The Best Budget Treadmills of 2024

These treadmills combine quality and affordability for a top-notch home exercise experience.

Author:
Riley Missel
Updated:
Jan 16, 2024

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Whether you’re a regular runner or walker, or just beginning your fitness journey, a home treadmill makes it much easier to reap the health benefits of daily exercise. And while the market is flooded with plenty of high-end, elaborate treadmills, a budget-friendly model offers you a similar experience, albeit without all the bells and whistles like tracking information. We’ve curated a list of our favorite budget treadmills available, along with a guide to finding the best one for your personal exercise needs.

The treadmills on this list range in price from about $330 to $1,500, each filling a specific need for users on a budget. For example, foldable options and treadmills with smaller footprints are ideal for runners and walkers who live in small apartments, while smart treadmills will help scratch that data-tracking itch. Read on for our top picks for budget treadmills, as well as discussion on why treadmills are beneficial, how to use them and important features to consider when purchasing a budget treadmill in 2024.

Our Picks for the Best Budget Treadmills of 2024:

Best Overall Budget Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 7i Folding Treadmill
Best Budget Treadmill for Walking: Sole F65
Best Budget Treadmill for Weight Loss: ProForm Carbon T14
Best Budget Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack EXP 10i
Best Budget Treadmill for Adjustable Incline: Sole F63
Best Budget Smart Treadmill: ProForm Carbon T7
Best Budget Treadmill for Small Spaces: Echelon Stride Auto-Fold
Best Foldable Budget Treadmill: Proform City L6
Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad P1
Best Budget Treadmill under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Incline
Best Budget Treadmill on Amazon: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

Best Overall Budget Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 7i Folding Treadmill

Running regularly can put you at higher risk for knees, ankles, or hip pain, so protecting your legs and joints is necessary to avoid injury. The NordicTrack EXP 7i is designed to prioritize joint health, which is why we selected it for the best budget walking treadmill. The base has a built-in cushioning system that can be engaged to soften the vibration and impact of your steps, or disengaged for a stiffer, more sidewalk-like feel. The NordicTrack EXP 7i has a 7-inch touchscreen that’s compatible with the iFit app. When used with the interactive routes, the treadmill automatically adjusts your speed and incline to mimic the terrain in the pre-recorded route videos. The $15/month subscription is required to run the treadmill, and also includes instructor-led yoga, cross training, and strength training to round out your workout routine.

The EXP 7i has a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour and a maximum incline of 12 percent grade. Individual buttons for each speed and level of incline between one and 12 line either side of the console, making it easy to select your pace and change quickly if you’re doing an interval workout. It has two speakers incorporated into the console with high and low volume options, but is also compatible with Bluetooth headphones should you need your trainer to keep it down during a pre-dawn or late-night workout. This can also come in handy for the non-running workouts the program offers–if you need to fold up the base for a little extra room for your strength session, you’ll still be able to hear the instructor clearly through your headphones.

The 20-by-60-inch belt offers one of the longer stride length options of the models on this list, perfect for working in those lunges into your cool down. An integrated fan system with two settings helps keep your sweat to a minimum as you crush those miles.

Best Budget Walking Treadmill: Sole F65

Whether you prefer to speed walk or saunter, the Sole F65 is the new version of the brand’s popular F63 model––which we’ll get to later––with a few upgrades.

The Sole F65 serves up an incline from zero to 15 if you want to mimic walking uphill, and can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour thanks to the machine’s 3.25 horsepower motor. Compared to the F63, the F65’s deck is wider and larger at 22 inches by 60 inches. The console offers a built-in 7.5 inch backlit LCD display which allows you to track stats like speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories burned, pulse and pace while you workout. Speed and incline controls are built into the arm rests designed for easy access while you’re walking or running and cooling fans help keep your sweat at bay.

