Most people I’ve met love a good bargain. I mean c’mon, who doesn’t want to get a great product at an affordable price? It’s no different when it comes to the best budget home gym equipment, which is why the Garage Gym Reviews team and I set out to get our hands on, test, and review some of the best budget treadmills on the market.
Everyone on the hunt for the best treadmill is looking for something slightly different, which is why we’ve found budget options for different needs and goals including running, walking, jogging, interval workouts, and everything in-between. Spending less doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the features that are important to you, either. Our team of certified personal trainers, triathletes, and CrossFit coaches has tested dozens of home gym treadmills, using our own treadmill testing methodology to rate factors such as:
- Footprint and portability: Generally speaking, budget treadmills can be a bit smaller, but we rate any treadmill at 3 out of 5 if it can be moved around easily by one or two folks without taking up too much space. Folding and compact treadmills score higher in this category, as well.
- Durability: To earn a 3 out of 5 in this category, a durable treadmill can hold at least 275 pounds, has a 2.5-horsepower motor, and exhibits little to no shaking while at top speeds.
- Tech Capabilities: Because of the lower price point, many budget treadmills have simpler technological features, but we give a 3 out of 5 to displays that provide basic metrics as well as heart rate monitoring.
- Value: For this score, we compare all the features of the treadmill with its price tag. If it’s fair enough, it gets at least a 3 out of 5, but treadmills score higher if they’re competitively priced and packed with quality features.
We also reached out to exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, to talk about treadmill benefits and what to look for in a budget treadmill. Last year alone, we helped more than 7,300 people find their ideal treadmill, so we know we can help you in your search.
Best Budget Treadmills
- Best Budget Treadmill Overall – Horizon Fitness T101
- Best Quiet Budget Treadmill – Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
- Best Compact Budget Treadmill – WalkingPad P1 Classic Folding Treadmill
- Best Budget Treadmill for Running – Sole F63 Treadmill
- Best Folding Budget Treadmill – ProForm Carbon TLX
- Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill – UREVO SpaceWalk E4W Smart Walking Pad
- Best Budget Treadmill With Incline – BowFlex T6 Treadmill
- Best Budget Treadmill Under $300 – GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
- Best Budget Treadmill for Walking – MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill
Current Top Deals
- Horizon Fitness T101 – Up to $100 off cardio products
- Sole F63 Treadmill – Save up to $200 on Sole cardio machines
- ProForm Carbon TLX – Early Black Friday: Up to $200 off smart machines & $800 off bundles
- BowFlex T6 Treadmill – Save $300 on the BowFlex T6
Editor’s Note
Our team of certified personal trainers, elite athletes, and home gym experts has tested over 50 of the best treadmills, including incline treadmills, under-desk treadmills, manual treadmills, and more. In November 2025, we reviewed our list of the best budget treadmills to ensure we’re still offering the top picks for a budget-conscious home gym, and added the latest information to help you make an informed decision on your next purchase.
Best Budget Treadmills Video Review
Compare Side By Side
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| Horizon T101 | Horizon 7.0 AT | WalkingPad P1 | Sole F63 | ProForm Carbon TLX | UREVO SpaceWalk E4W Smart Walking Pad | BowFlex T6 Treadmill | Goplus 2-in-1 | MERACH T12 | |
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Rating
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| Speed Range | 0.5 – 10 mph | 0.5 – 12 mph | 0.5 – 3.75 mph | 0.5 – 12 mph | 0 – 12 mph | 0.5 to 3.8 mph | 0-12 mph | 1 – 8 mph | 0.8 – 7.5 mph |
| Incline Range | 0% – 10% | 0-15% | N/A | 15 levels | 0% – 12% | N/A | 0-15% | N/A | 3 levels |
| Deck Size | 55″L x 20″W | 60″ L x 22″ W | 47.24″ L x 16.5″ W | 60″ L x 20″ W | 60″ L x 20″ W | 40″ L x 16″ W | 41.3″ L x 16.5″ W | ||
| Foldable? | — | — | — | ||||||
| Programs | N/A | 8 preset programs | N/A | Sole+ app (must use your own device) | iFIT | N/A | Access to the MERACH app | ||
| Display | 3 blue LED windows | 7.25″ high contrast LCD screen | N/A | 6.5″ backlit LCD | 7″ high contrast, multi-color | N/A | N/A | LED screen | LED screen |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame and motor, 1-year parts and labor | Lifetime frame and motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | 1-year comprehensive | Lifetime frame and motor; 2-year parts, deck, and wear items; 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | 10-year frame, 1-year parts and labor | Lifetime frame and motor warranty | 3-month comprehensive | 3-year frame, 1-year parts | |
Best Budget Treadmill Overall: Horizon Fitness T101
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The Horizon T101 Treadmill is a compact, durable and quiet no-frills folding treadmill ideal for walkers or joggers offered at an unbeatable price.
