Treadmills provide people with an easy way to get their workout in without having to leave their homes. In addition, many people believe that treadmills are a safer option than running outside because there are fewer obstacles and uneven surfaces. However, some of the most popular treadmills on the market can be quite expensive.
If you’re looking for a quality treadmill at an affordable price, there are plenty of options available for under $300. While some may sacrifice features or durability to hit this price point, many treadmills in this price range offer great value for the money. Today, after spending weeks of research and testing more than 25 models, we are going to give you information on the top five treadmills on the market at the moment. The first treadmill is our editor’s choice which is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M.
More features: soft foam handlebar; non-slip running surface
People think that motorized treadmills provide the best workouts but the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M proves that manual treadmills can be as effective as any motorized unit. This is the best manual treadmill on the market because of its excellent cardio benefits. It helps you increase your blood circulation, strengthens your muscles and improves balance.
The Sunny & Fitness treadmill has a compact structure that can fold up easily for storage. Its handles are ergonomically designed for a sure grip. These handles are covered with soft materials to prevent calluses from forming on your hands.
You get a large running surface of 42″ x 13″ for safety. The tread on the deck provides optimal traction so you don’t slip or lose your footing when running. This machine is a non-electric unit which makes it the best economical treadmill because it saves power.
Although it’s a non-electrical unit it still has an LCD display powered by batteries. The display gives you important data such as calories burned, distance, track time and speed. Challenge yourself by beating your track score every day. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M treadmill is sturdy and strong enough to perform speed walking & light jogs.
There are dual flywheels on either side of the treadmill that provide smoother handling and a quiet workout session.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M treadmill is safe, easy to assemble and provides the intense workout you want to tone your muscles.
More features: easy installation; emergency stop; LCD display
The Murtisol 1100w treadmill is perhaps the most elegant looking treadmill under 300. It comes in a complete black construction with both matt and gloss finishes. This is our best value product on our review list because of all the extra features it comes with.
The treadmill is a space-saving unit so you can work out in smaller spaces. The Murtisol can be folded compactly so you can store it, which is ideal if you’re living in a small apartment.
The construction of this treadmill has a smart design that offers exercise enthusiasts optimal safety. You have convenient handlebar control which allows you to change speeds without moving your hands. You can run or walk without the fear of losing your balance when changing your speed settings. The steel construction is sturdy, robust and effortless to set up.
What’s more is that the treadmill runs silent and will provide smooth motion.
This unit comes with an LCD display that tracks your progress and monitors your heart rate. Use the unit to time your workouts, adjust the speed and utilize the emergency stop switch when you need to.
Change the type to a manual treadmill when there’s no electricity so you can continue enjoying your workouts.
The Murtisol 1100w treadmill has a bigger deck than some models, to accommodate almost anyone. The deck of this treadmill has extra cushioning to relieve joint discomfort.
More features: longer handles; 1-year warranty
The ProGear 190 is our editor’s choice because of all the beneficial features it has. This treadmill’s construction is incredibly sturdy, lightweight and compact. It’s made with a strong steel frame that’s powder-coated to prevent wear. The handlebars are wider for added safety. You’re able to grip the bars on the side or in front of you for stability. These handlebars are covered in soft foam which is non-slip for a firmer grip. The foam is gentle on the hands so you don’t get calluses when you’re working out.
It’s easier for you to set the incline on the ProGear 190 so you can have a more challenging workout. There are two incline settings of 6° and 10°.
The roller belts on the treadmill are oversized so you have a consistent and smooth walking experience.
One of the benefits of this treadmill is that it’s a manual unit. You don’t have to fuss over technical settings. But it does come with an LCD display console that gives data on the distance you’ve walked, calories burned and elapsed time of your workout. Batteries are included for the console when you purchase your ProGear 190.
The problem with some treadmills is that they’re difficult to store because they’re not foldable. Fortunately, the ProGear 190 folds up into a compact unit so you can easily store it in a closet, under your bed, or in a garage.
More features: iPad holder; 1-year warranty
The MaxKare is our pick for the best motorized treadmill on our list. This is because it comes with a powerful 1.5HP motor which is temperature resistant and conserves energy. MaxKare’s treadmill has an LCD display that provides the ultimate treadmill control and handling. The large LCD screen shows real-time speed, distance and calories burned. View your heart rate by taking hold of the handrails so you can monitor your health throughout your routine. Adjust your speed effortlessly with the quick two speed changes from three to six. These speed adjustments allow you to run faster for a more challenging workout.
MaxKare manufactured this treadmill with an iPad holder so you can listen to music or watch videos while you exercise. The overall design and structure of this treadmill were made for the fitness enthusiast in mind. It has a wide 17″ multi-layer tread belt that gives you extra space for comfortable running. The belt absorbs vibrations to decrease joint impact. Adjust the incline of your deck from 1° and 2° to increase the resistance. This will strengthen your leg muscles faster.
This treadmill is stable so it won’t move when you’re running. It’s also compact so you can work out in small apartments or rooms. The MaxKare is a foldable treadmill. Simply push the handle and frame down to make it compact & store it under a bed or in the closet.