The Sole F65 offers six preset programs such as cardio training and fat burning. Built-in speakers on the console let you play your favorite tunes while you crush your workout. If you’d like more class and workout options, the F65 comes with a free 90-day trial of Sole’s Studio app. The fitness app boasts more than 3,000 class options from strength training to yoga and trainer-guided treadmill workouts. Studio costs $19.99 per month after the free trial. Keep in mind, you’ll need your own tablet or smartphone to use the app, as this treadmill’s display is not compatible. The F65 does include a built-in tablet holder.

Best Treadmill for Weight Loss: ProForm Carbon T14

If you want the best treadmill to help you work on weight loss, the ProForm Carbon T14 may be the running buddy you’ve been looking for. With a wide, cushioned running deck (20 inches by 50 inches) designed to keep joints comfortable, you can amp the incline up to 12 percent to work on cardiovascular endurance. A 2.75 CHP motor can power speeds up to 10 miles per hour, giving you the flexibility to switch between walking to all-out sprint circuits with the press of a button on the center console. The console also has a fan, Bluetooth speakers and an accessory bar to keep your things close by.

The T14 also features a 14-inch Smart HD Touchscreen to keep tabs on your inputs as you work out. This treadmill also comes with a 30-day trial to fitness platform iFIT, which offers an incredible variety of programming options to keep you engaged and accountable. This trial gives you the opportunity to workout alongside trainers virtually, like studio classes focused on the treadmill or strength training sessions off of it. These trainers can also make adjustments to your treadmill’s speed, incline or decline from afar to match the workout’s intensity. If you get hooked on the iFIT experience and how it works alongside the T14, it’s $39 per month after the trial expires—still cheaper than personal training sessions or many gym memberships.

Check out our ProForm Carbon T14 review for more information on this treadmill!

Best Budget Treadmill for Running: NordicTrack EXP 10i

If you’re looking for the best budget treadmill for running, then the NordicTrack 10i is the cardio machine for you. This treadmill comes from NordicTrack's line of budget-friendly options, but offers the same constructor and quality that the brand prides itself on.

The NordicTrack 10i features a 10-inch HD touchscreen monitor. One feature we love is the one-touch controls so you can easily adjust your incline, decline and speed without having to miss a beat of your workout.

One reason runners will love this machine is the option for negative incline to mimic the feel of running downhill. The 10i incline ranges from -3 percent to 12 percent, with a top speed of 12 miles per hour thanks to the 3.5 horsepower motor. Special cushioning on the belt is designed to protect your joints while you run or jog to your fitness goals.

Like many of the other treadmills on our list, NordicTrack has its own fitness app, iFit, and offers new users a free 30-day trial. The app includes interactive studio classes in which your iFIT trainer controls your speed, incline and decline. The app boasts scenic runs from around the world, and thousands of cross-training classes. After your trial, iFit costs $39 per month.

Best Budget Treadmill for Adjustable Incline: Sole F63

The Sole F63 treadmill was designed for durability, with your toughest workouts in mind.

It’s our favorite for simulated hill workouts because of the 15 incline options it offers—more than most other models. They're easy to adjust between, too—toggle through the options with the arrow buttons, or choose between any of the seven direct-selection options. Same goes for speed: Dial in your pace slowly, or jump right to where you want to be with any of the seven pace-selecting buttons between one and 12 miles per hour. There are also buttons on the arm rests to make it easier to adjust both of these functions at faster speeds.

The 6.5-inch LCD screen displays the level of incline you’ve selected, as well as your speed, time, distance traveled, calories and pace. Connect the included heart rate monitor strap, or simply grip the pulse-reading handlebar to display your current heart rate.

Check out our Sole F63 treadmill review for more information!

Other perks here include a tablet stand, Bluetooth speakers for your music or workout video and a USB port for device charging. It also has a built-in fan system to help keep you cool. You can also upload your workout data to Fitbit, Record, Mapmyrun or Apple Health by connecting your phone or tablet to the treadmill via Bluetooth. The F63 comes with six preloaded workout programs, and includes a 400 meter track feature as well as a peak and valley graph function for when you’re running the incline-specific programs.

