If you live above someone else and dream of a home workout routine, finding the best quiet treadmills for upstairs apartment use is essential.
The last thing you want is angry knocks from your downstairs neighbor at 6 AM. Trust me, I’ve been there.
If you’re wondering whether indoor cardio is worth it—absolutely yes. Walking on a treadmill can help you lose belly fat without ever leaving home.
Key Takeaways:
- Look for treadmills rated under 60 dB
- Brushless motors are quieter than brushed
- A treadmill mat reduces noise 20-40%
- Walking pads are quietest (45-55 dB)
- Top pick: NordicTrack 1750 (~51 dB)
The good news? Treadmill technology has come a long way.
Today’s best models feature brushless motors that purr like kittens, shock-absorbing decks, and compact designs that tuck away when you’re done.
After extensive research—including decibel ratings, vibration tests, and real apartment-dweller reviews—I’ve identified the 11 best treadmills that let you crush your fitness goals without crushing your relationship with neighbors.
Need motivation to use your new machine? Check out our tips to stay motivated to run on the treadmill.
Best Quiet Treadmills for Upstairs Apartment Use – Small Spaces
What Makes a Treadmill “Apartment-Friendly”?
Before we dive into the reviews, here’s what separates a neighbor-friendly treadmill from a floor-shaking nightmare:
Decibel Rating Under 60 dB at walking speed is the goal. The best models hit 40-55 dB. For context, the CDC recommends keeping prolonged noise under 70 dB.
Motor Type Brushless motors run significantly quieter. Look for 2.0-3.5 HP motors designed for smooth operation.
Deck Cushioning A cushioned deck absorbs foot impact—the main noise that travels through floors. Good cushioning also helps prevent hip soreness after running.
Frame Stability Heavier, sturdier frames actually reduce vibration. Lightweight, wobbly frames transmit more noise.
Foldable Design Essential for apartment living where space is limited.
Now, let’s meet your new workout partner.
Best Quiet Treadmills for Upstairs Apartment Use – Comparison Chart
Quick Comparison: Best Quiet Treadmills at a Glance
🏆 Best Overall: NordicTrack 1750 | ~51 dB
💰 Best Value: Horizon 7.0 AT | ~55 dB
🏠 Best for Small Spaces: UREVO 2-in-1 | ~50 dB
🏃 Best for Runners: Sole F80 | ~54 dB
💼 Best for Work-From-Home: LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 | ~45 dB
🪙 Best Budget: DeerRun Q1 Mini | ~50 dB
All 11 Treadmills Ranked by Noise Level
- LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 — ~45 dB
- UREVO 2-in-1 — ~50 dB
- WalkingPad R2 — ~50 dB
- Goplus Walking Pad — ~50 dB
- DeerRun Q1 Mini — ~50 dB
- NordicTrack 1750 — ~51 dB
- Sole F80 — ~54 dB
- Sole F63 — ~55 dB
- Horizon 7.0 AT — ~55 dB
- Echelon Stride-6s — ~55 dB
- Sunny SF-T4400 — ~60 dB
Noise measured at 3 mph walking speed.
Best Quiet Treadmills for Upstairs Apartment Use – Top Picks
Best Quiet Treadmill for Upstairs Apartment Use: Top 11 Picks
1. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 — Best Overall Quiet Treadmill
What It Is: The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a premium folding treadmill with a 14-inch HD touchscreen, a powerful 3.5 CHP motor, and one of the most cushioned decks in the industry. It’s designed for serious runners and walkers who want a gym-quality experience at home.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: In professional decibel testing, the 1750 measured just 50.8 dB at 3 mph—and even during running, testers were shocked at how quiet it remained.
The “Runners Flex” cushioning system absorbs impact beautifully, reducing the foot noise that travels through apartment floors. The motor adjusts quickly and quietly, making it ideal for interval training.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor: 3.5 CHP
- Speed: 0-12 mph
- Incline: -3% to 15%
- Deck: 22″ x 60″
- Noise: ~50.8 dB (walking)
- Max User Weight: 300 lbs
- Treadmill Weight: 340 lbs
Additional Benefits:
- 14-inch interactive touchscreen with iFIT programming (thousands of trainer-led workouts)
- -3% decline to 15% incline for varied training
- Bluetooth connectivity and speakers
- Folds vertically with EasyLift Assist for space-saving storage
- Spacious 22″ x 60″ running deck
Best For: Serious runners in apartments who want premium features and whisper-quiet performance. If you’re an early bird, you’ll love reading about the benefits of running in the morning.
