It’s a common misconception that any major piece of fitness equipment has to cost thousands of dollars, whether you want the coolest high-tech rower or a Peloton bike. But if you’ve got champagne taste on a beer budget, you’re in luck. Budget treadmills often cost well under $1,000 and feature many of the same bells and whistles as premium name brands. In fact, all you really need in a treadmill is an incline up to 6 percent, a speed range up to 8 mph, and an emergency stop tab for safety, says April Gatlin, ACE, master coach for STRIDE Fitness.
Plus, she adds, you don’t need to get the most premium treadmill right off the bat. “Start with an affordable treadmill choice and simply get used to what you prefer [while you] create habits working towards better health and fitness,” she says. After careful analysis and scoring, these are the best budget treadmills for your at-home miles.
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Why We Like It
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Specs are comparable to models twice the price
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Goes up to 12 mph with 12% incline
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Folds for storage when not in use
We’re honestly shocked by this budget treadmill’s price. Spec for spec, the Horizon Fitness T202 is comparable to more expensive name-brand models. For example, the T202 goes up to 12 mph and a 12 percent incline, and the running deck is 60” long (most budget treadmills are shorter). We were also impressed with the EasyDial controls, which remove the need to stab at a console button and allow you to increase speed or incline by rolling a dial on the handlebars.
The console felt substantial and sturdy, and the budget treadmill folds for storage when not in use. The sidebars felt much shorter than what we’re used to, but considering the luxe features of this affordable treadmill, we’re fine with that.
Speed: 0-12 mph | Incline: 0-12% | Belt Length: 60″
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Why We Like It
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Hits speeds up to 10 mph
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Easy to fold up and store
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Good for those with bad knees
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Large LCD screen tracks workout feedback
When comparing a budget treadmill to a more luxury option, tread cushioning is one of the first things you’ll notice, meaning the more affordable treadmill often has a thinner belt. Those with bad knees will appreciate the technology of the added cushion when their sneakers hit the deck of the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill. The large LCD screen tracks your workout feedback, including time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse, and the hand pulse grips on both sides of the handrail — rather than a thumb grip — add extra security.
Easy access speed keys allow you to accelerate quickly when your favorite song flips on your playlist or during a running interval workout. This treadmill doesn’t make too much noise, so you shouldn’t need to pump the volume if you prefer to work out in front of the TV.
Speed: 0-10 mph | Incline: 3 levels | Belt Length: 50″
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Why We Like It
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10% incline capability and goes up to 10 mph
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Can be folded up and stored away
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Sturdy, smooth, and stable
This NordicTrack treadmill is a step above the rest (pun intended) and one of the best treadmills we’ve tested, period. At around $800, we found this budget treadmill well worth the splurge. We were wowed by the 10 percent incline capability and top speed of 10 mph, all while providing a smooth and stable experience. The 10-inch digital touchscreen display was easy for us to read, even with contacts or glasses, and it connects to iFit, a subscription that brings you interactive, trainer-led workouts (but yes, you’ll have to pay extra for that).
This savvy treadmill can be folded up and stored away, and we made sure to fold it up each time we used it to make sure it was as easy as the ads promised (spoiler alert: it was). However, you might need to block out a full day for assembly. While professional assembly is available for a price, the DIY route took us several hours.
Speed: 0-10 mph | Incline: 0-10% | Belt Length: 55″
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Why We Like It
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Can be folded and stored under a bed
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Lightweight and on wheels, so it’s easy to move
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Has nine pre-loaded interval programs
It’s Worth Noting
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Speed tops out at 9 mph
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No incline
This budget treadmill is a minimalist’s dream, given it’s small enough to be folded and stored under a bed. Its sleek, modern design is basic yet efficient, and we loved that it can be easily moved from room to room, thanks to the attached wheels and lightweight construction. We’d particularly recommend this treadmill for beginner runners or those who don’t have a lot of space to commit to workout equipment (bonus: we made a lot of use out of the 9 interval programs pre-loaded onto the tread).
If you’re a more experienced runner, however, this buy may not be the best choice because the speed tops out at 9 mph, and there’s absolutely no incline. But for the under-$1,000 price, we thought it performed well and felt surprisingly sturdy.
