7 Best Treadmills Under $500 of 2024

With a budget of $500, you may think that it will be difficult to find the best treadmills for running, with incline, or that can fold in half and fit under your couch — seriously. With high-end treadmills routinely coming in over $2,000, we understand your hesitance. Well, we started pinching our pennies and tested out the best treadmills under $500 that pack in the features you need for at the price your bank account needs.

Whether you are short on space, want to sneak in some cardio at your standing desk, or are training for a 5k, we have options for you. The treadmills we chose offer capabilities that you will see on much more expensive machines, but for under $500. Our testing team of fitness professionals knows treadmills and has the know-how to find quality options that can help you meet your fitness goals. Here are our picks for the best treadmills under $500.

7 Best Treadmills Under $500 of 2024

• Best Overall Treadmill Under $500: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill Under $500: LifePro Fitness PacerMini Portable Treadmill 
• Best Treadmill Under $500 for Walking: Walking Pad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
• Best Treadmill Under $500 for Small Spaces: UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
• Best Incline Treadmill Under $500: Egofit Walker Pro
• Best Treadmill Under $500 for Running: XTERRA TR150 Treadmill
• Best Folding Treadmill Under $500: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

How We Tested the Best Treadmills Under $500

The testing team who used these machines has years of experience in the fitness industry — specifically with treadmills. We’ve tested more than 40 treadmills that run the gamut in terms of both budget and luxury, so we know a solid machine when we see one. Each of the picks on our list has gone through our 13-point testing methodology that encompasses factors like footprint and portability, durability, adjustability and ergonomics, and workout experience. Every treadmill we tested received a 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) rating in each category.

Our team is made up of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, CrossFit trainers, and even USA Weightlifting coaches. After pounding the treads, experimenting with the displays, and maxing out the incline capabilities, they amassed their notes and provided their expert input on what works about these budget treadmills and what doesn’t. Hopefully, their insight can help you find the treadmill under $500 for your needs. 

Best Overall Treadmill Under $500: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 is our best overall treadmill under $500 because it’s got many features you’ll find in pricier models, but for roughly $600 to $1,500 less than their average cost. The 4.3 percent incline, speed-adjust buttons embedded in the handrail, alloy steel frame, and 2.2 peak horsepower motor are all notable features of this well-rounded (and inexpensive) treadmill.

At 62 inches long by 25.5 inches wide, it has a much smaller footprint than a popular model like the ProForm Pro 9000, which measures 77.3 inches long by 35.3 inches wide. This makes it a good option for those planning to use it in small spaces, like an apartment or garage. That said, its compact frame does result in a shorter deck, which can feel crowded for those with longer strides. The SF-T4400’s deck measures 49 inches in length, about 6 inches less than the average and 11 inches shorter than what we’d recommend on a treadmill designed for running. 

When folded upright, the 62-inch length shrinks to just 36 inches. Its built-in wheels and weight of 103 pounds — roughly half that of the average treadmill — ease the burden during transport. Use the soft drop hydraulic system for assistance when unfolding to protect your floors — and your pets — when lowering the deck. “The soft drop feature was actually very helpful,” our tester said. “Just give it a tap and it basically lowers itself.” 

While you won’t find interactive programming capabilities like you would on treadmills with IFIT, it does include nine built-in workout programs. Our tester — a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach — rated their overall workout experience a 4 out of 5. “I think an experienced runner trying to do some serious training would be disappointed,” they said. “But for someone just trying to stay active and get more cardio in, this would be a good fit.”

Speaking to its durability, which they rated a 3 out of 5, they said, “In addition to the steel frame, I saw a decent amount of plastic.” It has a weight capacity of 220 pounds, which is on par with most budget treadmills. High-end machines, on the other hand, can typically support between 300 and 350 pounds. 

Best Under-Desk Treadmill Under $500: LifePro Fitness PacerMini Portable Treadmill

The best under-desk treadmills can add a little extra cardio to your day by allowing you to walk when you would otherwise be sitting. The LifePro Fitness PacerMini Portable Treadmill stands out from its competitors because its 7 percent fixed incline is a rare inclusion for an under-desk treadmill. Other popular under-desk treadmills, like the WalkingPad P1 or UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill, have no incline capability.

