There is something pretty great about working out from home.
We save money on monthly gym memberships, have the opportunity to work out still when the weather is bad, and don’t have to leave the house to get our daily fitness workout in.
On top of that, the whole family can make use of most at-home gym machines.
A hugely popular gym machine that offers amazing convenience at home is the treadmill.
Treadmills give us the chance to work on our cardio whenever we want, so it's no surprise to see their demand on the rise.
However, some treadmill models can be very expensive. With such a wide variety also causing issues, finding the right treadmill for your home can become overwhelming.
To help you out, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best treadmills for under $1,000.
We’ve even included a useful buyer’s guide that will help you pick the best budget-friendly treadmill for you and your family.
If you’re looking for a new, high-quality, yet affordable treadmill, make sure you keep reading.
OUR TOP PICK
The first treadmill on our list is the NordicTrack T Series 6.5S.
For a treadmill, the 6.5S treadmill is extremely affordable, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a more budget-friendly option.
This treadmill may cost less than other models, but it still comes with all the necessary features we need to work out hard at home.
With a weight capacity of 300 lbs, the treadmill offers good performance thanks to its ability to run at 16 kph and up to a 10% incline.
With a tread belt length of 55 inches, you’re also guaranteed plenty of space to run comfortably.
To ensure running is also comfortable, NordicTrack has designed the tread belt with FlexSelect deck cushioning. This will protect your joints as you run.
When you’ve finished with your treadmill, simply fold it away for simple storage.
When we took a closer look at this treadmill, we loved the simplicity of the control panel, and the special features included in the design.
Everything you need to control the 6.5S treadmill is put on an easy-to-use screen and control panel in front of you.
With regard to special features, this treadmill comes with music ports, amplified speakers, a built-in backlight, and a subscription to NordicTrack’s exercise service.
Pros
- Great value for money - This treadmill is available at a great price.
- Feature-packed - The 6.5S treadmill comes packed with a host of awesome features.
- Foldable - Easily store this treadmill away when you're done.
Cons
- Paid subscription - After 30 days you will have to pay the iFit subscription.
Also available at
EDITORS CHOICE
If you're just starting out or simply want a super affordable treadmill that doesn’t take up too much space or take itself too seriously, the TR150 folding treadmill from XTERRA Fitness could be your best option.
Easily the most affordable running treadmill on this list, despite not coming with all the fancy bells and whistles of high-end treadmills, the TR150 offers great performance in a machine that is simple to use and reliable.
Made from strong and durable alloy steel, this treadmill has a 50-inch deck space, can reach speeds of 16 kph, and has 3 incline settings.
A neat touch is also the 12 preset programs that offer you new ways to work out. Controlling the treadmill couldn’t be any easier either.
The simple interface is very easy to use. We have the simple direct access buttons to thank for that. You can track your workout via the small LED screen.
When we reviewed the TR150, we were impressed with the overall durability of the machine and its 2.25 horsepower motor.
We also liked how easy it is to store away. Pulling a release knob is all you have to do to fold or unfold the treadmill, making it perfect for those of us that don’t have much space.
Pros
- Extremely affordable - This is the most affordable running treadmill on our list.
- Easy-to-use - The TR150 has a very simple design to make things easier.
- Great foldability - The release knob makes life a lot easier when storing the treadmill.
Cons
- Not as many features - This treadmill is missing some high-end features.
BEST VALUE
We don’t all have the space in our homes to fit a treadmill, even when it's folded.
If you consider yourself to be someone with this issue, the Goplus 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill could be ideal for you.
Aside from offering a range of running and walking options at an affordable price, the biggest draw to this Goplus treadmill is its ability to lie flat.
With arms that can be placed in an upward position or down on the ground, this treadmill can be easily slid under the sofa or a desk, taking up much less space than other foldable treadmills.
With a powerful, yet super silent 2.5 horsepower motor, you can also rest assured that your workout won’t disturb anybody else in the house.
In terms of safety, this treadmill is made from a durable steel frame with a multi-layer shield design.
It also has a wonderfully textured running belt that offers ultimate comfortability and grip as you walk or run.
While the treadmill may not come with a dashboard, we were thrilled to find that the treadmill comes with Bluetooth capabilities and a small digital screen.
This lets you connect your phone, play music, or track/control your exercise.
