10 Best Affordable Treadmills For Home Use (Rated & Reviewed)

Affordable Treadmills For Home Compared

Why Choose An Inexpensive Treadmill For Your Home Gym?

The main reason to choose a good inexpensive treadmill over a pricey commercial-grade model is, of course, the fact that you’ll save money. Instead of spending thousands on a cardio machine for your home gym, you can spend hundreds.  

If you’re a big believer in the motto you get what you pay for, then you might be tempted to break the bank and avoid inexpensive treadmills for sale. However, just because a treadmill is cheaper than others on the market doesn’t mean that it won’t get the job done.  

Although cheaper models generally don’t come with high-tech features, they do still give you the chance to burn calories, break a sweat, lose weight, and meet the official cardio recommendations for staying healthy. If these are your main goals for buying a treadmill, and you’re OK foregoing the fancy features, then an inexpensive treadmill might just be for you. 

1. Merax Electric Folding Treadmill

Merax is a well-known manufacturer of home gym equipment, but that’s not the reason why the Merax Electric Folding Treadmill is first up on this list. This treadmill is an excellent budget-friendly choice for many reasons, like the fact that it features a folding design and a compact footprint. 

This treadmill weighs only 64 pounds and comes equipped with a fast-folding mechanism, making it an excellent choice for anyone short on space and who wants a convenient way to store their cardio machine. It also comes with transportation wheels, so even if you're on your own, you won't have any trouble transporting or storing this machine.  

Another thing I love about the Merax is its multi-functional LCD display. Compared to other affordable treadmills, this display is large and comprehensive, with real-time tracking of time, distance, speed, and calories burnt. It even comes with built-in speakers, making it easy to listen to your workout playlists for extra motivation.  

Although the motor is just 1.5 horsepower, this treadmill goes as fast as 7.5 MPH.  Set your speed anywhere from 0.5 to 7.5 MPH, then choose from one of the 12 preset programs built into the LCD. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t have an incline feature, and speaking as someone who likes to burn extra calories by running uphill, this isn’t ideal for me.  

Just note that this model only supports 240 pounds, so it’s not the best choice for everyone. But don’t worry, if you require a higher weight limit, there are others on this list that will accommodate your needs.  

Check out our YouTube video below that reviews this popular model and more of our top picks in further detail!

2. Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence 

If you have a budget of $500, then you’ll definitely want to consider the Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence. Like the Merax, this budget treadmill features a folding design and is compact enough for small home gyms. The dimensions are slightly larger and it weighs about 120 pounds, but that also means that it has a higher maximum weight limit of 275 pounds.  

In addition to the 0 to 10 MPH speed range, the Weslo treadmill has 2 incline positions that can be adjusted manually. This is a great feature if you want to get your heart rate up with an uphill incline, as is the complimentary 30-day iFit membership that comes with your treadmill purchase.  

The motor runs on 2.25 HP, making this one of the most powerful budget treadmills on the market. I personally love the Comfort Cell cushioning technology that Weslo uses on the belt; it alleviates some of the impact for extra joint protection, and although most treadmills come with some sort of cushioning, this one goes above and beyond in that department.  

Another great thing about Weslo treadmills is the built-in Bluetooth technology. You can connect your treadmill to the iFit training platform from your phone, giving you access to over 16K workouts led by elite personal trainers. Just keep in mind that this membership is only free for 30 days, so you’ll have to pay a monthly fee once your free month is up.  

The main complaints surrounding this treadmill are that it requires activation from the manufacturer to get it up and running. You’ll notice after browsing reviews that some users claim the treadmill doesn’t work and won’t start, but this is merely because they didn’t call Weslo to activate the machine. It’s a bit of a hassle, but once you get it activated, you won’t regret choosing this treadmill.  

3. GYMAX Folding Exercise Treadmill

If your idea of a budget treadmill is nothing more than $300, the GYMAX Folding Exercise Treadmill is a solid choice. Similar to the previous 2 models reviewed, this one is motorized, features a folding design, and is ideal for anyone on a tight home gym budget.  

The GYMAX treadmill only weighs about 50 pounds, and with folded dimensions of just 9" x 23" x 51", it’s super easy to store when not in use. Even while unfolded and in use, the footprint of this machine is compact. This can be seen as both a pro and a con; the treadmill doesn’t take up much space, but the downside is that the running belt is just 38”. If you have a long stride, you might want to consider a model with a longer running belt.  

