Best Compact Treadmills Under Bed 2021 – Reviews & Buying Guide

A compact treadmill under bed is perfect exercise equipment for people living in smaller apartments or homes.

Unlike the traditional treadmills taking up a huge proportion of your living area, folding treadmills don’t occupy much.

However, there are just so many options currently available on the market from different manufacturers. If you do not have experience, confusion is the only thing you can feel looking at the sheer number.

That is why we prepare this article to make it easier for you to decide.

Best Compact Treadmill Under Bed 2021 – Reviews

Here are, in our opinion, the 5 best choices for you. Each of these choices has its own strengths and weaknesses.

1. Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Space Saving Treadmill – Best Overall

If you are a fan of working out, you must surely have heard of Sunny Health & Fitness before.

A prime example of this focus is the Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Space Saving Treadmill.

First of all, we want to touch on the motors, which can go anywhere between 0.6 and 8 mph. You should not underestimate this feature, as it opens you up to a variety of exercises to choose from.

It is much easier for you now to start off lightly and slowly to work your way up.

There is also the capability to monitor your progress with the digital LED display. It will record every single movement that you make in real-time.

With this data, the machine will then calculate the speed, time, distance, and calories you have burned through.

That’s not all, as you can simply replace it if the simple display cannot excite you. All you need to do is to mount a tablet, smartphone, or any other device you want onto the treadmill.

Thanks to the convenient holder’s adjustability, there hardly is anything that it cannot fit around.

Most folding running treadmills only have one set of transportation wheels. This design choice places a huge limitation on their maneuverability.

This treadmill is different in that it has two sets of wheels, letting you move it any way you want.

We have also noticed that Sunny Health & Fitness has enhanced the folding speed of this product. All you need to do is turn the key mechanism counterclockwise to fold it quickly.

The device also provides a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing you to connect almost all available types of headphones.

As such, you can relax with the specific music that you like while working out. We all know just how important a relaxed mind is for the efficiency of exercises.

We are, however, quite disappointed that Sunny Health & Fitness did not include the capability to set a goal.

Our belief is that this setting can let you work more efficiently, as you are not simply running for running’s sake.

2. Goplus 2 in 1 2.25 HP Under Desk Electric Folding Treadmill – Best Versatility

The biggest advantage that the Goplus 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Folding Treadmill holds over competitors lies in its versatility. Instead of only focusing on running, it allows you to quickly change between a walking and a running mode.

As you may know, it is important to start slowly and ease yourself into more intense running exercises. With the help of this machine, this process is now easier than ever.

All you need to do is fold the riser, and the treadmill will transform into a 0.6 mph walking/jogging machine.

The key here is the changing speed, as other options offering the same feature tend to be much clunkier.

You can change between the two modes quickly with some simple gestures. As such, there is no disruption to your training, producing more results.

We are also impressed with the sturdy construction of this treadmill. Thanks to this structure, the machine can take on at least 265 lbs, higher than most options on the list.

However, it is not difficult at all to move the Goplus 2 in 1 around due to the smooth transportation wheels.

Adding to the durable construction is the frame material. Thanks to the utilization of alloy steel, this machine can retain its impressive strength without adding up too much weight.

You get the best of both worlds, the capability of traditional treadmills and portability of folding ones.

Falling while running on a treadmill is a common experience for anyone new to using this machine.

That is no longer the case with the non-slip running belt that the Goplus 2 in 1 offers. Now, you can run to your heart’s content without having to worry about slipping.

The warranty period does leave quite a bit for desire, as it lasts for only a single year. We all know how much of an investment a treadmill is, so this kind of warranty is, plainly, too low-effort.

3. REDLIRO Under Desk Motorized Folding Treadmill – Best Portability

Most shoppers are interested in these products because of their compact and portable nature.

If you share the same interest, then the REDLIRO Under Desk Motorized Folding Treadmill will surely satisfy you. It checks all the necessary boxes, from weight to foldability.

Most of the options on this list, while absolutely foldable, are not easy to put together at first. This nature makes moving them more of a chore than necessary.

You will not have to worry about this issue with the REDLIRO treadmill, as it comes fully assembled.

To add to this, the machine weighs the least out of all the options, clocking at 57 pounds.

Anyone with experience knows how impressive this number is, especially with the fact that it can support over 220 pounds. This weight, coupled with the smooth wheels, make the device even more portable.

This machine does share the 2 in 1 nature of the Goplus option. You can fold and turn it into a jogging instrument as easily as changing it back into the raised running form.

In the walking mode, its maximum speed is 4 mph, while the running mode allows for 7.5 mph.

These two modes of speed are, in our opinion, the most suitable for the two types of exercise, respectively. Not many people know this, but faster is not always better.

