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The 8 Best Treadmills Under $1,000, According to Fitness Pros
We asked the pros for tips on what to look for in an affordable treadmill.
Let’s be honest: Finding time to exercise isn’t always easy. Most of us have packed schedules or work long hours, and at the end of the day, would rather hit the couch than the gym. If your step count has suffered because you just can’t manage to work in a workout, you should probably consider buying a treadmill.
Experts in This Article
Noelle McKenzie
a certified personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers
Chris Pruitt
a certified personal trainer and CEO of WorkoutHealthy.com, a gym equipment company
Stephen Sheehan
certified personal trainer at BarBend
Joey Levine
vice president of fitness at Bay Club
Nicole Glor
fitness author and NikkiFitness exercise video creator
“Treadmills can help you fit in a walk or run without worrying about the weather or time of day,” says Stephen Sheehan, a certified personal trainer at BarBend. “They're great tools to use for building cardio endurance, burning calories, or just getting your steps in.” The convenience factor is perhaps its greatest benefit, says Joey Levine, vice president of fitness at Bay Club, “You can just drop what you are doing and go for a quick run or walk without having to prepare too much or drive anywhere to get your workout in.”
Although buying a treadmill can be an investment, the good news is that some of the best treadmills are available for under $1,000. “It might not have all the bells and whistles, but there are dependable models out there with decent motors and shock absorption,” says Sheehan. Many of these treadmills also come with pre-set programs to keep you motivated and your workouts interesting.
Finding the best treadmill under $1,000 can be time-consuming, for sure, which is why we asked the experts to walk us through what you should look for when buying a treadmill, as well as which ones are best suited for your space and needs. Our pros even provided tips for getting the most out of your treadmill. The most important piece of advice? “Be consistent,” says Levine, “and do not let it collect dust!”
Best treadmills under $1,000, at a glance:
- Best overall: Horizon Fitness T101 Connect Treadmill
- Best budget-friendly: Stamina Inmotion T900 Manual Treadmill
- Best for walking: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400
- Best for running: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Studio Series Treadmill
- Best under-desk: WalkingPad A1 Pro
- Best smart: NordicTrack T-Series 6.5S
- Best folding: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
- Best quiet: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Studio Series Treadmill
What to consider when buying a treadmill under $1,000
“The great thing about getting a treadmill for yourself at home is that you will not experience the wear and tear of a treadmill at your standard gym due to the amount of use it gets,” says Levine. “At home, you can have this treadmill for an extremely long time without the burden of maintenance.” Still, our experts agree that you should always consider the terms of the treadmill’s warranty and how long the coverage lasts before making a purchase. Here are some other factors to think about when looking for the best treadmill under $1,000.
Budget
First, how much are you willing to spend? Finding a treadmill well under $1,000 is completely doable, and a lower price doesn’t mean inferior quality. “Treadmills have very simple mechanics,” says Levine, “and for basic use, you don’t need anything over-the-top to get the job done.” But if you do want those extra bells and whistles, you’ll have to pay for those perks. “The price will start to go up when you need things like more digital features or extra inclining,” he says.
Space
Whether you live in a spacious home or a studio with limited square footage, you can find a treadmill that's a perfect fit. “If you don't have a lot of space, you may want to consider a treadmill that is more compact, easily collapses, and folds up so you can store it when you're not using it,” says Noelle McKenzie, a certified personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge NY.
Use
Think about how you plan to use the treadmill in your home—is it for walking, jogging, running, or all three? And, McKenzie advises, if you live in an apartment complex where noise is an issue, consider how much shock absorption the treadmill has.
Motor
A solid motor is a must, says Sheehan, who recommends a CHP (continuous horsepower) of 2.5 for walking and jogging, or higher if you plan to do a lot of running. Remember: The higher the CHP, the more the motor can endure.
Features
Treadmills can come with a host of special features such as inclines, streaming workouts, and heart-rate monitoring, so decide which ones you feel are necessary. “A console with workouts built in can add an element of engagement,” says WorkoutHealthy owner and operator Chris Pruitt. Nicole Glor, NikkiFitness exercise video creator, agrees: “I’m a big fan of treadmills that you can pre-program inclines and speeds so that you can do hills and speed intervals or both at the same time,” she says.
