With the ability to simulate uphill climbs, incline treadmills can help you burn more calories than road running, improve your endurance, and build strength in your lower body.
In this article, we’ve picked and reviewed the five best treadmills with incline for your home gym, along with our top three choices and buying guide so that you can choose the best one that meets your needs and budget.
Best Overall
NordicTrack X22i
The best high-incline treadmill with a powerful motor, large touchscreen display, and Reflex Deck cushioning.
Best Home Use
Bowflex Treadmill 10
The best incline treadmill for home use with a heavy-duty frame, interactive console, and many programs.
Best Value for Money
Sole F63
The best value-for-money treadmill with incline controls. Zero subscription cost and classy design.
What is the Best Incline Treadmill?
Here’re five of the best incline treadmill:
- Best Overall Treadmill with Incline: NordicTrack X22i
- Best Incline Treadmill for Home: Bowflex Treadmill 10
- Best Incline Treadmill Under $1000: Sole F63
- Best Streaming Treadmill with Incline: Bowflex Treadmill 22
- Best Incline Treadmill Under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515
1. NordicTrack X22i
The Best Incline Treadmill for Runners
Key Specs:
| Editors’ Rating: | 4.8/5 |
| Display: | 22″ Interactive HD Touchscreen |
| Tread Belt: | 22″ x 60″ |
| Motor: | 4.0 CHP |
| Speed: | 0-12 MPH |
| Incline: | -6 to 40% OneTouch Control |
| Cushion: | Reflex Deck Cushioning |
| Folding: | No |
| Weight Capacity: | 300 lb (136 kg) |
| Dimensions: | 72.2″ L x 35″ W x 54.1″ H |
| Warranty: | 10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor |
NordicTrack includes a 22-inch smart HD touchscreen and 30-day iFit family membership, so you can work out with iFit trainers in a one-on-one personal training session.
With its 40% incline and 6% decline, you’ll burn five times more calories than regular road running and enjoy the uphill running in the comfort of your home.
This machine incorporates AutoAdjust, which allows your trainer to digitally adjust your incline, decline, and speed in real time.
The X22i treadmill comes with a 22″ x 60″ running path with an integrated Reflex Deck cushioning system that minimizes impact and maximizes your comfort.
The AutoBreeze fan, premium audio speakers, ActivePulse technology, faster AutoAdjust, and Bluetooth headphones make this treadmill more appealing.
Pros
- -6% decline to 40% auto incline.
- 22″ Smart HD Touchscreen.
- 30-day iFit and 5 user profiles.
- A 22″ x 60″ extended running path.
- 4.0 CHP robust motor.
- Bluetooth headphone connectivity.
- Quiet Drive incline tech.
- Dual AutoBreeze workout fans.
Cons
- It’s a slightly heavy machine.
- It doesn’t provide pulse sensors.
- It required Credit Card for activation.
Summary
If you’re looking for an incline trainer packed with high performance and many exciting features, the NordicTrack X22i is one of the best incline treadmills you can own.
2. Bowflex Treadmill 10
The Best Incline Treadmill for Home Use
Key Specs:
| Editors’ Rating: | 4.7/5 |
| Display: | 10″ Interactive HD Touchscreen |
| Tread Belt: | 22″ x 60″ |
| Motor: | 4.0 HP |
| Speed: | 0-12 MPH |
| Incline: | -5% to 15% Auto |
| Cushion: | Comfort Tech Deck Cushioning |
| Folding: | Yes (SoftDrop Technology) |
| Item Weight: | 323 lbs. (146.5 kg) |
| Weight Capacity: | 400 lbs. (181.4 kg) |
| Dimensions: | 85″ L x 39.6″ W x 65.3″ H |
| Subscription: | 1-Year JRNY Membership Included ($149) |
| Streaming Options: | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max (Subscriptions required) |
| Extras: | Bluetooth Heart Rate Arm Band, Heart Rate hand Grips, Media Shelf, Adjustable Fan, Two Bottle Holder |
| Warranty: | Frame and Motor: 15 years; Mechanical Parts: 5 years; Electronics: 1 year; Labor: 2 years |
The Bowflex Treadmill 10 provides a 5% decline up to a 15% incline, which provides a challenging workout experience, and its 10-inch HD touchscreen display that helps access a range of workouts, including many custom programs and virtual coaching.
This Bowflex treadmill gives you a 4.0 HP motor (not mentioned on the website), 12 mph speed, and a 22″ x 60″ trade belt — the ideal performance features you want for hardcore running or HIIT workouts.
Additionally, the treadmill is compatible with the Bowflex JRNY app, which provides personalized coaching, workout tracking, stream videos, and other features to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Pros
- -5% decline and up to 15% incline.
- 10″ Interactive HD Touchscreen.
- 1-year JRNY membership with shows.
- A powerful 4.0 HP motor.
- It can load up to 400 lb user weight.
- Built-in adjustable cooling fan.
- Bluetooth speakers and heart rate.
Cons
- It’s a slightly heavy treadmill.
- The customer service isn’t impressive.
