Best Treadmills Under $1,000

Comparing Treadmills Under $1,000

When shopping for a treadmill under $1,000, you can expect machines that offer good value and some special features. It's not so reasonable to expect all-around excellence though. Something must be sacrificed to lower the price. Whether you prioritize power, programming, or some other quality, be prepared to compromise elsewhere. Here are some frequently asked questions that we commonly receive about budget priced treadmills.

How much should I spend on a discount treadmill?

Sale prices for discount treadmills actually worth owning tend to range from $799 to $999, including delivery. Treadmills at these price points are generally more cost-effective when compared with ultra-cheap alternatives. The extra few hundred dollars gets you better basics including a stronger motor, a larger running area, and a power ramp. Treadmills priced around $999 tend to have much better warranties compared with ultra-cheap treadmills too. These things are important because you won't save that much if your $500 treadmills breaks down after a few months, and you're forced to buy another.

What's a good warranty for a discount treadmill?

Treadmill warranties are good clues about product quality. Usually they cover the frame, motor, parts, and labor. Sometimes the deck, electronics, and incline motor are under warranty too. Here's what to expect on treadmills under $1,000:

• The best treadmills have lifetime protection on their frames and track motors.
• Look for two-year parts warranties. Shorter warranties are common in this price category but there's no reason to settle.
• Labor agreements on the best treadmills under $1,000 are for one year. A 90-day parts or labor warranty is a red flag.

Don't commit to cheap treadmills with 25-year motor warranties. The motors on these units tend to be significantly less reliable than those with lifetime guarantees. They lag when speed is changed and heat up when exercise gets intense. It's always better to burn calories rather than wires.

Who should spend more on a treadmill?

Most home treadmill shoppers will be satisfied with a trainer valued at roughly $999. The exceptions are shoppers expecting their treadmills to get heavy use from user weight, workout intensity, or workout frequency. The best treadmills under $1,000 typically have maximum user weight capacities of 300 pounds. A person weighing about 225 pounds or more will get better value from a treadmill with a higher weight capacity. The machine will likely last longer without acting up because it won't work as closely to maximum capacity. Investing in a better treadmill is also a good idea if the machine will be used for running rather than walking and regularly rather than infrequently.

What are some possible drawbacks of very cheap treadmills?

One problem with owning very low-end treadmills is that they're high maintenance. While more expensive treadmills can serve for years without belt maintenance, a cheap treadmill will require belt lubrication - waxing or oiling - every few months. A cheap tread belt will likely also need occasional adjustment because its material will stretch with use. On very cheap treadmills, the belt might even be so thin that it rips. A couple of signs to look out for are two-ply tracks vs. one-ply tracks and 2.5-inch track rollers instead of 1.9-inch track rollers. Those two factors will make a huge difference in expanding the longevity of your machine. Another potential problem with very cheap treadmills is noisiness. Ideally, a home treadmill has a quiet motor, a quietly-moving track, and good sound absorption for footfall on the deck. Very cheap treadmills don't necessarily meet these criteria. Other potential drawbacks include rickety frames, low horsepower, low top speeds, small tracks, poor electronics, and the absence of wireless heart monitoring. Avoid these problems! Stick to our list of treadmill recommendations above, and make sure to read honest product reviews of any treadmills that you consider.

Best Treadmills Under $1,000: The Rundown

Model	Type	Rating	Price	Lowest Price
Sole F63	Folding	4.5-stars	Under $1,000	See best price »
Horizon T101	Folding	4.05-stars	Under $1,000	See best price »
ProForm 505 CST	Folding	3.95-stars	Under $1,000	See best price »
ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill	Folding	4.5-stars	Under $1,000	See best price »

Top Treadmills Under $1,000 Summary

The best values for treadmills under $1,000 are the machines priced around $799 to $999. These tend to earn much better reviews than the ultra-cheap models and are far less likely to break down or cause other hassles. Choosing one of the models above will help you avoid buyer's remorse and make it easy for your household to receive the benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise.