Expert review byBB Arrington, CPTPersonal trainer & holistic nutritionistBB Arrington is NASM-certified personal trainer, holistic nutritionist, and sustainability advocate.How to choose a treadmillHow we pickedThe best treadmills under $500FAQSummaryImage by mbg creativeJanuary 16, 2023Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.A high-quality treadmill can help you meet your cardio goals and give you the opportunity to get your steps in, no matter the weather. Many modern treadmills are even sleek enough to slip under your desk, providing a healthier work-from-home environment. While there are, of course, plenty of splurge-worthy options from top treadmill brands, the best treadmills under $500 will make less of a dent in your bank account but still help you reap the benefits of an active lifestyle.
To learn more about what makes a great treadmill, we spoke with Ryan Koziol, NASM-certified personal trainer and founder of RYKO Fitness. Keep reading to find our picks for the best treadmills under $500, plus what Koziol says about each of them.
The best treadmills under $500:
Best for inclineSereneLife Smart Digital Folding TreadmillGo to reviewBest foldingFYC Folding TreadmillGo to reviewBest under deskGoplus 2-in-1 Folding TreadmillGo to reviewBest affordableSunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline TreadmillGo to reviewBest manualSunny Health & Fitness Manual TreadmillGo to reviewBest electricXterra Fitness TR150 Folding TreadmillGo to reviewThe best treadmills under $500:
Best for incline
SereneLife Smart Digital Folding TreadmillGo to review$321 on Amazon$321 on AmazonBest folding
FYC Folding TreadmillGo to review$274.99 on Amazon$274.99 on AmazonBest under desk
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding TreadmillGo to review$370 on Amazon$370 on AmazonBest affordable
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline TreadmillGo to review$385 on Amazon$385 on AmazonBest manual
Sunny Health & Fitness Manual TreadmillGo to review$460 on Amazon$460 on AmazonBest electric
Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding TreadmillGo to review$387 on Amazon$387 on AmazonShow MoreOur picks for the best treadmills under $500:
Best for incline: SereneLife Smart Digital Folding Treadmill
:view on Amazon | $321Pros:
- 4 incline settings
- Fitness program options
- Lightweight and compact
Cons:
- Short running belt
- 6 mph maximum speed
This slim and compact foldable treadmill is excellent for small spaces. However, don't let its sleek design fool you. While many foldable treadmills only support walking speeds, this pick features a 1.0 horsepower motor, with a maximum speed of 6.0mph. It's tricky to find an incline treadmill for under $500, but this one stands out with four incline levels. Psst: walking on an incline is a great way to increase the difficulty and amp up the benefits of your walk.
A multi-layer running belt provides a durable and smooth surface. The belt is fairly wide, but taller individuals should note that it’s slightly shorter than standard treadmills. An easy-to-read LCD display tracks metrics including speed, incline, duration, and distance. Plus, there are pre-programmed workouts ready to stream. A built-in stereo speaker works with USB flash or SD cards.
Customers love the convenience of this machine, saying that it's easy to set up, maneuver, use, and store. If you have a small office space, this could be a game changer for your health.
Koziol loves this treadmill's sleek design and easy setup. "With this treadmill, you can easily increase your daily step count," he says. "A short 20-minute walk can help you rack up between 2,000-3,000 steps."
Best folding: FYC Folding Treadmill
:view on Amazon | $274.99Pros:
- Folds, rolls, and is compact
- Quiet
- 12 training plan programs
Cons:
- Narrow running belt
- Display is very bright
- Low weight limit
This ultra-lightweight treadmill folds down so small you can easily tuck it away in a corner, or under your bed or couch. Its wheel-equipped frame allows you to maneuver it into place whenever you’re craving some movement. A five-layer running belt provides a durable and safe surface, while a 1.5 horsepower motor supports speeds up to 6.5 miles per hour. The machine’s console is complete with cupholders and an LCD screen. Though the shock-absorbing belt comes in two widths, larger-bodied individuals may still find it too narrow.
Treadmills don't get much more apartment-friendly than this. Reviewers rave that it's quiet, lightweight, and a cinch to store or move.
“This is a great option for beginners who want to get more active without going outside or having to leave the comfort of their home," Koziol confirms. "The running belt on this treadmill is narrow, which would make it more suitable as a ‘walking treadmill,’ rather than a ‘running treadmill.’ Taller individuals or those with larger feet might find the treadmill belt too narrow on this treadmill."
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This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.Best under desk: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
:view on Amazon | $370Pros:
- Can be used with or without console and handrails
- 7.5 max speed
- Complete fold for under-bed storage
Cons:
- Requires remote for operation
- No incline
Sometimes a gentle walk is the best way to ease stress throughout your work day. Other days, you may need a heart-pumping jog to clear your head. The good news is this under-desk treadmill opens up the possibility for both. Use the riser, handrails, and console for jogging or running at speeds up to 7.5 miles per hour. Or take down the handrails and riser and use this as a sleek under-desk walking treadmill. The machine comes with a remote that allows you to cycle through speeds effortlessly. Unfortunately, this model has no display, meaning you’ll need the remote to operate it. The folded treadmill can be stored horizontally under a bed or couch when not in use.
