The Best Treadmills Under $1,000
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A treadmill for your home gym is arguably one of the most important purchases, and for good reason. Exercising on a treadmill can improve heart health, promote weight loss and relieve stress and anxiety, among other benefits. Yet the reality is fitness equipment can be pricey, and treadmills can easily cost $3,000 or more. Pair that with other buys for your home gym and you’re quickly faced with a major investment. Luckily, not all treadmills will break the bank, and there are numerous affordable treadmills on the market that cost $1,000 or less.
If you’re considering adding a treadmill to your home gym, these budget buys will help you achieve your fitness goals without skimping on quality. Our guide to the best treadmills under $1,000 will provide a comprehensive overview of options for different needs (such as for small spaces), how to use them and what to consider before making a purchase. We’ll also dive into the numerous benefits of treadmills and what makes these popular home gym investments worthwhile. Keep reading for our favorite low-cost buys and best home treadmills under $1,000.
Our Picks for the Best Treadmills Under $1,000:
- Overall Best Treadmill Under $1,000: ProForm Carbon T7
- Best Durable Treadmill Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness Heavy Duty Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000: ProForm City L6
- Best Treadmill for Under $1,000 Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Treadmill
- Best Treadmill Under $1,000 to Pair with Fitness Apps: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT
- Best Treadmill Under $1,000 with a Large Running Surface: XTERRA Fitness TR150
Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,000: ProForm Carbon T7
ProForm
Key Features:
- 10 Quick Speed Controls for speed and incline
- SpaceSaver Design for easy vertical storage
- Seven-inch smart HD touchscreen
- ISO Flex Cushioning for leg support
- iFIT for live and on-demand classes
- Price: $999
Our best overall treadmill under $1,000 is the ProForm Carbon T7, a high-quality machine that offers ease of use, convenient features and a seven-inch HD touchscreen. Not only does this great treadmill easily rival higher-end (and therefore, more expensive) buys, it takes numerous measures to provide a comfortable workout experience. The expansive 20-by-55 inch running deck includes a soft drop landing and built-in ISO Flex cushioning, which promises to cushion your legs and feet. It also has a fan with three different settings to keep you cool as you exercise. As one of our best treadmills for running, we like ProForm Carbon T7 for high-speed cardio workouts because of its Quick Speed Controls, which easily let you jump from zero to 10 miles per hour with the touch of a button. You can also walk or run uphill with a second set of Quick Speed Controls that have 10 incline settings, making this machine perfect for interval training.
While ProForm Carbon T7 is a larger piece of fitness equipment, you can easily take advantage of its space-saving design if you have a smaller home gym or are working out of a home with limited space to store a treadmill. Its SpaceSaver Design, which includes EasyLift assist, allows you to fold the treadmill with just one push to store the treadmill vertically when it’s not in use. In addition, each purchase comes with a 30-day iFIT Trial that offers live and on-demand workout programs, cross-training and scenic runs accessed via the touchscreen; an iFIT membership costs $39 per month otherwise. This 2.6 horsepower treadmill comes with a weight limit of 300 pounds and a warranty that includes 10 years for the frame, plus one year for parts and labor. The only downside of this machine, however, is that it lacks preset programs. You can either use iFIT classes for guided workouts, or exercise on a manual setting without an iFIT subscription.
Pros:
- Can be stored vertically with just one push
- Automatic speed and incline controls
- Cushioned running deck
- Powerful motor of 2.65 CHP Mach Z
Cons:
- Smaller handlebars
- Lacks preset workouts
- Smaller screen compared to other ProForm models
Best Durable Treadmill Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness Heavy Duty Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness
Key Features:
- Easy fold design with soft drop technology
- Non-slip handlebars and emergency stop clip
- Running deck has shock absorption technology
- Tracks distance, speed, calories and time
- Price: $795.80
Don’t be fooled by Sunny Health & Fitness Heavy Duty Treadmill’s smaller design and lighter weight of just 143 pounds. This compact treadmill is surprisingly heavy-duty and can support a max user weight of 350 pounds, beating out weight capacities of many more expensive treadmills. Plus, you just can’t beat the price point of $795.80 for a treadmill that checks off all the basic necessities for a quality cardio workout. It has everything you need to make your workout more comfortable and enjoyable, including two built-in water bottle holders and a tablet holder that’s large enough for an iPad. It also includes different ergonomic and safety features, such as an emergency stop clip, non-slip handlebars and built-in shock absorbing technology embedded into its low-deck design. You can also quickly fold this treadmill for easy storage with just one push, and soft drop technology helps ensure your machine slowly lowers back to the floor.
