Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill Review (2024): Tried and Tested By Our Experts

After testing out the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill, it’s clear that the best treadmills don’t need to be loaded up with tech. For people starting out on a new cardio regimen or getting back into exercise after an injury, we think this affordable treadmill is a great option for walking and jogging. It checks all the boxes for necessities like smooth operation, stability, and even incline.

The SF-T7603 lands in the “budget” category of the 60-plus treadmills we’ve tested, but BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto says these treadmills have plenty to offer. “People who plan to walk or jog a few times per week, or don’t have a ton of money to spend, but are ready to prioritize their health can benefit from a budget treadmill,” she says. If you don’t see a marathon in your future but are ready to get moving, check out our full Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill Review to see if this budget-friendly tread is a match. For all the details about how we test products, head over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology.

Main Takeaways

• Our tester believes this affordable treadmill is a great value for beginners.
• Given its lightweight design and motor size, it’s best suited for walking or jogging.
• Per our tester, the nine preset workout programs provide plenty of structured training options.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill Specs

Price	$449.99
Max Speed	9mph
User Weight Capacity	220lbs
Product Dimensions	62” L x 27” W x 47” H
Product Weight	103.6lbs
Incline Range	3 manual levels, 0-4.4%
Running Surface	49” L x 16” W
Motor	2.2 Peak HP
Display	LCD
Warranty	3-year frame, 180 days parts and components

Firmly cemented among the best budget treadmills our team has personally tested, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill has plenty to offer. Sure, ultramarathoners may not have much use for it, but at this price point, people dipping a toe in treadmill training or people kicking off a fitness journey can find a lot to like.

Our tester, a CrossFit coach, explains that working up a sweat on this affordable cardio machine can be a walk in the park — but maybe only a walk. “At this price, it’s important to be realistic about its capabilities,” they say. Its max speed of 9 miles per hour is a decent pace for the average person, but we wouldn’t suggest pushing that limit too often. “It’s like a lot of machines — if you only use it at maximum capacity, it’ll wear down much faster,” they explain.

That’s not to say it can’t support the occasional running workout, but we think it’s best suited for racking up steps during indoor jogs and walks. “People who plan to walk or jog a few times per week can benefit from a budget treadmill,” says BarBend expert Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “Higher-volume exercise requires a more durable machine, which costs more money.”

Raising up the running deck helps cut its footprint down by nearly half, plus the hydraulic folding mechanism only requires the tap of a foot to gently lower it back down. Our tester points out though, that the length of the deck is another barrier to cranking up the intensity. “The running surface is only 49 inches and to achieve a full running stride, most people will need 55 to 60 inches,” they say. 

Whether you stick to walking or up the speed to a jogging pace, you can add a bit of a challenge by leveling up the incline. You’ll just have to set the incline before take off — not mid-workout. “To raise the incline, you have to fully stop and adjust these chunky plastic lifts on either side of the deck,” our tester notes. While that process is certainly more cumbersome than the best incline treadmills, the end result is the same — a more intense workout than on a flat surface.

Overall, this budget-friendly offers exactly what you might expect — features and ranges that are pretty good, but not great. Key factors like maximum user weight capacity (220 pounds), max incline (4.4%), and top speed (9 miles per hour) all fall short of what we typically see on home treadmills — but so does the price. For people looking for a starter treadmill that can fit into tight budgets and training areas, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 might be an option you and your wallet can agree on.

Pros

Budget-friendly

Compact footprint and foldable

Nine built-in workout programs

Cons

Incline levels must be adjusted manually

220-pound weight capacity is 80 pounds below industry standard

Running surface isn’t long enough for running

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill can be a good fit for some — who doesn’t love saving money?— but its limitations might disqualify it for others. Take a look at who our team thinks could be a match for this affordable machine.

Recommended for:

• Those working with a limited budget
• People new to regular cardio exercise or who plan on walking or jogging only
• Anyone short on floor space shopping for the best folding treadmills

Not Recommended for:

• Experienced athletes intent on training at high speeds 
• Taller users with longer-than-average strides
• Someone who needs a higher weight capacity

Our Experience Training With the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill

At BarBend, our roster is stacked with running coaches (hello!), certified personal trainers (me again!), and marathoners (someday!). In other words, our team has the chops to spot a quality budget treadmill. For each of the nearly 60 machines we’ve personally tested, we assign ratings of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) for categories like portability, durability, tech capabilities, and value. Check out what our team has to say about our time with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill.

Footprint and Portability

Like many of the best compact treadmills, the SF-T7603 can fit snugly in smaller home gyms or congested living spaces. “I don’t have any problem moving this treadmill around on my own,” our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 coach, says. “It’s super lightweight and the transport wheels help roll it around my place.” Despite weighing just 103 pounds, our tester rates the durability of its mostly metal build a solid 3.5 out of 5.

