The 7 Best Treadmills Under $500 of 2024

With a budget of $500, you may think that it would be difficult to find one of the best treadmills for running, with incline, or that can fold in half and fit under your couch — seriously. With high-end treadmills routinely coming in over $2,000, we understand your hesitance. Well, we pinched our pennies and tested out the best treadmills under $500 that pack in the features you need for at the price your bank account needs.

Whether you are short on space, want to sneak in some cardio at your standing desk, or are training for a 5k, we have options for you. The treadmills we chose offer capabilities that you will see on much more expensive machines, but for under $500. Here are our picks for the best treadmills under $500.

The 7 Best Treadmills Under $500 of 2024

• Best Overall Treadmill Under $500: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill Under $500: LifePro Fitness PacerMini Portable Treadmill
• Best Treadmill Under $500 for Walking: Walking Pad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
• Best Treadmill Under $500 for Small Spaces: UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
• Best Incline Treadmill Under $500: Egofit Walker Pro
• Best Treadmill Under $500 for Running: XTERRA TR150 Treadmill
• Best Folding Treadmill Under $500: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Best Overall Treadmill Under $500: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400

Pros

9-mile-per-hour max speed can be ideal for light jogging and walking

Manual incline adjustments for varied training setups

Soft Drop hydraulic system for easier folding and unfolding

Cons

Incline adjustments need to be made pre-workout

Running belt is only 49 inches long

Limited 3-year warranty for the frame

The SF-T4400 is our favorite treadmill under $500 thanks to its impressive compactness, worthwhile speed range, and included manual incline settings. Unlike other sub-$500 treadmills, this Sunny Health and Fitness profile gives you the option to adjust your running deck’s pitch between 0 and 4.3 degrees, albeit in a manual format that needs to be completed prior to training.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated this incline adjustability at 3 out of 5. “While it isn’t as smooth of a process as some of the best incline treadmills I’ve tested, I feel it’s enough to give my training sessions an added sense of challenge.”

The SF-T4400 is also a great treadmill option for small spaces thanks to its compact design. The 62-inch length and 25.5-inch width can be more approachable for those training in tight quarters, and the folding deck can be helpful when trying to regain some of your floor space post-workout. The 103-pound product weight also makes this machine simple to move from one room to the next. As such, we rated the footprint and portability at 5 out of 5.

You cannot stream workouts through the LCD display of this Sunny Health and Fitness treadmill, but we were pleased to find that the SF-T4400 comes equipped with nine preset workout programs for some versatility. We scored the available programming at 3.5 out of 5, though, because the workout experience of a pre-programmed module can’t exactly compare to the trainer-led or scenic sessions we’ve taken part in across other, more expensive machines.

Finally, we rated the durability of this SF-T4400 at 3.5 out of 5. “While I like the steel frame, there are a lot of plastic components that could pick up some dings and scratches over regular use,” notes our tester. Plus, while Sunny Health and Fitness does offer a warranty package for this machine, it’s not the lengthiest coverage we’ve seen. The SF-T4400 features three-year coverage for the frame and just 180-day support for parts and other components.

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

Best Under-Desk Treadmill Under $500: LifePro Fitness PacerMini Portable Treadmill

Pros

7-inch height can fit neatly under standing desks

Remote control for convenient speed adjustments mid-workout

Adjustable handlebar for extra stability

Cons

Smaller walking space than other under-desk treadmills we’ve tried

No added conveniences like a tablet holder or water bottle cage

7% incline cannot be adjusted

The best under-desk treadmills can be excellent for helping you reach your daily step goals while also tending to meetings, emails, and other work responsibilities. For athletes looking for a budget-friendly home office addition, we recommend the LifePro PacerMini Portable Treadmill thanks to its sleek, compact frame, remote-controlled settings, and (of course) its sub-$500 price tag.

In addition to the small dimensions of this treadmill that equate to 5.68 square feet, this PacerMini also features a set 7% incline. “While there’s no room to adjust this setting, I do feel it was a nice addition to this profile,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer who rated the PacerMini’s incline ergonomics at 3 out of 5. “You don’t normally see under-desk treadmills with incline capabilities, so the extra challenge was a nice change of pace.”

We also rated this LifePro offering at 4 out of 5 for customizations thanks to the convenient remote control that adjusts your speed up to the max 3 miles per hour. This can be a definite perk when pacing along throughout the work day as there’s no need to shift focus, bend down underneath your setup, and toggle the speed to your liking. You can stay locked in on emails and quicken your steps without much effort.