Related Post: The Best Treadmills for Heavy People
While this won’t be your best bet for high-speed runs, since Sunny Health & Fitness Heavy Duty Treadmill has a max speed of just six miles per hour, it doubles as our best treadmill for walking for the same reason. Its smaller running belt of just under 45 inches is suitable for light walks to faster jogs, while its low-deck design helps ensure a comfortable walking experience. Although this foldable treadmill has a fixed and non-adjustable incline (meaning you won’t be able to do any uphill walking), its ultra-low price range makes this quality treadmill worth it. Plus, you can also track workout metrics like distance, speed, calories and time on the backlit LCD screen.
Pros:
- Higher user weight capacity of 350 pounds
- Built-in LCD display that tracks metrics
- Includes device holder large enough for a tablet
- Lightweight compared to other machines
Cons:
- Smaller running deck
- Fixed and nonadjustable incline
- Max speed of only six miles per hour
Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000: ProForm City L6
Proform
Key Features:
- Reduced footprint
- Quick Speed Controls
- Transport wheels for easy storage
- Easy assembly
- Price: $599
ProForm City L6 is a quality and budget-friendly treadmill that you can add to your home gym for just under $600. While we love the low price range of this machine, we really enjoy it for its folding technology. In addition to its minimal footprint of just 29 by 70 inches, this treadmill is equipped with fold-down technology that allows you to fold the console flat across the back of the tread belt. It’s also designed with easy transport wheels so you can fold the machine and roll it out to any area of your home where you prefer to store your treadmill. The whole process of folding and storing takes just a few minutes, and the treadmill itself is small enough to store in a closet, against a wall or simply in a corner of your home gym or workout space.
However, it’s not just the folding technology that we love. ProForm City L6 has a strong drive system and 1.6 HP motor that self-cools as you change your speeds, which range from zero to eight miles per hour as the top speed. It also has ProShox cushioning to help absorb impact as you walk or run, plus Quick Speed Controls that let you set your speed at the touch of a button. While this machine doesn’t have any incline options, it offers solid performance for basic walking and running, and is a great fit for those who prefer manual workouts over preset workouts. Like other ProForm models, the treadmill comes with a free 30-day iFIT trial that offers access to live and on-demand fitness classes, but you’ll need to access these programs from your own tablet or smartphone, since there’s no built-in screen.
Pros:
- Ultra low price point
- Easy fold-down design
- Shock-absorbing cushioning
- Automatic speed control
Cons:
- Doesn’t have handrails or cup holders
- Lower weight capacity of 250 pounds
- Fixed and nonadjustable incline
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness
Key Features:
- Integrated transportation wheels
- Fold-and-lock vertical storage
- Digital monitor to track metrics
- Compact design for small spaces
- Price: $399.98
If you live in a smaller apartment or have a more compact home gym, you’ll want to maximize every inch of space to avoid overcrowding of machines and equipment. Plus, this helps ensure that you actually have enough room to exercise. While treadmills are notoriously bulky and take up a lot of precious room, many space-saving treadmills are made with smaller footprints and/or foldable designs to help you minimize how much space your equipment takes up. Although there are several top picks that could be great contenders for this spot on our best treadmills under $1,000 list, our favorite treadmill for small spaces is Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Treadmill—and here’s what makes it rank supreme in this budget treadmill category.
