The Best Treadmill Under $500 in 2021 (Reviewed & Buying Guide)

Do you want to work out and exercise in your own home? If so, you should definitely think about investing in your own treadmill. They don’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are some pretty good treadmills under 500 bucks. You’ll learn all about them below.

Why Purchase Your Own Treadmill?

First and foremost, you should learn about the perks of owning a treadmill. You won’t have to worry about those expensive gym fees and commute costs. Below, you will learn a great deal more about the benefits of owning a treadmill.

Comparison Table

ProForm 6.0 RT Treadmill
Best Choice
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill With Tablet And Device Holder - SF-T4400
Merax MS020307BAA JK1603E Easy Assembly Folding Electric Treadmill Motorized Running Machine
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Treadmill
ProForm 6.0 RT Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill With Tablet And Device Holder - SF-T4400
Merax MS020307BAA JK1603E Easy Assembly Folding Electric Treadmill Motorized Running Machine
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Product Dimensions
55 x 29 x 65 inches
62.2 x 26.8 x 47.3 inches
25 x 45 x 58 inches
10 x 31 x 68 inches
63.4 x 28.8 x 51.4 inches
Item Weight
120 lbs / 55 kg
103 pounds / 47 kg
70 lbs / 32 kg
130 pounds / 59 kg
108 pounds / 49 kg
Motor
2.0 HP
2.2 HP
2.25 HP
2.25 HP
2.25 HP
Built-In Programs:
6
9
3
6
12
Max Load Weight
300 lbs / 136 kg
220 lbs / 99 kg
220 pounds / 99 kg
250 lbs / 113 kg
250 lbs / 113 kg
Heart rate monitor
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Fan
No
No
No
No
No
Price
Price not available
$384.99
Price not available
Price not available
$351.85
ProForm 6.0 RT Treadmill
Treadmill
ProForm 6.0 RT Treadmill
Product Dimensions
55 x 29 x 65 inches
Item Weight
120 lbs / 55 kg
Motor
2.0 HP
Built-In Programs:
6
Max Load Weight
300 lbs / 136 kg
Heart rate monitor
Yes
Fan
No
Price
Price not available
Best Choice
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill With Tablet And Device Holder - SF-T4400
Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill With Tablet And Device Holder - SF-T4400
Product Dimensions
62.2 x 26.8 x 47.3 inches
Item Weight
103 pounds / 47 kg
Motor
2.2 HP
Built-In Programs:
9
Max Load Weight
220 lbs / 99 kg
Heart rate monitor
Yes
Fan
No
Price
$384.99
Merax MS020307BAA JK1603E Easy Assembly Folding Electric Treadmill Motorized Running Machine
Treadmill
Merax MS020307BAA JK1603E Easy Assembly Folding Electric Treadmill Motorized Running Machine
Product Dimensions
25 x 45 x 58 inches
Item Weight
70 lbs / 32 kg
Motor
2.25 HP
Built-In Programs:
3
Max Load Weight
220 pounds / 99 kg
Heart rate monitor
Yes
Fan
No
Price
Price not available
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill
Treadmill
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill
Product Dimensions
10 x 31 x 68 inches
Item Weight
130 pounds / 59 kg
Motor
2.25 HP
Built-In Programs:
6
Max Load Weight
250 lbs / 113 kg
Heart rate monitor
Yes
Fan
No
Price
Price not available
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Product Dimensions
63.4 x 28.8 x 51.4 inches
Item Weight
108 pounds / 49 kg
Motor
2.25 HP
Built-In Programs:
12
Max Load Weight
250 lbs / 113 kg
Heart rate monitor
Yes
Fan
No
Price
$351.85

Last update on 2023-03-27 at 04:36  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Choosing The Best Treadmill

More Privacy

In the gym, there are tons of people who are going to be watching you working out and exercising. This can be annoying for many individuals. A lot of people like working out in a private setting. This will not be possible in the gym. However, if you invest in your own treadmill, you will be able to enjoy your privacy. You’ll be able to work out whenever you want without anyone watching. This guarantees that you’ll remain comfortable from start to finish. Plus, you’ll be able to wear whatever clothing you want.

Improves Results

If you’re required to drive to the gym, there is a good chance that you’re going to find an excuse. The drive is too long or you don’t want to spend the money on gas. This won’t be an issue with your own treadmill. The equipment will be sitting in your home at all times. Therefore, it will be staring you down and encouraging you to exercise. With your own treadmill, you’ll be far more likely to achieve the results that you’re after.

