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Treadmills (cheap and expensive) let you exercise no matter the weather or how far you are from the gym. Running on a treadmill can raise your heart rate, challenge your cardiovascular system, and give your muscles a “run” for their money in the comfort of your own home (or garage or basement or … you get the idea).

BUT not all of us have a couple thousand dollars to drop on a premium model with a touch screen and access to 24/7 fitness classes. (We’re looking at you, Peloton and iFit.) Cheap treadmills for the win!

Here are our picks for the seven best cheap treadmills, plus some tips for choosing the best one for you.

A quick look at the best cheap treadmills

To pick out the best cheap treadmills, we made sure each treadmill met a few minimum specs:

  • Price. OK, this is obvious, but it needs to be ~cheap~. Every treadmill on our list is under $1,000 — and most are much cheaper.
  • Horsepower. For walking, treadmills need at least a 1.5-horsepower (hp) motor. For running, we looked for models with at least 2.25 hp.
  • Speed options. Cheaper treadmills typically don’t reach high enough speeds for high performance runners, but we made sure to include treadmills with speed options ideal for walkers and runners.
  • Incline options. Cheap treadmills also usually have fewer incline choices (or no incline at all) — but we included a few picks that have automatic incline adjustment.
  • Maximum weight limit. Cheap treadmills aren’t as sturdy as their more expensive counterparts, but they should have at least a 220-pound (lb.) weight limit.
  • Running area. We included treadmills with belts wide and long enough to accommodate walkers and runners. For walkers, we included belts 13 to 16 inches (in.) wide and 46 to 50 in. long. For runners, we looked for options with belts 16 to 20 in. wide and 50 to 55 in. long.
  • Vetted products. We put every treadmill we considered through a thorough vetting process that checks for unsupported health claims and shady business practices. Only products that passed vetting made our list.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $300
  • $$ = $300–$600
  • $$$ = over $600
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Best cheap treadmill for running

Horizon T101 Treadmill

  • Price: $$$
  • Horsepower: 2.5 hp
  • Speed: 0.5 to 10 miles per hour (mph)
  • Incline: 0% to 10%
  • Weight limit: 300 lbs.
  • Running area: 20 x 55 in.
  • Warranty: lifetime warranty on frame and motor, 1-year warranty on parts and labor

Running requires certain treadmill features that you can’t really budge on, so if you’re a serious runner, you’ll probably end up spending a little more cash than someone that prefers walking or lighter jogs.

This treadmill from Horizon Fitness is the most expensive on our list, but it costs far less than similar treadmills from other brands and has all the right specs for runners.

It includes a 20 by 55-in. belt, a 2.5-hp motor, and deck cushioning to protect your joints, and it reaches speeds up to 10 mph.

The downside is that it doesn’t have a built-in screen, but that’s pretty typical of cheaper treadmills.

Pros

  • speeds up to 10 mph
  • large running area
  • incline options
  • foldable
  • tablet holder, built-in Bluetooth speakers, charging port
  • white-glove delivery available
  • lifetime warranty on frame and motor, 1-year warranty on parts and labor
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • have to pay extra for shipping
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Best cheap treadmill with incline

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill

  • Price: $$
  • Horsepower: 2.2 hp
  • Speed: 0 to 8 mph
  • Incline: 0% to 12%
  • Weight limit: 240 lbs.
  • Running area: 16.5 x 49.5 in.
  • Warranty: 3-year structural, 180-day parts (varies by seller)

TikTok showed us that way of ~hot girl walks~ and we. can’t. stop.

Basically, all you need to do is set your incline to 12 percent and your speed to 3 mph and walk for 30 minutes. It sounds easy, but it’s a legit workout. Do this a few times a week for a few months and watch your physical fitness totally transform.

This Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill has all the right specs to make that happen, thanks to a 12 percent maximum incline.

You can still run on it, too — the treadmill reaches 8 mph. The 16.5 by 49.5-in. belt is a solid width for walkers and runners. It also includes heart rate/pulse sensors, so you can keep track of your fitness zone.

The downside is that 8 mph might not be fast enough for more advanced runners.

Pros

  • up to 12 percent incline
  • foldable
  • 3-year structural warranty, 180-day warranty on parts (varies by seller)
  • Bluetooth connectivity and handrail pulse sensors
  • free shipping
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • may not offer enough speed for more advanced runners
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Best folding cheap treadmill

UREVO Foldable Treadmill

  • Price: $$
  • Horsepower: 2.5 hp
  • Speed: 0.5 to 7.5 mph
  • Incline: N/A
  • Weight limit: 260 lbs.
  • Running area: 16.5 x 45.7 in.
  • Warranty: 12 months

While all the treadmills on our list have some amount of foldability, the UREVO folds down flat — like flat flat. The control deck and rails fold down over the deck, so you can slide it under a bed or set it against a wall.

