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Using a treadmill at an incline has tremendous benefits. You will activate more muscles than when using the treadmill at a flat grade and improve your overall fitness in the process. Walking on an incline can elevate your heart rate and aid in fat loss. With a range of features and different incline levels to choose from, shopping for a treadmill can be challenging.
Finding the right one is entirely up to you, your goals, and your home space. That’s where we can provide guidance and narrow down your search. We’ve compiled this list of the best incline treadmills to help you find a model that fits you and your home.
The competition among these incline treadmills was steep. Our review process had many ups and downs, but we rose to the occasion and completed the run. We have our favorites, but we leveled the playing field where we could. So, without further ado, check out how we graded these treadmills.
NordicTrack X16 Incline Treadmill
What We Like:
- -6% to 40% incline range
- 16” pivoting touchscreen
- 4.25 CHP motor
- Supportive incline handles
- Soft cushioning
- Premium iFIT content
Areas For Improvement:
- Non-folding frame
- Limited features without iFIT
Like other iFIT treadmills, the X16 requires a subscription to iFIT to access its on-screen content. Without a membership, you will be very limited, and without a free account, you can’t even use the treadmill in manual training mode.
iFIT is a stellar platform with thousands of trainer-led classes that take you all over the world as you run and walk. The classes automatically adjust your speed and incline, too, making sure you put the -6% to 40% incline range to good use.
I recommend the X16 for anyone who is considering the X24 and wants to save a little money.
Click here to read our detailed review of the NordicTrack X16..
Interested in the NordicTrack X16?
Bowflex Treadmill 22
What We Like:
- The deck folds up with a SoftDrop system to help prevent any damage to your floors.
- The deck inclines up to 20% and declines to -5% to give you plenty of range to work with.
- The 22” touchscreen uses JRNY to stream workouts and stream from Netflix.
- A heart rate tracker armband is included.
Areas For Improvement:
- The footprint is large.
- The fan on the console is tiny.
We love the Treadmill 22’s 15-year frame and motor warranty. It has an outstanding 400-lb weight limit. The steel frame and uprights make this treadmill look like a beast. We love the crossbar in between the stabilizers with the storage tray overtop, which provides additional places to keep personal items nearby and extra stability to the treadmill.
The console is functional with a 22” touchscreen, water bottle holders, quick-touch speed and incline buttons, and a place to hold your tablet/phone for streaming whatever you want. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has JRNY enabled on the screen.
With JRNY, you can follow along with trainers, explore remote locations on your own, and stream from apps like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. I love that JRNY lets you stream other apps on the platform; that way, you’ll never feel bored when running on this treadmill.
Click here to read more about the Bowflex Treadmill 22.
Interested in the Bowflex Treadmill 22?
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
What We Like:
- -3% to 12% incline range
- 4.25 CHP for your toughest workouts
- Streaming from apps like Netflix and Spotify
- Tilt and pivot 16” touchscreen
- Soft deck cushioning
- Hands-free training
- Folding frame
Areas For Improvement:
- The screen might seem a little low for taller users
- Limited onboard training options without iFIT
We recommend the 1750 because it folds up to save space, yet it is high-powered to handle marathon training and households with multiple users. The speed goes up to 12 mph, which is a quiet treadmill; that’s why we recommend it for most homes. The incline and decline are so quiet that we often have to look down at the deck to check that the grade is adjusting.
One of our favorite aspects of the 1750 is the soft deck cushioning. It feels springy without feeling overly bouncy. So, whether you’re training at an incline or on a flat grade, your legs will feel comfortable and well-supported.
The pivoting 16” touchscreen is crisp for enjoying iFIT. With a subscription, you have access to thousands of trainer-led workouts that have been filmed indoors and outdoors. The outdoor workouts are especially fun because you can follow the instructor up real-life mountains, and the 1750 will automatically adjust to match the terrain.
Streaming apps like Netflix and Spotify are also available to stream on the touchscreen with a subscription to iFIT. With everything the NordicTrack 1750 has to offer, this is an inclining treadmill that values comfort and convenience. Plus, it’s fun to use!