Pro tips for the best treadmill workout:
- 1.Establish Your Exercise Goal. This will determine what your workout looks like, says McKenzie. “If you're aiming to get your steps in, keep the tempo at a conversational pace and give yourself 45 minutes to an hour at a brisk walking pace to hit 10,000 steps,” she says. For speed training, push the pace, starting on a flat surface, then working up to an incline. “This would typically be done in short bursts of no more than a few minutes at a time.”
- 2.Warm-Up (and Watch That Posture!). “To maximize your treadmill session, build in a warm-up,” advises Pruitt. Throughout your workout, “focus on proper posture and avoid clinging onto the handrail,” he says. Engaging your core and swinging your arms will help you get more out of your session, adds Sheehan.
- 3.Keep It Interesting. To prevent growing tired of the same old routine, Pruitt recommends mixing up your pace with interval training and heightening the intensity with incline settings. Glor relies on a variety of treadmill tricks, including walking flat to warm up, then walking uphill, running on a flat surface, skipping sideways uphill, and walking uphill backwards. Another trick for staying on track? "A good playlist or virtual class can boost your motivation,” says Sheehan.
Shop the Best Treadmills Under $1,000, According to Pros
Dimensions: 70.5” x 33.5” x 59” | Deck surface: 20” x 55” | Max speed: 10 mph | Max incline: 10% | Motor speed: 2.5 CHP | Max user weight: 300 lbs. | Programs: 6 | Features: Foldable; Bluetooth enabled; heart-rate hand grips; built-in cooling fan and speakers; USB port; emergency stop brake
A favorite of McKenzie and Pruitt, the Horizon Fitness T101 Connect is our overall pick for the best treadmill under $1,000, thanks to its simple design and versatility. Perfect for beginners, it has a user-friendly console with three separate LED windows that display speed and incline, time and calories, and distance and heart rate. There are six program settings—Calorie, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Intervals, and Manual—and speeds and inclines can easily be adjusted using the panel’s buttons or the rolling dials on the handles. But here’s where it gets better: The Horizon Fitness T101 Connect can sync with apps via Bluetooth, so you can stream workout programs, music, podcasts, and movies on your phone or tablet and have the audio play on the machine’s speakers. “It’s a great all-around treadmill with a quiet motor, easy folding, and solid cushioning,” Pruitt says. “It’s ideal for shared homes or apartments.”
Pros:
- Simple console layout
- LED windows track speed, incline, time, calories, distance, and heart rate
- Bluetooth enabled to sync with apps for unlimited workout experiences
- Six program settings: Calorie, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Intervals, and Manual
- Folds down to 46" x 34" x 61"
- Quiet
- Three-zone deck cushioning to maximize comfort
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
Cons:
- Shorter deck surface is less ideal for running
- May be too low-tech for some users
Dimensions: 47" x 22" x 45" | Deck surface: 41" x 12.4" | Max speed: 8 mph | Max incline: 10% | Motor speed: N/A | Max user weight: 225 lbs. | Programs: N/A | Features: Foldable; non-electric; two manual incline levels; free access to müüv app
Priced at $200, the Stamina Inmotion T900 Manual Treadmill gives all those expensive models a run for their money. It’s easy to assemble, sturdy, and spacious enough for walking, jogging, and running. It's also powered by you! No electric outlet or motor here, just your feet making the deck move, which makes for quite an intense workout. Though it has no programs, you get free access to the müüv app, which has a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility workouts to help you move 500+ minutes per month. The compact Staminia Inmotion T900 is also highly portable, since no electric outlet is required. "I love that you can move it outside, like on a covered porch in the rain, to feel closer to nature and breathe the fresh air," says Glor, for whom the Stamina Inmotion T900 checks all the boxes when it comes to the best treadmills under $1,000. In fact, she loves this model so much that “I got my parents one as well.”
Pros:
- Affordable
- No electric outlet needed, no motor
- Battery-operated fitness meter tracks time, speed, distance, and calories
- Free access to the müüv app, which has a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility workouts
- Easy to assemble
- Folds down to 17" x 22"
- Can be used outdoors
Cons:
- User weight is below industry standard of 300 lbs.
