In a world where everyone is always busy with multiple things at a time, you’ll agree that it’s not easy being a fitness enthusiast. Your days are always hectic, so it’s difficult to squeeze out any time for the gym. If this is you, you’re worried that your tight schedule may force you to give on up your fitness passion, and you are not ready to spend a fortune on equipping the whole home gym, all you need is the best treadmill under 200.
Some people are just learning about treadmills for the first time, but some have known about the machine for many years, but didn’t consider buying one because they thought treadmills were too expensive and unaffordable. While we admit that some models can truly be too costly for an average person, there’re some good under-200 models that can benefit you a lot. We’ve reviewed about 20 models, and chose six best ones to include into this list, with the most outstanding one being the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M.
That said, it’s worth noting that the other models are great picks also, as each was chosen with certain attributes considered. Before choosing, we considered if it’s manual or motorized, as this factor has a big say on the machine’s performance. We also considered the weight limit, dimensions and weight of each model, as they determine who each model is suitable for. For easy understanding, we’ve started the guide with a comparison table, followed by a review section and a buying guide section.
More features: soft foam handlebar; non-slip running surface
It’s often believed that cheap things are certain to be of low quality, but a treadmill like the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Treadmill is out to change that perception. That said, this manual machine is a compact, motor-free treadmill that delivers a lot of punch despite coming at a very affordable price. Like we said, it’s a manual treadmill, which means you have to invest a lot of effort since it’s not powered by electricity. However, it’s important to realize that you will be hard-pressed to find a treadmill under 200 that is electric-powered.
While most people would prefer to avoid the hassle that comes with manual treadmills, one good thing about them is that they help burn even more calories. In terms of construction, this machine has a compact, lightweight built, which makes it suitable for small spaces. On top of that, it comes with a non-slip running surface, making it safe and convenient to use. There is an LCD monitor too, which helps users to track speed, time, steps, and calories burned. The monitor also has a “scan” option, which you can use to see information about your performance without any hassle.
Of course, it’s important to consider the weight limit when buying any treadmill, which brings us here. This machine has a weight limit of 220 pounds, which should be enough for most users. You also need to keep in mind that most models in this price category don’t accommodate more than this. For portability and easy movability, the machine comes with smooth wheels. Apart from that, it has a foldable design, making it easy for users to transport and store. However, the incline isn’t adjustable on this machine, which is the only big con you need to seriously consider.
More features: 1-year warranty; shows speed, distance, calories, time
The Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill is one of the most popular under-200 treadmills and the reason for its popularity is easy to see. It delivers a lot of value for its price, which makes it an attractive choice for a lot of people. It’s likely to be a great fit for folks who like working out without using any noise to disturb other people. It comes with eight resistance levels, allowing you to choose the best one based on your needs. Bear in mind that the higher the level you choose, the more difficult the workout will be.
Furthermore, the treadmill features a fixed incline position, which means your workouts’ difficulty levels are increased already. Anyone that has some experience with working out to lose wight will tell you that the more difficult the workouts are, the faster you will be able to achieve your goals. The machine is also outfitted with an LCD display, which shows you real-time data on your performance. This includes the distance, speed, time, and the number of calories burned. The display is super useful as it allows you to know your exact fitness levels and what you have to improve.
If you’re likely to be moving the treadmill around a lot, then you’ll love the locking pin system and wheels built into this machine. It allows you to securely fold-up the treadmill and roll it around. In terms of weight capacity, this one is designed to accommodate up to 220 pounds. However, we believe the machine may be a little difficult to use for people with longer strides because of its 39-inch by 14-inch belt. Besides, there are no instructions for belt adjustment. But the machine is backed by a one-year warranty, which makes sense.
More features: foldable design; LCD display (batteries included)
It’s difficult for a treadmill to satisfy everyone, but the unique manual Fitness Reality TR1000 Treadmill is certain to please even the pickiest buyers. Whether you just hate going out of your house or you are a fitness addict, there are chances that you’ll love this machine. It comes with many perks that will surely impress you. The first of those perks is an LCD display, which makes everything seem effortless. There is also a treadmill belt, which should fit most people.
