The 7 Best Treadmills Under $2,000 for 2024

When perusing the best treadmills for your soulmate-level match, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by price tags of $3,000 or more. The good news is that there is no shortage of affordable units. The best treadmills under $2,000 have many of the same bells and whistles — decline and incline, high weight capacities, and interactive programming — as their costlier counterparts. They may not qualify as “luxury,” but they’ll give you ample space to sweat and improve your cardiorespiratory function. (1)

Treadmills approaching $2,000 are considered to be “mid-range” options, and there are certainly factors, whether it’s a plastic-heavy build or a lack of dynamic programming, where they may fall short of your expectations. BarBend’s team of fitness professionals have tested more than 40 treadmills from the top brands to help curate a list of our favorite treadmills in this price range. Check out our picks below. 

The 7 Best Treadmills Under $2,000

• Best Treadmill Under $2,000 Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1250
• Best Folding Treadmill Under $2,000: Horizon 7.4 AT
• Best Treadmill Under $2,000 With iFIT: ProForm Pro 2000
• Best Treadmill Under $2,000 for Streaming: Bowflex Treadmill 10
• Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $2,000: Sole F80
• Best Treadmill Under $2,000 for Running: Echelon Stride-6
• Best Compact Treadmill Under $2,000: NordicTrack EXP 7i

How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills Under $2,000

BarBend’s roster of certified personal trainers, CrossFit professionals, and nutrition coaches has personally tested more than 40 treadmills. Our testing methodology covers 13 different categories, from adjustability and ergonomics to footprint and portability, with our testers rating each on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). 

We brought together all this information and experience to help you figure out which option can best support your favorite cardio workouts, your space, and your budget. Here’s a few other key factors we considered when making our picks. 

Dynamic Programming

Some people prefer to just set their tablet on a device holder and press play, while others may want full integration with a fitness app like iFIT or Peloton. No matter which applies to you, we made sure to include both options. A few even have automatically-adjusting speed and incline capabilities that correspond with the class you’re taking, so you can focus on your run. If there is no app integration, many treadmills will include a handful of preset workout programs — like Hill Climb, 5K or 10K Training, or Intervals — to help you develop a routine. 

Incline and Decline

Since incline and decline capabilities can help replicate real-world terrain and intensify running and walking workouts, we sought to include options that included a wide range. When making our picks, we tried to focus on machines that included a range of roughly -3 percent to 12 percent, as well as support for interactive incline and decline workouts on popular fitness apps.

“Most people don’t need inclines greater than 12 percent,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “But athletes who are training for a specific event or race may want to consider options with greater incline capabilities.” Though we did include a few options with decline, you’re generally less likely to find that option on a treadmill at this price range than you would on the best high-end treadmills. 

Belt Deck Size

For our list, we looked for belt decks matching the industry standard of 20 inches wide by 60 inches long. “For running, and especially sprinting, you’ll want a deck of 20 inches wide by 60 inches long,” says Capritto. As the speed — and intensity — of your workout increases, your stride tends to grow longer, necessitating a spacious deck that can support your gait. 

Best Overall Treadmill Under $2,000: NordicTrack Commercial 1250

We picked the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 as the best overall treadmill under $2,000 because it pairs a sturdy build and wide incline range with tech capabilities like iFIT integration.  Adding intensity to otherwise flat running or walking workouts is easy with its -3-percent decline to 12-percent incline range. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored this treadmill 5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics, durability, and conveniences. 

Taking advantage of incline and decline can allow you to simulate running outdoors. “Incline treadmills take the standard treadmill up a notch,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “Having incline capabilities at your fingertips (toe-tips?) allows you to broaden your training protocol and become a more well-rounded runner.”

BarBend product tester and certified nutrition coach Jake Herod put the best NordicTrack treadmills to the test — including the Commercial 1250 — so check out his review below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOUw-Gx9y2s

We rated this treadmill a 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities, and Herod called out its ActivePulse feature. “It’s going to read your heart rate and then adjust your difficulty to keep your heart rate in the optimal zone,” said Herod. The feature is compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors that offer broadcast functionality. 