Instead, you need a consistency, which the machine is more than capable of providing, as it can offer these speeds for a long time.

Despite offering some respectable momentums, you will practically never hear the sound of the motor.

The reason for this quietness is the fact that the 2.25HP motor has a quiet operation design. Thanks to this design, it will not be too noisy, even while running at maximum capacity.

The display of this machine also makes it so that you can read the necessary data much easier.

All the LED lights with different colors blend with each other perfectly. As a result, you can clearly tell which is which without having a headache.

The biggest weakness that we were able to determine regarding this treadmill lies with its control scheme, especially the buttons.

They don’t have any contrast or even color, making it incredibly hard to learn their uses. The layout is also quite weird.

4. GYMAX Folding Treadmill, 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Running – Best Shock Absorption

One of the biggest challenges that a treadmill must face is to produce a proper response to your strides.

In this aspect, the GYMAX Folding Electric Running Treadmill is the best we have seen. We believe the secret lies with the way it absorbs the impact from your feet.

To be more specific, the treadmill’s platform is made from 5 layers. Of them, there are 2 compression layers, which, true to their name, compress upon impact and reduce noise and pressure.

Between these layers is a specially made shock absorption one, protecting your knees, joints, and muscle.

We believe that you will also love the Bluetooth connection and sound system combination that this machine offers.

With them, you can freely change between many of your favorite songs while running. Only a relaxed mind can provide more results for your training.

The safety key is also a huge plus, as many treadmill manufacturers do not pay attention to it. GYMAX’s design puts it right before your chest, ensuring that you can effortlessly turn the device off.

This seemingly minor design choice can actually eliminate the risk of injury during emergencies.

If you prefer to have a little variety in your routine. With just one single press on the console, you can quickly change between the predetermined workout routines. There is no need to stop running and adjust manually.

Moreover, this treadmill has a long power cord. While other machines must be relatively near a power source, this one can be quite far away.

This cord length opens you up to many placement ideas that are previously unachievable.

A problem that we think you should know is the fact that there is no touch interface on the console.

In this day and age, it’s actually impressive how GYMAX still clings on physical buttons. The remote control does help a little bit in lessening the annoyance, though.

5. RHYTHM FUN Foldable Handrail Running Treadmill – Best Durability

Treadmills are generally a respectable investment. In other words, no one wants their treadmill to break too soon. That is why we put the RHYTHM FUN Foldable Handrail Running Treadmill into this list.

The reason for this device’s incredible durability seems to stern from the way RHYTHM FUN constructed the frame.

Due to being made completely from alloy steel, this frame is simply strong. It can take on practically anything you can throw at it.

The running belt is 18” in width and 50” in length, providing enough space for anyone. In fact, we believe that this belt size is the biggest here.

It is also quite thick, as there are 2 additional layers working to eliminate all noises. No one can hear you running, no matter how big the stride is.

In spite of this huge belt, the portability of this machine does not suffer in any way.

With 2 quick steps, you can bend it into a completely flat board, which is easy to move or store. In this form, it will only take up about 3 square feet of your storage area.

Aside from the usual remote control scheme, you can also customize this machine through a mobile app.

This feature, coupled with the easily accessible tablet mount, means that you have a smoother way to change your running routine.

The noise reduction design of the belt is also very impressive. While normal running belts have at most 5 layers, this one has 7.

Aside from the usual impact absorption ones, there are 2 additional noise reduction layers. For this reason, even the strongest of your strides make no noise.

If you are not a fan of wearing headphones while running, you will love the Bluetooth connection that this machine offers.

It also has quite a high-quality speaker, capable of perfectly playing all kinds of music. You will have the right song for your moods.

The manual control scheme of this device leaves a lot to be desired, though. All you get is a manual speed-changing button.

Folding Treadmill vs. Traditional Non-Foldable Treadmill

Currently, there are two types of treadmills on the market, the traditional non-foldable devices, and the new folding ones. So, what’s the difference?

• Folding Treadmill

As you can infer from the name, folding treadmills are foldable, meaning they have a less solid structure.

In exchange for this sacrifice in sturdiness, they do not take up as much space in your storage. So, if your living space is limited, this type of treadmill can be a life-saver.

To accommodate their foldable nature, these treadmills tend to be hollow in many parts.

As a result, they are much lighter in weight than traditional ones. This weight, coupled with them being so foldable, means that you can move them easily.

Most folding treadmills also provide a 2-in-1 feature, with which you can turn them into an under the desk treadmill. People working long hours in an office can make use of this feature to sneak in some exercises while working.

You may think that hollow frames mean less sturdiness. While it does hold some weight, this trail of thought is not entirely true.

