7 of the Best Cheap Treadmills

• Best overall: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
• Best for small spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Folding Treadmill
• Best folding: MaxKare Folding Treadmill
• Best for walking: UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
• Best for running: Horizon T101 Treadmill
• Best incline: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline
• Best for under $300: Merax Folding Treadmill

Treadmills are an excellent addition to any home gym.

By adjusting the speed and incline, a treadmill is a versatile piece of workout equipment that can be used for walking, jogging, running, or sprinting.

While many treadmills are on the market, it can be challenging to find one that fits your budget.

The treadmills featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

• Features. The treadmill is equipped with a variety of features, including a heart rate monitor, device holder, or preset workout programs. Plus, all of the treadmills on our list are foldable.
• Training options. The treadmill offers a range of training options, including several speed and incline levels.
• Price. The treadmill provides a good value for the cost and is available for less than $1,000.
• Customer reviews. The treadmill has mostly positive customer reviews online.
• Vetting. The treadmills on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Here are 7 of the best cheap treadmills.

Best overall

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

• Price: $
• Size: 63.4 x 28.8 x 51.4 in. (161 x 73.2 x 130.6 cm)
• Running deck: 50 x 16 in. (127 x 40.6 cm)
• Speed: 0.5–10 mph (0.8–16.1 kph)
• Warranty: lifetime frame, 1-year motor, 90-day deck, 90-day in-home labor
• Key features: 5-in. LCD screen provides workout feedback, pulse sensors, integrated accessory holders, 3 manual incline levels, 250-lb. (113.4-kg) max weight capacity

If you’re looking for a high quality treadmill that won’t break the bank, check out this model from XTERRA Fitness.

The TR150 Folding Treadmill offers 12 preset workout programs, 3 levels of manual incline, and speeds ranging from 0.5–10 miles (0.8–16.1 km) per hour, making it easy to mix up your workout.

Additionally, the treadmill features a convenient foldable design, built-in pulse sensors, and a cushioned running deck to maximize joint comfort.

Best for small spaces

Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Folding Treadmill

• Price: $$
• Size: 49.5 x 26.5 x 47 in. (125.7 x 67.3 x 119.4 cm)
• Running deck: 44.5 x 14 in. (113 x 35.6 cm)
• Speed: 0.5–7 mph (0.8–11.3 kph)
• Warranty: 3-year structure/frame, 180 days parts/components
• Key features: lightweight and foldable, LCD screen shows workout information, 11.9% fixed incline, 220-lb. (99.8-kg) max weight capacity

This treadmill is great for apartments or other small spaces, as it has the smallest footprint (49.5 inches, or 125.7 cm long when in use) out of all of the treadmills on our list.

With speeds ranging from 0.5–7 miles (0.8–11.3 km) per hour and a fixed incline of 11.9%, it still allows you to get in a challenging workout.

It also features an emergency stop clip, transportation wheels, and an LCD screen with information on your time, distance, pulse, and speed.

Plus, it’s easy to set up and can be folded between workouts to save space.

Best folding

MaxKare Folding Treadmill

• Price: $$
• Size: 52.9 x 26.8 x 45.7 in. (134.4 x 68.1 x 116.1 cm)
• Running deck: 43 x 17 in. (109.2 x 43.2 cm)
• Speed: 0–8.5 mph (0–13.7 kph)
• Warranty: 30-day warranty on manufacturer flaws or defects
• Key features: LCD Blu-ray screen, pulse sensor, handrails on both sides, easy-to-use buttons for quick speed changes, 3 manual incline levels, 220-lb. (99.8-kg) max weight capacity

Equipped with 15 preset workout programs, this folding treadmill from MaxKare is an excellent choice for those hoping to add some variety to their running routine.

It offers speeds between 0.5–8.5 miles (0.8–13.7 km) per hour, 3 adjustable levels of incline, and a multilayered belt designed to reduce noise and absorb shock.

What’s more, it includes a pulse sensor, cup holder, and large LCD screen for monitoring your speed, time, distance, heart rate, and calories burned.

Best for walking

UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill

• Price: $
• Size: 52.6 x 26.4 x 39.7 in. (133.6 x 67.1 x 100.8 cm)
• Running deck: 42.5 x 16.9 in. (108 x 42.9 cm)
• Speed: 0–7.6 mph (0–12.2 kph)
• Warranty: 1-year warranty
• Key features: LED screen, remote control to start/stop and change speeds, comes fully assembled, integrated phone holder on the hand rail, 265-lb. (120.2-kg) max weight capacity

This convenient product doubles as a running machine and under-desk treadmill to help you squeeze in some exercise while you work.

While you can’t adjust the incline, the treadmill offers speeds up to 7.6 miles (12.2 km) per hour with the handlebar up, or up to 3.8 miles (6.1 km) per hour when used as an under-desk treadmill.

It also has a higher weight capacity than many other cheap treadmills, supporting up to 265 pounds (120.2 kg).

The UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill arrives fully assembled and features a foldable design with transportation wheels for easy storage.

Best for running

Horizon T101 Treadmill

• Price: $$$
• Size: 70 x 34 x 55 in. (177.8 x 86.4 x 139.7 cm)
• Running deck: 55 x 20 in. (139.7 x 50.8 cm)
• Speed: 0.5–10 mph (0.8–16.1 kph)
• Warranty: lifetime frame and motor warranty, optional 3- or 5-year parts and labor warranties available for additional cost
• Key features: LED screen, 3-zone cushioning for improved joint support, integrated Bluetooth speakers and USB charging port for your device, heart rate sensors, 0–10% auto incline, 300-lb. (136.1-kg) max weight capacity

While it still costs a bit more than the other treadmills on this list, the Horizon T101 comes in at less than $1,000 and offers features that are rare in cheaper treadmills.

