You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good treadmill for your home. These budget-friendly treadmills offer a great way to enjoy the health benefits of running or walking, without compromising on quality.
A home treadmill can make your fitness goals more achievable, whether you are a seasoned runner or walker, or just starting out. You can exercise anytime, regardless of the weather or the time of day. But not all treadmills are created equal. Some are loaded with fancy features that you may not need, while others are simple and reliable. We have selected the best budget treadmills for different needs and preferences, and we will show you how to find the right one for you.
The treadmills we recommend cost between $330 and $1,500, and they cater to various user requirements. For instance, if you live in a small space, you might want a foldable treadmill or one with a compact design. If you like to track your progress and data, you might prefer a smart treadmill that connects to your devices. Keep reading to discover our top choices for budget treadmills, and learn more about the benefits, usage and features of treadmills in 2024.
Table of Contents
The Advantages of Buying a Budget Treadmill
A budget treadmill is a smart choice for many reasons. Not only does it save you money upfront, but it also lets you test the waters of running or walking at home. You can see if it suits your fitness goals and preferences, and if you like it, you can always upgrade to a more advanced model later. You don’t need a lot of fancy features or data to start an at-home running routine, just a reliable and comfortable treadmill.
Another benefit of a budget treadmill is that it takes up less space and is easier to move around. This is ideal for people who live in small apartments or have limited room for exercise equipment. Most of the treadmills on this list have folding mechanisms or wheels that make them convenient to store away when not in use. If you care more about saving space than having a heavy-duty treadmill, a budget treadmill can offer you a good compromise.
How to Use Incline on a Treadmill?
Some treadmills have a rotating belt that mimics a road and lets you walk or run in place, while others have an extra feature that lets you adjust the slope of the belt deck. This mimics a hill and lets you work different muscles and increase the difficulty of your workout without increasing your speed.
There are two ways that treadmills can change the slope of the belt deck. Some have a button that lifts the front mechanically, and others need you to move the back end of the deck down manually to create an angle. The manual ones usually have only two or three angles to choose from, while the pricier ones can have up to 15 levels of slope.
A Guide to Using a Treadmill
Before you start working out on a treadmill, check that it has power and is switched on. Place your feet on the sides of the machine, next to the belt, and then press the button to start the machine at the lowest speed. Move your feet onto the belt and walk on the spot. Adjust the speed and slope to your liking until you reach the level of difficulty you want, and then finish your workout.
How to Pick a Budget Treadmill
The features below vary from one model to another, so depending on what you want from a treadmill, these will help you decide what factors to focus on.
Power
The power of a treadmill, usually expressed in continuous horsepower (CHP), is directly linked to the maximum speed it can maintain. For walkers, a 2.0 horsepower continuous duty motor will be enough, but if you’re planning to run on your treadmill regularly something around 3.0 will be more appropriate.
Size
Like any big piece of furniture or workout equipment, it’s best to pick a treadmill that fits the space you’ll be using it in. Most manufacturers provide the machine’s dimensions on the product site, so you can measure the area you have and see if it will fit. If you’re thinking of a treadmill with a base that folds up to the console stand, remember the height it will add when folded and make sure it won’t hit any shelves or devices on the wall.
Cushioning
One major advantage of walking or running on a treadmill versus pavement is the cushioning features available. This technology comes in different forms on different models, all of which are meant to reduce the impact of your footsteps to protect your joints and muscles. There is no standard way of measuring cushioning among manufacturers, so if this is an important feature to you, we recommend buying a model with a risk-free trial period so you can try it for yourself and see if they meet your needs.
How to Choose a Treadmill Based on Incline, Speed, Weight, Bluetooth, and Warranty
The features below are important to consider when buying a treadmill, depending on the kind of workouts you want to do on it.
Incline and Speed
You should know the maximum speed and incline levels of the treadmill you are interested in, based on your workout goals. If you want to do hill repeats and high-intensity intervals, you should look for a treadmill that has automatic incline adjustment and can reach your top speeds. You may have to do some calculations, since most models show their speeds in miles per hour, not by mile pace, but most of them are quite generous. The slowest top speed of any model on this list is 7.5 miles per hour (the Goplus 2 in 1), which is equivalent to an eight-minute mile pace. Most of them go up to 12 miles per hour though, which is a five-minute mile pace, which should suit even the fastest runners.
Weight Capacity
Each model has a maximum user weight capacity, which reflects how sturdy they are. The higher the user weight, the more durable they will be to handle the stress caused by heavier users.
Bluetooth Connectivity
A treadmill with Bluetooth features can make your workout more enjoyable and interactive. Some of the most advanced smart treadmills let you connect the treadmill’s motor with a separate device as you watch a route or class video, and will change the speed and incline of your run automatically to match the workout you chose.
Some simpler versions of Bluetooth features let you play music from your phone through the treadmill speakers, and upload your workout data after you finish to a tracking app like Zwift or MyFitnessPal. Others on this list have no Bluetooth compatibility at all, which is better for people who like to track their activity using a smartwatch, or who just want to exercise without worrying too much about the numbers.
