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When perusing the best treadmills for your soulmate-level match, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by price tags of $3,000 or more. The good news is that there is no shortage of affordable units. The best treadmills under $2,000 have many of the same bells and whistles — decline and incline, high weight capacities, and interactive programming — as...
The post The 7 Best Treadmills Under $2,000 for 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
When perusing the best treadmills for your soulmate-level match, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by price tags of $3,000 or more. The good news is that there is no shortage of affordable units. The best treadmills under $2,000 have many of the same bells and whistles — decline and incline, high weight capacities, and interactive programming — as their costlier counterparts. They may not qualify as “luxury,” but they’ll give you ample space to sweat and improve your cardiorespiratory function. (1)
Treadmills approaching $2,000 are considered to be “mid-range” options, and there are certainly factors, whether it’s a plastic-heavy build or a lack of dynamic programming, where they may fall short of your expectations. BarBend’s team of fitness professionals have tested more than 40 treadmills from the top brands to help curate a list of our favorite treadmills in this price range. Check out our picks below.
The 7 Best Treadmills Under $2,000
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level-1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions, and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills Under $2,000
BarBend’s roster of certified personal trainers, CrossFit professionals, and nutrition coaches has personally tested more than 40 treadmills. Our testing methodology covers 13 different categories, from adjustability and ergonomics to footprint and portability, with our testers rating each on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
We brought together all this information and experience to help you figure out which option can best support your favorite cardio workouts, your space, and your budget. Here’s a few other key factors we considered when making our picks.
Dynamic Programming
Some people prefer to just set their tablet on a device holder and press play, while others may want full integration with a fitness app like iFIT or Peloton. No matter which applies to you, we made sure to include both options. A few even have automatically-adjusting speed and incline capabilities that correspond with the class you’re taking, so you can focus on your run. If there is no app integration, many treadmills will include a handful of preset workout programs — like Hill Climb, 5K or 10K Training, or Intervals — to help you develop a routine.
Incline and Decline
Since incline and decline capabilities can help replicate real-world terrain and intensify running and walking workouts, we sought to include options that included a wide range. When making our picks, we tried to focus on machines that included a range of roughly -3 percent to 12 percent, as well as support for interactive incline and decline workouts on popular fitness apps.
Our product tester walking on the NordicTrack Commercial 1250.
“Most people don’t need inclines greater than 12 percent,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “But athletes who are training for a specific event or race may want to consider options with greater incline capabilities.” Though we did include a few options with decline, you’re generally less likely to find that option on a treadmill at this price range than you would on the best high-end treadmills.
Belt Deck Size
For our list, we looked for belt decks matching the industry standard of 20 inches wide by 60 inches long. “For running, and especially sprinting, you’ll want a deck of 20 inches wide by 60 inches long,” says Capritto. As the speed — and intensity — of your workout increases, your stride tends to grow longer, necessitating a spacious deck that can support your gait.
Best Overall Treadmill Under $2,000: NordicTrack Commercial 1250
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
This luxury treadmill offers automatic adjustments to the speed, incline, and decline settings via iFit and through NordicTrack's ActivePulse
Technology. With a 10-inch touchscreen monitor, you can virtually travel the world as you follow along to the thousands of available iFit classes.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
We picked the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 as the best overall treadmill under $2,000 because it pairs a sturdy build and wide incline range with tech capabilities like iFIT integration. Adding intensity to otherwise flat running or walking workouts is easy with its -3-percent decline to 12-percent incline range. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored this treadmill 5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics, durability, and conveniences.
Taking advantage of incline and decline can allow you to simulate running outdoors. “Incline treadmills take the standard treadmill up a notch,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “Having incline capabilities at your fingertips (toe-tips?) allows you to broaden your training protocol and become a more well-rounded runner.”
BarBend product tester and certified nutrition coach Jake Herod put the best NordicTrack treadmills to the test — including the Commercial 1250 — so check out his review below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOUw-Gx9y2sVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Better Than The Rest! — The BEST NordicTrack Treadmills (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOUw-Gx9y2s)
We rated this treadmill a 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities, and Herod called out its ActivePulse feature. “It’s going to read your heart rate and then adjust your difficulty to keep your heart rate in the optimal zone,” said Herod. The feature is compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors that offer broadcast functionality.
