The 7 Best Budget Treadmills in 2024, Chosen By Our Experts

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 50 machines, we’ve gathered all the best budget treadmill options, whether you’re a walker or avid endurance athlete. 

The 7 Best Budget Treadmills of 2024

• 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 SF-T4400

Best Budget Treadmill Overall: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

Pros

Compatible with a number of popular training apps

Includes eight preset workouts to choose from

Built-in, Bluetooth-compatible speakers

Sub-$1,000 price tag

Cons

Display is not touchscreen and cannot support streaming services

Deck thickness may be too thin for heavy use

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.

Additionally, we tested the “felt weight” of this 7.0 AT’s running deck during folding and unfolding protocols. According to our measurements, the deck weighs 66.4 pounds, so this is the total you can expect to handle when raising or lowering the running surface.

After trying this machine out, our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, 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 from some of the best treadmill apps, 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

Pros

Capable of speeds up to 12 miles per hour and inclines up to 12%

Touchscreen is iFIT-enabled for streaming on-demand workouts

Runner’s Flex Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption upon landings

Cons

More expensive than other treadmills we’ve tested

iFIT subscription required for optimal performance

Lower weight capacity may be less ideal for larger athletes

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 tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, gave the durability a 4 out of 5. “It felt durable while I ran on it but only time will really tell,” our tester says. “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 the 300-pound limit, you may feel a little more shakiness on the machine. For athletes heavier than this threshold, we recommend opting for one of the best treadmills for heavy people, instead.

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% 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 7-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 notes.  

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 $1,299,” our tester said, giving the value a 4.5 out of 5. “I just do wish the screen were a bit bigger.”

Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review.

Best Budget Treadmill for Streaming: ProForm Carbon TLX 

Pros

Compatible with iFIT for over 17,000 on-demand workouts

Foldable deck for more convenient storage

Built-in fan helps keep conditions cool mid-workout

Cons

Included tech can elevate the price

Must subscribe to iFIT after the 30-day trial period

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, a certified personal trainer, 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 and rated it at 4.5 out of 5 for the category. Our tester didn’t feel the machine move at all while running at high speeds, nor was the noise level particularly noticeable at all. According to our decibels test, the Carbon TLX emits 36 decibels of ambient noise when operating at its max speed. For reference, that’s lower than the 40 decibels produced by the hum of a refrigerator. (1)

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 one of the best treadmills 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.

[Related: Can You Use a ProForm Treadmill Without iFIT?]

Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Horizon T202

Pros

12% incline can better match real-world hills and climbs

Easy Adjust dials for quick adjustments to speed and incline settings

Compatible with multiple third-party fitness apps

Cons

No decline settings available

No built-in screen, so a personal device is required for streaming

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% 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 tester, a certified personal trainer, thought the incline range (zero to 12%) 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 best incline treadmill,” 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

Pros

Basic design can be accommodating for daily step counts

5-inch height allows for easy storage underneath furniture

Front transport wheels help improve portability

Cons

Limited tech and features

3.75-mile-per-hour max speed is not conducive to running or jogging

No handles or guide rails for extra stability

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 speed only goes up to 3.75 miles per hour, which is a little low but definitely sufficient for walking or working on a treadmill.

The footprint and portability of this machine really sets 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.

“To move it around, I just lifted it up and set it back down,” says BarBend editorial member Matt Cummings of the similarly-designed WalkingPad C2 model. “I wish there was some kind of handle to make that easier, but just grabbing the frame wasn’t difficult, either.” Both the C2 and P1 arrive pre-assembled in the box, helping them both earn a 5 out of 5 for delivery and setup.

When it comes to adjustability and ergonomics, another of our testers, a certified personal trainer, scored the WalkingPad P1 a 3 out of 5, noting its width. “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 say.

There are actually three ways to adjust the P1’s speed — the included remote control, using a Bluetooth device as a remote, and WalkingPad’s FootSense Technology. Once Cummings got the hang of it, he couldn’t help but be impressed by WalkingPad’s unique speed adjustment system. “I was very skeptical about how responsive the FootSense Technology would be, but after getting the hang of it, I preferred it to the manual mode,” he says.

“Unless I was actively typing, in a Zoom meeting, or doing something that required incredible focus, this was the way to go,” he adds. “When I walked closer to the front of the belt, it sped up smoothly, then the opposite for the rear of the belt.” Our other tester preferred using the remote and we landed on a 3.5 out of 5 for customizations. You can go from a half mile per hour to about 4 miles per hour with 12 different preset programs.

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 say. “I’d say I’ve gotten a good bang for my buck.”

Read our full WalkingPad Treadmill Review.

