Best Treadmills Under $1,500 (2024)

If you’re in the market for the best treadmill for a home gym priced under $1,500, you’re in the right place. Many people believe that machines in this price range will have little to no technical capabilities. Others assume that the workout experience will be subpar at best and they won’t be able to comfortably meet their fitness goals. 

However, let me be the one to tell you that you can get a good treadmill for your home gym without spending $2,000 or more. On this list of the best treadmills under $1500, we’ve included some options from top brands that are known for producing high-quality, durable, and yet still affordable treadmills. We’re pretty confident that you’ll be able to identify one that fits your cardio needs at a price point you like. So, let’s get started! 

We Know Treadmills Like The Back of Our Hands

We know that there are hundreds of treadmill reviewers out there, but why should you listen to us? What makes us so different from every other person out there who steps on a treadmill?

Well, our testers include personal trainers, competitive athletes, CrossFit-L1 trainers, and more. As you might imagine, these fitness gurus spend a lot of time trying out treadmills and have learned exactly what to look for. They know how to look past the marketing tactics and really dive into what makes a treadmill worth buying.

In addition, their years of experience have taught them how to identify which treadmills would best meet a person’s needs. For instance, if you’re a tall runner, you likely would dread getting on a treadmill with a short running deck. Or if you’ve got limited space in your apartment, you probably would hate having a treadmill that you can’t fold and stow. Our experts consider these things to help you get what you need at the right price. 

The 6 Best Treadmills Under $1,500

• Best Treadmill Under $1,500 Overall: NordicTrack EXP 7i
• Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $1,500: Sole F63
• Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Classes: ProForm Trainer 14
• Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Runners: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT
• Best Budget Treadmill Under $1,500: ProForm Carbon TLX
• Best Compact Treadmill Under $1,500: Echelon Stride

Best Treadmill Under $1,500 Overall: NordicTrack EXP 7i

Good for: Runners who want a foldable machine equipped with a touchscreen display and adjustable deck cushioning 

Best Treadmill Under $1,500 Overall

NordicTrack EXP 7i

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Product Highlights

• 7-inch touchscreen display
• iFIT-enabled and comes with a free 30-day family membership
• 3.0 CHP motor suited for walking or running
• Speeds from 0 to 12 mph with incline ranges up to 12%
• Folding design
• 20-inch-by-60-inch cushioned running deck to reduce stress on joints and back
• Supports weights up to 300 pounds
• Conveniences include Bluetooth connectivity, a console fan, and tray for storage

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Interactive 7-inch screen allows for easy access to the iFIT library
• Folding design
• Large running surface for a folding treadmill
• Cushioned running deck
• One-month family membership to iFIT is included with purchase

Cons

• Small screen
• No tablet or phone holder
• Heavy

Bottom Line

True to the NordicTrack brand, the NordicTrack EXP 7i is a high-quality treadmill best suited for walkers, joggers, hikers, and the casual runner. With iFIT connectivity, you will have no shortage of motivation to stay on track towards your fitness goals.

It’s hard to think about treadmills without NordicTrack coming to mind. They’re a leader in the home treadmill space, and easily one of the top picks among beginners and experts alike. As you might imagine, the NordicTrack EXP 7i doesn’t disappoint either, which is why it’s our best treadmill under $1,500 overall.

Coming through with the quiet 3.0 CHP motor, 7-inch touchscreen display, and easy-peasy hydraulic folding, it’s top tier in its price range. You can follow iFIT training programs that’ll auto-adjust speed and incline to mimic your on-screen iFIT personal trainers. Plus, you’ll be able to protect your knees and more by adjusting the deck cushioning to your liking. 

I like that it comes with a running deck suitable for runners at practically any height, as it is 60 inches long. Bluetooth connectivity comes in handy, too, especially if you don’t want to use the speakers. You can swiftly connect the instructor-led training to your Bluetooth headphones so you don’t wake the kids during your morning run. Incline settings go up to 12% paired with up to 12 MPH speed capabilities will give you plenty of workout options to meet your fitness goals.

Some reviewers noted that the machine gets a little noisy during changes. Also, the 7-inch touchscreen may feel very small on the large console. Overall, however, I’d say the NordicTrack EXP 7i would be a quality treadmill to add to your home gym. It offers many of the specs found in the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 but at a more affordable price point. 