Even at an affordable cost, the GYMAX treadmill is equipped with a multi-functional control panel. Within this panel, you’ll have access to 12 preset workout programs as well as real-time tracking of your running speed, time, distance, and calories.  

Although the manufacturer claims that the motor is strong, the speed range is lower than competitor treadmills. Users can walk or run (more like jog) at a speed of 0.5 to 6.5 miles per hour, so if you prefer fast running workouts, this maximum speed may not be enough for you. The plus side of the lower-power motor is that this treadmill is extremely quiet, so if you live in an apartment or small household, you can count on the fact that it won’t disturb your neighbors.  

To recap, this model is great if you’re on a budget and plan on brisk walking or light jogging. However, it’s not ideal for anyone over 220 pounds or anyone with a long stride who wants to break a sweat by running at fast speeds. 

4. Xterra Fitness TR150

One of the best ways to increase mobility as a senior is to walk on a treadmill, but not all treadmills cater to the elderly. Not only is the XTerra Fitness TR150 a great choice for older individuals who are trying to improve and maintain mobility, but it’s also an affordable cardio option.  

The TR150 isn’t the cheapest machine on this list, but it’s my top treadmill for seniors for a number of reasons. First off, it has a large tread belt of 16” wide by 50” long, so you’ll have ample space during your workouts. Secondly, the LCD display is 5” wide, so it’s easy to read and stay informed about your progress, even if your eyesight isn’t the best. 

Yet another reason why I recommend the XTerra treadmill for seniors is that it features XTRASoft cushioned deck technology for maximum impact absorption to keep the joints safe and workouts comfortable. Thanks to the 2.25 HP motor, you can set your desired speed anywhere from 0.5 to 10 miles per hour, and there are 3 levels of manual incline.  

This machine is rated for users up to 250 pounds, and the treadmill itself is just under 110 pounds. Although you might be tempted as a senior to choose a lightweight treadmill, like the 50-pound GYMAX, it’s better to go with one like the TR150, which has a heavier frame and therefore offers more stability.  

Even though I’ve ranked this treadmill as the best for seniors, anyone can benefit from using the XTerra, especially if you’re on a budget. Aside from the fact that it’s heavy, the only complaint from seniors is that the screen doesn’t have a backlit feature, and many users feel that it could benefit from one.  

5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400

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Anyone struggling with knee pain, soreness, or stiffness should check out the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 treadmill because of its shock absorption deck. Pretty much all treadmills claim to have shock absorption features, but the SF-T4400 deck is extremely cushioned and gentle on the joints. That's why it's a great treadmill for bad knees and joint pain.

Whether or not you have bad knees, buying a treadmill like this one comes with many benefits. At 2.2 horsepower, the motor is powerful enough to provide speeds between 0.5 and 9 MPH. Although it has to be done manually, the incline can be adjusted to 3 different positions, including 0%, 2%, and 4.37%. 

This machine is designed to support up to 220 pounds, which is in the low range but still enough to support most users. The belt is spacious, measuring 49” long by 15.5” wide, and the additional handrail controls allow you to control speed, start and stop from the handrails instead of the main console. Of course, you can also use the center console to control your workout, and this is where you’ll find 9 preset workout programs.  

Just like the others I’ve reviewed so far, this treadmill is foldable, but it takes that feature a step further. It’s built with a soft drop system to assist you when unfolding the treadmill and avoid loud noises or damage to your home’s flooring.  

One thing that I particularly love about this treadmill is the heart rate sensor function. There are heart rate monitors on the handrails, and although they’re not always the most accurate, not many budget treadmills allow you to monitor your heart rate while working out.  

6. Exerpeutic TF900

The Exerpeutic TF900 isn’t great for running, but it’s certainly an excellent treadmill for walking briskly or jogging lightly. If you’re OK with not going faster than 4 miles per hour on your treadmill, then the TF900 just might be the one for you.  

This treadmill is built around a 1.5 HP motor, and it’s designed specifically for fitness walking. It’s known for being a sturdy, well-built machine, and the fact that it can handle a maximum weight of 350 pounds supports that. In addition to a reliable motor and a high weight capacity, the TF900 is built with extra-long 18” handrails for walking securely and staying balanced.  

Weighing in at 110 pounds, this is a heavy machine, but the foldable design and transportation wheels make it portable and easy to store. There are unfortunately no incline adjustments, so you won’t be able to mimic uphill walking with this treadmill.  

There are speed control buttons on both handrails as well as the center console, and the LCD display is basic but easy to read and simple to navigate. You’ll notice that the walking surface is a lot shorter than most other treadmills on the market, but this is because the TF900 is only meant for walking, not running; the average stride length is much shorter when walking than when running.  