Speed: 0-9 mph | Incline: None | Belt Length: 47″
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Why We Like It
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Doubles as a walking pad under your desk
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Made with a five-layer, non-slip, shock-absorbing running belt
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Very quiet
Sliding a walking pad under your standing desk has become a trendy (and healthy) work-from-home habit over the last couple of years, and the GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill is one of the best walking pads around. Pop the handrails up to use as a treadmill, or stash them down and slide the pad under your desk to get a few steps in. The five-layer, non-slip, and shock-absorbing running belt cushions impact on joints, and it’s one of the quieter machines on the market (your neighbors will thank you). Thanks to the soft-drop system that makes folding and unfolding a breeze, it’s also lightweight and space-saving. We also appreciated that it has a remote control, so you can easily change your speed while using it as a walking pad sans handrails.
The max speed is only 7.5 mph, which may not be high enough for intermediate or advanced runners, and there’s no incline. We also noticed that the running belt is only 40 inches long, which is pretty short (especially for tall people with long strides).
Speed: 0-7.5 mph | Incline: None | Belt Length: 40″
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Why We Like It
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Running belt is long and well-cushioned
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Useful add-on features
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Includes 16 built-in exercise programs
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10% incline and speeds up to 10 mph
It’s Worth Noting
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Weighs 155 pounds, so moving it is difficult
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No screen for shows or entertainment
While Schwinn is a trusted brand known mainly for its home exercise bikes, it also manufactures other top-quality gym equipment — this treadmill from the brand is no exception thanks to its sturdy build, powerful motor, and useful add-on features like cupholders, a USB charging port, and an LCD display. It has 16 built-in exercise programs, which users can personalize with their weight and exercise goals, making this the best affordable treadmill for experienced runners. With a 10 percent incline and 10 mph capacity, this reliable treadmill will give even the most serious runners an intense workout. Plus, the SoftTrak cushioning on the luxuriously long (55-inch) running belt softens the impact on your joints.
This tread is foldable yet pretty bulky (definitely not as streamlined as either Sunny treadmill), and at 155 pounds, you probably won’t want to move this regularly. While the treadmill does have an LCD display, there’s no screen for shows or entertainment. You’ll have to DIY your own (which is doable since there’s a USB charging port and a ledge).
Speed: 0-10 mph | Incline: 0-10% | Belt Length: 55″
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Why We Like It
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Slim, metallic design
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Nine built-in workout programs
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Quick speed buttons are easily accessible on the handrails
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Digital monitor tracks speed, time, distance, and more
The Sunny Health & Fitness 8730 Folding Treadmill comes with plenty of helpful features for a budget treadmill under $700; plus, with its slim, metallic design, it’s pretty to look at when not in use. Nine built-in workout programs offer varied workouts to shake up your routine, while quick speed buttons easily accessible on the handrails allow you to reach the maximum 9 mph speed without reaching forward.
The treadmill features a digital monitor that tracks your speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories burned, and it also boasts a water bottle holder and a rest stand for your tablet to make multitasking while you work out even easier. Also nice: It has a soft drop system so that when you unfold the treadmill, it won’t slam onto or damage your floor.
Speed: 0-9 mph | Incline: 0, 2%, or 4.37% | Belt Length: 49″
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All-black everything is so last year. The GYMAX Walking Pad boasts seven color options (including blue, red, green, and gold) to spark a little joy in your home gym. This budget treadmill has two sport modes: It can be used as a running treadmill or an under-desk walking treadmill.
A touchscreen LED display monitors your data in real time, with a super quiet motor so you can simultaneously Zoom or watch Netflix. It also has convenient transport wheels so you can move it from room to room effortlessly. And, those who rely on a workout playlist to get moving will love how this tread plays music, too.
Speed: 0-7.5 mph | Incline: None | Belt Length: 49″
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This budget treadmill has three built-in programs to meet your exercise goals, as well as an easy-to-read display that tracks your speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
What makes this treadmill as good as other options at triple the price, however, is that it connects with the FitShow app that streams personalized workouts and competitions, records your stats, and more. On top of all that, it’s foldable and portable, and it’s easy to control the elevation to meet your needs.
Speed: 0-6 mph | Incline: 3 levels | Belt Length: 50″
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This Sunny Health & Fitness folding treadmill model is optimal for building your glutes, or any other exercise where inclines come into play. The budget treadmill has a minimalist console and limited speed options (only going up to 9 mph), but it offers three incline levels (0, 2, or 4.37 percent), making it a winner in our books.