We also like this treadmill’s iFIT compatibility. The app offers access to thousands of trainer-led classes and scenic rides, and can even make automatic adjustments to your speed and incline during a workout. When I tested iFIT’s Grand Canyon hiking series on the 10-inch touchscreen, the belt deck slowly began to incline on its own when the trainer approached a rocky hill, helping to better replicate the real-life terrain. I’d rate my experience using iFIT’s dynamic programming a 4.5 out of 5, only docking a half point for its slight lag when booting up (trust us — you’ll want a solid Wi-Fi connection).

If you are a serious runner planning on logging lots of miles each day, the 1.9-inch rollers may be a sticking point. When assessing treadmills for heavy use, Capritto says, “I recommend prioritizing a powerful motor of at least 3.0 CHP, large belt rollers of 2 inches, and ample deck cushioning to relieve joint impact.”

Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill Review.

Best Folding Treadmill Under $2,000: Horizon 7.4 AT

The 7.4 AT is our pick for best folding treadmill under $2,000 because Horizon’s FeatherLight folding system does the heavy lifting for you. As you lift the deck upright, air fills the hydraulic cylinder, supporting more and more weight as it rises. To unfold, simply tap the lever with your foot to allow it to float gently to the floor. As such, this treadmill received a 4.5 out of 5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics from our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.

“Some people need the floor space taken up by the deck, and folding treadmills fill this gap,” Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, explains. “When you’re not using the treadmill, you can reclaim the floor space for something else.” 

Our tester rated its footprint and portability a 3.5 out of 5. “I wouldn’t say it’s meant for smaller spaces,” they pointed out. “A big part of that is the 22-inch width of the deck, which is actually two inches wider than similar machines.” 

When in use, it takes up 18.72 square feet of floor space, which is slightly larger than the average loveseat. (2) However, in the upright folded position, you can reduce its footprint to 10.79 square feet. It does weigh a whopping 318 pounds, though — roughly 50 and 75 pounds heavier than most treadmills we tested — so transport can still be difficult.       

Horizon Fitness’ Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning works to reduce the impact taken on your joints. The cushioned deck and 350-pound weight capacity helped earn it a 4.5 out of 5 for durability from our tester. “It should hold up even with frequent use by multiple people,” they said.

While the 12-percent incline can add some intensity to your walks or runs, serious runners may be disappointed to not see a decline function. 

Read our full Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill Review.

Best Treadmill Under $2,000 With iFIT: ProForm Pro 2000

The ProForm Pro 2000, our pick for the best treadmill under $2,000 with iFIT, earned a 5 out of 5 rating for dynamic programming from Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer. She tested out iFIT on the ProForm Pro 9000, but the Pro 2000 offers a similar experience, an identical incline range of -3-percent to 12-percent, and an overall weight that’s just one pound lighter.

An iFIT subscription — $39.99 per month after your free 30-day trial — gives you access to over 16,000 live and on-demand classes, even off-machine options like yoga or strength training. iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature allows the Pro 2000 to make automatic adjustments to your speed and incline based a class’ specifications, leaving you to focus on your workout.

[Related: The 6 Best Treadmills with iFIT of 2024]

“iFIT programming is some of the best interactive fitness programming available, especially for cardio,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “The immersive component can keep you motivated to exercise.”

The wide incline range earned a 5 out of 5 rating from Meier for both customizations and adjustability. Use that range to boost the intensity of your training on your own, or follow iFIT workouts that descend, like the Grand Canyon series. I tested out the series myself and would rate my workout experience following the trainer up and down the trails a 4.5 out of 5, only reducing a half point because iFIT was a little slow to boot up — maybe check on upgrading your Wi-Fi speed.

At 262 pounds, it may be tough for one person to move, but ProForm’s EasyLift Assist makes folding up the 20-inch by 60-inch deck — on the high end of average belt decks —  much safer and easier. Despite how easy it was to fold upright, Meier rated the footprint and portability 3.5 out of 5, citing its weight. “The hydraulic folding is super helpful,” she said, “but since it was so heavy, I did kind of need to slide it around instead of using the wheels.”

Read our full ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill Review.

