The 8 Best Tried and Tested Treadmills Under $1,000 of 2024

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

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

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

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

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 our top choice for the best treadmill under $1,000 for seniors. 

Delivery and setup scored a perfect 5 out of 5 with our expert product tester. “This was the easiest treadmill I’ve ever had to set up,” they said. “You basically just have to screw on the uprights, those vertical bars that hold the LCD screen in place, and you’re set.” Also, it weighs just 180 pounds — up to 120 pounds lighter than comparable treadmills — and has built-in wheels for easier transport. There’s no need to get in a HIIT workout to put this thing together.

“Also, there’s a hydraulic folding mechanism that assists when you want to fold this machine up and roll it out of the way,” said our tester. This folding treadmill can fit into small spaces for easy storage, which is part of the reason we rated its footprint and portability a 4 out of 5.

Quality and customizations scored a 3.5 out of 5, due to the use of aluminum for the frame and the limited max speed of 10 miles per hour. However, “aluminum frames are common for treadmills at this price range,” said our tester. Also, we felt the 10 miles per hour, though limited for serious runners, is plenty for most older adults. Our tester said, “If you’re looking for the ability to do lots of walking and some jogging, this is a great option for a quality treadmill.”  

Lastly, if you’re someone who struggles with smart technology, the limited bells and whistles on this machine might suit you. Tech capabilities scored a 2 out of 5 due to its lack of a touchscreen or other smart features. But you’ll still be able to stream to the built-in speakers.

Read our full Horizon T101 Treadmill Review.

Best Compact Treadmill Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness SFT4400

When space is limited — and your budget is tight — you can still get your cardio training in by bringing the best compact exercise equipment into your home. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF T4400 Treadmill has one of the highest footprint and portability scores out of all of the treadmills we tested, with a perfect 5 out of 5. And when you’re looking for a compact treadmill, that is the score to take into consideration.

This treadmill folds up nice and compact, from 50 inches tall and 62 inches long to 58 inches tall and 36 inches long. Our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, noted, “If you folded it up, it could definitely fit in some cars. And when unfolding it, there’s a soft drop feature that assists with lowering, so you don’t have to worry about the deck crashing down onto the floor.” 

Customizations and adjustability both scored a 3.5 out of 5, due to the lower max speed capabilities and its three levels of manual incline adjustment. “I wouldn’t recommend this treadmill for advanced runners, but this is a great choice for those looking for an affordable way to stay active,” our tester said. “This treadmill is meant for a specific audience who’s looking to move some more and burn a few more calories. And this will give you just that. Plus, it’s sturdy and compact.” Workout experience scored a solid 4 out of 5. 

As with any treadmill at a reasonable, affordable price, you’ll have to make some trade-offs when it comes to what’s included. Our tester noted, “There’s a device holder for a laptop or smartphone, but I don’t think I would trust putting my devices on it. There’s also no cup holder.” Conveniences scored a 2 out of 5, while tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5. “You get the basic workout stats from the odometer, and some pre-programmed workouts,” said our tester. Some of its capabilities may be limited, but at under $400, it brings plenty of bang to your buck. 

Best Under Desk Treadmill Under $1,000: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Long hours spent working, sitting at your desk, and typing “as per my last email” leaves little time for you to give your body the movement and focus it deserves. What you need is to work out while you work, and the GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is one of the best under-desk treadmills we’ve tried. It scored a 4 out of 5 in categories such as footprint and portability, delivery and setup, workout experience, and customer reviews. Also, at under $300, it pulled in a 4.25 out of 5 score for value.

This treadmill is not meant for running. The 2.25 HP motor and 39-inch long running deck are suited for walking and maybe some minor jogging. You can fold down the handrails to use this for walking at a max speed of 2.5 miles per hour, or keep the handrails up to use this for jogging at a max speed of 7.5 miles per hour. With the handrails folded, the height of this treadmill transforms from 44.5 inches to 5 inches, making it easy to slide under standing desks. Our expert tester noted, “It doesn’t shake when I’m walking, it’s smooth,” they said. “I walk on it during the work day for a few hours and it’s exactly what you’d want from an under-desk treadmill.”

As mentioned, portability scored a 4. “The wheels for moving this around are itty bitty, but the entire treadmill is so small and compact that it wasn’t a problem,” said our tester. “It fits perfectly under my desk.” our tester said. At 69.5 pounds, this device is ultra-lightweight compared to the average treadmill, which can weigh around 250 to 350 pounds. This aids in one’s ability to walk on it for a few hours during the work day, then move it aside when it’s time to hop on a Zoom call.

Durability scored a 2.5 out of 5 with our tester. “The motor struggles if there’s too much weight on the belt. Due to this, you might need to start the treadmill before you step on, since we had some issues starting up with our weight on the deck.” However, they mentioned, “For the price you’re paying, the durability matches. You’re getting what you paid for.” The max user weight is 265 pounds, about 35 to 85 pounds less than the average treadmills we’ve tested.

There’s the inclusion of some minor tech, including a remote control that adjusts speed and a Bluetooth speaker. Unfortunately, our tester noted the speaker produces “low-quality” audio, which resulted in a 3 out of 5 for tech capabilities. 

Best Budget Treadmill Under $1,000: Xterra Fitness TR150

When we score a deal on something we want, the savings are often more satisfying than the purchase itself. When choosing the best budget home gym equipment, for example, a deal can be empowering. The Xterra TR 150 is our choice for the best budget treadmill under $1,000 because, well, it’s only $315. The 2.25 HP motor delivers speeds up to 10 miles per hour, handlebar pulse sensors track your heart rate, and the maximum user weight allows for movers and shakers up to 250 pounds. Conveniences, value, portability, and setup scored a 4 out of 5.

An accessory holder and media shelf allow you to keep things you want close, and 12 preset programs can give your training a boost. Conveniences scored a 4 out of 5 for these additions. “It’s simple, but I like that about it,” said our expert tester. 

The deck is also 16 inches wide by 50 inches long, so those with longer strides might feel cramped. “I don’t love the belt, because it doesn’t feel great, and I wouldn’t say the deck is comfortable. This isn’t a treadmill meant for long-distance running,” said our tester, who rated their workout experience a 3.5 out of 5.  

But you’re in search of a deal, and this is where the Xterra takes the cake. “For under $350, the 10 miles per hour speed max is good. But there are things I don’t like. I’d recommend users not fold this up since there’s a lack of safety features,” our tester said, rating adjustability a 2 out of 5. “Unlike a lot of treadmills that fold up, this one has no assist when you lower. So, if someone were to accidentally pull out the pin, which is fairly easy to do, it would fall on them.”

Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000: Schwinn 810

When space is your deciding factor, a folding treadmill is the right choice to work in the benefits of walking and running and then fold everything up and roll it out of the way. The Schwinn 810 is our pick for the best folding treadmill under $1,000, with conveniences, adjustability, value, and warranty all scoring a 4 out of 5. However, its folding mechanism is where this treadmill truly shines, with a soft drop design that lowers the running deck gently from its folded position.

The Schwinn 810 can accommodate users up to 275 pounds, and with a 20-inch by 55-inch running deck, it’s on the longer side of affordable treadmills, which can range from 40 to 60 inches. We tend to recommend running decks with 60-inch decks for taller runners, but this deck is suitable for athletes of average height or anyone looking for a brisk walk or jog. 

Shorter runners may also benefit from this treadmill’s console placement. “The console is shorter than other treadmills we tried, making it a good choice for shorter people,” said our tester, a CrossFit coach. “I was relieved that the deck wasn’t too short for me to use comfortably.”

There’s little tech involved with this treadmill, resulting in a tech capabilities score of 3 out of 5. “You’ve got buttons to hook you up with some pre-programmed workouts, and you can plug your phone in or connect it to Bluetooth to stream your music,” our tester noted. “But I’m not sure if the console holder is big enough to hold a tablet.” 

For adjustability and ergonomics, our tester gave it a 4 out of 5 for its ability to adjust incline up to 10 percent and achieve a max speed of 10 miles per hour. However, they mentioned that “the belt is on the thinner side and there’s no comparison to a commercial treadmill.” 

With its soft drop folding, transport wheels, and 155-pound weight, you can easily tuck it away after use. “This thing is a good value for the price,” said our tester. “You don’t get a ton of bells and whistles, but for someone looking to get started quickly, this is a good option.” For the case of running on a treadmill vs outside, this folding treadmill puts up a convincing argument.

How We Chose the Best Treadmills Under $1,000

Combing through your options when considering a treadmill takes an understanding of your budget and what goals you have. Factors such as setup and delivery, footprint and portability, durability, adjustments, and tech capabilities helped us select choices perfect for users with varying intentions. From work-day walkers to more serious racers determined to increase their average marathon time, we made sure to include a pick no matter your space, goal, or age.

Price

Treadmills can range anywhere from $300 up to more than $4,000. Our goal with this roundup was to find the best products under $1,000, so that users with this budget could see the best options out there. We also made sure to call out how the price stacked up in regards to the value of each machine, mentioning the power of motors, the added conveniences, and the portability.

Intended Use

Not all treadmills are created equal, especially when it comes to budget machines. Because of this, we sought to include products for varied styles of training, from those looking to add a little more to their daily step count to more seasoned athletes wanting to push their training. Some treadmills on our list are more suited for walking over running, and we made sure to mention this in each review. It’s important to know what style of training you want to do, so that you can find a treadmill that’s capable of supporting your goals.

Footprint and Portability

Space was a big focus for us when selecting the top picks for the best treadmills under $1,000. 

Bringing any new equipment into your home will take away from the space you currently have, and many of the options on our list have folding capabilities or are light enough in weight to be moved when needed.