Price Range: 1799 – 2299
2. Sole F63 — Best Budget-Friendly Quiet Treadmill
What It Is: The Sole F63 is a folding treadmill known for exceptional build quality at a mid-range price point. It features a 3.0 CHP motor, a cushioned deck, and a straightforward console without subscription requirements.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: Sole treadmills have consistently impressed reviewers with their low noise output. The F63’s motor runs quietly, and the belt operates smoothly without clunky sounds.
While there’s slightly more foot noise than the NordicTrack, you won’t hear rough motor noise or mechanical grinding. The simple console means no extra audio from programs—just pure, quiet exercise.
Additional Benefits:
- No subscription required—all features work out of the box
- Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces impact by up to 40%
- 20″ x 60″ running surface accommodates all workout styles
- Folds easily with a safety lock
- Built-in speakers and USB charging port
- Excellent warranty (lifetime frame and motor, 3-year parts)
Best For: Apartment dwellers who want quality and value without monthly subscription fees.
Price Range: 999 – 1199
3. Horizon 7.0 AT — Best Quiet Treadmill Under $1,000
What It Is: The Horizon 7.0 AT is a feature-rich folding treadmill with a 3.0 CHP motor, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with apps like Zwift, Peloton, and Studio. It offers premium features at a budget-friendly price.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: Earning perfect scores for value in expert testing, the 7.0 AT operates quietly enough for early morning or late-night workouts.
The motor reaches speeds up to 12 mph without excessive noise. The deck cushioning reduces foot impact, and the solid frame minimizes vibration. Reviewers consistently note its quiet operation.
Additional Benefits:
- Rapid-charge USB port
- Bluetooth speakers
- 60-inch deck with three-zone cushioning
- FeatherLight folding with hydraulic assist
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
- No required subscription
Best For: Budget-conscious apartment residents who want solid performance and quiet operation.
Price Range: 799 – 999
4. Echelon Stride-6s — Best Compact Quiet Treadmill
What It Is: The Echelon Stride-6s is a uniquely designed folding treadmill that stores both horizontally and vertically. Its console folds down to the deck, reducing the unit to just 10 inches high when stored.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: This machine was designed specifically for apartment living. The 3 HP brushless motor operates quietly, and the compact size means you can slide it under a bed or into a closet.
Two sets of transport wheels let you push it any direction when upright—perfect for tight apartment spaces.
Additional Benefits:
- Just 10 inches high when folded flat
- Echelon United app with live and on-demand classes
- Speed up to 12 mph with 10% incline
- Cushioned deck for joint protection
- Sleek, modern design
Best For: Studio apartment residents who need maximum space efficiency with minimal noise.
Price Range: 1299 – 1499
5. UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill — Best for Working From Home
What It Is: The UREVO 2-in-1 is a versatile walking pad that transforms from an under-desk walker (with handrails down) to a jogging treadmill (with handrails up). It’s the #1 ranked treadmill on Amazon for good reason.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: At just 59 pounds with a 2.5 HP motor, the UREVO operates quietly enough for Zoom calls—users report colleagues never notice they’re walking.
The compact 42.5-inch deck is perfect for small spaces, and it slides easily under a standing desk or bed. Multiple reviewers praise its quiet motor for apartment living.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor: 2.5 HP
- Speed: 0.6-7.6 mph
- Deck: 16.5″ x 42.5″
- Noise: ~50 dB (walking)
- Max User Weight: 265 lbs
- Folded Height: 5.5″
- Treadmill Weight: 59 lbs
Additional Benefits:
- Arrives fully assembled—zero setup required
- Walk mode (up to 3.8 mph) and run mode (up to 7.6 mph)
- LED display shows speed, time, distance, and calories
- Foldable handrails with tablet holder
- Remote control for easy speed adjustments
- Budget-friendly price point
Best For: Remote workers who want to walk while they work without disturbing video calls or neighbors. Pair it with compression shirts for running for maximum comfort during your workday walks.
Price Range: 259 – 329
6. WalkingPad R2 2-in-1 — Best Premium Walking Pad
What It Is: The WalkingPad R2 is a sophisticated folding treadmill from KingSmith that folds in half for ultra-compact storage. It transitions between walking mode (under desk) and running mode with raised handrails.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: WalkingPad pioneered the quiet walking pad category, and the R2 represents their premium offering.
The brushless motor and professional runway design keep noise between 45-55 dB. Eight independent shock absorbers minimize vibration through floors. When folded, it’s only 5 inches thick.