Those looking to break up the monotony of a workday will likely enjoy this under-desk treadmill. It's great for the occasional run, but it truly shines as a walking or jogging tread.
“I like this unique treadmill because you can easily convert it into a desk treadmill for racking up steps during the workday," Koziol says. He adds that it's easy to fold and store away, and is a "simple option for anyone who just wants to get moving at home." The only downside he points out is that there are no incline capabilities, which he says typically are the best way to mimic outdoor terrain.
Best affordable: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill
:view on Amazon | $385Pros:
- Feature-rich
- 9 mph max speed
- Durable
Cons:
- Heavier
- Complicated to assemble
A great option for beginners, this treadmill supports walking, running, and incline workouts. It has a decently-sized running deck with great shock absorption, supports a 9 miles per hour max speed, and is relatively quiet compared with other options.
The handrails have buttons for easy speed and incline adjustments during your workout. There are also nine built-in workout programs, which is a great bonus for a budget pick. This treadmill even has sensors on the handrails to measure your heart rate, which it displays with other standard metrics on the LCD screen. The machine does fold and roll, but reviewers mention that it's a bit heavy.
Amazon reviewers agree that this treadmill is a great value for your buck, especially if you want a machine that supports higher running speeds, too.
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This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.Best manual: Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill
:view on Amazon | $460Pros:
- 16 self-powered resistance levels
- Multi-grip handrails
- Max weight of 300lbs
Cons:
- Belt prone to shifting
- Cannot run without holding rails
Manual treadmills are a great option that doesn’t require electricity. With 16 levels of magnetic resistance, this model gives you full control over your workout intensity. The multi-grip, sweat-resistant handrails allow you to push against the tread and vary your running or walking position. While this won't allow you the traditional running arm swing, it still is a great workout. The machine is easy to maneuver and store, with transportation wheels and a foldable design. Just remember, no electricity means no display, connectivity, built-in workouts, or music.
Reviewers enjoy the versatility of this treadmill, saying it provides them with a smooth and challenging workout. Individuals looking for a portable, lightweight, and completely manual treadmill will likely find that this machine suits their needs.
Koziol says this is “a great option for anyone wanting to walk backward to strengthen and stabilize their knee joints,” due to the fact that it operates on a fixed incline. He goes on to note that “walking backward may help increase knee extension range of motion (great for injury recovery and prevention), and can increase energy expenditure by 40% (compared to walking forward).” On the con side, Koziol says the treadmill has a bit of a “shifty belt.”
Best electric: Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
:view on Amazon | $387Pros:
- Large tread surface
- Max speed 10.0 mph
- 3 incline settings
Cons:
- Display can lag
- Incline is manual
Runners on a budget will love this affordable electric treadmill. It boasts a 2.25 horsepower motor that can support speeds up to 10.0 miles per hour.
While the console doesn't have as large a display as other options, it still offers 12 preset programs and plenty of tracking statistics. This model has three incline settings, which must be implemented manually. It folds and rolls for easy storage—though we're betting you’ll want it out more often than not after your first run.
Reviewers are delighted with this treadmill's bulked-up design and say it offers impressive durability at a reasonable price.
“This may be the best treadmill on the list,” Koziol raves. “It has a large tread surface (great for taller individuals) and incline capabilities, and its top speed of 10 miles per hour is sufficient for a majority of people wanting to walk, jog, or run. With 12 different pre-set programs, you have a wide variety of challenging workouts to explore. For $360, this treadmill is a steal!”
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This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.How to choose.
When investing in any gym equipment, take time to choose the right option. There are a few factors to consider to find the perfect treadmill for your home gym or office.
Budget. Obviously, we limited this treadmill roundup to models under $500. However, there's still a range of prices within that cap. Pick a machine that fits your personal budget and has the features you want.
Intention. Do you want to walk while you work? Build up your running endurance? Considering how (and when) you plan to use your treadmill is essential. Certain machines are better suited to specific activities. If you plan to run on your tread, be sure to think about the power of the motor, the maximum speed, and the size of the deck (or belt). Usually, these features are less important if you only plan to walk or jog.
Size. Think about the size of your treadmill compared to the available space. Many of these treadmills fold, but that doesn't always mean they're compact enough to store under a bed or in a closet. Size also affects the deck. A shorter deck can be uncomfortable for taller individuals.
Features. For some, bells and whistles are less important. Others depend on rich displays and connectivity. Before committing to a specific machine, consider what you want in a treadmill, such as Bluetooth capability, incline, or preprogrammed workouts.
Reading reviews, researching, and comparing options can be very beneficial when looking for the best treadmill for your needs. Sometimes, you can even test a treadmill in-store before you make a purchase.
The takeaway.
Treadmills are an excellent way to keep up your cardio goals while at home, whether working and walking or getting in a preprogrammed running workout. These budget-friendly options are a great way to make your living or working space more conducive to movement throughout the day. If you're looking for something a little more durable, check out the best treadmill brands of 2023, with expert advice from running coaches and trainers.