Many companies have recognized this issue and combat it by using stronger materials. So, all you need to do is check the material closely before making your decision.

However, you must be careful, as some foldable treadmills only offer 0.5 mph in walking mode. This number is much lower than your natural walking speed, which clocks in at 3 or 4 mph.

The foldability is nice, but you must keep in mind that you are looking for a treadmill, not a transforming toy.

As we have mentioned above, one of the folding treadmill’s biggest disadvantages is the lack of solid structure.

If your weight happens to be more than 220 pounds, you will find that most foldable treadmills cannot handle it.

• Traditional Treadmill

A traditional, non-foldable treadmill has a much stronger construction than any of its folding counterparts.

For this reason, they are capable of withstanding lots of pressure, which is perfect for people looking to lose weight.

Their durability is on a whole other level, as all of their frames are solid metals. Aside from earthquakes, we doubt that there is any phenomenon capable of damaging them 🙂

On the other hand, it is not an easy task to move them, as they generally are 2x to 3x the weight of folding treadmills.

They also take up quite a bit of space due to the huge size. You simply cannot fold them up like you do the folding treadmills.

How To Choose The Best Compact Treadmill Under Bed

There are lots of things one needs to consider when buying a treadmill, as it is not cheap. We want to lessen your work by pointing out the most vital boxes that need checking.

• Motor

The motor to a treadmill is what our hearts are to us. Without it, a treadmill is only an inanimate object.

The power of the treadmill motor is typically described either in terms of horsepower (HP) or continuous horsepower (CHP).

We suggest that you pay more attention to the CHP figure, as it can indicate the amount of power the motor can put out continuously.

Between this number and the peak power, we believe that the continuous one is always more useful.

A folding treadmill typically has a 2.25 to 4.25 CHP motor. Of course, there are those that have weaker or stronger motors, but they are few and far between.

You do not need to get the biggest number possible, as the requirement for motor power varies depending on your exercising needs.

If you weigh no more than 200 pounds, 2 CHP is good enough for walking. In that same vein, 2.5 CHP is perfect for jogging and 3 CHP for running.

People weighing more than 200 pounds should add in another 0.5 CHP. A weaker motor can still work, but it will break quickly.

After all, it will be running at full capacity instead of having some spare power.

• Track Size

If you are small in size or only interested in walking and jogging, this aspect is not that important. However, things change when we talk about running, as you will be using longer strides.

The current standard for the length of treadmills is 55” if it’s purely walking and 60” if there is running involved. Many companies have also put out extra-long 63” treadmills for bigger people.

As for the width, most options on the market are at 20”, with some going as high as 22”. The wider tracks are used mainly for specialized training.

• Tread Belt Durability

You can check for the durability of a tread belt by looking at three factors, lubrication, metal rollers, and thickness.

There is just no way that a single-layer tread belt can be more durable than one with many layers. Damages that would be devastating for thin belts may not even faze thicker ones.

You also get an additional benefit of the belt is much quieter while operating.

Next, you should look at the metal rollers propelling the track. Ones that have a larger diameter tend to pressure the less on the belt.

In other words, the belt can last longer, as it takes less damage. We think the best roller diameter should be around 2.5’.

Even if your treadmill belt does not have these advantages, you can extend its life manually through lubrication.

At the end of the day, the main source of damage to treadmill belts is friction force. If you can lubricate your belt once in a while, you can lessen this force.

• Console

A console is where you get all the feedback, from your running efficiency to the vital signs.

If you are only using treadmills to keep in shape, you shouldn’t consider options with consoles too complicated.

The best consoles should have some vital sign displayer, like a heart rate monitor. Simple elevation settings are also necessary.

Finally, there should be an adjustable speed fan, providing some relaxing breezes. Nothing feels better than a light breeze during a hard workout.

• Weight Capacity

For the most part, treadmills’ weight capacity is somewhere between 250 and 400 pounds.

Our suggestion is to find a treadmill that can take up at a minimum of 50 pounds then your actual weight.

If you get an option that can only work with less weight, the motor will be straining itself supporting you.

As a result, your treadmill will become unusable in a surprisingly short time.

Due to the portable nature of the folding treadmills, the cheaper options cannot handle as much weight. You may need to invest a bit more if you are on the heavier side.

• Impact Absorption Feature

We buy treadmills to maintain our health, so how ironic would it be if they are the source of your injuries?

Yet, joint damage due to improper treadmill cushioning is one of the most popular injuries. Having just 1 shock absorption can reduce the impact on your joint by 15%.

That is why we believe that you should look closely for treadmills that offer this feature. Believe us, you do not want any joint damage, as they will follow you for the rest of your life.

