The 9 Best Budget Treadmills [2023] – Under $1000

The best budget treadmills allow people to have a great home workout that helps them hit their fitness goals without breaking the bank.

Not all cheap treadmills are created equal so I am here to help you choose one of the best affordable treadmills from our list of the top budget treadmills of 2023.

By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently select the right affordable treadmill for your home gym.

What Is A Budget Treadmill?

Before delving into the specifics, let’s establish what we mean by “budget-friendly” in the context of treadmills.

For the purposes of this article, we consider any treadmill with an asking price of around $1000 as budget-friendly.

While this may seem like a substantial amount, it’s important to note that fitness equipment can be quite expensive, with commercial-grade treadmills costing several thousand dollars.

With a budget of $1000, you can find quality treadmills that offer excellent features and performance, making them ideal for home use.

If you have the budget for a more premium machine you might like to read my guide to the best treadmills under $2000, these machines come with nice big touchscreens and features to make a workout more comfortable and entertaining.

Best Budget Treadmills under $1000

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S. is a budget-friendly treadmill option that doesn’t compromise on quality.

It features a 20″ x 55″ running surface, providing a comfortable area for walking and jogging.

The T 6.5 S is equipped with a 2.6 CHP motor, suitable for light to moderate workouts.

With a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs, a top speed of 10 mph, and a maximum incline of 10%, it provides plenty of room to challenge yourself and reach new heights.

Despite being quite a cheap treadmill, the NordicTrackT 6.5 S has a brilliant FlexSelect shock-absorbing system. This feature allows you to customize the deck’s firmness to suit your preferences.

This helps reduce the impact on your joints, making your workouts more comfortable and less strenuous.

We all know that treadmills can get a bit boring so it’s nice to see that the T 6.5 S comes loaded with 20 pre-loaded workout profiles.

NordicTrack offers a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2 years on parts, and 1 year on labor, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase.

In a nutshell, the NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill is an outstanding choice for a budget-friendly treadmill, it’s my overall top pick and the best affordable treadmill with incline.

Sole F63

When it comes to finding a budget treadmill that ticks all the right boxes, Sole’s F63 is one of the best budget treadmills

This treadmill boasts a spacious running surface, a powerful motor, an excellent warranty, and user-friendly features that make it a standout choice.

What’s even better is that the Sole F63 comes at a highly affordable price, hovering around $1,000. Let’s delve into its impressive features in more detail.

The F63 offers a generous running surface measuring 20″ x 60″, providing ample room for both walking and running at any desired speed. Its 3.0 HP motor ensures a smooth operation, capable of handling various workout intensities without a hitch.

With a maximum speed of 12 mph and a maximum incline of 15%, the F63 allows you to push your limits comfortably. Its heavy-duty frame can support individuals weighing up to 325 lbs, ensuring stability and durability for long-term use.

The F63 is incredibly easy to navigate, equipped with large buttons that make selecting workouts a breeze. The LCD screen is also spacious, displaying all essential metrics clearly during your workout.

The F63 comes with a lifetime warranty for both the frame and motor, offering peace of mind for years to come. In addition, it includes a 3-year warranty on parts and a 1-year warranty on labor, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

To sum it up, the Sole F63’s impressive performance specifications and user-friendly console make it an outstanding choice for anyone that wants a top-notch treadmill on a budget.

Don’t miss out on this exceptional budget treadmill that combines quality, convenience, and affordability. It’s one of the best treadmills for the money.

Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

Horizon Fitness has gained a solid reputation for producing high-quality treadmills at an affordable price, and the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill lives up to this standard.

Featuring a generous 20″ x 60″ running surface, the 7.0 AT prioritizes ample space for comfortable workouts, accommodating runners and walkers of all sizes without any concerns about running out of belt space.

This treadmill is designed with convenience in mind, as it can be folded, making it perfect for those with limited space.

One notable feature is the 3-zone variable response cushioning system, which adjusts the level of shock absorption on the deck based on the dynamics of running.

This innovative system ensures a comfortable exercise experience with reduced stress on your hips and knees.

Equipped with a powerful 3.0 CHP motor, the 7.0 AT offers a top speed of 12 mph and a maximum incline of 15%.

Horizon has incorporated 2.3″/1.8″ tapered rollers into this model, which are larger than what is typically found in this price range, contributing to enhanced durability and smoother operation.

