The best incline treadmill for 2025: Level up your walking or running routine

Want to ramp up your training sessions? Try a, well ... ramp, as in an incline treadmill. Using the best incline treadmill for you can boost your cardio fitness, calorie burn and overall strength, all while going easy on your joints. In fact, research indicates walking on a moderate incline offers effective cardiovascular benefits while also minimizing joint stress, making these machines valuable for everyone from older adults working to maintain their health to serious athletes. The gains can be significant. While studies on treadmill walking tend to be small, one study published in BMC Geriatrics found that for older adults, walking on a 10% incline may increase calorie burn by up to 23% while activating more muscles in the legs and core.

"Incline workouts target lower body muscles, specifically [the] quadriceps, hamstrings and calves — making them incredibly effective for building strength and tone," explains Maria Vazquez, head of training at MyWowFit, an online fitness platform. When you walk or run on an incline, your body engages your leg muscles more than on a flat surface. Over time, this increased engagement leads to greater muscular endurance and strength that can make other workouts and daily tasks feel easier.

"Incline treadmills also help people train for outdoor adventures such as hiking, skiing and snowboarding at various elevations and climbs," says Sarah Pope, a personal trainer and group exercise instructor at Life Time Clarendon in Arlington, Va.

Incline treadmills are available in a range of sizes and price points, offering different incline levels, speeds, tech features, integrated programs and more. To help you choose the best incline treadmill for your needs, our team went all in: We consulted fitness experts, including personal trainers, coaches and an exercise physiologist; researched leading treadmill brands; and put 16 incline treadmills to the test to find the best solutions for every budget and need.

Table of contents

Not sure you need an incline treadmill? We tested even more treadmills and walking pads you may want to consider, and we continue to review new models as they become available.

Best overall incline treadmill

More incline treadmills we like for 2025

Factors to consider when purchasing an incline treadmill

From motor power to max incline, here's what to look for when choosing the best treadmill for your needs:

Fitness goals and experience level

A modest incline range works for occasional challenges. But if you plan regular intense climbs to target your quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves, consider models with extended incline ranges — and possibly decline options. Your experience level should also guide your choice. Beginners — and those overwhelmed by option anxiety — often prefer simpler models with straightforward controls. More advanced users might enjoy premium models with varied workouts and streaming options to keep routines fresh.

Budget and motor power

Treadmills that remain stable at all speeds and inclines during regular use typically start at around $1,000, with premium models ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 — or more. This higher price point reflects quality construction, ensuring better durability and performance than lower-cost models.

A crucial component affecting cost is motor power. Personal trainer Josh York, founder and CEO of Gymguyz, recommends looking for a motor with at least 2.0 to 3.0 horsepower to ensure reliable performance. Betts agrees, adding, "A more powerful motor can handle higher speeds and inclines smoothly," so if you're serious about incline training, ensure your budget covers a treadmill with enough power to match your needs.

Prices increase with advanced technology like expanded multimedia features and smart functionality. Additionally, some models may require a subscription service to unlock full capabilities. Consider both the upfront price and any ongoing costs when making your final choice.

Available space

Most treadmills measure about 3 feet (36 inches) wide and 6 to 7 feet (72 to 84 inches) long, though exact dimensions vary by model and incline capabilities. No matter the size, plan for at least 2 feet of clearance on each side — and 6 feet behind the deck — when choosing your treadmill's location.

And remember, incline treadmills have a higher step-up height, which increases further at an incline. To play it safe, add your height plus the deck's maximum incline height, then allow an extra 1 to 2 feet of headroom. Most users need at least 8 feet (96 inches) of ceiling height to exercise comfortably without worrying about close calls with the ceiling.

Integrated workouts and technology

Most incline treadmills feature integrated workout programs that automatically adjust the incline based on time or distance. These programs are designed to keep your workouts dynamic and challenging. Higher-end models often offer more built-in workouts and smart features, like iFIT's subscription service with thousands of trainer-led workouts and real-world terrain simulations. For manual control, incline treadmills typically have incremental adjustment buttons. Premium models may include quick-access presets or smooth-rolling dials for precise mid-workout changes.

Safety features

Standard safety features include handlebars for added support, side guard rails to help you maintain proper alignment and emergency stop mechanisms. The most common is a safety key — a magnetic pin attached to a clip that you wear. If you move too far from the console or fall, the clip detaches and the treadmill stops instantly. Some models even feature a clearly labeled emergency stop button on the control panel for quick access.

Following a fatal accident involving a child, Peloton added a rear guard to their Tread+ to prevent objects from being pulled under the belt. Since most treadmills lack this feature, it's imperative to maintain at least 6 feet of clearance behind the deck for safety. Also, if you have children in the house, it's important to consider how to prevent them from using the treadmill without supervision. A treadmill that has a detachable safety key that you can store away from the machine itself is one helpful solution that can help prevent exercise equipment-related injuries.

How we chose

There are a lot of incline treadmills out there! To help narrow down the best of the best, we consulted fitness experts and evaluated a slew of treadmills based on motor power, belt size, pricing and warranty to assess each model's durability and overall value. Next, we rigorously tested 16 models, assessing their ease of use, comfort, speed, incline adjustability, entertainment features and display quality. We also thoroughly tested smart feature integrations, like touchscreens, built-in workouts, Bluetooth connectivity and fans. We compared notes, double-checked with experts and — voila! — we whittled the field down to our faves to help you select the best incline treadmill for your fitness goals, lifestyle and budget.