What our tester says:
“It wasn’t anything special, but it did give me a good workout.”
Best Quiet Budget Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
For under $1,000, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option for people who want to use their treadmill to run.
What our tester says:
“If you are looking for a solid, durable machine to run on, check this one out.”
Best Compact Budget Treadmill: WalkingPad P1 Classic Folding Treadmill
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The WalkingPad is another great option for people who want a way to walk while doing another activity.
What our tester says:
“I have used it daily in the winter/spring/when the weather is inclement for the last 1.5 years and have defintitly gotten my money’s worth.”
Best Budget Treadmill for Running: Sole F63 Treadmill
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The Sole F63 Treadmill is an affordable option for people who want a powerful, reliable machine that folds without breaking their budget.
What our tester says:
“I feel like any new and beginner athlete that wants to get into a more cardiovascular based training would love this treadmill, especially if they had a little bit more money to spend on one.”
Best Folding Budget Treadmill: ProForm Carbon TLX
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The ProForm Carbon TLX is an affordable folding treadmill that would be suitable for a small space. It’s durable, with a 300-pound weight capacity and 3.0 CHP motor, plus it offers up to 12% incline. Also take advantage of iFIT for virtual classes on this machine.
What our tester says:
“Even though it says that it weighs 249 pounds in the box, I thought it moved just as easily as a high-quality, more expensive treadmill.”
Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: UREVO SpaceWalk E4W Smart Walking Pad
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The UREVO Spacewalk is a slim, ultra-quiet treadmill built for casual walking while working. It’s not built for intense workouts but perfect for productivity without noise.
Best Budget Treadmill With Incline: BowFlex T6 Treadmill
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The BowFlex Treadmill 6 offers great value for under $1,000, especially with its incline range, folding design, and JRNY compatibility. This is a solid pick for walking, jogging, and general fitness training at home.
Best Budget Treadmill Under $300: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a great value purchase for any walker or casual jogger looking to save space while still getting in a solid cardio session. If you are looking for a treadmill to train for your next marathon on, this is not the one for you.
What our tester says:
“The 40-inch deck is far too short for proper running form. I’d stick to walking.”
Best Budget Treadmill for Walking: MERACH T12 Foldable Walking Treadmill
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The Merach T12 Treadmill is an affordable and foldable treadmill that’s ideal for walking. It doesn’t offer much in terms of technology or conveniences, but it works well for getting some additional movement in during the day. It takes up less than 5 square feet of space when folded, making it suitable for small home gyms.
What our tester says:
“You’ll be making some sacrifices at this price point, but it’s still a decent option for anyone who needs a lightweight and portable treadmill.”
Other Budget Treadmills We Researched and Tested
Not every budget-friendly treadmill we tried made this list. Here are some others worth mentioning that didn’t quite make our final cut for one reason or another:
- Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill: The Schwinn Fitness 810 treadmill has a 55-inch deck, which is plenty long for both walking and jogging. This cardio machine also offers a 10% incline, which is a nice bonus for a treadmill under $900.
- NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill: At $799, this treadmill from NordicTrack is impressively inexpensive. However, if you check the actual NordicTrack site, they no longer offer it. This leads me to believe they are slowly fading out the brand’s less expensive treadmills, so get it while you can through the Amazon link above.
- Costway Super Fit Treadmill: The Super Fit is a solid option for people who want to walk on a compact treadmill. With a short 40-inch deck, though, this machine likely wouldn’t be able to support a longer stride or prolonged running.
- Horizon Fitness T202: For a budget treadmill you can actually run on, consider taking a look at the T202. The 60-inch deck, 12-mile-per-hour max speed, and 12% incline all lend themselves to supporting anything from a HIIT treadmill workout to a light jog.
- Echelon Stride-6: Although it has solid specs all around, the Stride-6 is priced a bit higher than our other picks. Plus, it doesn’t come equipped with a built-in screen.
- XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill: The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is a super budget-friendly option at under $500. This machine has a 50-inch deck, a 2.25 CHP motor, and a max speed of 10 miles per hour. That said, the folding design features fewer safety components, making it less ideal for those with pets or small children.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Budget Treadmills
We’ve researched and tested some of the most popular treadmills on the market for over a decade now. For this guide to the best budget treadmills, we favored treadmills under (or just above) $1,000.