Going on, the treadmill come with an excellent steel frame, which can support a maximum weight of 230 pounds. Apparently, this weight capacity is a lot for such an affordable treadmill. So far you don’t exceed that weight limit, then you shouldn’t be concerned about damaging the steel frame. Another unique thing about this machine is its fold-up design. With this design, you can easily fold the running deck up when the machine is not in use, which helps you to save space. Simultaneously, the treadmill comes with bottom wheels, which aids easier movability.
The product is also impressive in terms of running deck size. While most models in this price range come with a small running deck, this one is equipped with a rather large running deck. The deck gives you a lot of space to move about. Despite all this, the Fitness Reality TR1000 Treadmill isn’t perfect as it comes with some flaws. First of all, putting it together is a hassle, which isn’t appropriate. Secondly, it doesn’t have a water bottle holder, which is a huge miss considering users tend to drink a lot of water when exercising on a treadmill.
More features: foldable with wheels; digital display
The Best Choice Products Portable Fitness Treadmill is another excellent affordable option for people who are always too reluctant to go to the gym. Being a manual machine, you don’t need to be concerned about positioning it beside an electric outlet. That’s the first benefit you stand to enjoy from this amazing treadmill. Moving on, it’s equipped with an LCD monitor that helps users to keep a tab on their progress. You will be able to watch how you are performing by tracking your speed, calories burned, time spent, distance covered, and other things. It also makes sense that the LCD screen is located in the middle of the handlebars, which screams convenience.
This machine is also certain to operate seamlessly and unhindered at all times, thanks to its flywheel and heavy-duty construction. That said, the treadmill also comes with a quite large running surface, which measures 14 x 40 inches. Note that this is impressive considering that most models in the same category often come with very small running surfaces. In terms of storage, it’s a bliss using this machine, as it has a unique fold-up design. With this, you can easily fold-up, lock, and store the treadmill away. It also helps that it comes with built-in wheels, making transportation easier.
However, the machine only has a maximum weight limit of 200 pounds, which is the least of any model on this list. That said, that’s not an implication that the unit won’t be suitable for you. So, you need to consider your own weight and the weights of prospective users. Apart from the weight limit though, the incline is too steep, so you may have to prop up the back legs with improvised supports.
More features: 12 preset workout programs; built-in speakers; USB port; Bluetooth enabled
It’s not every day you see a motorized treadmill that is sold for less than 200 dollars, which makes the US STOCK Samury Folding Treadmill even more appreciable. Apart from being a motorized model, this machine also offers a lot of great features that cement its place as one of the affordable machines that deliver most value for money. Talking of great features and capabilities of this model, it’s designed to accommodate up to 265 pounds of weight, which is impressive considering that is the highest weight limit on this list.
On top of that, the treadmill is also Bluetooth enabled and comes with built-in speakers, which allow you to listen to your favorite songs as you burn some fats off your body. In addition to that, there are built-in USB ports as well, which you could use to charge your phone, tablet, and other similar devices. As if that’s not enough, there is also a multi-functional display, which allows you to monitor your performance in speed, distance, time, and number of calories burned. This promises an effective and superior home workout. To be honest, it’s almost unbelievable that a machine that offers all of these high-end features is this affordable.
Another impressive thing about this treadmill is that it’s equipped with 12 preset workout programs, which when combined with the 10Mph and 2.5 motor power will help you work out like a professional. The only complaint we could find is that the treadmill is a bit heavy, weighing about 61.7 pounds. That apart, you’ll find it difficult to find any flaw with this incredible unit.
More features: folds and locks in the upright position for storage
Everybody wants a treadmill they can rely on at all times, and the MaxKare Manual Walking Treadmill is a machine you can always trust your physical health. This is an excellent choice for you if you are bent on achieving the maximum speed while exercising. Of course, this isn’t a top-of-the-line treadmill, so you shouldn’t expect it to offer much when it comes to high-tech electronics. However, the machine still packs a lot for its price. First of all, it’s outfitted with a single-button electronic display, which you can use to check your speed, time, distance, and calories burned. While it’s nothing advanced, it does what it says on the tin.