While the PacerMini’s compact frame makes it a great addition to your under-desk setup, it does compromise the available walking surface. According to our tester, if you’re a taller athlete with a longer walking gait, you may begin to feel cramped atop this cardio machine.

Additionally, we also recommend this sub-$500 solely for walking endeavors. The running deck is too short to accommodate running strides. Plus, there are no built-in workout programs to choose from, and the max speed is not conducive to high-intensity training. As such, we scored the workout experience at 3.5 out of 5 — great for hitting your step goals during the work day, but not necessarily a dedicated training tool for all your cardio sessions.

Best Treadmill Under $500 for Walking: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill

Pros

FootSense Technology allows for foot-controlled speed adjustments mid-workout

47.24-inch running deck length can accommodate a wide range of strides

Folds completely in half for easier storage

Cons

No incline settings available

Max 3.75-mile-per-hour speed not conducive to running

Limited one-year warranty

The WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill distinguishes itself from many of the best walking treadmills with its unique FootSense Technology. This allows you to adjust your speed by changing your position on the belt. “In this mode, you can walk in the front third of the belt to speed up, the middle to remain constant, and the rear to slow down,” our tester — a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach — explains. “I liked using this mode, but also appreciated that I could just control the speed with the remote.”

Most foldable treadmills raise the deck upright or lower the handlebar flat, but this machine folds completely in half for easier storage. When I tried out the similarly-designed C2 model, I just lifted it up and set it back down to relocate it. I do wish there was some kind of handle to make that easier, but just grabbing the frame wasn’t difficult, either. Unfolded, the compact P1’s 47.24-inch belt deck is roughly 8 to 13 inches shorter than the average treadmill, but should be comfortable for most people intent on walking.

Our tester knocked its durability down to 3 out of 5 because of its unimpressive one-year warranty, but did point out the treadmill’s maximum user capacity of 220 pounds. “My husband weighs around 200 pounds,” our tester said, “and he said that it felt no less steady than he did on higher-end machines.”

One notable absence is the lack of incline capability. Treadmill incline workouts can boost the intensity of sessions, but the design of this machine doesn’t allow for it. (1) “The only thing you can really adjust is the speed,” our tester pointed out, rating the adjustability and ergonomics a 3 out of 5. 

The lack of tech capabilities like Bluetooth connectivity or a display also earned a 3 out of 5 rating, but the overall value came in at 3.5 out of 5. “Without its two unique features — folding completely in half and the FootSense Technology — I might say it’s pretty standard,” they said. “However, after walking on it almost daily for a year and half, I definitely think it was worth the money.”

Read our full WalkingPad Treadmill Review.

Best Treadmill Under $500 for Small Spaces: UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill

Pros

Compact design fits neatly under furniture for storage

Lightweight 57.3-pound frame

Foldable handlebar for added stability in jogging sessions

Cons

42.5-inch treadmill deck may be too short for running endeavors

No incline settings available

Included media shelf is weak and may not support your device

For athletes looking to train in tight quarters, a compact treadmill can be ideal. While these smaller profiles are typically less expensive than your standard treadmills, we feel the UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill is the best of the bunch when it comes to sub-$500 silhouettes. The “2-in-1” moniker comes from the fact that this profile can be used for both walking and running thanks to the addition of the front folding handlebar — when flipped up, you can reach max speeds of up to 7.6 miles per hour.

While we don’t believe this UREVO treadmill to be a perfect solution for running enthusiasts, we do appreciate the versatility for light jogging and walking. Plus, the footprint takes up just 10.03 square feet of space meaning you won’t need to sacrifice your entire floor plan to get a decent workout in.

We also rated this UREVO mode, among the best compact treadmills we’ve tested, at 5 out of 5 for portability given its lightweight, 57.3-pound frame. “You can almost pack this treadmill in your car and take it wherever you please,” notes our product tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor. “I also love the slim design that fits easily under my sofa or bed frame post-training. You can regain your entire space once your workout is complete.”

As far as customizations, we scored this UREVO profile at 3.5 out of 5. The speeds are controlled via remote control, which can be helpful while pacing along as you answer emails or tend to virtual meetings in your home office. That said, there are no incline adjustments available, which may be a negative factor for those looking to engage in more challenging sessions.

Lastly, this UREVO 2-in-1 treadmill does have a tablet holder across the foldable handrail, which can be great for following along to the best workout apps, like iFIT or JRNY. However, we rated the conveniences at 3 out of 5, as we’ve found that the integrity of this piece is somewhat lacking, meaning your device could be in for a spill if you aren’t careful.

