Muscle Insider
New member
A baby is born. They learn to crawl. Then walk. Then run. Then run on a treadmill. The treadmill, perhaps the most coveted cardio machine, provides training from the comfort of your own home. No need to run on the streets or at the gym with, yuck, other people. When searching for the best treadmill to outfit your...
The post The 8 Best Tried and Tested Treadmills Under $1,000 of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
A baby is born. They learn to crawl. Then walk. Then run. Then run on a treadmill. The treadmill, perhaps the most coveted cardio machine, provides training from the comfort of your own home. No need to run on the streets or at the gym with, yuck, other people. When searching for the best treadmill to outfit your home gym you’ll come across a wide range of options — from budget options under $400 to luxury machines hovering above $4,000+. However, we’re bringing you the top contenders for those trying to save a buck.
Choosing to bring cardio equipment into your home is an investment in your health, with the benefits of running proven to strengthen bones, increase cardiovascular function, manage weight, and improve mental health. (1) We’ve logged hundreds of miles on these human-sized hamster wheels and found the best treadmills under $1,000, taking into account our experience with quality, tech capabilities, and adjustability. We also combed through hundreds of customer reviews to find common complaints and praise. Our team of testers ran and walked on more than 40 of the best treadmills on the market, and here are our top picks for the best treadmills under $1,000.
The 8 Best Treadmills Under $1,000 of 2024
How We Tested the Best Treadmills Under $1,000
Running on treadmills is what we do — that and try out everything we can get our hands on in the world of strength and cardio. The team here at BarBend consists of marathon racers, competitive athletes, certified trainers, and fitness fanatics who love a great treadmill. We’ve tried and tested 40 of the top-performing treadmills on the market to bring you our top eight selections, providing scores from 1 (meh) to 5 (so nice!) in the following categories:
We know that when building the best home gym, your priorities for including a treadmill may touch on things such as how much space it takes up, how easy it is to move, available preset workouts, how durable it is, and what sort of tech capabilities for training and tracking are available. We kept a focus on these in regards to the price, giving each treadmill on this list a value score so you know what you’re getting for the money you’re spending.
We cast a wide net when appraising features, taking notes on everything that we thought might impact your decision to buy or not to buy. Our testers played around with tech capabilities, connecting to Bluetooth when available, and experienced how each treadmill performed at different speeds and inclines. We also kept in mind the best treadmills for bad knees so you could keep your joints and wallet happy.
The first thing our team did to figure out where each treadmill fared when facing off was to compare each treadmill’s running surface and belt deck size. If you’re running on a treadmill, you’ll want a deck size that’s at least 50 inches long, and for taller runners, we recommend a belt deck size of 60 inches. When treadmills on this list didn’t hit that mark, we made sure to mention that they’re best used for walking and perhaps some light jogging.
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 Overall: Horizon 7.0 AT
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a durable, low-cost option for anyone looking for a quality treadmill without overspending. It features a strong motor, a wide range of speed and incline settings, and a unique three-zone cushion system.
Shop Amazon
Specs
Pros
Cons
You want the benefits of cardio: improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger bones and muscles, a longer lifespan, weight management — the list goes on — and you want it at an affordable price. (2) Or maybe you’re just one of THOSE people who LIKES running. The Horizon 7.0 AT is our top choice overall for the best treadmill under $1,000 whether you’re an athlete, a casual jogger, or someone looking to kick-start a healthy habit. At $999, this treadmill scored a 4 out of 5 for durability, footprint and portability, adjustability, conveniences, and value. It even scored a 4.5 for workout experience, the second highest score amongst the 40+ treadmills we tested.
When choosing to run from the comfort of your home, you may long for the feeling of running outdoors. With Horizon 7.0’s quick dial features, you can adjust incline and speed to evoke the steep hills and ridges of a trail with just a simple finger boop. The 15 percent incline capability is also between 3 and 5 percent higher than the average treadmill in this price range.
Horizon 7.0 AT Handle
Noting the treadmill’s max speed of 12 miles per hour, our tester said, “Although it’s less than some more expensive treadmills, it’s usually enough for most people.” Just for clarity, running at 12 miles per hour is a 5-minute mile pace. Runners will also like how the Horizon 7.0’s 60-inch running deck is 5 to 10 inches longer than the average treadmill under $1,000, making it perfect for tall runners and those with long strides.
