When people think of cardio, the first exercise that comes to mind is running. But, if you want to be free from the risks of doing it outdoors, don’t have the space needed to do it indoors, or don’t want to drive to the gym just to run on a treadmill – then a quiet treadmill for your home is the answer.
Having a treadmill in your home allows you to get in your aerobic training any time of the day, regardless of how busy or lazy you are. You can do your cardio at your most convenient time.
However, if you live with or close to other people, like your family, housemates, and neighbors, a noisy treadmill can pose a problem. Nobody likes a nuisance, especially in the wee hours of the morning or late at night.
You surely do not want to sacrifice relationships, draw ire, and worst, stop exercising at home altogether. Then, you are on the right track by looking for the best quiet treadmills for your home, apartment, or condo.
If you already want to know what the best quiet treadmill is, take a look at our Editor’s Pick, the LifeSpan Fitness Folding Treadmill – a sturdily built, shock-absorbing, powerful treadmill offered at a great price. Keep on reading to find out the quietest treadmills on the market.
Best Quiet Treadmills at a Glance
With a 2.5 HP motor, multiple exercise programs, and 15-degree incline feature, this treadmill offers a wide range of resistance options, all while keeping your at-home cardio sessions as silent as can be thanks to its remarkably stable base provided by the heavy all-steel frame and 8 compression shock absorbers.
This most budget-friendly treadmill is operated by a quiet-drive motor that produces reduced noise compared to other similar options but with all the essential features you need in a good treadmill such as an exercise metrics console, an ample running surface, and a space-saving design.
Known for their high-tech, highly interactive and immersive, and finely programmable exercise machines, NordicTrack gives you the 2950 treadmill that boasts a 22” touchscreen display, -3 percent to +15 percent slope, WhisperQuiet™ deck, and advanced cushioning for virtually noiseless cardio runs.
LifeSpan Fitness Folding Treadmill – Best Overall
What we like
- 20″ x 56″ Running Surface
- Great warranty: frame – 10 years; parts – 2 years; labor – 1 year
- EZfold technology – fold and unfold with hydraulic assistance
- Decent 300 lb. weight capacity
- Personalized training with 21 workout program
What we don’t like
- Large footprint
- Shuts down after 99 minutes without warning
The 2000i from Lifespan is built for both performance and durability, making it our best pick overall. To start, the 2.5hp continuous-duty motor can take on everyday intense cardio sessions, keeping it free from making noise from eventual wear and tear.
And, with a robotically-welded, heavy steel frame, it can take on miles and miles of use without creaking, squeaking, or clunking. During use, the 8 independent compression shocks won’t only cushion your knees, back, and other joints, but it also provides an effective impact-dampening effect for reduced treadmill noise.
Spec-wise, this treadmill has a 7-inch intuitive dashboard to view and adjust your training variables. Most notable is its QuickDraw technology that allows you to easily customize speed and incline by simply dragging your fingers across the screen.
Fitness Reality Tre5000 – Best Budget
What we like
- 275 pounds max user weight
- Extended treadmill mat length
- Emergency stop feature using safety clip
- 5-year warranty
What we don’t like
- Up to 5mph only
- Lightweight build can create more vibrations
Equipped with a quiet-drive motor, this treadmill produces so little operating noise that it would not even interfere with the sound from your TV or the music you listen to while working out. And, it only goes up to 5mph, so you’ll be slow-jogging at best, meaning you’ll exert less force on the deck while running and, thus, create less machine and impact noise.
The LCD console displays time, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and speed. Plus, it is a perfect small space treadmill because it can fit into tight spaces whether in use or not, thanks to its compact, foldable, and easily transportable design.
This folding treadmill is good for those looking to break a sweat and burn a lot of calories using low-intensity steady-state cardio over high-intensity aerobic exercises. At a very low price tag, this treadmill packs a lot of value.
NordicTrack Commercial Series 2950 – Best Splurge
What we like
- RunnersFlex can be switched on or off
- EasyLift Assist for quick and effortless folding
- Can accommodate tall and heavy individuals
- Respectable 350 lb. weight capacity
- Powder-coated steel frame
What we don’t like
- Free iFit membership is only good for 30 days
- Expensive
The Quiet Drive incline tech of this machine greatly reduces the noise when the deck inclines or declines. And thanks to its strong 4.25-horsepower motor, this folding treadmill is super smooth and quiet. Best of all, the WhisperQuiet deck absorbs the sound of your steps, making it one of the quietest treadmills in the NordicTrack Commercial line.
With two solid steel side beams and a cross beam, the support and stability this treadmill provides are next to none. Utilizing the RunnersFlex cushioning system, the four very shock absorbent deck springs and pivoting brace reduce foot impact, thus, significantly reducing impact noise.