Our team has run each tested machine through the gamut: running, incline walking, jogging, and full-out sprinting (if the treadmill supported these paces, of course). We scored each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across a variety of factors:
- Footprint and Portability: We rated these treadmills off of their ability to move around and stow away, giving top scores to compact exercise equipment that folded easily to save floor space post-workout.
- Durability: A high score here means that the treadmill has a solid metal frame with a high weight capacity as well as a powerful motor (at least 2.5 horsepower). Additionally, we make sure to note any experienced shakiness or instability during training.
- Customizations: This is a score based on the amount of speed and incline options available to the user. A score of 4 out of 5 or higher goes to treadmills with maximum speeds over 10 miles per hour and inclines above 10%. While rare amongst budget treadmills, we also note whether a machine features decline settings—a sizable convenience when it comes to matching on-road pitches and descents.
- Ergonomics: A 3-out-of-5 rating in ergonomics means the treadmill has a decently sized running deck (55 inches long and 18 inches wide, at least), and it has adequate deck cushioning to help you feel supported throughout your running workout.
- Tech capabilities: We give scores of 3 out of 5 to treadmills with basic metrics and heart rate monitoring, but top scores are awarded to machines featuring Bluetooth speakers, touchscreen monitors, and the ability to sync with popular running apps.
- Dynamic programming: A treadmill with a few built-in programs and/or workouts that are easily accessible from the console or a compatible app earns a 3 out of 5 here. Higher scores usually include interactive programming, live classes, and more.
- Value: This score reflects the price of the treadmill in relation to the features included. For example, a high score means that the treadmill is competitively priced for its features, while a lower score indicates a treadmill that lacks a lot of features or is simply overpriced.
Benefits of Budget Treadmills
Treadmills can be a nice piece of equipment to have as opposed to running outside, simply because they provide a more controlled environment to run on. “They can be great for structured workouts—particularly interval training or tempo runs,” adds exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “This makes it easier to consistently track pace, distance, and time.”

Budget treadmills can help you have that set environment for your cardio workouts without breaking the bank, but it may not carry the same features as higher-end treadmills. The metrics a budget treadmill provides may be closer to estimates than exact numbers, as well. For example, Chris told me, “Most treadmill calorie counters are close estimates, but not exact. They often don’t account for individual differences in body composition, metabolism, or intensity.”
So, why the heck should you buy a budget treadmill, anyway? Well, I’m glad you asked! Here are a few benefits of purchasing an affordable treadmill profile over a more tech-riddled, luxury profile.
Saving Money
It’s no secret that choosing a budget option for anything is saving you money in the short-term (duh). However, purchasing an affordable treadmill can also save you some cheddar over time. If you have a gym membership where you use a treadmill, purchasing your own can help you ditch the additional monthly spending in regards to your membership, parking, travel to the gym, and more.
Working Out From Home
There are a ton of benefits to working out in your own space after purchasing your own equipment (like a budget treadmill). Here are my top reasons to work out from home:
- No commute to the gym
- Can wear last night’s T-shirt with a marinara stain on it without fear of judgment
- Ability to blast your favorite music
- No wait to use equipment
Chris adds, ““Mentally, a treadmill can feel harder than running outside because it lacks variation, even though running outside is technically more physically demanding because of wind resistance, terrain changes, and self-propulsion.” I think, too, that running at home makes the vibe more inviting (even if mentally it’s a bit more taxing) than running on a treadmill in a commercial gym.
RELATED: How to Make Treadmill Running Fun
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Regardless of the type of exercise you like to do on your treadmill, studies have shown that doing regular cardio can help reduce your risk of premature death due to heart disease1.
Purchasing (and using) a budget treadmill can be a great way to help improve your cardiovascular health.
Reduced Joint Impact
“Most treadmills have some level of shock absorption, which takes pressure off of the knees and hip joints when compared to pavement or concrete,” Chris explained to me. If you have bad knees or are seeking a gentler running option, treadmills may be a feasible solution.
A study from 20202 actually compared different surfaces—asphalt and tartan track—to the surfaces of treadmills and found better shock absorption from treadmills. While this can be a less responsive surface for athletes, it does show that the treadmill belt can be a better option for cushioning your joints. Higher-end treadmills tend to have better cushioning, but you can still find significantly cushioned running decks while on a budget.