Costing just under $400, this foldable treadmill has an ultra-small belt size that’s just 14 inches wide, and can be folded up and locked into an upright position for easy storage when not in use. It also has transportation wheels that let you move the treadmill where needed by simply tilting the machine until it’s only on its wheels. Despite the super low price point and small design, this treadmill has a max speed of seven miles per hour and is suitable for both walking and running. It also has built-in shock absorption technology that helps cushion your legs and feet. While you’re not going to get any nifty features like pulse sensors, bluetooth connectivity or USB ports that you might find on other products on our list, this treadmill is the perfect fit for someone looking for a basic workout with no bells and whistles attached (and, a machine that won’t put too big of a dent into your bank account).
Pros:
- Extremely small footprint
- Max speed of seven miles per hour
- Auto-pause feature
- Multi-display backlit console
Cons:
- Lower weight capacity of 220 pounds
- No handrails on the sides
- Running deck may be too narrow for some
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 to Pair with Fitness Apps: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill
Horizon
Key Features:
- Rapid Sync Technology prevents lags or delays
- 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning for extra comfort
- Compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Daily Burn and Nike
- Allows streaming on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and Spotify
- Price: $999
Despite its lower price tag of $999, Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill packs in a ton of high-end features. This smart treadmill ranks as our best treadmill to pair with fitness apps for numerous reasons. Not only can you stream music through its integrated speakers that can connect to Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and Spotify, but you can also sync this treadmill to a variety of fitness apps that include Peloton, Daily Burn, Nike Run Club and Swift, among others. Plus, Horizon Fitness 7.0 has a bluetooth heart rate receiver for more advanced training, and rapid-charge USB ports to keep your device fully powered (which you can rest on the tablet holder). Not only does this treadmill help you stay connected, but it adds your favorite content to your workout.
Still, while the connectivity features are impressive, it’s the overall build of this smart treadmill that also makes it worthy of a spot on our list. Horizon Fitness 7.0 is designed with Rapid Sync Technology that prevents lags or delays when you switch speed or incline, and with a max speed of 12 miles per hour and an incline range of zero to 15 percent, this feature makes a big difference. The treadmill is also made with 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning, which has three different zones of cushioning to help support your legs and feet as you walk or run. Plus, a large running area of 20 by 60 inches and a rapid sync 3.0 CHP motor makes this machine built for high-speed workouts. Some budget-buy treadmills can leave you wanting more, but Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill is the next best thing to higher-end buys like NordicTrack or Peloton.
Pros:
- Includes both handrails and handlebars
- Bluetooth-enabled to connect to fitness apps
- Long running deck of 60 inches
- Lifetime warranty on frame and motor
Cons:
- Small seven-inch screen without touchscreen capabilities
- Tablet for streaming classes or apps not included
- Limited preset programs
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 with a Large Running Surface: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
XTERRA
Key Features:
- Longer running surface of 50 inches
- 12 preset programs and three manual incline settings
- Pull-knob release for easy folding and unfolding
- Integrated bookrack and accessory holders
- Price: $649.99
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill is a simple machine, but it comes in as our best treadmill with a large running surface not only for its oversized running deck of 16 by 50 inches, but because of the variability that it offers for just under $650. With a speed range of zero to 10 miles and three manual incline levels that you can adjust as needed, you can easily use this machine for walking, high-speed runs and uphill climbs, all of which the large running surface provides plenty of room for. It also has 12 preset programs that offer diverse workout options. Plus, this treadmill’s high-torque 2.25 HP motor helps provide a smooth and quiet experience.
If you enjoy interval training or simply want to switch speeds while you exercise, a panel with nine speed levels easily lets you jump from one mile to nine miles per hour without having to crank up your speed in increments. Meanwhile, if you like tracking your metrics, a five-inch LCD display shows your speed, distance, calories and time, while hand pulse sensors located on the side handlebars allow you to read your heart rate as you exercise and help you stay in your target training zone. While this treadmill does run on the larger size, it includes a pull-knob release for easy folding and unfolding, so it can be stored vertically or in a closet as needed.
