Best Treadmills Under 1000 Dollars Reviewed

Treadmills Under $1000 Compared

Choosing a High-Quality Treadmill Under $1000

Size Vs. Space

Rather than starting your search straight away, it would be wiser to assess the actual space you have available in your home.

Determine where you’re going to place your treadmill, based on a) where there’s enough space to use it, including getting on and off it safely, b) where it won’t be an obstruction to anyone or anything else in your home, and c) where you’re going to feel comfortable exercising. Measure the space available. Use those measurements to find the treadmill that fits.  

Core Components

Think about the core components, including the Motor, Incline Control, Frame, and Shock Absorption.

Motor

The motor is the component that powers it, and that power is measured in horsepower. You need to be aware some manufacturers list the Peak Power, which can sound massive and very impressive.

However, that’s not the level you’re likely to experience on regular use. You need to look for the Continuous Power rating. As a rule, the more powerful the motor, the faster you can run and the larger capacity it’ll have.

Incline Control

If you want to benefit from using a treadmill to enhance your fitness and burn more calories, you should look for a treadmill that offers incline controls. This is essentially the feature that simulates walking, jogging or running up or downhill.

Frame

One core component that’s often overlooked is the frame. The construction, durability, and strength of the frame are directly related to the construction, durability, and strength of the treadmill. 

Two key areas are the materials and construction method used. Normally, treadmills are made from aluminum or steel. Steel is tougher than aluminum, so a steel-built treadmill is likely to have a higher user weight capacity. However, as steel is heavier than aluminum, aluminum-built machines are easier to move around.

There are two main ways frames are constructed – by welding or bolting pieces together. Welding is more commonly used. Treadmills locked/bolted are considered tougher. However, the cheaper the treadmill, the lower the build quality will be.  

Shock Absorption

All treadmills should have some degree of cushioning and shock absorption built into them. This is important because the less or more shock absorption and cushioning a treadmill deck has, the softer or harder it’ll feel to use.

Max User Weight

The maximum user weight is also important. Think about who is going to be using the treadmill. If you or they are particularly big, you’ll need a treadmill with a high user weight.

Deck Length (Belt Size)

One of the main dimensions you should pay close attention to is the deck length and belt size. The belt size is the space you must run. So, as well as having an impact on the treadmill footprint, it also will determine how comfortable it’ll be to use.

Durability & Stability

You want to be able to use your treadmill without it shaking or moving around. Furthermore, the more stable, rigid, and durable the treadmill is, the longer it’s likely to last.

Secondary Features

There are numerous secondary features that though they are not essential, can enhance your experience.  

Noise

Treadmills are not quiet. They involve walking, jogging, or running on a track, either powered manually or by a motor. So, they are going to make some noise. Depending on your living environment, you’ll want to give some thought to how quiet a treadmill is, then.

Price & Warranty

Cheaper treadmills may seem like better investments, but you should consider why a machine is cheap. It usually means the quality of the build or materials used are not as good. You certainly don’t get the same number of features.

As you'll want to get as much use out of your treadmill as possible, take note of the warranty. You’ll notice treadmills tend to have separate warranties applied to specific components and parts.

1. NordicTrack T Series Treadmills 6.5S

Even without using iFit, there’s a lot to recommend this treadmill. It has a generously sized running area, a 0 to 10% adjustable incline, and a powerful 2.6 CHP motor. There are 20 workout programs, MP3 compatibility and you can switch between a cushioned feel and a flat deck to give that genuine road feel.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna 

Sunny Health and Fitness are well known for designing cost-effective and ingenious machines, including treadmills. We've chosen the Asuna SpaceFlex because it has a very modern and compact design that will suit people with limited available space.

Portability and convenience are central to this machine, as it weighs just 170-pounds and can be folded up and rolled away when not in use.

Performance-wise, while it only offers a speed range of 0.6 to 8mph, it does have 12 exciting incline settings and 9 pre-programmed workouts as well as 3 customizable programs. With a monitor display that tracks speed, calories burned, time and distance, this is great for someone looking to do a bit of exercise regularly.

3. Horizon Fitness T101 Series

4. EXERPEUTIC TF2000

If you’re looking for a walking treadmill under the $1000 mark, then you should give some serious thought to the EXERPEUTIC TF2000 Recovery fitness walking treadmill. Not only is this available for a seriously reasonable price, but it's also ideal for older people and those recovering from injuries.

Comfort and safety have been at the forefront of the designers' minds when creating this machine. The speed range runs covers 0.2 to 5 MPH, so it's never going to feel too fast. Furthermore, along with with the side handrails this also includes a handle at the front below the display monitor with hand sensors on it. 