We included the dimensions of each treadmill so you can measure out your space and get an idea of how they might fit. We also made sure to mention the weight of various machines and the inclusion of assisted lowering and transport wheels, so that you could start to comprehend how much effort would be involved moving this cardio equipment. We like cardio machines for weight loss and all of the health benefits attached, but we don’t love getting our workout in while simply moving the machine around.

Benefits of Treadmills Under $1,000

Treadmills give users the ability to walk while they’re working from their desk, jog inside when the weather is foul, and take their running to new heights while watching Hallmark Christmas movies (even in the middle of summer). These machines can help you take your speed to new levels, manage your body weight, improve your resting heart rate, and increase your VO2 max. (4) 

Adjustments

Once you’ve done your dynamic warm-up for running, you’re ready to see what your treadmill can do. One of the benefits of an at-home treadmill is the ability to mimic outdoor terrain, adjusting incline and speed to make your training more effective. Treadmills priced under $1,000 range in speed capabilities, with 12 miles per hour being the highest we’ve seen and 2.5-7.5 miles per hour being the least. 

Incline capabilities also have a wide spread, with 15% being the top. Some treadmills in this price range have no incline capabilities, or they include limited inclines that must be adjusted manually. 

At-Home Workout

Skip the gym by running from the comfort of your own home. There’s no excuse when your cardio equipment is in your apartment. No need to look at Google Maps to pick the best way to get to the gym during rush hour. No need to bundle up because it’s raining as if it’ll never stop raining. You have total access to do the work you want to do (or don’t want to do) when you own your own treadmill. Plus, running outside on the pavement is harder on your joints (thankfully, we have a list of the best treadmill for bad knees).

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill Under $1,000

It can be a tough task figuring out exactly what you want and how much you’re willing to spend on a treadmill. You may be looking for shock-absorbing decks, space-saving features, or even workout programs built into the treadmill. Before pulling the trigger on one of these budget treadmills, we’ve got a few key points you should consider. 

Floor Space

Go into the tool box and pull out the tape measure, because you need to know what space you’re working with before you even dream of purchasing a treadmill. We’ve given you the dimensions of each machine so that you can make an informed decision about what can fit. If space is tight, we’ve also highlighted folding options so that you can get your workout in, fold it up, and roll it away.

Motor Size

Buying a treadmill requires an understanding of the power provided in each available motor. The motors for treadmills in this price range hover around a general 2.5-3.0 HP. There are, however, options with up to 3.0 CHP, which would provide more power, longevity, and durability to your purchase. Walkers are better suited for 2.5-3.0 HP motors, while serious and dedicated runners will want to opt for the 3.0 CHP. 

Top Speed 

Taking into account your goals and ability will help you land on whether you need a treadmill built for speed. Options on our list range from around 7.5 miles per hour to 12 miles per hour. If you only want to use your treadmill for walking, having a juiced-up top speed is less important. But if you’re looking to really hit some mile PRs, you’ll want to take a closer look at the treadmills that can keep up with your pace.

Deck Size

Deck size might be a little confusing if you’ve never owned a treadmill before. Our general rule of thumb is that if you want to really run, you’ll want a treadmill deck with 60 inches of length. Of course there’s some wiggle room to this rule, especially for shorter athletes with smaller gaits — 50 inches to 55 inches might still work for runners in those scenarios. For some of the best walking treadmills on the market, a larger belt size is less important.

Final Word

The best treadmills under $1,000 offer varying features, from compact footprints and folding capabilities to smart tech and structured programming. Pulling the trigger on a purchase can be nerve wracking, but we’ve worked to highlight the most important features for each of our top choices. Noting the dimensions, weight limit, intended use, and speed and incline abilities should help you start whittling down your list based on your available space, personal goals, and athletic ability. 

For under $1,000, though, there are some trade-offs you’ll have to consider. Do you need dynamic programming to help keep you committed? Do you need a large belt deck because you’re 6’1”? Or maybe you need something that’s easily transported from room to room. Once you’ve figured out what tops your list of must-haves, our list will help you find the right pick.

FAQs

References

1. Chan, L., Chin, L. M. K., Kennedy, M., Woolstenhulme, J. G., Nathan, S. D., Weinstein, A. A., Connors, G., Weir, N. A., Drinkard, B., Lamberti, J., & Keyser, R. E. (2013). Benefits of intensive treadmill exercise training on cardiorespiratory function and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Chest, 143(2), 333–343. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.12-0993
2. Lee, D. C., Brellenthin, A. G., Thompson, P. D., Sui, X., Lee, I. M., & Lavie, C. J. (2017). Running as a Key Lifestyle Medicine for Longevity. Progress in cardiovascular diseases, 60(1), 45–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2017.03.005
3. Nakano T. (2020). [Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health, 67(3), 211–220. https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.67.3_211
4. Hespanhol Junior, L. C., Pillay, J. D., van Mechelen, W., & Verhagen, E. (2015). Meta-Analyses of the Effects of Habitual Running on Indices of Health in Physically Inactive Adults. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 45(10), 1455–1468. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0359-y

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