The 7.0 AT is backed by an exceptional warranty, including lifetime coverage for the frame and motor, 3 years for parts, and 1 year for labor.

If you prefer a straightforward treadmill without excessive frills, this is an excellent choice, although it does come with the added benefits of Bluetooth speakers and convenient control dials.

Overall, this treadmill is built to last and offers a fantastic guarantee. It provides everything you could ask for in this price range and is definitely one of the best cheap treadmills available.

XTERRA TRX3500 Treadmill

The XTERRA TRX3500 is another top pick in the budget-friendly treadmill category.

With a 20″ x 60″ running surface, it offers ample space for comfortable workouts.

The TRX3500 features a 3.0 CHP motor, providing sufficient power for both running and walking.

It has a weight capacity of 350 lbs, making it suitable for users of various sizes.

One notable aspect of the TRX3500 is its impressive warranty coverage.

It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, 2 years on parts, and 1 year on labor. This level of warranty reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the durability and quality of the treadmill.

The XTERRA TRX3500 offers 30 workout programs, providing a variety of options to keep your fitness routine engaging and challenging.

Additionally, it includes Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to connect your devices wirelessly and enjoy your favorite music or podcasts during your workouts.

This is a great treadmill for a cheap price and is definitely one of the best value treadmills for a low price.

LifeSpan TR1200i Treadmill

If you’re looking for a reliable budget treadmill, the LifeSpan TR1200i is a solid choice for best treadmill on a budget.

It features a 20″ x 56″ running surface, providing a comfortable area for walking and running.

The TR1200i is equipped with a 2.5 CHP motor, which is suitable for light to moderate workouts.

One standout feature of the TR1200i is its large rollers, which contribute to smoother and quieter operation.

The treadmill offers 21 built-in workout programs to keep your workouts varied and challenging.

It also includes a USB port, allowing you to conveniently charge your devices while exercising.

LifeSpan offers a warranty that covers the TR1200i for a lifetime on the frame, 5 years on the motor, 2 years on parts, and 1 year on labor.

This warranty provides peace of mind and indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the durability of their product.

Horizon T101 Treadmill

The Horizon T101 is a popular choice for budget-conscious individuals seeking a reliable treadmill.

It features a 20″ x 55″ running surface, offering sufficient space for walking, jogging, and light running.

The T101 is equipped with a 2.5 CHP motor, suitable for moderate exercise intensity.

With a weight capacity of 300 lbs, this treadmill can accommodate users of varying sizes.

It offers 40 workout programs, ensuring a diverse range of options to keep your workouts engaging.

The T101 also includes Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to listen to your favorite music or podcasts wirelessly.

Horizon provides a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, as well as a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. This warranty coverage adds value and ensures that your investment is protected.

The Horizon T101 Treadmill is an exceptional budget choice that combines affordability, durability, and comfort.

It’s one of the best inexpensive treadmills available, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to achieve your fitness goals without breaking the bank.

XTERRA TRX2500 Treadmill

The XTERRA TRX2500 is a reliable and budget-friendly treadmill option.

It features a 20″ x 50″ running surface, providing ample space for walking and jogging.

The TRX2500 is equipped with a 2.25 CHP motor, which is suitable for light to moderate workouts but it’s one of the lowest-powered motors on this list.

The TRX2500 is a folding treadmill, allowing you to save space when not in use.

It also includes built-in speakers and an audio jack, so you can listen to music or audio from your device while working out.

The TRX2500 offers 24 preset workout programs, providing a variety of options to target different fitness goals.

It also has an integrated heart rate monitoring system, allowing you to track your heart rate during workouts for better training optimization.

XTERRA provides a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, 1 year on parts, and 1 year on in-home labor.

This warranty coverage ensures that your investment is protected and reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the treadmill’s durability.

Overall, the XTERRA TRX2500 is a reliable and affordable treadmill option for those looking for a compact and feature-rich machine for light to moderate workouts.

ProForm Carbon T7

The Carbon T7 by ProForm is one of the few treadmills with a touchscreen on my list of the best affordable treadmills.

ProForm, owned by the same company as NordicTrack, ensures compatibility with iFit for all their treadmills.

What sets the T7 apart from other treadmills in this price range is its inclusion of a touchscreen console.

With a 7″ HD touchscreen display, selecting and viewing workouts becomes effortless.

Although designed to pair with iFit (30-day membership included), the T7 offers many other impressive features even if you prefer not to commit to a monthly membership fee.