We also like this treadmill’s iFIT compatibility. The app offers access to thousands of trainer-led classes and scenic rides, and can even make automatic adjustments to your speed and incline during a workout. When I tested iFIT’s Grand Canyon hiking series on the 10-inch touchscreen, the belt deck slowly began to incline on its own when the trainer approached a rocky hill, helping to better replicate the real-life terrain. I’d rate my experience using iFIT’s dynamic programming a 4.5 out of 5, only docking a half point for its slight lag when booting up (trust us — you’ll want a solid Wi-Fi connection).
Our BarBend product tester using the incline on the NordicTrack Commercial 1250.
If you are a serious runner planning on logging lots of miles each day, the 1.9-inch rollers may be a sticking point. When assessing treadmills for heavy use, Capritto says, “I recommend prioritizing a powerful motor of at least 3.0 CHP, large belt rollers of 2 inches, and ample deck cushioning to relieve joint impact.”
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill Review.
Best Folding Treadmill Under $2,000: Horizon 7.4 AT
Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.4 AT treadmill is ideal for anyone who likes to stream fitness classes throughout their workout. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity for streaming, this tread also features 3-zone variable response cushioning and feather-light folding to make storing this treadmill seamless.
Shop Horizon
Specs
Pros
Cons
The 7.4 AT is our pick for best folding treadmill under $2,000 because Horizon’s FeatherLight folding system does the heavy lifting for you. As you lift the deck upright, air fills the hydraulic cylinder, supporting more and more weight as it rises. To unfold, simply tap the lever with your foot to allow it to float gently to the floor. As such, this treadmill received a 4.5 out of 5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics from our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.
“Some people need the floor space taken up by the deck, and folding treadmills fill this gap,” Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, explains. “When you’re not using the treadmill, you can reclaim the floor space for something else.”
Our tester unfolding the Horizon 7.4 AT.
Our tester rated its footprint and portability a 3.5 out of 5. “I wouldn’t say it’s meant for smaller spaces,” they pointed out. “A big part of that is the 22-inch width of the deck, which is actually two inches wider than similar machines.”
When in use, it takes up 18.72 square feet of floor space, which is slightly larger than the average loveseat. (2) However, in the upright folded position, you can reduce its footprint to 10.79 square feet. It does weigh a whopping 318 pounds, though — roughly 50 and 75 pounds heavier than most treadmills we tested — so transport can still be difficult.
Horizon Fitness’ Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning works to reduce the impact taken on your joints. The cushioned deck and 350-pound weight capacity helped earn it a 4.5 out of 5 for durability from our tester. “It should hold up even with frequent use by multiple people,” they said.
While the 12-percent incline can add some intensity to your walks or runs, serious runners may be disappointed to not see a decline function.
Read our full Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $2,000 With iFIT: ProForm Pro 2000
ProForm Pro 2000
ProForm Pro 2000
This treadmill is ideal for anyone who wants a touchscreen display, shock absorption, heart rate monitoring, and a hydraulic folding system. Plus, it comes at a reasonable price.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
The ProForm Pro 2000, our pick for the best treadmill under $2,000 with iFIT, earned a 5 out of 5 rating for dynamic programming from Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer. She tested out iFIT on the ProForm Pro 9000, but the Pro 2000 offers a similar experience, an identical incline range of -3-percent to 12-percent, and an overall weight that’s just one pound lighter.
An iFIT subscription — $39.99 per month after your free 30-day trial — gives you access to over 16,000 live and on-demand classes, even off-machine options like yoga or strength training. iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature allows the Pro 2000 to make automatic adjustments to your speed and incline based a class’ specifications, leaving you to focus on your workout.
[Related: The 6 Best Treadmills with iFIT of 2024]
“iFIT programming is some of the best interactive fitness programming available, especially for cardio,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “The immersive component can keep you motivated to exercise.”
Our BarBend product tester starting an iFIT workout on the comparable ProForm Pro 9000.
The wide incline range earned a 5 out of 5 rating from Meier for both customizations and adjustability. Use that range to boost the intensity of your training on your own, or follow iFIT workouts that descend, like the Grand Canyon series. I tested out the series myself and would rate my workout experience following the trainer up and down the trails a 4.5 out of 5, only reducing a half point because iFIT was a little slow to boot up — maybe check on upgrading your Wi-Fi speed.
