Best treadmills under $1,000: Options and alternatives

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This article explores running machines under $1,000 and their health benefits, alternatives, and more.

A quick look at the best treadmills for under $1,000

• Best for small spaces: ProForm City L6
• Best for connectivity: Horizon Fitness T101
• Best under-desk treadmill: Urevo Strol Lite 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
• Best for workout modes: OMA 1017EB
• Best foldable: Schwinn 810 Treadmill
• Best for affordable features: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
• Best for a budget: XTERRA Fitness TR 150 Folding Treadmill

Treadmills have a motorized belt that moves underneath a person’s feet, allowing them to walk, jog, or run. They offer a convenient option for regular indoor exercise.

When a person starts using a treadmill, general recommendations state that they follow these tips:

• start slowly
• swing their arms freely rather than holding onto the rails
• look straight ahead
• anticipate being disorientated when stepping off the treadmill for the first few times
• always wear suitable and supportive footwear

People can usually control the speed of a treadmill, while some models may feature heart rate monitors and step counters. Treadmills that include extra functions may cost more.

A person may wear a physical activity tracker to track their steps when exercising. However, a 2020 study highlights that they are less accurate when using a treadmill than when walking outdoors.

Possible disadvantages of a treadmill include the following:

• taking up a lot of space
• may require a professional to repair
• limited exercises as it can only be used for walking and running
• may be noisy

Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:

• Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
• Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and strengths.
• Connectivity: When equipment has fitness memberships or subscriptions, MNT ensures variation in classes and services that benefit a person’s health.
• Materials: MNT chooses products that have safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
• Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If setup is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a set-up or installation service.
• Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
• Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and offer reliable customer service and support.

Below is a list of treadmills that a person can purchase for under $1,000 each.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for small spaces: ProForm City L6

• Price: around $599
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 70.25 x 29 x 44.5 inches (in)
• Speeds: 0–8 mph
• Incline levels: not listed
• Key features: foldable, Bluetooth enabled, offers classes with subscription

ProForm offers customers the opportunity to pay in monthly installments.

A 30-day iFit trial membership also comes bundled with the treadmill, allowing access to personal trainers, studio workouts, and fitness tracking.

An iFit subscription costs $39 per month after the trial ends.

This model folds up for easy storage, and it has a tablet holder so a person can use a device while working out.

The maximum weight capacity is 250 pounds (lb). Additional features of the ProForm City L6 include:

• a top speed of 8 mph
• 1.6 horsepower (hp) motor that stays cool and quiet during use
• 10-year frame warranty and 1-year parts and labor warranty
• 30-day return policy

Reviews on the company website show that buyers appreciated the easy setup. However, some noted delays in shipping and that they would like it to connect to an Apple Watch.

Pros and cons

The pros of this treadmill are:

• affordable
• compact
• easy to assemble
• foldable

The cons of this treadmill are:

• does not connect to Apple Watches
• some users experience shipping delays
• no incline options
• low maximum speed

Best for connectivity: Horizon Fitness T101

• Price: around $999
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 71 x 34 x 57 in
• Speeds: 0.5–10 mph
• Incline levels: 0–10%
• Key features: integrated speakers, USB charging, three-zone cushioning, fan

Horizon claims that the Fitness T101 is the company’s best-selling treadmill, which a person can set up in around 30 minutes.

This model features a maximum speed of 10 mph, with a maximum user weight of 300 lb. People can fold it up and store it away when not in use.

The Horizon Fitness T101 includes integrated speakers and can connect to any Bluetooth device. It also has a built-in device holder and USB charging point.

Additional features of the Horizon Fitness T101 include:

• three-zone cushioning system
• 2.5 hp motor
• lifetime home and motor warranty and 1-year parts and labor warranty
• contact grips to measure heart rate
• 0–10% incline range

Reviewers appreciated the relatively low price for all the included features. Buyers also enjoyed the lengthy warranty. Negative reviews focused on delivery problems, improper assembly, and poor customer service.

Pros and cons

The pros of this treadmill are:

• integrated speakers and Bluetooth connectivity
• supports users weighing up to 300 lb
• lifetime frame and motor warranty

The cons of this treadmill are:

• some users reported problems with delivery
• defective or missing parts
• some users report spontaneous stopping and starting

Best under-desk treadmill: Urevo Strol Lite 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill

• Price: around $469.99
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 54.7 x 26.4 x 5.1 in
• Speeds: 0–7.6 mph
• Incline levels: none
• Key features: exercise metrics display, phone holder, foldable design

This treadmill is for people who wish to exercise while they work. It may be suitable for people with a standing desk.

