Not all runs are created equal. 

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Sometimes the universe aligns perfectly and the day you’re planning to run is 65 degrees with a warm breeze. But then there are the days when your run is an obstacle course of rain and potholes, which is where a treadmill comes in. 

Is Running Outside Better Than Running on a Treadmill?

Well, it depends. 

While running outside tends to be a better workout since it features more compound movements and varying terrains, it can also be rougher on your legs. 

And — on the other side of the coin — running on a treadmill can be a great respite in that it offers you a controlled environment where you don’t need to worry about the weather or environmental hazards. Sometimes it isn’t as good of a workout — it certainly offers less variation in terms of terrain. 

But when the weather sucks, a treadmill is an absolute necessity. Running outside is a great adventure — even if you’re doing hill work or working on sprints. But running into a sudden thunderstorm ain’t no fun for anyone. 

At the end of the day, it comes down to preference. If you live in a place where there’s a park, or open trails through the woods, you can run outside all the time — or you’re the type that guts it out no matter the conditions — then feel free to run outside to your heart’s content. 

But if that doesn’t sound like your speed, fear not, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a look at the five best treadmills on the market so you figure out which one’s the best for you.  

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

An updated version of the classic NordicTrack treadmill, the 1750 is a sleek, modern treadmill that works for runners of every experience level. 

NordicTrack Treadmills are well known for their smooth handling and acceleration — and this baby is no exception. It offers an incline of up to 12%, has a responsive touch screen, and a sturdy body that can withstand plenty of hard miles. If that wasn’t enough, it also has a warranty that covers the treadmill frame for 10 years, the parts for two years, and the labor for one year. 

It also comes with iFit — which lets you track and monitor your workouts. However, some users report that the treadmill only comes with a year of iFit, which is important to note beforehand. 

Ideal for various workouts and fitness levels, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is terrific for a home with multiple users. 

ProForm Pro 2000

Like the NordicTrack, the ProForm Pro 2000 is known for its simple controls and versatility. While this treadmill is a bit heavier than others listed here — it can weigh up to 262 pounds — it folds and is relatively easy to set up. 

The ProForm only has a 7-inch touchscreen, which is a bit smaller than other treadmills. While that small touchscreen might not be for everyone, it still offers a crystal-clear picture. 

The big get here is its variety of workouts — great for runners looking to get in a bunch of different workouts. Whether you’re looking for a run that offers varying speeds or a run with dynamic resistance and incline, the ProForm has the workout just for you. 

Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT

There’s a time and place for a calm job on a workout, but there are some times where you need a bust-ass session. And that’s where the Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT comes in. 

All Horizon Fitness treadmills have a state-of-the-art motor, and the 7.8 AT model is no exception. QuickDails Controls allow for the rapid adjustment of speed or incline during a workout so you can accelerate — or decelerate — to your heart’s content. 

This treadmill also folds and stores easily and has compatibility with various fitness apps. That sort of program diversity is a great benefit to runners who use apps like Strava or Apple Health to keep track of their workouts.

Bowflex Treadmill 10

There’s no bigger name in North American fitness than Bowflex. Founded in Vancouver in 1986, Bowflex has a wide range of workout equipment and the Treadmill 10 is a true stand-out. 

It’s another heavy treadmill with a small screen (10 inches), but it has a 60-inch deck and a belt that reduces the amount of torque in your stride. It has strong incline controls (15%) and it can fold. However, this treadmill has a large deck so it takes up more storage space than some of the other treadmills on this list. 

That said, with this large deck you don’t need to limit your stride — so good since this machine goes up to 12 miles per hour.

LifeSpan TR7000i

One of the most expensive treadmills on this list, the LifeSpan TR7000i has a steel body and features a 3.5 hp AC motor. Its extensive internal computer system features 21 built-in training programs and a heartbeat monitor. 

The footprint measures 6 and a half feet — no need to worry about shortening your stride to run comfortably — and features 15 different levels of incline. The steel frame can be a bit of a hassle to install and set up. But the wide body is fantastic for taller or wider runners, as well as runners looking to reach the maximum of 12 miles per hour. That’s a 5 minute mile, kids. You better get training.