The 6 Best Treadmills Under $1,500 for 2024

The amount of available treadmills out there can seem as endless as the marathon you signed up for on January 1. We know the overwhelming feeling of trying to sift through the detritus in search of the best treadmills on the market. As such, the cardio enthusiasts at BarBend sought to compile a list of the best treadmills under $1,500 to help narrow your search and show you that, even with a hard cap on your budget, you don’t need to sacrifice on the features that are most important to you.

Treadmills that bump up against $1,500 are somewhere between “mid-range” and “budget” options, but it’s important to remember that even the most wallet-friendly options can help improve your cardiorespiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health. (1) Whether you need dynamic programming with virtual coaches to pump you up, or just a moving rubber belt you walk on while you suffer through a Zoom meeting, check out our picks for the best treadmills under $1,500 below. 

The Best 6 Treadmills Under $1,500 for 2024

• Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,500: NordicTrack EXP 7i
• Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Running: Sole F63
• Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Walking: Horizon 7.0 AT
• Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,500: ProForm Carbon TLX
• Best Budget Treadmill Under $1,500: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
• Best Compact Treadmill Under $1,500: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill

How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills Under $1,500

The BarBend team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit professionals, and nutrition coaches has put over 40 treadmills to the test over the years. Following our testing methodology, our testers rated over 13 categories — including footprint and portability, adjustability and ergonomics, and durability, among others — on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

These ratings and our team’s hands-on experience helped us choose the treadmills on this list. If your budget is set at $1,500, you are looking somewhere between “mid-range” and “budget” treadmills, but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on important features like incline, dynamic programming, or the amount of space it will occupy. These are a few of the factors that went into our top picks.

Essentials

When compiling our picks, we made sure to include treadmills for running and walking that feature the essentials one looks for in an efficient cardio machine. For a running treadmill, that meant max speeds of 10 to 12 miles per hour, incline ranges between 10 and 15 percent, cushioned decks, motors with at least 3.0 horsepower, and preset programming or integration with fitness apps. 

For those interested in walking, we emphasized treadmills with steep incline ranges, as they can provide variety and challenge and better replicate the terrain you’d find on an outdoor hike. We also included some under-desk options with max speeds of between 3 and 4 miles per hour, which are more suited for getting your steps in than sweating up a storm. 

Dynamic Programming

Integration with apps like iFIT or Peloton can open up your training options on and off your treadmill. While these options usually require a monthly subscription (typically between $20 and $50), they can be worth it for the guided instruction, structured programs, and interactive community features.

Speaking about iFIT, one of the most popular fitness apps, certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto, says, “iFIT has some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom.” You can usually access these kinds of apps on built-in touchscreens or a compatible mobile device, and we included several with this kind of integration on this list. Following the cardio workouts provided by this kind of programming can bring some excitement to your training.

Footprint

A factor that should guide any treadmill purchase is how much space it will take up in your home gym. We kept this in mind when putting our list together, including a range of full-size, folding, and low-profile treadmills that can help you make the most of your space. Whether you’re living in close quarters or have more room than you know what to do with, we’ve got picks that should suit your needs. 

Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,500: NordicTrack EXP 7i 

Our choice for best overall treadmill under $1,500 is also the most compact treadmill from NordicTrack — the EXP 7i. For $1,299, you’ll get much of what most the best NordicTrack treadmills have to offer — iFIT integration with SmartAdjust, a standard 12-percent incline, a 2.6 CHP motor, and a max speed of 10 miles per hour. This is one of our best-reviewed treadmills, with our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, rating it a 4 or 4.5 out of 5 in categories such as durability, customizations, adjustability, ergonomics, and more. 

The EXP 7i’s iFIT integration also earned it a 5 out of 5 for its dynamic programming. With iFIT, you’ll have access to over 16,000 live and on-demand classes. Even though a subscription will run you $39.99 per month after your 30-day free trial, we think it unlocks the full potential in the EXP 7i, specifically in how it works in tandem with the machine to make automatic adjustments in tune with the app’s classes and scenic rides. 

The compact nature of the build only allows for a 55-inch belt deck, which is 5 inches less than our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, recommends. “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride,” she explains. “Shorter individuals may be able to get away with a shorter deck.” As such, sprinters and taller runners may want to opt for an option with a 60-inch deck. 

While the shorter running surface is certainly a trade off, it contributes to its small footprint — 17.16 square feet. That’s more than 3 square feet smaller than the NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill. It can be folded when not in use to help reduce its footprint that much more. “[The] hydraulic lift system is going to take care of everything for you,” BarBend’s expert product tester Jake Herod highlighted in his video review of the EXP 7i below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KGDZi_mow

Dedicated runners may be wary of the 1.9-inch-diameter rollers, which come in 0.35 inches smaller than what we’d like to see on running treadmills. If you plan to rack up a lot of miles, larger rollers can translate into a longer lifespan for your treadmill.

Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review.

Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Running: Sole F63

When it comes to the best treadmills for running, you want to look for a 20-inch by 60-inch belt deck to accommodate longer strides, some belt deck cushioning, and incline capability to bring some added intensity and variety to your runs. Enter the Sole F63, our pick for the best treadmill under $1,500 for running. 

The 15-percent incline range actually exceeds the 12-percent range found on many treadmills in this price range — like the NordicTrack EXP 7i. Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, emphasized incline capability when assessing running treadmills for BarBend. “If you’re using your treadmill to train for a race (as opposed to just keeping fit), incline is a necessary feature.”

An aspect Kate Meier — certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial staffer — highlighted was the importance of the size of the running deck. After completing multiple running workouts Meier rated the F63’s adjustability and ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5. “All our testers — up to 6-feet tall — felt the deck allowed plenty of space for comfort.”

Anyone recovering from an injury or interested in long-distance training will appreciate the cushioned deck and two-ply belt — an upgrade over the one-ply belts common in less expensive machines. Capritto also noted the importance of reducing impact on the user’s joints. “A padded deck can help offset some of the impact on your ankles, knees, and hips by absorbing a lot of the shock.”

While the F63 offers a backlit 6.5-inch LCD screen to help you keep an eye on your heart rate, distance, and calories burned, there is no interactive touchscreen. However, you can use your phone or tablet to take advantage of the 1,400 free — yes, free — treadmill workouts on the Sole+ app. 

Meier rated its tech capabilities 4.3 out of 5, noting the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. When connected to the treadmill, Sole+ can track your stats and workout history over time, as well as play audio through the speakers.

Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.

Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Walking: Horizon 7.0 AT

The Horizon 7.0 AT is our pick for the best treadmill under $1,500 for walking because of its spacious 60-inch belt deck and above-average 15-percent incline, which allow for comfort and challenge during walking workouts. Should you want to run, it can reach speeds of 12 miles per hour. Heavier users will also like its 325-pound weight capacity, which is 25 pounds heavier than most machines at this price range. The 7.0 AT’s adjustability and ergonomics earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester, a certified CrossFit Level-1 trainer. 

When assessing the best walking treadmills for BarBend, certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto unpacked what she likes to see in a high-quality treadmill for walking. “A good walking treadmill has speeds up to at least 4 miles per hour (that represents a brisk walk of 15 minutes per mile), but ideally up to 6 to 9 miles per hour for individuals who are very fast walkers or want to sometimes jog,” she explained. “You’ll also want a deck with minimum dimensions of 16 inches wide by 48 inches long (preferable is 18-20 inches wide by 55-60 inches long).” 

The 20-inch by 60-inch walking surface on the Horizon 7.0 AT surpasses Capritto’s preferred dimensions, and it contributed to our tester’s rating of 4.5 out of 5 for their workout experience. “I docked a half point because I thought the belt was a little thin,” they pointed out. “Otherwise, I loved the deck and there was zero wobble or shake.” 