Click here to read our detailed review of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
Interested in the NordicTrack Commercial 1750?
Sole F80 Treadmill
What We Like:
- 15 incline levels
- 3.5 HP motor
- 10.1” touchscreen
- 350-lb weight capacity
- Onboard workouts
- Streaming apps
- Free Sole+ app included
Areas For Improvement:
- No decline
- Firm running surface
Are you looking for a solid treadmill that doesn’t require a subscription to access all the features? The Sole F80 is the way to go. It offers 15 levels of incline, folds up, comes with free onboard workouts, and has a 3.5 HP motor. It is powerful, solid, and quiet—just a few of its standout features.
We love that Sole backs up the frame and motor with a lifetime warranty. In our testing, we’ve found that Sole creates durable, hearty, and stable machines. They also have high weight capacities, and the F80 is no exception. This treadmill will hold up to 350 lbs of user weight.
The Sole F80 is a good option if your home gym has a lower ceiling because the deck has a step-up height of only 8” at a flat grade from the floor to the height of the side rails. This height also helps when getting on and off the treadmill since you don’t have to step up or down very far.
The console’s 10.1” touchscreen is easy to use and offers onboard workout programs, fitness tests, and streaming from apps like Amazon Prime and Netflix. What’s unique about Sole is that it doesn’t require an additional monthly subscription to access the content on the screen. All you need to do is log into your respective account for each of the 12 apps and start watching.
The screen mirroring and built-in apps are features we enjoy on the Sole F80. The Kinomap app (preloaded) or the Zwift app (accessed by phone or tablet) is a great way to follow workouts and receive guidance on setting the incline levels.
The F80 is great, but you could also consider the Sole F85 if you would like a treadmill with decline levels to train downhill.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole F80.
Interested in the Sole F80?
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
What We Like:
- Fast speed and incline changes
- No subscription required
- Affordable price
- 0 to 15% incline
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
- FTMS compatible
- 325-lb weight capacity
- Compatible with Apple watches and other fitness trackers
Areas For Improvement:
- Dated appearance
- No touchscreen; limited tech features
You don’t need a subscription to work out on the 7.0 AT. It has basic built-in programs and Bluetooth connectivity to pair apps with the console. The 7.0 AT’s FTMS compatibility allows it to connect to Zwift and other apps. Our expert, Kaleigh, likes using it with Peloton because the adjustment dials accurately replicate the experience of running on a Peloton treadmill.
The deck cushioning complements running biomechanics. It uses 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning. The front of the deck is soft to cushion your landing, the middle is a moderate transition zone, and the rear is a firm and stable push-off zone. It feels fantastic underfoot.
Despite its low price, the Horizon exceeds our expectations. The incline range is 0 to 15%, which is better than most home treadmills’ standard 0 to 12%. It does not decline, but we can’t hold that against the 7.0 AT, considering its price; however, you may want to consider another treadmill if a decline is essential for your training. Budget shoppers should jump at this deal!
Click here to read our detailed review of the Horizon 7.0 AT.
Interested in the Horizon 7.0 AT?
ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 Treadmill
What We Like
- Automatic incline when paired with iFIT
- Thousands of trainer-led classes with iFIT
- Entertainment apps (with iFIT membership)
- 3.6 CHP motor
- 350-lb weight capacity
- Bluetooth heart rate and audio
Areas For Improvement:
- Limited options without iFIT
- 2-year motor warranty
In addition to these smart workouts, the Carbon Pro 9000 and iFIT also bring you Netflix, Spotify, Prime Video, and more. You can even run an iFIT workout and one of these apps at the same time. That means you get automatic speed and incline adjustments without having to lift a finger. Keep watching your TV show or movie and let the treadmill do the rest.
Now, we have a few other iFIT-compatible treadmills on this list: the NordicTrack X24, X16, and 1750. Why would you choose the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 over them (besides the price difference)? Well, the incline and speed adjustments are slower on the Carbon Pro 9000. While this may seem like a negative, it can feel smoother and safer so that you don’t get caught off guard with the adjustments while you are streaming one of the entertainment apps.