For more, check out our full NordicTrack EXP 7i review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $1,500: Sole F63

Good for: All walkers, joggers, and runners wanting an affordable, well-built treadmill with an extensive warranty 

Best Cushioned Treadmill

Sole F63

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Product Highlights

• Folding treadmill
• Costs around $1,000
• Heart rate chest strap included
• Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and cooling fan
• 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 without breaking their budget.

Although not decked out with technical features, the Sole F63 is still considered a high-quality treadmill. Why? Because it’s got a good build quality, which you don’t always see on the more affordable treadmills. Consider how their tread belt is 2-ply instead of 1-ply. A 2-ply tread belt is commercial grade, so you’re getting a thicker belt that’s also of better quality. Advanced runners will appreciate speeds up to 12 MPH, a max incline of 15%, and deck cushioning to protect the joints. 

The Sole F63 treadmill is also packed with 2.5-inch rollers, which is what keeps the running belt turning. This matters because larger rollers will put less stress on the Sole’s 3.0 CHP motor and will help the tread belt last longer. Did we also mention that it comes with a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame? Knowing that Sole Fitness not only gives you quality parts but will also fix them for the lifespan of the treadmill makes this machine very attractive. 

Although the 6.5-inch display isn’t a touchscreen, it works for the Sole F63 treadmill. You’ll be able to easily see important data like distance traveled, speed, incline, calories burned, and more. (If you want a larger white backlit LCD display, consider the Sole F80.) 

Beginners will appreciate having a straightforward machine that more than gets the job done in the workout department. You can access the preset workouts if you’re unsure what to do, and the treadmill will adjust to the correct speed and incline accordingly. Sole Fitness is also an app you can download, and it’ll sync your treadmill data to the app. 

To learn more, check out our in-depth review on the Sole F63.

Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Classes: ProForm Trainer 14

Good for: Folks who want an affordable treadmill and on-demand classes 

ProForm Trainer 14

ProForm Trainer 14

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Cushioned running deck
• Three-year iFIT membership included
• Virtual trainers can control speed and incline
• SpaceSaver folding design
• Powerful motor
• 12% incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Three continuous-horsepower motor
• Foldable
• Comes with three years of iFIT programming
• Bluetooth compatible

Cons

• Small screen
• One year parts warranty

Bottom Line

The ProForm Trainer 14 has a spacious running deck and comes with three years of high-quality iFIT programming for at-home coaching. Your virtual trainers can adjust your speed and incline, or you can control it yourself.

With a price tag under $1,500, you may think you have to forgo some of the leading features you see on the best treadmills for home gyms. But our testers think the ProForm Trainer 14 puts your investment to good work.

For $1,400 you get a touchscreen display for iFIT programming, 60-inch-long running deck, powerful 3.0 CHP motor, and a 300-pound user weight limit. For perspective, these are machine specs that can handle running at top speeds and for long periods of time. Plus, our testers don’t normally see treadmills with these specs for under $1,500. 

To make the deal even sweeter, ProForm is offering a combination deal of sorts. The price of the treadmill ($1,404) is actually the cost of an iFIT family membership for three years (valued around $1,200). Essentially, paying for a three-year iFIT membership earns you the machine, too. You may like knowing you can finance your purchase for as low as $39 a month for three years. 

With an iFIT membership, you’ll be able to run with coaching guidance, enjoy scenic treadmill workouts, or stream an on-demand studio class. Workouts aren’t limited to walking and running either, you can use iFIT for off-treadmill workouts with weights, bodyweight, or have guidance on mobility and mediation. 

Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Runners: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT

Good for: Beginner and budget-conscious runners who aren’t pressed for tech features 

Best for Runners

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.

Who says you can’t get a spacious 60-inch running deck and Bluetooth connectivity on a treadmill under $1,000? The Horizon 7.0 AT may not come with a touchscreen, but it has many other features that serious runners are looking for. 

It’s got a max user weight capacity of 325 pounds and supports tall and short runners alike. The frame is built solid, so you’ll get a durable treadmill that can handle heavy foot traffic. Unfortunately, the tread belt is thinner than what you’d find in similarly priced treadmills. However, the deck cushioning should help with this flaw. 

Runners will appreciate the Horizon 7.0 AT’s powerful motor that transitions effortlessly when inclines and speeds change. Speaking of incline, this treadmill’s max incline is 15%, which is pretty significant. Most machines, including the expensive treadmills, tap out at 12%. This incline will give runners the ability to target different muscle groups and burn additional calories while simultaneously challenging themselves.

