12 Best Cardio Machines – 2022 – Treadmill Reviews 2022 – Best Treadmills Compared

Sydney Kaiser

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Last Updated: October 21, 2022

If you’re in the market for a piece of cardio equipment for your home, you’ve come to the right place! There are many different types of machines available for doing cardio, and one isn’t necessarily better than another. It only matters which kind is best for you.

Whether you’re a serious runner looking for a treadmill, an avid indoor cyclist, elliptical junkie, or a newbie to indoor rowing, there’s an option for you among these best cardio machines. We’ll guide you through the ins and out’s of the top machines that we recommend for cardio, and also dive into why cardio is important for your overall health.

Why You Should Trust Us

Here at Treadmill Review Guru, we specialize in testing all kinds of cardio equipment. We use our experience in the industry to analyze every machine we test so we can help you find the best one for you and your fitness goals.

Things like mobility and joint issues, content, and cardio preference help dictate the type of machine that is best for you. We keep all of these factors in mind during our review process, that way we can provide you with the best cardio machine options for home use.

Best Cardio Machines 2022

See the details, Pro’s and Con’s and why each treadmill made our best list below.

Sneak Peek of the Best Cardio Machines:

Best Cardio Machine 2022 – Our Experts Top Picks

Here is the list of top picks for Cardio Machine of 2021 by Treadmill Review Guru – you can’t go wrong with any Cardio Machine on this list.

1. NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Treadmill

NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Treadmill 12 Best Cardio Machines – 2022 – Treadmill Reviews 2022 – Best Treadmills Compared

The NordicTrack x32i is a premium treadmill that has a lot of features to offer and really stands out in both construction and content. It inclines up to 40% and declines to -6%, which is a lot more than most treadmills on the market. The x32i also has more cushioning than a lot of its competitors, making it more forgiving on the joints.

The hearty 4.25 CHP motor can handle all kinds of training, from running, sprinting, hiking, and even sled push workouts. Once you log in to your iFit account, you’ll be able to train virtually all over the world with high-class instructors on the massive 32” touchscreen.

You can check out the full review of the NordicTrack x32i, here.

Pros

It inclines to 40% and declines to -6%, which is higher than most treadmills.

32” touchscreen and iFit enabled to access content

Large running surface of 22” x 65”

Quiet and powerful 4.25 CHP motor

Cons

It doesn’t fold.

It’s heavy and requires 2 people to move.

FeaturesSpecifications

+40% incline and -6% decline feature

32” HD touchscreen

Reflex cushioning

Enhanced AutoAdjust

iFit enabled

iFit monthly membership: $39

Bluetooth enabled

Heart rate chest strap included

Non folding

16,000+ live and on-demand fitness classes on iFit

4.25 CHP DurX Commercial Plus Motor

Footprint: 76”L x 40”W x 73” H

Running surface: 22” x 65”

Weight: 462 lbs (when in box)

Weight capacity: 300 lbs

Speed: 0-12mph

Two speakers

Two water bottle holders

Warranty: 10-year warranty on the frame, 2-year warranty for parts, and 1-year warranty for labor

We recommend the NordicTrack x32i because it offers a wide variety of training options which are all really great for cardiovascular health. You aren’t limited to running and walking on the x32i, and the content available on iFit will make sure you’re never bored doing cardio again.

2. AssaultRunner Elite Treadmill

The AssaultRunner Elite Treadmill is a manual treadmill that doesn’t require electricity or wifi. The belt moves with your legs, so the faster you run, the faster the belt will go.

The slats on the belt are very durable and it can handle up to 400 lbs, so it’s great for larger users. It also has a steel frame and is rated for commercial and residential use. The console is a small battery-powered LCD screen that displays your metrics and doesn’t require a subscription to operate.

Read our full written review of the AssaultRunner Elite, here.

Pros

It has a low carbon footprint because it is fully manual and requires no electricity.

The curved and narrow belt helps promote great running form.

It doesn’t have a max speed, so it will go as fast as you can run.

It is lighter weight than other treadmills at 290 lbs and has a large weight capacity at 400 lbs.

Cons

It doesn’t fold up.

There isn’t an incline feature.

FeaturesSpecifications

Battery operated LCD console

Bluetooth enabled

Front wheels and leveling feet

Rubber slat belt with 62 individual slats

Curved running surface

Non-folding

Reinforced steel construction

Weight capacity: 400 lbs

Weight: 290 lbs

Footprint: 70”L x 32”W x 64” H

No max speed

Running surface: 17” x 65”

Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the belt, 10-year on the frame, 3-year for parts, and 1-year for labor

If you’re a runner, we recommend checking out the AssaultRunner Elite Treadmill. It’s manual so it technically doesn’t have a max speed and can go as fast as you can. The curved belt also helps promote good running form and can help you burn more calories than an automatic treadmill.

3. NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle

The NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle bike isn’t your average spin bike. On top of the 22” HD touchscreen, the S22i has a quiet motor that inclines and declines the bike while you’re riding. So, on top of adding the magnetic resistance onto the bike for tension, the S22i will tilt up to 20% and down to -10% as you pedal.

This feature simulates the experience of riding outside, and the graphics and clarity of iFit on the large 22” touchscreen will make you feel like you’re in whatever location your class takes place in. You can change your resistance and incline levels easily on the handles and even get in an upper body workout with the included 3 lb weights.

The extra features aside, the NordicTrack S22i is a solid bike that can accommodate taller and larger users up to 350 lbs. The 32 lb flywheel is heavy enough to give you a smooth, fluid pedal stroke as well.

Check out our full review of the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle Bike.

Pros

Inclines and declines to simulate the experience of riding a bike outside.

iFit offers countless studio and outdoor rides all led by professional instructors.

SmartAdjust through iFit will automatically change the resistance and incline levels for you.

The console has fans built in, to help keep you cool during your ride.

Cons

The seat is a little stiff and uncomfortable, but it can be swapped with a different seat.

It doesn’t fold up, but can be moved.

FeaturesSpecifications

+20% incline and -10% decline feature

22” Smart HD touchscreen

iFit enabled

SmartAdjust automatically adjusts in iFit

iFit membership is $39/month

Practically silent magnetic resistance

3 adjustment points for a good bike fit

4 leveling feet- front 2 are adjustable

Handlebar controls to change resistance and incline/decline levels

A fan is attached to the console

Footprint: 61”L x 22”W x 58” H

Weight capacity: 350 lbs

32 lb flywheel

Padded racing saddle

Hybrid pedals: SPDs and toe cages

24 resistance levels

2 amplified speakers

2 water bottle holders

Warranty: 10-year warranty on the frame, 2-year for parts, and 1-year for labor

We recommend the NordicTrack S22i for cardio because it has interactive features and content that keeps you engaged and feeling as though you are actually riding outside. Plus, indoor cycling is a low-impact cardio activity so you’ll minimize the stress on your joints while riding.

4. Hydrow Rowing Machine

Rowing is becoming increasingly popular in home gyms, and the Hydrow is working to keep up with that trend. The Hydrow Rowing Machine offers top-notch subscription content on a large 22” touchscreen. The trainer-led workouts help guide and motivate you as you workout, which is great for newer users.

Not only are the live, on-demand, and outdoor workouts excellent, but the rowing machine itself is high-end and comfortable. The magnetic resistance is quieter than rowers that use air resistance, and the nylon strap doesn’t make much noise as well. We found the seat and handles to be really comfortable making the Hydrow great for rowing for long periods of time.

Click here to read our full review of the Hydrow Rowing Machine.

Pros

The subscription content is impressive, engaging, and updated continuously.

The design is sleek and the magnetic resistance is quieter than air rowers.

The classes feature a leaderboard to compete against and connect with other users.

It can handle up to 375 lbs and the foot pedals can accommodate any size shoe.

Cons

It doesn’t fold in half and has a larger footprint when used.

There are limited “free-row” options, so most of the programming is led by an instructor.

FeaturesSpecifications

22” touchscreen

Monitor is adjustable and tilts side to side

Uses quiet computer-controlled magnetic resistance

Subscription app is $38/month

Bluetooth enabled

Front-facing amplified speakers

Monitor folds flat for storage

Aluminum and steel frame

Footprint: 86”L x 25”W x 47”H

Footprint when stored vertically with upright storage kit: 25”W x 33”D x 86”H

Weight capacity: 375 lbs

Weight: 145 lbs

Seat: cushioned with a 10-roller system

Nylon handle strap

Warranty: 5-years for frame and upright storage kit, and 1-year for components, screen, other electronics, and labor

Rowing is a really great full-body, low-impact workout. The Hydrow Rowing Machine keeps you engaged with their content and comfortable as you row on the high-quality rower. The Hydrow is also really helpful if you’re new to rowing and want to make it a preferred cardio choice because you’ll get insight and guidance from experienced instructors.

5. Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike

The Bowflex C6 exercise bike lets you choose what you want to watch while you ride. It’s Bluetooth enabled, so you can connect to third-party apps like Zwift and you can use subscription apps like iFit or Bowflex’s JRNY, as well. All you need is your phone or tablet to place on the entertainment tray, or skip it and just ride.

