9 Best Cheap Treadmills 2023

What To Look For When Buying A Cheap Treadmill

If you’re looking for an affordable treadmill, then you probably already know the price range that you’re looking to spend. From our team’s experience with using all kinds of treadmills, the budget-friendly ones tend to range from at least $500 to around $1000. Any cheaper than $500, and you’ll most likely get a machine that won’t hold up for long that has very limited workout capabilities. But what about cheap treadmills within that price range?

Check The Specs

With buying any treadmill it’s important to check out what features it has and what the specifications include. If you’re confused about what the different motor sizes and treadmill belt sizes mean, I’m about to break it down for you.

As far as motor sizes, they typically range from 1.5 to over 4 horsepower. In our testing, we’ve found that treadmills with 2-3 hp motors handle walking and light jogging best. Once you get into larger motor sizes like 3.0+ hp is where running and heavier use are tolerated. So, you shouldn’t buy a treadmill with a smaller than 3.0 hp motor if you’re planning on doing a lot of running and sprinting.

Treadmills under 2.0 hp are usually much smaller in size and can be stored out of sight when not in use, like under a bed.

Another spec that we pay close attention to is the running surface size. We have reviewers ranging from 5’ tall all the way up to 6.5’ tall, and we’ve determined that a 60” long deck is best for users of all heights and stride lengths to be able to run comfortably on. For electric treadmills, like all the ones on this list, a width of at least 20” is plenty sufficient as well.

In some cases, if you have a shorter running stride, 55” long decks can work for running. Just make sure that the other specs, like the motor, can support heavier use like running too. Usually deck lengths under 55” are only suitable

We also recommend checking out the weight capacity. On home treadmills, 400 lbs is typically the maximum weight capacity, but more affordable treadmills rarely have limits up to that. 300 lbs is still really great and can accommodate most users. A good rule of thumb is that the heavier the weight capacity, the more solid and durable the treadmill most likely is.

Your Home Space

Now that you’ve gotten an idea of what to look for in the specs of a treadmill, let’s fit one in your home. All treadmills generate some type of sound, although most have a fairly low noise output. But what about the size of your space? Do you need a treadmill that folds up? Do you need a smaller compact one that can be stowed under your bed or couch? Do you need to move it around often?

Fortunately, all of the treadmills on this list fold up and have wheels for transporting. Although some can move around easier than others. If you have physical limitations though, moving your treadmill might be out of the question, especially if it is larger. If the treadmill inclines and you have lower ceilings, that might make it more challenging to fit in your space, too.

Content Preference And Workout Goals

As mentioned above, if you’re looking for a treadmill to run and sprint on, you will need to determine if it can handle that kind of use. On top of making sure that the treadmill is suitable for what you want to do with it, you want to make sure that you’ll actually use it.

If you buy a treadmill that comes with an additional monthly subscription in order to utilize all of its features and you aren’t into trainer-led classes and paying an extra fee, then odds are you aren’t going to like or use the treadmill. It’s important to see what kind of content the treadmill comes with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Cheap Treadmill Worth It?

In our experience, a cheaper treadmill can be worth it. Although we recommend looking for one that is priced over $500 at least though. The really inexpensive treadmills commonly found on Amazon for $100 or $200, most likely won’t be worth the money. Plus, they usually come with more limited functionality, like smaller decks, motors, and lower max speeds and incline levels (if they incline at all).

Treadmills closer to $1000, and even in the $500 to $700 range can be really great options, especially if they’re from a good brand like all of the treadmills on this list. We also strongly encourage consumers to buy directly from the treadmill’s manufacturer, so you can be sure to get access to their warranty package in case you do face issues with the treadmill.

How Do I Get The Best Deal On A Treadmill?

Brands can offer sales and discounts at any time. Usually, later in the year from around Black Friday all the way through January can be a great time to score a deal. Usually, towards the end of the year and into the new year, brands will offer discounts on models they are planning on discontinuing or upgrading.

Is It Worth It To Buy An Expensive Treadmill?

Buying a high-end, expensive treadmill can definitely be worth the investment. Typically, more expensive models have a more durable construction to last longer. It can be especially worth it if you plan on using it regularly and heavily. If this sounds like your goal we recommend paying extra for a treadmill that can handle long-term, heavy use.

How Long Do Cheap Treadmills Last?

It’s hard to give an exact timeline because it depends on what it is being used for, how much it is, the build quality, and how often it is being used. Most likely, more expensive treadmills ($2000+) will last longer than treadmills under $1000. But with regular maintenance, like belt lubrication if it’s needed, and using the treadmill appropriately, it could last for years.

We recommend looking into treadmills over $500 to around $1000 if you’re looking for an affordable treadmill. Anything under $500, like treadmills found on Amazon, gets into the territory of not lasting and lacking in quality overall.