Top 8 Best VR Treadmill—Reviews

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is a revolutionary invention in modern history that bridges the gap between real-life and computer-based virtual reality. From virtual reality games to VR lessons, you can simply tilt a joystick or press a controller button to explore a virtual world. This technology has been harnessed to transform the way we have been exercising. VR treadmills are unique platforms in which the user is immersed in virtual reality by moving in different directions. The gaming area is limited, either using a fence or a waist harness connected to the treadmill. Some of the best VR treadmills like the Infinadeck allow even greater freedom of movement. In this article, we review the 8 best VR treadmill in the market today.

How do VR Treadmills Work?

VR systems keep track of the users’ movement using inertial sensors. The data which is collected is then sent to a computer for processing. This data is then turned into movements within a computer-generated environment. This kind of approach is meant to make users run in a virtual environment while practically doing it in the real world. The user will be so deeply immersed in the virtual world while having a realistic experience.

Why Should You Buy the Best VR Treadmill?

VR gamers enjoy the happiness of gaming in a virtual world. However, instead of sitting on a chair immersed in virtual reality, imagine using VR technology for a more thoughtful purpose like your health. It’s a bright feeling to imagine running in some of the most scenic places on earth while getting your health better. That is the kind of experience some of the best VR treadmills out there will give you.

There is vast potential for physical therapy, recovery from strokes, virtual tourism, corporate training, and training firefighters. This cutting-edge technology has the power to transform the world.

The common stereotype out there is that VR treadmills are meant for gamers. However, their applications go further beyond that. Take, for instance, the use of virtual reality treadmills in psychiatry. VR treadmills are used by psychiatrists to treat patients who have irrational fears or anxiety. Some people have a phobia for narrow spaces. Psychiatrists help them by confronting them with a tight space in a virtual world. With continuous exposure, the fear will go away.

Things to Consider for You to Buy the Best VR Treadmill

1. Cost

Make no mistake. VR treadmills are expensive. That is why they are considered rich man’s toys. In fact, the price range of the best VR treadmills in the market is between $3000 to $15000 dollars

2. The risk of motion sickness

New users of VR treadmills report feeling dizzy and nauseated, typical characteristics of motion sickness. Movement in the virtual world is usually out of touch with the real world. As such, your brain may have a difficult time trying to balance the two dimensions. However, this feeling should only last for a short time. The good news is that VR treadmills like the Aperium K-01 Pod have unique techniques for minimizing motion sickness.

3. Drawbacks of VR treadmills

Mostly, VR gamers are so passionate about anything to do with virtual reality. However, VR skeptics may find the use of VR treadmills as unsustainable and, at times, ridiculous. It is evident that the physical benefits of VR treadmills do not come anywhere close to those of real-life treadmills. They also allow a limited amount of user time usage. There is also the complication of people being tired, yet they were on a VR treadmill for a short time. Think about these drawbacks before making a decision

Best 8 VR Treadmills on Amazon

1. Cyberith Virtualizer

Here is yet another outstanding omnidirectional VR treadmill that allows users to move around a virtual world.

With the Cyberith Virtualizer, the types of movements are not limited. You can walk, jump, crouch, or sit. Thanks to a fully integrated system of optical sensors, you are promised total freedom when moving. This virtual reality treadmill allows you to walk in one direction while looking in the opposite direction.

The Cyberith is one of the few VR treadmills which have provisions for users interested in non-immersive virtual reality games. To pull this off, it incorporates software that allows developers to mimic a keyboard and a mouse typical of non-immersive VR games. Additionally, Cyberith enables third-party developers to tailor the VR treadmill to suit other virtual reality applications and third-party motion trackers.

The working concept of the Cyberith VR treadmill is similar to that of all VR treadmills. Users slide across a rounded platform using shoes fitted with special coverings. The treadmill tilts automatically in accordance with the user’s movements. This way, exploring the computer-generated environment is made easy.

Pros

• The walking platform inclines automatically in accordance with the user’s orientation
• Compatible with third-party motion trackers
• Other developers are allowed to make adjustments to its application
• Can be used by persons interested in non-immersive virtual reality games
• Allows movement of all kinds and in all directions

Cons

• Very expensive but worth every penny

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2. SpaceWalkerVR

The SpaceWalkerVR is a monodirectional VR treadmill that allows forward and backward movements within a 3D environment.