RELATED: Best Running Shoes
Compact and Foldable Options
Many of the budget treadmill options mentioned above either have a smaller footprint or can be folded for easier storage while not in use. This can be beneficial for people who don’t have a lot of extra space in their home, yet still want to get in some quality cardio throughout the day.
What to Look for When Buying a Budget Treadmill
Still can’t decide which option is best for you? Borrowing from our comprehensive treadmill buying guide, here are some factors worth considering as you look to find the premier budget machine for your training plans.

Track
Determining whether you’re looking to run, walk, or jog on your treadmill is a crucial step to finding the right fit for you. If you’re over 6 feet tall or plan to run frequently, I’d recommend looking for a 55-inch deck or larger (preferably 60 inches for those with a particularly long stride). For those who just want to walk, the deck length of the treadmill can be much less important, but we still recommend a running surface of at least 40 inches.
Size
If you’re working with limited space, considering the footprint of your prospective treadmill is critical. Make sure to measure your available room, check out if the machine folds, and take note of how much it weighs. These factors can help you make your final decision about a treadmill.
Bluetooth Compatibility and Programming
Many budget treadmills don’t have glamorous 24-inch HD touchscreen displays to view programming on, but they can still utilize Bluetooth to connect your personal device to the treadmill, and sometimes come equipped with built-in media shelves for DIY streaming setups. If it’s important to you to monitor your stats accurately while using programming, make sure your budget treadmill has Bluetooth connectivity.
Motor
Motor strength is usually only a real concern if you plan to sprint or run on your treadmill. I recommend looking for a 2.5 CHP (continuous horsepower) motor or greater for running enthusiasts. A strong motor can reach higher speeds and support more weight, as a weaker motor may struggle to turn as you approach the weight capacity. Generally, you can get away with a weaker motor if you mostly plan to walk or jog on your treadmill—at least 1.5 CHP and reaching speeds of 3.5 miles per hour.
Usage
Are you a hardcore HIIT junkie or maybe more of a casual walker? Either way, determining how you plan to use your treadmill ahead of time will likely lead to a more fulfilling purchase. Some budget treadmills are more suitable for walking versus running due to factors like deck size and motor horsepower. A 40-inch deck or longer is decent for a walking treadmill, but if you want to use your treadmill for running, I recommend a 2.5-HP motor or greater, and a 50-inch+ deck (55 inches if you’re taller or have a long stride).
Incline
The inclination levels on most inexpensive treadmills range from none to as high as 15%. The incline on a treadmill can add variety to your walking and running exercises while also engaging different muscle groups. This can be a crucial feature to help to break up the monotony of jogging on a flat surface, keeping you engaged and challenged with each passing mile.
RELATED: History of Treadmills
Warranty
When it comes to treadmill frames and motors, most brands will cover standard machines for 10 years or more—some even offer lifetime protection. Parts and labor are usually under warranty for less than five years, as well. However, when looking at budget treadmill options, you may have to sacrifice on the warranty in order to get within the price range you want.
Price Tag
Although every treadmill on this list is under or near $1,000, the term “budget-friendly” can be subjective from one athlete to the next. Be sure to crunch some numbers and look at your personal finances before setting your sights on a budget-conscious profile. We also recommend taking advantage of seasonal sales or promotions as they pop up throughout the shopping seasons.
FAQs About the Best Budget Treadmills
What is the best budget treadmill for home use?
The best budget treadmill for your home will depend on your experience, fitness needs, and goals. Whether you’re using a treadmill in a home office, living room, or garage gym will also play a large factor in the type of treadmill you want or need.
With that said, our favorite budget treadmill for most people is the Horizon Fitness T101. Priced at under $1,000, this treadmill reaches speeds of 10 miles per hour with incline settings of up to 10%. Additionally, the T101 is backed by a lifetime warranty for the frame and motor.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive treadmills?
The difference between cheap and expensive treadmills is that the former will likely be less durable with fewer tech features and additional conveniences. Cheap treadmills can still be worthwhile, though, particularly for athletes that don’t desire a machine with every bell and whistle.
How long do budget treadmills last?
Budget treadmills can last anywhere from 1 to 20 years, depending on the durability of key components (motor, materials, etc.) and how well it’s maintained over its lifetime.
References
- Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135
- Colino, E., Garcia-Unanue, J., Gallardo, L., Foster, C., Lucia, A., & Felipe, J. L. (2020). Mechanical Properties of Treadmill Surfaces and Their Effects on Endurance Running. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 15(5), 685–689. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0539




