More features: foldable design; LCD display (batteries included); 1-year warranty
We know that treadmills can be expensive. That’s why we’ve included a budget pick on our list. The Fitness Reality TR1000 comes with all the features you need to optimize your workout but at a lower cost.
This cheap treadmill has a strong and stable construction made with powder-coated steel to prevent wear. It won’t shift while you work out because it has a non-slip base. The handlebars are wider so you can grab the front or sides to keep you stable while you exercise. These handlebars are covered with soft non-slip foam that provides cushioning for the hands.
It’s effortless to set the incline on the Fitness Reality TR1000. The two inclines of 6° and 10° are best to tone & strengthen the muscles in your legs.
One important feature that every high-quality treadmill should have is a silent belt. This unit comes with two flywheels that produce no noise and provides a smoother run.
There’s an LCD display that’s attached to the Fitness Reality TR1000 which provides important data for your workouts. It gives you the distance you’ve walked, calories you’ve burned and the speed at which you move. The display monitors your progress to help you achieve your fitness goals.
The deck of this treadmill has optimal traction that provides safety for fitness enthusiasts. Wear any shoes when working out on the Fitness Reality TR1000 and you won’t slip or lose your balance.
To find the best inexpensive treadmill you must know which features make up a high-quality unit. This is why our buyer’s guide section is important. It provides quick information that you can browse through to help you with your buying decisions. In this buyer’s guide we’ll give you tips on how to maintain your treadmill and the health benefits of these units.
Treadmills are utilized by fitness enthusiasts as a cost-effective way to stay healthy, even though never forget that there are also other options and even in the same price range, as for example rowing machines under 300$. Gym memberships can be costly so people buy treadmills to work out at home. A treadmill is also a safer way to take a jog when you stay in high crime areas.
So what other benefits can a treadmill give you? Let’s find out all the healthy advantages you’ll experience with your treadmill.
Treadmills are excellent for cardiovascular health. Light running, speed walking or sprinting increases blood circulation which improves the strength of your heart. Improved blood circulation provides more oxygen to your muscles to strengthen them and increase your stamina.
The best treadmill under 300 dollars that can help ensure a healthy heart is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M treadmill. It’s a manual treadmill unit so it gives you more of a workout challenge to increase your stamina faster.
Any high-intensity workout will raise your heart rate which is excellent for burning off unwanted pounds. Running on a treadmill is one intense workout option, making it ideal to manage your weight.
One of the benefits of running on a treadmill is that it works every muscle in your body. So there’s no need to perform various exercises to target specific muscle groups. Running will shed extra pounds whether you’re carrying weight around the midsection or on your thighs.
Dopamine and serotonin are the two main chemicals that provide positive mental health & motivation. The ideal way to increase these two chemicals in your system is by exercising. Intense cardiovascular exercises such as running are ways to fuel dopamine and serotonin levels. These will also help you become more active and you’ll enjoy improve mental health & possibly even mental capacity.
Simply running or speed walking for 20 minutes a day will start to firm up flabby areas around your arms, legs and midsection. Utilizing a treadmill will build even muscle capacity and it will strengthen your core. If you have a strong core it will optimize the strength in your entire body, so a treadmill is a benefit no matter which part of your body you wish to exercise.
Running on a treadmill warms up your muscles which can increase your flexibility. Muscle flexibility will help combat diseases such as arthritis. If you run on a treadmill regularly your muscles will be relaxed and increase your mobility, making it a long-term investment in your health.
Exercising regularly on a treadmill will improve bone density. Running stimulates the minerals that are responsible for strong bones. Higher bone density can combat many ailments such as rickets and marble bone disease.
Now that you know what health benefits treadmills provide, it’s time to assist you with some important aspects to consider when buying an inexpensive unit. In this next section, we’ll be giving you the importance of treadmill type, speed, motor and incline.
If you want to purchase your best treadmill under 300 the following features are the most important to compare.
There are three types of treadmills to select from:
You must check the weight capacity of your treadmill before you buy it. This feature gives you an indication of the strength of the frame and the quality of the belt & motor. It simply tells you how much weight the treadmill can accommodate. A maximum user weight of around 230lbs shows that the treadmill is robust and suitable for home use.
Commercial treadmills with a higher weight capacity are typically utilized in gyms or training centers for professional runners.
One aspect to remember is that some retailers may increase the user’s weight capacity to pretend that their treadmills are premium quality. Don’t let yourself get ripped off. Check the following to determine if your treadmill is robust:
If you are observant and you notice any sign of wear then your budget treadmill may not be ideal. All the treadmills featured on our list are premium quality units that operate as advertised, and such models as ProGear 190 and Fitness Reality TR1000 feature the weight capacity of 230 lbs.
The speed range on a treadmill will vary according to the model and brand of the unit. Less expensive treadmills can provide a minimum of 8mph and a maximum of 10mph. Mid-range to and higher-end treadmills have a speed of 13mph.
