Best Treadmills Under $1000
Working out from home is on the rise.
After a crazy global pandemic, more and more people are opting to get in their sweat sessions from the comfort of their own home.
Contents
- Best Treadmills Under $1000
- IN A HURRY?
- Best Treadmills Under 1000 For Home
- Why Buy A Treadmill?
- Factors To Consider When Buying a Treadmill
- Who should spend more on a treadmill?
- Drawbacks of Cheap Treadmills
- Best Treadmills Under 1000 FAQs
- Q: Is running on a treadmill better for your body than running outdoors?
- Q: Can you wear the same shoes on a treadmill as running outside?
- Q: Why do treadmills use miles per hour instead of minutes per mile?
- Q: Will a treadmill at the $1000 price point be sufficient for my needs?
- Q: Will I Need a Treadmill Mat?
- Q: Do all treadmills fold?
- Q: What are the advantages of a folding treadmill?
- Q: What are the disadvantages of folding treadmills?
- Q: What are the advantages of treadmills that incline?
- Q: What incline should I use on a treadmill?
- Q: What are the best ways to not get bored on a treadmill?
While outdoor activities like walking and hiking increased during the pandemic, people also needed alternative indoor ways to workout as well.
So, people started purchasing free weights, stationary bikes, treadmills, and more in order to recreate their gyms at their home.
In a recent study, they found that over 60% of Americans believe traditional gyms could become a thing of the past because of the rise of home gyms.
If you are one of the many Americans who are looking to create a home gym of your own, a treadmill is a great place to start!
While the price point of treadmills can spread pretty wide, we’re going to be looking at the best treadmills under 1000 dollars.
IN A HURRY?
Best Treadmills Under 1000 For Home
1. NordicTrack T 6.5 Series Treadmill
NordicTrack T 6.5 Series Treadmill
- 30-Day Ifit Membership Included; Stream Live & On-Demand Workouts
- 10% Onetouch Incline Control; 10 Mph Smart Onetouch Speed Control
- Smart-Response Motor For Effective Speed, Interval, And Endurance Training; 20″ X 55″ Tread Belt Offers Plenty Of Leg And Elbow Space As You Run; 3 Horsepower
- Innovative Spacesaver Design With Easylift Assist Means Your Treadmill Can Fold Up After Your Run For Compact, Simple Storage
- 300-Pound User Capacity; Protected With A 10-Year Frame Assurance, 2-Year Parts Assurance, And 1-Year Labor Assurance; 54″ H X 36″ W X 73.5″ L
Our first treadmill, the NordicTrack T 6.5 Series, is going to be the one with the most tech features.
This treadmill has the biggest display screen of the others listed and has an Interactive Personal Training system powered by iFit.
It has long-term tracking of fitness stats, as well as an endless selection of workouts and pre-programmed workouts.
It has Bluetooth capability, too! This treadmill has a 300 pound max capacity, can go up to 10 miles per hour, and has 10 levels of incline.
When thinking about the pros, it has a good rating on Amazon with 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Most of the positive ratings raved about its sturdiness, powerful sound system, and ease of assembly.
On the flip side, a lot of reviewers shared this treadmill was incredibly heavy to move and maneuver.
But the biggest con was the pressure to pay the monthly iFit personal training subscription.
While you do not need it to use the treadmill, it does come with 12 months free, however, after that it will charge you monthly for access.
So, if you do not want as much guidance with your workouts, this may not be the best treadmill under 1000 dollars for you.
2. XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill
- Smooth and powerful — XTERRA high torque 3.0 HP motor
- Reader-friendly 6.5” bright blue backlit LCD display – clearly shows program profile, time, speed, pace, distance, calories, incline, and pulse
- Variety of motivating programs — 30 pre-set, 2 custom, 1 heart rate control, and manual options
- Handlebar mounted speed and incline controls — quick and easy changes on the go
- Built-in Bluetooth FTMS-enabled — connects to third party apps like Zwift, Kinomap, Tacx, and more
The XTERRA TRX3500 is another solid treadmill choice!
While it has a screen display, it is not as robust as the NordicTrack.
It has 30 preset programs, with an audio jack for you to plug up your phone and jam out to your music.
It goes up to 12 miles per hour and has 12 levels of incline!
On top of this, the weight limit is a whopping 350 pounds, which is great for a treadmill under $1000.
On Amazon, it received 4.3 out of 5 stars which is pretty good!
The best pros for this treadmill are the bigger weight capacity, making it more inclusive to everyone, it’s lack of noise, and how user friendly it is!
As with every treadmill, there are always going to be drawbacks.
Most negative reviews discussed how it had a tendency to stop working randomly.
Many frustrated customers shared some manufacturing issues that needed to be fixed. But most never encountered this problem!