While you can slot your own device in the tablet holder and stream whatever you like, there is no touchscreen, which contributed to their 3-out-of-5 rating. Our tester was also disappointed that, when connected via Bluetooth, different apps had different capabilities. “It seemed like some apps could play audio, but others could only track your stats, like steps and calories,” they said. If you have a favorite workout app you want to use, take a look at Horizon’s chart for app compatibility. (2)   

Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.

Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,500: ProForm Carbon TLX

We chose the Carbon TLX as the best folding treadmill under $1,500 because ProForm’s SpaceSaver upright hydraulic folding system reduces its footprint from 18.11 square feet down to 8.6 square feet — about the difference between a two-seater sofa and a medium-sized ottoman. (3) With its heavy-duty steel frame and 249-pound overall weight, we appreciated the assist from the hydraulics.

When assessing folding treadmills for BarBend, Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer, spelled out who can benefit from this type of machine. “Folding treadmills are a good option for people who need to keep their space multifunctional,” she explained. “Treadmills are large pieces of machinery, and in smaller homes, it’s not always feasible to leave a huge piece of equipment lying around.”

The Carbon TLX is no slouch when it comes to programming, as it’s one of the least expensive treadmills offering iFIT integration. While you’ll need to access the fitness app’s classes via your compatible mobile device, iFIT can still work with the TLX to make automatic adjustments to the machine’s speed and incline during classes, leaving you to focus simply on your sweat.

With over 16,000 classes on offer, including off-machine workouts like strength training and yoga, we think the app’s $39.99 monthly subscription is justified. Our tester, a certified CrossFit trainer, gave it a full 5 out of 5. “I think iFIT is a solid competitor with Peloton now,” they said. “I’d recommend it over just about any other interactive programming.”

For all the tech packed into this $999 machine, it does lack heart rate sensors. This is perhaps a casualty of the more compact design, but there are loads of compatible Bluetooth heart rate monitors you can connect.

Best Budget Treadmill Under $1,500: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is our pick for the best budget treadmill under $1,500, as it costs roughly $50 to $500 cheaper than similar treadmills. With its 39.9-inch deck and max speed of 7.5 miles per hour, it’s more suited for walking and light jogging than running, but we love this budget treadmill for its adjustability.  

As its name implies, the Goplus 2-in-1 is a hybrid machine, as its foldable handlebar allows it to be used as both a traditional treadmill and an under-desk machine. Our tester primarily uses theirs with the handlebar folded down, which gives it a total height of just 5 inches, making it ideal for use under standing desks. “I think it’s just a basic home treadmill that does exactly what it’s meant to,” they said, rating their workout experience 4 out of 5. “I use it every day under my desk and never give it a second thought.”

When assessing the best budget treadmills for BarBend, personal trainer Amanda Capritto explained who would most benefit from machines in this price range. “Budget-friendly treadmills specifically provide access to exercise for individuals with a lower income who know they are ready to commit to exercise, and individuals at any income level to test the waters in this exercise category without spending thousands of dollars on a machine they may end up not using,” she said.

A Bluetooth speaker, remote control, and phone holder — too small to be called a device holder — are the only tech capabilities of note, which prompted a rating of 3 out of 5 from our tester. “I do use the remote control to adjust the speed,” they explained. “It also has a Bluetooth speaker, but it’s not really high enough quality to use.” 

Best Compact Treadmill Under $1,500: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill

From its unique foldable design and 5-inch step-up height to the 62-pound overall weight, everything about the WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill — our pick for the best compact treadmill under $1,500 — screams compact. This treadmill folds literally in half, reducing its unfolded footprint from 8.42 square feet down to just 4.78 square feet — roughly the size of a small ottoman — and earning a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. (3)

When I tried out the near-identical WalkingPad C2 model, I didn’t even bother using the two small wheels to move it around. It was light enough to just lift and relocate. I do wish there was a handle that would make that easier, but just gripping the frame wasn’t difficult, either. It’s compact design also means that it arrives pre-assembled, earning its delivery and setup a 5 out of 5.