After lifting up and locking in the foldable deck, its already miniscule footprint of 11.63 square feet is reduced to just 6.09 square feet. As you’re planning out where you’ll park it, imagine plopping a recliner into your training space. (1) When the running deck is lowered, it takes up about as much room as a reclined La-Z-Boy. Then when you fold up the deck up, it needs about as much floor space as an unreclined recliner — pretty teeny for a treadmill! Our tester scores its footprint and portability 4.5 out of 5. 

And while folding it may not be as easy as pulling a lever on a chair, it’s close. “The soft-drop system makes the SF-T7603 ideal for apartments or cramped living rooms,” our tester says. After raising the deck upright, the hydraulic cylinder locks the deck into place, allowing you to reclaim almost half of its footprint. Lowering the deck is even easier. “Just tap the orange release mechanism and step back,” our tester adds. “It gently glides to the floor, completely hands-free.”

Adjustability and Ergonomics

Honestly, for such a budget-friendly treadmill, we’re impressed to see any form of incline, even if it needs to be adjusted manually. The three levels (4.4%) pale in comparison to the best commercial treadmills, which can reach up to 15%, but any incline can help strengthen leg muscles, increase heart rate, and use more energy than walking or running on a flat deck. (2)

“I appreciate that it has incline at all, but it’s kind of pain to adjust it,” our tester says, rating the SF-T7603’s adjustability and ergonomics 3 out of 5. Another culprit in that 2-point loss is the abbreviated length of the running surface. “People who intend to run or sprint on their treadmill should look for a running deck of at least 60 inches in length,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT. “Walkers and joggers can get away with shorter decks, unless they are really tall individuals. 50 to 55 inches can usually cut it for walking and light jogging.”

As our tester notes, though, that’s one of the tradeoffs with this affordable machine. “It’d be great if the deck were longer, but that would certainly affect its portability and compact footprint, which is what I love about it,” they say. Sunny Health also highlights the deck’s “shock absorption system,” but our team hasn’t noticed much give during jogs or walks. 

While changing the manually adjustable incline requires a pause in your workout, you’ll have several ways to quickly adjust the speed. In fact, there are two on the console alone. “Tapping the Quick Speed Buttons to jump to 2, 4, or 6 miles per hour is really convenient,” our tester says. Just above those buttons are plus and minus buttons to let you steadily increase or decrease the speed range. You can also reach laterally for the handrail controls just above the pulse sensors.

Tech Capabilities and Conveniences

As you may expect, the onboard technology on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill is more flip phone than iPhone. “This tread costs less than half of my phone, so expecting it to hang with any of the best treadmills with iFIT or Peloton isn’t exactly fair,” our tester says, rating the tech capabilities 2 out of 5. 

That doesn’t mean it’s completely bare of bells and whistles. The LCD display tracks five common metrics — calories, distance, pulse rate, speed, and time — whether you’re following one of the nine built-in programs or freestyling.

“It doesn’t have Bluetooth or anything, but I will say the monitor is very easy to read,” our tester notes. “The programs are fine too, but the way they are named is really odd.” Instead of typical — and sensible — names we usually see on treadmills like Hill Training or Heart Rate Training, the programs are simply numbered P1 to P9. 

If those preset programs aren’t interactive enough, access to the SunnyFit app’s library of over 1,000 virtual workouts is completely free. There’s no convenient place to set up a phone or tablet, but if you can position the SF-T7603 in front of a screen, the treadmill workouts available in the app can provide a bit of engagement as you walk or run.

Overall, conveniences earn a score of 3 out of 5, but our tester calls out one particularly small feature that matches its miniature build. “Having the two cup holders is nice, but they’re too small for anything bigger than a plastic water bottle,” they say.

What to Consider Before Buying the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill

Before buying a treadmill like the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill, BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto says there important factors to consider beyond the enticing price tag. “Treadmills, even the budget options, are available with a large variety of different features, from motor horsepower to incline and decline levels to console specifications and accessories,” she notes. Check out what she recommends looking for as you make your decision.