On top of the stellar incline system, the whole treadmill is simply a tank. Its steel frame is precision welded and comes with a lifetime warranty. Sole selected a heavy-duty belt and smooth-spinning, sealed-bearing rollers, and included a flywheel in its motor construction. This addition is designed to help the machine run cooler and smoother, protect it from wear and tear and create a fluid feeling of momentum when the belt is running. Sole also claims that the ergonomic belt deck reduces joint impact by 40 percent, but it’s unclear if that’s compared to similar treadmills or to an outdoor surface. Either way, if you’re looking for a budget buy that’s solid and sturdy to attack your intervals on for years to come, this might be the treadmill for you.

Best Budget Smart Treadmill: ProForm Carbon T7

If connectivity and data tracking is a priority for you, consider the ProForm Carbon T7. This high-quality smart treadmill has a built-in 7-inch touchscreen that not only shows and stores your run data, but it can play interactive workout videos to keep your runs engaging and effective. The Carbon T7 is compatible with the iFit training app, which offers videos with engaging personal trainers, recorded studio sessions and outdoor routes at breathtaking locations. For example, one cross training session takes place in the middle of a busy street in Florence, Italy.

The app is included with the treadmill for the first 30 days, and then after that it’s $15 a month for an individual subscription, or $39 a month for family (five total users). The program also offers interactive route options that automatically adjust the treadmill’s speed and incline as you go along. It records each training session and tracks your progress, plus it allows you to upload workouts to fitness apps like Strava.

Check out our in-depth Carbon T7 review for more information about this treadmill.

In addition to the screen, the console has buttons that allow you to directly select any whole-number speed or incline percentage between one and 10 quickly. You can also adjust your speed and incline incrementally with arrow buttons on the console. The built-in fan on the console stand has three different speeds to keep you cool at various levels of exertion, and two incorporated speakers project your trainer’s instructions while you run.

The base of the Carbon T7 is designed with a shock absorbing belt deck and non-flex rollers, which the company claims should keep wear and tear to a minimum. While it has a belt size in the same realm as other models on this list (20 inches wide and 55 inches long), it has one of the bigger footprints at 35 inches wide and 74 inches long, offering a lot of stability. The good news is the base does fold up to save you a little floor space when not in use. It does have wheels you can tip it onto for relocating, but it weighs over 200 pounds, so it’s not ideal to pull out and then stash away again every time you work out; this model is best for a home gym or house where it can have a permanently accessible location.

Best Budget Treadmill for Small Spaces: Echelon Stride Auto-Fold

Echelon Fitness Stride Smart Treadmill — Echelon

Operating in tight quarters? Echelon’s newest cardio machine, the Stride Auto-Fold, is our pick for the best treadmill for small spaces. This treadmill folds up to just 10 inches tall thanks to Echelon’s patented auto-folding technology.

With speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, and a top incline of 12 percent you’re sure to get in a challenging workout on the Stride Auto-Fold. Sensors built right into the handlebars allow you to keep track of your heart rate as you run, jog or walk.

Grab your smartphone or tablet and place it in the built-in holder to stream your favorite show, and pump your favorite tunes. Or take advantage of one of the eight workouts preprogrammed right into the console.

Check out our in-depth Echelon Stride review!

Looking for more variety? Echelon offers its own fitness app, with two versions to choose from, both serving up a wide range of live and on-demand classes so you’ll never get bored of your routine. Echelon’s premium membership includes more than 40 live classes each day, and thousands of others on demand that utilize your treadmill, or allow you to hop off for a different type of workout entirely. Up to five people can utilize one membership. Price options begin at $34.99 for a monthly subscription, $33.33 per month for a yearly subscription, or $29.16 per month for a two year subscription. The second option is Echelon’s Fitpass which includes off-equipment only workouts like HIIT classes, strength training and yoga. Fitpass costs $11.99 per month.

