Affordable Home Gyms: Start Your Fitness Journey with These Cheap Treadmills

Looking for an affordable treadmill that’s built to last? Aren’t we all? I’m as price conscious as the next guy, particularly when it comes to cardio. The good news is, they exist. And frankly you’d be surprised at the overall quality of these machines. In testing them myself, I’ve often thought that if people honestly estimate how much time they’ll spend on a treadmill, then a good $700 unit might be the best choice. We’ve done all the research for you and rounded up this year’s best cheap treadmills, taking into consideration key factors such as performance, durability, and special features. These are all great units that are plenty durable. What you won’t find is the bells and whistles. You can expect handy space-saving technology, easy at-home assembly, and impressive built-in workout programs from many of the models in this price bracket. If you’re looking for a specific type of cheap treadmill–such as the best model with iFit or the best compact model–we’ve picked out the top machine in that category to help further streamline your search.

Why You Should Trust Our Review of Best Treadmills on the Market Today 2023

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. We have tried each of the treadmills in this comparison and we give an honest review of each of them, to help you make a buying decision.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a professional bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

How Treadmills Were Selected for This List

Every treadmill you’ll see in this market list was researched, and, when possible, hand-tested to ensure you know exactly what to expect if you make a purchase. As a competitive athlete who has trained for everything from 5k’s to triathlons, marathons, and more, I’ve used dozens of treadmills over the years and know the ins and outs of what to look for.

In this roundup, I’ve considered premium features including motor size, incline/decline, speed, special programming options, warranty, and integrated technology. Each product is assessed without bias as some treadmills are simply better for certain types of training than others.

Top Cheap Treadmills By Category

Best Cheap Treadmill Overall – Horizon T101

Best Cheap Treadmill with Longer Track – Horizon T202

Best Cheap Treadmill for Warranty – F63

Best Cheap Treadmill with iFit – NordicTrack T 6.5 Si

Best Cheap Compact Treadmill – ProForm 505 CST

1. Best Cheap Treadmill Overall – Horizon T101

Good for: Walkers or hikers, HIIT or slower motion, and those wanting a lifetime warranty on both frame and motor, as well as freedom from paid apps.

Where to buy Horizon T101 Check price at Horizon Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy Horizon T101 $649 See details $649 See details

If you’re looking for a durable, versatile treadmill that won’t hurt your wallet, check out the Horizon T101. At just $649 from Horizon Fitness, the T101 is our top budget-friendly treadmill on the market today. Even at this price it has a respectable warranty—offering lifetime coverage on the frame and motor as well as a year on parts and labor—this demonstrating the brand’s confidence in the durability of its cheapest model. What’s more, it will suit most home gyms and is ideal for small spaces. It’s a compact, easily foldable treadmill with transport wheels which means you can pack the machine out of sight for easy storage.

The Horizon T101’s 2.5 CHP motor and 20″ x 55″ track make it a great option for walking and gentle cardio. Other key features include: a 10% incline; 5 onboard workout programming options; and 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning to reduce the impact of your routines. Entertainment features include Bluetooth speakers, a cooling fan, a tablet holder, and a USB charging port. We can safely say that it’s the best cheap model on the market in terms of quality, features and value for cost-conscious shoppers who prefer light to moderate workouts. See our detailed review of the Horizon T101.

Key Specs

2. Best Cheap Treadmill with Longer Track – Horizon T202

Good for: Joggers and runners with an industry standard track and 12% incline and 12mph speed.

Where to buy Horizon T202 Check price at Horizon Where to buy Horizon $799 See details

Here we have another entry from Horizon on our best cheap treadmills list. Although you can find treadmills with extra long tracks, getting one with a 20″ by 60″ track at this price is a good deal. All the other treadmills on this list have a sub-60″ track, so if you’re a taller individual and want a treadmill that doesn’t break the bank, you should check out the Horizon T202. The T202 offers a good combination of features and affordability.