• Footprint and Portability: Consider exactly where you’ll set up your new treadmill and grab a tape measure to make sure it will fit. Also, think about how often you’ll need to fold up the deck and relocate the SF-T7603.
• Desired Training: “Runners who train at a high volume will want to look for a CHP of 3.0. However, that may be really tough to find in a budget lineup,” Capritto says. In our experience, the 2.2 HP motor on this treadmill can’t support running workouts. If you are planning on taking on anything more intense than a jog, you may want to look elsewhere.
• Technology: “Budget-friendly treadmills won’t boast the hottest new LED touchscreen display, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for nothing,” Capritto notes. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill can keep tabs on key metrics like calories burned, time, and speed, but if you’re looking for virtual workouts, consider exploring the best treadmills with screens.
• Value: “It’s very true that you get what you pay for when it comes to home gym equipment,” Capritto says. As long as your intended training matches its capabilities, the SF-T7603 can hold a lot of value. Just remember to temper expectations. “From an equipment perspective, budget treadmills are likely to break down sooner than higher-end, more expensive models,” Capritto adds.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill Vs. Competitors

Laying out the details of other options can help provide a bit of context as you ponder whether the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill is a match for you. After trying it out ourselves, we think it’s a good fit for people looking to primarily do some light jogging or walking. We included the Horizon T202 Treadmill to offer a glimpse of what’s available in the next tier up, while the WalkingPad P1 could work for those who plan on sticking to walking. Check out how these three foldable treadmills stack up in the chart below.

	Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill	Horizon T202 Treadmill	WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
Price	$449.99	$799	$499
Max Speed	9mph	12mph	3.75mph
User Weight Capacity	220lbs	325lbs	220lbs
Product Dimensions	62” L x 27” W x 47” H	71” L x 34” W x 57” H	56.37” L x 21.5” W x 5” H
Product Weight	103.6lbs	187lbs	62lbs
Incline Range	3 manual levels, 0-4.4%	0-12%	N/A
Running Surface	49” L x 16” W	60” L x 20” W	47.24” L x 16.5” W
Motor	2.2 Peak HP	2.75 CHP	Brush motor
Display	LCD	7” LCD	N/A
Warranty	3-year frame, 180 days parts and components	Lifetime frame and motor, 1-year parts and labor	N/A

[Related: WalkingPad Treadmill Review]

Ordering and Assembling the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill

The best place to get the ​​Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill is directly from sunnyhealthfitness.com. It’s also listed on Amazon, but at the time of this writing, it’s out of stock. At Sunny Health, you’ll simply add it to your cart and head to checkout, but you’ll have the option to purchase an extended warranty through Extend. 

After it arrives, as our tester notes, assembly is similarly straightforward. “One person could easily build it on their own,” they say rating both delivery and setup 4 out of 5. “There’s only about 10 bolts to secure the arms and display, plus it’s light enough to just slide out of the box by yourself.”

Places to Buy the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill

You can get the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill straight from their website. At the time of this writing, it’s also listed on Amazon, but is currently out of stock.

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

Sunny Health & Fitness has long manufactured some of the best budget home gym equipment like treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and rowing machines. The BarBend team has tested out 17 different pieces of equipment from Sunny Health & Fitness. To contact the company, you can reach out by calling 1-877-90-SUNNY, or via live chat on their website.

Customer reviews of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill mostly track with our tester’s experience. “I love the treadmill and I’m so happy I found one that fits small areas,” reads one five-star review. Another highlights this Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill’s assembly. “The treadmill arrived in quick order. Set up was easy, but  having two people makes it easier. I use it on a daily basis and am very pleased,” this customer says.

Warranties

The three years of coverage on the frame and 180 days for parts and components earns a 4 out of 5 from our team. “The warranty doesn’t stack up with what we usually see on pricier treadmills,” our tester notes. “Many offer lifetime frame warranties, but again, you get what you pay for.” Sunny Health & Fitness encourages customers to reach out to the customer care team for support with common treadmill problems, plus they offer a 30-day window.

Final Thoughts on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill

Whether you’re light on cash or short on space — or just don’t need another touchscreen in your life — the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill is a no-nonsense treadmill that can help get you moving. Stepping aboard and tapping a few buttons is all it takes to kick off walking or jogging workouts from the comfort of your home. After testing it out ourselves, we think it offers immense value for people easing regular cardio or getting back at it following an injury.

As long as you don’t need to fire up sprint workouts or auto-incline adjustments, this affordable treadmill could be a good fit for those on a tight budget. The lightweight build will also appeal to those used to crowded living spaces, plus the foldable deck and transport wheels offer a speedy getaway when you need to take back some floor space. For anyone trying to add some indoor walking or jogging to their daily routine, our team of experts says the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill has the goods.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill FAQs

References

1. Minasian, K. (2018a, September 7). How to measure your space for a recliner. Living Spaces. https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/shopping-basics/how-to-measure-your-space-for-a-recliner
2. Ferley, D. D., Osborn, R. W., & Vukovich, M. D. (2014). The effects of incline and level-grade high-intensity interval treadmill training on running economy and muscle power in well-trained distance runners. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 28(5), 1298–1309.
3. Hatchett A, Armstrong K, Parr B, Crews M, Tant C. The Effect of a Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill on Running Gait Length, Imbalance and Stride Angle. Sports (Basel). 2018 Jun 29;6(3):58.