Treadmills are now more affordable than ever before. In this article, I examine the most cost-effective treadmills on the market.
These treadmills, many of which are under $500, can be used as a standalone cardio machine or as a supplement to your home gym’s existing equipment.
Check out our top selections for affordable treadmills in 2022 if you’re looking to lose weight, get fitter, or just improve your overall health.
Treadmills used to be prohibitively expensive; however, that isn’t the case now. Treadmills like these will suffice unless you plan to run 20 miles a day or are training for an ultramarathon.
These low-cost treadmills defy any preconceived notions you might have about the term.
However, there are certain advantages to inexpensive treadmills compared to the more expensive treadmills. Treadmills that are more expensive and marketed as “professional” tend to require more room as a result.
As a result, all of the solutions evaluated here are modest and compact even when they are fully opened. When not in use, these treadmills may be folded up to take up even less space.
Running or walking on a treadmill is still the most common form of cardiovascular exercise.. You don’t need a high-end treadmill unless you plan to run 20 miles a day or are training for an ultramarathon. It doesn’t matter how cheap these treadmills may be; they’ll get the job done.
I make my decisions based on two factors: First, my many years of experience and knowledge, and second, on ratings, reviews and recommendations from people who used these treadmills for a long time. As a result, these merit consideration.
Important Things to Consider When Buying a Treadmill
Buying the first treadmill you see isn’t a good idea. You just have a few minutes to read everything that’s relevant.
The following are things to consider when you’re looking to purchase a treadmill
- Running Surface – The deck should feel secure and firm whether you are walking or running on it. It should also be able to reduce soreness in the knees and hips. Running would be difficult if the tread belt was too thin or too short.
- Treadmill Usage –Consider the number of people who will use the treadmill and the average weekly time they will spend on it. Treadmills come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for a variety of purposes, from preparing for a race to losing weight to getting in shape. If you solely intend to use it for walking, a treadmill specifically designed for that purpose will be more efficient.
- Space and Storage – If you have a small living area, a fold-up treadmill can be a good option for you because they are usually inexpensive and compact. If necessary, it should be portable due to its modest weight.
- Reliability and Warranty – It’s a good idea to buy a treadmill brand that has been around for a long because it may need to be maintained over time, especially if you use it frequently.
- Weight and Motor Size – If your weight exceeds the treadmill’s weight capacity, you may experience sluggishness or even a breakdown. Those who weigh more than 400 pounds may wish to check out treadmills that have a higher weight capacity. Here, you will find the greatest treadmills for obese people.
- Second-hand Purchase – Buying a used treadmill may seem like a good deal on the surface, but you have no idea what it has been through in terms of use, repairs, and general condition. Treadmills are one piece of equipment that I strongly advise against purchasing used.
Best Treadmill Under 500
1. TR150 Fitness Treadmill by XTERRA
Are you on the lookout for a product that strikes the right price-to-feature ratio? XTERRA’s TR150 Fitness Treadmill is an excellent option.
In 1996, a triathlon on the Hawaiian island of Maui gave rise to the brand’s name.
Those who represent the spirit of tenacity and physical excellence are the target audience for this sports lifestyle brand’s products.
This unit, of course, exemplifies these ideals.
Product Highlights
This treadmill’s tread surface is 16 by 50 inches, the most of any in my collection. It’s made to fit a wide range of people, no matter their height or weight.
In addition, it has the broadest range of speeds, from 0.5 to 10 miles per hour, making it the most versatile.
Those who prefer pre-programmed routines will be happy to know that this unit offers 12 distinct options.
Three distinct inclination settings are included to accommodate a variety of workouts and programmes.
Finally, the device’s five-inch LCD display provided easy access to all of these options.
Having no warranty on this product is the one thing that I don’t like.
PROS
- Well-known company behind the product
- Has a lot of room for both running and walking on it.
- There are a variety of speeds to choose from.
- In addition, there are pre-programmed options.
- An easy-to-use user interface
CONS
2. Two-in-One Folding Treadmill by Ancheer
It’s impossible for me to compile a list of the finest budget treadmills without discussing the current top new release.
It’s the most popular item on the market, and for good reason!
Ancheer’s Two-in-One Folding Treadmill has a lot to offer at a low cost of less than $500.
In contrast to XTERRA, Ancheer’s website provides only a brief description of their products and a warehouse in California, which are manufactured in Taiwan and China.
Product Highlights
Moving on to the features, the fact that it’s a dual-purpose treadmill is easily my favourite.
Running and under-desk jogging are two of the modes you can choose from when using this treadmill.
In addition to being able to work out while standing, sitting, or lying down at your desk, these options allow you to store the unit folded and tucked away beneath your desk when not in use.