3. Sole F63 Treadmill
Continuing our list of the best treadmills under 1000 bucks, let’s discuss the Sole F63.
It has Bluetooth capabilities, a USB charger, and a tablet holder (which is unique from any other treadmill on this list).
It has a staggering 15 levels of incline and can go up to 12 miles per hour with a 325 pound weight capacity.
With the preset programming, it only provides 6 programs.
This treadmill has one of the highest ratings at 4.5 out of 5 stars!
If you are the type of person who wants to watch TV on your device while working out or use a device to play a workout program, then the built in tablet holder is a HUGE plus for you!
The reviews also raved about how easy this treadmill was to fold up and how the weight capacity allowed it to be very sturdy.
Both the Sole F63’s frame and motor have a lifetime warranty!
The deck, electronics and other parts have a 3 year warranty.
There were very few cons that we could locate other than shipping issues, but that has less to do with the treadmill and more to do with the company and distribution.
4. Horizon Fitness T202 Treadmill
Horizon Fitness T202 Treadmill
- Horizon fold-up treadmills for home workouts with a FeatherLight folding frame have the performance and sturdiness of a traditional treadmill with the convenience of a fold-up treadmill frame
- Pair your device with built-in Bluetooth speakers and place on the holder to stream workout classes, keep pace with tunes, or catch up with shows.
- The Horizon Go Series T202 personal treadmill has an effortless hydraulic folding system that facilitates easy storage.
- This home treadmill has a 60″ x 20″ running area, and its assembled dimensions are 76″ x 34″ x 57″.
- EasyDial controls put your pace at your fingertips. Roll the right dial forward to increase speed and left dial to run up the hill. Need to ease up? Just roll it back.
- The T202 offers a longer 60″ deck, 12% incline, and 12 MPH maximum speed.
If you’re not into all the bells and whistles and want a solid piece of machinery, the Horizon Fitness T202 may be perfect for you.
It goes up to 12 miles per hour and an incline range of 0-12%.
While it has Bluetooth capabilities, it does not have a showy or extravagant screen display.
However, they engineered it specifically for noise reduction and it has a weight capacity of 325 pounds!
Reviewers of this treadmill gave it an overall score of 3.8 out of 5 stars, noting how quiet, easy to assemble, and sturdy this treadmills is.
If you are someone who is planning to have your treadmill in the main house or in a spare bedroom, this may be a good and less noisy option.
In addition, this is a folding treadmill which can help to save space.
Some users may want a bigger screen display. If this is you, this may not be the best option for you.
The negative reviews shared very few cons, but discussed the lack of features and lack of unexpected noises, like in the belt.
5. Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill SF-T7917
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill – SF-T7917
- MADE FOR PERFORMANCE: Power your cardio workout with speeds up to 10 mph. Increase the intensity of your workout with 15 levels of automatic recline.
- PERFORMANCE MONITOR: Challenge your fitness with 15 pre-installed workouts and 3 custom user workout entries. Track your fitness progress by using the BMI calculator software, and onboard stats like time, speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned.
- USB/BLUETOOTH CONNECTION: Place your phone or tablet on the device holder. Charge your personal devices using the built-in USB port. Stream music from your phone or tablet to the built-in speakers via Bluetooth.
- SPACIOUS RUNNING BELT: Enjoy a wide and safe running belt (19in x 52in).
- HANDRAIL CONTROLS: Don’t worry about losing stability and control during your workout with the built-in handrail buttons. These allow you to quickly and safely adjust the speed and recline of your workout while exercising.
For the next treadmill in our search for the best treadmills under 1000 dollars, we’ve got the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill.
It’s got some good technology including Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charger, speakers, and 15 pre-installed workouts.
It can go up to 15 levels of incline and 10 miles per hour with a 265 pound weight limit.
The reviews are pretty solid, giving it a 4.4 out of 5 stars sharing about its versatility and ability to go fast and go a variety of inclines.
Another big pro for this treadmill is that it is a decent size at a decent price.
The biggest con was that some reviewers shared that the sound system wasn’t the best quality.
So, if the sound system being amazing is on your “must have” features list and you plan on using it a lot, this may not be the most ideal choice for you.
6. Sole F65 Treadmill
The Sole Fitness F65 is the upgraded version of the popular Sole F63 model that is listed above.
The F65 features 15 different levels of incline. It has a 3.25 hp motor and speeds from .5 mph all the way to 12 mph!
Like some of the others above, it also has USB port for charging your mobile devices, bluetooth speakers for listening to your favorite playlist while exercising, as well as a tablet holder.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs.
Another nice thing about the Sole F65 is that the frame and motor have a lifetime warranty on them!
The deck, electronics and parts have a 3 year warranty. Hard to go wrong with such a great warranty, in my opinion..
Sole also offers a 30 day money back guarantee.
