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There is something especially awesome about being able to lace up and hop on a treadmill for a good run without leaving your house. Whether you are short on time or the cold weather makes an outdoor run less than enticing, getting that cardio session in from home is incredibly convenient. And, with the rise of high-quality, affordable treadmills on the market, this is an option for more and more people.
The Best Treadmills Under $1,000 - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,000: Sole F63
- Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Seniors: Horizon T101
- Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Experienced Runners: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
- Best Home Treadmill Under $1,000: ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill
- Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Walkers: Sunny Health & Fitness SpaceFlex
- Best Space-Saving Treadmill Under $1,000:Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Treadmill
- Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000: Lifepro Pacer
The reality is, you don't have to spend an obscene amount of money in order to get a good treadmill. For less than $1,000, you can find treadmills with a great variety of basic yet notable features. While they may not be as fancy as some top-of-the-line treadmills, they get the job done. But with the abundance of budget-friendly treadmills on the market, how do you comb through them all and figure out which ones are actually worth it? That is where we step in. We have compiled a list of 7 of the best treadmills that will not cost you an arm and a leg.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com’s editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,000 - Sole F63
SPECS
- Dimensions: 66"H x 82"L x 35"W
- Motor: 3.0 HP
- Item weight: 254 lbs.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Pulse grips and chest strap compatible
- Max weight capacity: 325 lbs.
- Running surface: 20" x 60"
- Incline: 0-15%
- Speed: 0.5-12 mph
- Features: Integrated Bluetooth speakers, hand pulse grips, console fan, device holder, USB device charging, 10 onboard programs
- Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor; 3-year decks, electronics, and parts; 1-year labor
Why We Picked It
The Sole F63 finds itself on lists of top affordable treadmills time and time again. And for good reason—there is a whole lot to love about it. This budget-friendly folding treadmill boasts some impressive specs. Powered by a 3.0 continuous horsepower motor, the Sole F63 reaches speeds up to 12 miles per hour and offers 15 levels of incline. This variability will challenge both the experienced runner and casual walker, making it possible to get in a heart-pounding workout. Choose from the 10 pre-programmed workouts or create your own with some hill or high-intensity sprints to mix it up.
With the Bluetooth technology, you can download and track your metrics on the Sole app for free or transfer to other fitness apps such as Fitbit, Record, Mapmyrun, or Apple Health. The Bluetooth capabilities also make it possible to track your heart rate with the included wireless chest strap. Alternatively, you can use the pulse grips that provide heart rate stats on the LCD screen. The larger console also has dual water bottle holders and two fans to keep you cool when working out.
Thanks to the patented cushioned running surface which, Sole claims, reduces the impact on your joints by 40 percent, running on this bad boy feels good, too. The 20-inch by 60-inch running surface is also a fantastic perk as it is larger than most running decks found on folding treadmills—did we mention that the Sole F63 is foldable? Even with a highly durable steel frame, the Sole uses an easy-assist folding deck design making it especially attractive to urban dwellers. While the Sole F63 may not offer the same bells and whistles found on more expensive treadmills, its durable frame, foldability, notable features, and price tag are hard to beat.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Foldable with transport wheels
- Cushioned running deck
- Impressive warranty
- Larger running deck for a foldable treadmill
What We Don't Like
- Larger footprint compared to other folding treadmills
- Basic LCD instead of interactive touchscreen
- Some reviews report it is slow to accelerate
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Seniors - Horizon T101
SPECS
- Dimensions: 70"L x 34"W x 55"H
- Folded dimensions: 46"L x 34"W x 61"H
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Contact grips
- Motor: 2.5 CHP
- Item weight: 200 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 180 lbs.
- Running surface: 20" x 55"
- Incline: 1-10%
- Speed: 0.5-10 mph
- Features: Integrated Bluetooth speakers, console fan, device holder, water bottle holder, USB device charging, 5 onboard programs
- Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor, 1-year parts and labor
Why We Picked It
The Horizon T101 is a great no-frills treadmill equipped with all the basic features needed to do some walking or light jogging, making it ideal for seniors or cardio newbies. It is extremely user-friendly, too. Just step up on the treadmill, pick one of the 5 pre-programmed workouts, and get your sweat on. Or, with a simple internet search, you can find some great ways to spice up your workout and make it fun.
Designed with convenience and simplicity in mind, the T101 uses a one-step hydraulic folding system to fold and store your treadmill when not in use. Featuring one-touch keys, you can easily shift speed and incline mid-workout. The T101 comes with an integrated device holder, rapid USB charging port, and Bluetooth-integrated speakers to stream your favorite entertainment. Rather than a traditional display, there are digital number boxes that display your workout metrics—time, calories, speed/incline, distance, and heart rate. So, while it may not be fancy, it gets the job done and you can still use live metrics to get the most from your workout.
While this motor may not be as powerful as some, it sure is quiet. Reviews state that this durable motor is surprisingly quiet, which is great for those who do not live alone or live in apartment buildings. Horizon claims that noise is minimized as the motor runs at a lower RPM which also increases efficiency.
All Horizon treadmills feature a 3-zone variable response cushioned deck to protect your joints and spine. Where the Horizon T101 falls short (pun intended) is in the length of the running deck which is a bit smaller than traditional treadmills measuring 55 inches by 20 inches. So, those with long strides or long legs may find this compact size limiting.
What We Like
- Easy assembly
- One touch keys
- Bluetooth speakers
- Hydraulic folding system
- Device holder
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Quiet motor
- Financing available
What We Don't Like
- Will not support heavy running
- Reportedly poor customer service
- Smaller surface is not ideal for tall runners
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Experienced Runners - Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
SPECS
- Dimensions 76.5" x 36" x 59"
- Folded dimensions: 41" x 36" x 70"
- Running surface: 20" x 60"
- Item weight: 303 lbs.
- Max user weight: 325 lbs.
- Motor: 3.0 HP
- Speed: 0.6-8 mph
- Heart rate monitoring: Pulse grips and Bluetooth 4.0 compatible receiver
- Extras: Audio in/out jack, Bluetooth speakers, custom interval keys, energy saver mode, fan, speed and incline quick dial controls, tablet rack, USB charging (1A/5V), water bottle holder
- Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor, 3-years parts, 1-year labor
Why We Picked It
The Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill was truly built with serious runners in mind. It boasts a powerful 3.0 continuous horsepower motor and an incredibly durable steel frame that supports a max user weight of 325 pounds. Speeds range up to 12 miles per hour while the incline upper limit is 15 percent. Together, these ranges can make for extremely challenging runs or aggressive sprint intervals for even the most intense runners. And speaking of intervals, Horizon claims that the 3.0 horsepower motor has 33 percent faster speed and incline changes, which is good news for those who enjoy interval training.
The Horizon 7.0 AT also has Bluetooth capabilities that work with both Android and Apple devices so you can stream media through the integrated speakers. Horizon also offers a free app to control your workouts and allows you to push these metrics to your favorite fitness apps. Track your heart rate with the Bluetooth 4.0 heart rate receiver for more advanced training options and watch your workout stats in real-time on the 7-inch LCD display.
What the 7.0 AT lacks in bells and whistles it more than makes up for in performance and convenience. The console is equipped with a fan, device holder, rapid-charging USB port, and QuickDial controls for faster and smoother transitions between speeds and inclines. And while this treadmill is built like a tank, it also has a one-step hydraulic folding system for easy storage.
What We Like
- Powerful motor
- Syncs with Android and Apple devices
- Transfer workout data to the fitness app of your choice
- Very durable and sturdy
- Large deck size
- 3-zone deck cushioning
- Wide range of speed (up to 12 miles per hour)
What We Don't Like
- Screen is not interactive
- Heavy, so not super portable
Best Home Treadmill Under $1,000 - ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill
SPECS
- Dimensions: 57.5"H x 73.5"L x 35.2"W
- Motor: 2.6 CHP
- Item weight: 223 lbs.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: None noted
- Max weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Running surface: 20" x 55"
- Incline: 0-10%
- Speed: 0-10 mph
- Features: 7" touchscreen, iFIT enabled, console fan, easy-lift assist folding design
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 1-year parts and labor
Why We Picked It
If you are new to the treadmill game and looking for interactive training options, the ProForm Carbon T7 may be for you. Included in your purchase is a 30-day iFIT family membership which offers an extensive library of on-demand and live-streaming classes led by world-class trainers. Or if you'd rather go at your own pace, use the 7-inch touchscreen to gaze at vivid scenery from around the world as you run and listen to your favorite music via the built-in speakers.