For less than $1,000 ($799 to be exact), you will get a 2.75 CHP motor that supports an automated 12% incline, 5 built-in workout programs, and a fantastic lifetime warranty. Even at this affordable price the T202 is covered with a lifetime frame and motor warranty as well as a year of coverage on parts and labor. It also features an audio jack, Bluetooth connectivity for the music lover, as well as a fan and tablet holder for you to watch shows in comfort during your cardio workout. The T202 is a good all-purpose budget treadmill that can accommodate taller runners due to its 60″ long belt. It has an impressive range of preset programs and features such as incline and cushioning for the price, as well as a stellar warranty. See our detailed review of the Horizon T202.

Key Specs

3. Best Cheap Treadmill for Warranty – Sole F63

Good for: Users wanting a more powerful motor and 15% incline potential.

Where to buy Sole F63 Check price at Sole Check price at Amazon Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy Sole F63 $1,199 See details $1,199 See details $1,199 See details

One of the chief concerns with cheap treadmills is the warranty. Lower-cost treadmills are still high quality in most cases, but it still pays to check the guarantee. With a lifetime warranty on both the frame and the motor, the Sole F63 does inspire confidence to that end. The warranty also offers three years for the parts, deck, and electronics, and a one year for labor. With a 3.0 HP motor and a 20″ x 60″ running surface, this folding unit can support up to 325 lbs. With built-in heart rate sensors in the handles, the machine also integrates easily with chest sensors. The 6.5″ LCD screen is built to work with any of the 10 preset workout programs, and of course Sole does offer its own fitness app separately.

Engineering-wise, the Sole F63 features up to 15 levels of incline and a top speed of 12 mph. In case the smaller screen isn’t sufficient, the treadmill comes equipped with an integrated tablet-holder, USB port, and water bottle holder. Whether using the built-in programs, the Sole app, or another, the F63 brings performance and comfort for a low price and backed by a stellar warranty. See our detailed review of the Sole F63.

Key Specs

4. Best Cheap Treadmill with iFit – NordicTrack T 6.5 Si

Good for: iFit fans who want a recently discontinued model at a bargain price.

Where to buy NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Check price at Amazon Where to buy NordicTrack T 6.5 Si $999 See details

If interactive training is a top priority for you, then you’ve probably come across NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills featuring iFit. iFit is an innovative interactive training platform which you can use alongside your iFit-enabled treadmill for an immersive workout experience; it’s much like having a personal trainer in your living room. If you’re looking for a cheap treadmill that supports such training, you should check out the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si. Although now discontinued from production, it’s still available at online retailers like Amazon. This model was very recently the entry point to iFit training, delivering live and streaming workouts via a 10-inch HD touchscreen. Priced very affordably, you’re getting a top-notch model.

iFit allows you to access a huge library of on-demand (and now live) workouts with expert personal trainers both on and off your machine (subscription required). Map out your own Google Maps running trail, stroll through an exotic location across the world, or hop off the machine for a yoga flow. The incline and speed will change automatically in line with the trainer or landscape you are exploring, allowing for a truly immersive workout experience. It has a 2.6 CHP motor, so it’s better suited to walkers than runners. Other highlights of the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si include: iFit connectivity for workout variety; 10% incline; easy to fold and store; and an aux music port for you to listen to tunes through the built-in speakers. Overall, it’s a top quality treadmill in its price bracket for interactive training with iFit. See our detailed review of the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si.

Key Specs

5. Best Compact Treadmill – ProForm City L6

Good for: People seeking a small walking unit that fits anywhere.

Where to buy ProForm City L6 Check price at ProForm Where to buy ProForm City L6 $599 See details

These days there are many high-quality compact treadmills that can just about compete with their larger counterparts. Compact design meets affordability in the ProForm City L6. The ProForm City L6 is an entry-level treadmill designed for durability and convenience. You can easily slide it under a desk and stow it away after workouts.

Although compact at just 29″ x 70.25″ x 44.5″ the ProForm City L6 is still a great little walking/jogging unit with max speeds up to 8mph. The unit can be used with or without the arms, meaning you can simply walk on the deck. If you do want to use the full folding frame, just bring your own screen and slide it into the media shelf. Worked to run with or without iFit, there’s few excuses to miss a workout now.