Read our full UREVO 2-In-1 Treadmill Review.

Best Incline Treadmill Under $500: Egofit Walker Pro

Pros

5% incline helps add intensity to each training session

48.5-pound frame and front transport wheels make transport a breeze

No assembly required

Cons

3.1-mile-per-hour top speed isn’t fast enough for jogging or running

Incline cannot be adjusted

34.25-inch running deck may be too small for longer gaits

Incline training can provide a more intense form of low-impact exercise for those who like to get their cardio from walking. The Egofit Walker Pro is our pick for the best incline treadmill under $500 because it features a fixed 5% incline — a rare inclusion at this price point. Adding incline to your cardio workouts at home can boost the intensity compared to walking on a flat surface.

Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, rated the overall experience at 4 out of 5. “While the lack of built-in workouts is underwhelming when compared to other treadmills I’ve had, I’ve consistently used this Egofit profile and had zero complaints about its sturdiness, available cushioning, or performance,” she says.

The Egofit Walker Pro is another example of a compact, under-desk treadmill that can be great for storage or keeping training spaces organized. However, this smaller design does limit the available walking area across the deck. We scored the overall footprint at 4 out of 5, as the 34.25-inch running surface may be too short for some gaits and strides.

In terms of tech, the Egofit Pro Walker features no true settings outside of speed, and there are no preset programs to choose from. There is a convenient remote control for toggling your pace mid-workout, and the LCD display across the front edge of the machine can provide easy-to-read statistics. However, we did score this profile at 2 out of 5 for available tech as there isn’t much else to write home about.

[Related: When Will You See Results Using a Treadmill?]

If you’re looking for a home treadmill to give walking sessions, this Egofit Walker Pro could be a viable solution. However, given the shorter running surface and lower 3.1-mile-per-hour max speed, we (naturally) do not recommend it for more intense cardio workouts. It may be best to pair this silhouette with a more running-based treadmill if you plan to keep your entire training regimen indoors for the foreseeable future.

Read our full Egofit Walker Review.

Best Treadmill Under $500 for Running: XTERRA TR150 Treadmill

Pros

Can reach speeds up to 10 miles per hour

Includes 12 preset program for added training variety

Display is intuitive and easy to decipher

Cons

50-inch deck is shorter than other running treadmills we’ve tested

No hydraulic shocks or added safety features across the folding deck

Only features manual incline adjustments

Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer, states, “Treadmills built with running in mind, specifically, are designed to support high-volume use at high speeds.” While the high-intensity features of these machines often elevate the price tag, there are still some silhouettes available at the sub-$500 level — like the TR150 from XTERRA Fitness. While this treadmill’s MSRP is above the $500 threshold, the profile is routinely on sale online.

We like this budget-friendly treadmill (which has also ranked among the best quiet treadmills we’ve tested) thanks to its available incline levels, 10-mile-per-hour max speed, and integrated programming. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, notes, “You’re not going to get all the bells and whistles with this treadmill, but for entry-level runners looking to push the pace, it’s a great starter setup.”

One definite perk of this TR150 profile is the center console. Each button is labeled well with good haptics, and we also appreciate that each of the 12 built-in workout programs are showcased across the plastic console for better understanding of the included intervals and intensities. While the incline settings are manual — and need to be made pre-workout — we still rated the customizations at 4.5 out of 5.

Another standout feature of this sub-$500 treadmill is the 50-inch running deck. While not as long as the 60-inch decks you’ll find on dedicated running treadmills, it’s by far one of the longest running surfaces we’ve found at this price range. Plus, the running deck folds up for easier storage, leading to our 4 out of 5 footprint score.

That said, we do recommend keeping this treadmill away from children or small pets given the lack of safety features across the folding mechanism. There’s a single-pinion lock that keeps the deck in its upright position, and unlocking the mechanism is quite easy. Plus, there aren’t any hydraulic shocks to slowly lower the deck down to the ground, which can mean errant pin pulls can have the running surface crashing down in an instant.

Read our full XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill Review.

Best Folding Treadmill Under $500: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Pros

Handrail folds neatly for more convenient storage underneath furniture

Max speed of 7.5 miles per hour

Front transport wheels for easier portability

Cons

Included media shelf is too small for tablets or other larger devices

No incline adjustments available

Deck and max speed won’t support running-centric workouts

Looking to keep your training space compact while also staying under $500? Consider one of the best folding treadmills that can make post-workout storage a far more approachable feat. At this price range, we recommend the GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill.

