7 Best Cheap Treadmills

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How we chose these treadmills

The treadmills featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

Features. The treadmill is equipped with a variety of features, including a heart rate monitor, device holder, or preset workout programs. Plus, all of the treadmills on our list are foldable.
Training options. The treadmill offers a range of training options, including several speed and incline levels.
Price. The treadmill provides a good value for the cost and is available for less than $1,000.
Customer reviews. The treadmill has mostly positive customer reviews online.
Vetting. The treadmills on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Here are 7 of the best cheap treadmills.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.

Generally, list prices range from $269.95–$739.20, though this may vary depending on available discounts and where you shop.

Pricing guide

$ = under $400
$$ = $400–$600
$$$ = over $600

How to choose

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a treadmill.

First, it’s important to determine which features are most important for you.

For example, some treadmills are equipped with an LCD screen, heart rate monitor, device holder, or built-in speakers.

Many treadmills also offer a range of speeds, incline levels, and workout programs. These training features are particularly important if you’re looking for a treadmill that can grow with you as your fitness level increases.

Some treadmills offer manual incline, which means you can only adjust the incline when you’re not running or walking on the treadmill, while others have auto incline that you can adjust mid-workout.

For those with issues like knee pain, choosing a treadmill with a cushioned deck or shock-absorbing belt can help reduce stress on your joints.

Additionally, if you’re short on space, you’ll want to look for a treadmill that’s foldable and includes transportation wheels.

You should also consider the value. Although there are plenty of cost-effective treadmills to choose from, some are of higher quality than others.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better for indoor exercise, a bike or a treadmill?

The best piece of equipment for indoor exercise is the one that you’ll use. Bikes and treadmills each have pros and cons, and both benefit health and fitness in similar ways.

If you enjoy walking and running or find bike seats uncomfortable, then a treadmill is likely best for you. On the other hand, if you love how your legs feel after a cycling class or want a more low impact option, then an indoor bike is probably your best choice.

What is a good workout on a treadmill?

A good treadmill workout should include a brief warmup, the actual workout, and a cooldown.

Warmups typically last 5–10 minutes and are designed to gradually increase your heart rate and get blood flowing to your working muscles. You may want to start walking at a slow pace, then gradually build up to the pace you plan to use most during your workout routine.

A typical treadmill workout depends on your goals. A few examples include:

Steady state workouts: walking or jogging at a given speed and incline for 20–30 minutes
Interval workouts: alternating between a faster and slower speed every few minutes for 20–30 minutes
Hill workouts: alternating between a steeper incline and a lower incline every few minutes for 20–30 minutes

Regardless of your workout, you should always end with a 5-10 minute cooldown where you gradually decrease your intensity, incline, and speed, allowing your heart rate to return to normal.

You may want to follow up your treadmill workout with stretching, foam rolling, or abdominal work.

Do you need incline on a treadmill?

Walking or running on an incline is inherently more challenging than walking on a flat surface, so you may want to make sure your treadmill has this feature if you’re looking to build more leg strength or increase the intensity of your training.

Changing the incline can also help keep you engaged if you tend to get bored during treadmill workouts. Plus, the incline feature may help you prepare for the hills you’ll encounter if you also run or walk outside.