Adding that 7 percent incline to your walk provides an additional challenge that can burn a few more calories while you work.“The fixed incline is a huge plus for me,” our tester said, scoring their workout experience 3.5 out of 5. Walking at the max speed of 3 miles per hour would be a brisk walk, especially while working at a desk. “3 miles per hour sounds slow,” our tester added, “but I’d be afraid to go much faster on the incline.”

The incline is impressive given its compactness — it measures just 7 inches tall, 32 inches long, and 25 inches wide. Its length is about 20 inches shorter than the average under-desk treadmill  and 40 inches less than a typical treadmill, which helped its footprint and portability earn a 3.5 out of 5 score from our tester. “With it being so small and just 40 pounds, most people could move it by themselves,” they said. 

A drawback of that small footprint is a reduced walking surface. It would be difficult to manage anything more than a walking stride on the 27.6-inch-long deck — which is roughly 20 inches shorter than the deck on the WalkingPad P1 and 28 inches shorter than what you’ll find on the average treadmill.

With such little real estate, it’s probably not a surprise it’s missing conveniences — scoring a 1 out of 5 from our tester — like a device holder or fan. “I don’t think this machine would be for everyone,” they said. “It doesn’t have any smart features or anything, but an incline under-desk treadmill is unique.” 

One convenient feature it does include is the remote control to adjust your speed. This can prevent you from having to awkwardly reach down to the display to make adjustments. For an under-desk treadmill less than $500, we think the incline and miniscule footprint make it a good option for people who want a little more of a challenge than just walking on a flat surface while working.

Best Treadmill Under $500 for Walking: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill

The WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill distinguishes itself from other walking treadmills with its unique Foot Speed Control feature. This allows you to adjust your speed by changing your position on the belt. “In this mode, you can walk in the front third of the belt to speed up, the middle to remain constant, and the rear to slow down,” our tester — a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach — explained. “I liked using this mode, but also appreciated that I could just control the speed with the remote.”

Another unique feature is how it folds. Most foldable treadmills raise the deck upright or lower the handlebar flat, but this machine folds completely in half. When folded, its length is reduced from 56.37 inches to just 32.5 inches, which makes storage much easier.  

Unfolded, it features a 47.24-inch belt deck, which is roughly 8 to 13 inches shorter than the standard 55- to 60-inch deck on an average treadmill. That’s impressive for a compact unit designed for walking. 

Our tester knocked its durability down to 3 out of 5 because of its unimpressive 1-year warranty, but did point out the treadmill’s maximum user capacity of 220 pounds. “My husband weighs around 200 pounds,” our tester said, “and he said that it felt no less steady than he did on higher-end machines.”

One notable absence is the lack of incline capability. Incline walking can boost the intensity of walking workouts, but the design of this machine doesn’t allow for it. “The only thing you can really adjust is the speed,” our tester pointed out, rating the adjustability and ergonomics a 3 out of 5. 

The lack of tech capabilities like a Bluetooth speaker or a display also earned a 3 out of 5 rating, but the overall value came in at 3.5 out of 5. “Without its two unique features — folding completely in half and the Foot Speed Control — I might say it’s pretty standard,” they said. “However, after walking on it almost daily for a year and half, I definitely think it was worth the money.”

Best Treadmill Under $500 for Small Spaces: UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill

At 54.7 inches long, the UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill is roughly 6 to 26 inches shorter than the average treadmill, but it’s the unit’s versatility that makes it so ideal for small spaces. By folding its handlebar down, its height reduces from 39.7 inches to just 5 inches, allowing it to operate as both a traditional treadmill and an under-desk cardio machine. 

With the handlebar up, the 2.25 horsepower motor can reach a max speed 7.6 miles per hour. When it’s down flat, it is essentially a walking pad — like the WalkingPad P1 — so the max speed is capped at 3.8 miles per hour.

It will only require ten square feet of space and, at only 59 pounds, it’s easy to move from your gym to the office and back again. And when you’re done? It’s compact enough to fit under some couches and beds. Our tester, who rated its footprint and portability a 5 out of 5, thought it may even be small enough to take on the road. “It was so lightweight,” they said. “I’m pretty sure you could just load it in the car.”