To let users move in all directions, the SpaceWalkerVR features a rounded platform covering the entire length of a 360-degree radius. A senor-controlled treadmill further complements this. An in-built gyroscope dictates the turntable orientation, which turns automatically in accordance with the direction a user’s body faces. Four electric motors power this VR treadmill.

A built-in joystick opens a vast opening for virtual reality developers to create a variety of virtual experiences. Some of these experiences include corporate training, sports, virtual lessons, and more. The joystick also allows many other possible actions such as shooting, selecting items, or contact with virtual objects. A gamer’s footsteps are detected using a powerful set of pressure sensors.

For safety purposes, the SpaceWalkerVR treadmill allows users to set the speed of the treadmill belt using a control button. In addition, a 3-point seat belt and stable safety ring both serve this purpose.

Pros

• Safe to use
• Allows virtual reality developers to create and add other virtual reality experiences
• Permits extra actions like selecting items and shooting, making the experience more practical
• It can be used with the majority of VR headsets like HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Samsung Gear VR.

Cons

• Does not allow crouching
• Movement is limited to forward and backward directions.

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3. Infinadeck VR Treadmill

The Infinadeck VR omnidirectional treadmill is often touted as the best VR treadmill and for good reasons. It takes virtual reality to new heights. With Infinadeck, you have an opportunity to experience walking around and spinning in a computer-generated environment. This experience closely mimics our real-life walking from one place to another.

The treadmill belt has narrow stripes that move perpendicular to the belt’s direction of movement. It is the resultant speed difference between the belt and stripes that allows a gamer to move diagonally. Whereas other running treadmills have manual speed setters, the Infinadeck VR treadmill changes the speed automatically depending on whether you go faster or slower. The maximum speed stands at 8mph.

The belt’s adjustment does not only influence speed but also adjusts the virtual landscape. For instance, the system will slacken the speed so as to make you walk slowly in case you are climbing a hill. The result is an effect similar to going up a hill as you would in the real world.

Infinadeck can be used alongside VR headsets like HTC Vive Pro and allows third-party VR developers to create other virtual reality experiences.

Pros

• Has a lot of potentials in physiotherapy and psychotherapy
• Has a wide range of use, from gaming to clinical applications
• Grants access to third-party VR developers to add more exciting VR experiences
• Safe to use

Cons

• You could hit the bar in case you bend too low close to the limiting bar
• The wires connecting the batteries and the VR treadmill are such a bother

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4. Kat Walk Mini

The Kat Walk Mini is great for residential, educational, professional, and clinical use. The different types of simulations make this VR treadmill a training tool for many applications.

What makes the Kat Walk Mini unique is its advanced motion mapping algorithm that uses data from contactless base sensors and HMD tracking data. It is the smallest and lightest VR treadmill you will ever find. This small frame can fit an apartment room.

Those who designed the Kat Walk Mini optimized the mechanical structure so as to bring the best rotational inertia. This way, users can make a turnaround effortlessly and stop when they want to. The designers did not stop there. They ensured that the Kat Walk Mini is universally compatible with all head-mounted displays.

Instead of using sensors built into the users’ feet, this VR treadmill uses contactless sensors. A shock-absorbing base-plate serves to protect your knees.

Pros

• Determines the exact location and speed and foot
• Powered directly by a machine
• Protects the knees
• Compact design that fits most apartments
• Enables third-party developers to integrate games and other apps
• Comes at a reasonable cost

Cons

• It does not allow longer play sessions, though the company is developing a seat that will allow longer play

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5. Birdly Virtual Reality Simulator

The Birdly Auto Simulator is a virtual reality simulator built to experience the human dream to fly. Thanks to its intuitive control, Birdly is the best flight simulator you can ever find. The motion platform has been made in such a way that when you move, the platform also moves.

Similarly, when you take a dive in the virtual world, your body takes a similar tilt in the real world. The same happens while taking a curve. Every move you make in the simulator is then translated to the VR motion platform.

