A curved treadmill has no motor. You power the belt with your own stride, and the faster you push, the faster it goes. That makes it a very different workout from a motorized treadmill, where the belt moves at a set speed and your legs follow it. Curved treadmills burn more calories at the same pace, suit sprint and interval training and cost nothing to run, but they have no incline, a learning curve and a high price.
Motorized treadmills are easier for walking, steady jogging and long runs, with adjustable incline and speeds you can set and forget. They are also cheaper and many fold. We compared popular curved and motorized treadmills on running surface, weight rating, resistance, incline, footprint and price to help you choose between them.
Below are our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews and a buying guide. For more, see the best curved treadmills, curved treadmills for sprint training and best treadmills for running.
Top 3 Treadmills for This Comparison
- Self-powered curved belt
- 375 lb max user
- 18″ x 60″ running surface
- 145 lb, wheels
- 0.5 to 12 mph, 15% incline
- 20″ x 60″ deck
- 325 lb max user, 257 lb
- Apple Watch, Zwift, Peloton app sync
- Self-powered curved belt
- 8 magnetic resistance levels
- 20-inch-wide running surface, 350 lb max user
- 70″L x 34″W x 57″H
Curved vs Motorized Treadmill Comparison
| Treadmill | Best For | Key Specs | Amazon Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. SB Fitness CT400 Curved | Best Curved Treadmill | Self-powered curved belt; 375 lb max user; 18″ x 60″ running surface | 4.3/5 | Check Price |
| 2. Horizon 7.0 AT | Best Motorized Treadmill | 0.5 to 12 mph, 15% incline; 20″ x 60″ deck; 325 lb max user, 257 lb | 4.1/5 | Check Price |
| 3. SB Fitness CT550 Curved | Best Wide Curved | Self-powered curved belt; 8 magnetic resistance levels; 20-inch-wide running surface, 350 lb max user | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| 4. NordicTrack T10 | Best Touchscreen Motorized | 0-12 mph, 0-12% incline; 10 in. tilting touchscreen; SelectFlex adjustable cushioning | 4.3/5 | Check Price |
| 5. ERGOLIFE X-420 Curved | Best Budget Curved | Self-powered curved belt; 3 speed zones; 350 lb max user, 106 lb | 4.0/5 | Check Price |
| 6. rongle R800A Curved | Best Compact Curved | Curved belt, 8 resistance levels; 300 lb max user, 152 lb; 59″L x 27.6″W | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| 7. Sunny Smart Curved Treadmill | Best Smart Curved | Manual curved belt with magnetic resistance; 330 lb max user, 157 lb; 59″ x 17.7″ surface | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| 8. SOLE C80 Curved | Best Premium Curved | Manual curved belt; Magnetic resistance; 330 lb max user | 5.0/5 | Check Price |
| 9. Horizon 7.4 AT | Best Motorized Runner | 3.5 CHP RapidSync motor; 0 to 15% incline, 0.5 to 12 mph; 22″ x 60″ deck, 350 lb max user | 4.1/5 | Check Price |
1. SB Fitness CT400 Curved – Best Curved Treadmill
- Self-powered curved belt
- 375 lb max user
- 18″ x 60″ running surface
- 145 lb, wheels
Pros
- ✓ No electricity needed
- ✓ Curved belt encourages better running form
- ✓ About $1,650, cheapest curved option here
Cons
- ✗ No incline
- ✗ Narrower 18-inch surface
- ✗ Takes effort to keep moving at walking pace
The SB Fitness CT400 is our top pick because it is the most established self-powered curved treadmill here, with an 18 by 60 inch running surface, a 375 lb user rating and wheels for moving it, at about $1,650. It needs no electricity and its curved belt encourages a natural mid-foot running form.
SB Fitness’s CT400 is a self-powered curved treadmill with an 18 by 60 inch running surface, a 375 lb user rating and wheels, weighing 145 lb.
It needs no electricity and its curved belt encourages better running form, at about $1,650.
It has no incline and a narrower surface.
Because the belt only moves when you push it, you control the pace entirely, from a slow walk to an all-out sprint, and there is no speed cap. That makes it a favorite for interval training, and the effort is higher than on a motorized deck at the same speed. The trade-offs are no incline, a narrower belt and the learning curve of getting used to a belt that responds to you. For runners who want a sprint-focused machine for the home gym, it is the most proven choice.
