Device Holder |
✓ Key Metrics ✓ 12 Preset Programs ✓ Device Holder |
✓ Key Metrics ✓ 18 Preset Programs ✓ Device Holder |
| Connectivity | No | No | ✓ Bluetooth & Wi-Fi ✓ Wireless Heart Rate ✓ USB Charging Port |
| Safety Features | Safety Key | Safety Key | Safety Key |
The Bottom Line
The right treadmill for you depends on whether you plan to walk or run, have specific goals to train for, or need special features like incline and decline, handrails, or an under-desk design. Your budget also matters.
In general, a high-quality treadmill will prioritize a robust motor, a spacious tread deck, shock absorption, a durable, sturdy frame, and the incline, speed, and console features needed for the workouts you plan to do.
The best treadmill choice you can make should hit as many quality points as possible, while also meeting your needs, goals, and budget. Happy shopping!
Add Your Name & Email
Please enter your name and email to continue.We won’t display your email publicly.