The Horizon 7.0 AT doesn’t come with its own interactive programming, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have choices. You can connect it to the Peloton App, Apple Fitness+, Zwift, and more. The treadmill also has some preset workout programs if you choose not to use third-party apps. You should be aware, though, that you’re not going to get automatic trainer control. However, the machine does have convenient QuickDial controls for quickly adjusting the speed and incline.

To learn more, check out Horizon 7.0 AT review.

Best Budget Treadmill Under $1,500: ProForm Carbon TLX

Good for: Runners willing to use their own device for iFIT programming 

ProForm TLX

ProForm Carbon TLX

GGR Score: 3.7

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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.

The ProForm Carbon TLX is an excellent choice if you’re a budget-conscious buyer. The Carbon TLX is priced at $999 because it doesn’t feature a fancy touchscreen display. Instead, you’ll pair your own smart device to the treadmill using Bluetooth connectivity. 

While that may sound like a pain, GGR tester and ISSA-CPT, Lindsay Scheele assures us that syncing is a cinch. She even gives tech capabilities for the TLX a 4-out-of-5-star rating. “It’s really easy to sync the treadmill with your phone to follow iFIT programming on the app,” says Lindsay. 

You’ll not only be able to connect with iFIT for on-demand classes (on and off the treadmill) you’ll have a sturdy machine to power through treadmill speed training and intervals. The Carbon TLX can go up to 12 mph and 12% incline. 

Plus, the powerful 3.0 continuous horsepower motor and 300-pound user weight make this a stable and durable machine for the whole family to walk or run. “I didn’t experience any shaking even at higher speeds. Plus, the noise level on it wasn’t alarming or out of the ordinary,” says Lindsay. 

With a budget price point, you might think there’s a catch. But Lindsay thinks it’s a solid machine. “It’s sleek looking, easy to use, and super stable,” she says in her ProForm Carbon TLX review. 

Best Compact Treadmill Under $1,500: Echelon Stride

Good for: Users of all fitness levels who want an easy-to-use treadmill with auto-fold capabilities  

Best Compact Treadmill

Echelon Fitness Stride

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Product Highlights

• Folds flat to just 10"
• Lightweight and very portable
• Smaller motor is ideal for walkers
• Bluetooth connectivity to apps

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Auto-fold technology
• When folded, is just 10” deep
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Super simple assembly and usability
• Bluetooth connectivity to Echelon United

Cons

• Weaker motor
• Short running surface at 55”
• Short 1-year warranty
• Basic console

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride is ideal for walkers and those who jog recreationally, especially people looking for a treadmill that folds flat.

The Echelon brand may not be a household name for treadmills (yet), but we know them for making top-notch rowing machines and exercise bikes. 

The Stride is admittedly cleverly designed. When folded, it’s only 10 inches tall, so you might be able to place it under your bed when you’re not using it. That’s pretty neat if you’re in a tight space and need to make the most out of it. 

You’re not going to find a touchscreen display on this bad boy, but you can use your tablet to integrate with the Echelon United app. It has a built-in tablet holder, so your device won’t block various buttons and controls inconveniently. The Echelon United app offers live streaming and thousands of solid training sessions that you can access on other Echelon equipment. However, you won’t get automatic trainer control. Instead, the instructors will tell you when to increase or decrease your speed/incline, and you’ll have to do it yourself.

Given its compact design, this treadmill doesn’t have a large running deck compared to its competitors. It also comes with a 1.75 horsepower motor, which is quiet, but likely not supportive of those wishing to do heavy and frequent running. The motor allows for a max speed of 12 MPH and a max incline of 10%. The top speed on this treadmill is standard, but more advanced runners may prefer a 12 to 15% incline. 

To learn more, check out our in-depth review on the Echelon Stride.  

Other Treadmills Under $1,500 We Tested

The treadmills above made our best treadmill list, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other quality treadmills under $1,500. Here’s one that didn’t quite make the official cut, but that’s worth the mention. 

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400: Priced under $500 on Amazon, the Sunny treadmill performs well if you just want something for walking.

UREVO 2-In-1 Under Desk Treadmill: If you want to walk while you work, we love this machine. 

How We Picked and Tested

Our in-depth testing process begins with us conducting heavy research on treadmills priced under $1,500. If they meet specific criteria, we’ll move them to the next stage, which is actually testing them. Different members of our expert panel will try each treadmill to see how it performs while walking, jogging, and running. We assess the ease of use and evaluate who the machine best suits, as we recognize that every treadmill isn’t for everybody.