Designed to save space, the ProForm Carbon T7 is compact, foldable, and portable so you can conveniently store it in most home spaces. And you don't have to compromise comfort for size—built with patented flex cushioning, the running deck is designed to reduce the impact on your legs. Also, you can stay cool with the built-in cooling fan that offers three levels of breeze to keep you comfortable throughout your next sweat session.
Powered by a 2.6 horsepower motor, the ProForm Carbon T7 supports speeds up to 10 miles per hour, which can be controlled with a quick speed button, and incline grades up to 10 percent. These specs make this treadmill best suited for walking or light running. Additionally, the compact nature of this treadmill does equate to a smaller running deck. Measuring 20 inches by 55 inches, this running surface may feel constricting to taller people or those with especially long strides.
What We Like
- Free shipping
- Space-saving design
- 7" touchscreen
- Integrated speakers
- Cooling fans
- Free 30-day iFIT membership
What We Don't Like
- No onboard pre-programmed workouts
- Smaller running surface
BUY: ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill
Best Treadmill Under $1,000 for Walkers - Sunny Health & Fitness SpaceFlex
SPECS
- Dimensions: 48"H x 57"L x 28"W
- Folded dimensions: 57"H x 19"L x 28"W
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Pulse grips
- Product weight: 127 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 220 lbs.
- Running surface: 51" x 19"
- Motor: 2.5 HP
- Incline: 5.5-10.5%
- Speed: 0.6-8 mph
- Features: Speakers, hand pulse grips, device holder, USB device charging, emergency stop clip
- Warranty: 5-year structural frame, 180-day parts and components
Why We Picked It
Walking and jogging are fantastic ways to not only lose weight and strengthen muscle, but also to improve circulation, sleep, mood, joint health, and overall well-being. And the Sunny Health and Fitness SpaceFlex is a great piece of equipment to support walking and jogging to improve your health. The sleek, compact design features a console with six separate LED screens that display time, steps, calories, speed, incline, heart rate, and distance. As with most folding treadmills, the SpaceFlex's running deck is smaller measuring only 51 inches by 19 inches, which could be a deal breaker for some. The SpaceFlex is equipped with a built-in device holder, as well as USB and AUX ports which allow you to connect a device and listen to your favorite tunes via the integrated speakers. The SpaceFlex houses eight onboard program options and you can also find a library of treadmill workouts on the manufacturer's website.
Powered by a 2.5 horsepower motor, the SpaceFlex powers speeds up to 8 miles per hour with 12 levels of incline. While this will not support intense or long-distance running, the SpaceFlex is best suited for walking and casual jogging. That said, with 12 levels of incline, you are more than able to challenge yourself. It should be noted that several users found the motor to be quite noisy, so apartment residents should keep this in mind. Additionally, compared to competitive brands, the warranty for this treadmill is a bit disappointing and users report that customer service is unresponsive.
What We Like
- Sleek design
- Space saving
- User friendly
- Auto-incline option
- Easy set up
- Library of workouts
What We Don't Like
- Users report it to be noisy
- Reportedly poor customer service
- Poor warranty
BUY: Sunny Health & Fitness SpaceFlex
Best Space-Saving Treadmill Under $1,000 - Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna
SPECS
- Dimensions: 59"L x 30.5"W x 40"H
- Folded dimensions: 64"L x 30.5"W x 5.25"H
- Running surface: 49" x 17.75"
- Item weight: 95 lbs.
- Max user weight: 220 lbs.
- Motor: 2.5 HP
- Speed: 0.6-8 mph
- Heart rate monitoring: None
- Extras: MP3 port, speakers, device holder
- Warranty: 5-year structural frame, 180-day parts and components
Why We Picked It
When you live in small quarters, saving space is a main priority. You need a quality treadmill that is both easily folded and obscurely stored. Enter the Slim Motorized Asuna from Sunny Health and Fitness. Weighing just 95 pounds, this treadmill features a slim fold and low-profile design which makes it easy to slide under elevated surfaces. The Asuna has two sets of transport wheels that allow it to be moved forward, backward, left, and right. Easy-peasy.
