Best Treadmills Under $500 With Complete Buying Guide

Dec 30, 2020 | Best Treadmills

Your health is essentially supposed to be the top priority on your list because of its utmost importance yet sadly it is the aspect we tend to neglect the most. Today you are going to read about the best treadmills under $500.There are many ways to stay fit: a well-balanced diet, good sleep hygiene, an active lifestyle, and a good workout routine!

There are many different ways to work out that all focus on different parts of your body. From the more intense cardio to mild sports to the simplest task: walking. One of these must be incorporated into our daily lives and this is where treadmills come in!

Best Treadmills Under $500

Before moving on to the best treadmills under $500, we look at some other aspects!

Table of Contents

Why Purchase Your Own Treadmill?

A treadmill will help you to easily include a walking or running routine in your day to day life and that too from the comfort of your own house. You might be surprised to know how a treadmill works!

The weather is bad? You do not feel like going out? You are very busy at home? You have someone you need to look after and hence cannot leave the house? Cannot commit to one time in the day to go out or go to a gym?

These are all the problems that having your own treadmill will solve for you.

Work out from the luxury of your cozy house at any time of the day you want, for however long you prefer and whatever way you prefer working out, nobody to blame you for your loud song choice. A treadmill also helps you keep track of your workout routines!

Treadmills are also proven by research to burn a lot more calories than various other exercise machines and can help engage many parts of your body.

You can bring many small and big changes to your workout regime by using the various variations of settings that a treadmill features. Investing one time in a good treadmill will also save you from hefty amounts of gym fees that you might otherwise be paying.

 

What Do You Need to Look for When Buying Treadmills?

There are many, many factors that you need to keep in view whenever you’re on the hunt for the perfect treadmill for you, but here are some of them:

Cushioning of the running surface:

If the surface of your treadmill has any issues with cushioning or is too thin or too short, then it will most likely disturb your workout and even result in pain in the knees and ankles. To ensure that this does not happen, make sure to check for a firm and stable cushioning on the surface of the treadmill.

Available space:

A treadmill is going to take up some area, so you need to decide on a designated area in your living space that you are going to reserve specifically for this purpose. If you can get your hands on a good compact and foldable treadmill, that will save you space for most of the time, but it will still need to occupy space when it is being used so keep this in mind before making a purchase.

Portability:

In addition to being foldable, being lightweight is also a plus feature that you should try to look for since it will make it easier for you to move your treadmill whenever you want without needing any help. 

Purpose and Usage:

A couple of things should be laid out before you make a purchase: how many people are going to be using the treadmill and how much, and what purpose is it going to be used for, just light, casual walking, or heavy, intense training? Being clear about these things beforehand will help you make the best purchase that is the most suitable according to your needs.

 

Warranty/Reliability:

Treadmill parts are often very expensive, so it is going to be in your favor to take some time to ensure two important things: the company that you’re purchasing from is well-known, reliable and has been around for a while, and that the warranty your treadmill comes along with covers, if not all, then at least all major parts of the treadmill and is a long term warranty too.

 

Weight Capacity:

Each treadmill has a limit to the weight that it can support, it is essential to look into that to ensure that it accounts for everyone who is going to be using that treadmill. 

Digital Needs:

There’s a lot that a treadmill can fulfill when it comes to your digital needs, so you just need to make sure that the features align with what your requirements are. Check to see if it has a good console system that gives you easy access to all your statistics, which are of many different kinds

Some treadmills come with pre-installed exercise programs and they let you design your own custom ones too, this can help you a lot if you like to keep a steady track record of everything.

A heart monitor is another feature that is a part of many treadmills, keeping an eye on which can help you understand where you stand in your workout and what things you might need to improve on.

So, it is always important to evaluate what your expectations are from your workout routines and what information you would like to have handy.

So without further ado, here is the list that we compiled, based on reviews, of the 10 best treadmills under $500.

Best Treadmills Under $500 at a Glance

Image

Product Name

Features

Price

  • A Cost-Effective Fitness Solution

  • 16" x 50" Tread Belt

  • SpaceSaver Design

  • Large LCD Display & Handrail

  • Rubber Tread Belt

  • Robust and Stable Design

  • Multi-function LED Display 

  • Safety Guaranteed Design

  • 2 Years Warranty

  • Super Fast and Easy Assembly

  • Multiple Safe Guarantee

  • Amazingly Low Noise

  • Digital Monitor

  • Handrail Pulse Sensors

  • Transportation Wheels

  • 5" LCD Console

  • Direct Access Speed Keys

  • Hand Pulse Grips

  • Digital Monitor

  • Transportation Wheels

  • Device Holder

  • Quick Speed Buttons

  • Soft Drop System

  • 3 Manual Incline Levels

  • Shock Absorption

  • Digital Monitor

  • Transportation Wheels

  • Digital LCD Display

  • Preset Training Modes

  • Soft Drop System

This treadmill has many good features: it comes with a BlueTooth, a convenient tablet holder, and has a foldable design that is easy to use. It comes with Comfort Space Cushioning that will protect your knees and joints from pain.

It has a built-in fit coach feature that you can link your tablet with and then easily use to train.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: ICON Health and Fitness
  • Product dimensions: 5 x 29 x 55.5 inches
  • Weight: 118 Pounds
  • 25 HP Drive System
  • Comfort Cell Cushioning
  • Dimensions of Belt: 16 x 50 inches

 

Pros

Easy to fold

Comfortable

Easy to put together

Compact

Cons

Confusing activation

Bad customer service

Once you figure out the activation, it is an easy-to-use product and a good catch for the price.

This treadmill comes equipped with 15 different preset programs, a large LCD, and a powerful copper motor. It has a foldable design, three adjustable inclines, and a whole machine anti-shock system that withstands a weight of 220 pounds.

Talking about the design, It has an ergonomic design that suits people who weigh less than 220 pounds and are in a height range of 4.6 – 6.2 ft.

Its tread belt is of rubber, it keeps you comfortable and free of pain, it also has a special design that does not create noise so that you can work out in quiet peace.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: MaxKare
  • Product Dimensions when open:39 x 26.18 x 45.95 inches
  • Dimensions when folded: 47 x 26.18 x 46.42 inches
  • Weight:8 Pounds
  • 15 PreSet programs
  • Width of Belt: 17 inches
  • Speed Rating: 5 Miles per Hour
  • Minimum Speed: 5 Miles per Hour

Pros

Foldable

Quiet

Adjustable incline

Easy to move

Lightweight

Roller wheels

Cons

Bad customer service

Hard to assemble

Cheap plastic parts

If you like working out quietly and do not like the noisy treadmills, this one is right for you.

This treadmill has a good LED display, a Space-Saving design, and a device holder for your phones or iPads. The frame is made of high-quality steel and this machine is supposed to withstand a weight of 220 pounds. It has 12 preset training models and comes with a 2-year warranty.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Goplus
  • Product dimensions:6 x 24 x 46.5 inches
  • Weight: 59 Pounds
  • Alloy Steel material
  • 12 Preset models
  • Dimensions of Belt: 39 x14 inches

Pros

Good value for money

Easy to assemble and use

Portable

Device Holder

Cons

Confusing instructions

Flimsy

If you want a simple and basic treadmill that works just fine, do look into this product!

This product also comes with lots of good features like the previous one such as: being foldable, having a large led display, transportation wheels, and very low noise. It has 12 built-in workout routines. There is a 1.5 HP continuous-duty motor and the belt has a 5 layer PVC blend, which is anti-slip and gives you a smooth running or walking experience.

This treadmill has a 1-year warranty.

Merax Easy Assembly Folding Treadmill is good as this one.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Goplus
  • Product dimensions:6 x 24 x 46.5 inches
  • Weight: 59 Pounds
  • Alloy Steel material
  • 12 Preset models
  • Dimensions of Belt: 39 x14 inches

Pros

Good value for the price

Space Saving

Quiet

Easy to assemble

Compact

Smooth

Cons

Small

Narrow Belt

This treadmill has a lot of good features that one should look into for sure, while on the hunt for the best treadmill.

This treadmill has a shock and noise reduction system that comes with an anti-slip lawn texture running belt and a steel frame, this combines to reduce the impact that your joints would usually have by running on asphalt, by almost 40%. It has a heart rate sensor and 12 different preset running settings

It also comes with an LCD and a safety key for protection. We have detail review article ANCHEER 3.25HP Folding Treadmill

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Ancheer
  • Product dimensions when open:21 x 23.58 x 42.13 inches
  • Product dimensions when folded: 25 x 23.58 x 9.45 inches
  • Maximum Weight Support: 265 pounds.
  • Dimensions of Belt: 95 x 14.04 inches
  • Maximum Speed: 6 MPH
  • 5 HP Motor
  • 12 Preset programs
  • Power Supply: 110V±10%
  • LCD Display

Pors

Foldable

Shock Absorption System

Safety Key

Space Saver

Easy to assemble

Cons

Small

This is a good treadmill for different sorts of running routines.

TR150 XTERRA Treadmill is a foldable treadmill that comes with an LCD, 12 preset programs, and 2 incline settings. Its belt comes with XTRASoft cushioning technology that ensures smoothness and provides you the right comfort. It also has a powerful motor of 2.25 HP.

Moreover, this comes along with hand pulse grips sensors on the sides as well.

 

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Spirit Fitness
  • Material: Plastic
  • Color: Black
  • Product dimensions when open:4 x 28.75 x 51.4 inches
  • Product dimensions when folded: 5 x 28. 75 x 61 in
  • Weight: 108 pounds
  • Dimensions of Belt: 50 x 16 inches
  • 3 Manual Incline Settings
  • 12 preset programs
  • Maximum speed: 10 MPH
  • LCD Display: 5 inches
  • 25 HP Motor

Pros

Easy to assemble

Clear instructions

3 incline settings

Good value for the price

Good customer service

Smooth

Cons

Heavy

Plastic

Gets frequent errors

Not durable

Unhooks easily when folded

Short term warranty

This is a very good option in this price range and has a lot of good features worth investing in.

This product also has an integrated shock absorption system that reduces the chances of pain in your joints and comes with a DC motor of 1.25-peak. Transportation wheels are present to ensure smooth mobility. It has a good steel material, an incline of 4.8 degrees, and can be easily folded and stored.

There is a user-mode setting that allows you to customize your workout settings.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Sunny Health & Fitness
  • Product Dimensions when open:6 x 26.5 x 47 inches
  • Product dimensions when folded: 21 x 26.5 x 51 inches
  • Weight: 70 Pounds
  • Color: White
  • Material: Steel
  • 25-peak DC Motor
  • Dimensions of Belt: 39 x 14 inches
  • Maximum speed: 5 MPH
  • Maximum user weight: 220 pounds

Pors

Easy to assemble and fold

Quiet

Sturdy

Compact

Cons

Small

Non-adjustable incline

Bad customer service

This is a very simple and basic treadmill that will be good for you if you just wish to stay active and engage in small workouts, nothing intense.

This product also has an integrated shock absorption system that reduces the chances of pain in your joints and comes with a DC motor of 1.25-peak. Transportation wheels are present to ensure smooth mobility. It has a good steel material, an incline of 4.8 degrees, and can be easily folded and stored.

There is a user-mode setting that allows you to customize your workout settings.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Sunny Health & Fitness
  • Product Dimensions when open: 62 x 25.5 x 50 inches
  • Product Dimensions when folded: 36 X 25.5 X 58 inches
  • Weight: 103 Pounds
  • Color: Gray
  • Material: Steel
  • 20-Peak HP drive system
  • 3 manual adjustable incline levels
  • Maximum weight support: 220 Pounds
  • 9 built-in workout programs
  • Required Power source: 100-120V
  • Maximum speed: 9 MPH

Pors

Good value for the price

Good Ergonomics

Easy to assemble

Strong belt

Easy-access controls

Cons

Inaccurate heart monitor

Rough handles

Device holder not suitable for large tablets

Bad customer service

If you want a treadmill by this specific brand that comes with a good adjustable incline then definitely look into this one.

This is a basic walking and running treadmill that you can fit anywhere because of how compact it is. It has an easy to read digital display. The design is unique and the motor is beneath the running belt which helps you take longer strides.

The product comes with wheels that ease transportation. The shock absorption system that this is equipped with puts less impact force on your knees and legs.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Sunny Health & Fitness
  • Product Dimensions when open:5 x 26.5 x 47 inches
  • Weight: 75 Pounds
  • Color: Gray
  • Material: Steel
  • 25 HP Motor
  • Incline fixed at 6.8 degrees
  • Maximum weight support: 220 Pounds
  • Minimum Speed:5 MPH
  • Maximum speed: 7 MPH
  • Dimensions of Belt: 5 x 14 inches

Pors

Quiet

Compact

Easy to assemble

Sturdy

Easy to move

Cons

Steep incline

Not durable

This is a good treadmill if you want to challenge yourself because it comes with a steep incline that bumps up your workout.

This treadmill comes with many amazing features such as adjustable inclines, a BlueTooth connection, a compact slim design, a hydraulic folding style, and a hassle-free plug-in design. You can manually adjust the inclines and it also has a high weight capacity.

You can connect this treadmill to the FitShow app via Bluetooth, which you can then use to display training data, statistics, share your data on social media, and even challenge friends

.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: SereneLife
  • Product Dimensions when open:79 x 24.02 x 49.22 inches
  • Product dimensions when folded: 2 x 24. 0 x 49. 2 inches
  • Weight: 60 Pounds
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Aluminium
  • 0 HP Motor
  • 3 adjustable incline settings
  • 12 preset training programs
  • Maximum weight support: 265 Pounds
  • Maximum speed: 6 MPH
  • Dimensions of Belt: 37 x 15. 74 inches

Pros

Adjustable incline

Compact

Easy to assemble

Quiet

Bluetooth technology

Cons

Not for intense, serious workouts

Small

Cheap

This is a good option to look into for small everyday running routines!

Is it better to walk on a treadmill or outside?

As listed prior in this article, walking outside comes with a lot of concerns such as safety issues, harder and uneven surfaces, and weather issues as well. Walking outside also requires you to do it at a fixed time (considering some times of the day have too much traffic or noise outside while some people might not feel walking outside at night.

 But there are benefits to walking outside too such as you can use these harder, uneven, and even steep surfaces to make yourself stronger, train harder and strengthen different muscles. Other factors outside like wind resistance will engage you to work harder which will burn more calories.

 If we talk about treadmills, they have their own benefits.

 Walking or running on a treadmill eliminates the chances of you skipping your workout because of any outside conditions. It also provides you better control over your workout, a lot of treadmills have different settings that you can adjust during your workout, some have preset programs while others have the option to customize your own program too.

 You can easily go much faster on a treadmill by increasing the speed setting since no outside obstacles are hindering you, having a faster speed will help you cover more distance in the same time which will burn more calories.

 It is also easier for you to multitask and keep yourself entertained while running on a treadmill since it’s dangerous to listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts, or watch something while running or walking outside, but all of this can easily be done through choosing to workout on a treadmill. Treadmills will also be easier on the joints.

 With that being said, treadmills do not come without their own disadvantages. By holding on to handrails and due to a lack of outside hurdles you will probably burn lesser calories unless you up the speed or the treadmill incline.

Treadmills more often than not also do not come with any function that will help simulate downhill motion, running, or walking which helps strengthen particular muscles. Treadmills will also cost more whether you buy your own or get a gym membership.

 In the end, it is up to you to evaluate what your goals are from your workout, what things you prioritize, and what you are willing to compromise on, that will help you decide what setting is better for you. It is important to also choose the setting which will motivate you to move and workout consistently.

Buyer’s Guide – Best Treadmills Under $500

Even after going through the product by product features, pros, and cons listed above, it can still be hard to choose out of so many products. Hence, to make your decision even easier for you, we tried to sort these products according to specific features so it helps you in narrowing down your choice even further.

Best ‘Tech-y’ treadmill

Pick #1 on this list, the Weslo treadmill has interesting tech features since it comes with its own BlueTooth that you can use to connect to your devices. It also has the option for an iFit subscription.

Best treadmill with the most number of preset programs

The MaxKare easy assembly treadmill (pick#2) comes with the highest number of preset programs on this list: 15. This gives you plenty of different options to decide from when choosing a workout routine.

Best lightweight treadmill

The 3rd pick, the GoPlus folding treadmill, is the most lightweight on this list weighing almost 59 pounds. This is a good option for those who don’t want to carry a lot of weight by themselves.

Best low noise treadmills

The MaxKare and Merax treadmills (pick#2 and #4 respectively) are the ones with relatively low noise, for those who prefer enjoying their workout in the quiet.

Best ergonomic treadmill

The MaxKare treadmill (pick#2) takes the lead here too, it has a good ergonomic design as compared to the other ones here. Pick #8, Sunny Health treadmill with an adjustable incline also seems to have good ergonomic features.

Best shock absorption system on a treadmill

Pick #5, Ancheer treadmill has the best shock absorption system that combines many different features to ensure that your joints stay safe from the heavy impact that would cause them pain.

Best cushioned treadmill

The treadmill by XTERRA Fitness (pick#6) has the best cushioning since it comes with an XTRASoft technology that seeks to provide comfort.

Best basic treadmill

The first treadmill by Sunny Health on this list, SF-T7610 Treadmill (pick#7) is the simple option to go for if you want a basic minimal treadmill.

Best treadmill to challenge yourself

The Sunny Health compact motorized treadmill (pick#9) on this list is the most challenging one since it comes with an almost 11% incline that is bound to get you to push new limits during your running routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a $500 Treadmill the Same as a Gym-Grade Treadmill?

No, these two are not the same because they are not meant to be. Firstly, a gym-grade is much, much more expensive than $500, which is where the initial difference comes in, gym-grade treadmills are built to last more intense and professional level workouts.

Gym-grade treadmills also have much more useful than an at-home treadmill hence they are equipped with features that ensure more durability. The price bump is enough to show that one cannot expect the same features from a simple $500 treadmill as one would expect from a gym-grade one.

Are treadmills bad for knees?

Initially, they are not. Some people do complain of experiencing knee pain while running on a treadmill, but that has more to do with other factors such as how you run, your running posture, what shoes you are wearing, and so on, rather than the fact that you are running on a treadmill.

There are also many ways to alleviate this problem such as fixing your posture, getting better shoes, and trying to run the right way. It can always help to start with slow walking first to get adjusted properly, it will also give more control over your movement.

Another important thing here is that many treadmills come with a design that is specifically installed to ensure that your knees are impacted as little as possible, sometimes even less than running outside. But there are always some precautions which you should consider

What should I look for when buying a treadmill?

An earlier section in this article covers this question in very much detail, refer to that, please!

Are expensive treadmills worth it?

Yes, considering that the more money you spend on a treadmill, the better features it will come with. But considering that a lot of people have a budget constraint, this list has many treadmills under $500 that are not too heavy on the pocket and offer a good product value as well.

Which treadmill is best for home use?

All of the treadmills on this list have different features that make them good, it depends on what your preferences are and what features you are looking for. All of these are good for home use since they are compact and space-saving, each of these can be folded and stored in any place. They are also good for beginners.

 For a more detailed understanding, refer to the pros and cons list and the Buyer’s Guide section.

If your budget is low, you can check out our Best Treadmills Under $300 article.

Final Verdict

This article touches on a lot of different aspects of how to choose the best treadmill according to your needs, preferences, and priorities. It also explains why buying your treadmill for your home can be a good option, we hope that after going through all of these details you now have a clearer picture of this topic.

All in all, this can turn out to be a very good purchase for you. If you still have any queries do let us guide you further.

Happy Buying!

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