It boasts a spacious 20″ x 55″ running surface and a 2.6 CHP motor capable of reaching speeds up to 10 mph and inclines up to 10%.

Additional highlights of the T7 include Bluetooth connectivity, a folding frame for easy storage, quick touch buttons for convenient adjustments, and a built-in cooling fan for added comfort during workouts.

ProForm provides a decent warranty for the Carbon T7 as well: 10 years on the frame, 1 year on parts, and 1 year on labor.

Overall, if you’re in search of an affordable streaming treadmill, the Carbon T7 deserves a top spot on your list as it is probably the best budget treadmill with streaming content.

Sunny Health & Fitness Recovery Walking Treadmill

The Sunny Health & Fitness Recovery Walking Treadmill stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone looking for a budget walking treadmill.

Equipped with long handles that extend on either side of the deck, this treadmill offers invaluable support for individuals who require extra stability while walking.

If you’re new to treadmills, recovering from an injury, or simply at a higher risk of falling, this treadmill is a fantastic option to consider.

Its low-to-the-ground design ensures easy accessibility and enhances stability during use.

It is specifically designed for walking purposes, with a smaller 2.5 peak HP motor and a maximum speed of 5 mph.

While it may not be suited for high-intensity workouts, it offers a safe and comfortable environment for low-impact exercise.

It also features front wheels for convenient transportation, making it easy to move and store when needed.

The console, although minimalistic, provides essential metrics such as calories burned, distance, time, and speed, keeping you informed about your progress.

While this treadmill does not offer an incline function, it can support users weighing up to 295 lbs, providing ample stability and durability.

This treadmill provides exceptional value, prioritizing your well-being without compromising on quality. Embrace the benefits of low-impact exercise with confidence and embark on your fitness journey today.

How To Buy A Budget Treadmill

When purchasing a budget treadmill, the buying process is similar to that of a high-end treadmill.

There are specific specifications and features that should be prioritized and compared, regardless of price.

However, it’s important to manage your expectations regarding what you can get for under $1000.

The following sections outline the crucial factors to consider when looking for an affordable home treadmill.

Running Surface

The size of the running surface is a critical factor in determining the comfort and usability of a treadmill.

A larger running surface provides more room for your workout, ensuring you don’t feel cramped or restricted during your runs.

The dimensions of the running surface are typically presented as “width x length” and are measured in inches.

In the budget-friendly price range, it is essential to aim for a running surface of at least 20″ x 60″.

This size allows most users to run comfortably without needing to adjust their stride length.

Be cautious of treadmills with smaller running surfaces, as they may not provide the space necessary for a comfortable workout.

Motor

The strength of the treadmill’s motor is another crucial consideration, especially if you plan on running on the machine.

A powerful motor ensures smooth operation and longevity of the treadmill.

Most home treadmill motors fall within the 2.0 – 4.0 CHP (continuous horsepower) range.

For running purposes, it is advisable to aim for a treadmill with a motor strength of at least 3.0 CHP.

However, if you plan on walking or light jogging only, a weaker motor can suffice.

Additionally, consider the size of the rollers, which make contact with the belt.

Larger rollers provide more surface contact, resulting in a smoother experience and less stress on the motor.

Warranty

A treadmill’s warranty is an essential aspect to consider when making a purchase.

It serves as an insurance plan for your equipment and provides peace of mind.

The warranty is typically divided into several parts: frame, motor, parts, and labor.

Longer warranties on the frame and motor indicate that the manufacturer has confidence in the durability of their product.

Ideally, look for treadmills with lifetime warranties on the frame and motor.

Parts warranties can vary but usually range from 2 to 5 years. Labor warranties are generally the shortest, typically lasting for 1 year.

Features

Budget treadmills typically lack the fancy, high-tech features found in their high-end counterparts. After all, the lower price tag comes with certain limitations.

However, you might be pleasantly surprised by the features available on quality budget treadmills.