Best for: Sprint and interval training
May not fit: Casual walkers and incline lovers
2. Horizon 7.0 AT – Best Motorized Treadmill
- 0.5 to 12 mph, 15% incline
- 20″ x 60″ deck
- 325 lb max user, 257 lb
- Apple Watch, Zwift, Peloton app sync
Pros
- ✓ About $1,100
- ✓ Strong app compatibility without a subscription
- ✓ 3-zone cushioning
Cons
- ✗ 20-inch deck
- ✗ 325 lb limit
- ✗ Light for heavy daily running
The Horizon 7.0 AT has a 15% incline, 3-zone cushioning and app sync for about $1,100.
Horizon’s 7.0 AT runs 0.5 to 12 mph with 15% incline, a 20 by 60 inch deck rated to 325 lb, 3-zone cushioning and Apple Watch, Zwift and Peloton app sync.
It costs about $1,100 and needs no subscription for its app compatibility.
The deck is 20 inches wide and the frame is lighter for heavy daily running.
On paper, you get 0.5 to 12 mph, 15% incline, 20″ x 60″ deck, 325 lb max user, 257 lb. Its biggest strengths are about $1,100 and 3-zone cushioning; keep in mind 20-inch deck before ordering.
Best for: Steady runners wanting incline and value
May not fit: Sprint-focused athletes
3. SB Fitness CT550 Curved – Best Wide Curved
- Self-powered curved belt
- 8 magnetic resistance levels
- 20-inch-wide running surface, 350 lb max user
- 70″L x 34″W x 57″H
Pros
- ✓ Wider 20-inch surface than the CT400
- ✓ Adjustable magnetic resistance
- ✓ 4.8 stars
Cons
- ✗ Only about 8 ratings
- ✗ About $1,995
- ✗ Heavy to move
The SB Fitness CT550 has 8 magnetic resistance levels and a 20 inch wide running surface for about $1,995.
SB Fitness’s CT550 is a self-powered curved treadmill with 8 magnetic resistance levels, a 20 inch wide running surface and a 350 lb user rating.
The wider surface and adjustable resistance make it a step up from the CT400.
Only about 8 ratings back it and it costs about $1,995.
The specifications to note are 8 magnetic resistance levels, 20-inch-wide running surface, 350 lb max user, 70″l x 34″w x 57″h. In daily use the advantages are adjustable magnetic resistance and 4.8 stars, and the drawbacks are about $1,995 and heavy to move.
Best for: Curved runners wanting a wider belt and resistance
May not fit: Budget buyers
4. NordicTrack T10 – Best Touchscreen Motorized
- 0-12 mph, 0-12% incline
- 10 in. tilting touchscreen
- SelectFlex adjustable cushioning
- 325 lb max user, folds
Pros
- ✓ Touchscreen and auto-adjust with iFIT
- ✓ Adjustable cushioning
- ✓ Strong brand support
Cons
- ✗ iFIT Pro about $39/month for full features
- ✗ 245 lb machine
- ✗ About $999
The NordicTrack T10 reaches 12 mph with 12% incline and a 10 inch touchscreen, and folds.
NordicTrack’s T10 reaches 12 mph with 12% incline, a 10 inch tilting touchscreen, SelectFlex adjustable cushioning and a 325 lb user rating, and folds.
The touchscreen and iFIT auto-adjust make workouts simple.
iFIT Pro costs about $39 a month for full features and the machine weighs 245 lb.
Key details include 0-12 mph, 0-12% incline, 10 in. tilting touchscreen, selectflex adjustable cushioning. Buyers most often praise that it is touchscreen and auto-adjust with ifit and adjustable cushioning, while the main trade-offs to weigh are ifit pro about $39/month for full features and 245 lb machine.
Best for: Guided iFIT runs
May not fit: Subscription avoiders
5. ERGOLIFE X-420 Curved – Best Budget Curved
- Self-powered curved belt
- 3 speed zones
- 350 lb max user, 106 lb
- Fold-down armrests
Pros
- ✓ Cheapest curved treadmill here (about $810)
- ✓ Folding armrests for walking or running
- ✓ App connectivity
Cons
- ✗ 4.0 stars on about 48 ratings
- ✗ Lighter build
- ✗ No resistance levels
The ERGOLIFE X-420 has three speed zones and a 350 lb rating for about $810.