Since it can only reach a max speed of 7.6 miles per hour, this treadmill isn’t so much for running as it is for walking or jogging. Even if you do run on it, you may find that its 42.5-inch deck is a touch too short for your stride. Our tester noted the deck length when rating their workout experience a 3 out of 5. “For running, I usually like to see a 60-inch deck, or at least 55-inch.,” our tester explained. “When I was using it, I had to make a conscious effort to shorten my stride.” 

Rating the treadmill’s overall value a 4 out of 5, our tester concluded, “This treadmill is not trying to pose as some intense running treadmill, but for getting in a few more steps, walking, and maybe jogging, I think it has a lot of value at $389.” 

Best Incline Treadmill Under $500: Egofit Walker Pro

Incline training can provide a more intense form of low-impact exercise for those who like to get their cardio from walking. The Egofit Walker Pro is our pick for the best incline treadmill under $500 because it features a fixed 5 percent incline — a rare inclusion at this price point. Adding incline to your cardio workouts at home can boost the intensity compared to walking on a flat surface.

While a treadmill this small with incline is relatively unique, there are others — like the LifePro PacerMini — that have a similar fixed-incline design. The PacerMini’s incline is 2 percent higher — 7 percent — though we prefer the Egofit Walker Pro because its 34.25-inch deck is 7 inches longer, thus providing a bit more comfort. 

Our tester — a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach — would be the first to point that out. “After a couple minutes, I was definitely feeling more burn than on a typical tread,” they said. Another factor that led to a 4 out of 5 rating for their workout experience was that it worked well on both carpeted and uncarpeted surfaces. “I tried this out on carpet and it did fine,” they noted. “I even used it with no shoes — in socks and barefoot.” 

When the Egofit Walker Pro arrives at your door, good news: no assembly required. Our tester rated its delivery and setup 5 out of 5 and simply said, “Take it out, plug it in — easy peasy.”

They rated the footprint and portability 4 out of 5, dinging it slightly due to its 34.25-inch deck, which is one of the smallest we’ve seen at this price point. “Between the 3 miles per hour max speed and the relatively short deck, it’s not really meant for running,” said our tester. “However, even with long strides at over 6 feet tall — I would say that I got a good workout.”

[Related: The 7 Best Treadmills with Incline of 2024]

Best Treadmill Under $500 for Running: XTERRA TR150 Treadmill

We chose the XTERRA TR150 Treadmill as the best treadmill under $500 for running because it features a 50-inch-long deck that can accommodate most users’ running strides, as well as a top speed of 10 miles per hour for moderate-intensity runs. Its preset programming, including speed and interval training, can also provide structure to your running workouts. 

Compared to the similar Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400, the TR150 features small differences that can make a big impact — a one-inch longer deck, a one-mile-per-hour higher max speed, and three more preset programs. 

“Truly serious runners may want at least a 55-inch deck,” our tester said. “But I’d recommend this treadmill for moderate-intensity workouts, for sure.” They rated their workout experience a 3.5 out of 5 and pointed out, “I felt a little uneasy trying to do an all-out sprint where I really needed to extend my stride.”

[Related: The 7 Best Treadmills for Running]

While it folds upright, our tester noted the lack of a hydraulic folding mechanism to assist folding it down. “I thought this actually made it kind of unsafe,” they said. “I could see a kid being able to pull out the pin and release the deck down on top of themselves.” This lack of folding assistance prompted a 2 out of 5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics.

The three-level incline range has to be adjusted manually, but athletes will appreciate the added intensity it can provide. The TR150 earned a 3.5 out of 5 rating from our tester for customizations.

Our tester ended up rating its overall value 4 out of 5. “I appreciate that for such a simple, low-cost machine, it has incline and can get up to 10 miles per hour,” they said. “Add in the fact it only takes up ten square feet, and I think it’s the way to go.”

Best Folding Treadmill Under $500: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill offers two ways to use it: handlebar up — running mode — and handlebar down — walking mode. It is our pick for the best folding treadmill under $500 because, in addition to operating as an upright treadmill, it can also function as an under-desk treadmill and be easily stored away. 

