Best Treadmill Under $1,000 (2024): 7 Options to Spend Less for Cardio Success

Outfitting a home gym on a budget is a lot like moving into your first place: you probably have an entire empty room (or rooms) to fill and about $10 to your name. Been there, done that, and bought a t-shirt, so I feel you. Although I can’t really be helpful on the filling-your-home front (except maybe check Facebook Marketplace for free couches), I can make the treadmill buying process easier.

I’ve researched, tested, and sweated on many machines in my quest to find the best treadmill under $1,000. This was no easy feat, but I managed to find something for almost everyone. 

Our expert product testers have had their hands (and well, feet) on over 50 treadmills. With multiple certified personal trainers, CrossFit-L1 coaches, and former college athletes, you can rest easy knowing we really have a grip on the fitness industry. Giving our honest opinion on fitness equipment, like the best treadmills under $1,000, is our priority. We do this by actually using the treadmills and rating them from 1 to 5 on certain criteria, including:

• Price: Does it cost under $1,000 and still provide good bang for your buck?
• Durability: We’re looking for treadmills that have a decent weight capacity (at least 300 pounds), a durable motor, and is stable while in use. Keep in mind, these features are hard to find in cheap treadmills.
• Speed and Incline Range: Is it fast enough for your running needs? Does it offer incline for versatility?
• Programming: Can it stream training apps or have built-in workouts?
• Ergonomics: Is the deck cushioned? How does the machine feel while in use?

7 Best Treadmills Under $1,000  

• Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,000: Sole F63
• Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Running: Horizon 7.0 AT
• Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Walking: WalkingPad
• Best Treadmill for Seniors Under $1,000: ProForm Carbon TLX
• Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000: Horizon T101
• Best Space-Saving Treadmill Under $1,000: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T7603
• Best Durable Treadmill Under $1,000: XTERRA TR150

Best Treadmills Under $1,000 Video Review

Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,000: Sole F63

Good for: Most people looking for a well-rounded cardio machine on a budget

Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,000

Sole F63 Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Folding treadmill
• Costs around $1,200
• Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and cooling fans
• Powerful 3.0 HP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Financing is available
• Bluetooth speakers
• USB port
• Device holder
• 15 different levels of incline
• Cushioned deck
• 20" W x 60" L belt
• 325-lb weight capacity
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty

Cons

• Heavy machine
• No touchscreen

Bottom Line

The Sole F63 Treadmill is an affordable option for people who want a powerful, reliable machine that folds without breaking their budget.

Editor’s Note: This treadmill now costs $1,199, but we’ve seen the price fluctuate above and below $1,000 over the past year.

Budget-friendly cardio machines that are actually great, like the Sole F63, bring me joy. Not only is this treadmill foldable for easy storage, but it boasts a lifetime frame warranty to likely make your purchase usable for years to come. 

Whether you’re into jogging, walking, or even doing sprinting intervals, the Sole F63 will support your habits. The deck is a lengthy 60 inches, which is exactly what a taller runner would want for a comfortable stride (you’re welcome, fellow tall folks). It also has a 3.0 CHP motor, suitable for walkers and runners alike, and a 325-pound weight limit, both of which earns it a 4 out of 5 on durability.

We took a point off because our expert product testers noticed it started shaking at higher speeds.

Another nice feature? The Sole F63 comes with an included heart rate monitoring strap so you can keep an eye on your exertion. This is a nice extra for someone who doesn’t have a fitness tracker already.

On the downside, this machine is heavy. Like 224 pounds heavy. If you’re moving and need to take this treadmill up or downstairs, please hire a professional. It isn’t worth throwing your back out over. We’ll give it a 4 out of 5 on portability and footprint because it can fold easily and has transport wheels, but it’s still quite large (77 inches in length and 35 inches wide) and heavy.

The same applies to the assembly process. I would recommend ponying up for the expert assembly, but if you can’t, grab a friend or two to aid in the unboxing process, bare minimum. 

Read our full Sole F63 treadmill review.

Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Running: Horizon 7.0 AT

Good for: Running enthusiasts or tall people with long strides 

Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Running

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Priced under $1,000
• Spacious 60-inch running deck
• Bluetooth connectivity
• QuickDial controls for both the speed and incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60” running surface
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Bluetooth connectivity with apps like Zwift, Peloton, and Nike Running Club
• 325 lb weight limit

Cons

• Heavy machine at over 250 lbs
• No included touchscreen
• 3-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranties are less than the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill

Bottom Line

For under $1,000, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option for people who want to use their treadmill to run.

The easiest way to tell a good budget treadmill from a not-so-great one is the shake factor. Luckily, the Horizon 7.0 AT passes this test with nary a quiver in sight, even when running at top speeds.

