7 Best Budget Treadmills in 2024

Treadmills are among the best home gym machines, but they can also cost a pretty penny — especially for some of the higher-end models. They’re quite versatile, offering options for HIIT training, endurance training, and even some strength training (if you purchase one with incline). Some of the best  treadmills sell for over $4,000, but you can find plenty of high-quality treadmills for far below that price tag.

We’ve compiled a list of the best budget treadmills on the market — most cost around $1,000, but they range in cost from as low as $300 to around $2,400. The lower the cost, the fewer features you’ll find on your machine. However, even the lowest-priced treadmill on this list offers high value for the money you’re spending. After testing more than 40 machines, we’ve gathered all the best budget treadmill options, whether you’re a walker or avid endurance athlete. 

Best Budget Treadmills

• Best Budget Treadmill Overall: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
• Best Budget Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack EXP 7i
• Best Budget Treadmill for Streaming: ProForm Carbon TLX
• Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Horizon T202
• Best Budget Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad P1
• Best Space-Saving Budget Treadmill: Echelon Stride 6
• Best Budget Treadmill Under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill

How We Tested and Chose the Best Budget Treadmills

While we compiled this list to help you find the right tread for your home, a small part of us may have also done it to build a trustworthy guide for our own searches — who doesn’t want to save a few bucks and find a high-quality treadmill, right? Our team of BarBend experts, including personal trainers and endurance athletes, tested more than 40 treadmills to find the absolute best picks. Here are the factors we considered:

Price

The number one consideration when making the picks for this list was obviously price. There are countless treadmills on the market, and we wanted to be sure that you were not only seeing the best deals, but also the best value for these deals.

While the prices on this list are generally below the market average, we made sure the quality didn’t fall below average for that price. You’ll see most of these picks falling somewhere around $1,000 and almost all of them falling under $2,000. Though you may not find the fanciest technology for this price range, rest assured that you are getting your money’s worth in the high-quality build of these treadmills. Not to toot our own horn, but we’ve definitely gathered most of the best treadmills under $1,000.

Special Features

Even with budget treadmills, you can still find a lot of great options that offer special features. Whether that’s a touchscreen display, free streaming services, or Bluetooth connectivity, we’ve included a wide variety of options on this list that are in the budget range, but still offer some perks that you’ll find on more high-tech treadmills. On the other hand, we’ve also included basic treads here for walkers and runners who don’t want to deal with the frills of touchscreens or coached virtual fitness classes.

Speed and Incline

Many budget treadmills come with lower speeds and inclines. Though that may be true for some of the lower-budget options on this list, we’ve included many picks that don’t skimp on the speed and incline levels. Most of our picks hit 12mph in speed and at least 12 percent in incline. And if they don’t, their price tag is much lower to account for that. 

Durability

If you’re purchasing a treadmill, you’re going to want to make it worthwhile even if the price is on the lower end of the market average. We’ve only included treadmills on this list that should last for around 10 years at least. In order for any purchase to last you that long, you will have to take care of it, but if you’re wiping off sweat and not stomping as hard as you can on the deck when you run, these treadmills all have pretty durable steel builds.

“From an equipment perspective, budget treadmills are likely to break down sooner than higher-end, more expensive models,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC  Nevertheless, you can find well-built machines at a budget-friendly price.

[Related: Best Treadmills for Bad Knees]

Best Budget Treadmill Overall: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

The Horizon 7.0 AT costs less than $1,000, yet still offers some high-tech capabilities, earning our best overall spot. This machine also folds up and has easy adjust dials, so you can smoothly increase your speed or incline.

There’s definitely a few things that make this treadmill stand out and one factor is the footprint and portability. The 7.0 AT isn’t the smallest or the lightest (about 253 pounds) but it folds right in half, thanks to Horizon’s FeatherLight Folding system. It also does have wheels on the end for easier movement, earning a 4 out of 5 for portability.

After trying this machine out, our tester actually found it pretty stable. “After walking and running at a pretty fast pace, I didn’t notice this machine shake at all,” they said, giving the durability a 4 out of 5. “It also has a pretty high weight capacity at 325 pounds.”

This machine did earn a 3.5 out of 5 for tech capabilities, though, as it doesn’t have a built-in screen or dynamic programming. Some athletes (especially beginners) may prefer some more workout guidance, which you can find with higher-tech machines. However, you do get eight built-in workouts and it has Bluetooth compatibility, so you can just stream your own workouts on your device.