Cheaper

Believe it or not, buying your own treadmill could be cheaper in the long run. Just think about it. When you’re visiting a gym, you’re going to be required to pay for a membership. Plus, you’re going to be filling up your vehicle with the gas every day or so. A treadmill will be expensive in the beginning. However, it’ll be very inexpensive in the long run. Maintaining a treadmill is cheaper and easy. Therefore, buying a treadmill will prove to be cheaper overall.

More Convenience

At the end of the day, visiting the gym will be an annoyance. After all, you’re going to need to get dressed, hop in your car and drive to the gym. Once you’ve finished exercising, you’ll need to drive back home. Most people do not want to put up with this. If you fit into this category, you’ll want to buy a treadmill. This will make your life so much easier. Owning your own treadmill will make your life so much easier and this will increase the likelihood that you’ll actually work out and exercise.

Buying Guide For The Best Treadmill For Home Under 500

Treadmills prices have decreased significantly over the past few years. Now, it is completely possible to buy a good treadmill for under 500 bucks. In fact, some of the cheaper models will prove to be better for you and your family. So, what do you need to look for when buying the best treadmill under 500? You’ll find out below.

Cushioning

It is also very important to consider the cushioning on the treadmill. A treadmill with plenty of cushioning is going to ride great. If it doesn’t have good cushioning, there is a good chance that you’re going to experience a lot of problems. Your knees and ankles will most likely start hurting. With that being said, you need to make sure that your treadmill has plenty of cushioning. It needs good shocks, so it can accommodate your weight and strides. In return, this will ensure that your knees and ankles do not hurt after a lengthy run.

Fan?

Some treadmills are actually equipped with a fan. This is a great thing. When you’re running on a treadmill, you’re going to running and sweating like crazy. Therefore, you might want to add a fan to an equation. The fan will help keep you cool during the run. Of course, you can always save money by adding a fan to your workout room. Either option is acceptable.

Testing The Equipment

Whether you’re buying online or not, you should still try to test the equipment. You can do so by visiting your local fitness retailer or you can sign up for a guest membership at a gym. This will allow you to experiment with a few different treadmills. If you’re able to find one that you like, you can skip the headache and buy it. If you’re able to test it out ahead of time, your decision will be immensely easier.

The Console

There is absolutely no doubt that you’re going to want to keep track of your progress along the way. This is why you’ll want a treadmill with a very good console. The console should provide you with quick and easy access to your statistics. It should show you the number of calories you’ve burned, the amount of time burned and the length you’ve traveled. This information can come in very handy. You’ll also want to make sure that the console is easily navigable. This will ensure that you’re able to access all of the workout features without too much trouble.

Programs

Many treadmills will come with pre-configured programs. They’re often designed for specific purposes, such as cardio workouts or calorie burning exercises. Programs aren’t a requirement, but they can be very beneficial for the user. If you want the most convenient exercise possible, you should definitely think about getting a treadmill with several different exercise programs. You might even be able to add user IDs and customize your own workouts. This is a great way to track your progress from day to day. Again, this isn’t a necessity, but it can be very beneficial for many. Just remember that these features are going to jack up the price significantly.

Heart Rate Monitor

There are many treadmills that come with a heart rate monitor. Just remember that the monitor’s effectiveness will depend on the quality of the treadmill and monitor. Being able to detect your heart rate is very important. If your heart rate is too low, you’re never going to be able to achieve your goals. If you have to increase your heart rate too high, there is a good chance that you’re going to injure yourself. Suffice to say, keeping an eye on your heart rate at all times is vitally important. This is why you need a treadmill with a good heart rate monitor.

Make sure that your treadmill has a heart rate monitor and that it is pretty reliable. This will make a big difference in the future.

Weight Support

While you’re at it, you need to make sure that you consider the treadmill’s weight support. How much weight can it support at any given time? If you weigh 300 pounds, you need to choose a treadmill that is actually going to be able to support that weight. If your weight far less, this shouldn’t be much of a problem. Choose a good treadmill that is going to be suitable for everyone in your household. This ensures that everyone will be able to benefit from it.

Size

Not everyone has a spare room for their workout equipment. If you fit into this category, you need to do some research and take some measurements. Make sure that you take measurements of your home and find out how big your treadmill can be. The good news is that some treadmills can fold up. This makes it much easier to store the treadmill when it is not in use. Either way, make sure that your treadmill will actually fit into your home. If it doesn’t, you will be sending it back and that will be a huge hassle.