It also packs a punch with a powerful 2.5-hp motor and a 260-lb. maximum weight, which is pretty impressive for such a compact treadmill. The downside is that this baby can only reach speeds up to 7.5 mph and doesn’t have any incline options.

Its 16.5 by 45.7-in. belt is also better (and safer) for walking than for running.

Pros

Cons

  • only reaches 7.5 mph
  • no incline options
  • belt size not ideal for running
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Best cheap treadmill under $300

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill

  • Price: $
  • Horsepower: manual
  • Speed: manual
  • Incline: fixed
  • Weight limit: 220 lbs.
  • Running area: 13 x 42 in.
  • Warranty: 3-year structural

You can save some serious money and still get an intense workout on a manual machine like the Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill. It doesn’t have an electric motor, so it relies on plain old muscle power to use. Two flywheels help you build momentum, which you can adjust by slowing down or speeding up.

The biggest limitation with this one is that it only works on an incline. That can be bad news if hills are the bane of your existence — but it’s great news if you’re looking to up the intensity of your workouts. The 13 by 42-in. belt is also too narrow for runners, so it def works better for walkers.

Pros

  • under $300
  • compact
  • easy to move around
  • doesn’t require power, so you can use it anywhere
  • comes with small monitor to track workout progress

Cons

  • small running area
  • no adjustable incline
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Best cheap treadmill under $500

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

  • Price: $$
  • Horsepower: 2.25 hp
  • Speed: 0 to 10 mph
  • Incline: 3 manual incline settings
  • Weight limit: 250 lbs.
  • Running area: 16 x 50 in.
  • Warranty: lifetime frame, 1-year motor, 90-day parts and labor

This treadmill from XTERRA has all the right specs for running for less than $500.

It has a solid (and cushioned) deck, reaches speeds up to 10 mph, and has 3 incline settings to add intensity to your workouts. A 16 by 50-in. belt provides plenty of room for running strides too.

Just keep in mind that the incline options are manual — so you can’t change them while you’re actually on the treadmill.

Pros

  • up to 10 mph
  • 3 incline settings
  • foldable
  • belt size ideal for running
  • has heart rate sensors
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Best cheap treadmill for walkers

Exerpeutic TF1000 Ultra High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill

  • Price: $$$
  • Horsepower: 1.5 hp
  • Speed: 0 to 4 mph
  • Incline: 2 manual incline positions (0% and 6%)
  • Weight limit: 400 lbs.
  • Running area: 20 x 40 in.
  • Warranty: 5-year motor and 1-year frame

This treadmill from Exerpeutic is great for walking for basically anyone.

You can walk up to 4 mph and switch between no incline and 6 percent incline. It has a 400-lb. weight limit, which def stands out among treadmills in this price range. It also features a 20-in.-wide belt, leaving plenty of room for bodies of all sizes.

It’s still kinda pricey for only reaching 4 mph — but if you’re just planning on walking, it gets the job done.

Pros

  • under $700
  • high weight capacity
  • foldable
  • has heart rate sensors

Cons

  • doesn’t reach speeds high enough for running
  • only 2 incline options
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Best cheap treadmill for streaming workouts

ProForm City L6

  • Price: $$
  • Horsepower: 1.6 hp
  • Speed: 0 to 8 mph
  • Incline: none
  • Weight limit: 250 lbs.
  • Running area: 17.5 x 45 in.
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty on frame, 1-year warranty on parts and labor

All of ProForm’s treadmills are an A+ combo of quality and fair pricing, but the City L6 is its cheapest model — it costs only $599.

The best part about ProForm’s treadmills? They come with a free month of iFit so you can stream running classes. Even cooler? The trainers can control your speed during class, so all you have to focus on is those running gainz.

But remember: Because this is ProForm’s cheapest treadmill, you sacrifice a few features for the price, including a built-in screen (you’ll have to BYO tablet) and incline options.

Pros

  • can stream iFit running classes (with a tablet)
  • foldable
  • tablet holder, built-in Bluetooth speakers
  • free shipping
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • no incline options
  • running area on the shorter side
  • have to pay for iFit membership ($39/month) after free trial
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PriceMotorSpeedInclineWeight limitRunning area
Best for runningHorizon T101$$$2.5 hp0.5–10 mph0%–10%300 lbs.20 x 55 in.
Best with inclineSunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill$$2.2 hp0–8 mph0%–12%240 lbs.16.5 x 49.5 in.
Best foldingUREVO Foldable Treadmill$$2.5 hp0.5–7.5 mphN/A260 lbs.16.5 x 45.7 in.
Best under $300Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill$manualmanualfixed incline220 lbs.13 x 42 in.
Best under $500XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill$$2.25 hp0–10 mph3 manual incline settings250 lbs.16 x 50 in.
Best for walkersExerpeutic TF1000 Ultra High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill$$$1.5 hp0–4 mphmanual (0% and 6%)400 lbs.20 x 40 in.
Best for streaming workoutsProForm City L6$$1.6 hp0–8 mphN/A250 lbs.17.5 x 45 in.