With a cheap product like this, people tend to worry about the quality of the frame. But to assure buyers that the frame is made with high-quality materials, they have slapped a one-year warranty on it, which will surely put the minds of buyers at rest. Another excellent thing about the treadmill is its fold-up design, which allows you to easily store and transport it when required. Besides, the fold-up design also makes sense in the fact that most people struggle to create enough space for a treadmill, so the foldable construction means they can easily fold and unfold when necessary.
It may also help to include that the product comes partially assembled, so you don’t need to do much work when assembling it. When it comes to maximum weight limit, this treadmill is impressive for this price point, accommodating up to 250 pounds. Although the incline isn’t adjustable, so it’s not completely convenient. The handles aren’t also comfortable enough, so you need to also keep that in kind.
While there are many affordable treadmills on the market, only a few of them end up delivering a solid performance. If you don’t want to end up with a useless model, then you need to read this insightful guide we have compiled here.
Before settling for any model, make sure you consider the important features we have listed and explained comprehensively below.
There are two primary types of treadmills – manual and motorized. With a manual treadmill, you simply need to use your feet to drive the treadmill, causing the belt to start moving. A motorized type, on the other hand, rolls the belt automatically at a pace you electronically set, so you only need to keep that pace. Obviously, the motorized type is the better, more convenient type, but it’s very hard to find a motorized model that’s priced below $200, but you will have better luck with the treadmills under 300$. We’ve found one though and it’s great for its price. The only issue is that its running surface isn’t as wide as in manual models.
The maximum weight capacity shows the amount of weight a treadmill is capable of bearing, so it’s also an important feature to consider. Of course, the best models are always selected depending on how high their rated weight limits are. Most of the best models on this list can accommodate up to 200 pounds, but there are some that can accommodate up to 250 pounds of weight, such as the US STOCK Samury Folding Treadmill and the MaxKare Manual Walking Treadmill. But in such price range 250 lbs weight capacity is rather rare to encounter, no matter if you are up to a treadmill or best elliptical under 200$.
While speed is an important factor, if you’ve ever used a treadmill at the gym, you’ll have noticed the ability to automatically adjust the incline of the belt. Whether you want a slight incline to mimic outdoor running, or a full-on hill, incline is important to the modern treadmill runner.
Sadly, in this budget range, your options for incline are very limited. The majority of running machines we have featured don’t include it at all. Some do, although you will have to manually adjust this before you start moving.
You also need to check the dimensions before buying a treadmill. Small models usually consume less space, but large models will give you sufficient room to run comfortably. So, before making a choice, you need to ask yourself if you’re ready to sacrifice a wide running surface for a compact size and easy storage, or not. It depends on your preference.
The belt’s length is important as well as users are different in terms of stride lengths and heights. If you have a long stride, you are likely to be feeling cramped if the belt is short, so you must take this factor seriously. You must keep in mind that the belt’s length has to handle both runners and walkers.
Folding units are fairly common nowadays, thanks to the way they significantly improve your efficiency. A fold-up treadmill will also help you save some valuable room in the house, especially if you are limited on space. This way, one machine won’t just take up a whole room just to remain idle the entire day. You should consider transportation wheels as well, especially if you will possibly be moving the machine around a lot. The Best Choice Products Portable Fitness Treadmill is an example of a good foldable model with transportation wheels.
Most manual treadmills are likely to come with a small display monitor, but some of them will not. Fortunately, all the models that made this list are equipped with display monitors. These monitors are super-important as they typically show time, speed, distance, and number of calories burned. To be honest, there’s no reason to buy a model without an LCD display as this feature doesn’t even affect the cost that much.
Sometimes, cheap things doesn’t mean low quality, and the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Treadmill shows us exactly that. Featuring a compact, fold-up design, it’s a treadmill for people who are always on the move. That apart, it also has an LCD display, which shows you helpful data about your performance, such as speed, time, distance, and calories burned. Without stating the other reasons that made us label it as our Editor’s Choice, we have no doubt this model is the best treadmill under 200 you can find.
We must admit, however, that the Exerpeutic Magnetic Manual Treadmill can hold up its own on any list. Not only does it have durable construction, it also has one of the most informative LCD displays among products on our list.
After that comes the Fitness Reality TR1000, which is a folding model. Moreover, this model also has many perks like a quality LCD display, a portable design, and heavy-duty construction.