- The motor capacity isn’t mentioned on the merchant’s site.
Summary
The Bowflex T10 can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a folding treadmill with incline packed with a heavy-duty frame and many adventurous features.
3. Sole F63
The Best Value for Money Treadmill with Incline
| Editors’ Rating: | 4.6/5 |
| Display: | 6.5″ LCD screen |
| Tread Belt: | 20″ x 60″ |
| Motor: | 3.0 CHP |
| Speed: | 0-12 MPH |
| Incline: | 0-15% Auto |
| Cushion: | 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning |
| Folding: | Yes |
| Weight Capacity: | 325 Pounds |
| Dimensions: | 82″ L x 35″ W x 57″ H |
| Warranty: | Lifetime frame and motor, 3 years parts, and 1-year labor |
The Sole F63 has a powerful 3.0 continuous horsepower motor that runs up to 12 miles per hour.
This foldable treadmill has an incline range of 0-15%, the standard range you’ll get in most high-end treadmills.
The F63 compact treadmill features a 6.5-inch LCD console where you can access many preset workout programs, including custom training, heart rate monitoring, and other features — no subscription required.
Pros
- Heavy duty frame
- Extended warranty
- Lots of comfort features
- Slim design
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Basic console
- No decline option
Summary
The Sole F63 is our top choice machine for those looking for an incline treadmill under 1000 dollars that offers advanced features and high construction quality.
4. Bowflex Treadmill 22
The Best Streaming Treadmill with Incline
Key Specs:
| Editors’ Rating: | 4.8/5 |
| Display: | 22″ Interactive HD Touchscreen |
| Tread Belt: | 22″ x 60″ |
| Motor: | 4.0 HP |
| Speed: | 0-12 MPH |
| Incline: | -5% to 20% Motorized |
| Cushion: | Comfort Tech Deck Cushioning |
| Folding: | Yes (SoftDrop Technology) |
| Item Weight: | 336 lb (152.4 kg) |
| Weight Capacity: | 400 lb (181.4 kg) |
| Dimensions: | 85″ L x 39.6″ W x 70″ H |
| Subscription: | 1-Year JRNY Membership Included ($149) |
| Streaming Options: | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max (Subscriptions required) |
| Extras: | Bluetooth Speakers, Accessory Tray, Built-in Media Shelf, Water Bottle Holder, Transport Wheels |
| Warranty: | Frame and Motor: 15 years; Mechanical Parts: 5 years; Electronics: 1 year; Labor: 2 years |
Here’s another one from Bowflex with a higher incline and larger screen.
The Bowflex T22 gives a 5% decline up to a 20% incline, which is slightly higher than most high-end treadmills.
One of the biggest highlights of this folding treadmill is its 22″ large interactive HD touchscreen with a 1-year JRNY membership ($149 value), which allows you to run or hike through 50+ scenic destinations worldwide.
Like other Bowflex models, it’s a heavy-duty treadmill and can efficiently carry up to 400 pounds of users, making it special for heavy people.
If we look at the performance, it gives a 4.0 HP motor, 12 mph speed, and a 22″ x 60″ trade belt, which can efficiently handle all your incline workouts.
Pros
- -5% decline to 20% incline.
- It can load up to 400 lb user weight.
- 22″ Interactive HD Touchscreen.
- 1-year JRNY membership with shows.
- A 22-inch wide running path.
- Built-in adjustable cooling fan.
- Bluetooth speakers and heart rate.
Cons
- It’s an expensive one.
- It’s a slightly heavy treadmill.
- The motor capacity isn’t mentioned on the merchant’s site.
Summary
If you want a heavy-duty running treadmill with high incline settings and a large HD console, then the Bowflex T22 might be your top choice.
5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515
The Best Incline Treadmill Under $500
Key Specs:
| Editors’ Rating: | 4.0/5 |
| Display: | Backlit Digital LCD console |
| Tread Belt: | 16.5″ x 49.5″ |
| Motor: | 2.2 HP DC |
| Speed: | 1.0-8.0 MPH |
| Incline: | 0-12% Auto |
| Folding: | Yes |
| Item weight: | 123.5 lb (56 kg) |
| Weight capacity: | 240 lb (108.8 kg) |
| Folded dimensions: | 40.25″ L x 28″ W x 54.75″ H |
| Warranty: | 3-Years Frame and 180-Days Parts and Components |
Looking for a budget incline treadmill? Check out the Sunny SF-T7515 treadmill that offers 12% incline capability, which is rare compared to other inexpensive treadmills that typically offer manual incline adjustments.
Sunny Health & Fitness is one of the most popular brands in the industry known for its affordable treadmills, and this SF-T7515 is not an exception.
This compact foldable treadmill has an LCD console to track essential workout data such as time, distance, speed, calories, incline, heart rate, and 12 preset workout programs.
The Sunny SF-T7515 build with a 2.2 HP motor runs at 8 mph, which may be sufficient for your incline walking sessions.
Pros
- Quick 12% auto incline control.
- Backlit digital LCD screen.
- 12 preset workout programs.