However, I suspect that anyone over 6’ will find the walking surface to be too short, so keep that in mind before purchasing. Taller individuals will be better off with a 50”+ walking surface, and this one measures only 36” long. 

7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M

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Another affordable treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness is the brand’s SF-T1407M model. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M isn't like any of the other treadmills I've reviewed so far. Instead of motorized electronic operation, this one operates manually. That means there's no motor at all; the tread belt moves along with the movement of your feet as you walk, jog, or run.

The fact that this treadmill runs on manual movement means that there's very little maintenance involved and absolutely zero risk of experiencing motor issues - because there isn't one! It also means that you don't need access to an electrical outlet, so there are no messy plugs or cords to deal with.  

This is a compact treadmill that can support up to 220 pounds. It takes up very little space, but that also means that the belt is smaller than average. The walking/jogging surface measures 42” long by 13” wide, so if you generally require a lot of space for your cardio, you probably won’t feel comfortable on the SF-T1407M.  

Because there isn’t a motor, this treadmill is extremely cheap, so as long as you’re OK with manual operation, it’s a great choice for staying within budget. Just be mindful of the narrow belt surface and the low weight limitations before you buy. Also, note that this is only compatible with walking and jogging - the lack of a motor means that you aren’t likely to be able to run at a fast pace.  

8. ANCHEER Treadmill

I decided to give the ANCHEER Treadmill title of “best compact affordable treadmill” for a few reasons. This small machine takes up very little space, both when in use and when folded up for storage. The expanded dimensions are 50.39 x 23.62 x 46.45 inches, and the folded size is 50.39 x 23.58 x 9.45 inches.  

According to the Ancheer treadmill brand, the “space-saving foldable design does not sacrifice size, does not degrade quality, and makes your treadmill workout challenging and effective.” The entire machine weighs about 60 pounds, but it’s basically weightless when you use the transportation wheels to move it around.  

The treadmill’s motor is rated at 1.5 HP, so you should have no trouble getting up to 6 MPH during your cardio workouts. There are multiple modes and 12 preset programs built into the console, as well as heart rate sensors to monitor your pulse. Like most affordable treadmills, the LCD display is basic, but it gets the job done by showing readouts for calories, distance, time, speed, the program selected, and heart rate.  

Because of the compact design, this treadmill has a shorter-than-average running belt that measures 40 inches long by 15 inches wide. As long as you’re not overly tall and not over the 220-pound weight limit, this is my top recommendation for small spaces.  

9. Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

Under desk treadmills aren’t for everyone, but if you are looking for a treadmill that can fit conveniently under a work desk, then I recommend the Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill. This model features a handrail system that can be used either upright or folded flat, so if you want to walk or jog while you’re at your desk, all you have to do is select the right position.  

The Goplus is built with a 2.25 HP motor, which is surprisingly more powerful than other under desk treadmills on the market. It features two different fitness modes - walking and running - and can reach speeds of about 7.5 MPH. This is fast enough to break a sweat and get your heart rate up, but if you do choose to run on the Goplus, make sure you have the handrails in the ‘Up’ position.  

This treadmill is one of the most innovative cardio machines I’ve come across. Considering more and more people are working from home these days, a treadmill like this one is the perfect addition to any home office. Even if you use the Goplus as an official workplace, it comes with noise-dampening features to minimize belt sound, so you won’t disturb your coworkers.  

I particularly love the quality of the running belt. It’s constructed with 5 cushioning layers and topped with non-slip material to cushion the impact and prevent falling or slipping. At 40” long by 16” wide, it’s not the largest running area, so keep that in mind if you have a long stride and require more space.  

10. SereneLife SLFTRD20 Treadmill

Last on the list of best affordable treadmills for home gyms is the SereneLife SLFTRD20 Treadmill. This machine can support a maximum user weight of 265 pounds, it’s foldable for easy storage, and it’s great for jogging and running.  

The speed range can be adjusted from 0.6 to 6 miles per hour, and there are 3 levels of manually adjustable incline. Although the footprint of this treadmill is compact and great for small home gyms, the LCD display console is large and comprehensive. Compared to all the other models on this list of reviews, I’d have to say that this treadmill’s console is the most advanced.  

It allows you to choose between 12 preset workout programs, plus the convenient touch-button controls make it easy to adjust speed and keep track of time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate. You can even connect the treadmill to your phone via Bluetooth and use the FitShow app to check out all your training data and stats.  