Other products we tested

Centr Runr-S: While the incline adjustment is slower than expected, possibly limiting its effectiveness for high-intensity interval training, the Runr-S is an excellent value at $1,559. The sturdy construction, incline range of 0 to 12% and wide assortment of integrated workout options make it a solid choice for many. Plus, you get a complimentary three-month Centr digital membership to enhance your training experience.

Peloton Tread+: This premium treadmill comes with a hefty price tag of nearly $6,000 — and you'll have to spend even more to utilize Peloton's All-Access Membership, which includes its renowned workout programming. But the investment brings impressive features: a 0 to 15% incline range adjustable in precise 0.5% increments, an extra-long 67-inch slatted rubber belt, a 32-inch display and a unique manual mode where your movement powers the belt instead of the motor.

XTerra WalkSlim WS300: At under $1,000, the WalkSlim WS300 is worth considering, especially since it provides 10 incline levels and can fold flat to just 8.5 inches for easy storage. The issue? We found that it becomes unstable at higher speeds and incline settings — and the belt tended to catch when the incline was increased.

Egofit Walker Pro: Another walking pad steal at $399, this one is compact with a quiet motor — but its moderate 5% incline is fixed, leaving no room for customization. Another potential drawback: Taller users might find the belt dimensions a bit tight.

Echelon Stride-4S-22: At $1,590, this treadmill delivers a 0 to 12% incline range, low step-up height, easy folding mechanism and a pivoting HD touchscreen. The one bummer? The touchscreen functionality largely requires an Echelon Premier Membership, sold separately at $39/month.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using an incline treadmill?

There are lots of benefits to walking or running on an incline treadmill, including:

• Increased calorie burn: When you walk or run on an incline, your body pushes against gravity, forcing you to expend more energy and burn more calories. Notably, at least one study suggests that walking at a modest 5% incline increases calorie burn by about 50%. Bump the incline to 10% and calorie burn more than doubles, increasing by about 110% compared to walking on a flat surface. This same-speed-more-results trick is particularly helpful for maximizing your workout over a shorter period of time.

• More muscle activation: Walking or running on an incline engages muscles more intensely than flat-surface walking, particularly targeting your posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings and lower back) along with your quads and calves. This increased muscle activation is key for developing strength and toning.

• Boost heart health: Incline workouts raise your heart rate more than flat-ground walking, improving cardiovascular fitness. That means regular incline walking or running strengthens your heart and increases blood circulation, helping reduce your risk of heart disease.

What incline percentage is equivalent to running outdoors on a hill?

Outdoor hills vary in steepness, so you’ll need to adjust your treadmill’s incline to match the specific terrain you're trying to simulate. For help figuring it out, know that moderate hills on a rolling trail start with an incline of around 5% to 10%. But if you're looking to replicate more strenuous inclines, increase your treadmill’s incline to 12% to 15%. Some advanced treadmills also have decline settings, allowing you to simulate walking or running downhill. If you're hoping to copycat the outdoor experience, try a decline of –1% to –3%.

How do I choose the right incline level for my fitness level?

Start conservatively and gradually increase the incline to match your improving strength and endurance. If an incline feels too challenging, don't hesitate to lower it and focus on maintaining proper form. Here's how to choose the right level:

• Beginner
  Those new to running or incline training should start at about 1% to 2%. This slight increase helps build cardiovascular endurance without overloading muscles while your body adjusts to the intensity.

• Moderate
  If you're comfortable with flat-terrain exercise, consider starting at 3% to 5%. This range effectively engages your glutes and hamstrings while remaining manageable — ideal for building strength and endurance without hill-sprint intensity.

• Intermediate
  Got a solid base of endurance and strength? Training for hill running or preparing for a race? If so, an incline between 6% and 10% is ideal. Here, you'll increase muscle activation, particularly in the lower body, and boost both aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

• Advanced
  For high-intensity training or simulating steep outdoor terrain, a 10% to 15% incline may be more your speed. This is ideal for experienced folks seeking a real challenge that mimics mountainous terrain. Remember, these levels can be very taxing, so use them sparingly to avoid overtraining.

Is incline training bad for my knees?

No! In fact, incline training can actually benefit your knees. One small study found that walking at 3 miles per hour on inclines between 10% and 20% reduced stress on the participants' knee joints compared to walking on flat ground. This stress reduction, combined with increased muscle activation in your legs, may help protect your knees and reduce your risk of joint wear and tear and injury over time.

What are some effective incline treadmill workouts?

Here are three popular approaches to incline training:

• Try your machine's built-in workouts: Many modern treadmills come with preloaded workouts that automatically adjust the incline as you go, making it easy to get started.

• Experiment with interval training: To boost your strength and endurance while keeping your muscles engaged, manually alternate between periods of high and low incline. For example, you could walk at a steep incline for 1 to 2 minutes, then lower the incline for a minute to recover. Repeat the cycle for a set duration, like 20 or 30 minutes. This type of workout boosts strength and endurance while keeping your muscles engaged.

• Build strength with a pyramid workout: Start at a low incline and gradually increase it while maintaining a consistent speed. Once you reach your peak incline, slowly decrease back to flat ground. This climbing simulation builds strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Whether you're using built-in programs or creating your own routine, it's crucial to warm up before you start — and cool down afterward. And as always, check with your health care provider before starting a new exercise program to ensure it's a good fit for you.

Meet the experts

• Sara Pope, personal trainer and group fitness instructor with Life Time Clarendon in Arlington, Va.

• Maria Vazquez, personal trainer and head of training for MyWowFit, an online fitness platform

• Josh York, personal trainer, founder and CEO of Gymguyz, a fitness company that brings personal trainers and equipment directly to users' homes

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.