The C6 uses magnetic resistance which is pretty much silent, and it offers a smooth pedal stroke that is low-impact on the joints. Even though it doesn’t come with a large touchscreen, the quality and functionality of the C6 bike is comparable to bikes on the market that are higher priced. The Bowflex C6 provides a lot of comfort and flexibility with how you use it.

You can read our full written review of the Bowflex C6 exercise bike, here.

Pros

The bike is practically silent, lightweight, and smooth to ride.

You can watch the content of your choosing or use third-party training apps from your phone/tablet as you ride. You aren’t locked into a monthly subscription.

The 4 adjustment points allow users of all sizes to get the perfect fit on the bike, and the hybrid pedals make it more accessible to use.

It comes with 3 lb weights to work your upper body and an armband heart rate monitor to track your heart rate.

Cons

The entertainment tray doesn’t swivel or adjust.

Requires electricity to use.

FeaturesSpecifications

LCD backlit console

Armband heart rate monitor included

Front-mounted 3 lb weights included

Practically silent magnetic resistance

4 adjustment points for a great bike fit

Bluetooth enabled to connect to apps like Zwift, JRNY, and Peloton

No preloaded programs

Footprint: 48.7”L x 21.2”W x 51.8” H

Weight capacity: 330 lbs

Bike weight: 112 lbs

40 lb flywheel

Lightly padded racing saddle

1-100 resistance levels

Hybrid pedals: SPD clips and toe cages for regular athletic shoes

Requires power source to use console

2 oversized water bottle cages

Warranty: 10-year warranty on the frame, 3-years electronics/parts, and 1-year for labor

If you love cycling but don’t always like taking classes with an instructor, we recommend checking out the Bowflex C6. Cycling is an excellent form of cardio and will boost your muscle endurance, especially the muscles in your legs. Log mile after mile on the C6 and enjoy the sturdy, functional, and comfortable ride.

6. Sole F85 Treadmill

The Sole F85 treadmill is well-built and can handle users of all sizes and abilities. The sturdy construction has an impressive 400 lb weight capacity, a hearty 4.0 HP motor, and a large yet firm running surface. We’ve begun to expect these aspects with Sole’s treadmills, but the F85 goes a step further with its 10” touchscreen and extra entertainment options.

Apps like Netflix, Youtube, ESPN, and several news sites are preloaded into the treadmill, so all you have to do is connect to wifi, log into your account in the app, and start streaming. Now, Sole offers the digital fitness platform, Studio, if you want to take trainer-led classes. Although, you can always skip connecting to the internet and use the on-board workouts or even manual mode to do your own workout.

We really like the Sole F85 because you have lots of options for how you can use it.

To learn more about the Sole F85 treadmill, check out our full written review.

Pros

It comes with 7 preloaded apps, like Netflix as well as the option to use the subscription fitness app, Studio.

The construction is very solid and it has a large weight capacity of 400 lbs.

It folds up when not in use and has 4 wheels for easy transportation.

The tablet/phone holder gives you more entertainment options while you use it.

Cons

The cushioning is firmer than comparable models.

The fan isn’t as strong as other treadmills on the market.

FeaturesSpecifications

10” android screen

7 preloaded apps

0-15 incline levels

Step up height: 8”

Cooling fans

Included heart rate monitor chest strap

Bluetooth enabled

Easy fold assist

4 transportation wheels

$19.99 per month optional subscription to the Studio app

Syncs with Zwift

4.0 HP DC Motor

Footprint: 66”H x 82”L x 37”W

Running surface: 22” x 60”

Weight: 308 lbs

Weight capacity: 400 lbs

Speed: 0.5-12mph

Two speakers

Two water bottle holders

Warranty: 10- years for frame, 5-years for electronics and parts, and 2-years for labor

Running and even walking on a treadmill has amazing cardio benefits. We recommend checking out the Sole F85 treadmill if you want a lot of entertainment options while you workout, or if you’re a serious runner looking for a treadmill that can keep up with you. The running deck has firmer cushioning that feels similar to running outdoors, but still provides enough impact absorption to protect your joints.

7. Concept2 Model D Rower

The Concept2 Model D Rower is popular in the indoor rowing community. It uses air resistance so if you’re a stronger rower, you won’t have to worry about not having enough tension to pull against. However, air rowers can be loud, and the Concept2 is no exception. So, if noise is an issue for you, this is something to consider.

The Concept2 doesn’t require wifi or an electrical outlet to use. You can simply hop on and start rowing. The console is pretty straightforward and basic compared to other rowers, but it still offers some programs and even a few games to play while you workout. The Concept2 is also Bluetooth enabled so it will connect to compatible heart rate monitors and you can save your workout history in the ErgData app.

Read more about the Concept2 Model D rower, here.

Pros