The Warranty

The warranty for the treadmill is really one of its most important components. If something goes wrong, you will quickly discover that treadmill parts are incredibly expensive. Therefore, it is in your best interest to get the longest warranty humanly possible. When looking at the warranty, you need to make sure that you get a warranty on the motor, deck, belt, and electronics. The warranty should also protect the frame. Do not skimp on the warranty. If you do, there is a good chance that you’re going to regret it in the future. Also, make sure that you choose a reliable company.

If you do not, there is a good chance that you’re not going to be able to get the support that is needed.

1. ProForm 6.0 RT Treadmill

Are you on the market for a treadmill that will provide the necessities to ensure a good work out every time you start it up? If so, you should look no further than the ProForm 6.0 RT. This particular model is not only affordable, but also reliable and durable. The treadmill is comprised of premium components and technology that will endure daily wear and tear. If you are on a budget and in need of a treadmill, the 6.0 RT is for you.

ProForm 6.0 RT Treadmill
  • 16 x 50 tread belt, SpaceSaver design, LCD window with priority display, racetrack display, 8 built-in workouts.NOTE: Kindly refer the user manual before usage of the product.
  • 2.0 CHP* mach motor, dual-grip EKG heart RATE monitor, 0-10 percent quick incline Control, 0-10 MPH quick speed Control, treadsoft cushioning

Last update on 2023-03-27 at 04:36  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Built-In Workouts

Doing the same ole’ workout day in and day out gets tiresome and boring. To help ensure you will never get bored or unmotivated, ProForm includes a total of eight built-in workouts with its 6.0 RT. This means that you will have a workout for every day of the week.

Monitors Heart Rate

Whether you are a health nut, avid athlete or someone with heart problems, you probably like to monitor your heart rate when working out. Well, you can do just that with the 6.0 RT Treadmill without additional medical equipment. The treadmill is embedded with an EKG monitor that measures heart rate in seconds.

Overall Assessment

The ProForm 6.0 RT Treadmill is affordable, reliable and functional. For the price, you will not beat this treadmill. Plus, it will provide you with a great workout for many years to come. And, if a problem arises ProForm customer support is only a phone call away.

Pros

  • Reliable, accurate heart rate monitoring
  • Motor – 2.0chp Mach
  • Include adjusts from zero to 10 percent
  • Apple iPod port
  • Weight capacity – 300 pounds
  • Eight built-in workouts
  • Includes a warranty on motor, frame, replacement parts and labor

Cons

  • The deck may be too short for tall-statured people
  • Operational noise louder when the incline is in use

2. Sunny Health And Fitness Treadmill

Sunny Health and Fitness are highly known for designing, manufacturing and selling high-quality, affordable exercise equipment. The company utilizes premium components and superior workmanship to manufacture all of its products. This treadmill is equipped with a 2.20 peak HP drive system that is capable of reaching speeds up to 10 miles per hour.

Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill With Tablet And Device Holder - SF-T4400
  • 2.20 peak HP drive system provides speeds of 0.5 - 9 MPH along with 3 manual options for adjusting recline levels (0%, 2%, 4.37%)
  • Designed for a max user weight of 220 lbs. with 49 L x 15.5W inches of running surface

Last update on 2023-03-27 at 04:36  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Space-Saving Design

If you have limited space in your home for exercise equipment, the Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill is for you. This model has a space-saving design, so you can fold it up and move it into an area, where it will not be in your way. To ensure your safety during the fold-down process, the treadmill is integrated with a mechanism that allows it to unfold and drop slowly.

Great Incline

To keep the price to a minimum and still provide its customers with an incline, Sunny Health and Fitness designed its treadmill with an incline that adjusts from zero to five degrees in seconds. While this is not the incline offered by the more expensive brands, most people never even bother utilizing the incline and if they do they rarely max it out.

Overall Assessment

The Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill is ideal for consumers on a budget and who want to lose weight and get healthy. This is a very affordable treadmill, so it is important to not expect it to perform like a more expensive model. However, if you want a good workout at a fraction of the cost, this is the treadmill for you.