At 262 pounds, it may be tough for one person to move, but ProForm’s EasyLift Assist makes folding up the 20-inch by 60-inch deck — on the high end of average belt decks — much safer and easier. Despite how easy it was to fold upright, Meier rated the footprint and portability 3.5 out of 5, citing its weight. “The hydraulic folding is super helpful,” she said, “but since it was so heavy, I did kind of need to slide it around instead of using the wheels.”
Read our full ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $2,000 for Streaming: Bowflex Treadmill 10
Bowflex Treadmill 10
Bowflex Treadmill 10
This treadmill features a foldable design, a 400-pound weight capacity, a wide range of incline and decline settings, and offers streaming capabilities.
Shop Bowflex
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is our choice for the best treadmill under $2,000 for streaming because — with a $19.99 monthly subscription — you can access JRNY workouts and entertainment apps right on the 10-inch touchscreen display. “You’ll find all the streaming apps you would want — Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Disney+, and HBO Max,” said our tester, rating the tech capabilities of the treadmill a 4.5 out of 5.
“Being able to watch a television show, documentary, or movie while exercising can make it something to look forward to (and make time seem like...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 7 Best Treadmills Under $2,000 for 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
When perusing the best treadmills for your soulmate-level match, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by price tags of $3,000 or more. The good news is that there is no shortage of affordable units. The best treadmills under $2,000 have many of the same bells and whistles — decline and incline, high weight capacities, and interactive programming — as their costlier counterparts. They may not qualify as “luxury,” but they’ll give you ample space to sweat and improve your cardiorespiratory function. (1)
Treadmills approaching $2,000 are considered to be “mid-range” options, and there are certainly factors, whether it’s a plastic-heavy build or a lack of dynamic programming, where they may fall short of your expectations. BarBend’s team of fitness professionals have tested more than 40 treadmills from the top brands to help curate a list of our favorite treadmills in this price range. Check out our picks below.
The 7 Best Treadmills Under $2,000
- Best Treadmill Under $2,000 Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1250
- Best Folding Treadmill Under $2,000: Horizon 7.4 AT
- Best Treadmill Under $2,000 With iFIT: ProForm Pro 2000
- Best Treadmill Under $2,000 for Streaming: Bowflex Treadmill 10
- Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $2,000: Sole F80
- Best Treadmill Under $2,000 for Running: Echelon Stride-6
- Best Compact Treadmill Under $2,000: NordicTrack EXP 7i
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level-1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions, and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills Under $2,000
BarBend’s roster of certified personal trainers, CrossFit professionals, and nutrition coaches has personally tested more than 40 treadmills. Our testing methodology covers 13 different categories, from adjustability and ergonomics to footprint and portability, with our testers rating each on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
We brought together all this information and experience to help you figure out which option can best support your favorite cardio workouts, your space, and your budget. Here’s a few other key factors we considered when making our picks.
Dynamic Programming
Some people prefer to just set their tablet on a device holder and press play, while others may want full integration with a fitness app like iFIT or Peloton. No matter which applies to you, we made sure to include both options. A few even have automatically-adjusting speed and incline capabilities that correspond with the class you’re taking, so you can focus on your run. If there is no app integration, many treadmills will include a handful of preset workout programs — like Hill Climb, 5K or 10K Training, or Intervals — to help you develop a routine.
Incline and Decline
Since incline and decline capabilities can help replicate real-world terrain and intensify running and walking workouts, we sought to include options that included a wide range. When making our picks, we tried to focus on machines that included a range of roughly -3 percent to 12 percent, as well as support for interactive incline and decline workouts on popular fitness apps.
“Most people don’t need inclines greater than 12 percent,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “But athletes who are training for a specific event or race may want to consider options with greater incline capabilities.” Though we did include a few options with decline, you’re generally less likely to find that option on a treadmill at this price range than you would on the best high-end treadmills.
Belt Deck Size
For our list, we looked for belt decks matching the industry standard of 20 inches wide by 60 inches long. “For running, and especially sprinting, you’ll want a deck of 20 inches wide by 60 inches long,” says Capritto. As the speed — and intensity — of your workout increases, your stride tends to grow longer, necessitating a spacious deck that can support your gait.
Best Overall Treadmill Under $2,000: NordicTrack Commercial 1250
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
This luxury treadmill offers automatic adjustments to the speed, incline, and decline settings via iFit and through NordicTrack's ActivePulse
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,799
- Incline Range: -3%-12%
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 64.7” H x 78.5” L x 35.6” W
- Weight: 281.6lbs
Pros
- The -3-percent decline to 12-percent incline range allows you to intensify your workouts and mimic outdoor running.