“You can use the remote to adjust speed, but I mainly use the FootSense Technology,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. I was very skeptical about how responsive the FootSense Technology would be, but after getting the hang of it on the C2, I also preferred it to using the remote. Walking closer to the front of the belt increased the speed really smoothly, then the opposite for the rear of the belt. Without adjustable incline, though, its customizations rating lands at 3.5 out of 5.

The WalkingPad P1 is designed specifically for walking workouts. “A good walking treadmill has speeds up to at least 4 miles per hour (that represents a brisk walk of 15 minutes per mile),” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. She also prefers “a deck with minimum dimensions of 16 inches wide by 48 inches long.” 

While the WalkingPad P1’s 47.24-inch belt deck and 3.75-mile-per-hour max speed fall slightly short of those standards, we still think its a great deal at $499. Our tester rates its value a 3.75 out of 5. “I’ve walked on this treadmill daily for a year and a half and I am pleasantly surprised it has held up so well.”

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill Under $1,500

Before committing to your dream treadmill, consider setting your budget, deciding how you plan to use it, and where exactly you’re going to put it. Treadmills in this price range are somewhere between “budget” and “mid-range” machines. Some have comparable features to even the best high-end treadmills, like 12-percent incline and app integration. Before making your decision, consider these factors.

Budget

While you know your budget will not exceed $1,500, you’ll still want to decide exactly how much you can afford to spend on your treadmill. Affordable treadmills, after all, can cost as little as $299. The machines closer to $1,500 are better suited for running and will have features like touchscreen displays, app integration, and sturdier builds that take up more floor space. The options under $1,000, meanwhile, tend to be more compact or may only be suited for walking and light jogging. 

Intended Use

 With so many treadmill options out there, it’s important to establish if you plan to use your treadmill for running, walking, interactive workouts, or as an expensive coat rack. 

[Related: 9 Best Treadmills on Amazon (2024)]

On our list, we tried to provide a sampling of treadmills designed for a variety of different needs — running, walking, folding, compact, etc. Once you figure out how much you can spend, take a minute to consider what kind of training you see yourself doing. 

Available Space

Even budget or mid-range treadmills like the options on our list can take up anywhere from 8.42 square feet to 18.72 square feet, with the latter being about 2 square feet larger than a two-seater sofa. (3) We made sure to share the dimensions of each pick because we know what it’s like to navigate hallways and stairs with a treadmill — not fun.

Once you decide on the location of your machine, check to see if it folds upright or flat, and if it has a hydraulic folding system to help you out. Many companies design a version of assisted folding — like Horizon’s FeatherLight or ProForm’s EasyAssist. Smaller machines at the lower end of the price range can save you even more space, as there are compact walking treadmills with folding handlebars — perfect for under-desk integration — and units like the WalkingPad P1 that can fold completely in half. 

Different Types of Treadmills Under $1,500

It’s important to be aware of the different types of treadmills in this price range before choosing one that matches your needs. If you’re short on space, maybe you need a compact machine with a small footprint. You may want smart features to satisfy your techie soul. Or you could have signed up for a half-marathon and need to rack up some miles. Here are a few options under $1,500.

Connected

More and more treadmills are starting to integrate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities as these technologies become more accessible. Fitness apps like iFIT or Peloton are also growing in scope and popularity, so demand for integration in rowing machines, treadmills, and ellipticals is rising. Several treadmills under $1,500 feature HD touchscreens to stream workouts or content from apps like Disney+ and Netflix. Whether you want to take your mind off your sweat, or want to follow a hyped-up studio session, there are options under $1,500 to make it happen.

