Cheap Treadmills: The 7 Best Budget Buys in 2022

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How we chose 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

Pros and cons of cheap treadmills

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

How to choose a cheap treadmill

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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

The bottom line

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.