Budget-friendly treadmills often have trade-offs, but durability is not one of them here. One tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, mentioned, “Even when I was running, the machine didn’t shake.” They gave a score of 4 out of 5 to its durability, saying, “There’s also a lifetime frame and motor home warranty.” The 3.0 HP motor isn’t the strongest choice, especially when compared to treadmills with CHP units, but it’s still a fairly powerful motor. A 3.0 HP motor is typical for machines at this price point.
It also comes with Bluetooth capabilities so you can track your laps with some of the best running apps, like Strava or Peloton. However, tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5 with our tester. “Sure, this treadmill has Bluetooth, but only certain apps can connect,” they said. “I also would have liked a touchscreen but there’s only a small LCD display.”
Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.
Best Smart Treadmill Under $1,000: ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
Adjusts up to a 12% grade so that you can feel like you're hitting real hills. With an iFIT subscription you can hit trails around the world from the comfort of your own home.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
We like smart. Smartphones that keep us connected. Smart dogs that do a little trick when we say, “Dog, do a little trick.” Smart makes our lives easier and more enjoyable. ProForm’s Carbon TLX brings you smart tech for under $1,000. Probably the most enticing aspect of this treadmill is the enabled iFIT workout programming, which gives you access to over 16,000 classes and a variety of training modalities.
While we haven’t gotten to test out the Carbon TLX yet, we have used ProForm’s CarbonT10, CarbonT14, T7, and City L6. As soon as we get this machine in our testing facility, we will update this review with our full experience.
While reviewing the iFIT app, we scored its instruction a 4.5 out of 5. “iFIT is awesome,” said our tester Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and two-time marathoner. “I’d recommend it over basically any other brand’s programming. It’s giving Peloton a run for their money.”
Membership costs $39 a month after your free trial. There’s no media player to stream these classes from — a big reason for this affordable price point — but you use iFIT on your phone or tablet and connect via Bluetooth. Once connected, iFIT can control your workout, adjusting your treadmill’s speed and incline when your coach instructs you to. ProForm offers some of the best treadmills with iFIT connectivity.
But we’re after brains and brawns, and this treadmill is both smart and built like a quarterback. A steel frame and steel vertical stabilizers make the Carbon TLX feel solidly built. The 3.0 CHP motor is a workhorse, stronger than many other treadmills at this price point, and will last longer through your sprints and uphill battles. We’ve tried similar, older models from ProForm with very close measurements — the Carbon T10 and T14, to be specific — and both scored a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
It can also pair with some Bluetooth heart rate monitors, so you can track high-intensity intervals or make sure you’re maintaining a fat-burning heart rate zone. One gripe we’ve seen users mention is the inability to stream audio to the console’s speakers. You’ll have to use an auxiliary cord with your phone or tablet, which we feel is outdated.
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Running: Sole F63
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Shop SOLE
Specs
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a high-quality treadmill to withstand your sprints, the Sole F63 is our top pick. Whether you’re looking to log your miles at a steady pace or change up intervals with Fartlek Training, this machine provides. Notable features include a generous 20-inch by 60-inch running deck for tall runners and long strides, a max speed of 12 miles per hour, and 15 levels of incline. Our testers gave high marks to the treadmill’s customizations, adjustability, and value, with each scoring a 4.5 out of 5.
Although this treadmill is priced over $1,000 by about a hundred dollars, we felt it deserved a look because of how well it performed compared to some treadmills in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range.
Durability scored a 4 out of 5 with our tester Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and two-time marathoner. “The weight capacity is a solid 325 pounds,” they said. “But when I’m running, the treadmill shakes. Especially when I take it to the highest incline setting and sprint. But it’s not a deal breaker.”
Our tester walking on an incline with the Sole F63 Treadmill
You’ll also need to be wary of the 1.8-inch rollers, which won’t maintain belt wear as well as the 2.5-inch rollers you’ll see on more expensive choices. However, Meier says, “The belt’s durable, and the deck is cushioned. Also, Sole claims this cushioning reduces joint impact by 40 percent.” They gave ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5.
“The console isn’t anything to write home about, but I do love an LED track that shows me my progress,” said Meier, “I did the HIIT and hill workout off the console, and the motor wasn’t super loud when the deck ramps up. The incline adjustment is also nice and smooth.”