“There’s a good amount of conveniences here,” our tester said, giving this factor a 4 out of 5. “It comes with two large cup holders, a fan, heart rate monitors, Bluetooth speakers, and more. It ticks all the major boxes.”

At only $999, this one is definitely a steal, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for overall value. Most machines with Bluetooth cost more than $1,000. We also love the lifetime warranty. However, our testers don’t recommend this machine for athletes with knee pain or joint issues, as the belt felt a little thin.

Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Review.

Best Budget Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack EXP 7i

The NordicTrack EXP 7i makes a good fit for runners who want a suitable, durable machine but actually spend most of their time running outdoors. In our opinion, this is the best treadmill for running under $1,500. After all, if you prefer to hit the trail (or pavement), you don’t need to spend a ton on an at-home treadmill.

After sprinting and running on this machine, our testers gave the durability a 4 out of 5. “It felt durable while I ran on it but only time will really tell,” our tester said. “It doesn’t feel shaky at all while I’m using it, so that’s a big plus.” The weight capacity is a little lower than some machines, though, so if you’re closer to that limit, you may feel a little more shakiness on the machine.

We like that this NordicTrack treadmill comes equipped with Runner’s Flex Cushioning to offer your joints some extra protection during long runs. And, you get the standard speed and incline options, with a max of 12 percent incline and 12 miles per hour. For overall adjustability and ergonomics, this one earned a 4 out of 5.

Unlike some of our other budget picks, this machine does come with a seven-inch built-in screen. It’s equipped with iFIT, so you can stream plenty of running workouts and track your progress (we gave iFIT’s dynamic programming a 5 out of 5). However, we still had to give the overall tech a 4 out of 5. “iFIT is an awesome program but the screen is so small, it’s hard to see, especially while running,” our tester said.  

Overall, though, our team was pretty impressed with this machine given the budget-friendly price. “It has fantastic programming and works really well for only $1,199,” our tester said, giving the value a 4.5 out of 5. “I just do wish the screen were a bit bigger.”

[Related: The Best Treadmills with iFIT of 2024]

Best Budget Treadmill for Streaming: ProForm Carbon TLX 

Some athletes may prefer a more interactive treadmill, allowing you to stream classes and track fitness progress. In that case, our team recommends the ProForm Carbon TLX. “This treadmill has Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to the free iFIT trial,” our tester said, giving the tech capabilities a 4.25 out of 5. “It also has a media deck, making it easy to watch from your own device.”

For dynamic programming, we gave this machine a 4 out of 5. You do need to connect your tablet or phone to the device (which isn’t quite as convenient as a built-in screen) but our testers were pleasantly surprised at how easy this was. “I really enjoyed the free iFIT trial because there are a lot of treadmill workouts to choose from,” our tester said.

We also thought this machine offered plenty of durability for walkers or runners. Our tester didn’t feel the machine move at all while running at high speeds, nor was the noise level particularly noticeable at all. For durability, we gave this pick a 4.5 out of 5.

Our team did think the cushioning was a little lackluster, though, giving the adjustability and ergonomics a 3.5 out of 5. “Considering this is a budget-friendly machine, the cushion level wasn’t bad,” our tester explained. “I do wish it provided a bit more, though.” Athletes with sensitive joints may prefer a treadmill for bad knees with higher cushioning.

The Carbon TLX earned a 5 out of 5 for overall value. Considering the $999 price point, our testers thought this machine was an excellent bang for your buck.

Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Horizon T202

Incline options are great, whether you’re a runner who loves hills, an avid hiker, or just someone looking to increase walk intensity. This machine goes up to a 12 percent incline, ideal for all athletes — and at a budget-friendly price.

For adjustability and ergonomics, we gave this machine a 4 out of 5. Our testers thought the incline range (zero to 12 percent) and speed range (zero to 12 miles per hour) were pretty impressive for a budget treadmill. We also like the EasyDial knobs on the handrails, which make adjustments extra simple. However, we do wish the belt were a little thicker. “This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get this machine,” our tester said. “But this may be important for those who plan to use it daily or have joint problems.”

This machine does lack a little in the tech department, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in this category. It doesn’t have a built-in screen and only comes with six built-in programs, which is less than some other options. However, you do get Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream third-party apps from your own device.

