Best treadmill under $1000 in 2024 – our top picks

If you were searching the market for the best treadmill under $1000, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. 

Everyone has their preferred method of getting their cardio in. Some prefer cycling, while others jump rope, which is my go-to method. However, treadmills are also an excellent option to get your heart rate up and burn some calories to get that aesthetic, toned physique.

That said, treadmills come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find options compact options that save space, high-end ones that feature all the latest bells and whistles, options explicitly made for seniors or heavy-footed individuals, and the list goes on. The size, shape, and features aren’t the only things that change; the price fluctuates, too.

The higher you go, the more it’ll cost, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t good options in the budget and medium-tier categories. If you’re feeling confused or are a bit intimidated about purchasing a treadmill, don’t worry; we’ve got your back.

There are a lot of options out there, but we’ve selected what we think are the best treadmills that you can purchase for under $1000 on the market today so you can kick off your search in the best way possible. 

Our list of the best treadmills under $1000

• Best treadmill under $1000 overall Horizon Fitness T101
• Best folding treadmill under $1000: Sunny Health & Fitness T7643
• Best durable treadmill under $1000: XTERRA Fitness TRX3500

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 treadmill under $1000 overall

Pros	Cons
Built-in fans and Bluetooth	Heavy to move around
Max weight limit of 300 pounds
10% max incline range
Johnson drive system.

Our top pick for the best treadmill under $1000 goes to a well-known name in the fitness world, Horizon Fitness T101. 

First off, this treadmill has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds/136 kg and a top speed of 10 MPH/ 16 KPH. What this means is that it should be durable enough to support individuals of varying sizes and offer a challenge to runners of all experience levels. On top of that, it has a 10% maximum incline range. So, if the top speed isn’t enough for you, you can stimulate running uphill to give yourself a push. 

The T101 features a soft drop folding system. How this works is that the running deck folds vertically which saves space. However, you don’t have to do any heavy lifting to fold or unfold it. The hydraulic system takes most of the weight, and if you have to deploy it again, you simply press the lever, which releases the platform and slowly comes back down. 

The motor of this treadmill features the Johnson Drive System. What this does is that it recalibrates after each footstep, effectively eliminating any lags or surges, which should result in a smoother running experience. 

The running deck is divided into three zones: impact, transition, and push-off. The padding in the impact zone is soft to help dissipate the shock, while the push-off zone has firm cushioning. This should help you launch off with force, and the cycle continues, leading to an optimal running pace and posture. 

The center console of this treadmill has a range of control options that you can use to set it up according to your training program. You have the option to adjust the incline and the speed, turn on the fan or the Bluetooth, and on the sides are one-touch buttons that can directly adjust the incline or speed of the treadmill to your desired level. 

All in all, the T101 offers an array of features, has solid specifications, and comes with 5 preset training programs. All this comes under the $1000 mark, which is a win in our books.

Best folding treadmill under $1000

Pros	Cons
Maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds	No speed control on the handrails
Simple center console
Soft drop system

If you’re looking for the best folding treadmill that you can get for under $1000, we recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness T7643. 

For starters, this treadmill sports an alloy steel frame, which puts its weight around 64.86 kg/ 142 pounds. On top of that, it has a maximum weight limit of 350 pounds/ 158 kg. What these specifications mean is that it should be able to cater to heavy-footed individuals without them worrying about any components giving way, and its weight should make it sturdy. That said, you can use the transport wheel to move it around the house, but before that, you might need to call upon help to bring it inside your home or apartment.

The T7643 has a top speed of 6 MPH/ 9.6 KMH. This means that it should be able to cater to beginners or medium-level runners, but advanced runners might find the top speed lacking. 

Regarding the running deck, this treadmill has a decent-sized running space, which should cater to most individuals with varying strides. The deck also has a shock-absorbent design, which should reduce the impact on your joints and result in a better running experience. 

It also features a soft drop system. What this means is that the running deck can be folded vertically, and when you want to set it up again, you simply give it a little nudge, and it’ll slowly come down. This is a great feature to save space and add a little accessibility to the mix, which is always appreciated.