The treadmill comes with conveniences such as Bluetooth speakers, a heart rate chest strap, and a large storage tray, so you can be set to hit your stride no matter your fitness goals. Sole also offers a free app, Sole +, with thousands of workouts compatible with Sole equipment. Of course, with Bluetooth capabilities, you have the freedom to run with a wide variety of fitness apps.
Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Seniors: Horizon T101
Horizon T101 Treadmill
Horizon T101 Treadmill
The T101 from Horizon has a solid mix of tech and running features. Whether you're looking for integrated bluetooth speakers, or a reliable motor to keep you moving, the T101 has something for everyone.
Shop Horizon
Specs
Pros
Cons
We know that cardio exercise improves many aspects of life, from stronger hearts and bones to improved mental health. Studies have even shown that quality of life improves for elderly members of the population when they run or jog. (3) There are a few key factors older athletes will want to consider when bringing a treadmill into their home, specifically cushioning for joints, ease of transport, and simplicity of setup. When it comes to these features, the Horizon T101 is...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 8 Best Tried and Tested Treadmills Under $1,000 of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
A baby is born. They learn to crawl. Then walk. Then run. Then run on a treadmill. The treadmill, perhaps the most coveted cardio machine, provides training from the comfort of your own home. No need to run on the streets or at the gym with, yuck, other people. When searching for the best treadmill to outfit your home gym you’ll come across a wide range of options — from budget options under $400 to luxury machines hovering above $4,000+. However, we’re bringing you the top contenders for those trying to save a buck.
Choosing to bring cardio equipment into your home is an investment in your health, with the benefits of running proven to strengthen bones, increase cardiovascular function, manage weight, and improve mental health. (1) We’ve logged hundreds of miles on these human-sized hamster wheels and found the best treadmills under $1,000, taking into account our experience with quality, tech capabilities, and adjustability. We also combed through hundreds of customer reviews to find common complaints and praise. Our team of testers ran and walked on more than 40 of the best treadmills on the market, and here are our top picks for the best treadmills under $1,000.
The 8 Best Treadmills Under $1,000 of 2024
- Best Treadmill Under $1,000 Overall: Horizon 7.0 AT
- Best Smart Treadmill Under $1,000: ProForm Carbon TLX
- Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Running: Sole F63
- Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Seniors: Horizon T101
- Best Compact Treadmill Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness SFT4400
- Best Under Desk Treadmill Under $1,000: GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
- Best Budget Treadmill Under $1,000: XTERRA Fitness TR150
- Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000: Schwinn 810
How We Tested the Best Treadmills Under $1,000
Running on treadmills is what we do — that and try out everything we can get our hands on in the world of strength and cardio. The team here at BarBend consists of marathon racers, competitive athletes, certified trainers, and fitness fanatics who love a great treadmill. We’ve tried and tested 40 of the top-performing treadmills on the market to bring you our top eight selections, providing scores from 1 (meh) to 5 (so nice!) in the following categories:
- Footprint and portability
- Delivery and setup
- Durability
- Customizations
- Adjustability and ergonomics
- Workout experience
- Tech capabilities
- Conveniences
- Dynamic programming
- Customer reviews
- Value
- Warranty, financing, and returns
- Customer service
We know that when building the best home gym, your priorities for including a treadmill may touch on things such as how much space it takes up, how easy it is to move, available preset workouts, how durable it is, and what sort of tech capabilities for training and tracking are available. We kept a focus on these in regards to the price, giving each treadmill on this list a value score so you know what you’re getting for the money you’re spending.
We cast a wide net when appraising features, taking notes on everything that we thought might impact your decision to buy or not to buy. Our testers played around with tech capabilities, connecting to Bluetooth when available, and experienced how each treadmill performed at different speeds and inclines. We also kept in mind the best treadmills for bad knees so you could keep your joints and wallet happy.
The first thing our team did to figure out where each treadmill fared when facing off was to compare each treadmill’s running surface and belt deck size. If you’re running on a treadmill, you’ll want a deck size that’s at least 50 inches long, and for taller runners, we recommend a belt deck size of 60 inches. When treadmills on this list didn’t hit that mark, we made sure to mention that they’re best used for walking and perhaps some light jogging.
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 Overall: Horizon 7.0 AT
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a durable, low-cost option for anyone looking for a quality treadmill without overspending. It features a strong motor, a wide range of speed and incline settings, and a unique three-zone cushion system.
Shop Amazon
Specs
- Price: $999
- Dimensions: 59? H x 76.5? L x 36? W
- Weight: 277lbs
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: 0-15%
- Max User Capacity: 325lbs
Pros
- This durable treadmill has a 15 percent incline and max speed of 12 miles per hour.