A person can run up to 7.6 mph and walk up to 3.8 mph.

It features an LED display and remote control to track time, distance, speed, and calories. A person can use the remote control to change the speed and stop the machine. There is also a device holder, although it is only suitable for smartphones up to 7.67 in.

It has a 2.5 hp motor, and the machine’s upper weight limit is 265 lb.

The company writes the treadmill comes fully assembled. It has a foldable design and wheels so a person can easily move it into storage.

Positive reviews stated the customer service team is helpful and the treadmill is good for occasional use, especially for exercise during the work day. However, some buyers noted the machine may overheat.

Pros and cons

The pros of this treadmill are:

• can fit under a desk
• wide running surface
• very affordable
• foldable design

The cons of this treadmill are:

• low top speed
• device holder is only suitable for smaller phones
• reports of overheating
• no incline levels

Best for workout modes: OMA 1017EB

• Price: around $599.99
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 61 x 32.5 x 6 in
• Speeds: up to 8.7 mph
• Incline levels: none
• Key features: around 36 programs, LCD screens, device holder, heart rate sensor

This treadmill features two touchscreen LCD screens. These show speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories burned. There are 36 exercise programs and three cool-down programs.

The company claims to use an eight-layer running belt that cushions the impact on a person’s joints. The machine has an upper weight limit of 300 lb.

Its highest speed is 8.7 mph and has a running surface of 17.7 by 48 in. The 2.5 hp motor quietly powers the treadmill.

A person can monitor their heart rate, change the speed, or stop and start the machine with sensors and buttons on the handlebars.

Positive reviews comment that the hydraulic lift and drop make the treadmill easy to move and that it is very easy to assemble and use. Negative reviews said it squeaked after very light use and was uncomfortable for walking or running.

Pros and cons

The pros of this treadmill are:

• hydraulic lift and drop mechanism
• tracks a range of exercise metrics
• 36 exercise modes

The cons of this treadmill are:

• some buyers found this machine too noisy
• some customers did not find it comfortable
• others report it is unsuitable for taller people

Best foldable: Schwinn 810 Treadmill

• Price: around $899
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 69.1 x 35.6 x 56.7 in
• Speeds: 10 mph
• Incline levels: 10% motorized incline
• Key features: integrated Bluetooth, roomy running belt dimensions, relatively quiet motor

This treadmill is designed to be affordable and useful for people throughout their fitness journeys. It has 16 exercise programs and can accommodate two user profiles. It has a 20 x 55 in running deck and can reach speeds up to 10 mph, with a 10% motorized incline feature.

A blue backlit LCD makes it easy for users to track their workout progress. People can also check their heart rates by grasping the unit’s heart rate contact grips.

A media shelf, water bottle holders, cooling fan, and a USB charging port help users stay connected, cool, and hydrated while they exercise. The length and width of the running belt offer users more room for intense cardio workouts than other at-home treadmills.

Schwinn’s proprietary SoftDrop folding system and transport wheels make this treadmill simple to fold and store.

Reviewers appreciated the size of the running belt, the sturdy design, and the value for money. Some users reported problems with assembly and getting spare parts.

Pros and cons

The pros of this treadmill are:

• integrated Bluetooth
• foldable
• 55-in running belt means it is suitable for intense cardio for people up to 6 ft 2 in
• feels sturdy

The cons of this treadmill are:

• the motor is not quite powerful enough for larger users
• no wireless heart rate monitoring
• assembly required

Best for affordable features: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill

• Price: about $789
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 69 x 32 x 56 in
• Speeds: up to 10 mph
• Incline levels: 15 levels
• Key features: built-in USB port and speakers

Information from the manufacturer describes the company’s commitment to making good quality exercise equipment as accessible as possible.

This lightweight, folding treadmill is equipped for people who like to listen to their phones or tablets while they work out. It has a built-in USB port that charges devices even as they play through the built-in speakers.

The treadmill comes with 15 pre-installed workouts and three workouts a user can customize. Controls in the handrails make it simple for users to adjust speed and incline during a workout. A 19 x 52 in running belt supports safety and comfortable movement. Additionally, the running deck is built for shock absorption.