Best Foldable Budget Treadmill: Proform City L6

Proform’s City L6 is our pick for the best foldable budget treadmill. Compared to the Proform Carbon T7, the City has fewer features, but offers a space saving design that doesn’t skimp on performance.

If you’re looking for a folding treadmill, a big perk of the L6 is that it's lightweight so it can be easily rolled away and stored when you’re not getting your steps in. While this treadmill does not offer any incline options, it can reach speeds of up to eight miles per hour.

Use the City L6’s built-in tablet holder to watch your favorite movie while you workout, or use it to take an on-demand class with iFit. Like Proform’s other models, the L6 comes with a free 30-trial of iFit. The app offers interactive classes during which your trainer controls your speed for you, or try a scenic trail run. iFit costs $39 per month after your free trial.

Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill

If you’re looking for a way to get your steps in during the workday, take a look at the WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill. Smart Foot-Sensing Control on the walking deck is split into three zones, with the option to speed up in the front and slow down at the back. In other words, simply unfold this treadmill and start walking––this under-desk treadmill will pick up your pace and set your speed. You can also set the speed via the handheld remote control or the KS Fit App on your smart device in increments of .05 miles per hour, all the way up to four miles per hour.

When you’re ready to sit down at your desk, fold up the treadmill up and wheel it to wherever you store it, whether that’s against the wall, under the couch or within arm’s reach.

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

Sunny Health and Fitness T4400 — Sunny Health and Fitness

Out of all the sub-$500 treadmills on this list, the Sunny Health & Fitness T4400 has the most capabilities and the highest number of positive online reviews: 4.4 stars out of 5 from nearly 8,000 reviews on Amazon. Users had lots of good things to say about the ease of daily use. Several also spoke highly of its longevity. “4.5 years of almost daily use + one house move later and this thing is still running,” one named Rae Rae wrote. That’s a pretty good bang for your buck.

While it is relatively streamlined in terms of features, it’s got everything you need to get in a good workout. The digital monitor displays your speed, time, distance and estimated calories burned. When you grip the heart rate monitor pads on the handrail, it will also display your heart rate so you can target your training zones and optimize your workout. Start, stop and adjust your speed up to 9 miles per hour with the built-in handrail controls (you can increase or decrease by increments of .1 mph to dial in your ideal pace). You can also directly select 2, 4, or 6 miles per hour with the quick pace-picker buttons. The options for incline levels (flat, 2 percent, and 4.37 percent) are adjusted manually via pin-and-hole system from the rear.

Related Post: The Best Treadmills Under $500

One thing that the T4400 has that isn’t available on many others in this price range is a pause function: You can stop the treadmill, jump off and refill your water bottle, and then restart it without losing the data from the first half of your workout. Unfortunately, this treadmill is not Bluetooth compatible, so there isn’t much you can do with the cohesive data once you’ve finished the workout, but you can manually input it into a training log or Strava. If you’re blanking on what to do for your workout that day, glean inspiration from one of the nine workout modes that come pre-installed. A device holder lets you follow along with any workout subscription or training videos you might already have.

It’s also a foldable treadmill—the base lifts up to meet the handlebar for easy storage. The hydraulic release mechanism in the base is designed to allow users to disengage it from the locked position when stored and the base will gently lower itself to the floor. It’s designed for a maximum user weight capacity of 220 pounds and has a slightly narrow belt at 15.5 inches wide, so it’s not ideal for users who are large in stature.

Best Budget Treadmill on Amazon: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

At an even more affordable price than the XTERRA model, the Goplus is the cheapest option on our list.

It also folds up differently than the rest of the options on this list: Instead of the base tipping up to meet the console, the arms are removable and the console folds down on either side of the base. This makes it super easy to use beneath a standing desk or slide under a bed for easy storage. It also features a narrower running belt than other options on this list by about four inches, at 16 inches wide by 40 inches long. This creates a smaller footprint overall: It’s 49 inches long and 22 inches wide, which allows it to roll (it has wheels) into most coat closets vertically for storage.