We love that this machine comes with a lifetime frame and motor warranty, plus one year on the parts and labor. This is more than you’ll get with most treadmills, which is great. And considering this machine is only $799, we gave the overall value a 4 out of 5. 

Best Budget Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad P1

Anyone who loves to get their steps in knows it’s hard to accomplish them all at once. An under-desk treadmill makes completing your daily 10,000 steps as convenient as possible, which is why we love the WalkingPad P1 for walkers. 

The footprint and portability of this machine really set it apart — the P1 earned a 4.5 out of 5 in this category. This walking treadmill only weighs 62 pounds and it has transport wheels, making it easy to move from one room to the next. Plus, it folds completely in half and can be easily stored under your bed or standing desk.

When it comes to adjustability and ergonomics, we did have to give the WalkingPad a 3 out of 5. The speed only goes up to 3.75 miles per hour, which is a little low but definitely sufficient for walking. Our tester also thought the belt was a little slimmer than most machines. “Although it’s a little more narrow, it still felt pretty comfortable for me and my husband, who’s pretty tall and has a longer stride,” they said. We should note, too, that this machine has no handlebars, which may not work for all athletes.

The tech on this machine is pretty minimal, which is to be expected for a machine that’s only $369. Our testers gave this category a 3 out of 5, as there’s no screen on this treadmill, though it does connect to Bluetooth.

However, we did give the customizations a 3.5 out of 5. You can go from a half mile per hour to about four miles per hour with 12 different preset programs. “This machine also has Foot Speed Control mode, which means you can speed up the machine depending on where you step,” our tester explained. “It works but it’s a little difficult to use if you’re using this treadmill while working.”

For value, we gave this machine a 3.5 out of 5. It’s a pretty affordable treadmill, though there aren’t many tech capabilities here. Our tester was impressed by this machine’s longevity, though. “To my surprise, this machine works awesome after a year and a half of use,” they said. “I’d say I’ve gotten a good bang for my buck.”

[Related: Best Treadmills for Walking]

Best Space-Saving Budget Treadmill: Echelon Stride-6

Not everyone has a ton of free space for fitness equipment. And, let’s be real, a treadmill can take up quite a lot of space. But thanks to the Echelon Stride-6’s auto-fold technology, you can store this machine away after your workouts, making it perfect for small spaces. 

For footprint and portability, our testers gave this machine a perfect 5 out of 5. “This one folds up really easily and it’s lighter than most machines,” our tester said. “I like that this machine also has wheels and it can tuck away really easily.”

We thought this machine was surprisingly durable, too, despite being a smaller, lighter machine. This Echelon Stride treadmill earned a 3 out of 5 for durability. Our testers didn’t notice it move or shake at all while sprinting. However, this one does have a slightly lower weight capacity (300 pounds) than others. For athletes closer to that limit, there may be a little bit more shaking during use.

Unfortunately, for tech capabilities, we had to give this one a 3 out of 5. This machine doesn’t have a built-in screen. However, it does have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect your treadmill to your favorite apps. And it also has a device holder for your phone or tablet.

Our team also liked some of the conveniences here, too. This machine has a built-in cooling fan, quick adjust handlebar wheels for speed/volume/incline, a USB port, and heart rate sensors. These perks definitely make the workout more comfortable, so we gave this category a 4 out of 5.

When it comes to value, we do wish this machine had a little more built-in technology. While we love the space-saving design, it is a little more expensive than most of the top picks on this list. Overall, we gave the cost a 3.75 out of 5.

[Related: The 8 Best Compact Treadmills of 2024]

Best Budget Treadmill Under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400

Though all of the treadmills on this list are under $2,000, this treadmill definitely stands out in the cost department. At only $419.99, the Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Incline Treadmill is our best treadmill under $500.

With the lower price here, you’re not going to get as many features as you would with the other cheap treadmills on this list. However, you still get speeds up to nine miles per hour, and three manual incline levels (zero percent, two percent, and 4.37 percent). For adjustability and ergonomics, we gave this one a 3.5 out of 5 because other machines do have some more optionality.

There’s a console that includes nine built-in workout programs with a large LCD display that shows your time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. “The tech here is pretty simple but it’s what you would expect with an ultra-budget-friendly machine,” our tester said, giving the tech a 3 out of 5. If you’re an athlete who wants some streaming options, a different pick may be better.