Assembly and Warranty
The delivery and warranty options from the treadmill manufacturer give you a clue about the quality of the product, as well as the customer service you can expect from the company. Sometimes for an extra charge on top of the delivery fee, many companies and retailers (including Amazon) will set up your new treadmill for you. The assembly services also include placing it where you want it and getting rid of all the packaging.
Before buying your treadmill, check the warranty on the frame, motor and other moving parts. This will tell you how reliable and long-lasting the machine is supposed to be, as well as how much maintenance and replacement parts will be needed. Look for models with at least a six-month warranty for the motor and belt, and at least three years for the frame (this is the norm for most treadmill manufacturers in the industry). This gives you enough time to discover if something is going to break or a part is faulty, and have it fixed or replaced for free.
How to Take Care of Your Treadmill
To make your treadmill last longer and perform better, you need to do some simple maintenance tasks regularly. The most common thing that gets damaged on treadmills is the belt; it can get loose, worn, or misaligned from use, so you may have to adjust, tighten, or align the belt from time to time to make it run smoothly. Or to avoid it rubbing against the sides.
Another way to protect your treadmill from early damage is to keep it clean. You should always wipe off any sweat or water from your treadmill after you use it to avoid rust, and vacuum it weekly, especially if you have pets, to stop dust, hair, or other particles from getting into the motor. It’s also wise to lubricate the bottom of your treadmill belt about once a year. The method for doing this depends on the model, so check your treadmill’s manual for specific instructions.
The Best Budget Treadmill in 2024
ProForm Carbon T7 Smart Treadmill
Pros:
- Affordable price ($1,400) for a high-quality treadmill with luxury features
- Free three-year membership to iFit, which offers interactive training with world-class trainers and automatic speed and incline adjustments
- Compact and foldable design that saves space and is easy to move
- ISO Flex ™ Cushioning that provides excellent shock absorption and protects your joints
- 7” Smart HD touchscreen that displays iFit workouts and stats
- 10% incline option that adds intensity and variety to your workouts
Cons:
- 2.6 CHP motor and 1.9-inch rollers that are not suitable for serious runners or high speeds
- 20” x 55” running area that is fairly small and may feel cramped for taller users
- No decline option or Bluetooth connectivity
- No built-in programs other than iFit
- Assembly and warranty options may vary depending on the retailer
SOLE Fitness F63
Pros:
- Reasonable price ($1,400) for a high-quality treadmill with basic features
- Sturdy steel frame and lifetime warranty on the frame and motor
- Foldable design that saves space and is easy to move
- 7.5-inch LCD display that shows basic stats and has a tablet holder
- 15% incline option that adds intensity and variety to your workouts
- Bluetooth speakers that let you play music from your phone
Cons:
- 2.6 CHP motor and unknown roller size that are not ideal for serious runners or high speeds
- 20” x 55” running area that is fairly small and may feel cramped for taller users
- No decline option or Bluetooth connectivity for data tracking
- No built-in programs other than manual mode
- Assembly and warranty options may vary depending on the retailer
SOLE Fitness F65
Pros:
- Reasonable price ($1,400) for a high-quality treadmill with basic features
- Durable steel frame and lifetime warranty on the frame and motor
- Foldable design that saves space and is easy to move
- 7.5-inch LCD display that shows basic stats and has a tablet holder
- 15% incline option that adds intensity and variety to your workouts
- Bluetooth speakers that let you play music from your phone
Cons:
- 2.6 CHP motor and unknown roller size that are not ideal for serious runners or high speeds
- 20” x 55” running area that is fairly small and may feel cramped for taller users
- No decline option or Bluetooth connectivity for data tracking
- No built-in programs other than manual mode
- Assembly and warranty options may vary depending on the retailer
WalkingPad Folding Treadmill
Pros:
- Affordable price ($399) for a compact and foldable treadmill that can be stored under a bed or sofa
- Easy to use and set up, with a simple remote control and a security lanyard
- Suitable for walking and light jogging, with a maximum speed of 6.2 miles per hour
- Comfortable and grippy belt, with a shock-absorbing layer that protects your joints
- Compatible with the KS Fit app, which allows you to track your stats and join online challenges
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy, weighing 80 lbs and requiring two people to carry
- No display or built-in programs, only showing basic stats on the remote
- Noisy and annoying beeping sound that can’t be turned off
- Automatic mode that adjusts the speed based on pressure sensors doesn’t work well
- No incline or decline option or Bluetooth speakers
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Pros:
- Affordable price ($399) for a compact and foldable treadmill that can be stored under a bed or sofa
- Easy to use and set up, with a simple remote control and a security lanyard
- Suitable for walking and light jogging, with a maximum speed of 6.2 miles per hour
- Comfortable and grippy belt, with a shock-absorbing layer that protects your joints
- Compatible with the KS Fit app, which allows you to track your stats and join online challenges
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy, weighing 80 lbs and requiring two people to carry
- No display or built-in programs, only showing basic stats on the remote
- Noisy and annoying beeping sound that can’t be turned off
- Automatic mode that adjusts the speed based on pressure sensors doesn’t work well
- No incline or decline option or Bluetooth speakers
Conclusion
This list of quality treadmills shows that a lower price does not imply a lower quality. The variety of treadmills at different prices in the “budget” category have many features and functions. We are sure that one of these models will suit your needs and help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Read Also:
