Running, walking, or jogging on a treadmill is a great way to get cardiovascular exercise. It can also be an effective way to lose weight or maintain your weight because it burns calories. Treadmills are also low-impact, meaning they put less stress on your joints than running or walking on a hard surface does. But these can cost a fortune, and not everyone has the budget for them.
So we’ve tested 17 models and compiled a list of the 6 best treadmills under $500 with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7718 being a top pick. These models can handle at least 220 lbs. to 250 lbs. of weight and have a speed range of 0.5 mph to 9 mph, letting you go at your own pace. Plus, they vary in size, you’ll find options from 13 to 20 inches wide.
More features: 2.5 hp motor, digital monitor, USB port, tablet holder, speakers, foldable, safety stop
The Sunny Health SF-T7718 provides a combination of great quality performance with practical folding capabilities. The low-profile deck on the treadmill provides remarkable stability as the lower center of gravity gives you greater confidence to run at faster speeds of up to 9 MPH.
Since the deck of the SF-T7718 is low to the ground, the experience will make you feel like you are running outdoors. The shock absorbers fitted into the design provides the necessary protection for your joints, giving that great balance of traditional treadmill joint-protection with the feel of outdoor running.
The construction of the SF-T7718 is designed perfectly for homeowners wanting to invest in their own personal gym space. Its sleek, compact, and foldable design—which contrasts the more traditional, bulky treadmills ensures that it can be easily maneuvered into tight spaces.
The running deck of the SF-T7718 is also wide, measuring at 48L X 20W inches, which also ensures more comfortable performance that is less restricting compared to treadmills with narrower running decks.
Crucial to modern treadmills are the added extras that can enhance your running experience. The SF-T7718 has no shortage in added accessories, including a built-in speaker system and media port where you can plug in your phone to listen to your favorite tunes and amplify them all around your gym. In addition, the treadmill also comes with a tablet holder measuring (4.5L X 10H inches) that can easily hold any tablet or mobile device, allowing you to watch your favorite movies while working out.
More features: 2.5 hp motor, LCD display, safety stop, tablet holder, manual incline
The Gymax Cardio Folding Exercise Treadmill is a foldable treadmill that offers great storage capability within any gym-loving home. Comprising of a 16.5″W X 50″L running belt which is able to incline anywhere between 0-15%, the Gymax treadmill allows you burn more calories, get increased muscle tone and strengthen your endurance.
Built into the Gymax treadmill design is a quality shock absorption system that provides all the necessary protection for your joints and bones, with absorbers placed on either side of the treadmill belt to give you balanced protection.
The Gymax foldable treadmill is fitted with a large multi-function LCD display which provides you with all the essential information that you need to know when working out, including heart rate, speed, time, distance and calories burned. The most advanced feature of the Gymax treadmill is the G-FIT Bluetooth connection. This means that you connect any fitness application to the treadmill via Bluetooth connection to ensure your personal trainer can be kept up to date with your progress as well as be able to keep you track with your own health report and fitness goals.
The treadmill is fitted with 2.5 horsepower motor which can produce speeds between 0.5-9 MPH. The horsepower is also more than sufficient to be able to deliver speed, interval and endurance training. There are also 12 different programs to choose from offering a decent variety to runners. The Gymax foldable treadmill is really ideal for runners who wish to explore all types of training.
More features: LCD display, safety clip, ‘’quite drive’’ motor, foldable, accessory holders, transportation wheels
For those who a very compact treadmill that is really easy to store inside your home, the TRE2500 by Fitness Reality is a perfect choice. Fitted with great accessories such as foldable accessory holders and an LCD display, the TRE2500 has been designed to give a great user experience and easy storage.
Many treadmills are very large and clunky and are simply too large to fit inside your home. The TRE2500 contains transportation wheels to aid transportation. This combined with a thin running deck, enables it to be easily fitted into small spaces in rooms.
The speed options are quite limited on the TRE2500 ranging from 2-5 MPH. This may seem inadequate for higher speed-runners, but for those more interested in slow endurance running or speed walking, these speed options will be fine. There are four ‘quick speed’ buttons on the display which can be customized to your own preferred pace.
A great feature of the TRE2500 is the quiet drive. As the speed options are not explosive, the sound of the drive when rotating is minimal. This is perfect when in a room with a television or radio as the sound won’t be interrupted by the treadmill. Perfect for those who want to exercise without making too much noise.
Measuring at 13 inches wide, the TRE2500 is much thinner than other treadmills in the below $500 market. The maximum weight it can bear is 220 pounds, which is a decent weight and inclusive of the majority of running enthusiasts.
More features: cushioned deck, 2.25 hp motor, foldable, transportation wheels, manual incline, LCD display
The TR150 treadmill by XTERRA provides a great combination of high-quality performance with practicality as it can be easily folded up and stored. The TR150 is at the premium end of the below $500 treadmill market and certainly contains some advanced specifications that mark it out.
The TR150 comes fitted with a variety of add-ons including a bookrack and various accessory holders that can fit your tablet, books and remote controls. These facilities are perfect if you want to watch the TV while working out.
The TR150 has a long-running surface measuring at 16″ x 50″. This added length is perfect for those who have long running strides. Although the width is not as wide as rival treadmills, it should feel wide enough for most runners to be comfortable. Should you require extra stability, the TR150 comes fitted with handlebars which contain hand grip pulse sensors to measure your heart rate.
The TR150 is ideal for speed merchants. Ranging up to 10 MPH, you can certainly travel at a rapid pace on this treadmill which is powered by a 2.25 horsepower motor. This in combination with customizable ‘quick speed’ touch buttons is great for runners interested in interval training as it ensures a quick transition between speeds.
For those who struggle with joint pain, the TR150 is one of the best affordable treadmills to protect the wearing joints. Fitted with XTRASoft Cushioned Deck technology, the TR150 shock absorption far exceeds rivals, ensuring a safe and injury-free running experience.
More features: 2.2 hp motor, 3 manual incline levels, handrail controls, safety clip, foldable, transportation wheels
The SF-T4400 treadmill by Sunny Health & Fitness is a foldable treadmill that can be easily transported and stored in small spaces in a house. Fitted with all the classic features such as an LCD screen, transportation wheels and handrail controls, this treadmill is perfect for runners looking at affordable options for a home treadmill workout.
The SF-T4400 is constructed with a 2.2 horsepower drive system that can generate speeds between 0.5-9 MPH. In addition, there are 3 running levels to choose from. 0% is the flat running option with 2% and 4.37% providing a good level of incline for runners to burn more calories and strengthen their endurance. The SF-T4400 comes with 9 built-in workout programs to give you a sufficient variety of choice if you prefer completing a preselected workout.
One of the best features of the SF-T4400 is the handrail controls which allows you to easily control the speed. The pause function is particularly useful as you can momentarily stop your workout and keep you running stats intact before returning. There is nothing worse than accidentally deleting your stats, the SF-T4400 ensures that is will not happen. Running stats are displayed on the LCD screen and include time, distance, heart rate, pulse and calories burned.
The treadmill can easily manage up to 220 lbs weight and the running belt is 48.8L x 15.75W which is great for runners with long strides. Those who prefer wider running surfaces may find the SF-T4400 too slim fit.
More features: LED console, 2 hp motor, safety stop, foldable, roller wheels, covered handles, shock absorbers
The Marcy JX-650W is a strong, affordable treadmill that offers runners with a good variety of jogging, running and sprinting programs. The JX-650W is constructed with a high-performing motor that can operate 2 horsepower ensuring speeds of up to 8 MPH.
Runners are able to track their progress through an LED screen which is 5 inches in length. The screen not only provides distance and time but also calories burned and speed, giving you all the essential live information that you will need to know.
Perhaps the most appealing feature of the JX-650W is its customizable qualities which ensure great satisfaction for runners of all abilities. The treadmill comes with a single manual program, 10 preset programs, and 3 user settings facilities to allow you to tailor your own workout to your personal taste and skill level.