I recommend the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 for walkers and runners who are interested in subscribing to iFIT and utilizing the automatic incline adjustments.
Click here to read our detailed review of the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000.
Interested in the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000?
Horizon T101 Treadmill
What We Like:
- Excellent price
- 0 to 10% incline
- 2.5 CHP motor
- Folding frame
- Compact and lightweight
- Onboard training programs
- Bluetooth connectivity to HR monitors and third-party training apps
Regarding training options, the T101 inclines up to 10% and has a 10 mph max speed. While this is the lowest incline treadmill on this list, it still offers a good amount of range for its price. The Horizon T101 has a 2.5 CHP motor that supports walking and jogging primarily. The deck is 20” x 55”, which is best for lighter activities.
Horizon consistently had the fastest speed and incline adjustments in our testing. We were amazed, considering how affordable their treadmills are. The T101 has EasyDial controls that let you conveniently adjust your settings while you walk. We enjoyed how seamless and intuitive they were to use.
The Horizon T101 comes with a simple console complete with a device rack and pockets to place your water bottle on either side of the console. The Bluetooth connectivity on the console allows you to pair a heart rate monitor or connect to a third-party app. Some of my favorites to use with the T101 include JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift. No app or subscription is required, but it’s fun to have the option to train with one.
With everything the T101 offers, you’re sure to enjoy this budget incline treadmill.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Horizon T101.
Interested in the Horizon T101?
Xebex Trekker 4000 Treadmill
What We Like:
- Very compact design
- Intense, low-impact workout
- Supportive handles
- 22% and 27% incline
- Three training modes
- Built-in training programs
Areas For Improvement:
- Doesn’t support all training types
- Low-tech
Ten speed levels regulate the resistance applied to the Trekker 4000’s manual treadmill belt. The lower levels have more resistance and require more effort on your part to accelerate the belt. The highest level (level 9) moves the fastest and has little resistance. Holding a jog is difficult, but you’ll certainly have to walk briskly.
We struggled to conquer long workouts on the Trekker 4000. Its built-in programs are only 5 minutes long, which feels adequate for a machine of this difficulty. You have more options than walking. The looped handles allow you to sled push, walk sideways, and more.
The Trekker 4000’s console is battery-powered and rather simple. It does not work very well with third-party training apps like iFIT or Peloton, but the Trekker’s console design complements its short and intense format, so I didn’t miss these options.
The Xebex Trekker 4000 is best for exercisers who want a challenging, non-traditional incline workout. There are no breaks (flat grades) here!
Interested in the Xebex Trekker 4000?
What to Consider When Buying an Incline Treadmill
We know that shopping for a treadmill of any kind is hard. If you are looking at incline treadmills, you probably have specific goals in mind. The following is essential information to consider when searching for the best incline treadmill.
Ceiling Height
Treadmills can incline anywhere from a few degrees up to 40%. Many models also decline. When searching for an inclining treadmill, you want to focus on your goals and where you’ll be using the treadmill. If you don’t factor in both of these, you could end up with a high-inclining treadmill that you can’t use in your house without the risk of hitting your head on the ceiling.
To avoid this, check out our guide on proper ceiling heights for treadmills.
Incline Range
Obviously, treadmills with high inclines of 30%+ are the most challenging, but even just a 5-10% grade can set your posterior chain on fire within minutes. Heck, even just a couple of degrees of incline can take your workout to the next level.
If your home space allows for a treadmill with a high incline, great! However, it is important to pick a treadmill that will work for you. If you know that a 15% incline is the maximum that you want to incline your treadmill, then you don’t need a behemoth like the X24.
Construction
Considering your training goals is important when considering other treadmill components, like the construction. Motor and deck sizes are enormous factors that can enhance or inhibit your training depending on what you want to use the treadmill for.