- Two manually adjustable incline levels
- One-year structural frame warranty; 90 days parts
Dimensions: 62” x 25.5” x 50” | Deck surface: 16” x 49” | Max speed: 9 mph | Max incline: 4.3% | Motor speed: 2.2 CHP | Max user weight: 220 lbs. | Programs: 9 | Features: Foldable; heart-rate hand grips; three manual incline levels; free workout app; emergency stop brake
Walking is one of the best forms of cardio exercise, and the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 is a standout for getting your steps in. “The SF-T4400 is well-suited for walking workouts,” says Sheehan. “Its compact size and cushioning system provide a comfortable walking experience. While it may not be the best option for high-intensity workouts, it's a reliable choice for daily walks.” McKenzie also praises the machine: “It’s collapsible, making it easy to store, and it has nine workout programs already built in. It’s also pretty quiet.” The SF-T4400 features a console with an LCD screen that tracks speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories. The treadmill can be operated using the panel’s keypad or the handrails, which also measure heart rate when squeezed. Besides the nine pre-programmed interval workouts, the free SunnFit App gives you access to more than 1,000 trainer-led workouts and 10,000 virtual scenic tours, so your sessions will never be boring.
Pros:
- LCD display tracks speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories
- Nine pre-programmed interval workouts
- Free SunnFit App with access to more than 1,000 trainer-led workouts and 10,000 virtual scenic tours
- Folds down to 36” x 25.5” x 58”
- Quiet
Cons:
- User weight is below industry standard of 300 lbs.
- Shorter deck surface is not ideal for serious runners
- Incline levels can only be adjusted off treadmill
- Three-year structural frame warranty; 180 days parts and components
Dimensions: 76" x 35" x 66" | Deck surface: 20” X 60” | Max speed: 12 mph | Max incline: 15% | Motor speed: 3.0 CHP | Max user weight: 325 lbs. | Programs: 8 | Features: Bluetooth enabled; foldable; heart-rate hand grips; built-in cooling fan and speakers; emergency stop brake; USB port
This one comes in just one penny under $1,000 on sale, but if you want to step up your routine with some serious running, look no further than the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT, which counts Levine, Pruitt, McKenzie, and Sheehan among its fans. “With its powerful motor and spacious deck, it caters to runners,” says Sheehan. “Its cushioning system reduces impact on your joints, and the treadmill's stability makes sure you get a smooth run.“ The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT, which McKenzie notes goes up to 12 mph, comes with eight workout program settings and is Bluetooth enabled to pair with popular apps like Peloton as well as fitness devices like the Apple Watch. Its user-friendly console includes both an LCD display and smaller LED windows that let you monitor your stats and progress. If you want to rev things up or slow things down, the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT’s QuickDial controls let you make adjustments in an instant. Overall, it doesn’t get much better than this. “It features a robust frame, a quality motor, and the ability to incline, offering good value to budget-driven consumers,” says Pruitt.
Pros:
- LCD display tracks calories, pace, time, heart rate, incline, and speed
- LED display tracks segment time, incline, speed, distance, total time, calories, pace, heart rate
- Eight program settings: Manual, Distance, Calories, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Target Heart Rate, My First 5K, and Custom
- Bluetooth enabled to sync with fitness apps and Apple Watch
- QuickDial controls for faster speed and incline adjustments
- Folds down to 44” x 35” x 68”
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
Cons:
- Tricky to assemble
- No touchscreen
- Three-year parts warranty; 1-year labor
Dimensions: 56.5" x 21.5" x 5" | Deck surface: 16.5” x 47” | Max speed: 3.72 mph | Max incline: N/A | Motor speed: 1.25 CHP | Max user weight: 300 lbs. | Programs: N/A | Features: Folds in half; foot sensors adjust speed; remote control
Working from home has its benefits, but sitting down for eight hours isn’t one of them. That’s why an under-desk treadmill like the WalkingPad A1 Pro comes in handy. The simply designed pad features a spacious deck with sensors that let you adjust speed based on where your foot lands. Walk on the front of the deck to pick up the pace, stay in the middle to hold things steady, and step toward the back to slow things down. You can also adjust the speed via the included remote control or the KS Fit app. While the A1 Pro may not be suited for running, it’ll definitely help you de-stress during the workday and get your steps in at your desk. And once your shift is over, you can fold the treadmill in half and stash it away. “It's super thin and compact,” says McKenzie, “making it easy to store under a couch or in a closet.”