Plus, the 20-inch-by-60-inch deck is ideal for serious runners looking for a top treadmill with great speed range that tops out at 12 mph, along with a 15% maximum incline. Not only that, the QuickDial wheels allow you to adjust your speed or incline with ease in the middle of your run. We’re giving it a 5 out of 5 on customizations.

I love the 325-pound max user weight capacity, which is well over the 300-pound industry standard. Even better? It has a 3.0 CHP motor that can withstand daily runs, giving it a 5 out of 5 on durability. The 7.0 AT has a lifetime frame and motor warranty so you can feel secure in your new machine’s durability. 

Unfortunately, with such durability and stability comes weight. This treadmill clocks in at 277 pounds, which is not light by any means. I’d recommend having multiple people help you with unboxing, moving, and assembling this machine. Better yet, hire professionals to help you with the job if you can spare extra cash. 

Check out our full Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill review.

Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Walking: WalkingPad

Good for: People who just want to get their steps in and don’t need a fast motor

Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Walking

Echelon Stride-6

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Auto-fold
• 12.5 incline levels
• No assembly required
• Cushioned running deck
• 300-lb user weight capacity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Folds and unfolds with the push of a button
• No assembly
• Vertical and horizontal transport wheels
• Bluetooth compatible

Cons

• Screen not included
• 1-year warranty for most customers (Echelon Premier members get a 5-year warranty)

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride 6 has all the features you'd expect in a heavy-duty treadmill, along with auto-fold technology and zero assembly.

Trying to hit that 10,000 daily Apple Watch step goal without having to leave the comfort of your own abode? If you’re planning on sticking to walking, we suggest the WalkingPad because it’s more compact than a full-sized treadmill and is a fraction of the cost.

“I got my money’s worth with this thing,” says certified personal trainer and GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis. “After more than a year of using it, it still works fine.”

Before we continue, we have to stress that this treadmill isn’t for everyone. It has a 220-pound weight capacity and a 47-inch deck, meaning heavier people and tall people with long strides won’t be able to use it comfortably. Nicole’s husband is about 20 pounds lighter than the weight limit, and he says he notices it slowing down when he steps on it.

Nicole, however, rates her workout experience with it a 4 out of 5, only docking a point because you can’t really use it on work calls. “It sounds just like a regular treadmill,” she says. That aside, she says, “I like using this.”

You can control the speed with a remote, app, or by placing your feet on certain parts of the treadmill. Walking closer to the top of the deck speeds it up, staying in the middle keeps your speed steady, and walking closer to the bottom slows it down. It only has a top speed of 3.75 mph and there’s no incline, so we’re rating the customizations a 3.5 out of 5.

On the surface, this doesn’t seem like a durable treadmill. After all, a 220-pound weight limit is light compared to most treadmills and the motor is only 1 horsepower. According to our treadmill testing methodology, it gets a 3 out of 5 for durability, but again, Nicole says hers is still in perfect condition after 12 months of regular use.

When you’re not using it you can fold it in half sandwich-style and store it under your couch or bed. It only weighs 62 pounds and has transport wheels, so it gets a nearly perfect 4.5 out of 5 for portability. “The folding function works just fine after folding and unfolding it multiple times per week,” Nicole says in her WalkingPad review.

Best Treadmill for Seniors Under $1,000: ProForm Carbon TXL

Good for: Older adults who want a budget-friendly treadmill to suit their needs

Best Treadmill for Seniors Under $1,000

ProForm Carbon TLX

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Product Highlights

• Affordable folding treadmill
• 3.0 CHP motor
• 60" belt
• 0-12 mph speed range
• 12% incline
• 7-inch display
• iFIT-enabled

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable with a 3.0 CHP motor
• 300-lb weight capacity
• 60-inch belt length
• 12% incline
• Cushioned running deck
• iFIT-enabled
• Foldable

Cons

• Only a 1-year parts warranty
• No touchscreen display

Bottom Line

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.

The ProForm Carbon TLX treadmill is a home run for seniors. With an easy-to-read console, low step-up height that’s under 8 inches, and built-in cooling fan, most older adults will find their walk or jog is a comfortable experience on the TLX. 

The deck length of 60 inches is above average for machines priced under $1,000. When it comes to taking strides, most seniors will be able to walk, jog, and run on this comfortably. Plus, for those who need a little extra support, the attached handlebars offer a sturdy place to hold on to. Older adults will also benefit from tons of adjustability with an incline up to 12% and speeds up 12 mph. It earns a 5 out of 5 for customizations.

This machine also features a powerful 3.0 continuous horsepower motor and a 300-pound user weight limit, which our product testers think is quite durable for this price range—we give it a 5 out of 5 in that category.

“For the price, you get a lot with this machine,” says GGR expert tester and ISSA certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele in her ProForm Carbon TLX review.

