Treadmill Noise Levels (2026): How Loud Treadmills Are and How to Make Yours Quieter

Measured treadmill noise depends heavily on speed, distance from the microphone and whether someone is on the deck. Most of the figures below come from independent testers who measured without a user, so real workouts with footstrikes will be louder. Treat them as a rough comparison, not a lab ranking, and expect a few decibels of difference between test setups.

For context, the CDC lists a refrigerator hum at about 40 dB and normal conversation at about 60 dB, and it notes that noise above 70 dB over a prolonged period may start to damage hearing. Most walking readings we found sit below conversation level, and running readings land around or just under 70 dB.

Manufacturer statements are rare but useful. The manuals for the Horizon 7.0 AT and Schwinn Fitness 815 state that A-weighted sound pressure is no greater than 70 dB at 7.5 mph with no user on the treadmill, and that noise is higher under load.

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Treadmill noise has several sources. The drive motor hums or whines, rising with speed. The belt sliding over the deck adds a steady swish, which grows louder and rougher when the deck is dry. Rollers and bearings add a whir and, when worn, a squeal or grind. The incline motor makes noise while it moves, and console fans add a constant whoosh.

Then there is you. Each footstrike sends an impact through the deck and frame into the floor. That impact noise, a thud rather than a hum, travels through floors and walls far better than airborne motor noise and is usually what neighbors below complain about. It is also why measured figures taken without a user understate what a real workout sounds like.

Some models are louder in specific ways. Testers found the NordicTrack T Series 10 louder than average during large incline changes, and found the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 noticeably loud with the fan on. Our treadmill buying guide explains how motor size and frame weight relate to noise.

• Motor: hum or whine that rises with speed.
• Belt and deck: swish that gets rougher when the deck is dry.
• Rollers and bearings: whir, or squeal and grinding when worn.
• Incline motor and fans: noise during adjustments and a steady whoosh.
• Footstrikes: impact thuds that travel through floors.

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Walking is much quieter than running for two reasons. The motor and belt run slower, and the walking readings in the table above sit about 12 to 21 dB below the running readings for the same models, and walking has no flight phase, so each step lands with far less impact. That makes walking the single easiest way to keep a treadmill quiet.

Running brings both the higher machine noise in the table above and heavy footfall. In an apartment, a running treadmill is likely to be heard below you even on a good mat. If you share walls or floors and want to run, choose a heavy, stable frame with a strong motor and plan your running for daytime hours. Our best treadmill for apartment guide covers models that balance size and stability.

A stronger motor can sound calmer at walking speeds because it works well below its limit, but motor power alone does not guarantee a quiet machine. Deck isolation, frame stiffness and fan design matter as much.

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Start with the floor. A dense rubber equipment mat larger than the treadmill footprint dampens vibration, protects the floor and keeps the frame from rattling. Thick, soft foam can let the frame rock, so choose firm rubber. On upper floors, a layer of dense rubber flooring under the mat spreads impact further. Owners of models like the NordicTrack T 6.5 S commonly report that a rubber mat on hard floors is the usual fix.

Then maintain the machine. A dry deck, a loose or over-tight belt, loose bolts and worn bearings all add noise. Lubricate the deck on the schedule your manual gives, check belt tension and tracking, tighten frame bolts and level the treadmill so it does not rock. Our lubrication guide and maintenance guide walk through each step.

Placement and habits make a difference too. Keep the treadmill a few inches away from walls so vibration does not transfer, avoid placing it above a bedroom, and wear cushioned running shoes. A lighter step can also reduce thuds.

• Use a dense rubber mat larger than the footprint; avoid soft foam.
• Lubricate the deck and set belt tension as the manual describes.
• Tighten bolts, check the folding hinge and level the frame.
• Leave space between the treadmill and walls or furniture.
• Place it on the ground floor or over a hallway rather than a bedroom.
• Walk instead of running at quiet hours, and wear cushioned shoes.

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In an apartment, think about the people below as much as the room you are in. Impact noise travels downward, so a treadmill over a neighbor bedroom is the worst spot. A corner over a hallway, kitchen or entry is usually better, and a stack of dense rubber tiles under the mat adds isolation.

Timing matters. Walking early in the morning or late at night is often fine with a good mat, while running is best kept to daytime hours. Check your lease or building rules, and consider talking to neighbors before you set up. Lighter, compact models are easier to place well; our best treadmill for small spaces and best treadmill for shared spaces guides help with layout.

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A treadmill that suddenly gets louder is telling you something. A new squeak usually means a loose bolt, the hinge or a dry deck. A rhythmic thump once per belt rotation is often the belt seam, normal if faint but worth checking if it grows. Grinding or squealing from the rollers points to worn bearings, and a rough or pulsing motor sound, especially with a hot smell, means it is time to stop.

Unplug the treadmill and stop using it if you smell burning or see sparks. Record a short video of any new noise before calling support, since it helps the technician diagnose the problem. Our maintenance guide includes a troubleshooting table for squeaks, thumps and other symptoms.

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