Best budget treadmill in 2024 – our top cheap and affordable picks

If you were on the hunt for the best budget treadmill, we’ve got everything you need right here. 

Treadmills provide an ideal avenue to get your cardio in without getting out of the house. You can adjust your pace, try different training modes, challenge yourself with incline settings, and keep yourself entertained with virtual courses. However, treadmills generally cost a lot and require a designated space inside your house. 

While treadmills might look simple with a belt that keeps you moving and buttons that you can use to adjust settings, there is a lot more that goes behind the scenes and needs to be considered. For example, the weight capacity, deck cushioning, build quality, multi-media options, and more. 

Looking at all this information might leave you confused, and you may be wondering how do you even pick a budget option. That is what we’re here for. 

We’ve put together an in-depth buying guide after filtering through various options. This lists a couple of products, their details, and pros and cons to give you an idea of what they offer and whether it’s for you or not. So, let’s kick off your buying journey in the best way possible

Our list of the best budget treadmills

• Best budget treadmill overall: XTERRA TR150
• Best folding budget treadmill: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
• Best budget treadmill with incline: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515

How we picked

We looked at and researched various options from different brands and compared them based on their build quality, top speed, price, and other important features to present you with the best options to make an informed decision. We’re always updating our guides with the latest information, so check back for newer additions.

Best budget treadmill overall

Pros	Cons
Maximum weight limit of 250 pounds	The incline might not be a lot for some
12 present training programs	Lack connectivity features
Max speed of 10 MPH
Three levels of manual incline
XTRASoft cushioned deck technology

If you’re looking for the best budget treadmill, we recommend the XTERRA TR150.

The first thing you need to know about this treadmill is that it costs $393.78 (at the time of writing). This puts it in an affordable price bracket that shouldn’t put a dent in your budget. 

As for the general specifications of this treadmill, its frame is made from alloy steel, which should make it durable enough to withstand daily usage, and its maximum weight limit of 250 pounds/113 kg should also attest to that. The treadmill weighs approximately 97 pounds/43 kg, meaning it should be light enough to move around the house or apartment. 

The TR150 sports a powerful 2.25 HP motor, which gives it a maximum speed of 10 MPH / 16 KPH. This should be more than enough even for most regular runners, and if that isn’t enough, the three levels of manual incline should make things more challenging for those who dare. 

It also features a large (16” x 50”) running belt with XTRASoft cushioned deck technology. This means that individuals with various stride lengths should be able to run comfortably on it, and the XTRASoft technology should absorb the maximum impact while you run, keeping your joints safe and healthy. 

As far as the console is concerned, it has a simple design with easy settings. You can gradually increase the speed with the arrow buttons or select the number line and go for a quick speed change. Other than that, there is also the option to choose from the 12 preset training programs that provide a layer of accessibility and give you something to challenge yourself with. The 5-inch LCD also displays information like speed, time, distance, incline level, calories, and pulse. This should help you better gauge your performance and tweak it according to your training program. 

Lastly, it can be folded vertically by pulling a knob on the side. While this doesn’t drastically decrease its footprint as it stands up, it can make it easy to store in a broom closet or the corner of the room. 

Overall, considering its price and the features it brings to the table, the TR150 certainly deserves the top spot on our list, and we see its reign lasting a long time.

Best folding budget treadmill

Pros	Cons
Small footprint and sleek design	7.5 MPH might not cut it for more advanced runners
Two running modes
Bluetooth and built-in speaker
Max speed of 7.5 MPH
Max weight capacity of 265

If you’re short on space and are looking for a treadmill that doesn’t take up much of it, check out the Goplus 2 in 1 folding treadmill. 

For starters, this treadmill features a sleek design that doesn’t take up a lot of space. On top of that, it can be folded, which further reduces its footprint and allows it to be stored underneath furniture, behind the couch, or even against the wall. 

The Goplus treadmill sports a steel and ABS (plastic) build, which should give it a level of sturdiness and flexibility to handle rigorous cardio sessions day in and day out. On top of that, it has a maximum weight limit of 265 pounds/ 120 kg and a max speed of 7.5 MPH/ 12 KPH. What this means is that it should be able to cater to individuals of varying sizes and offer a decent maximum running speed for beginners and regular runners to work up a good sweat. 

This treadmill has two modes: running and walking. When folded, it can be used in walking mode with a speed range of 0.6 to 2.5 MPH, making it a suitable under-desk treadmill as well. On the other hand, with the handrail raised, it’s able to output its maximum speed of 7.5 MPH as it goes into running mode. So, depending on your workout program and where you use it, you can switch between both modes. 

It has a five-layer running belt that acts to absorb the running impact, and its non-slip design should provide better push-off and overall grip while running or walking. On top of that, the belt is wide, and it should provide adequate space for runners with different strides. 