The multi-function performance monitor tracks time, speed, distance, heart rate, and calories.

Transportation wheels and soft drop design make the unit simple to fold and store.

Users appreciated the many features and reasonable price of this treadmill. Negative reviews include problems with assembly, complaints about poor durability, and noisy operation.

Pros and cons

The pros of this treadmill are:

• moderate price
• spacious running deck
• supports users weighing up to 265 lb

The cons of this treadmill are:

• reports that key parts may break quickly
• reports of problems with customer service
• some customers found this treadmill noisy

Best for a budget: XTERRA Fitness TR 150 Folding Treadmill

• Price: around $384.99
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 63.4 x 28.75 x 51.4 in
• Speeds: up to 10 mph
• Incline levels: 3 levels
• Key features: modest price, roomy running deck, 12 pre-set programs, 5 in screen

With a running surface of 16 x 50 in and a 2.25 hp motor, this treadmill aims to make walking or running at home more comfortable and affordable.

This treadmill comes with 12 pre-set programs plus three manual incline settings. It has a 5-in LCD screen that tracks speed, incline, time, distance, calories, and pulse. Hand grip pulse sensors on the handlebars help users track additional vital signs.

The treadmill has three incline levels, which a user adjusts manually.

The company writes that its cushioned deck technology helps reduce the impact on joints. It is suitable for users weighing up to 250 lb.

Users will need to assemble the treadmill themselves and perform routine maintenance, such as oiling the belt. The treadmill folds with a pull knob release and built-in transport wheels. It weighs 108 lb.

Buyers found this treadmill very good value for money. However, negative reviews said the treadmill stopped working after a few months, and customer service was poor.

Pros and cons

The pros of this treadmill are:

• low price
• roomy running deck
• built-in transport wheels
• bookrack and accessory holder

The cons of this treadmill are:

• assembly required
• only suitable for users weighing up to 250 lb
• no documentation to explain how pre-set programs work
• online reviews complain of poor durability

The table below compares each product in this article for price, features, and more.

A person should consider the following factors when buying a new treadmill:

• Price: The cost of a treadmill can vary considerably. A person should consider their budget and the features they can get for their ideal price range. They should also consider how often they will use the treadmill.
• Features: With treadmills under $1,000, a person should expect fewer features. However, some feature exercise programs and some connectivity to online workout classes for a subscription fee.
• Top speed: People who plan to use their treadmills for walking can opt for slower treadmills with less horsepower than those who want to use the treadmill for running. Top speeds on cheaper treadmills generally range from 7–10 mph.
• Weight limit: All treadmills have an upper weight limit that typically ranges from 200–300 lb.
• Running surface size: People have different stride lengths when walking and running. Taller people may wish to find a treadmill with a larger running surface.
• Portability: People with smaller living spaces who want to move their treadmill into storage should consider treadmills with wheels and foldable designs.

Treadmills provide a person with aerobic exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides alternative examples of aerobic activity that do not include using a treadmill. These include:

• walking, running, or jogging outdoors
• water aerobics
• cycling on level ground or uphill
• swimming laps
• playing doubles or singles tennis
• pushing a lawnmower
• playing basketball

Learn more about aerobic exercise here.

Other pieces of home exercise equipment are also available for under $1,000.

Learn about cheap exercise bikes here.

Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about treadmills.

How much does a good quality treadmill cost?

An effective treadmill can cost as little as $500. Online reviews are generally positive for more affordable treadmills, although some buyers raise concerns about durability. A person should consider the features they want and how regularly they will use the treadmill, as more expensive treadmills may withstand more intense use.

Which compact treadmill is best?

Selecting the best compact treadmill depends on an individual’s priorities. Key factors to consider include the cost, intended use, the size of the running surface, and the additional features a person wants.

Urevo sells an under-desk treadmill that has positive reviews and an affordable price.

Is a cheap treadmill worth it?

Cheaper treadmills can be useful for people working with a smaller budget and those who do not want a treadmill for intense workout sessions. There are many positive online reviews for affordable treadmills, although some buyers complain about durability.

If a person wants a treadmill for running, cheaper treadmills may not offer the necessary speed or motor power. They may also not offer the durability to make them a worthwhile long-term investment.

A variety of brands sell treadmills for under $1,000. People may wish to compare online reviews from different sites to gain an overall idea of the pros and cons of a low cost running machine.