Another key feature for older users and those in recovery is the deck cushions for shock absorption that stop there being too much pressure on your joints. With the backlit display tracking calories, pulse, time, distance and speed and transportation wheels on the bottom, we think this is a great purchase.

5. ProForm Performance 600i

ProForm claims to offer world-class personal training from the comfort of your own house with this ProForm 600i Treadmill. This folds away for easy storage (admittedly, though, this is harder to do on this machine than others) and comes complete with a package of excellent features.

One of the most noteworthy is the iFit connectivity. Some love it, and some hate it. The bottom line is, you can bypass it. So, don’t let that put you off. Key aspects beyond that are the strong 2.5 CHP motor that offers 0 to 10 MPH speed, which can be quickly selected at the touch of a button.

This makes the perfect machine to run on. For when you need to vary the terrain a little, there’s also the option to increase and decrease the incline from 0 to 10%.

6. RebelDesk

By far the biggest standout point about the Rebel Desk treadmill is hinted at in the name – it’s an under-desk treadmill. This is perfect for both people who have limited space at home, and more specifically, people who like to work out during their working day in the office. Designed to work with a standing desk, you can use it to walk at a leisurely pace while you carry out your daily business tasks.

It's straightforward to set up and weighs a mere 88-pounds, making it easily one of the lightest treadmills on the market. Even though it has a streamlined and minimalist design, you can still use it to track distance, speed, and time of workouts and it offers an adjustable speed of 0.2 to 5 mph. It doesn't sound like a lot, but you'd hardly want to run too quickly while carrying out work.

7. Sole New 2019 F63 

If you’re looking for a better quality of exercise machine for a similar budget to others mentioned in our guide, the Sole F63 is worth thinking about. This is powered by a juicy 3.0 CHP motor which provides you with a top speed of 12 MPH, which when used in conjunction with the 0 to 15% incline and the 10 built-in programs, makes for a versatile and exciting workout.

The generous track size is more than enough to cope with the higher speed settings, and the whole thing feels secure and sturdy. 

One of the things that make Sole Fitness stand out as a brand is their dedication to getting the basics right, rather than jamming a poorly designed treadmill with an unnecessary range of extras. This does have great extras, but it excels in getting the foundational elements right in the first place.

8. 3G Cardio Lite Runner

Perhaps the weirdest thing about the 3G Cardio Lite machine, although we figure it as being the best commercial treadmill under the 1,000 bucks mark, is the fact it doesn't come with a super-advanced display monitor or touchscreen controls, like so many we've featured do.

However, what sets this apart from the rest and justifies its placing in our list is the performance it offers, considering its compact frame and design. The powerful High Torque 2.5 CHP motor provides a very nice 0 to 12 mph, while the incline options run from 0 to a massive 15%. It doesn't even scrimp when it comes to maximum user weight, as it'll run smoothly for users of a maximum 300-pounds. 

As well as the excellent speed and incline settings, this also benefits from being much easier to set up. Some customers remarked that they were able to set it up in under two hours. 

9. XTERRA Fitness TR300 

Now, most of the treadmills we’ve included in our guide are foldable. However, in our humble opinion, the best folding treadmill available right now is the XTERRA Fitness TR300. There are lots of great features to recommend this treadmill. At 55-inches, the belt length is generous enough considering its quite a compact treadmill overall, and with a 2.25 HP motor it still delivers a versatile 0 to 10 mph.

There are further levels of the versatility offered by it too including the 0 to 15% incline and the not just 5 or 10, but 15 pre-programmed workouts. With the XTRASoft cushioned deck, a comforting cooling fan and the life assist and safe drop mechanisms, this really is the whole package. 

10. Horizon Fitness 7.0 

The penultimate entry in our guide is the second offering from Horizon Fitness. This time, this one is aimed squarely at runners and while it doesn’t offer the same level of special features, bells and whistles, it does contain enough to keep things interesting and challenging.

With a 3.0 CHP motor, it provides adjustable speed with a maximum of 12 miles an hour, and like just a small number of other models has a maximum incline of 15%. So, you can replicate even the quickest and toughest terrains.

Obviously, with top speeds and inclines like that, you'd want a running deck that's big enough to accommodate that level of movement. The Horizon Fitness 7 delivers with a generously 60-inches long-running space. Perfect for those with bigger strides and longer feet. 

11. LifeSpan TR1200i

Last, but certainly not least in our guide is the LifeSpan TR1200i, that shows one of the best, if not the best home treadmill under $1,000 doesn't have to be jam-packed. It's fair to say; it's not much to look at. From a distance, it could just be any old plastic construction treadmill.

However, it's got most of the functions you'd want and need but just presents them more subtly. For instance, the 2.5 CHP motor and the 56-inch running space, with adjustable speed and incline, offers the versatility any runner really needs. The motor itself is also near-silent running.