In reality, the “folding” aspect of this treadmill lies in the handrail, which folds down toward the deck to create a silhouette just 5 inches high. This can be excellent for keeping your cardio machine underneath furniture or your desk when not in use. As such, we rated the portability and footprint at 4 out of 5.

We also rated the adjustability and ergonomics at 4 out of 5 thanks to the impressive speed range controllable through a remote control. This compact treadmill can reach speeds up to 7.5 miles per hour with the handrail up, giving you the opportunity to take part in some light jogging or standard walking — the shortened 49-inch deck may not be the best for running.

From a tech perspective, our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, rated this GoPlus profile at 3 out of 5. “You do get a convenient Bluetooth speaker that’s nice for playing workout videos or music playlists out loud. However, there aren’t any added workout programs to choose from, and the digital conveniences sort of end at the audio level,” they note.

Speaking of available workouts, this GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill does have a media shelf across the handrail for viewing your favorite online workout programs on your own device. That said, we’ve found that this holder can only support smartphones, meaning your tablets may push the component’s stability beyond its limits.

As a final note, this electric treadmill does come with a power cord, but our tester notes that you may be better off by pairing it to a lengthier extension cord. “Unless you want to be nestled up against your wall at all times, you’ll need the extra cord length,” they said.

Read our full GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill Review.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills Under $500

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best treadmills under $500, we got hands-on with more than 50 different equipment silhouettes from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend equipment testing methodology page.

• Affordability: Naturally, a round-up of the best treadmills under $500 can give you a pretty understandable threshold when it comes to price. However, we also included picks from popular retailers like Amazon, which give you an opportunity to bag even more savings when looking to purchase equipment around regular sales events or major savings windows.
• Deck Size: The best treadmills for running often feature a lengthier running surface (we recommend 60 inches) to support the longer strides associated with the activity. While this can be more of a challenge to find in sub-$500 treadmills, we were able to find some larger deck sizes over 50 inches that can at least support a light jog.
• Available Tech: According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, “Budget-friendly treadmills won’t boast the hottest new LED touchscreen display, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for nothing. Look for, at a minimum, an LCD console that displays your current speed, time elapsed or time remaining, and distance covered. Additional perks include Bluetooth compatibility so you can get a more accurate heart rate reading on-screen (the handheld optical heart rate monitors on treadmills are notoriously inaccurate.)”
• Storage Features: Wallet-friendly treadmills can also make use of their more compact designs with added storage capabilities such as flat-folding frames or lightweight, easy to move profiles. We included a handful of storage-friendly silhouettes in this guide that may be a better solution for athletes wanting one of the best treadmills for apartments.
• Quality: Affordable fitness equipment isn’t necessarily known for impressive durability, but we made note of sturdy, stable sub-$500 treadmills highlighting their listed weight limits and build components. On average, we found that most budget-minded treadmills can support user weights of at least 220 pounds, with some showcasing even more durability with 265-pound weight ratings.

Benefits of Treadmills Under $500

As some of the best budget home gym equipment, cheap treadmills under $500 can carry plenty of perks outside of the savings you see in your wallet. From compact designs for better storage to included tech features like LCD screens, water bottle holders, and more, here are some of our favorite benefits that make these best budget treadmills the high-quality options that they are.

• Compact Design: Given their smaller frames, treadmills under $500 can be great space-saving options for those needing a compact machine. You can find many sub-$500 treadmills with foldable running decks and lightweight profiles that are easy to maneuver with some even folding near-flat for convenient storage under furniture or in a nearby closet.
• Cardiovascular Training: Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer, states, “Treadmills, regardless of price range, provide an opportunity for people to access cardio exercise when it may not be safe to do so outdoors. For instance, 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.”
• Cost Savings: According to our research and experience, the average cost of a high-quality treadmill for home use is around $1,600. These more affordable treadmills under $500 can help you keep your training needs in check without the heavy hit to your overall budget — even allowing you the room to potentially splurge on other top-notch gear, such as a pair of the best running shoes.

Different Types of Treadmills Under $500

Treadmills are relatively straightforward machines, but they can serve a lot of purposes. Here are a few of the different kinds of treadmills you can expect to find under the $500 threshold. 

For Running

Not every treadmill is actually designed for running. You may expect pricier machines (like the best commercial treadmills) to cover all kinds of training, but at less than $500, you may find machines that can’t support anything more intense than a casual walk. In order to use a treadmill for consistent running, you’ll need a belt deck that fits your running stride. Typically, we would like to see a deck around 55 to 60 inches long, but you may find your stride could fit on a smaller deck, too. 