If you aren’t happy with the F65 treadmill, you can return it within 30 days, no questions asked.
Sole will even pay the return shipping!
7. XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Folding Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Folding Treadmill
- Smooth and powerful — XTERRA high torque 2.25 HP motor
- Reader-friendly 5.5” bright blue backlit LCD display — clearly shows program profile, time, speed, pace, distance, calories, incline, and pulse
- Variety of motivating programs — 24 preset programs, 2 custom, 1 heart rate control, and manual options
- Handlebar mounted speed and incline controls — quickly and easily adjust the intensity of your workouts on the go
- Handlebar pulse sensors — conveniently mounted to keep you in your training zone
The XTERRA TRX2500 folding treadmill is the little brother to the XTERRA TRX4500.
The TRX2500 has plenty to offer though with 10 levels of incline, speeds from 0-10 mph, and 24 preset programs to choose from.
The TRX2500 comes with a 2.25 hp motor and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.
It has built in cooling fans and hydraulic lift assist to help you fold it for storage.
The XTERRA TRX2500 has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
As far as cons, it does not come with bluetooth and some reviewers commented that the technology is lacking.
It does have built in speakers, but you have to connect to an audio port.
If the lack of technology doesn’t bother you, many reviewers stated they love this treadmill!
Why Buy A Treadmill?
If you’re wanting to build your home gym or have a way to get in some cardio at home, you may wonder why buy a treadmill?
Is it a worthwhile investment to have? Well, our answer is a resounding yes.
On a personal note, having a treadmill at my house has been a game changer in my fitness journey, and here are the major reasons why…
Invest in Your Health
Because a treadmill is a piece of exercise equipment, you will probably reap some amazing health benefits from having it in your home!
But there are more specific health benefits that come from a treadmill that you may not have realized!
For starters, because you would use a treadmill for running, walking, and power walking, it’s going to be a great way to improve your heart and cardiovascular health.
Besides this, it can also increase your muscle tone, especially if your treadmill has features such as incline.
Last, if your goal is weight loss, this is definitely the machine to get as it promotes healthy weight loss through cardio exercise.
Eliminates Excuses
This is a BIG reason I have a treadmill in my home.
Because it is literally at your house, you don’t have to jump through all the traditional hoops that are required for getting to the gym.
The commute, the childcare, the crowds…
These excuses go away when you get a treadmill of your own.
If you don’t have much time, you can simply wake up a little early, crawl out of bed, and hop on the treadmill.
It makes it really hard to come up with an excuse when you know that you have an exceptional piece of workout equipment sitting in the other room!
Frees Up Your Schedule
Going to the gym can be quite a time commitment, too.
As I mentioned above, you no longer have to factor in things like the commute time to the gym.
And you don’t have to worry about whether the gym will be open.
With an at home treadmill, you are in charge of your workout schedule and it will actually save you time, allowing you more of it to spend with your family, friends, etc.
Saves You Money
At first thought, this one may sound weird.
How is spending $1000 on a piece of workout equipment going to save you money?
Well, let’s crunch some numbers…
Depending on where you live, gym membership prices can vary, but the national average monthly fee is $58.
That comes to $696 dollars per year in membership fees alone if you live in an area that charges the national average.
There are many places around the U.S. that can charge upwards of $100 per month, which would bring your yearly fees to $1200.
According to recent reports, the average at home treadmill lasts an average of 10 years before needing to be replaced.
So, if the treadmill that you purchase for under $1000 lasts the average lifespan, you would have saved around $5,960 in gym membership fees based on the averages above.
That is some INCREDIBLE savings!
Not to mention, that amount of savings doesn’t even factor in commute and gas money.
Owning your very own treadmill will definitely save you money over time!
Factors To Consider When Buying a Treadmill
Now that we know why buying a treadmill for your home gym is a worthwhile investment, it’s time to think about what factors you should consider on your search for the perfect treadmill.
Everyone is different and has a different living situation, lifestyle, and list of preferences that you’ve got to take into consideration before making this purchase.
Here are just a few of the many things to think about…
Space Availability
The first thing you’ve got to consider if you want to invest in a treadmill is where you are going to put it!
There are a wide variety of sizes that treadmills come in.
You can get treadmills that fold up, slip under furniture, have shorter or larger treads depending on your comfort level and more.
But, when it comes down to it, you’ve got to have a spot to put your treadmill where you can safely use it.
What does your space availability look like?
Do you have a basement area dedicated to a home gym and size doesn’t matter?
Do you have an extra bedroom or a sunroom that you can store it and leave it out?
Or do you need something more flexible because you don’t have a designated space?
Usage
Once you know where you’re going to put your new treadmill, you need to think about how often you will use it.
Will you be the only one in your family using it?
Do you have other family members planning to use it?
If so, this could affect the amount that it will be used.