Even though the display monitor looks like it deserves to be on a less powerful model, it’ll track the metrics you’re interested in, while offering 21 preset programs and Bluetooth connectivity for your preferred device. 

Types of Treadmills

Manual Treadmills

Motorized Treadmills

This is the type you’d be most familiar with. A motor powers them and features the same kind of setup with a belt and rollers. The great thing is you can set the speed for your workout, and you just need to keep up with it. Modern models also feature the option of adjusting the incline at which you’re walking.

Folding Treadmills

As you can imagine from the name, these are great when you have limited space. They tend to offer similar/reduced capabilities and features to a motorized treadmill, but in a more compact design that can be folded up and stored away easily. Ancheer is a top brand of folding treadmills.

Commercial Treadmills

These are designed for gyms. They are high-end with a running/walking area that’s sturdy, but cushioned, motorized incline, sophisticated and interactive computer, heart rate monitor, and most powerful motors.

Curved Treadmills

Treadmill Factors Explained

Shock Absorption System Type

Important Safety Features

Treadmill Rating Systems

Price Range of Treadmills

The price of treadmills is something essential to consider. Although cheaper models appear to be a good idea, they are often less expensive for a reason, meaning they use inferior materials and are not made to the same standard as pricier models. They also tend to lack the features of higher-priced models.

Treadmills Vs Other Exercise Equipment

Treadmills Vs Stationary Bikes For Fitness

Treadmills Vs Ellipticals For Fitness

Treadmills Vs Rowing Machines for Fitness

Top Treadmill Brands

Treadmill Walking Mistakes to Avoid

Care & Maintenance of Treadmills

It's important to look after your treadmill to ensure it lasts as long as possible. This includes carrying out general and specific maintenance, such as:

Wiping sweat each time you use it using a dry towel. Sweat has high levels of acidity, and this could cause damage to the treadmill over time, as well as making the belt slippery.

Dirt and dust will also cause problems for the movement of the belt and electronics. You must dust your treadmill every week with a dry cloth, wiping any dust found on the belt and under it. You can use a moist cloth on the display monitor.

Check the belt every month to ensure it is secure and appropriately aligned. Sometimes the belts slip or expand after it’s been used a few times. This is natural. It can take a few re-adjustments and then it should be fine. Of course, if you don’t want to handle realigning the belt yourself, you should get help from the manufacturer or where you bought the machine.

Although lubrication isn't always required for new machines if you do need to lubricate it, make sure you use the correct kind of lubrication and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This video demonstrates how it can be done.

Treadmill Exercise Routines For Beginners

High-Intensity Interval Training on a Treadmill

People also Ask (FAQs)

How do I know if my treadmill speed is accurate? How do I calibrate my treadmill speed?

To check whether its accurate or not, take the distance, that is the number of revolutions x the length of the belt and divide it by a measured amount of time.

How many calories are burned on a treadmill?

According to Live Strong “Jogging at 5 mph for 10 minutes can burn 97 calories and running at 8 mph for the same duration can burn 164. If you increase your walking workout to 30 minutes, a 3.5 mph pace can burn 138 calories. Increase your jogging and running workout to 20 minutes, and you can burn 194 and 328 calories, respectively.”

What is a good run speed on a treadmill?

According to runnersworld.com “Now, all that said, here is a general guideline on treadmill speeds: for most people 2 to 4 mph will be a walking speed; 4 to 5 mph will be a very fast walk or jog; and anything over 5 mph will be jogging or running.”

Are there any health restrictions for using treadmills? Is it safe for pregnant women, the elderly, or anyone with health issues to use a treadmill?

Only if there are other medical issues, should you avoid using a treadmill during pregnancy or if you are elderly.

Are treadmills safe to use?

Yes, if the proper guidelines and instructions are followed, treadmills are very safe to use.

Are expensive treadmills worth investing in? What are the drawbacks of cheaper ones?

The advice we would give is to try and buy the treadmill that is within your budget but not too cheap. Less expensive models may seem like a good purchase but are generally less expensive for a reason.

Can I buy these online even though they are large?

Of course, it is easier to buy a treadmill online as a courier or delivery company will bring it right to your doorstep and inside your home.

What is the best fitness app for treadmills?

There are a number you can choose from including iFit, ISmooth Radio, Nike+ Run Club and Peloton Digital.

How often should you lubricate a treadmill?

It really depends on the price tag and quality. Most manufacturers, particularly of lower-cost models, cite every 40 hours or every 3 months as being the best time between lubrications.

Conclusion

There you have it, our very comprehensive look at the best treadmills available on the market under $1000. You will find something for everyone in our list, as we've tried to cover all bases. By far our favorite though, is the LifeSpan TR1200i model, in terms of functionality, features, and speed/incline adjustability.