It is not only the quietest treadmill, but it is also the most teched up among their line-up. The 22-inch screen allows you to control its incline from -3 to 15% and speed range from 0-12mph. You can also join interactive workout sessions through iFit and let your trainer auto-adjust running variables to optimize your workout and meet your fitness goals.
Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Premium 8730G Slim – Best Portable
What we like
- Easy-Folding design for ease of storage
- Decent weight capacity of 220 lbs.
- Smooth and quiet operation for light to moderate cardio
- Shock absorbing running deck
- Low maintenance is needed and with a great warranty
What we don’t like
- Not suitable for an intense workout
- No incline and heart rate monitoring
This slim 4.5-inch deck has an impressive weight capacity of 220 lbs. and supports light to moderate jogging, walking, or running at your home gym. With practical usage of space in mind, the 8730G is designed to fold easily and slides nicely under the bed, or in a tight storage area with ease.
It features a smooth and quiet motor with a speed range of 0.6 to 8 mph. The dock is furnished with a minimalist display for metrics measurement like distance, speed, and calories burned, as well as an integrated pedometer. You can work out more engagingly with its device holder and a port for your headphones.
Constructed with aluminum and an anti-corrosive finish, we can expect this piece to last for years while the 2.5 peak horsepower motor is sufficient enough to get your light cardio at home get started.
Exerpeutic TF 1000 – Best Lightweight
What we like
- High weight capacity of 400 lbs.
- Easy to assemble
- Foldable and lightweight, very easy to move
- 5-year motor and 1-year frame warranty
What we don’t like
- Up to 4mph only
- Small LCD screen
This walking treadmill is equipped with a 1.5-horsepower quiet drive motor that helps reduce both machine and impact noise. The high-torque motor significantly drives down the decibels produced when compared to similarly-powered treadmills.
Even with its lightweight build, it feels and functions like a commercial treadmill. It can support up to 400lbs and has a 20-inch wide, 40-inch long running surface. Its speed can be adjusted up to 4mph for brisk walking in 0.1mph increments.
It comes with extra-long safety rails equipped with pulse sensors and speed control buttons to make tracking and adjusting easier without having to break your stride.
Assault Runner Pro – Best Non-Motorized
What we like
- Frame and belt are extremely durable
- 5-year frame warranty
- Great for high-intensity training
- Very low maintenance
What we don’t like
- Running surface is narrow at 17” wide
- Understandably noisier than motorized treadmills
This non-motorized, manual treadmill uses your energy to propel the machine instead of electricity. Not only will you save on bills, but you can also instantly dictate the speed at which you run or walk. With no maximum speed setting, you can push your limits infinitely making it great for beginners up to high-level athletes.
Being self-propelled, maintenance wouldn’t be much of an issue, especially since it is built to last with its powder-coated solid hardware and durable, non-slip slatted running belt. It runs on hundreds of ABEC bearings, ensuring a smooth workout. And, because of its 280-lb weight, it is very stable and won’t shift even at high intensities.
At the price the Assault Runner is offered, it is the most affordable curved manual treadmill that doesn’t sacrifice quality and functionality. It has a heavy-duty frame, a thick rubber belt that provides excellent traction, and a high contrast console to keep you informed of your exercise metrics and interval programs.
Xterra Fitness TR300 Folding Treadmill – Best Mid-Range
What we like
- Lift Assist and Safe Drop for convenient folding and storage.
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
- Suitable for hefty and tall individuals
- Electronic incline
What we don’t like
- Standard features
- Low-quality integrated speakers
Made with a heavy-gauge welded steel frame that houses a quiet and powerful 2.25-HP motor, this is one of the best mid-range, folding treadmills you can find. The speed can be set from 0-10 mph and has an additional 10 levels of incline for your most intense cardio sessions. Lifetime frame and motor warranty.
It has 24 preset programs, 1 customizable, and 1 heart rate controlled, opening up a variety of workout options to choose from. The large console has multiple preset speed and incline functions for quick and easy updating. Plus, the handlebar-mounted speed and incline controls allow for micro-adjustments during workouts.
The XTRASoft deck technology allows you to run daily and at long periods without having to worry about joint pain and wear. This feature does not only provide maximum impact absorption but also noise reduction. Its 20×55” running surface plus 300-pound user weight capacity allows it to accommodate all users of all fitness levels.
