By Ayesha Khan 
If you’ve been putting off investing in a treadmill because of the price tag, we totally get it. The good news? You don’t have to spend thousands to get a machine that keeps up with your home workouts. The best budget treadmills offer the features you actually need — like sturdy builds, reliable motors, solid speed ranges, and smart workout programs — without the price tag of a fancy week-long vacation.
The catch? The market is packed with budget-friendly treadmills, and while many are kind to your wallet, not all are kind to your body. That’s where we come in. We’ve tested dozens of affordable options through running, walking, and incline workouts to help you find one that fits your budget and your fitness goals.
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Why We Like It
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Compact but super sturdy
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Simple, intuitive controls
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App includes guided workouts
Speed: Up to 9 miles per hour | Incline: 15 levels | Belt length: 50 inches
Looking for a treadmill that gets the job done during cardio days? This pick from Sunny Health & Fitness checks every box. With a sturdy frame, auto-incline, built-in metric tracking, and a no-fuss design, it keeps your workouts straightforward and stress-free. In fact, we found the lack of luxe add-ons made our treadmill sessions feel more focused and efficient.
During testing, we loved using this tread for strength-training warmups, long-distance runs, and relaxed strolls. We always felt stable and supported — never wobbly or overwhelmed by too many settings. While it is a little heavy out of the box, setup was surprisingly simple, and its foldable frame makes it easy to tuck away between workouts. The belt is on the narrower side, but that tradeoff helps the treadmill stay compact, which is perfect if you’re short on space.
What Testers Say
“This is the perfect treadmill for my lifestyle and fitness goals — simple, compact, and gets the job done without all the unnecessary extras.” —Katie Zhang, Shape product tester
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Why We Like It
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Smooth incline transitions
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Great workout versatility
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On wheels for easier moving
Speed: Up to 10 miles per hour | Incline: 10 levels | Belt length: 55 inches
NordicTrack has been a home-gym staple for decades, and this treadmill proves why the brand’s been trusted for so long. Our tester, who was rehabbing from ACL surgery during testing, found its smooth incline transitions and stable frame ideal for low-impact walk-run intervals (prescribed by her physical therapist). And the iFit integration made everyday indoor training runs a lot more fun.
The downside? Getting it set up was a challenge — it’s bulky, heavy, and took multiple people a few hours to assemble. But once in place, the tread was easy to use, supportive, and safe for steady runs, incline workouts, and more. It’s a versatile option that delivers performance and durability without that steep price tag.
What Testers Say
“Starting to introduce the running on the treadmill helped tremendously with being able to time and rotate between walking and running workouts.” —Liz Weinheimer, Shape product tester
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Speed: Up to 10 miles per hour | Incline: 10 levels | Belt length: 55 inches
Looking to increase your step count from home? This tread is a walker’s dream. Our tester, who takes over five long walks every week, found that it made it easier to hit her daily step count goals without braving cold San Francisco mornings. The cushioned belt adds comfort to long strolls, the frame feels sturdy, and the built-in tablet holder makes it easy to stream your fave shows.
During testing, we noticed that the simple, intuitive controls and a variety of preset workouts kept things motivating without feeling overwhelming. While it wasn’t super easy to assemble, an extra set of hands got the job done. And we also found it a little noisy at lower speeds, but overall, it was safe, stable, and enjoyable to use — whether for leisurely walks or light jogs.
What Testers Say
“I found that I was more motivated to get on the treadmill and reach my daily step goals since it was in my home. The mornings are cold in San Francisco, so it was nice to be able to get my morning walks in, indoors, before I got my work day started.” —Andrea Valencia, Shape product tester
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Speed: Up to 3.8 miles per hour | Incline: No incline | Belt length: Not listed
Thanks to walking pads like this one, getting 10,000 steps in during a busy work day is totally doable. On WFH days (or even in front of your favorite Netflix series — we won’t tell), this ultra-portable pad makes it easy to stay moving. Our tester used it almost every day, finding it especially helpful for sneaking in steps while editing or watching TV. With a top speed of 3.8 mph, it’s only for walking, but that’s all we really needed it for.
We appreciate the lightweight design, which allowed our tester to easily carry it from room to room without effort and stash it under her bed when not in use. And the setup couldn’t have been easier — just plug it in, pop in the remote batteries, and you’re good to go. While we didn’t expect extra features, this pad doubles as a vibration plate, which our tester said even helped reduce her lower-back stiffness.
What Testers Say
“I can tuck it away easily (it’s not heavy at all) and move it to any part of my apartment, whether I’m watching TV or working at my desk. I can’t stress enough how wonderful the portability of this treadmill is.” —Christina Oehler, Shape editor and product tester
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Speed: Up to 9 miles per hour | Incline: 3 levels | Belt length: Not listed
Finding a treadmill under $500 that doesn’t feel flimsy is tough, but this compact model proves it’s possible. Using it for quick warmups before strength training sessions, we found it best for walking workouts, not running. We love the built-in step counter, calorie tracking, and Bluetooth app compatibility, which are nice bonuses at this price point. Plus, it folds up with a smooth, controlled release — making storage simple and safe.
That said, this budget pick comes with trade-offs. Speed transitions felt jerky, and the control panel wasn’t very intuitive. Manual incline adjustments are also inconvenient, and we felt like the abrupt stop at the end of a session could be unsafe for inexperienced users. Still, if you want a treadmill for walking or super light jogging, this option is hard to beat for under $500.
What Testers Say
“This treadmill makes it easier to work out here in the suburbs. Previously, I would run outside, which is challenging in my hilly neighborhood. I can now more easily do a regular warmup inside, and then easily transition to weightlifting and ab work.” —Madeline Baker, Shape product tester
Other Shape-Loved Budget Treadmills
We didn’t test the following options, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth your attention. We still spent hours digging into expert reviews, customer feedback, and product specs to identify standouts that consistently deliver value. These treadmills cover a range of needs — from space-saving designs to higher weight capacities — so if the ones we tested don’t quite fit your lifestyle, these are solid alternatives to keep on your radar.
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Shape’s Standout Take
Slim, lightweight, and easy to hop on, this treadmill keeps things simple so you can focus on building a walking or jogging habit.
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Shape’s Standout Take
With three manual incline levels, this tread lets you crank up the challenge on walks or jogs without straining your wallet.
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Shape’s Standout Take
Between iFit workouts, a solid motor, and entertainment-friendly design, this treadmill brings luxury touches to a budget price point.
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Shape’s Standout Take
A cushioned deck and Bluetooth connectivity make it perfect for light joggers who want comfort, entertainment, and consistency in their weekly miles.
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Shape’s Standout Take
Smooth folding and shock-absorbing cushioning make this treadmill a win for small spaces, so you can run, store away, and reclaim your living room in minutes.
How We Tested the Budget Treadmills
We’ve been testing the best treadmills for years, and we used those insights to identify which budget-friendly options are actually worth your money. Each treadmill on this list was hands-on tested by our team multiple times a week — through walking, jogging, running, and incline workouts — so we could evaluate how well it performed in real-world scenarios. Here’s what we paid closest attention to:
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Ease of Setup: We timed how long assembly took, flagged confusing instructions, and noted whether it was a one-person job or a two-person lift.
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Ease of Use: A treadmill should be simple to hop on and go. We paid attention to how intuitive the controls were, how smooth the speed transitions felt, and whether safety features like the emergency stop were easy to find.
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Storability: The ability to fold and store a treadmill is a major space-saving bonus. We tested how easily each treadmill folded or rolled away, and whether it could realistically fit under a bed, in a closet, or tucked into a corner.
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Features: While budget treadmills don’t usually come with high-end features, we did give points for thoughtful extras — like step and calorie tracking, Bluetooth workout syncing, or handy shelves for a tablet and water bottle.
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Comfort: We noted the belt width, cushioning, and overall stability, since you’re more likely to keep using a treadmill that feels safe and comfortable every time you step on it. We also paid attention to features like ergonomic handles and noise levels.
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Value: Every treadmill on our list is under $1,000, so we weighed performance, durability, and features against the price to make sure you’re really getting your money’s worth.
What to Look for When Buying a Budget Treadmill
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Speed and incline: Affordable treadmills may have more limited ranges in speed and incline than splurge options. Most of the budget treadmills we tested topped out around 9 mph with little to no incline. Some required manual incline adjustments, meaning you’d have to get off the treadmill and prop the treadmill up on supports.
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Console: Your budget treadmill console needs to be functional to your specific needs, whether you’re craving built-in entertainment, quick-change speed buttons for treadmill sprint workouts, or a cupholder big enough for your giant water bottle. Practical touches like a handrail speed and incline buttons, tablet ledges, or a built-in fan can make a big difference in how often you actually use your treadmill.
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Display: Don’t expect the immersive touchscreen displays you’ll find on higher-end models. Budget treadmills typically use small LCD or blue-lit screens that show essentials like speed, distance, time, and calories burned. If you want entertainment or streaming, look for a sturdy shelf to hold your phone or tablet instead.
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Size: Many affordable treadmills tend to be slimmer, and compact treadmills are particularly useful for those tiny city apartments. Some budget treadmills are even foldable and portable, so you can stow them out of sight when not in use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Are budget treadmills worth it?
Yes, if you’re realistic about your needs. You can absolutely find a high-quality treadmill under $1,000, and many of the models we tested ranged from $350 to $900. While features like speed range, incline, and display vary, every treadmill in this guide delivered solid overall performance and value.
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What’s the best place to buy a budget treadmill?
You can always buy directly from the manufacturer, but Amazon is a great option for affordable treadmills under $1,000. Not only do many models come with free shipping (and optional in-home setup for an extra fee), but you’ll also find plenty of customer reviews, FAQs, and photos that make it easier to know what you’re getting before you commit.
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Is it worth getting a treadmill at home?
For many people, yes. Having a treadmill at home makes it easier to stay consistent with your workouts, whether you’re sneaking in steps on a busy workday or running indoors during bad weather. Just make sure you’ve got the space to fit one comfortably, and think about how often you’ll realistically use it before investing.
Why Trust Shape
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, is a nutritionist and health and wellness writer for Shape with over 8 years of experience. As a regular runner and off-and-on treadmill owner, she’s personally sampled dozens of treadmills. She believes that, for running or walking, a simple, no-frills option is all you need. She recommends budget-friendly treadmills to help people of every fitness level boost their health from the comfort of home.