Some fancier treadmills also allow you to customize their cushioning with a remote. This feature is especially helpful for people who have unique feet shapes. Sometimes, too much cushioning can be just as painful.

• Speed

Foldable treadmills, in general, can support a top speed of 8 or 10 mph. This kind of speed is more than enough for most running exercises.

However, if you are preparing for something like a 5-min mile, it’s not nearly enough.

The problem is that it is hard to find an option below the 1000 threshold that can support more than 10 mph. We believe the only method is to look for something in the 1200 range.

• Quality Construction

In most cases, durability is directly proportional with the weight capacity of treadmills. The less they strain themselves, the less the damage is.

But this does not mean that a treadmill with more weight capacity will always outlast one with less.

There is one way to bridge the gap, the construction of the treadmill itself. If the manufacturer manages to design a good frame for the treadmill, it can lessen the strain.

The way to look for quality construction is by checking out if the frame is strong or not.

• Folding Mechanism

There is a huge difference between normal folding mechanisms and efficient ones. You can fold flat and check the height that suitable with under-bed storage?

We believe that if a machine’s folding process cannot be less than a minute, it’s unworthy of your time.

Basically, we are preferring folding treadmills due to their portable and versatile nature. Once the installing and uninstalling process takes too long, the treadmill will lose that portability nature.

• Add Feature

These days, there are many additional features that manufacturers throw in to make their foldable treadmills more appealing.

From preset workout programs to console fans or tablet holders.

However, we believe that except one, these add-ons should not be the driving force behind your decision.

That one exception is the auto-stop feature, which is usually in the form of a key attaching to your body.

This function is especially important if the user is elderly, as this demographic is prone to falling. Once you fall, the key will stop the treadmill completely, preventing more damage.

• Warranty

As treadmills are serious investments, it’s only natural that they must have proper warranties. Certainly, there are cheap ones that offer a short warranty of 90 days.

We do not recommend getting them, as you will have to discard them after the warranty runs out.

You should only pick treadmills that offer at least 5 years warranty for the frame and motor. These are the more difficult segments to repair, so they will cost you a lot without warranty.

Compact Treadmill Under Bed FAQ

Here are some of the most interesting questions we found while researching. We hope that you can utilize them in your search.

Are Folding Treadmills Truly Easier On Your Body?

These devices are indeed less stressful to run on than the asphalt road outdoor. Their belts, especially the impact-absorbent ones, do not return the full impact of your stride. Due to this, your body receives less damage.

Is The Folding Treadmill Good For Running Training?

Folding treadmills can be a good tool to train your running capability. They let you monitor your running form and fix it.

However, you must keep in mind that the response from a running belt is different from the asphalt track.

Which Is The Best Size Folding Treadmill For Running?

The minimum belt length and width for running should be 48 and 18 inches, respectively.

Nonetheless, that size is the minimum requirement, only enough for you to run without the feet touching. The actual best size should be 55 inches in length and 20 inches in width.

Is Folding Treadmill Easy Or Complex To Setup?

Folding treadmills are almost always much easier to set up than traditional treadmills.

The absolute difference in weight makes the install process much less of a pain. Also, the folding mechanism is often simple to figure out.

What Is A Good Folding Treadmill For Use At Home?’

A good folding treadmill for use at home should have more additional features and less portability. At the end of the day, you are not moving it around as much as an office folding treadmill.

How To Move A Folding Treadmill?

First, you adjust it so that it is at its lowest possible incline, then you tip it onto the wheels. From there on, all you need to do is pushing it to the spot you want.

Is There Any Maximum Recommendations When Usage A Folding Treadmill?

Folding treadmills are much less of an investment than traditional treadmills. They serve more as an emergency solution for office people who cannot sneak in a workout.

That is why we believe you should never spend more money on a folding treadmill.

How Long I Can Use The Compact Treadmill In A Single Running Session?

Our recommendation is to start out with 15 or 20 minutes in 1 running session. After you have familiarized with this type of running, you can increase it to 20 or 30 minutes.

Conclusion

We have introduced you to the way to pick the best compact treadmill under the bed.

We hope that you like our guide, but you don’t need to follow it step-by-step. You only need to remember that the motor and the ability to fold are the two most vital aspects.

Following this advice, we have once again narrowed the list down to two options.

The first one is the Goplus 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Folding Treadmill. It has a fancy 2-in-1 feature, allowing you to quickly change between exercises. Also, it can support at least 265 pounds.

The second one is the Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Space Saving Treadmill. This device has an impressive motor, which lets you freely adjust the speed between 0.6 and 8 mph. It is also incredibly easy to fold.

In our opinion, we believe that the Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Space Saving Treadmill is the better option. The motor alone is more than enough to convince us.