Sole Fitness F65 Folding Treadmill – Best Specs
What we like
- Electronic folding feature
- 15% power ramp
- Doesn’t require an internet connection to use pre-set programs
- Lifetime warranty on frame and motor, three-year warranty on electronics and parts, and one year of labor
What we don’t like
- Short side rails and difficult to reach pulse sensors
- Fixed number of programs
If you’ve been into treadmills for quite some time and need an upgrade, the Sole F65 is the most improved of the Sole treadmills. To start, it has a 3.25 continuous-duty motor, meaning you get a quiet treadmill that provides you with consistent power for many years without damaging the motor, even for sprint-like speeds.
The large 60×22” running surface exceeds the stride space of even the best commercial gym treadmills. Pair that with its thick, two-ply deck running on big 2.5” rollers, and you get a super-quiet operation so you can do cardio any time you’re at home.
To make running gentler on your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine, this folding treadmill is equipped with their CushionFlex Whisper Deck. It does more than just dampen impact; but also reduces the noise produced while running.
Serene Life Smart Electric Folding Treadmill – Best Compact
What we like
- Soft drop system
- Bluetooth app sync
- 3-level manual incline
What we don’t like
- More suitable for light cardio workout
This space-saving, folding treadmill is our top option for small spaces. Whether set down or folded up, it takes up very little floor space with only a 40” x 16” running surface. That being said, with its size and 1.0HP motor size, this electric treadmill is best used by walkers.
The motor is quiet yet powerful enough for long periods of power walking; it can reach up to 6.0mph. This is a compact, slim, and effective cardio machine for those looking to get their steps in without leaving the comfort of home.
It has 12 preset training modes that you’ll be able to select from the console. Besides the LCD screen showing your metrics, you can connect via Bluetooth to the Fitshow app to record and review training data, display training stats, challenge friends, and share fitness data with them.
GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill – Best Under-Desk
What we like
- Easy to move and store
- Simple to use with just three remote buttons
- Speed up to 12km/h
- Wireless connectivity (Bluetooth speaker, App control)
What we don’t like
- Narrow running surface
2-in-1 treadmills allow you to be active any time of the day – when you’re not working and even while you’re working from home. Most of us spend our 9 to 5 slouched in front of a computer screen, reading and typing away. With the GoPlus treadmill, simply slide and use it under your desk and keep your body stimulated, your mind active, and be more productive.
The well-powered and ultra-quiet 2.25HP motor will allow you to work out without being a disturbance, making it not only great for home use but even for the office. Its sturdy frame and multi-layered design give it shock-absorbing and sound-dampening characteristics to make your runs as quiet as possible.
Final Verdict
A good quiet treadmill will let you achieve your fitness goals without leaving the comfort of your own home. You’ll be able to walk, jog, and run noise and worry-free with our list of the best quiet treadmills with powerful yet quiet motors, sound-reducing decks, and rigid yet foldable builds.
This is why the LifeSpan Fitness TR2000i Folding Treadmill is our Top Pick! It is a value-packed roomy treadmill that has a 2.5-CHP motor, 8 compression-shock absorbers, and a welded steel frame for a heavy-duty, shock, and sound-absorbing running machine that won’t disturb even your most noise-sensitive neighbors.
What to Look for in a Quiet Treadmill for Your Home:
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a treadmill reflects the durability of the running machine. A higher weight capacity would mean the manufacturer has more confidence in the sturdiness and stability of their product. So, opt for a treadmill with the highest weight capacity your resources will allow.
Size and Build and Weight
For the machine size, consider the area you plan to put your treadmill in. A smaller, folding treadmill will be better for small homes or apartments. If you have the space, opt for one with a bigger size which would also mean a wider, longer, and more optimal running surface.
The build and weight of the machine go hand in hand. As previously mentioned, a heavier machine means a better quality build. Heavier means it will be more stable and have fewer clunks, vibration, and noise.
Motor Design
About motor size, we all know a higher horsepower is better. Though, even better than that, go for a high CHP or continuous-duty horsepower as it is a more reliable and accurate measure of a motor’s output.
A powerful electric motor will smoothly propel the running belt without making too much noise. So, you won’t be disturbing the people around you.
Quiet Running Belt/Noise Level
First, look for a thick treadmill belt that won’t slap against the deck and contribute to treadmill noise creation. Another important consideration would be the belt rollers; the bigger and more there are, the more quiet the treadmill will be.
Shock Absorption
Look at deck designs with impact-dampening, noise-reducing properties. Shock absorbing decks are one of the best features to significantly reduce running noise. Not only will your treadmill stay silent, but it will also save your joints from wear and tear and allow you to run for long periods comfortably.
Price
The most fundamental consideration before buying a treadmill is the price. Since you’ll essentially be also be investing in your long-term health, it’d be best to prepare to buy the most premium treadmill that will fit your budget. That way, you’ll get the best features in terms of build quality, noise reduction, and exercise variability.