- Handrail pulse sensor & buttons.
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
- Soft drop system for easy folding.
Cons
- It’s a basic treadmill.
- Not for power joggers and runners.
- The weight capacity is slightly low.
Summary
If you’re looking for an affordable walking treadmill with motorized incline control, then the Sunny SF-T7515 is our top choice for you.
Things to Consider When Buying an Incline Treadmill
You should check out the following things when choosing a higher-incline treadmill to get more of your purchase.
Incline
When buying a treadmill with an incline, the first and most obvious thing you want to check is the incline.
The treadmill has two types of incline: manual incline and motorized incline. The treadmill with motorized incline control is preferable, which helps you quickly adjust the incline levels without interrupting your rhythm.
Most treadmills provide 10% to 15% and up to 20-40%, especially incline trainers.
If you want a treadmill for home use, 10-15% may suit you, whereas advanced fitness enthusiasts or athletes may want a higher incline to get the benefits of uphill training.
Choose the one according to your needs and fitness goals.
Stability and Durability
When running on an inclined treadmill, stability and durability are the key things you want to check, especially if you want to do high-intensity interval training.
An unstable machine can create several headaches for you, such as making noise, a high chance of breaking, short life, or even you might slip from the treadmill.
How do you know any treadmill’s built-in quality?
Look for its weight capacity and warranty life, which are significant clues to a treadmill’s contraction quality.
A treadmill with incline capability will likely give you a higher weight limit (like 300 lb or higher) and a more stable run for the long years.
An extended warranty gives you peace of mind and ensures you a long equipment life.
Performance
Your motor capacity is the key to performance. The higher your motor, the smoother training experience you’ll get.
Here’s the general recommendation for motor power:
- For walking: 2.0 HP or above
- For jogging: 2.5 HP or above
- For running: 3.0 HP or above
This recommendation may fit very well for a 200 lb person. You can increase 0.5 HP per 50 pounds body weight (e.g., a 250 lb walker may need at least a 2.5 HP motor).
The speed of your motor may vary according to your training needs. An 8 mph speed might be sufficient for walkers, whereas joggers and runners need a higher speed, like 10 mph and 12 mph, respectively.
Comfort
To get optimal comfort during your workout, you should have a decent size deck to walk or run comfortably without slipping or hitting your body parts on the machine.
The general recommendation for belt size is as follows:
- For walking: 16″ x 50″
- For jogging: 20″ x 55″
- For running: 20″ x 60″
However, if you’re a tall user or have a wider running style, going with a larger deck is a wiser decision.
Furthermore, if you’re interested in higher-end incline treadmills, you’ll get an integrated fan that keeps you cool during a long-lasting session.
Warranty
The warranties vary on different brands and the treadmill price as well.
Here’re the best warranties you can expect from a great incline treadmill:
- Frame and motor: At least 10 years to lifetime coverage
- Parts and electronics: At least 2 to 3 years
- Labor: 1 to 2 years
The warranty period may shrink slightly in lower-end models, which is reasonable.
How to Choose the Best Incline Treadmill
After reviewing various incline treadmills in the market, we consider that each of the selected treadmills serves a specific purpose and needs.
The NordicTrack X22i is the best overall, thanks to its impressive incline range, powerful motor, large touchscreen display, and RunnersFlex cushioning.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 is an excellent choice for those on a budget, while the Bowflex Treadmill 10 is ideal for home gyms.
The Sole F63 offers excellent value for money with zero subscription cost, and the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is perfect for those looking for an excellent treadmill for streaming workouts.
So, choose the one that meets your needs best.
Final Word
Incline treadmills offer a versatile and challenging workout experience that can help you burn more calories and improve your cardiovascular fitness while sending less time on the treadmill.
Our chart highlights some of the best and top incline treadmills on the market (category-wise), so you can easily pick the one that suits your needs and budget well.
Now we are curious to know, which one attracts you most? Is it NordicTrack X22i or Bowflex T10? Or a budget option?
Let us know in the comment section below. We love to hear from you!
FAQs
Is a treadmill with an incline better?
Yes! The incline is one feature that makes the difference from regular road running. Because running on an elevated surface requires more intensity, meaning more calorie burn, leading to a more effective workout than running on a flat surface.
What treadmills have a high incline?
The NordicTrack X22i has the highest incline level of 40%.
Is treadmill incline good for weight loss?
A treadmill with an inclined deck challenges us on each step and demands extra effort to move forward, causing more calorie burn in less time and further speeding up your weight loss journey.
What is good incline on treadmills?
Most standard treadmills offer about 10% to 15% motorized incline, which is suitable for most home users.
However, some treadmills have about 20% up to 40% incline, which is really high and mainly suitable for athletes or advanced fitness enthusiasts.
Is incline treadmill better for knees?
Running on an inclined treadmill is always helpful to burn extra calories in a short period but, at the same time, can put stress on your knees and joints.
Although training on a treadmill with an incline may help improve your knees’ mobility and strength, too much of it may lead to knee and joint injury. Make sure to give your body enough time to recover between sessions.