Best Treadmill Under $2,000 for Streaming: Bowflex Treadmill 10

The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is our choice for the best treadmill under $2,000 for streaming because — with a $19.99 monthly subscription — you can access JRNY workouts and entertainment apps right on the 10-inch touchscreen display. “You’ll find all the streaming apps you would want — Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Disney+, and HBO Max,” said our tester, rating the tech capabilities of the treadmill a 4.5 out of 5.

“Being able to watch a television show, documentary, or movie while exercising can make it something to look forward to (and make time seem like it’s flying by),” Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, explains.

After your two-month free trial, a $19.99 monthly subscription is required to keep access to the app’s workouts and entertainment options, but JRNY also features preprogrammed adaptive workouts. After completing the fitness assessment, your workouts are then tailored to your fitness level and progress with you.

JRNY offers over 200 “Explore the World” scenic workouts filmed all over the world. Compared to iFIT’s outdoor workouts — where a trainer sets the pace — you control your speed and the camera dynamically adjusts to your pace. JRNY consistently adds new classes and scenic routes, but our tester noted its offering has a little ways to go. “JRNY isn’t quite as fleshed out as iFIT yet, but it is half the cost,” they said.

[Related: The 8 Best Treadmills with Screens of 2024]

At 323 pounds and 85 inches long, it’s roughly 70 pounds heavier and 7 inches longer than many treadmills we tested. “I wouldn’t plan on moving it around too much,” our tester pointed out, rating its footprint and portability 2.5 out of 5. 

We also like this treadmill’s 4.0 horsepower motor, which is more powerful than the 3.0 to 3.5 HP motors you’ll often find at this price point. It also has decline capabilities. Treadmills with decline at this price point typically max out at -3-percent, making the -5-percent decline range on this machine a true rarity. Having such a deep decline allows for more intense workouts and lets you follow decline workouts on JRNY. 

Read our full Bowflex Treadmill 10 Review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $2,000: Sole F80

The Sole Fitness F80 is our pick for the best cushioned treadmill under $2,000 because of its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck technology, which the company claims can reduce the impact on joints up to 40 percent, compared to running on asphalt. Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer, said, “I thought the belt felt durable,” rating the adjustability and ergonomics on the similar Sole F63 treadmill a 4.5 out of 5.

“A cushioned treadmill absorbs shock, thus relieving joint impact while walking, jogging, and running,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer. “More cushion usually means more comfort, which can mean more running, more walking, and more health benefits.”

The deck is also 22 inches by 60 inches — two inches wider than average — giving you more space and comfort during runs. The size of the deck, along with the 15-percent incline range and 3.5 CHP motor, can support endurance workouts just as easily as it can handle hill training.

While the 2.36-inch diameter of the rollers falls in the middle of the range for typical treadmills — 2.25 inches to 2.5 inches — serious runners may want a model with bigger rollers, as they can better stand up to daily use to help reduce long-term wear and tear. Similarly, those who desire a treadmill that can better replicate real-world terrain may be disappointed to see a lack of decline capabilities. 

The F80 folds upright, which can save you over 10 square feet of floor space. The F63 is three inches narrower and only half an inch shorter, but Meier rated its similar footprint and portability 4 out of 5. “I was able to fold and move it around,” she said, “but it is very heavy.” 

Read our full Sole F80 Treadmill Review.

Best Treadmill Under $2,000 for Running: Echelon Stride-6

The Echelon Stride-6 is our choice for the best treadmill under $2,000 for running because of its wider-than-average belt deck, quick-adjust dials, and max speed of 12 miles per hour. Runners of all fitness levels should be able to find workouts on the Echelon Fit app — $39.99 per month — that suit their needs. 

Kate Meier, certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member, owns Echelon’s older model, which shares the same quick-adjust features as the Stride-6. “I loved being able to quickly adjust the speed and incline using the controls in the handrails during runs,” Meier said, rating adjustability and ergonomics a 5 out of 5.

With a 20.5-inch by 60-inch belt deck — a half-inch wider and 5 inches longer than many treadmills at this price range — you should have plenty of space to flex your stride. Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto emphasized the running deck when assessing the best treadmills for running. “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride,” she says. 

Although it lacks a true display like a touchscreen, there is room for extra-large devices on the console where you can place your own tablet or phone and follow a workout. An Echelon Premier membership allows access to the Echelon Fit app, featuring over 40 daily live classes and 15,000 on-demand classes that — since you’ll use your own device — you can take with you anywhere. 

Another reason to sign up for Echelon Premier is the five-year warranty that comes with it. Without the membership, you are limited to a one-year warranty. 

Best Compact Treadmill Under $2,000: NordicTrack EXP 7i

NordicTrack’s smallest treadmill — the EXP 7i — is our pick for the best compact treadmill under $2,000 because it measures roughly 6 inches shorter than comparable machines and includes a hydraulic folding option. “It creates more floor space for when you need it,” BarBend product tester Jake Herod highlighted. 

He also noted the hands-free operation of its folding mechanism. “[The] hydraulic lift system is going to take care of everything for you,” he notes in the video review below. 

NordicTrack’s BEST Valued Treadmill?? — NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KGDZi_mow)

When assessing compact treadmills for BarBend, Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, called out the models in NordicTrack’s EXP series. “Individuals who simply wish to keep fit can benefit from the EXP series, which includes less expensive and more compact treadmills ideal for walking and jogging.”

Its compact nature does, however, result in a 55-inch running deck that’s five inches shorter than what we like to see on treadmills in this range. Herod noted that the deck length could be an issue for some users. “Somebody who has a long stride will probably want to target a different model,” he said. 

Since the NordicTrack EXP 7i is smaller than many treadmills, the 1.9-inch rollers are shorter in diameter than the average range — 2.25 inches to 2.5 inches — which may be a consideration for serious runners. Larger rollers can contribute to a machine’s longevity, especially if you see yourself running a lot. 

Like many NordicTrack treadmills, the iFIT app is accessible via the touchscreen. After your initial 30-day free trial, you’ll have to pay $39.99 per month to keep access to its thousands of on-demand classes. Our tester rated the dynamic programming of iFIT a 5 out 5. 

Personally, I love iFIT’s programming, including the way it can make automatic adjustments during scenic runs and classes. As I followed the trainer on a trail up from the Colorado River, the belt deck raised on its own to simulate the ascent to the rim.

Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review.

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill Under $2,000

While treadmills approaching $2,000 are considered “mid-range” options, they’re still a sizable investment. Before committing to a treadmill, think about the space it will occupy, the fitness goals you hope to achieve, and exactly how much money you can afford to spend.

Available Space

All treadmills are hefty pieces of fitness equipment. Typically, they’ll take up around 10 to 20 square feet of space, so planning out exactly where they will live is a huge consideration. We’ve included the exact dimensions of each treadmill, so you know exactly how much space it will take up in your home (and if you’ll have any difficulty getting it through doors and hallways). 

“Folding treadmills are best for individuals who want a home treadmill, but need to be flexible with their space,” Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, points out. Hydraulic folding systems — like ProForm’s EasyAssist or Horizon’s FeatherLight — are common for treadmills in this range and make lifting and lowering the deck much easier. 

Budget

Once you determine where your treadmill will go, set a budget to find an option that will fit your space and financial situation. We included options ranging from $1,299 to $1,999, with a variety of features and footprints. More expensive machines tend to have larger footprints and more technology capabilities, including integrated fitness apps like iFIT or JRNY. The treadmills on the lower end of the price range tend to have smaller belt decks, screens, or rollers, but will still give you a heck of a workout. 

Fitness Goals

It’s always helpful to pinpoint the reason you want a treadmill in the first place. Are you training for a race like a 10K or half marathon? Do you love running, but live in a colder climate where it’s difficult to run outside? Are you trying to balance running and strength training?

Determining the reason you want a treadmill in the first place should be your first consideration. The type of training you want to do also factors in. Not all treadmills are designed for the same purposes. If you plan on running most of the time, look for a max speed of at least 12 miles per hour. For walking, make sure you’ll have an incline range to work with so you can vary your walking workouts. To reach your fitness goals, you’ll need to set them first.

Different Types of Treadmills Under $2,000

Before choosing the type of treadmill that will meet your needs, you need to know what is available in this price range. You may be looking for something foldable that can be stored in a small space in your house. Maybe you want integration with a certain fitness app. Or perhaps you’re recovering from an injury and need extra deck cushioning. These are just a few of the options you’ll find for under $2,000.