Treadmill Type	Motor Size	Approximate Speed
Budget	1.5 to 2.0 CHP	5 to 6 miles per hour
Mid-range	2.0 to 3.0 CHP	10 to 12 miles per hour
High-end	3.5+ CHP	12 to 15 miles per hour

Another factor for a running treadmill is the power of the treadmill motor. Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, says, “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. If you’re looking to save some dough, you’re likely going to be shopping for treadmills with a CHP of 1.75 to 2.5, since a lower-powered motor is less expensive.”

Under-Desk

The main appeal of an under-desk treadmill is in the name — it can fit under your desk. Using one while seated at a desk would be extremely difficult, so it’s safe to assume you would use it at a standing desk. On our list, you’ll see a few designs and heights that could qualify, but it’s also important to consider your desk height. 

When standing at your desk, you typically want it to rise around elbow-height, which for many people will be around 44 inches. If your under-desk treadmill — like some on our list — is 6 inches high, you would need your standing desk to be able to rise 6 inches higher than normal to compensate. 

For Walking 

If you intend to use your treadmill primarily for walking, you may need fewer capabilities than a running treadmill. To generate the speed required for its user to run, running treadmills need more powerful motors than walking treadmills. For most people, 3 to 4 miles per hour would be a good walking pace. Additionally, it can be helpful to seek out an affordable treadmill with adjustable incline — this toggleable pitch to your walking stride can help you refresh your workout experience from time to time, and studies report that walking at an incline can be beneficial for those looking to bolster joint mobility and health. (1)

The good news for those looking for a walking treadmill is that lower speeds usually don’t require as powerful a motor. For the manufacturer, a less powerful motor means lower cost to produce, which can translate to a lower price on your end.

[Related: Best Treadmills for Bad Knees]

How Much Do Treadmills Under $500 Cost?

We get it — the best treadmills under $500 cost, well, under $500. However, the price can still differ depending on the machine’s included tech, storage features, speed and incline ranges, and much more. On average, we’ve found that you can expect to pay roughly $468 for a high-quality treadmill at this price range. Below are the costs of each sub-$500 treadmill included in this guide to give you a clear comparison to costs and prices across the board.

Best Overall Treadmill Under $500	Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400	$499.99
Best Under-Desk Treadmill Under $500	LifePro Fitness PacerMini Portable Treadmill	$424.99
Best Treadmill Under $500 for Walking	WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill	$499
Best Treadmill Under $500 for Small Spaces	UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill	$389.99
Best Incline Treadmill Under $500	Egofit Walker Pro	$479
Best Treadmill Under $500 for Running	XTERRA TR150 Treadmill	$679.99
Best Folding Treadmill Under $500	Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill	$299.95

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill Under $500

Before committing to a big purchase like a treadmill, it’s important to consider several factors like exactly how much it will cost, what you plan to use it for, and the features of a treadmill you value the most. These are a few major considerations.

Price

Buying a treadmill may be more challenging with a smaller budget, but it’s certainly not impossible. Before you take the leap and swipe that credit card, we wanted to show you several quality machines that come in under $500. Our picks range from $299 to $499 and, even within the parameters of your budget, you can find features that justify the price. 

Whether you are looking for a treadmill that can help you add to your step total during work, or are eyeing a 10k coming up, you want to figure out exactly how much you are willing to spend before you go shopping.

Intended Use

What are you planning to use your new treadmill for? Especially on a tight budget, you need to know exactly why you want a treadmill under $500. You might want a treadmill that will help you ease back into cardio after an injury, or maybe you are a beginner who wants to start running but can’t justify dropping over $2,000 for a high-end machine. 

The major consideration with these best cardio machines may be whether you want to use it for walking, jogging, or running. Most treadmills under $500 are not good for running as they tend to have smaller running surfaces and less powerful motors. The products we put together can fill the needs of those short on space, need the challenge of an incline treadmill, or even want to store theirs under a bed or couch.

Frequency of Use

How often you plan to use your treadmill is an important consideration before you start looking. Since these machines are under $500, the overall construction may not be the most durable. In general, less expensive treadmills consist of lower-quality parts. If you plan on racking up miles day after day — especially with daily running sessions — your treadmill may not last as long as more expensive options with more durable builds.

Treadmills Under $500 FAQs

References

1. Haggerty, M., Dickin, D. C., Popp, J., & Wang, H. (2014). The influence of Incline Walking on joint mechanics. Gait & Posture, 39(4), 1017–1021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24472218/