Pros
- Super easy to store - Simply slide the treadmill under a sofa or desk.
- Neat digital screen - Via your phone or remote, you can control the small digital screen to increase speed or change modes.
- No nonsense - This treadmill offers quick exercise with no fuss.
Cons
- Low speeds - This treadmill only reaches speeds of 12 kph.
RUNNER UP
The next home treadmill on our list is the folding treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness.
Sunny Health & Fitness has a great reputation for producing high-quality treadmills at a relatively cheap price. This one is no different.
Available at a very reasonable price, but still offering plenty of features and solid performance, the fitness folding treadmill isn’t too dissimilar from the treadmills we find in the gym.
It can run at 16 kph, has 15 different incline settings, is made from durable alloy steel, features Bluetooth capabilities, and has an easy-to-use performance monitor on the front.
The only real difference between this treadmill and the traditional ones we find in the gym is that this treadmill is smaller and a lot easier to store away thanks to its simple foldability.
Despite its smaller size, this treadmill still has a 52 inch, comfortable belt that provides plenty of running space.
When we tried out the Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill, we most liked the handrail controls and preset programs.
To make working out more interesting, this treadmill has 15 different workouts already installed for you to try out.
To make life easier when controlling the programs or changing settings, Sunny Health has equipped the treadmill with handy handrail buttons. We can happily say they are a lot easier to use.
Pros
- More traditional - If you’re looking for a more traditional treadmill, this is your best option.
- Great features - This treadmill comes with plenty of useful exercise features.
- Bluetooth capable - Connect and charge your phone using the treadmill.
Cons
- More expensive - This treadmill is one of the more expensive treadmills on our list.
Also available at
RUNNER UP
The final treadmill on our list suits individuals who simply want to keep fit and not take their exercise too seriously.
Unbelievably affordable, this Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill is actually manually powered by the user.
As a result of this, it gives you the opportunity to walk or jog at a speed that suits you.
Designed simply to keep you fit, there isn’t much to say about this treadmill other than it offers easy and quick exercise while taking up very little space.
Featuring a durable alloy steel design, raised, cushioned belt, and a handy step counter, you can easily get your daily steps in on this machine when you’re short on time or when the weather’s not on your side.
The running surface may only be 42 inches by 13 inches, but that is more than enough for the type of exercise you’d carry out.
Besides, this smaller belt makes the machine a lot more compact and lightweight, which makes it a lot easier to store the treadmill away.
When you’ve finished with the treadmill, simply fold it away. Alternatively, you could leave it standing as it is only small.
We most liked the LCD monitor built-in to this treadmill as it is easy to read and displays key information regarding your workout including time, distance, speed, and the number of calories burned.
Pros
- Perfect for easier cardio workouts - If you simply want to keep fit, this treadmill is perfect.
- No electricity needed - This treadmill is powered by you.
- Ridiculously affordable - You will love the price of this treadmill.
Cons
- Not suitable for running - You can only walk and jog on the manual walking treadmill.
Also available at
Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing a treadmill, there are a number of key factors you have to take into consideration.
In this buyer’s guide, we have detailed some of those factors and why they are important.
Portability And Foldability
Two of the most important things to think about when looking for the best treadmill for your home are portability and foldability.
These factors are super important because you need to find a treadmill that can be moved around your home and easily stored away.
While most home treadmills have this capability, some are quite bulky and difficult to move.
We recommend looking for a treadmill that is quite small in size, lightweight, and equipped with easy foldability features.
These could include a release knob or a simple push and pull lever.
Speed Limit
Some home treadmills are designed for a wide range of running, while others are designed for jogging and walking.
Some treadmills don’t have any speed settings and are simply powered by you.
You need to have a good think about the type of running you’ll be doing and how fast you need the treadmill to go.
It doesn’t make sense to buy a walking treadmill if you want to run at speeds of 12 kph.
On the other hand, it makes little sense to buy a treadmill with speed settings up to 16 kph if you only plan on walking or jogging.
By taking the speed of the treadmill into account, you can save yourself money and find a treadmill that suits your running style better.
Motor Power
It is also important to find a treadmill with a powerful motor, especially if you want to run fast.
A powerful motor will also ensure the treadmill runs smoothly so that you don’t disturb anyone else in the house as you run.