This treadmill provides the basic metrics you would expect a budget treadmill to offer. A four-window display allows you to view time, distance, speed, and calories burned. If you are counting your steps, there is an onboard pedometer, but you can't track your heart rate via the treadmill.
While the Asuna will undoubtedly save space, it is not a treadmill for serious runners. Powered by a 2.5-peak horsepower motor, the Asuna supports speeds from 0.6 to 8 miles per hour which is great for walking and jogging but certainly not adequate to train for your next marathon. Additionally, where it saves space it also sacrifices size. The running surface measures just 49 inches long and 17.75 inches wide, which is prohibitive for those with longer strides. Additionally, the max weight capacity is 220 pounds, quite a bit lower than other treadmills.
What We Like
- Low profile
- Transport wheels
- Easy to fold
- Lightweight
- Clean, minimal look
What We Don't Like
- No incline
- Weak motor
- Small running surface
BUY: Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna
Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,000 - Lifepro Pacer
SPECS
- Dimensions: 59.4" x 27.2" x 53.1"
- Folded dimensions: 32.1" x 27.2" x 54.5"
- Running surface: 49.2" x 16.5"
- Item weight: 115 lbs.
- Max user weight: 220 lbs.
- Motor: 1.25-1.75 HP
- Speed: 0.6-9.9 mph
- Incline: 0-12%
- Heart rate monitoring: Pulse grips and chest strap option
Why We Picked It
If you are on the hunt for a foldable treadmill that is easily stored and won't break the bank, the Lifepro Folding Treadmill has a lot going for it. The hydraulic folding mechanism saves valuable floor space by storing upright in your home. Fully equipped with over 36 onboard preset workout programs, 3 heart rate training programs, and three customizable manual programs, the Lifepro is a great choice for newbies or those who prefer to follow guided programs.
What's more, this treadmill is Bluetooth enabled so you can easily link your favorite workout app or sync to the built-in speakers for entertainment. Equipped with a BMI calculator, pulse grips, and a heart rate chest strap monitor, it is easy to monitor your fitness metrics on the simple yet effective digital display.
While this is a great option for those tight on space, if you are a serious runner you will likely not be impressed. The 1.75 horsepower motor will not support any fast or sustained running and, with a max speed of 9.9 miles per hour, you won't be breaking any speed records. It does offer 12 levels of incline, but the smaller running deck is limiting for some. Coupled with a low weight capacity and a maximum height of 6 feet, the Lifepro Pacer will not work for everyone. But, with an impressive lifetime warranty, it is definitely a fantastic choice for most.
What We Like
- Lifetime warranty
- Over 36 preset workouts
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Easily folds and stores vertically
- Lightweight
- Small footprint
What We Don't Like
- Small running deck
- 1.75 HP motor is not for serious running
- Users report shaking at higher speeds
FAQs About Treadmills Under $1,000
Are treadmills under $1,000 worth it?
Let's be honest—treadmills that carry a larger price tag generally offer a lot more bells and whistles than those that come in under $1,000. Most budget-friendly treadmills will not offer fancy technology-driven programming or decline options. That said, it is completely possible to get the features you need for less than $1,000, making them totally worth it. If your goal is to equip your home space with a machine to hit your fitness goals, then a budget-friendly treadmill could be your new best friend.
Which brand is best for a home treadmill?
The answer to this question depends on your specific training goals and home space. When researching treadmills, you should identify the features and specs you need to accomplish your fitness goals. It is also helpful to look at the warranty. Sole and Horizon tend to offer great warranty options which, regardless of your fitness goals, is incredibly important for any home piece of equipment.
What is a good starter treadmill?
ProForm Carbon T7 is a fantastic starter treadmill as it offers guided training via iFIT, but it certainly is not the only good choice. Those who are new to treadmills will appreciate preset program options on their machine. Sure, interactive and immersive training is great, but treadmills with onboard programming will also provide newbies with the guidance needed to get started.
How long do treadmills last?
On average, treadmills are built to last anywhere from 7-12 years. Regular care and maintenance are critical to expanding the lifespan of any treadmill.