Finding the best treadmill can mean never having to battle for a machine at the gym again. I am perfectly happy going to the gym for a strength session but when it comes to cardio, running under harsh lights and staring at myself in the mirror is not especially appealing. Given the choice, I would almost always rather run outside. Still, there are plenty of situations where having a treadmill at home makes perfect sense. When winter brings icy pavements and slippery paths, a treadmill offers a safe and reliable way to keep training. It is also especially useful for interval sessions, when holding a specific pace feels much easier with the machine setting the speed for you. And if you are working around childcare or a busy schedule, being able to run at home can be the difference between fitting in a session and skipping it altogether. Sometimes I love nothing more than putting on Netflix, zoning out, and running away in the garage. The difficulty is deciding which model is actually worth buying. The market is crowded, with options ranging from simple walking pads and foldable machines to premium models that rival those found in gyms. Prices vary just as dramatically, from relatively affordable buys to serious investments costing several thousand pounds. To help sort through the options, I’ve tested a range of machines from brands including Wahoo, DeerRun, Toputure, Peloton, Technogym and NordicTrack. Whether you are increasing your mileage, ticking off a speed session, adding steps while you work or simply looking for a dependable indoor running option, these are the best treadmills to buy now.Read more: 13 best running watches, testedI tested the functions of each treadmill (Lily Canter/The Independent)Best overall – Wahoo kickr run: £5,999, Wahoofitness.comBest for under desk – DeerRun Q1 classic pro: £409, Deerruntreadmill.comBest budget buy – Toputure T6: £209, Toputure.comBest for uphill hiking – NordicTrack X16: £3,499, Argos.co.uk