- This treadmill’s deck length is 60 inches, perfect for taller athletes and running.
- The quick dial features allow you to adjust incline and speed with ease.
Cons
- There’s no touchscreen, only a small LCD display.
- Only certain apps have the ability to connect with this treadmill’s Bluetooth.
You want the benefits of cardio: improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger bones and muscles, a longer lifespan, weight management — the list goes on — and you want it at an affordable price. (2) Or maybe you’re just one of THOSE people who LIKES running. The Horizon 7.0 AT is our top choice overall for the best treadmill under $1,000 whether you’re an athlete, a casual jogger, or someone looking to kick-start a healthy habit. At $999, this treadmill scored a 4 out of 5 for durability, footprint and portability, adjustability, conveniences, and value. It even scored a 4.5 for workout experience, the second highest score amongst the 40+ treadmills we tested.
When choosing to run from the comfort of your home, you may long for the feeling of running outdoors. With Horizon 7.0’s quick dial features, you can adjust incline and speed to evoke the steep hills and ridges of a trail with just a simple finger boop. The 15 percent incline capability is also between 3 and 5 percent higher than the average treadmill in this price range.
Noting the treadmill’s max speed of 12 miles per hour, our tester said, “Although it’s less than some more expensive treadmills, it’s usually enough for most people.” Just for clarity, running at 12 miles per hour is a 5-minute mile pace. Runners will also like how the Horizon 7.0’s 60-inch running deck is 5 to 10 inches longer than the average treadmill under $1,000, making it perfect for tall runners and those with long strides.
Budget-friendly treadmills often have trade-offs, but durability is not one of them here. One tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, mentioned, “Even when I was running, the machine didn’t shake.” They gave a score of 4 out of 5 to its durability, saying, “There’s also a lifetime frame and motor home warranty.” The 3.0 HP motor isn’t the strongest choice, especially when compared to treadmills with CHP units, but it’s still a fairly powerful motor. A 3.0 HP motor is typical for machines at this price point.
It also comes with Bluetooth capabilities so you can track your laps with some of the best running apps, like Strava or Peloton. However, tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5 with our tester. “Sure, this treadmill has Bluetooth, but only certain apps can connect,” they said. “I also would have liked a touchscreen but there’s only a small LCD display.”
Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.
Best Smart Treadmill Under $1,000: ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
Adjusts up to a 12% grade so that you can feel like you're hitting real hills. With an iFIT subscription you can hit trails around the world from the comfort of your own home.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $999
- Dimensions: 59.1” H x 74.3” L x 35.1” W
- Weight: 249lbs
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: 0-12%
- Max User Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
- This treadmill is iFIT-compatible, so you can have access to over 16,000 classes and a variety of workouts.
- The heavy-duty 14-gauge steel frame provides a sturdy ride.
- Its 3.0 CHP is the strongest we’ve seen for under $1,000.
Cons
- There are no heart rate sensors on the handles.
- You have to download the iFIT app to unlock this treadmill the very first time you use it, even if you don’t end up using or subscribing to iFIT.
- You can’t wirelessly stream audio to the speakers.
We like smart. Smartphones that keep us connected. Smart dogs that do a little trick when we say, “Dog, do a little trick.” Smart makes our lives easier and more enjoyable. ProForm’s Carbon TLX brings you smart tech for under $1,000. Probably the most enticing aspect of this treadmill is the enabled iFIT workout programming, which gives you access to over 16,000 classes and a variety of training modalities.
While we haven’t gotten to test out the Carbon TLX yet, we have used ProForm’s CarbonT10, CarbonT14, T7, and City L6. As soon as we get this machine in our testing facility, we will update this review with our full experience.
While reviewing the iFIT app, we scored its instruction a 4.5 out of 5. “iFIT is awesome,” said our tester Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and two-time marathoner. “I’d recommend it over basically any other brand’s programming. It’s giving Peloton a run for their money.”
Membership costs $39 a month after your free trial. There’s no media player to stream these classes from — a big reason for this affordable price point — but you use iFIT on your phone or tablet and connect via Bluetooth. Once connected, iFIT can control your workout, adjusting your treadmill’s speed and incline when your coach instructs you to. ProForm offers some of the best treadmills with iFIT connectivity.