But the speed will depend on whether the treadmill is a manual unit or a motorized unit. For manual treadmills, the speed is limited by the user. A motorized treadmill under $300 will provide speeds of up to 10mph. Sometimes motorized units will allow you to adjust the speed of your treadmill so you can run faster.
If you opt for a motorized treadmill, such as the MaxKare treadmill, consider the size of the motor. Horsepower (HP) is used to measure the size of a treadmill motor. Expensive or commercial treadmills will have an integrated motor with 2.5HP or more. These motors are designed for heavy-duty use.
Some treadmills will state two measurements of horsepower: continuous and peak. For example, it will state that the motor has a continuous horsepower of 1.76 and a peak of 3HP. It’s advised that you concentrate on the continuous horsepower of your treadmill which is the lowest unit of the two measurements.
Cheaper treadmills will have a smaller motor that’s measured in watts such as the Murtisol 1100W machine. These units are still powerful but they don’t have a higher weight capacity.
A treadmill incline is the ability to adjust the slope of your deck. Higher inclines work different muscle groups in your legs and it gives you a more challenging workout. Treadmills will either have a manual or powered incline adjustment:
Treadmills are large machines so it’s crucial that you check the dimensions of your unit before you buy it. This is especially true if you live in a small apartment that doesn’t have much open floor space. Treadmills under 300 are compact and streamlined devices. They don’t have any unnecessary protruding parts and it won’t rob you of valuable open space in your living room or bedroom. Smaller treadmills still give you the workout you’re looking for but at a fraction of the cost of a larger unit.
If you’re looking for a compact motorized treadmill opt for the Murtisol unit. Or if you want a manual treadmill the best machine on our list is the ProGear 190.
The size of your deck’s surface must be big enough for you to safely run on. If the dimensions of the running surface are smaller it’s ideal for people who have shorter strides. But if you’re a tall person naturally your strides are going to be wider so the deck must be large to accommodate you. If you generally want a wider and longer space to run then a treadmill with a larger deck will be ideal for you. Larger decks are suitable for frequent runners who need to train for marathons or competitions.
The disadvantage of a treadmill with a longer and wider running surface is that these machines will have a bigger frame. It will be more difficult for you to use a large treadmill in a small space.
The weight of the treadmill will give you an indication of how much weight capacity it can handle. If the unit is extremely light then it’s only suitable for smaller people who only utilize the machine for 20 minutes to an hour a day. Lightweight units are usually manual machines without any extra features. They’re more affordable and easy to maintain, as for example ProGear 190.
Heavier treadmills will come equipped with many other features such as motors, larger display screens and bigger flywheels. These units are heavier and more expensive, but able to endure some heavy duty handling. They can accommodate heavier people and those who are frequent runners.
Another aspect to consider when looking at treadmill weight is how easy it is to move and store. Lightweight machines can be picked up easily whereas heavier treadmills will need more manpower to move it.
Does your treadmill fold up? The advantage of treadmills under $300 is that they are often compact units that allow you to fold the frame down for easy storage. A foldable treadmill, the one as Murtisol 1100W treadmill, is ideal for people who don’t have a lot of space to leave the machine standing.
Your foldable treadmill should allow you to easily dismount and reassemble the unit. Some devices have clip mechanisms that let you set it up and dismantle it fast. Make sure these parts are made with durable materials because they can wear over time.
It’s important to purchase a lubricant to preserve the lifespan of your treadmill’s parts.
When you store your unit make sure no sharp objects are near the deck or belt, so they don’t end up being cut. Cover your unit with a sheet to prevent it from getting dirty.
A treadmill’s digital display screen is convenient because it monitors your progress. It will provide you with data such as:
These are common on standard display screens. Higher-end display screens give you virtual reality tracks and speed control. You’re able to watch videos and listen to your favorite tracks through a high-end display screen.
Some units come with downloadable apps where you can share your fitness routines and progress with friends & family.
Overall every treadmill should have a display screen so you can properly monitor your workouts. It’s also an excellent way to reach new fitness goals by challenging yourself every day by running more or burning extra calories in a day.
The products we’ve reviewed in our article are treadmills that are priced $300 and less, there are even good-quality treadmills under 200$ on the market today. These are smaller treadmills with all the features and controls you need to run every day. But if you want a larger unit you can expect to pay between $1500 and $3000.
Expensive treadmills with more parts and premium display screens will come with a 5-year warranty. But these are commercial treadmills that are for heavy-duty use. Your home treadmill that has excellent parts and electronics will typically come with a 1-year warranty.
So we have reduced the choices down to our top treadmills. The first best treadmill under 300 is our editor’s choice which is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M. It’s a manual unit. The tread on the deck provides optimal traction so you don’t slip or lose your footing when running. The Murtisol 1100W treadmill takes second place. It has an elegant design and comes with a powerful motor. Change the Murtisol treadmill into a manual unit if there’s no electricity. There are over 12 workout programs on the Murtisol display that will take your exercise routines to the next level. As you can see all these treadmills are ideal for people who need an economical way of staying fit. Did you find your best treadmill under 300? Let’s get fit!