I’ve dubbed this the best budget treadmill for runners because of its sturdy frame, easy-to-use console, and 12 built-in running programs. The only real downside for avid runners is that the maximum speed is 6 MPH, which is a 10-minute mile. If you’re aiming for a faster pace, I’d recommend checking out the Weslo Cadence treadmill instead.  

How To Choose The Best Affordable Treadmill (Buying Guide)

Before you purchase a budget treadmill, there are a few things to consider to find the right machine for you and your fitness needs, including:  

Core Components  

A treadmill is made with a few core components, but the main ones to focus on are the motor and the machine’s frame. The frame should be sturdy and durable, and the motor should be powerful enough to cater to your fitness goals.  

The motor, which runs in horsepower (HP), controls the speed of the machine, so a higher HP means that you’ll be able to achieve a greater speed. High-end models are often built with 3HP motors, but you can expect 1.5-2.5HP for budget-friendly treadmills.  

You’ll also want to consider whether or not the treadmill offers incline control. Some affordable models do not, but others allow you to adjust the incline for uphill walking or running.

Size Vs Available Space  

Treadmills aren’t known to be the most compact machines, so you’ll definitely want to pay close attention to the dimensions, especially if you have a small home gym. If you know that you’ll have to store the treadmill occasionally, then consider getting a foldable model that’s designed for easy storage.  

Note that it’s important to leave an adequate amount of space behind the running belt for safety purposes. Most sources recommend having at least 5’ of clearance behind the machine.  

Max User Weight  

All treadmills have a weight limit, and cheaper models generally have lower weight limitations than commercial-grade treadmills. Most can handle a maximum user weight range of 200 to 300 pounds, so confirm that a treadmill can handle your weight before buying.  

Deck Quality & Length  

The treadmill deck, also known as the running surface, should be equipped with a shock-absorptive belt that’s designed to minimize the impact on your muscles and joints. Shock absorption is actually one of the main reasons that people choose to run on a treadmill over running outside or on a track, so look for a belt that has lots of cushioning. 

Another thing to consider is the length of the deck. While it’s nice to have a compact model, this won’t do you any good if the deck is too short for your stride length. Longer decks are essential for taller individuals, so if this applies to you, look for a treadmill with a belt that’s at least 50” long. 

Safety Features  

Treadmill safety is a serious consideration when buying your machine, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. According to Consumer Reports, “there were an estimated 22,500 treadmill injuries in 2019, around 2,000 of those involving children under 8 years old. Between 2018 and 2020, the agency received reports of 17 deaths related to the use of a treadmill.” 

These stats just reiterate the importance of choosing a machine with all the necessary safety features, including a safety key for emergency stopping, handrails (and extended handrails for seniors), and an automatic slow start feature. These safety features will help you avoid common treadmill mistakes.

Secondary Features  

Thanks to major advances in fitness technology, even affordable treadmills come with added features to enhance the cardio experience. This includes things like heart rate sensors, LCD monitors, MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth compatibility, and machine noise level controls for minimizing treadmill sound.  

Warranty  

Even cheaper treadmills come with a warranty policy - at least the best ones do. Although you probably won’t get the same 10+ year warranty as you will with expensive models, you should be covered from manufacturer defects for at least 6 months from the date of purchase.  

Common Treadmill Questions Answered

Are cheap treadmills any good? 

Yes and no. There are some cheap treadmills on the market that aren’t even worth considering, but then there are others that are perfectly capable of catering to your fitness needs. If you're looking for the latter, check out the 10 recommendations in the budget treadmill reviews above. 

How long do cheap treadmills last? 

Most treadmills have a lifespan of about 10 years, but that’s only if you follow care and maintenance guidelines. That means lubricating the treadmill belt regularly and following any manufacturer recommendations for maintaining the machine.  

How often should you exercise on a treadmill? 

Every individual has different fitness needs and goals, but the CDC guidelines for physical activity state that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio each week. That means walking briskly or running on the treadmill for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week is enough for most people.  

Should I get a manual or electric treadmill at this price range? 

It depends. Some people prefer electric treadmills, while others like manual models. However, if you plan on running at a faster speed, it’s recommended that you go for an electric treadmill since these generally have a higher speed range.  

Conclusion

My top recommendation for the best affordable treadmill is the electric folding model by Merax, particularly if you’re looking for a folding machine that’s easy to move and store.

However, you can’t go wrong with any of the models listed in these affordable treadmill reviews, so choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.