The handrails can also be folded in or completely removed. “It felt like I could customize the build of the machine,” our tester noted. With the handlebar raised up, you can hold the horizontal bar in front of you, then attach a handrail on each side. These extend about one foot toward you. 

It earned a 4 out of 5 rating for its footprint and portability — a result of all that folding. “The machine is compact and the wheels helped move it around,” our tester noted. Its adjustability and ergonomics scored a 3.5 out of 5 and our tester emphasized the handrails. “I like that the rails can adjust,” they said, “but I’m docking some points since there is no incline.” Treadmills in this price range sometimes feature a manual incline adjustment — like the XTERRA TR150 — but this model does not.

You also tend to see lower speeds and smaller decks on treadmills at this price range than you would on pricier models. While the 2.25 continuous horsepower motor provides some power, the 40-inch by 16-inch running deck may not be long enough to fit a full running stride for some users. “I think it would be best used for walking,” our tester said. “However, for this price range, I’d still rate the value 4.25 out of 5.” 

They pointed out some of its essential features, like the phone holder and remote control, when emphasizing the value. “It does have basic features like the LED display that shows your calories burned, speed, distance, and time elapsed,” they said. “I like it for what it is, but at $299, this is truly a budget folding treadmill.” 

[Related: The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024]

How We Chose the Best Treadmills Under $500

We tested over 40 treadmills to find the best options for people looking to spend less than $500. Footprint, customization, tech capabilities, and adjustability are just a few of the factors we considered when testing out these machines.

Affordability

In this price range, you can expect to see common features like adjustable speed, backlit or LED displays, preset programming, and even incline. When scrutinizing these treadmills, we compared similar features, as well as taking into account customer reviews to ensure these options lived up to their word. While we were focused on machines in a lower price range, we made sure to look for many of the aspects we found in the best budget treadmills.

Flexibility

Treadmills in this price range aren’t likely to have the same durability or power as pricier models, but they do tend to be smaller and more portable, which can be useful for many athletes. We tried to take advantage of that when making our picks, including several options that can be folded flat to fit under desks and add a bit of extra cardio to your work day. 

In addition to their folding capabilities, many of our picks are under 100 pounds, meaning they can be easily moved from your gym to the office and back again — or even thrown in the back of your car. 

Deck Size

The size of the running area on a treadmill is an indication of what it is designed for. Decks over 50 inches can typically handle running workouts, as running strides are longer than walking strides. Ideally, a treadmill for running would have a deck around 55 to 60 inches in length and cushioning. On our list, we chose treadmills with a wide range of deck lengths — from 27.6 inches to 50 inches — but made sure to note when treadmills are best suited for walking or jogging. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill Under $500

Before committing to a big purchase like a treadmill, it’s important to consider several factors like exactly how much it will cost, what you plan to use it for, and the features of a treadmill you value the most. These are a few major considerations.

Price

Buying a treadmill may be more challenging with a smaller budget, but it’s certainly not impossible. Before you take the leap and swipe that credit card, we wanted to show you several quality machines that come in under $500. Our picks range from $299 to $499 and, even within the parameters of your budget, you can find features that justify the price. 

Whether you are looking for a treadmill that can help you add to your step total during work, or are eyeing a 10k coming up, you want to figure out exactly how much you are willing to spend before you go shopping.

Intended Use

What are you planning to use your new treadmill for? Especially on a tight budget, you need to know exactly why you want a treadmill under $500. You might want a treadmill that will help you ease back into cardio after an injury, or maybe you are a beginner who wants to start running but can’t justify dropping over $2,000 for a high-end machine. 

The major consideration may be whether you want to use it for walking, jogging, or running. Most treadmills under $500 are not good for running, as they tend to have smaller belt decks and less powerful motors. The products we put together can fill the needs of those short on space, need the challenge of an incline treadmill, or even want to store theirs under a bed or couch.

Frequency of Use 

How often you plan to use your treadmill is an important consideration before you start looking. Since these machines are under $500, the overall construction may not be the most durable. In general, less expensive treadmills consist of lower-quality parts. If you plan on racking up miles day after day — especially running — your treadmill may not last as long as more expensive options with more durable builds.