It’s a lighter-duty treadmill designed for slightly slower speeds than others with more heft. The Goplus’ maximum speed with the stand and rails removed is 2.5 miles an hour, a brisk walking pace. With the stand raised and handles attached, the max speed is 7.5 miles per hour.

The Goplus 2 in 1 has quite a few other features that make it ideal for use while you’re working at a standing desk. One of those is the sound level: The lower-power motor is designed to be quieter and less disruptive in the office or to other people working at home with you. Additionally, the speed is controlled via a remote control rather than buttons on a console. So when the stand is folded down, speed adjustments are still easily within reach.

The console display automatically toggles between time, speed, distance and calories burned as you work out. It also has a built-in speaker so you can play music or podcasts from your phone. You can also connect the Goplus Treadmill to your phone via the Gymax app, which allows you to record your workout data, as well as control the treadmill speed from your phone. Unfortunately, this free treadmill app is pretty bare-bones. It doesn't provide any sort of aggregate workout data or allow you to connect with other apps like Strava or TrainingPeaks. This treadmill is more ideal for users looking to incorporate some more walking into their day who already have a separate personal fitness tracker like a smartwatch or FitBit if they’re interested in logging their workout data.

Why Buy a Budget Treadmill?

Aside from the low initial investment, there are a few more benefits to purchasing a budget treadmill. If you’re buying your first treadmill, the low financial commitment allows you to try out incorporating walking or running into your at-home workout routine with a lower cost if you find it doesn’t work for you. And if you find that it does, you have the opportunity to upgrade later if you find you outgrow the entry level one or that a higher-level model would better suit your needs. If you’re not much of a data-tracker, the best home treadmill for you might not need to include all the stats and connectivity to establish an at-home running routine.

Many budget treadmills are great if you’re trying to conserve floor space in a small apartment. Because the models in this price range are lighter-duty, they are also easy to relocate than the hefty, higher-priced models. Additionally, each one on this list is designed with some sort of folding technology or wheels to make it easier to store when not in use. If you value storability a bit more than robustness, many budget treadmills have a fine balance between the two.

Related Post: The Best Treadmills Under $1,000

What Is Incline on a Treadmill?

While most treadmills have a rotating belt that simulates a road and allows you to walk in place, some have the added feature of simulating an uphill grade. They do this by allowing you to change the angle of the belt deck. This offers a way to incorporate different muscle groups into your workout, as well as a way to add intensity without requiring a higher speed.

Some treadmills achieve an inclined position by mechanically elevating the front with just a button, and others require you to manually lower the rear end of the deck to raise the belt angle. The manual options usually only offer two or three different angles, while more expensive versions can offer up to 15 different levels of incline.

How to Use a Treadmill

To get started exercising on a treadmill, first make sure it’s plugged in and turned on. Begin with your feet on the edges of the machine on either side of the belt, and then start the machine at the slowest speed. Step your feet onto the belt and start walking in place. Increase the speed and incline as you’re comfortable until you find the pace and intensity you’re looking for, and complete your workout from there.

What to Look for in a Budget Treadmill

Each of the features below differ slightly from model to model, so based on what you’re looking for in a treadmill, these will help you get a sense of what qualities to prioritize.

Power

The power of a treadmill, usually measured in continuous horsepower (CHP), is directly related to the highest sustained speed it can hold. For walkers, a 2.0 horsepower continuous duty motor will be plenty, but if you’re planning to run on your treadmill regularly something closer to 3.0 will be more suitable.