Pros:
- LED display tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and steps
- Folds in half to 32.5” x 21.5” x 5”
- Speed can be adjusted via FootSense technology, remote, or app
- No assembly required
- Quiet
Cons:
- No incline
- Not suited for running
- One-year warranty
Dimensions: 73.5" x 36" x 54" | Deck surface: 20” x 55” | Max speed: 10 mph | Max incline: 10% | Motor speed: 2.8 CHP | Max user weight: 300 lbs. | Programs: 20 | Features: Foldable; Bluetooth enabled; LCD touchscreen; heart-rate hand grips; access to 10,000+ trainer-led workouts with iFIT app subscription; adjustable deck cushioning; built-in cooling fans and speakers; emergency stop brake
When it comes to smart treadmills, the NordicTrack T-Series 6.5S couldn’t be more brilliant. Using your mobile device, you can sync the iFIT app to the treadmill’s LCD screen, and the app will automatically adjust the machine’s speed, incline, and decline, depending on the routine you choose. And there are a lot to choose from—more than 10,000, to be exact, including training sessions, and virtual walks, hikes, and runs through famous locations across the globe. The iFIT app costs $15 per month, though a 30-day free trial is included with your treadmill purchase. You can, however, opt to bypass the trial and just stick with the T-Series 6.5S’s 20 free pre-programmed workouts. Either way, this sturdy machine, a favorite of Levine, is a solid choice for those who want to keep their at-home regimen interesting.
Pros:
- User-friendly console LCD touchscreen displays speed, distance, incline, heart rate, and calories
- Bluetooth enabled to sync with iFIT app and stream music
- Folds to 78.5” x 35.5” x 14.5”
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
Cons:
- iFIT subscription not included
- Limited incline and speed
- Noisy
- Assembly can be tricky
- One-year motor and parts warranty
Dimensions: 49”x 27”x 42” | Deck surface: 40" x 16" | Max speed: 7.5 mph | Max incline: N/A | Motor speed: 2.25 CHP | Max user weight: 265 lbs. | Programs: N/A | Features: Foldable; Bluetooth enabled; built-in speaker; remote control; emergency stop brake
While all of our picks for the best treadmills under $1,000 are foldable, the GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a real gem because it’s streamlined in both form and function. “You can both walk and run on it, based on your needs,” says Levine. The no-frills machine features an adjustable handrail that lets you switch up its functions: Leave the handrail lowered at the treadmill’s base, and you can walk or jog up to 2.5 mph; raise it completely up, and you can run up to 7.5 mph. The GoPlus 2-in-1 includes a remote control for adjusting the treadmill’s speed and has a Bluetooth speaker for streaming playlists and podcasts. Perfect for small spaces and under-desk use, the folding treadmill has built-in wheels that make it easy to move and stash out of sight.
Pros:
- LED display tracks speed, time, distance, and calories
- Bluetooth enabled for streaming playlists and podcasts
- Easy to assemble
- Folds down to 52” x 27” x 5”
- Available in 7 colors
Cons:
- User weight is below industry standard of 300 lbs.
- No incline
- Not recommended for use on carpet
- 90-day limited warranty
Dimensions: 76" x 35" x 66" | Deck surface: 20” X 60” | Max speed: 12 mph | Max incline: 15% | Motor speed: 3.0 CHP | Max user weight: 325 lbs. | Programs: 8 | Features: Bluetooth enabled; foldable; heart-rate hand grips; built-in cooling fan and speakers; emergency stop brake; USB port
The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT is so nice, it made our list twice. Several of our experts—as well as countless online reviews—couldn’t keep mum about the fact that this top-notch treadmill under $1,000 is one of the most silent machines on the market. “It has a smooth and quiet operation,” Levine says of the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT, which is equipped with a powerful 3.0 CHP motor that runs so softly that it won’t disturb your housemates or neighbors. Adding to the quieting effect is the shock-absorbing cushioned deck, which has three different zones of support to match your stride. “Its cushioning system reduces impact on your joints, and the treadmill's stability makes sure you get a smooth run,” says Sheehan. If a whisper-soft workout is a priority on your list, run, don’t walk, and get the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT.
Pros:
- Quiet, shock-absorbing cushioned deck
- LCD display tracks calories, pace, time, heart rate, incline, and speed
- LED display tracks segment time, incline, speed, distance, total time, calories, pace, heart rate
- Eight program settings: Manual, Distance, Calories, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Target Heart Rate, My First 5K, and Custom
- Bluetooth enabled to sync with fitness apps and Apple Watch
- QuickDial controls for faster speed and incline adjustments
- Folds down to 44” x 35” x 68”
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
Cons:
- Tricky to assemble
- No touchscreen
- Three-year parts warranty; 1-year labor
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