We recommend looking for a treadmill that has a motor with at least 2.5 horsepower. A motor with this power will give you everything you need and stay nice and quiet.
Added Features
Although it will probably cost you more, it could be a good idea to look for a treadmill with lots of added features.
This could be an even better idea for runners who take the sport more seriously or really care about their results.
Features some treadmills come with include preset workouts, a range of incline settings, bluetooth connectivity, and exercise apps, so you can download your results or stream your own personalized workouts.
If you’re not interested in any added features and just want a no-nonsense treadmill, you can save yourself some money by avoiding any treadmills with additional features.
Treadmill Belt Size
The size of the treadmill belt is something you have to consider. If you purchase a treadmill with a belt that is too small, you won’t be able to run to your full potential.
If you’re a tall individual, you should be looking for a treadmill that has a longer, wider belt. This will prevent you from tripping over or finding it uncomfortable to run.
Even if you’re a smaller individual you should look for a nice long-running belt.
You should do this because a more spacious belt provides more stability and comfort as you run.
Easy To Use Dashboard
In our opinion, you should always look out for a treadmill that has a decent-sized dashboard with at least a few useful features.
Even if these features are just speed control and incline settings, they can come in very useful when developing your running ability.
If you can afford a more expensive treadmill, a dashboard that allows you to connect your phone, stream your own workouts, choose a select program, or play your own music is even better.
While some features might not directly impact your performance, they can still make your running experience a lot more enjoyable.
Budget
The fact you’ve read our guide to treadmills under $1000 would suggest you have a budget to stick to. We can’t stress enough how important it is to stick to that budget.
By sticking to your budget, you can avoid spending any money you don’t have and also save plenty of time when it comes to finding the most suitable treadmill for you.
We recommend setting yourself a strict budget before even looking for a treadmill. This will stop you from being drawn into more expensive machines and making any mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will My Treadmill Last?
On average, most treadmills last from seven to 12 years. However, this figure will be impacted by how well the user looks after and cares for the treadmill.
If the owner treats the treadmill with care, ensuring regular maintenance is upheld, there’s no reason their treadmill can’t last longer than 12 years.
On the other hand, if a user mistreats their treadmill and doesn’t maintain it, the treadmill could even struggle to last 7 years.
Bear this in mind when looking after your treadmill.
Are Treadmills Costing Less Than $1000 Worth It?
While treadmills under $1000 might not come with all the fancy bells and whistles upper market treadmills come with, there are still plenty of great things about them that make them well worth investing in.
For starters, most treadmills under $1000 offer great levels of performance and durable builds. Secondly, they usually come with a wide range of features that make running more enjoyable.
Finally, they are normally a bit smaller which makes them a lot easier to store away and move around the house.
What Are The Best Treadmill Features To Look For?
In our opinion, you should try and look for features that enhance your running experience, whether they make running easier, or make things more enjoyable.
In terms of making running easier, treadmills with preloaded workouts and a range of easy-to-change speed settings are great.
When it comes to making running more enjoyable, treadmills that have Bluetooth features, and membership packages are great.
These features let you play music, watch videos, and try out new running workout routines.
Final Thoughts
That concludes our article looking at the best treadmills on the market for under $1000. Whether you want to walk, run, or jog, there is a treadmill on our list for you.
We have also included plenty of options from different price ranges, so you can find the most suitable treadmill for your home.
Having a treadmill at home gives us the perfect opportunity to save money, work out quickly, and keep fit even when the weather outside isn’t very nice.
Now that you've made your way through our article, you should have a much better idea of the types of treadmills on the market and what to look out for when buying one.
Now all you have to do is narrow the options down and choose the treadmill that suits your needs and requirements most.
For the first year, I wallowed in my feelings and gained 50 pounds as a result. The next year, with the help of a professional or two, I began working on myself and seeing changes.
Surprisingly enough, I found running to be my main source of comfort in such a trying time. I began running once a day for five minutes, working up to 10, then 20, 30, 40 - until I was running for an hour each morning.
Running started my day off right and on the days where I ran, I found that I was more likely to excel in work and have a better day mentally.
So, that is why I have created Run In The Sun. I want to make your running journey as easy as possible so that you can feel these benefits too. I promise you, it will be so worth it!
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