The amount of use you plan on getting out of your treadmill could not only affect the location of it in your home, but also the type of treadmill you want to get.
If it’s going to be getting a high number of miles, consider investing in one that is more stationary and sturdy.
Features
Nowadays, most treadmills have a certain set of features that they come with.
For example, emergency stop buttons, inclines, fans, and so on.
But, when you’re trying to decide on the best treadmill for you, you’ve got to look into the other features that treadmills offer.
If you want more direction with your workouts, you may want a treadmill that comes with recommended workouts or workout programs.
Or, if you enjoy listening to your own music, find one that has Bluetooth capabilities.
Look through your options and weigh their features with a fitness plan and priorities to help you find the right treadmill for you!
Budget
This is definitely the biggest consideration when you’re determining which treadmill is best.
With pricing, you can find a treadmill at any price point.
From under $250 to $2,000 and more, there is a wide range of treadmills to match any budget.
So, before you dive into searching for your own, determine what you want to spend.
For our article, we’re specifically looking at the best treadmills under 1000 bucks because it seems to be a happy medium.
It’s right in the sweet spot of not being too expensive, but not being too affordable that you miss out on some key features.
Who should spend more on a treadmill?
If there’s such a wide range of prices for treadmills, how do you know what price point is best?
Well, of course you take into consideration what you can afford, but you may also want to think about a more expensive option in a couple of different situations.
First, if you are an avid runner, you might opt for a more expensive treadmill.
Typically, they are going to be sturdier with bigger treads, which makes them more prepared for longer runs.
Another person who may want to spend a little more on a treadmill is someone who plans on using it regularly or who has multiple family members who plan on using it.
If it’s only you, and you only plan to walk or maybe jog occasionally, then you could get away with going a little cheaper.
Last, the weight limit is another thing to consider with price.
In general, treadmills have a weight limit of around 300 pounds.
With more expensive treadmills, you find that their weight capacities will be more.
Drawbacks of Cheap Treadmills
Similar to reasons for going a little more expensive when buying a treadmill, there are definitely some drawbacks of going the cheaper route.
Yes, you will save money. And, yes, they may be smaller and more compact.
But there are other things you need to take into consideration.
If you go cheaper, you are typically paying for less quality.
Whether it’s in the tread’s size, the modern features, or the sturdiness of your run, some features will come up short.
That’s why we’re going to be reviewing treadmills at the $1,000 price point.
It’s not too cheap where you are missing out on anything crucial, but it will not break the bank.
Best Treadmills Under 1000 FAQs
Q: Is running on a treadmill better for your body than running outdoors?
A: Treadmills are easier on your body than running outside.
Treadmills help to cushion the impact, which protects your body from stress.
Q: Can you wear the same shoes on a treadmill as running outside?
A: Yes, you can.
Most runners wear the same running shoes they run in outside on roads.
Q: Why do treadmills use miles per hour instead of minutes per mile?
A: Most treadmills can display both mph and minutes per mile.
Treadmill manufacturers include mph as most beginner runners are not familiar with minutes per mile.
If your treadmill can only display mph, use the below chart to convert mph to minutes per mile.
Miles Per Hour Minutes Per Mile
5 12:00
6 10:00
7 8:34
8 7:30
9 6:40
10 6:00
11 5:27
Q: Will a treadmill at the $1000 price point be sufficient for my needs?
A: Sure, you could spend $3000 or more on a treadmill.
But, more than likely, anything over $1000 will be overkill for an at-home treadmill.
Most $1000 treadmills are quality treadmills with strong motors.
Treadmills that cost a lot less than a thousand will often not hold up to long-term use.
Q: Will I Need a Treadmill Mat?
A: Unless you have a rubber gym style floor, you will want to get a treadmill mat.
A treadmill mat will help to protect your floor, as treadmills can be quite heavy.
The mat also helps to protect your treadmill while also reducing noise and vibrations coming from the treadmill.
Q: Do all treadmills fold?
A: Not all treadmill decks fold.
Q: What are the advantages of a folding treadmill?
A: Treadmills whose deck folds up can help with storing and transporting the treadmill.
Treadmills are quite large and having the ability to fold it up and roll it into a corner is a big advantage for homeowners.
Q: What are the disadvantages of folding treadmills?
A: Treadmills that fold can be less stable and rigid than non-folding treadmills.
Q: What are the advantages of treadmills that incline?
A: When walking or running on an incline, you are working harder and burning more calories than if you were on a flat and level surface.
Q: What incline should I use on a treadmill?
A: Beginners should use a 1-3% incline and gradually increase as they begin to feel comfortable at that incline.
Q: What are the best ways to not get bored on a treadmill?
A: Try an interval workout.
Watch a movie or show.
Listen to an audio book.
Listen to music or podcasts.
Rotate using the treadmill with another cardio machine if you have one.