Every time we step foot on a treadmill, these are the criteria we’re considering: 

• Footprint: Does it take up a lot of space in a room, or is it more compact? 
• Foldability: If the machine folds, does it really save much space? Can it be stowed under a desk or bed when not in use?  Does it fold in half, or does it fold flat? How complicated is the process of folding? 
• Portability: Is the treadmill easy to move around or challenging to navigate around a room? Does it include transport wheels? 
• Assembly: Is it a one or two-person job? Is it challenging to assemble, and will you have to pay an expert to do it? 
• Roller Size: Do they feel cheap? Are they very small? Smaller ones place more wear and tear on the motor and track. 
• Speed/Incline/Decline: What’s the max speed and incline? Does it have a decline option? 
• Motor: What is the horsepower of the motor? Is the motor loud? Does it struggle to transition when the speed and incline change? 
• Display: What size is the display? Is it LCD, touchscreen, or something different? 
• Additional conveniences: Will you find a water bottle holder, heart monitor, USB port, or built-in tablet holder on the treadmill? 
• Interactive programming: If it includes it, is it live or on-demand? How much does the subscription cost every month/year? Do you receive a free trial? 
• Deck cushioning: Does the treadmill have deck cushioning? If so, can you adjust it? Does it actually make the activity more comfortable? 
• Max user weight: Will the treadmill accommodate a heavier individual? 
• Warranty: Is the warranty at least 15 years on the frame or motor? 

Benefits of Treadmills Under $1,500

Treadmills under $1,500 honestly give you the best of both worlds. You’re not spending an arm and a leg, yet you’re still getting a good quality machine. Machines at this price range will allow you to adequately work out 30 minutes per day, five days per week, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.¹ Here are some of the benefits of treadmills under $1,500. 

Warranty That’s (Sometimes) Worth It

Treadmills around this price range often come with better warranty options. We look for lifetime warranties on the frame and years-long warranties on the motor and parts. 

Great Technology

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get nice touchscreens, easy-to-use consoles, and Bluetooth speakers. You’ll find many machines on this list tout high-end features without the overwhelming price tag.

Incline and Speed Ranges

Most of the machines on our list offer a generous speed range of up to 12 MPH and great incline ranges to mix up your training. Super-budget treadmills won’t always give you that kind of versatility.

What to Look for in Treadmills Under $1,500

Can you expect much from a $1,500 treadmill? Of course! Once you get into this price range, you’re getting access to much better quality machines that offer various perks and conveniences. Here’s what you can expect: 

Greater Horsepower

Usually, treadmills in this price range have a motor that’s 3.0 CHP. Motors like that can better handle frequent runs at top speeds and incline/decline changes. However, anything lower than 3.0 horsepower is better suited for walking and jogging. 

Better Build Quality

When the price tag is around $1,500, you’re looking at treadmills that are built with better-quality parts. You may get bigger rollers, a 2-ply tread belt, and a solid frame. 

Additional Technological Options

Not all treadmills around this price range will be decked out with a 10-inch HD touchscreen display. However, many machines in this price range have LCD screens and Bluetooth connectivity. These convenient technical features allow you to take your workout to a new level. 

RELATED: History of Treadmills

FAQs About the Best Treadmills Under $1500

References:

1. How much cardio should you do? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-much-cardio-should-you-do#:~:text=The%20Physical%20Activity%20Guidelines%20issued,even%20the%20elderly%20and%20disabled. Published February 19, 2020. Accessed October 20, 2023.

Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC

Nicole is an editor at GGR. She's been a journalist for the last 12 years and a CPT/group fitness instructor for the last 7 years.She grew up playing tennis, became an avid runner in college, competed in a bikini competition in her mid-twenties, and even completed a triathlon. Her workout of choice nowadays is CrossFit, plus logging her daily steps. After her first daughter was born four years ago, she became especially passionate about prenatal and postnatal fitness, teaching stroller bootcamp classes and working with expecting moms as clients.Post-journalism school, Nicole worked in print media as a magazine editor for 8 years, then went freelance for a while, writing for fitness websites and manufacturers in the industry. Now, as the the Editor of GGR, she brings her expertise in fitness to writing and editing honest reviews on everything you might need for your home gym.

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