But it doesn’t stop there: The 7-inch high contrast display on the ProForm Carbon is easy to read with large numbers and can connect to iFIT programming with your own smart device via Bluetooth. This ProForm treadmill works without an iFIT subscription, but it’s worth noting that iFIT offers high-quality, interactive programming to help people reach their fitness goals. This is a great option for a senior who needs a little guidance on specific workouts to do on their new treadmill.

Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000: Horizon T101

Good for: Small spaces or people who want to store their machine in-between usage

Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000

Horizon Fitness T101

GGR Score: 3.75

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Product Highlights

• Foldable treadmill
• Best suited for walkers, joggers or cardio newbies
• Compact, sturdy and easy to use
• Console fan, Bluetooth speakers, device holder, and a rapid-charge USB port

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy assembly
• One touch keys to quickly shift speed and incline
• Integrated Bluetooth speakers
• Device holder
• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Great for beginners
• Financing available

Cons

• 2.5 continuous horsepower motor will not support heavy running
• Smaller running surface is not ideal for tall runners

Bottom Line

The Horizon T101 Treadmill is a compact, durable and quiet no-frills folding treadmill ideal for walkers or joggers offered at an unbeatable price.

Don’t have a ton of space to work with but still want a treadmill for your home gym? Fear not! The Horizon T101 is here to save the day. This budget-friendly machine is simple to fold and features a handy hydraulic folding system that lowers the deck slowly and safely. 

Folding it back up involves lifting the deck, and at 180 pounds this isn’t exactly the lightest treadmill out there but our expert product testers found it pretty easy to do on their own. Moving it was also a breeze, thanks to the included transport wheels. “This was fairly easy to move around compared to other treadmills,” says certified personal trainer and GGR Everything cardio Lindsay Scheele.

We’re rating the footprint and portability a 4 out of 5, because while it’s compact compared to other treadmills that 71-inch long machine still takes up a bit of space.

In terms of cushioning, it depends where on the treadmill you’re running. The T101’s “3-zone variable cushioning” has a lot of cushioning up top, which they’ve dubbed the “impact” zone,” and less cushioning at the bottom, known as the “push-off” zone to reduce joint pain. The running surface is 55 inches long, which might be too short for taller runners. We’ll give it a 4 out of 5 on adjustability and ergonomics, docking a point because we would’ve liked to seen a standard 60-inch running deck

Our workout experience with the Horizon T101 was a 4 out of 5, with one point being deducted due to some shakiness that Lindsay felt at higher speeds (this is to be expected on cheaper treadmills).

Best Space-Saving Treadmill Under $1,000: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T7603

Good for: Individuals with small homes, condos, and apartments

Best Space-Saving Treadmill Under $1,000

Sunny Health And Fitness SF - T7603 Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Compact and foldable
• Simple to build solo
• Foldable with a gas shock for gentle release
• Handles have speed adjustments
• 2.2 CHP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact
• Easy to fold
• Lightweight
• Sturdy, all-steel frame
• Shock absorption
• Reviewers report easy assembly

Cons

• Weaker motor will not support sustained or intense runs
• Small running deck not suited for taller individuals
• Some users report the lifespan is very short

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a seriously affordable, compact, portable and simple treadmill, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 folding treadmill may be for you. While this machine won’t support sustained or intense running, it’s a value purchase for walkers, joggers and casual runners.

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T7603 is a machine I’d recommend for people who need a space-saving treadmill. Not only does this machine fold (and it has a gas shock for easy lowering, hallelujah!), but it weighs just 103 pounds. This is ideal if you live in an apartment or condo and need to move it up or down the stairs sans elevator, so it’s a no-brainer to award this a 5 out of 5 for portability. 

Plus, you likely won’t have issues with building it. The SF-T7603 is a quick build, and it isn’t worth purchasing professional assembly for the average person. 

For such a budget-friendly price tag, I’m surprised by the above-average deck cushioning. Although I wouldn’t say it is akin to walking on a cloud, it’s much better than other cheaper treadmills I’ve tried in the past. 

The SF-T7603 is certainly compact and lightweight, but this unfortunately comes with a diminished deck size at 49 inches long by 16 inches wide. Unless you just plan to walk or occasionally jog, this isn’t an ideal pick for taller people over 5 feet,10 inches tall. It’s maximum speed is only 9 mph, so it only gets a 3 out of 5 on customizations.

Plus, with only a 220-pound weight capacity, this is not a good option for heavier people. The 2.2 CHP motor is alright for this price point, but it only gets a 3.5 out of 5 for durability.

Take a look at our entire Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 treadmill review.