For example, if you pick a treadmill for running with a deck shorter than 60” and a motor under 3.0 horsepower, you will most likely either not have enough space to run, have a treadmill that won’t last, or both. It’s important to consider the motor and deck to ensure they are appropriate for your use of the treadmill.
Folding
Consider the folding capabilities, especially if you are short on space. If you’re short on space, a folding treadmill can be very helpful. Non-folding treadmills tend to be heavier than folding ones and are often better suited for use on a ground floor in your home because of their weight.
Training Content
Training content might not seem like a huge deal, but many treadmills have subscription content that can leave the console and treadmill feeling limited if you don’t subscribe. The type of training content available on the treadmill should align with your training goals. So, if you’re looking for a treadmill that offers trainer-led content, choose one with a compatible touchscreen.
Some of our favorite training platforms for incline training include iFIT, Peloton, Zwift, and Kinomap. iFIT automatically adjusts NordicTrack, ProForm, and Freemotion treadmills to match real-world terrain. Peloton offers incline-oriented classes. Zwift and Kinomap offer outdoor and structured workouts that incorporate incline.
Budget
Finally, your budget is a huge driving factor for the type of treadmill you’ll buy. The top incline treadmills can cost several thousand dollars, but there are also great options under $1500 and $1000. Of course, you want to find one that fits into your budget, which is why we’ve included an array of treadmills above that are all available at different price points.
Incline Treadmill Types
Did you know there is more than one type of incline treadmill? We’ve tested all of the varieties, and we’ll give you a rundown of each of them below.
Electric or Automatic Incline Treadmills
Electric or automatic incline treadmills are the most common types and probably what most people are looking for. These machines have multiple incline levels and typically start at a flat grade (0%). They may also decline. A motor powers their adjustment from 0 to a different grade.
Fixed-Incline Treadmills
A fixed-incline treadmill has a set incline grade that cannot change. These treadmills are typically manual, meaning they do not have a motor. Instead, you power the treadmill belt to turn it in your walking or running motion.
Curved manual treadmills and flat belt manual treadmills both fall into this category. Flat belt manual treadmills are great for walking, and many support sled pushing. These treadmills are very challenging and effective, but they may not be as versatile as some users want.
The Xebex Trekker 4000 is a modified version of the fixed-incline treadmill. It has two manually adjustable incline levels. We classify a treadmill like this as a fixed-incline treadmill because it never reaches a flat grade and has minimal incline levels.
Fixed-incline treadmills have gained popularity as more and more exercisers look for alternatives to traditional cardio that help them train intensely with lower impact. They also promote more muscle growth over treadmills that are not inclined.
Manual Incline Treadmills
Manual incline treadmills may or may not be motorized. They require the user to get off the treadmill and manually adjust its incline level. This type of incline is common on budget treadmills. The incline is usually minimal, but it can be a good way to replicate outdoor training more accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best incline on treadmills?
Many treadmills offer an incline. Some incline by a few degrees, while others can incline up to 30-40%. 10-15% is standard on most models that we test. Determining the best incline on a treadmill depends on your training capability. Also, consider your ceiling height to ensure you have proper headroom to use the treadmill at its maximum grade.
What is the best incline to walk on?
The best incline to walk on is one that works for you. If you can walk at a 40% incline, that’s great. There are treadmills out there that offer this high of an incline. If a 3% incline is ideal, then there are many more suitable options.
When it comes to using a treadmill for incline work, it ultimately boils down to what you can safely do. Of course, a higher incline will incorporate more energy and muscles, but there isn’t one appropriate level for all fitness levels and training goals.
What is the highest incline on treadmills?
NordicTrack offers the highest inclines that we’ve seen on home running treadmills. The Commercial X24 and X16 have 40% max inclines. Some walking and lab-grade treadmills may offer higher incline levels.
Does the 12/3/30 workout actually work?
The 12/3/30 workout is a great way to up the intensity without increasing your pace. It involves setting the treadmill to a 12% incline and a speed of 3 mph while walking for 30 minutes. Check out our full review of the 12/3/30 workout.