- With the swiveling 10-inch touchscreen, you can follow thousands of on-demand iFIT classes on and off the treadmill.
- Automatic adjustments through iFIT and ActivePulse — when paired with a compatible Bluetooth heart rate monitor — allow you to stay focused on your workout.
Cons
- For serious runners, the 1.9-inch rollers — about 0.25 inches smaller than average — may not hold up to intense workouts over time.
- iFIT integration, a key component of the 1250’s appeal, costs an additional $39.99 a month.
We picked the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 as the best overall treadmill under $2,000 because it pairs a sturdy build and wide incline range with tech capabilities like iFIT integration. Adding intensity to otherwise flat running or walking workouts is easy with its -3-percent decline to 12-percent incline range. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored this treadmill 5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics, durability, and conveniences.
Taking advantage of incline and decline can allow you to simulate running outdoors. “Incline treadmills take the standard treadmill up a notch,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “Having incline capabilities at your fingertips (toe-tips?) allows you to broaden your training protocol and become a more well-rounded runner.”
BarBend product tester and certified nutrition coach Jake Herod put the best NordicTrack treadmills to the test — including the Commercial 1250 — so check out his review below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOUw-Gx9y2sVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Better Than The Rest! — The BEST NordicTrack Treadmills (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOUw-Gx9y2s)
We rated this treadmill a 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities, and Herod called out its ActivePulse feature. “It’s going to read your heart rate and then adjust your difficulty to keep your heart rate in the optimal zone,” said Herod. The feature is compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors that offer broadcast functionality.
We also like this treadmill’s iFIT compatibility. The app offers access to thousands of trainer-led classes and scenic rides, and can even make automatic adjustments to your speed and incline during a workout. When I tested iFIT’s Grand Canyon hiking series on the 10-inch touchscreen, the belt deck slowly began to incline on its own when the trainer approached a rocky hill, helping to better replicate the real-life terrain. I’d rate my experience using iFIT’s dynamic programming a 4.5 out of 5, only docking a half point for its slight lag when booting up (trust us — you’ll want a solid Wi-Fi connection).
If you are a serious runner planning on logging lots of miles each day, the 1.9-inch rollers may be a sticking point. When assessing treadmills for heavy use, Capritto says, “I recommend prioritizing a powerful motor of at least 3.0 CHP, large belt rollers of 2 inches, and ample deck cushioning to relieve joint impact.”
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill Review.
Best Folding Treadmill Under $2,000: Horizon 7.4 AT
Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.4 AT treadmill is ideal for anyone who likes to stream fitness classes throughout their workout. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity for streaming, this tread also features 3-zone variable response cushioning and feather-light folding to make storing this treadmill seamless.
Shop Horizon
Specs
- Price: $1,599
- Incline Range: 0%-12%
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Dimensions: 67? H x 77? L x 35? W
- Weight: 318lbs
Pros
- Horizon’s FeatherLight hydraulic folding system takes most of the weight off the user.
- Its spacious 22-inch by 60-inch cushioned deck works to ease the impact on your joints.
- Use your phone or tablet to stream workouts from all the best fitness apps.
Cons
- It weighs a whopping 318 pounds, between 50 to 75 pounds heavier than most treadmills we tested.
- It offers a 12-percent incline, but no decline capabilities.
The 7.4 AT is our pick for best folding treadmill under $2,000 because Horizon’s FeatherLight folding system does the heavy lifting for you. As you lift the deck upright, air fills the hydraulic cylinder, supporting more and more weight as it rises. To unfold, simply tap the lever with your foot to allow it to float gently to the floor. As such, this treadmill received a 4.5 out of 5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics from our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.
“Some people need the floor space taken up by the deck, and folding treadmills fill this gap,” Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, explains. “When you’re not using the treadmill, you can reclaim the floor space for something else.”
Our tester rated its footprint and portability a 3.5 out of 5. “I wouldn’t say it’s meant for smaller spaces,” they pointed out. “A big part of that is the 22-inch width of the deck, which is actually two inches wider than similar machines.”
When in use, it takes up 18.72 square feet of floor space, which is slightly larger than the average loveseat. (2) However, in the upright folded position, you can reduce its footprint to 10.79 square feet. It does weigh a whopping 318 pounds, though — roughly 50 and 75 pounds heavier than most treadmills we tested — so transport can still be difficult.