Pros

  • The large LCD display for better visibility
  • Zero to five-degree incline
  • The built-in mobile device holder
  • Nine built-in workouts
  • Weight capacity – 220 pounds

Cons

  • Heart rate monitor needs improvement
  • Bit noisy during operation
  • Operational noise louder when the incline is in use

3. Merax JK1603E Electric Treadmill

If you’re looking for the most affordable treadmill, you’ll definitely want to check out the Merax JK1603E. This treadmill might be affordable, but it is still protected by a 1-year warranty. Plus, this treadmill is very compact. It is great for anyone living in a very small home or apartment. The treadmill has plenty of cushioning, so you’ll be able to protect your back, ankles, and knees. The low noise motor guarantees that you won’t be annoyed too much during your run.

Merax MS020307BAA JK1603E Easy Assembly Folding Electric Treadmill Motorized Running Machine
  • Perfect size and folding design great for home Use and contains rolling wheels on the bottom providing simple Transport
  • Multi-functional display that allows user to Track progress in speed, distance, heart RATE and calories burned

Last update on 2023-03-27 at 04:36  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Top Speeds

Despite being so affordable, this treadmill is still equipped with a powerful motor. It is capable of reaching maximum speeds of 10 miles per hour. Whether you’re a long-distance runner or you can to run as quickly as possible, this treadmill will be able to suit your needs.

Overall Assessment

This treadmill is great for smaller and lighter individuals. If you’re over 220 pounds, you’re going to need to look elsewhere. Nevertheless, this is one of the best investments you could ever make. The motor is quiet and this treadmill will give you a great workout.

Pros

  • Great for small homes and apartments
  • Can reach speeds of 10 miles per hours
  • Protected by a one-year warranty
  • Weighs approximately 70 pounds
  • Includes 3 built-in workout programs
  • Three incline positions

Cons

  • Only supports 220 pounds

4. Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill

Weslo isn’t the best-known name in the industry. Nevertheless, the company makes some pretty amazing treadmills and they’re reasonably priced. This is definitely the case with the Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill. This treadmill features a space-saver design. The deck can be folded up and locked when it is not in use. This makes it much easier to store away. This also makes the treadmill suitable for smaller apartments and homes.

Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill
  • Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill

Last update on 2023-03-27 at 04:36  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Great Cushioning

Running on a treadmill that has no cushioning can be tough. Without any cushioning, you’re going to experience a lot of pain in your joints. This is where the Weslo Cadence knocks it out of the park. Despite being a very affordable treadmill, it is protected with a lot of cushioning. This helps to reduce the amount of pressure placed on your knees. In return, you’ll feel great once your run has finished.

Overall Assessment

Really, there is a lot to like about the Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill. It works great and won’t break the bank. What can you complain about? It is a little loud, but you can ignore that by cranking up the music.

Pros

  • Suitable for small dwellings
  • Offers two inclines
  • Cushioning is great
  • Can fold up for easier storage
  • Screen tracks your progress
  • Capable of supporting a maximum of 275 pounds

Cons

  • A little loud

5. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

The XTERRA Fitness TR150 is a great treadmill that will not break the bank. It is equipped with a 16 by a 50-inch running surface. Therefore, it might not be suitable for much bigger individuals. However, it will work exceptionally well for smaller people. The treadmill might be small, but it doesn’t lack any features whatsoever. After all, it comes with 3 incline settings and it can reach maximum speeds of 10 miles per hour. This treadmill is really capable of doing it all.

Sale
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
  • Large 16" X 50" Walking/Running Surface Accommodates Users Of Many Sizes And Stride Lengths
  • Intuitive 5" Lcd Display Is Easy To Read And Keeps You Updated On Speed, Incline, Time, Distance, Calories And Pulse

Last update on 2023-03-27 at 04:58  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

LCD Display

This treadmill is equipped with a 5-inch LCD display. It is very easy to read and it’ll allow you to keep track of various stats. For instance, it can tell you the speed, incline, time, calories, pulse, and distance. If you want to keep track of your progress along the way, you’ll definitely want to consider investing in this treadmill!

Overall Assessment

The only con associated with the XTERRA Fitness TR150 is the small running deck. Other than that, it is a good investment. For the price, you really cannot complain in the least.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • 3 manual incline settings
  • LCD display tracks your stats
  • Speeds up to 10 miles per hours
  • Equipped with 12 preset programs

Cons

  • Running surface is a little small

Summary

All in all, it is easy to find a good treadmill under 500. Just make sure that you find the one that is most suitable for you. Any of the five treadmills above would prove to be a good investment for most.

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