The JX-650W is similar to rivals in the affordable treadmill market as it also has a compact and foldable construction design. This perfect for home gym owners, especially those who may be limited for space and wish to store the treadmill when not in use. The JX-650W contains a fold-up that that is fitted with a security pin to ensure convenient storage.
The JX-650W features a wide running area that enables a solid and comfortable running experience. The tread measures at 47.2 inches by 16.5 inches which provides more than enough space for you to enjoy your running experience. The maximum weight that the treadmill can carry is up to 245 pounds.
This buying guide will go through a variety of important factors you should consider before purchasing the best affordable treadmill for your running needs.
Before you can purchase a cheap treadmill and save yourself some coins, here are some of its strengths and weaknesses.
Cheap treadmills do have the following selling points that manufacturers want you to know;
Before you buy a cheap treadmill, the following are some of the compromises that you should be willing to make:
For you to comfortably use a treadmill to achieve your exercise goals, the following are some of the tips that might help you:
The following are some of the workout tips for working out using a treadmill:
Before you can purchase the best treadmill under $500 there is, consider the following features first:
Know the number of people who will be using the treadmill and the amount of time that will be spent on the treadmill per week.
Nowadays, home treadmills have inbuilt programs for working out that control speed and incline. Some have short routines while others have a large number of routines. Some treadmills have console gadgets installed in them such as speakers, LCT TV, and fans. Ensure that the treadmill you buy has well-designed controls and displays such as heart rate, speed and time. The SF-T4400 has the best controls of the products reviewed, including a ‘pause’ workout button.
It is important to buy a treadmill with a running surface that accommodates your full stride length when running. This is to make sure that you don’t artificially shorten your strides but be able to perform a full exertion. A good incline level is 15%, but it is essential that you purchase a treadmill which you can adjust electronically to either increase or decrease the incline level to suit your preferences.
Most people will prefer using a treadmill with a motor power of 2.0 and 10 miles per hour at most. However, motor power and speed are adjustable.
Most treadmills frames are made of aluminum but it is advisable to buy one made of steel because it is durable and can withstand more weight as per the customer reviews.
Make sure that the treadmill has an auto-stop feature especially if you have kids and pets. The auto-stop is controlled by a key attached to your body with a lanyard so that when you fall it detaches itself from the treadmill stopping it.
Most treadmills handle the weight between 250 and 400 pounds such as the SF-T7718 reviewed in this article. It is recommended to buy one that can hold 50 pounds more than your weight to avoid straining the motor.
This reduces the impact on the joints hence reducing injuries while promoting stamina, therefore an important factor to consider. The XTERRA Fitness TR150 has the best track cushioning of all the products reviewed.
Make sure you have enough space to keep your treadmill at home. A normal home treadmill is 6 feet long and 3 feet wide. You can look through our list of folding treadmills if you are looking specifically for the compact one.
Frames and motors normally have a lifetime warranty while the parts will come with a 90-day warranty.
Here are a few things you need to do at home in order to maintain your treadmill at home:
Daily maintenance tasks
Weekly maintenance tasks
Monthly maintenance tasks
Yearly maintenance tasks
Instead of simply wondering about your treadmill, here are the answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions about a treadmill:
If you’ve skipped over the entire guide, here is a quick recap of our choices for the top three treadmills under $500:
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7718 finishes first-place for all-around performance as well giving the feel of outdoor running due to the low running deck.
The Gymax Cardio Folding Exercise Treadmill comes in second place because of its of its tech features including Bluetooth connectivity.
The Fitness Reality 2045 TRE2500 is third in our list because of its portability, a convenient LCD display and a soundless motor.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with all the relevant information about affordable treadmills that you need to know before purchasing one for yourself. It is important that you take time to do research and read online product reviews before purchasing an affordable. The process of selecting the best treadmill under $500 can be difficult and complicated. Give yourself every chance of selecting the most suitable and best value treadmill for your running needs.