We also appreciated that this folding treadmill was more space-efficient than other options and even comes with wheels to make transportation a breeze.
Speed: 0.5-9 mph | Incline: 0, 2%, or 4.37% | Belt Length: 49″
How We Tested
We regularly test treadmills and other fitness equipment in our New York testing lab and in the real world, and we curated these insights for the best budget treadmills from several tests. Our testing methodology involves speaking with a subject matter expert (in this case, Andrew Billman, ISSA-certified personal trainer) to make sure we knew the most important features of treadmills and how to use them safely and effectively. For this specific piece, we included a mix of tested treadmills and options we found through extensive research and analysis.
We test treadmills for four weeks at a time, asking testers to use the treads four or more times a week, jogging and walking at a variety of speeds. Testers rated budget treadmills on the following factors:
- Features: We noted handrails, quick-stop buttons, and other safety features. We also looked for the fitness metrics each treadmill tracks, such as distance, calories burned, and heart rate, and any special features, like streaming services.
- Value: We considered price and whether or not it seemed to align with the available features and performance.
- App compatibility: We looked at Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options and compatibility with workout and health apps, noting whether the connection process was intuitive and easy or challenging and time-consuming. We also considered whether the treadmill connected with a variety of apps or only with a proprietary one.
- Performance: After going through various speeds from a slow walk to a run and testing any inclines, we noted overall stability and how the belt felt and sounded.
- Delivery and setup: We noted whether the treadmill arrived fully assembled, required setup, or offered white glove service. When assembly was required, we set timers and noted how difficult or seamless we found the process.
- Portability and foldability: We looked at whether or not users are able to fold and store the treadmill; and if so, the level of difficulty in folding and moving it and if you’re able to do it solo or need another person.
What to Look for When Buying a Budget Treadmill
- Speed and incline: Affordable treadmills may have more limited ranges in speed and incline than splurge options. Most of the budget treadmills we tested topped out around 9 mph with little to no incline. Some required manual incline adjustments, meaning you’d have to get off the treadmill and prop the treadmill up on supports.
- Console: Your budget treadmill console needs to be functional to your specific needs, whether you’re craving built-in entertainment, quick-change speed buttons for treadmill sprint workouts, or a cupholder big enough for your giant water bottle. Some features to consider might be if your treadmill has speed and incline change buttons on the handrails and if there’s a built-in fan, space for a water bottle, and/or a ledge for your phone or tablet.
- Display: Budget treadmills are unlikely to have the high-tech, giant displays that other treadmills have. Most budget treadmills we tested and researched had simpler LCD and blue-lit screens with mostly digital displays.
- Size: Many affordable treadmills tend to be slimmer, and compact treadmills are particularly useful for those tiny city apartments. Some budget treadmills are even foldable and portable, so you can stow them out of sight when not in use.
Shape
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are budget treadmills worth it?
Yes, you can definitely get a high-quality budget treadmill that meets all of your needs for under $1,000. The options we tested and researched ranged from $350 to $900, and while they varied in terms of speed, incline, and features, they all received positive feedback on overall quality.
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What’s the best place to buy a budget treadmill?
There are tons of options if you’re budget treadmill shopping. If you have a specific brand in mind, like Peloton or NordicTrack, you can shop directly from the brand, which may make customer service less of a hassle if you experience an issue (however, these name-brand treadmills aren’t usually budget-friendly). Amazon also boasts plenty of affordable treadmills under $1,000, often with free delivery (and sometimes, you can choose to pay extra for setup and delivery). Budget treadmills on Amazon also have a wealth of customer reviews, FAQs, and pictures to help you get the full experience.
Why Trust Shape
Kristen Geil is a senior writer for Shape who frequently tests and reviews fitness-related gear, equipment, and apparel. She’s a NASM-certified personal trainer and USTAF-certified running coach who recently ran her fourth marathon, which gave her a unique perspective when analyzing testing insights for treadmills. At Shape, she leads the Best in Fitness Awards and Sneaker Awards, so she’s well-versed in the process of testing and comparing dozens of high-quality products in a category. She approached this article by diving deep into the testing insights to find the spot-on superlative for each treadmill that impressed our testers. Then, she supplemented our tested winners with extensive research on the best budget treadmills to add additional options for our readers.
