Treadmill Test LabTreadmill Test Lab

Editorial Policy

Our editorial pledge is independence, clarity, and repeatability. We publish the testing you would do yourself—if you had a lab.

Independence & Integrity

  • We do not sell treadmills and we do not accept payment for favorable coverage.
  • Brands cannot buy placement, influence scores, or edit our conclusions.
  • If a unit is provided on loan, we disclose it and return or donate it per policy. Long‑term samples are labeled as such.

Evidence Standard

  • Hands‑on testing is the foundation of every review, supported by measurable data.
  • We verify claims (speed, incline, footprint, noise) with calibrated instruments and disclose methods.
  • When we use third‑party data (e.g., service bulletins, user reports), we cite it and cross‑check.

Ratings

Our four core scores summarize different buyer priorities:

  • QuietScore: absolute loudness plus vibration/transfer and tonal peaks.
  • SpaceFit Index: footprint, deck height, folding, portability, and storage realism.
  • PaceTrust: belt speed and incline accuracy, drift, and platform stability.
  • Ownership Cost: maintenance demands, energy use, parts availability/pricing, and warranty strength. We publish how each score is calculated and any weighting changes over time.

Corrections & Updates

We correct factual errors promptly and timestamp significant edits. If firmware/hardware updates change performance, we retest and update the review with a visible changelog.

Conflicts of Interest

Contributors must disclose relationships that could bias coverage (coaching clients, consulting, etc.). Those contributors are recused from related decisions or pieces.

Monetization & Disclosures

We may use affiliate links that earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. These links never affect our scores or conclusions. See our Privacy Policy for details on cookies and tracking.

Reader Feedback

We welcome data and experiences from readers. When feedback suggests a variance (e.g., speed drift after 100 hours), we investigate and update if replicated. Contact us at [email protected].