Regarding connectivity options, it has Bluetooth and a built-in speaker. This translates to more fun and entertaining cardio sessions, and you could listen to music, catch up on a TV show, or listen to something motivational. 

It also comes with a remote that can control the speed, making it more efficient as you won’t have to fiddle around with other controls or break your pace. At the top is a display showing metrics such as time, speed, distance, and calories burned. This should help you better keep track of your progress and tweak it according to your fitness goals.

Overall, considering this treadmill’s small footprint and easy foldability and storage, there’s no doubt that it’s our choice for the best folding budget treadmill.

Best budget treadmill with incline

Pros	Cons
0-12 degree motorized incline option	Expensive as compared to other options on this list
Max weight limit of 240 pounds
Maximum speed of 8 MPH
Double deck technology for maximum shock absorption

If you’re looking for a budget treadmill that offers a little more functionality, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 is worth considering. 

First off, this treadmill has a maximum weight capacity of 240 pounds/108 kg, courtesy of its alloy steel frame. On top of that, it weighs approximately 123.5 pounds/56 kg. What these specifications mean is that it should feel sturdy and be durable enough to cater to people of various sizes. However, it is not the lightest treadmill, and you might need to call upon the help of your partner or friends to move it around the apartment or house safely. 

It has a maximum speed of 8 MPH/ 12.8 KPH, which should be enough for beginners and regular runners. However, the best feature of this treadmill is its motorized incline, which has a 12% maximum incline setting. So, if the top speed isn’t cutting it for you, you can add a steep slope and give yourself a challenge that will leave your lungs burning. 

The running deck of this treadmill features double-deck technology. This means there is more shock absorption, which should result in a better running experience and take off much of the impact from your joints. 

The handrails have pulse sensors that can detect your real-time heart rate. This feature should provide insight into how intense your training is and how you can optimize it most efficiently. On top of that, there is an integrated BMI calculator that can help you keep track of your fitness goals by providing tailored body composition progress. 

The center console has buttons that adjust the incline percentage, speed, and mode and a program button to set up the BMI calculator. You can also play music through built-in speakers by connecting your mobile device via Bluetooth. On the side are storage compartments that can hold essentials such as a water bottle, watch, mobile, etc. 

So, this treadmill offers a good maximum speed and a motorized incline functionality, and these factors combined should result in a lung-busting workout, and that is a win in our books.

How to pick the best budget treadmill 

Many people think that just because an option is pocket-friendly, it won’t have much features or it won’t have good build quality, so they might as well just get the first option that comes up. We don’t recommend taking that approach, as there are many factors that you need to consider before investing in even a budget pick. Here are a couple of them that can help you make an informed decision. 

Price 

The first thing you need to consider is your budget. You’ll come across various options with different features and price points, but setting a budget and operating within it will help you filter the available options and choose the treadmill that best suits your requirements. 

Weight capacity 

There is no point in purchasing a treadmill; if it can’t hold your weight, you’ll be wasting your hard-earned cash. The maximum weight capacity of a treadmill can also be used to indicate its overall build quality, but that isn’t an accurate estimation. However, it’s always better to have more overhead when it comes to weight capacity as it’ll open up more training options, and people who are a bit heavy-footed can also use it. 

Deck cushioning 

The deck cushioning is one of the most crucial aspects you must pay attention to. A well-designed and cushioned running deck can make your running experience pleasant or a chore. The more cushioning there is, the less impact your joints will face, and this should lead to better overall joint health and running posture. 

Speed 

Depending on the type of training you want, the treadmill’s speed range is something you need to consider. For example, if you’re training for a marathon, you need to run steadily for a long time so you won’t be using the maximum speed limit of the treadmill. However, if short bursts of sprinting are part of your program, then you need a treadmill that can quickly increase and decrease its pace to make your training session as efficient as possible. 

Does the treadmill burn fat?

The short answer to this question is, yes, the treadmill burns fat. The treadmill is an ideal gym equipment if running is your preferred method of getting your cardio in. That said, any form of exercise, including cardio, burns calories, resulting in weight/fat loss. However, a healthy and balanced diet goes hand in hand with working, and this cannot be overstated. 

Verdict

To sum up, we looked at treadmills from different brands, compared them based on their features and specifications, and concluded that the XTERRA T150 is the best budget treadmill available. First, it has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds, a max speed of 10 MPH, three levels of manual incline, 12 present training programs, and all of these features come in a package that costs less than $400. So, the XTERRA T150 rightfully deserves the top spot on our list, and it’ll be tough for the competitors to take the crown away from it. 

If you’re interested in exploring more durable options, check out our best treadmill for heavy person guide for the best picks.