One amazing feature of Birdly Virtual Reality Simulator is its wind and smell feedback. The wind feedback works as a speed regulator. On the other hand, smell feedback is a useful feature that brings the smell of the place you are flying into the virtual world. If you are flying over a forest, the smell of a forest is felt.

Pros

• Has a mechanism that prevents motion sickness
• The simulations you make in the virtual world are translated into the motion platform so as to generate a realistic experience
• Its wind feedback mechanism acts as a speed regulator
• The controls are so intuitive, and you are in control of everything you do

Cons

• No third-party adjustments are permitted
• Does not incorporate Google Earth which would have enhanced navigation

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6. Aperium K-01 Pod

The Aperiumk-01 Pod is the largest VR treadmill in the world. It is a unidirectional VR treadmill whose large dimensions make them best for commercial use.

Using V-Orient technology, the Aperium adjusts the 3D environment subtly, making the user have the feeling of walking rightwards, leftwards, and diagonally, yet in the real sense, the user is walking forward. This experience is unnoticeable in its entirety.

Whereas similar VR treadmills use other alternatives, the Aperium features a built-in full-ATX computer that generates a video signal which is then transmitted to a virtual-reality head-mounted display. Moreover, a belt-mounted tracker keeps track of a users’ position in the virtual space.

Pros

• It is the best VR treadmill for commercial use
• Unique ATX computer mechanism
• Uses high stop panels instead of body limiters
• Can be used with most VR headsets
• A third-party developer can either launch or configure an app on this treadmill.

Cons

• Very large
• It is very heavy

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7. Silver Cord VR Omnidirectional Treadmill

The Silver Cord VR Omnidirectional Treadmill is a newly introduced product that has taken the market by storm. In under one year, it has already claimed its spot among the best VR treadmills.

The Silver Cord VR treadmill allows total freedom of movement. Crouching, running, kicking, jumping, all that is possible. You can also take anything from the ground freely. What’s more? You can fly and even swim!

Using the system is safe and easy. You simply sit on the support system and fix the harness. When walking, nothing restricts your feet. While seated, you can rotate your body in any direction you want.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Safe
• Movement is not restricted in any directions
• Spares you the agony of multiple cross wires
• Significantly reduces motion sickness

Cons

• Does not use wireless systems to the degree you’d expect for a VR treadmill
• No other negative review on this product, partly because it is still new in the market

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8. Virtuix Omnix

VR treadmills have invaded the living rooms of virtual reality enthusiasts. The Virtuix Omnix is a game controller that allows gamers to explore digital 3D environments while walking or running in any direction.

It has a static surface that enables users to walk in special low friction shoes that easily slide through the platform’s surface. To help you keep track of your speed and location, the Virtuix Omnix uses inertial sensors. This is further enhanced by an accelerometer and gyroscope built inside the low-friction shoes.

Data collected on your speed and position is then sent to a computer which processes and turns it into the game movements.

First-time users may have trouble getting used to this VR treadmill. More often than not, you may feel like you are about to slip or fall. Others felt lightheaded or nauseated. Fortunately, this feeling lasts only for a very short time. You will get used to moving in a virtual world in as few as 10 minutes.

The plastic fencing of the Virtuix Omni will confine you within the right position. Plus, a comfortable soft belt will also fix you within a certain position but allows you to change the orientation of your body. This way, the probability of a user slipping or falling is zero. For these reasons, this VR treadmill is one of the best VR treadmills in the market.

Pros

• Safe to use
• Keeps track of your position and speed
• The low friction shoes are very reliable
• Fully immerses you into a 3D digital world
• The game movements are orientated to match your speed and position
• It Lets users walk in all directions
• It has no speed limit. You can move as fast as you want

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Tall people will have to crouch or run on bent legs
• Hand movements are also limited

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Conclusion

Even though their high costs make them largely inaccessible to most people, VR treadmills quickly gain momentum and soon become as widespread as VR headsets. Commercial applications of VR treadmills have the potential to reach millions in cities. We hope that our top 8 picks of the best VR treadmills will give you a chance to engage in immersive workouts than ever before.

Last update on 2023-05-10 at 11:18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API