ERGOLIFE’s X-420 is a self-powered curved treadmill with three speed zones, a 350 lb user rating, fold-down armrests and app connectivity, weighing 106 lb.
It is the cheapest curved treadmill here at about $810.
The 4.0-star average on about 48 ratings and a lighter build limit it.
On paper, you get self-powered curved belt, 3 speed zones, 350 lb max user, 106 lb. Its biggest strengths are cheapest curved treadmill here (about $810) and app connectivity; keep in mind 4.0 stars on about 48 ratings before ordering.
Best for: The cheapest way into curved training
May not fit: Heavy daily use
6. rongle R800A Curved – Best Compact Curved
- Curved belt, 8 resistance levels
- 300 lb max user, 152 lb
- 59″L x 27.6″W
- Foldable handrails, LED display
Pros
- ✓ Resistance for sled-style pushes
- ✓ 4.6 stars
- ✓ Shorter than full-size curved treadmills
Cons
- ✗ Only about 14 ratings
- ✗ 300 lb limit
- ✗ About $1,399
The rongle R800A has 8 resistance levels and foldable handrails in a short 59 inch frame.
rongle’s R800A is a curved treadmill with 8 resistance levels, a 300 lb user rating, foldable handrails and an LED display in a 59 by 27.6 inch frame.
It is shorter than full-size curved treadmills and adds resistance for sled-style pushes.
Only about 14 ratings exist and the weight limit is 300 lb.
The specifications to note are 300 lb max user, 152 lb, 59″l x 27.6″w, foldable handrails, led display. In daily use the advantages are 4.6 stars and shorter than full-size curved treadmills, and the drawbacks are 300 lb limit and about $1,399.
Best for: Smaller spaces wanting a curved belt
May not fit: Heavy users over 300 lb
7. Sunny Smart Curved Treadmill – Best Smart Curved
- Manual curved belt with magnetic resistance
- 330 lb max user, 157 lb
- 59″ x 17.7″ surface
- SunnyFit app
Pros
- ✓ 4.8 stars
- ✓ Magnetic resistance adds sled-push style work
- ✓ No speed limit for sprints
Cons
- ✗ Only about 8 ratings
- ✗ Narrow 17.7-inch belt
- ✗ About $2,500
Sunny’s Smart Curved Treadmill has magnetic resistance and the SunnyFit app, with a 4.8-star average.
Sunny’s Smart Curved Treadmill is a manual curved belt with magnetic resistance, a 59 by 17.7 inch surface, a 330 lb user rating and the SunnyFit app.
It has a 4.8-star average and no speed limit for sprints.
Only about 8 ratings and a narrow belt hold it back, and it costs about $2,500.
Key details include manual curved belt with magnetic resistance, 330 lb max user, 157 lb, 59″ x 17.7″ surface. Buyers most often praise that it is 4.8 stars and magnetic resistance adds sled-push style work, while the main trade-offs to weigh are only about 8 ratings and narrow 17.7-inch belt.
Best for: Curved runners wanting app workouts
May not fit: Wide-stride runners
8. SOLE C80 Curved – Best Premium Curved
- Manual curved belt
- Magnetic resistance
- 330 lb max user
- 72″L x 32″W
Pros
- ✓ SOLE build quality in a curved trainer
- ✓ Resistance for sled-style pushes
- ✓ No power needed
Cons
- ✗ Only 2 ratings
- ✗ About $2,200
- ✗ No incline
SOLE’s C80 is a manual curved treadmill with magnetic resistance and a 330 lb rating.
SOLE’s C80 is a manual curved treadmill with magnetic resistance and a 330 lb user rating in a 72 by 32 inch frame.
It brings SOLE build quality to curved training and needs no power.
Only 2 ratings exist and it costs about $2,200.
On paper, you get manual curved belt, magnetic resistance, 330 lb max user. Its biggest strengths are sole build quality in a curved trainer and no power needed; keep in mind only 2 ratings before ordering.