So, is a cheap treadmill right for you? It depends. Here are some pros and cons to consider before you shop:

Pros

  • affordable
  • compact and foldable options
  • excellent speed, incline, and size options for walkers

Cons

  • often less powerful motors
  • lower maximum weight limits
  • fewer speed, incline, and size options for runners
  • few models with built-in screens
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Ready to run? Here’s what you need to know when picking a cheap treadmill:

Power for pounds and mileage

The more you weigh or the more you run, the harder the treadmill’s motor has to work to keep speeds consistent. Here’s a general rule:

  • For walkers (even the power walkers!). You can get by with a 1.5 to 2.0-hp motor, though you’ll get better performance with a motor that’s over 2.0 hp.
  • For overachieving runners. Look for at least a 2.25-hp motor.
  • For people over 200 lbs. Opt for more powerful 2.5 to 3.0-hp motors for more consistent speeds.

Are you running or walking?

If you’re planning on running, you’ll need more speed and a wider, longer belt:

  • Walkers can get by with a model with a maximum speed of 4 mph and a 13 by 40-in. to 13 by 45-in. belt.
  • Runners need higher speeds (at least 10 mph) and a 16 by 50-in. to 18 by 50-in. belt.

Also keep in mind that long-legged folks might need extra length to accommodate a longer stride.

Design and size

Most cheap treadmills are foldable to some extent. But some models are more compact than others.

In some designs, the deck folds up toward the control panel, creating a “V” shape. In others, the control panel and handlebars fold onto (or into) the deck, creating a flatter surface that can fit under furniture or lean against a wall.

Consider how much floor and storage space you have and how compact you want your new treadmill to be.

Hit the hills

The hills are alive with the sound of your footsteps! Incline settings let you intensify and add variety to your workouts.

Some models have electric incline settings that let you change the incline while the motor runs. Others have manual incline settings that require you to get off the treadmill and manually adjust the deck height.

Warranty

Warranties are often broken down into sections to cover various areas of the treadmill. For example, the company might offer a 5-year frame, 1-year motor, and 1-year parts and labor warranty.

At the very least, look for a model with a 1-year warranty on the frame and motor. Warranties that cover parts and labor will save you repair costs too.

Extras

A basic display that shows time, speed, and incline can get you through any workout. But treadmills with extra features like Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate sensors, and preset workout programs can add variety to your exercise program and take some of the grind out of running.

How much should you pay for a decent treadmill?

You can pay anywhere from $99 to more than $2,500 for a treadmill.

Treadmills on the lower end of that range are usually manual (aka not motorized), don’t have incline settings, and have pretty limited features.

If you want a motorized treadmill, you’ll probably need to spend at least $350. Even then, it’s likely you’ll be giving up some features, like adjustable incline and higher speed options. These treadmills usually aren’t the best for runners.

If you’re a runner, expect to spend $550 at the very least for a solid treadmill that goes fast enough and won’t fall apart.

How long do cheap treadmills last?

It depends! The realllly cheap ones often don’t have a warranty, which usually means the manufacturers don’t even think they’ll last that long. Yikes.

The ones on our list have at least a 1-year warranty, and most of them have much longer ones. You can expect your treadmill to last at least as long as your warranty with normal wear and tear.

What is the cheapest motorized treadmill?

The cheapest motorized treadmill on our list is the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill.

It can go up to 10 mph and has a good-size running deck for runners. It even has three incline settings to add a little intensity to your sweat sesh — just keep in mind that you have to adjust it manually vs. using a button.

Who has the best prices for treadmills?

Sunny Health & Fitness is known for its cheap treadmills, and many of them get really good reviews. They’re kinda lacking in the special features department, though.

If you’re looking for a balance of price and features, we recommend checking out Horizon and ProForm treadmills. They’re a little pricier than the other treadmills on our list, but they’re def more on par with higher-end treadmills.

No more pounding the pavement in the snow/rain or the scorching heat. Cheap treadmills bring the gym to your home, so you can keep up with your training or just burn extra calories.

You don’t have to spend a fortune — and you can find models that don’t eat up your floor space either. So, get on it, get those feet moving, and invest in your health for years to come.