Pros:
- Smooth and quiet high torque 2.25 HP motor
- Wide speed range of zero to 10 miles per hour
- Simple interface that tracks and displays metrics
- Hand pulse sensors to keep you in target training zone
Cons:
- LCD display isn’t backlit
- Lower user weight limit of 250 pounds
- Adjusting manual incline can be time-consuming
How to choose the best treadmill under $1,000 for you
There are a few things to consider when it comes to determining the best treadmill under $1,000 for you. Although all of the treadmills on our list are budget-friendly buys, be sure to consider your own personal budget for how much you want to spend on a treadmill (and, don’t forget to factor in things like additional fitness memberships such as iFit). If your budget is $500, for example, you may want to lean towards a lower-priced machine like Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Treadmill, while if you have more room in your budget to go closer to $1,000, then you can also consider machines like ProForm Carbon T7. Outside of price, think about which features are important to you. If you have a small space and you want a treadmill that you can easily store, a foldable treadmill will be your best bet, while those interested in maintaining target training zones (like fat burn) would benefit from a treadmill with built-in heart rate sensors.
Accessory holders are another important factor to consider, especially if you like keeping a water bottle next to you as you exercise or having a place to put a book, tablet or phone. Lastly, think about how you want to use your treadmill. If you’re an avid runner, a wider and longer running surface will give you more room to keep your stride (smaller running surfaces may feel cramped for running), while those interested in walking or light jogging only won’t need to seek out an over-sized treadmill. Speed is another factor to look at—a machine with a top speed of 10 miles or more is best for running, while anything less than that is suitable for walking or jogging.
How we chose the best treadmills under $1,000
We chose the best treadmills under $1,000 based on a number of factors. While price was naturally one of our top considerations, we also looked at speed and incline range, connectivity features, size, foldable design and storage options, user reviews, brand reputation and more. Overall, those that made our best treadmills under $1,000 list each provided the best in their respective categories—offering budget-friendly prices without skimping on quality.
Best Treadmills Under $1,000 FAQs
Here’s everything else you should know about treadmills before making a purchase.
How much does the average treadmill cost?
The average treadmill costs about $1,000 (every machine on our list comes in under $1,000), but it depends on what kind of treadmill you buy. A budget-friendly treadmill will keep average costs in the $1,000 or less range, but a higher-end or smart treadmill with luxury features and capabilities can easily cost more than $3,000. Some treadmills from top-rated brands can even cost as much as $4,000. However, if the added features aren’t for you, you can expect to pay less than $1,000 for a quality treadmill that offers more simple workouts.
How long do treadmills last?
Most treadmills last about 10 years, but it really depends on how they’re cared for and how often they’re used. A treadmill that doesn’t get regular maintenance or cleaning likely won’t last as long. If you use your treadmill every day (or you have a household with multiple users), you can expect a shorter lifespan for your machine. Like any other piece of fitness equipment, all treadmills have some sort of shelf life, but you can help extend the lifespan of your machine by keeping the belt lubricated, tightening any bolts or screws, unplugging your machine during storms or power outages (as this can potentially damage your machine), and keeping pets away. With the right care and attention, your treadmill may last even longer than 10 years.
Do I need to splurge on a treadmill?
Whether or not you need to splurge on a treadmill ultimately depends on what kind of workout experience and features you’re looking for. If you’re in the market for an interactive workout complete with a large touchscreen, surround sound and guided classes, or if you want to link accessories like heart rate monitors or fitness trackers, then you may want to consider investing in a higher-end buy (or at least a machine with bluetooth connectivity). While a handful of budget-friendly treadmills offer a few of these features, a more luxury buy will net you the full interactive experience you’re looking for. Design is another feature to consider, as higher-end treadmills tend to have a more sleek look and oftentimes higher-quality construction. Still, if these features don’t matter to you and you’re simply looking for a machine that lets you get a basic cardio workout in at home, then a budget treadmill should provide what you need.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a treadmill for your home gym is an excellent way to do cardio exercises without needing a gym membership, but that investment doesn’t have to be a major one. All of the machines on our list cost less than $1,000 (with a few costing even less than $500) and are quality choices that can help you achieve your fitness goals without breaking the bank. While a higher-end treadmill may come with some cool features, a budget-friendly machine can still give you the workout experience you’re looking for when it comes to walking or running. Before making a purchase, consult our best home treadmills under $1,000 list for our top choices.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
