With winter fast approaching, many are looking for cardio alternatives that won’t have them braving the elements every morning.
While there are plenty of cardio options out there, such as a new jump rope or HIIT workouts, adding a treadmill to the home gym is a great way to ease into cardio with plenty of distractions and slow progress.
Using a treadmill has some serious advantages that other cardio equipment can’t provide. For those who continuously use time (or lack thereof) as an excuse to miss out on cardio, a treadmill offers the perfect opportunity to multitask. Whether it be reading a book, listening to music, taking an online course, or watching your favorite Netflix show, there are plenty of ways to constructively use your time while still getting in shape.
Choosing a treadmill can be a bit daunting, with plenty of versions available, all with different price ranges, credentials of quality, and of course, functional specifications. In this article, we go through our top choices of treadmills that won’t break the bank. All of the treadmills reviewed here are $1000 or less, a good starting point to not break the bank yet be satisfied with a credible product. As tempting as it may be to get the $100 treadmill, keep in mind that like anything else, you get what you pay for. Invest in something that will last long enough for you to make a new healthy habit.
Here is our list of affordable and reliable treadmills for less than $1000.
Best Overall Option
Best Fitness Membership Included Option
The NordicTrack T Series Review
Price Range (approximate): $700-$800
Top Speed: 10 mph
Motor Speed: 2.6 CHP
Incline: 10%
This popular treadmill sits in the upper range of our price margins, but for a good reason. It’s simple, effective, and suited for beginners to more experienced indoor runners. As far as we are concerned, it is one of the best value-for-money products on the market at the moment.
Some additional features that set the NordicTrack T Series apart from the others are the backlit display screen, a convenient folding design, and a well-padded track that maximizes comfort and efficiency.
As a bonus, customers get a free month of iFit with a purchase of this product. The NordicTrack products come equipped with iFit capabilities that allow runners to experience trainer-led workouts directly via the display.
Horizon T102 Review
Price Range (approximate): $800-$900
Top Speed: 12 mph
Motor Speed: 2.75 CHP
Maximum Incline: 12%
If the T101 model wasn’t good enough, Horizon put out its new T102 model packed with extra features and customer-centric design upgrades. The Horizon T102 boasts a powerful 2.75 CHP motor, as well as some of the fastest speeds and heaviest inclines of any product on this list. It is built to be versatile and comfortable.
Unique features of the T102 include a built-in tablet holder, a USB charging port, and a motorized fan to create some breeze. It also offers a 3-zone response system that maximizes joint cushioning, and a one-step hydraulic folding system for easy storage.
Like the NordicTrack, the Horizon T102 sits on the higher end of our price spectrum, for similar reasons. It is reliable, versatile, and an investment worth making.
Price Range (approximate): $800-$900
Top Speed: 12 mph
Motor Speed: 2.75 CHP
Incline: 12%
The ProForm 705 takes some of the best features available on the market and packs them into one impressive model. It’s powerful, fast, versatile, and comfortable. Similar to the Horizon T102, the ProForm 705 offers a 12 mph top speed and a daunting 12% maximum incline.
This product also uses all the technological comforts such as Bluetooth setup, iFit capability, and an integrated tablet holder. It also has a belt measuring 20” by 60”, one of the largest on the current market. A broad belt size provides maximum space and comfort for those with various treadmill goals.
The price range of the ProForm 705 is similar to the NordicTrack and Horizon models and carries an equal value for the price.
Price Range (approximate): $500-$600
Top Speed: 8 mph
Motor Speed: 2.2 CHP
Incline: 11.7%
For those looking for a treadmill more suited for beginners, and at a slightly lower cost than other models, the Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill might be a good one to look over. While it lacks the top speed of other more powerful models, it carries a quiet 2.2 CHP motor and an 11.7% motorized incline capability that will get the heart going.
The Sunny Health and Fitness treadmill is perfect for those starting out walking or jogging, who don’t have immediate ambitions to do high interval or high-performance training on their indoor treadmill. It is equipped with a safe and comfortable handrail system, a quick stop emergency stop clip, and quick speed buttons on the handrails.
This product is significantly more affordable for those looking for quality and satisfaction at a slightly lower cost.
Price Range (approximate): $400-$500
Top Speed: 4 mph
Motor Speed: 1.5 CHP
Incline: N/A
Owning a treadmill is not about maxing out the speed and seeing how fast the track can spin. For many of us, incorporating cardio into a daily routine required patience, progression, and a sense of enjoyment. For those who are looking for an excellent option to take their walking routine indoors for the winter season, the Exerpeutic TX1000 is designed just for that.
With a humble yet quiet 1.5 CHP motor, this model is designed for walking and slow jogging. It is designed with comfortable handrails, a wide track, and plenty of stability.
The Exerpeutic TX1000 is an affordable and reliable option for those looking to walk their way into a healthier lifestyle.
Criteria to Look Out For
Choosing a treadmill that is perfect for you comes down to understanding your exercise goals, evaluating your space limitations, and of course, balancing your budget. With the list above, we have tried to cover options for everyone, from high-performance runners to casual walkers, each with their unique priorities, budgets, and specifications.
Our team at The Fitness Tribe often collaborates together to produce content. Many times the content is not written by a single author, instead it is usually a team effort.