The T101 has the longest (55 inches, or 139.7 cm) and widest (20 inches, or 50.8 cm) belt on this list, and it also has a high weight capacity of 300 pounds (136.1 kg), making it suitable for runners of almost all heights and stride lengths.

It offers automatic incline adjustments up to 10% incline and speeds of up to 10 miles (16.1 km) per hour, making it easy to switch up your workout routine with hill workouts or sprints and intervals.

The integrated Bluetooth speakers, device holder, and a quick-charge USB port give users the ability to stream workouts, entertainment, or music while they use the treadmill.

Best incline

Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline

• Price: $$
• Size: 64.5 x 28 x 50.5 in. (163.8 x 71.1 x 128.3 cm)
• Running deck: 49.5 x 16.5 in. (125.7 x 41.9 cm)
• Speed: 0–8 mph (0–12.9 kph)
• Warranty: 3-year manufacturer warranty
• Key features: LCD screen, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, quick buttons for incline and speed, heart rate sensors on side rails, 0–12% auto incline, 240-lb. (109-kg) max weight capacity

Many cheaper treadmills offer a few levels of manual incline, but that means the incline can only be changed when you’re not actively using the treadmill.

On the other hand, treadmills with auto incline allow you to change the incline setting in the middle of your workout, making it much easier to do hill workouts.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline offers this feature (up to 12% incline) and has buttons that correspond with preset incline levels of 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%.

It also offers wireless connectivity with integrated Bluetooth speakers and a microphone so you can stream music from your connected device or answer phone calls while working out.

Best for under $300

Merax Folding Treadmill

• Price: $
• Size: 55 x 23.5 x 43 in. (139.7 x 59.7 x 109.2 cm)
• Running deck: 43.3 x 15.7 in. (110 x 39.9 cm)
• Speed: 0–7.5 mph (0–12.1 kph)
• Warranty: no information available
• Key features: LCD screen, 12 preset workout programs, built-in holder for water bottle, handrails with shortcut buttons for start/stop and pulse sensors, 3 manual incline levels, 240-lb. (109-kg) max weight capacity

This treadmill from Merax is an excellent option for walking or jogging for many fitness levels.

In fact, it offers 12 preset programs, 3 levels of manual incline, and speeds up to 7.5 miles (12.1 km) per hour.

It’s also foldable and includes a phone holder, hand pulse grips, and a multilayered running belt to ease the impact on your knees.

Plus, it’s durable and can accommodate users up to 240 pounds (109 kg).

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a treadmill.

First, it’s important to determine which features are most important for you.

For example, some treadmills are equipped with an LCD screen, heart rate monitor, device holder, or built-in speakers.

Many treadmills also offer a range of speeds, incline levels, and workout programs. These training features are particularly important if you’re looking for a treadmill that can grow with you as your fitness level increases.

Some treadmills offer manual incline, which means you can only adjust the incline when you’re not running or walking on the treadmill, while others have auto incline that you can adjust mid-workout.

For those with issues like knee pain, choosing a treadmill with a cushioned deck or shock-absorbing belt can help reduce stress on your joints.

Additionally, if you’re short on space, you’ll want to look for a treadmill that’s foldable and includes transportation wheels.

You should also consider the value. Although there are plenty of cost-effective treadmills to choose from, some are of higher quality than others.

Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

Note that the prices above reflect the current list price and may vary by retailer.

Which is better for indoor exercise, a bike or a treadmill?

The best piece of equipment for indoor exercise is the one that you’ll use. Bikes and treadmills each have pros and cons, and both benefit health and fitness in similar ways.

If you enjoy walking and running or find bike seats uncomfortable, then a treadmill is likely best for you. On the other hand, if you love how your legs feel after a cycling class or want a more low impact option, then an indoor bike is probably your best choice.

What is a good workout on a treadmill?

A good treadmill workout should include a brief warmup, the actual workout, and a cooldown.

Warmups typically last 5–10 minutes and are designed to gradually increase your heart rate and get blood flowing to your working muscles. You may want to start walking at a slow pace, then gradually build up to the pace you plan to use most during your workout routine.

A typical treadmill workout depends on your goals. A few examples include:

• Steady state workouts: walking or jogging at a given speed and incline for 20–30 minutes
• Interval workouts: alternating between a faster and slower speed every few minutes for 20–30 minutes
• Hill workouts: alternating between a steeper incline and a lower incline every few minutes for 20–30 minutes

Regardless of your workout, you should always end with a 5-10 minute cooldown where you gradually decrease your intensity, incline, and speed, allowing your heart rate to return to normal.

You may want to follow up your treadmill workout with stretching, foam rolling, or abdominal work.

Do you need incline on a treadmill?

Walking or running on an incline is inherently more challenging than walking on a flat surface, so you may want to make sure your treadmill has this feature if you’re looking to build more leg strength or increase the intensity of your training.

Changing the incline can also help keep you engaged if you tend to get bored during treadmill workouts. Plus, the incline feature may help you prepare for the hills you’ll encounter if you also run or walk outside.

A treadmill is a versatile piece of exercise equipment that can be used for running, walking, jogging, or sprinting.

Although it can be challenging to find a high quality treadmill that’s also budget-friendly, our list is a good starting point for your search.

When shopping for an affordable treadmill, be sure to consider the available features, training options, price, and customer reviews.