Different Types of Treadmills Under $500

Treadmills are relatively straightforward machines, but they can serve a lot of purposes. Here are a few of the different kinds of treadmills you can expect to find under $500. 

For Running

Not every treadmill is actually designed for running. You may expect pricier machines to cover all kinds of training, but at less than $500, you may find machines that can’t support anything more intense than a casual walk. In order to use a treadmill for consistent running, you’ll need a belt deck that fits your running stride. Typically, we would like to see a deck around 55 to 60 inches long, but you may find your stride could fit on a smaller deck, too. 

Another factor for a running treadmill is the power of the motor — generally around 2.0 to 3.0 continuous horsepower — and the maximum speed the machine can reach. You could get a good jog going around 7 or 8 miles per hour, but to be able to really do some speed training, you want to see a max speed closer to 10 to 12 miles per hour.

Under-Desk

The main draw of an under-desk treadmill is in the name — it can fit under your desk. Using one while seated at a desk would be extremely difficult, so it’s safe to assume you would use it at a standing desk. On our list, you’ll see a few designs and heights that could qualify, but it’s also important to consider your desk height. 

When standing at your desk, you typically want it to rise around elbow-height, which for many people will be around 44 inches. If your under-desk treadmill — like some on our list — is 6 inches high, you would need your standing desk to be able to rise 6 inches higher than normal to compensate. 

For Walking 

If you intend to use your treadmill primarily for walking, you may need fewer capabilities than a running treadmill. To generate the speed required for its user to run, running treadmills need more powerful motors than walking treadmills. For most people, 3 to 4 miles per hour would be a good walking pace. Incline capability can also be a good feature to look for as it can add variety and challenge to a walking workout.

The good news for those looking for a walking treadmill is that lower speeds usually don’t require as powerful a motor. For the manufacturer, a less powerful motor means lower cost to produce, which can translate to a lower price on your end.

Benefits of Treadmills Under $500

Sticking to a $500 budget doesn’t have to mean you sacrifice all the benefits of the best treadmills. Some positive aspects of finding a treadmill in this price range are obvious — spending less money — but a lot of these options also have smaller footprints, making them easier to pack away to save floor space.

Saving Money

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the luxury options offered by many top-of-the-line treadmills, which can include features like HD touchscreens, app integration, and huge incline ranges. 

If all you’re looking for is a machine you can hop on and start moving, there’s a good chance you can find a solid machine for under $500. That saves you some extra dough to round out your gym with the best budget home gym equipment. 

Compact Design

A positive aspect of shopping in this price range, is that many of your options will be compact and easy to move and store. The price of any treadmill is a reflection of how much it costs to manufacture. If a company spends X amount of money to build the product, it only stands to reason that they need to charge X + more to make a profit. 

Since these machines come in under $500, it’s likely it cost less to make. For some cheap machines, that may mean cutting corners in the quality of the build, but some — like those on our list — may just have fewer parts or smaller footprints. For you, that means an added benefit of saving space.

Cardiovascular Fitness

The benefits of cardiovascular exercise are not restricted to treadmills under $500, however, the options in this price range can promote the same benefits as high-end machines like the ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill. Two main benefits of regular cardio exercise are lower blood pressure and lower risk for cardiovascular disease, which broadly is the leading cause of death globally. Whether you are walking, jogging, or running, the treadmills on our list are affordable and convenient ways to boost your cardiovascular fitness. (1)(2)

Final Word

With a budget of just $500 you can still find a treadmill with solid features like incline capability, moderate speeds, and high weight capacities. When setting out to make a big purchase like a treadmill, it’s important to establish what you value in the machine. The picks in our list cover a wide range of intended uses, available features, and prices.

Whether you want to add running to your exercise regimen, need to get in a few more steps during the work day, or just want to be able to walk while watching your favorite shows, you can find an option here. After years of owning, using, and scrutinizing treadmills, our team is well-qualified and well-positioned to point you in the right direction. When you start searching for the best treadmills under $500, remember that it’s all about using your machine to help you reach your fitness goals.

FAQs

References

1. Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135.
2. World Health Organization. (2021, June 11). Cardiovascular diseases (cvds). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds) 

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