Additional Benefits:
- Patented 180-degree folding technology
- Intelligent speed control adapts to your walking position
- LED display embedded in the running surface
- App connectivity for workout tracking
- Supports up to 300 lbs
- Premium build quality with aluminum alloy frame
Best For: Design-conscious apartment dwellers who want a premium, whisper-quiet walking solution.
Price Range: 499 – 599
7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 — Best Budget Walking Treadmill
What It Is: The Sunny SF-T4400 is a straightforward, affordable folding treadmill designed for walking and light jogging. It features a 2.2 HP motor, 9 built-in workout programs, and a simple LCD display.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: When you’re watching your budget but still need a quiet workout solution, the SF-T4400 delivers.
The shock absorption system cushions your steps, reducing noise transmission. The motor runs smoothly at walking and jogging speeds. At under 75 pounds, it’s easy to move, and it folds to save space.
Additional Benefits:
- Extremely affordable entry point
- Handrail pulse sensors for heart rate monitoring
- Device holder for phone or tablet
- Emergency stop clip for safety
- 49″ x 15.5″ running surface
- 220 lb weight capacity
Best For: Budget-conscious beginners who want a simple, quiet treadmill for walking. If you have joint concerns, walking is one of the best low-impact exercises for seniors.
Price Range: 279 – 349
8. Sole F80 — Best Quiet Treadmill for Runners
What It Is: The Sole F80 is a professional-grade folding treadmill with a powerful 3.5 HP motor, a spacious 22″ x 60″ deck, and Sole’s renowned Cushion Flex Whisper Deck technology.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: If you’re a serious runner in an apartment, the F80 is your best bet. In decibel testing, it remained quieter than competitors even at full speed.
The incline adjusts slowly but quietly. The massive deck gives you room to stretch your stride. The heavy, stable frame absorbs vibration rather than transmitting it.
Additional Benefits:
- Speed up to 12 mph with 15% incline
- Bluetooth speakers and USB charging
- Cooling fans built into console
- Easy Assist folding system
- 375 lb user weight capacity
- Excellent warranty (lifetime frame/motor, 5-year electronics)
Best For: Dedicated runners in apartments who need a quiet machine that can handle serious training. After those long runs, consider using a massage gun for sore muscles to speed recovery.
Price Range: 1499 – 1799
9. Goplus 2.5 HP Under Desk Walking Pad — Best Ultra-Budget Option
What It Is: The Goplus Walking Pad is a no-frills under-desk treadmill with a 2.5 HP motor, LED display, and remote control. It’s designed purely for walking while you work.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: At under $300, the Goplus offers excellent value for apartment dwellers who just want to get their steps in. The quiet motor operates smoothly at walking speeds (up to 4 mph), and the compact design stores easily. While it lacks fancy features, it does the basics well and quietly.
Additional Benefits:
- Arrives fully assembled
- Lightweight and easy to move
- 3 countdown modes for structured workouts
- Simple remote control operation
- Compact footprint ideal for small spaces
- 265 lb weight capacity
Best For: Apartment residents on a tight budget who want a simple, quiet walking solution.
Price Range: 199 – 279
10. DeerRun Q1 Mini Walking Pad — Best Travel-Friendly Option
What It Is: The DeerRun Q1 Mini is an ultra-compact walking pad that weighs significantly less than competitors while still offering reliable performance. It’s designed for maximum portability.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: The Q1 Mini is one of the smallest and quietest walking pads available. Its compact size and light weight make it perfect for studio apartments where every square foot counts. The motor operates quietly, and the smaller footprint means less vibration area touching your floor.
Additional Benefits:
- Super affordable (often on sale under $150)
- Easy to store under furniture
- Top speed of 3.8 mph for brisk walking
- Simple LED display with remote
- Gamified app for workout motivation
- Low profile slides under bed or sofa easily
Best For: Studio apartment residents who need the smallest, quietest walking solution possible.
Price Range: 149 – 199
11. LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 — Best Quiet Treadmill Desk Combo
What It Is: The LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 is a complete treadmill desk system with a height-adjustable desktop and a whisper-quiet walking base designed specifically for all-day walking while working.
Why It’s a Top Pick for Apartments: If your goal is to walk all day while working from home, this is the gold standard.
The 2.25 HP motor is engineered for quiet, continuous operation—LifeSpan designed this for shared office environments where noise is unacceptable. Six impact-absorbing shocks dampen vibration, and the motor auto-stops when you step off.
Additional Benefits:
- Height-adjustable desktop (28.5″ to 47.4″)
- Designed for 6+ hours of continuous use
- Intelli-Guard safety feature stops belt when you step off
- Bluetooth integration with LifeSpan Active Track app
- Console controls speed, tracks steps, calories, distance
- Heavy-duty construction supports extended daily use
Best For: Remote workers in apartments who want to walk throughout their entire workday without any noise concerns. When the weather gets chilly and you want to run outdoors instead, check out our guide to the best cold weather leggings for running.