Best for: Buyers who trust the SOLE brand
May not fit: Buyers wanting many reviews
9. Horizon 7.4 AT – Best Motorized Runner
- 3.5 CHP RapidSync motor
- 0 to 15% incline, 0.5 to 12 mph
- 22″ x 60″ deck, 350 lb max user
- 318 lb, folds
Pros
- ✓ Fast speed and incline changes for intervals
- ✓ Works with Zwift, Peloton and other apps, no subscription
- ✓ 200 ratings at 4.1
Cons
- ✗ No touchscreen
- ✗ Heavy at 318 lb
- ✗ About $1,800
The Horizon 7.4 AT has a 3.5 CHP motor, 15% incline and a 22 by 60 inch deck with no subscription.
Horizon’s 7.4 AT has a 3.5 CHP RapidSync motor, 0.5 to 12 mph and 0 to 15% incline, a 22 by 60 inch deck rated to 350 lb and a 318 lb folding frame.
Fast speed and incline changes suit intervals, and it works with Zwift, Peloton and other apps with no subscription.
It has no touchscreen, is heavy at 318 lb and costs about $1,800.
The specifications to note are 0 to 15% incline, 0.5 to 12 mph, 22″ x 60″ deck, 350 lb max user, 318 lb, folds. In daily use the advantages are works with zwift, peloton and other apps, no subscription and 200 ratings at 4.1, and the drawbacks are heavy at 318 lb and about $1,800.
Best for: Runners wanting a big motorized deck
May not fit: Sprint-only buyers
How to Choose Between a Curved and a Motorized Treadmill
Understand how each one works
A motorized treadmill drives a belt with an electric motor at the speed you set. A curved treadmill has a slatted belt that you power yourself, with your pace controlling the speed. Curved models reward sprinting and intervals, while motorized treadmills hold a steady pace for walking, jogging and long runs.
Compare the workout intensity
Curved treadmills burn more calories at a given pace because you move the belt yourself, which also engages the glutes and hamstrings more. Motorized treadmills let you control speed and incline precisely, which suits steady training. Choose curved for sprints and conditioning and motorized for structured plans.
Look at the learning curve
Curved treadmills take a few sessions to get used to, because there is no speed control and the belt responds to your stride. Motorized treadmills are easy to use immediately. Beginners and older users often prefer motorized, while athletes tend to enjoy curved.
Check the price and power needs
Curved treadmills cost more and need no power, while motorized treadmills range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars and plug in. If you have no outlet nearby or want to avoid electricity, a curved model is an option. Check ongoing costs like belt replacement and motor service.
Think about space and noise
Curved treadmills are large and loud on the slats, with a distinct clatter. Motorized models are quieter and many fold. Measure your space and check noise levels, especially if you share walls or train early in the morning.
Consider features and tracking
Motorized treadmills offer incline, programs and screens. Curved treadmills usually have simple monitors that track distance, time and pace. If you want guided workouts, a motorized machine fits better, and if you want simple sprint training, curved is enough.
FAQ
What is the difference between a curved and a motorized treadmill?
A curved treadmill is powered by your stride and has no motor, while a motorized treadmill drives the belt at a set speed with adjustable incline.
Do curved treadmills burn more calories?
They generally do at the same pace, because you have to push the belt rather than keep up with it.
Are curved treadmills good for beginners?
They can be used by beginners, but there is a learning curve and walking is harder than on a motorized deck.
Do curved treadmills have incline?
Most do not, apart from the natural slope of the belt. Motorized treadmills usually offer 10% to 15% incline.
Which is quieter?
Curved treadmills have no motor noise, but the belt and bearings make their own sound. Many motorized treadmills are also quiet at walking speeds.
Which should I buy?
Choose a curved treadmill for sprint training and a motorized treadmill for walking, steady running and incline.
Final Verdict
The SB Fitness CT400 is the best curved treadmill in this comparison for sprint and interval training, while the Horizon 7.0 AT is the best motorized treadmill for most home runners. The CT550 is the best wide curved option and the ERGOLIFE X-420 is the cheapest way into curved training.
If you mostly walk, jog or want incline, choose a motorized treadmill. If you want to sprint and burn more per minute, choose curved. See curved treadmills for home gym for more.
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