Size

As with any large piece of furniture or workout equipment, it’s best to choose a treadmill that suits the space you’ll be using it in. Most manufacturers list the machine’s dimensions on the product site, allowing you to take a measuring tape to the area you have available and see if it will fit. If you’re considering a treadmill with a base that folds up to the console stand, keep in mind the height it will gain at when folded as well and make sure it won’t collide with any shelving or devices mounted to the wall.

Cushioning

One major benefit of walking or running on a treadmill versus pavement is the cushioning features available. This technology comes in many forms on different models, all of which are designed to soften the impact of your footsteps in order to protect your joints and muscles. There isn’t really a standard measurement of cushioning between manufacturers, so if this is a crucial feature to you, we suggest investing in a model with a risk-free trial period so you can test it out for yourself and see if they deliver what you need.

Incline and Speed

Based on the types of workouts you plan to do on your treadmill, it’s beneficial to be aware of the maximum speed and incline options of the model you’re considering. If you’re following a training plan that involves hill repeats and high-intensity intervals, you should make sure your treadmill has automatic incline capability and can match your highest speeds. You might need to do a little math since most models list their speeds in miles per hour, rather than by mile pace, but most of them are pretty generous. The lowest top speed of any model on this list is 7.5 miles per hour (the Goplus 2 in 1), which accommodates an eight-minute mile pace. Most of them go up to 12 miles per hour though, which is a five-minute mile pace, which should allow even the quickest runners to really get after it.

Weight Capacity

Each model lists a maximum user weight capacity, which is basically a function of how durable they are. The higher the user weight, the more resistant they will be to wear and tear caused by heavier users.

Related Post: The Best Treadmills for Heavy People

Bluetooth Connectivity

A treadmill with Bluetooth capabilities can greatly enhance your workout experience. Some of the most interactive smart treadmills offer the option to connect the treadmill’s motor with a seperate device as you watch a route or class video, and will change the speed and incline of your run automatically to mimic the workout you selected.

Some more simple versions of Bluetooth capabilities will allow you to play music from your phone through the treadmill speakers, and upload your workout data once you’ve finished to a tracking app like Zwift or MyFitnessPal. Others on this list don’t have any Bluetooth compatibility at all, which is best for people who prefer to track their activity using a smartwatch, or who just want to get moving without worrying so much about the numbers.

Assembly and Warranty

The delivery and warranty options from the treadmill manufacturer offer a good indication of the quality of the product, as well as the level of customer service you’ll receive from the company. Often for an extra payment on top of the delivery fee, many companies and retailers (including Amazon) will assemble your new treadmill for you. The assembly services even include positioning it exactly where you want it and disposing of all the packaging.

Before purchasing your treadmill, look up the warranty on the frame, motor and other moving parts. This will give you a good idea of how durable and long-lasting the machine is supposed to be, as well as how much maintenance and replacement parts are going to be required. Look for models with at least a six-month warranty for the motor and belt, and at least three years for the frame (this is the standard for most treadmill manufacturers in the industry). This gives you enough time to find out if something is going to go wrong or a part is defective, and have it replaced or fixed for free.

Treadmill Maintenance

Most treadmills require some very basic maintenance in order to keep them running smoothly and quietly, ultimately aiming to increase their longevity. The number one thing that gets worn out on treadmills in the belt; they tend to stretch and wear from use, so you might need to tighten, loosen, or straighten the belt periodically to keep it running properly. Or to prevent it from chafing around the edges.

Another way you can prevent premature wear and tear is keeping it clean. One should always wipe down sweat and water from your treadmill after you use it to prevent rust, and vacuum it weekly, especially if you have pets, to prevent dust, hair, or other particles from making their way into the motor. It’s also prudent to lubricate the underside of your treadmill belt about once a year. How to do this varies between models, so check your treadmill’s manual for specific directions.

Final Thoughts

As evidenced by this list of quality treadmills, a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean an inferior product. The range of treadmills at varying price points across the “budget” category offer a bevy of features and capabilities. We have confidence that one of these models will fit your needs and keep you moving towards your health and fitness goals.

Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.