Price Range: 1299-1599
Which Quiet Treadmill Should You Buy?
Still not sure? Here’s a quick guide:
🏃 For Serious Runners → NordicTrack 1750 or Sole F80
- Running speeds above 8 mph
- Premium cushioning
- Interactive training programs
💰 For Best Value → Horizon 7.0 AT or Sole F63
- Great quality, fair price
- No subscription fees
- Lifetime frame warranty
🏠 For Small Spaces → UREVO 2-in-1 or WalkingPad R2
- Walking while working
- Stores under bed/desk
- Budget-friendly
💼 For All-Day Desk Use → LifeSpan TR1200-DT5
- Whisper quiet (~45 dB)
- Built for 6+ hours daily
- Complete desk solution
🪙 For Tight Budgets → Sunny SF-T4400 or Goplus
- Under $350
- Light walking/jogging
- Great starter option
Tips to Make Any Treadmill Quieter
Even with a quiet treadmill, these steps reduce noise further:
1. Use a Treadmill Mat A thick rubber mat (½” minimum) absorbs vibration before it reaches the floor. This is the single most effective fix.
2. Position Away from Walls Sound bounces off walls and amplifies. Place your treadmill in the center of the room when possible.
3. Choose Load-Bearing Corners These areas have more structural support and transmit less vibration to units below.
4. Walk at an Incline Incline walking burns comparable calories to running but produces far less impact noise. Curious about which workout burns the most calories? Incline walking ranks higher than you’d think!
5. Maintain Your Treadmill Lubricate the belt regularly. Tighten loose bolts. Keep the motor clean. A well-maintained treadmill runs quieter.
6. Communicate with Neighbors Let them know your workout times. A little courtesy goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
Living upstairs doesn’t mean sacrificing your fitness goals. There’s a quiet treadmill here for every budget and workout style.
Don’t forget gear like compression shorts to prevent chafing for longer sessions.
My Top Picks:
🏆 Best Overall: NordicTrack 1750 💰 Best Value: Horizon 7.0 AT 🏠 Best Small Space: UREVO 2-in-1 🏃 Best for Runners: Sole F80
The best treadmill is one you’ll actually use. Choose based on your workout style, space, and budget—then get moving!
New to exercise? Check out how to safely return to exercise after a long hiatus.
Questions about quiet treadmills? Drop a comment below—I’m happy to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a treadmill on the second floor?
Yes, modern apartment floors support several hundred pounds safely. The real concern is noise, not structure. Use a treadmill mat, choose a model under 60 dB, and consider walking at an incline instead of running.
What decibel level is “quiet” for a treadmill?
Under 60 dB at walking speed is considered apartment-friendly. The quietest models (LifeSpan, WalkingPad) hit 45-55 dB. For reference, 50 dB is like a quiet conversation. Running adds 15-25 dB.
Will my downstairs neighbors hear it?
Depends on your treadmill, building construction, and accessories. Even quiet models can be heard through thin floors without a mat. Use a ½” rubber mat, position away from walls, and walk at an incline to minimize noise.
Is a walking pad quieter than a treadmill?
Generally yes. Walking pads run at 45-55 dB because they have smaller motors and are designed for slower speeds (under 4 mph). But they’re not suitable for running—serious runners need a full-sized quiet treadmill.
Do treadmill mats really help?
Absolutely. A thick rubber mat is the single most effective noise reducer. It absorbs vibration and disperses impact. Expect 20-40% less noise transmission. Get one at least ½” thick.
What’s the quietest treadmill for running?
The NordicTrack 1750 (~50.8 dB) and Sole F80 (~54 dB) are the quietest for speeds above 6 mph. Both have premium cushioning systems that reduce foot noise during high-speed workouts.
How much do quiet apartment treadmills cost?
- Budget: $149-$349 (DeerRun, Goplus, Sunny)
- Mid-range: $499-$999 (WalkingPad, Horizon)
- Premium: $1,299-$2,299 (NordicTrack, Sole, LifeSpan)
About the author
Rick Huey is a fitness writer who has dedicated his life to living an active lifestyle. With more than 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, Rick is a respected contributor for FitFab50.com, where he shares his wealth of knowledge with a wide audience. His dedication to promoting the benefits of living an active lifestyle has inspired many people to pursue their own fitness journeys with enthusiasm and dedication.
Last update on 2026-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API