But we’re after brains and brawns, and this treadmill is both smart and built like a quarterback. A steel frame and steel vertical stabilizers make the Carbon TLX feel solidly built. The 3.0 CHP motor is a workhorse, stronger than many other treadmills at this price point, and will last longer through your sprints and uphill battles. We’ve tried similar, older models from ProForm with very close measurements — the Carbon T10 and T14, to be specific — and both scored a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
It can also pair with some Bluetooth heart rate monitors, so you can track high-intensity intervals or make sure you’re maintaining a fat-burning heart rate zone. One gripe we’ve seen users mention is the inability to stream audio to the console’s speakers. You’ll have to use an auxiliary cord with your phone or tablet, which we feel is outdated.
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Running: Sole F63
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Shop SOLE
Specs
- Price: $1,099.99
- Dimensions: 67” H x 77” L x 35” W
- Weight: 224lbs
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Max Incline: 0-15%
- Max User Capacity: 325lbs
Pros
- Runners will like the spacious 60-inch running deck and max speed of 12 miles per hour.
- The tablet holder allows you to stream workouts or watch movies from your device while running.
- A 325-pound max user weight is higher than most of the treadmills at this price point by about 25 to 75 pounds.
Cons
- This treadmill shakes slightly at the highest speed setting.
- Its 1.8-inch rollers make this treadmill less resilient than a treadmill with rollers that are 2.5 inches or higher.
- The 3.0 HP motor isn’t the most powerful motor we’ve seen in this price range.
If you’re looking for a high-quality treadmill to withstand your sprints, the Sole F63 is our top pick. Whether you’re looking to log your miles at a steady pace or change up intervals with Fartlek Training, this machine provides. Notable features include a generous 20-inch by 60-inch running deck for tall runners and long strides, a max speed of 12 miles per hour, and 15 levels of incline. Our testers gave high marks to the treadmill’s customizations, adjustability, and value, with each scoring a 4.5 out of 5.
Although this treadmill is priced over $1,000 by about a hundred dollars, we felt it deserved a look because of how well it performed compared to some treadmills in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range.
Durability scored a 4 out of 5 with our tester Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and two-time marathoner. “The weight capacity is a solid 325 pounds,” they said. “But when I’m running, the treadmill shakes. Especially when I take it to the highest incline setting and sprint. But it’s not a deal breaker.”
You’ll also need to be wary of the 1.8-inch rollers, which won’t maintain belt wear as well as the 2.5-inch rollers you’ll see on more expensive choices. However, Meier says, “The belt’s durable, and the deck is cushioned. Also, Sole claims this cushioning reduces joint impact by 40 percent.” They gave ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5.
“The console isn’t anything to write home about, but I do love an LED track that shows me my progress,” said Meier, “I did the HIIT and hill workout off the console, and the motor wasn’t super loud when the deck ramps up. The incline adjustment is also nice and smooth.”
The treadmill comes with conveniences such as Bluetooth speakers, a heart rate chest strap, and a large storage tray, so you can be set to hit your stride no matter your fitness goals. Sole also offers a free app, Sole +, with thousands of workouts compatible with Sole equipment. Of course, with Bluetooth capabilities, you have the freedom to run with a wide variety of fitness apps.
Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Seniors: Horizon T101
Horizon T101 Treadmill
Horizon T101 Treadmill
The T101 from Horizon has a solid mix of tech and running features. Whether you're looking for integrated bluetooth speakers, or a reliable motor to keep you moving, the T101 has something for everyone.
Shop Horizon
Specs
- Price: $649
- Dimensions: 57” H x 71” L x 34” W
- Weight: 180lbs
- Max Speed: 10mph
- Max Incline: 0-10%
- Max User Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
- Seniors will appreciate how easy this treadmill is to set up.
- This is a foldable treadmill with assisted lowering so the tread belt doesn’t slam against the ground.
- Bluetooth connectivity allows users the ability to stream music to the treadmill.
Cons
- This treadmill is better suited for walking and jogging than running.
- It’s constructed out of aluminum, which is less durable than most steel frames.
We know that cardio exercise improves many aspects of life, from stronger hearts and bones to improved mental health. Studies have even shown that quality of life improves for elderly members of the population when they run or jog. (3) There are a few key factors older athletes will want to consider when bringing a treadmill into their home, specifically cushioning for joints, ease of transport, and simplicity of setup. When it comes to these features, the Horizon T101 is...
Click here to view the article.