Here are some features commonly found in treadmills within this price range:

1. Limited built-in workouts: While consoles on budget treadmills offer fewer workout options, some models on this list include 20-30 workouts.
2. Simple displays: You won’t find large, touchscreen displays under $1000. Instead, expect a smaller and less sophisticated LCD display.
3. Bluetooth capabilities: Many treadmills in this price range offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to track data with apps and wirelessly connect to built-in speakers.
4. Heart rate tracking: The best affordable treadmill will be compatible with chest strap heart rate monitors, and some may even include one with purchase.
5. Folding decks: Most home treadmills now come with folding decks, which is a convenient feature if you have limited workout space. Folding the treadmill when not in use can save floor space.
6. Shock-absorbing system: Good budget treadmills come equipped with a shock-absorbing system to reduce stress on your joints.
7. USB/MP3 ports: Many treadmills offer USB and MP3 ports for charging devices and connecting them to the treadmill’s built-in speakers for music playback.
8. Quick-touch buttons: This feature allows you to instantly set a preselected speed or incline, which is ideal for interval training. Many quality budget treadmills include this feature.

These are the most common features you’ll find, although there may be a few additional ones.

Generally, budget treadmills offer less sophisticated technology compared to higher-end models. However, the sub-$1000 price range offers a sweet spot where you can find high-quality treadmills with decent features without blowing your budget.

Benefits of using a Treadmill

A treadmill is a versatile exercise machine that offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance your overall health and well-being.

From cardiovascular health to weight management, let’s explore why treadmills are a fantastic choice for achieving your fitness goals.

1. Convenient Indoor Exercise: One of the greatest benefits of using a treadmill is the convenience it offers. With a treadmill at home or in a gym, you have the flexibility to exercise regardless of the weather or time constraints. Say goodbye to outdoor obstacles like rain, snow, or extreme heat. You can simply hop on your treadmill and start walking, jogging, or running in the comfort of your own home. Oh and if you are short on space then sont worry as there are some great treadmills for under a bed.
2. Joint-Friendly Workouts: For individuals with joint issues or injuries, treadmills provide a low-impact exercise option. The cushioned surface of a treadmill deck helps absorb shock, reducing the impact on your joints, such as knees and ankles. Treadmills are an excellent choice for seniors or those recovering from injuries, allowing them to engage in cardiovascular exercise with less strain on their joints.
3. Customizable Workout Intensity: Treadmills offer a wide range of settings that allow you to customize your workout according to your fitness level and goals. You can adjust the speed, incline, and even incorporate interval training to challenge yourself and improve your endurance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, a treadmill can cater to your individual needs and help you progress at your own pace.
4. Cardiovascular Health: Regular cardiovascular exercise is vital for maintaining a healthy heart and improving overall cardiovascular fitness. Treadmill workouts provide an excellent opportunity to get your heart rate up and boost your cardiovascular health. Walking, jogging, or running on a treadmill can help strengthen your heart, improve blood circulation, and lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular conditions.
5. Weight Management: If weight loss or weight management is your goal, a treadmill can be a valuable tool in your journey. Engaging in regular treadmill workouts helps burn calories and increase your metabolism. By incorporating interval training or incline variations, you can maximize calorie burn and fat loss. Additionally, treadmill workouts contribute to building lean muscle mass, which can further support weight management efforts.
6. Mental Health and Stress Relief: Exercise has long been recognized for its positive impact on mental health and stress reduction. Treadmill workouts provide an opportunity to clear your mind, release endorphins, and improve your overall mood. Whether you prefer a brisk walk or an intense run, the rhythmic motion of the treadmill can be calming and therapeutic, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.

Final Thoughts

Alright, folks, we’ve reached the end of our guide to the best budget-friendly treadmills of 2023, and what an exciting journey it has been!

We’ve explored a range of treadmills that won’t drain your bank account but still deliver fantastic features and performance.

Remember, when it comes to choosing the perfect treadmill, it’s essential to consider factors such as the running surface, motor power, and warranty.

But don’t forget to think about the features that matter most to you.

Whether it’s built-in workouts, Bluetooth connectivity, folding capability, or quick-touch buttons, finding a treadmill that aligns with your preferences is the key to a fulfilling workout experience.

In our top spot, we have the NordicTrack T 6.5 S a true gem in the world of affordable treadmills. With this treadmill, NordicTrack strikes the perfect balance between quality and affordability.

With its spacious running surface, and sophisticated shock absorption system, it’s a well built machine that does everything that you need of a budget treadmill.

It’s a sturdy and reliable companion that will support your fitness journey without emptying your wallet.

So go ahead, lace up those sneakers, hop on your new treadmill, and embark on an exhilarating fitness adventure.

The road to a healthier and happier you begins now. Keep running, keep striving, and enjoy the incredible benefits that a treadmill can bring to your life.

Until next time, stay motivated, stay active, and keep chasing those fitness goals! Happy running!