The motor is also a standout feature. A potent 2.25 hp motor powers this.
It has a powerful motor, but a shock and noise reduction technology keeps the machine’s noise to a whisper when it’s running.
Its running surface is made up of seven separate layers as part of its outstanding design.
Additionally, the LCD screen is used to display information about your workout, such as the distance you’ve travelled and the calories you’ve burned.
Additionally, this device comes with a Bluetooth speaker, phone holder, and a remote control so you can watch your favourite shows at a comfortable position.
The one thing that worries me about this device is how slow it will be in its under-desk form when folded down.
PROS
- Alternate Treadmill Speeds and Positions
- Sturdy place to run
- Well-designed
- It runs quietly.
- Includes a one-year warranty
CONS
3. SF-T7515 Treadmill by Sunny Health and Fitness
It’s nice to have all those amenities in the previous unit, but for some of us, having a larger running surface is more important than anything else.
For those people, Sunny Health and Fitness’ SF-T7515 Treadmill is an excellent investment.
Exercise equipment manufacturers Sunny Health and Fitness have been in business for over a decade, and the company has warehouses all around the world.
Product Highlights
Getting back on track, how large is the running space that I’m referring to?
At 16.5 by 49.5 inches, it’s an inch wider than the majority of treadmills now available.
It has a decent range of one to eight miles per hour in terms of speed.
However, the incline’s 12 settings are my personal favourite feature. Your training will be significantly more tough as a result.
Additionally, it has a BMI calculator, heart rate monitor, and Bluetooth connectivity built right in.
Because it’s the most expensive device in my lineup, its lack of functionality bothers me.
Adding insult to injury, it does not come with a warranty at all either.
PROS
- a roomy jogging area
- There are 12 inclination levels.
- Contains capabilities for tracking one’s health
CONS
- Constraints on speed relative to other vehicles
- There is no guarantee.
- More pricey compared to the other products on display
4. 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill by Miageek
Some people are more concerned with having enough room to run, while others are more concerned with noise reduction.
The loud mechanical noise of a treadmill’s motor can be a problem for folks who share their space or house with others who aren’t used to it.
As a result, I’ve decided to go with the Miageek 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill.
Product Highlights
Powerful but quiet 2.25 horsepower motor with built-in shock reduction mechanism is found in this treadmill.
In addition, its running surface is comprised of an anti-skid and noise-reducing material, as well.
This reduces the amount of noise you make while working out, and it can also provide extra comfort for people with joint problems.
As previously stated, this treadmill may be used as either a traditional running treadmill or an under-desk treadmill, allowing you to work out whether sitting down or standing up.
In the folding position, however, this treadmill is limited to a maximum speed of 3mph.
Additionally, the treadmill’s control panel and LED display provide additional important information, such as the distance you’ve travelled and the calories you’ve used while using it.
You can also use Bluetooth to listen to your favourite music.
With this unit, you can stop the machine at any time with a safety key, unlike the other systems we’ve discussed.
However, the lack of a warranty and the lack of information about the firm, Miageek, is problematic.
PROS
- Alternate Treadmill Speeds and Positions
- It’s a powerful yet quiet engine.
- Anti-slip and noise-canceling functions have been included.
- Enhanced security
CONS
- A limited range of speeds
- There is no guarantee.
5. Echanfit Folding Incline Treadmill
The last part of this review tells you how much you’re getting for your money.
In terms of features, the T Echanfit Folding Incline Treadmill is simple and easy.
Echanfit has more than a decade of expertise manufacturing treadmills and rowing machines, as well as other types of fitness equipment.
Product Highlights
This treadmill has all the functions you’ll ever need, so you can concentrate on becoming healthy instead of getting distracted by all the extraneous gizmos and gadgets.
Easy to construct, the treadmill’s strong foundation keeps it from swaying while in use.
Because of its 16.5-inch-wide tread belt, you won’t feel like you’re going to tumble off the edge. To further preserve your joints, it has a comfort cell cushioning technology that reduces footfall impact.
In order to keep track of your stats and progress, the interface features a huge LCD window. As you work out, a thumb pulse reader measures your heart rate. When you’re working out, a water bottle holder comes in handy.
Regardless of your level of fitness, the three-level manual inclination will help you burn more calories. Finally, the treadmill’s foldable form makes it simple to store after you’re done using it.
This treadmill is a good choice if you want a simple treadmill that does the job well.
PROS
- Extra-wide swivel caster wheels.
- Running on a smooth surface is a pleasure.
- Infrared pulse detector.
- Stable, long-lasting support system.
CONS
- The treadmill has a few basic characteristics.