As far as the center console is concerned, it has a device holder in which you can hold your mobile device, tablet, or book. The buttons are relatively large and easy to use. There are three direct buttons to change the speed (1, 3, 5 MPH), one to change the mode, and two to gradually increase or decrease the pace. While it may not have the bell and whistles of a high-tech console, sometimes simplicity is the best course of action as it is to the point and efficient. 

Overall, considering the features it brings to the table and the price bracket it falls in, we think that this is the best treadmill that you can get under $1000.

Best durable treadmill under $1000

Pros	Cons
30 preset training programs	The features might be a bit advanced for beginners
12° max incline
Max speed of 12 MPH
Max weight capacity of 350 pounds

If you’re looking for the best durable treadmill under $1000, check out the TRX3500.

Let’s kick things off with some general specifications. This treadmill features an alloy steel frame, a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds/158 kg, weighs 213 pounds/ 96 kg, and a top speed of 12 MPH/ 19 KPH.

Now that we’ve listed the specifications let’s look at what these numbers mean. This treadmill should be durable enough to cater to individuals who are a bit on the heavier side without a hitch. On top of that, it’s top speed should be more than enough to challenge even the most advanced runners. 

However, when it comes to movability, this treadmill is heavy, and you will need to call in two or three friends to help you move it around. So, having a designated space for it ready before it arrives is recommended, as you don’t want to lug it around looking for the perfect spot.

This treadmill also features a maximum of 12° incline. This is a great option as having incline settings allows you to change up your training, increase the difficulty and give you a goal to reach. It also sports a wide (20” x 60”) running belt, which should provide ample space to run comfortably without your feet stepping on the frame or your arms rubbing against the side. 

Regarding the display, it has a 6.5” LCD, which shows information such as calories, time, distance, and more. This should help you better keep track of your progress and adjust it accordingly. The center console also has a built-in fan to keep you cool, two bottle holders, direct access incline and speed controls, and an emergency stop clip. 
Lastly, it comes with 30 preset training programs with the option to make 2 custom programs. This should add a layer of efficiency as you can set your own training program or choose one at random with the press of a button and see how far you can go.

All in all, this is one of the best treadmills you can buy for under $1000, and it’s hard to beat that.

How to pick the best treadmill under $1000

$1000 is a good amount of money, and before investing this in any treadmill, there are a handful of factors that you need to consider. We’ve listed a couple to help you make an informed decision.

Build quality 

The first thing you must consider is the build quality of the treadmill you’re looking to purchase. You can do this by looking at the material of which the frame is made, such as alloy or solid steel, looking at reviews, and it’s maximum weight capacity. While the weight capacity might not be an accurate gauge of how sturdy a treadmill is, it can give you some idea of how durable it might be, but this is not an accurate estimation. 

Foldability 

Space-saving design or features are a definite plus, and choosing an option that can be folded when not in use will save you space and give your household a much cleaner look.

Weight capacity 

The treadmill you’re looking to buy should be able to withstand your body weight at least and still have plenty of overhead left to experiment with, such as if you want to run with a weighted vest. If the treadmill can’t handle the full impact of your body weight, then daily running or rigorous cardio sessions will most likely damage its internal components, or the treadmill might just wholly malfunction. 

Incline/decline options

Treadmills with incline/decline options offer a versatile way to work as you can change the elevation to push yourself or train for different routes. So, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an advanced runner, adding an incline or a decline to the mix should undoubtedly present a challenge, and it’s fun to mix things up occasionally. 

Shock absorption

It’s recommended to choose an option with adequate shock absorption, such as a cushioned deck or adjustable internal or external shock systems. This should help reduce the impact on your joints, bettering their long-term health and resulting in a pleasant running experience.

How long do treadmills last? 

Generally, treadmills can last 5 to 10 years or even beyond that with proper care and maintenance. However, this depends on the build quality, daily use, and how often the maintenance checks are conducted. For example, if you’re using a treadmill daily, without maintenance, and on a carpet, the motor is most likely to burn out due to heat and lack of care. 

Verdict

To sum up, it was a tough battle between the contenders, but as always, there is only one winner: the Horizon Fitness T101. First, it has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, a maximum speed of 10 MPH, a 10° incline, intricate cushioning on the running deck, and the Johnson Drive System for an optimal running experience. All these factors combined gave this treadmill the well-deserved top spot. 

If you’re interested in exploring options that cost even less, check out our guide for the best treadmills under $500 for the best picks.