Due to its 1.6 CHP motor, it’s best suited for walkers rather than runners or marathon trainers. And as with any space-saving treadmill, there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing. Yet if saving space and some cash is your top priority, the compact and easily foldable ProForm City L6 is a great option. See our detailed review of the ProForm City L6.

Key Specs

Want to learn more about what to look for in a cheap treadmill to find the best machine for your home gym space, workout preferences, and budget? Read our guide below.

What to Look for When Buying A Cheap Treadmill

Best Cheap Folding Treadmills

There are treadmills available for under $500, but they tend to break down very quickly. The best cheap folding treadmills have sturdy frames and a minimum one-year warranty on parts and labor. Shoppers may not get every feature they want at this price, but they can get a good balance of portability, performance and special features. Ready to compare some models in this category? Take a look at our top folding treadmill picks.

Best Cheap Treadmills for Walkers

Unlike runners, walkers can opt for a cheaper treadmill and still be satisfied with the workout it provides. Here are some tips to help you find a walking treadmill with the best motor power, track length, incline, and console electronics to suit your workout needs:

• Motor: Look for a treadmill with 2.5 continuous horsepower (CHP) and preferably a motor that’s under lifetime warranty. There’s no need to choose a treadmill with greater CHP unless you carry a lot of body weight.
• Track Length: Opt for a treadmill with a track length of 55″ instead of paying more for one with a 60″ track. The 60″ tracks are meant to accommodate the long strides of runners. Besides saving money, a 55″ track will also take up less floor space. That said, the more money you spend, the better the track is likely to be in terms of durability and quietness.
• Incline: Power inclines with maximum 10% incline settings are typical on the best cheap treadmills for walkers, but you can find some with steeper inclines. To make the most of incline training, all of iFit’s treadmills are iFit-enabled regardless of the price point. Every trainee with an iFit membership and a treadmill with incline can virtually experience the rise and fall of real landscapes charted in Google Maps. It’s a great way to mix up your walking workouts and stay motivated to keep exercising.
• Console: The best cheap treadmills provide accurate readouts about calorie burn and heart rate. Ideally they support wireless heart-rate monitoring, but cheap treadmills usually only have contact pulse sensors. The best cheap machines also have backlit displays so that data can easily be seen at night. Most brands use small monitors on their lowest priced treadmills, but data monitor size and technology increases and improves with price. Cheap treadmills tend to have small LED or LCD monitors. LED monitors are the more advanced option in terms of clarity and are also less expensive to maintain. More advanced treadmills have larger screens and possibly full-color HD touchscreens with video display capability.

Best Cheap Treadmills for Runners

Runners on the lookout for a cheap home treadmill should look at options that are sale priced under $999. It’s important to avoid skimping on horsepower for runners’ treadmills, so you should look for a motor with a lifetime warranty. The motors in low-end treadmills tend to have cheaper wiring and aren’t likely to last as long as their warranties suggest. The upper end of motor power for home treadmills is about 4.0 CHP, and some high-end treadmills designed for marathon training can reach 5.0 CHP or higher. That said, this sort of horsepower can’t be expected on cheap treadmills. Another area to avoid skimping on is the track size. When it comes to track size, runners should keep a few things in mind.

• Track Length: Treadmills meant for runners have longer tracks than those meant for walkers. Although you may get away with a 55″ long track (the standard length for walking), many runners need a 58″ or 60″ track to run without feeling restricted or closed in.
• Track Width: This is also something to consider. Both cheap and luxury treadmills generally have 20″ wide tracks. It’s rare to find a cheap treadmill for running or sprints that has the extra track width available at higher price points.

Find The Best Match Within Your Budget

We’ve reviewed hundreds of treadmills at TreadmillReviews.net. Some of our favorite cheap treadmills are featured above, but there are many more on the market to choose from. If this is still above your price range, we have put together a list of the best treadmills under $500: just expect to make many sacrifices for that price.

Recent Updates

September 23, 2023: Updated picks and product information.

October 18, 2022: Updated prices and product availability with different retailers. Added more FAQs and original images from test run.

June 22, 2021: Numerous specs have been updated for accuracy and to reflect changes made for 2021 models.

July 27, 2021: Updated specs and included the Sole F63 for its warranty rating.