For Running

Compared to the best commercial treadmills and budget models, mid-range options will offer standard ranges of features that best support running workouts. High-end treadmills can have inclines of up to 40 percent, while budget machines can reach just 4 percent. But most options in this price range will fall right in the middle of the average ranges across all treadmills.

Mid-range treadmills will typically reach a 12 percent incline. Maximum speeds tend to come in around 12 miles per hour, so they can support sprint workouts or interval training. The size of the running surface should be roomy enough — about a 20-inch width and 60-inch length — so you won’t worry about making a misstep during a run. 

Cushioned

As your knees and ankles start to ache a little more over time, you may want to find an option with extra cushion for each footfall to reduce the impact on lower-body joints. “Cushioned treadmills reduce the level of joint impact sustained by walking and running,” certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto explains. “Instead of your limbs taking the impact, the treadmill deck’s cushion absorbs more of the shock from your footstrike.” (3)

Connected

As our devices get smarter, fitness apps like iFIT, Peloton, and Echelon Fit are becoming more and more integrated with exercise equipment like the best ellipticals or rowing machines. Many high-end and mid-range treadmills even feature preloaded entertainment streamers like Prime Video and Hulu. Some might require you to connect your own device, but many have HD touchscreens as part of the console. If you are looking to switch your viewing locale from the couch to a treadmill, there are mid-range options that prioritize binge-watching as much as you do.

Benefits of Treadmills Under $2,000

Treadmills approaching $2,000 are right in the middle of the range of at-home machines, so you can expect the essentials and a few bells and whistles. They may not be considered luxury, but we think they offer good value for their durability, technology, and adjustability. 

Durability

Many treadmills in this price range will feature heavy-duty, steel-frame builds and powerful motors that meet the average range of continuous horsepower — 2.5 to 3.5 CHP. Another consideration for durability is the size of the rollers. In high-quality treadmills like these, an average size for rollers should be around 2.25 inches to 2.5 inches in diameter.

When assessing durability in the treadmills we tested, Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, notes, “I recommend prioritizing a powerful motor of at least 3.0 CHP, large belt rollers, and ample deck cushioning to relieve joint impact.” The rollers support the tread belt and are often among the first parts in a treadmill to show signs of wear and tear, so typically, the larger the roller, the longer they last.

Technology

Features like Bluetooth connectivity, app integration, and pulse sensors are becoming increasingly common on cardio machines. While you’re unlikely to find huge, swiveling HD touchscreen displays on treadmills under $2,000, you can still find options with modest displays capable of streaming workouts from some of the best running apps. If not, they’ll probably include a media shelf so you can stream content via smartphones or tablets. 

Adjustability

Mid-range treadmills tend to have better adjustability options than the kinds of budget treadmills you’ll find on marketplaces like Amazon. Several of our picks let you make easy adjustments to speed and incline using scrolls on the handrails or quick-adjust buttons on the console. They’re a small touch, but can make it easier to set a pace during intervals or HIIT training. 

Final Word

Treadmills under $2,000 are right in the middle of the range — “mid-range” — of machines available on the market. They won’t have all the niceties of a high-end treadmill, but will satisfy when it comes to the essentials, from solid speed and incline ranges to cushioned belts. Investing in any large home gym equipment is a big investment, so we wanted to make sure you have all the details you need to find the treadmill that fits squarely in your budget.

For under $2,000, you don’t need to compromise on the features that are important to you. Are you set on binge-watching while you run? Got you covered. Do you need extra cushioning because you are coming back from injury? Check. After you decide on what you need, our list of the best treadmills under $2,000 can help you find your Goldilocks option.

FAQs

References

1. Chan, L., Chin, L. M. K., Kennedy, M., Woolstenhulme, J. G., Nathan, S. D., Weinstein, A. A., Connors, G., Weir, N. A., Drinkard, B., Lamberti, J., & Keyser, R. E. (2013). Benefits of intensive treadmill exercise training on cardiorespiratory function and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Chest, 143(2), 333–343.
2. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/ 
3. Shi, H., Li, H., Liu, H., & Yu, B. (2019). Effects of treadmill cushion and running speed on plantar force and metabolic energy consumption in running. Gait & posture, 69, 79–84.

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