Best Space-Saving Budget Treadmill: Echelon Stride-6

Pros

Auto-fold technology for easier clean-up and storage post-workout

12.5-mile-per-hour max speed can be ideal for runners

Built-in fan for added comfort during training

Cons

No built-in display

Cheaper treadmills available with similar features

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 one of the best compact treadmills. 

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, a certified personal trainer, 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.

Read our full Echelon Treadmill Review.

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

Pros

Great value at less than $500

Manual incline settings for added training versatility

Tablet holder for DIY streaming setups

Cons

Max speed may be too slow for sprint intervals

Incline settings need to be made pre-workout

Lower user weight capacity at 220 pounds

Though all of the treadmills on this list are under $2,000, this treadmill definitely stands out in the cost department. At only $499, this 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 9 miles per hour, and three manual incline levels (0%, 2%, and 4.37%). 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 treadmill workouts 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, a certified personal trainer, 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.

Read our full Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Treadmill Review.

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 50 treadmills to find the absolute best picks. Here are the factors we considered in order to curate this round-up.

For more information on how we test equipment, be sure to read our BarBend equipment testing methodology page.

• Price: The number one consideration when making the picks for this list was (obviously) price. While the prices on this list are generally below the market average (which we’ve determined is roughly $1,800) we made sure that these profiles didn’t compromise quality for the sake of costs — you can still find plenty of durability and performance with one 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 yet still offer some perks that you’ll find on more high-tech treadmills.
• Speed and Incline: “Budget-friendly treadmills can reach incline levels similar to those found on higher-end treadmills, even up to 12%,” notes Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. “Even the lowest-priced models typically have modest incline capabilities, reaching 6 or 8%.” We examined wallet-friendly treadmills aligning with these incline specs, as well as each silhouette’s max speed which routinely clocked in at 12 miles per hour.
• Durability: “From an equipment perspective, budget treadmills are likely to break down sooner than higher-end, more expensive models,” notes Capritto. Nevertheless, find well-built machines at a budget-friendly price. All the treadmills included in this guide should be able to last roughly 10 years, and we made sure to include any warranty information in case you run into mechanical issues down the road.

[Related: Tips for Getting Your Home Treadmill Repaired]

Benefits of Budget Treadmills

“Treadmills, regardless of price range, provide an opportunity for people to access cardio exercise when it may not be safe to do so outdoors,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer. As such, the benefits of treadmills can still be reaped even when keeping your finances top of mind. Below are some of our favorite perks associated with these wallet-friendly cardio machines.

• Unhindered Training Environment: “Having a treadmill is highly beneficial if you live in an area with a lot of bad weather (e.g., high heat or a lot of storms, which may make it unsafe to run outside) or in an area where there are no sidewalks or parks for safe pedestrian activities,” Capritto says. While there are some benefits to running in the rain, having a treadmill can help you maintain your training regimen even if the outdoor conditions aren’t to your liking.
• Workout Variety: Today’s treadmills are often compatible with popular training apps, unlocking vast libraries of digital workouts to keep you intrigued and motivated for each session. While budget-friendly options typically don’t feature these platforms, many still come equipped with variable speed and incline settings for manual adjustments, as well as built-in workout programs to take the guesswork out of your training protocols.
• Lower Cost of Entry: Naturally, budget-friendly treadmills can be excellent for those watching their money. The savings brought on through these machines can also open opportunities to splurge on other equipment — say a pair of best running shoes to compliment your running obsession.

How Much Do Budget Treadmills Cost?

Even with the “budget-friendly” moniker present, the question of “how much do treadmills cost?” still remains. On average, you can expect to pay roughly $970 for a high-quality, budget-friendly treadmill. Of course, there are variants to this median — we’ve had enjoyable experiences atop some of the best treadmills under $500 — but this can be a good number to start with. Below are the price comparisons for each treadmill profile featured in this guide.

Best Budget Treadmill Overall	Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT	$999
Best Budget Treadmill for Running	NordicTrack EXP 7i	$1,299
Best Budget Treadmill for Streaming	ProForm Carbon TLX	$999
Best Budget Incline Treadmill	Horizon T202	$799
Best Budget Treadmill for Walking	WalkingPad P1	$499
Best Space-Saving Budget Treadmill	Echelon Stride-6	$1,699.99
Best Budget Treadmill Under $500	Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400	$499

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 the best folding treadmills 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 benefit from one of the best walking treadmills 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 8 miles per hour. 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 the best online workout programs, 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.”

Budget Treadmills FAQs

References

1. Sygrove, C. (2024, May 7). Decibel chart: All you need to know. MDHearing. https://www.mdhearingaid.com/blog/decibel-chart/