You do get a few nice conveniences, though. It has a tablet holder, so if you still want to use a separate streaming platform to follow along to classes, you have that option, as well. The weight capacity is fairly low at 220 pounds though, so this tread is definitely not a one-size-fits-all option. “This machine was fine for me but it has a low max weight,” our tester said, giving the durability a 3 out of 5. “There’s also a good amount of plastic in the design.”

This machine isn’t the flashiest but we did give the footprint and portability a 5 out of 5. It’s a pretty light and foldable treadmill, according to our tester, making it ideal for home use, as it’s easily stored away.

[Related: The 9 Best Treadmills on Amazon of 2024]

What to Consider Before Buying a Budget Treadmill

Though these treadmills aren’t the most expensive ones you’ll find across the market, you’ll still want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, as some of them cost close to $2,000. Here are our tips on what to consider before making your purchase. 

Size and Foldability

Size is one of the biggest factors customers take into consideration when buying home gym equipment. There’s no way around it — treadmills aren’t small. While there are some that are smaller than others, any treadmill on this list is going to take up a decent chunk of space when it’s in use, so you will need to take your measurements and ensure you have the space to house this equipment.

Not all treadmills fold, but most of the ones on this list do. Some of them even fold flat, which can be great for apartment dwellers who want to slide their tread under their bed when they’re done using it. Before hitting the market, you’ll want to weigh your measurements against the different folding options available to you. 

Fitness Goals

Treadmills can offer different benefits for you depending on your fitness goals. Some may use a treadmill as their main form of exercise, following along with virtual running classes on their touchscreen display or smart device daily. Others may use it as a way to get their steps in when the weather outside is less than ideal, while some may use it for speed work to supplement their strength training. 

You’ll want to look for different aspects of a treadmill depending on what you’re using it for. For example, if you’re using it for speed work, you don’t want to buy a tread that caps out at 8mph. And on the other hand, if you’re just using it for walking, you don’t need to invest in a machine that goes up to 12 miles per hour. 

Technology

Many treadmills offer advanced technology within the console, which can include a touchscreen display for streaming fitness classes, heart rate monitoring, and Bluetooth connectivity. Typically, the more technology on your treadmill, the more expensive it is, and the bigger the console. If you don’t plan on using, say, a touchscreen display, you likely don’t need to pay for it, or find the space to house the large console that accommodates it. Before deciding which treadmill to buy, consider what technological features you want it to include.

“Treadmills, even the budget options, are available with a large variety of different features,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “This can make it overwhelming to shop for one and difficult to make a decision, but luckily, our expert equipment testers can help you choose based on their experience with various budget treadmills.”

[Related: Best Treadmills with Screens]

How Much Do Budget Treadmills Cost?

Studio or commercial-grade treadmills can cost several thousand dollars. If you don’t have that much to spend or simply don’t want to spend that much on a treadmill, then a budget treadmill may be the way to go. Many cost-effective treads nowadays come loaded with features and offer great value.

Best Budget Treadmill Overall	Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT	$999
Best Budget Treadmill for Running	NordicTrack EXP 7i	$1,1999
Best Budget Treadmill for Streaming	ProForm Carbon TLX	$999
Best Budget Incline Treadmill	Horizn T202	$799
Best Budget Treadmill for Walking	WalkingPad P1	$369
Best Space-Saving Budget Treadmill	Echelon Stride-6	$1,199.99
Best Budget Treadmill Under $500	Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400	$419.99

Some creature comforts and quality-of-life features (such as automatic adjustments or extra-large super high-definition screens) may not be quite as prevalent on some of these picks, but they can get the job done at a fraction of the cost in many cases. For a high-quality, yet budget-friendly treadmill you can expect to spend between $500 and $2,000.

Final Word

Buying a treadmill is a big move, no matter what the price tag. Even though the picks on this list are more cost-effective than what you’ll find across the majority of the treadmill market, they’re all still fairly hefty purchases. Before buying a treadmill, you’ll want to be sure you are finding the machine that can best suit your needs, and make the most of the money you’re dishing out. 

You’ll likely be faced with deciding between a treadmill that offers high-tech features or a basic console, a treadmill that reaches high speeds and inclines or one that just allows for a good walk, or a treadmill that folds all the way flat or just folds up to an angle when not in use. Once you’ve made your measurements and set out your fitness goals, this list can help you sift through the rest to find the best option for your home.

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