Horizon Fitness’ Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning works to reduce the impact taken on your joints. The cushioned deck and 350-pound weight capacity helped earn it a 4.5 out of 5 for durability from our tester. “It should hold up even with frequent use by multiple people,” they said.
While the 12-percent incline can add some intensity to your walks or runs, serious runners may be disappointed to not see a decline function.
Read our full Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $2,000 With iFIT: ProForm Pro 2000
ProForm Pro 2000
ProForm Pro 2000
This treadmill is ideal for anyone who wants a touchscreen display, shock absorption, heart rate monitoring, and a hydraulic folding system. Plus, it comes at a reasonable price.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $1,799
- Incline Range: -3%-12%
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 59.6” H x 77.3” L x 35.3” W
- Weight: 262lbs
Pros
- Follow interactive live and on-demand iFIT workouts on the 10-inch HD touchscreen.
- The -3-percent decline to 12-percent incline range can add an extra challenge to your training.
- With ProForm’s EasyLift Assist, you can fold the 20-inch by 60-inch deck upright without fear of injury.
Cons
- Access to iFIT’s interactive programming costs an additional $39.99 per month.
- At 262 pounds, it may be difficult for one person to move by themselves.
The ProForm Pro 2000, our pick for the best treadmill under $2,000 with iFIT, earned a 5 out of 5 rating for dynamic programming from Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer. She tested out iFIT on the ProForm Pro 9000, but the Pro 2000 offers a similar experience, an identical incline range of -3-percent to 12-percent, and an overall weight that’s just one pound lighter.
An iFIT subscription — $39.99 per month after your free 30-day trial — gives you access to over 16,000 live and on-demand classes, even off-machine options like yoga or strength training. iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature allows the Pro 2000 to make automatic adjustments to your speed and incline based a class’ specifications, leaving you to focus on your workout.
[Related: The 6 Best Treadmills with iFIT of 2024]
“iFIT programming is some of the best interactive fitness programming available, especially for cardio,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “The immersive component can keep you motivated to exercise.”
The wide incline range earned a 5 out of 5 rating from Meier for both customizations and adjustability. Use that range to boost the intensity of your training on your own, or follow iFIT workouts that descend, like the Grand Canyon series. I tested out the series myself and would rate my workout experience following the trainer up and down the trails a 4.5 out of 5, only reducing a half point because iFIT was a little slow to boot up — maybe check on upgrading your Wi-Fi speed.
At 262 pounds, it may be tough for one person to move, but ProForm’s EasyLift Assist makes folding up the 20-inch by 60-inch deck — on the high end of average belt decks — much safer and easier. Despite how easy it was to fold upright, Meier rated the footprint and portability 3.5 out of 5, citing its weight. “The hydraulic folding is super helpful,” she said, “but since it was so heavy, I did kind of need to slide it around instead of using the wheels.”
Read our full ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $2,000 for Streaming: Bowflex Treadmill 10
Bowflex Treadmill 10
Bowflex Treadmill 10
This treadmill features a foldable design, a 400-pound weight capacity, a wide range of incline and decline settings, and offers streaming capabilities.
Shop Bowflex
Specs
- Price: $1,999
- Incline Range: -5%-15%
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Dimensions: 65.3? H x 85? L x 39.6? W
- Weight: 323lbs
Pros
- A JRNY subscription allows you to stream workouts and entertainment apps like Netflix on the 10-inch touchscreen.
- The 4.0 HP motor is more powerful than the 3.0 to 3.5 HP motors often found at this price range.
- Its -5-percent decline to 15-percent incline range is wider than other incline treadmills at this price point by roughly 5 percent.
Cons
- Since you can’t mirror your screen to the display, a $19.99 a month JRNY subscription is required to access streaming content.
- At 323 pounds, this treadmill can be tough to transport.
The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is our choice for the best treadmill under $2,000 for streaming because — with a $19.99 monthly subscription — you can access JRNY workouts and entertainment apps right on the 10-inch touchscreen display. “You’ll find all the streaming apps you would want — Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Disney+, and HBO Max,” said our tester, rating the tech capabilities of the treadmill a 4.5 out of 5.
“Being able to watch a television show, documentary, or movie while exercising can make it something to look forward to (and make time seem like...
Click here to view the article.