Best Durable Treadmill Under $1,000: XTERRA TR150

Good for: People that need a super budget option with a lifetime frame warranty 

Best Durable Treadmill Under $1,000

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Simple to use
• Lifetime warranty on the frame
• Easy to build
• 12 preset programs
• Deck has sub-par cushioning

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Foldable
• Portable with transport wheels
• Ideal for beginner walkers to speed walkers
• Lightweight
• Great warranty
• Easy-to-read 5-inch LED display
• 12 preset programs onboard

Cons

• Only 2.25 horsepower motor
• Some reviewers report it is noisy
• Water bottle holders on console reportedly do not fit normal bottle sizes
• Users claim they received an error code after one use
• Several reviews reported that the dimensions provided are inaccurate
• Not suited for experienced and heavy users

Bottom Line

The XTERRA TR150 is a starter treadmill available on the lower end of the budget scale offering a commendable lifetime frame warranty and features comparable to competitive models. If you are just beginning your fitness journey, this is a great option for you.

For a treadmill under $1,000 like the XTERRA TR150, it’s impressive to see a lifetime frame warranty. This speaks to the durability of the machine, and that the company stands behind it (even though it is one of the cheapest options on this list!). 

If you’re looking for a cardio machine that won’t have you cursing angrily during assembly, the TR150 is a great pick. I found that this machine was extremely easy to build and move from room to room.

What you won’t find on this machine? Really any tech features, sans a nice built-in heart rate monitor on the handle grips. 

Although the TR150 does fold, I wouldn’t recommend actually using this feature due to the lack of gas shock. Typically, a folding treadmill will have a gas shock to prevent the deck from slamming the ground with force. In this case, if you were to drop the deck during the unfolding process, it will come crashing down and could injure people and pets. 

Check out our full XTERRA Fitness TR150 treadmill review.

Other Treadmills We Researched

We try (and research) a lot of treadmills in our quest to find the best treadmills for you. Here are three that didn’t quite make the cut on this list:

Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill: Although this budget-friendly and lightweight treadmill will be a good option for those tight on space, it won’t win any awards for deck length.

UREVO Folding Treadmill: The UREVO is a good option for someone who wants to slowly walk while working or in a meeting, but it isn’t good for runners or taller folks.

Horizon Fitness T101: Although this treadmill is just $649, we prefer the Horizon 7.0 for its more expansive deck and increased speed options. 

How We Picked and Tested

When looking at possible treadmills to put on this list, we took a look at these key things:

• Price
• Popular options on the market
• Workout experience
• Motor horsepower
• Max user weight capacity
• Foldability
• Warranty
• Overall durability
• Deck length 

Benefits of Treadmills

Treadmills can be a beneficial tool to add to your home gym repertoire, but don’t just take it from me—take it from a certified personal trainer (CPT)!

“There are a lot of reasons treadmills have been around for so long,” GGR staff writer and CPT Anthony O’Reilly explained. “Most importantly, they’re an easy-to-use tool for increasing your heart rate to help improve your cardiovascular health and conditioning and can be used to hit a caloric deficit.”

“They’re also much easier on the joints than road running, and this can help you remain active for many years to come,” O’Reilly adds.

RELATED: Benefits of a Treadmill

Buying Guide: What to Look For in Treadmills Under $1,000

It can be hard to know what to look for when buying fitness equipment. With so many different buying decisions to make, sometimes it’s overwhelming knowing what to look at first. Don’t sweat it––as a CrossFit-L1 trainer and self-proclaimed cardio queen, I know what’s most important when you’re looking for the best treadmill for home under $1,000. Take a look:

Price

If you’re reading this roundup, it’s likely you’re looking for a treadmill under $1,000. Yay! One thing is already accomplished––you know your budget. To get the most out of your price range, be on the lookout for special discount codes and holiday sales for different cardio brands like NordicTrack, ProForm, Sole, and Bowflex. 

Warranty

In an ideal world, every treadmill would adhere to the industry standards of 15 years to a lifetime warranty on the frame. Unfortunately, with budget options that is rarely the case. You can hope for something like that, but realistically, you’ll find cheaper treadmills have a frame warranty of around five to 10 years.

Deck Size

If you’re over 5 feet, 9 inches tall or enjoy running, congratulations! You need a longer treadmill deck. Make sure your new cardio machine has at least a 50-inch deck (preferably 55 to 60 inches) to support your long strides. If you really only plan to walk or lightly jog, the length of your treadmill deck is less important. 

User Weight Capacity

Depending on your weight, you’ll want to make sure your new cardio machine will support you. Some of the more budget-friendly options can have sneakily low weight capacities (looking at you, Sunny Health and Fitness), so be sure to check before purchase.

Motor 

If you like running, I’d suggest getting a treadmill that has at least a 3.0 continuous horsepower motor. If you’re into taking it a bit slower, the motor’s horsepower can vary and likely still support you.

Foldability

Tight on space? Make sure your treadmill is foldable so you can stow it away when it isn’t in use. These days, most treadmills do fold, but it is still worth checking out before you purchase anything. 

Treadmills Under $1,000 FAQs

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

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