Running

While you may not find monstrous incline ranges like on some of the best commercial treadmills — 40 percent! — there are options in this price range that meet the needs of serious runners. Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto laid out what to look for in a running treadmill when assessing these machines for BarBend. 

“Treadmills built with running in mind, specifically, are designed to support high-volume use at high speeds,” she explained. “They support interval running, incline and decline running, and long strides.” Our list includes treadmills capable of hitting 12-percent inclines and top speeds of 12 miles per hour — both solid ranges for runners. If you’re trying to lessen the impact on your joints, you’ll also want to consider a treadmill with a cushioned deck — preferably one between 55 and 60 inches in length. 

Compact

If you need to save some floor space — or have kids and pets running around your house — a compact treadmill may be the way to go. Lots of options in this price range have the capability to fold upright, completely flat, or even in half. You may not need to tuck your treadmill under a couch or bed — we have you covered if you do — but being able to cut the footprint of your treadmill in half simply by lifting the deck is a major benefit.

Benefits of Treadmills Under $1,500

The general benefits of treadmill training apply to machines in this price range, just like more expensive options. For treadmills under $1,500, there can be tremendous value, creative ways to save space, and the technology features that are quickly becoming standard across the best ellipticals, rowing machines, and treadmills.

Health Benefits

Exercising on a treadmill is an easy way to reap the health benefits of aerobic exercise, like improved cardiovascular function, reduced risk of heart disease, and even reduction in stress and anxiety. (1)(4) You don’t even have to run — walking and light jogging have also been shown to aid in weight loss, improve cholesterol profile, and slow the process of osteoporosis. (5)  

Technology

Treadmills in this price range usually include common technology features, like Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, speakers, and pulse sensors to track heart rate.  Some options approaching $1,500 have integrated fitness apps like iFIT or Sole+, but instead of grand displays, they’ll have more modest 7-inch or 10-inch touchscreen displays. 

[Related: The 8 Best Treadmills with Screens of 2024]

While you won’t mistake any of these treadmills for high-end commercial machines, you don’t need to sacrifice much by way of technology.

Foldability

Many treadmills around this price point could be considered “compact” or “foldable.” While some fold upright, others fold flat — or even in half. Having the option to fold your treadmill can reduce its footprint — the amount of floor space it occupies — by around half compared to when it’s unfolded. We worked to include at least one option that folds upright, flat, or in half to meet the suit users with specific space restrictions.

Final Word

While $1,500 can score you somewhere between a “budget” and “mid-range” machine, there are plenty of options that can still make you feel like you’re in the VIP treadmill lounge. Some treadmills in this range have the same high-tech features you’ll see in expensive machines, like app integration and HD touchscreens. Even some squarely “budget” options that fold flat or completely in half still support walking and jogging workouts.

After you set your budget, identify some features that are important to you. Whether you need extra cushioning because of joint issues, or want to swap out your couch for a treadmill while you catch up on your favorite shows, we have the options for you. Make your wishlist, take the proper measurements, then check out which treadmills under $1,500 satisfy both your budget and your fitness goals.

FAQs

References

1. Mersy D. J. (1991). Health benefits of aerobic exercise. Postgraduate medicine, 90(1), 103–112.
2. Horizon Fitness. (n.d.). HOW DOES THE 7.0 AT-04 CONNECT TO APPS? https://support.horizonfitness.com/hc/en-us/articles/4410237070221-How-Does-the-7-0-AT-04-Connect-to-Apps 
3. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/ 
4. Chan, L., Chin, L. M. K., Kennedy, M., Woolstenhulme, J. G., Nathan, S. D., Weinstein, A. A., Connors, G., Weir, N. A., Drinkard, B., Lamberti, J., & Keyser, R. E. (2013). Benefits of intensive treadmill exercise training on cardiorespiratory function and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Chest, 143(2), 333–343.
5. Rippe, J. M., Ward, A., Porcari, J. P., & Freedson, P. S. (1988). Walking for health and fitness. JAMA, 259(18), 2720–2724.