The 7 Best Treadmills Under $1500

Best Treadmills Under $1500: The best way to up your cardio game is with higher-end treadmills. While a high-end treadmill might easily cost more than $10,000, the majority of home users will find what they require – and more – in a $1,500 treadmill.

Whether you are an experienced runner, fitness enthusiast or building the home gym of your dreams, a treadmill in this range may be just what you are looking for.

Our Top Pick

Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT

• Motor: 3.5 CHP
• Speed: 0 to 12mph
• Incline: 0 to 15% (Motorized)
• Belt: 22” x 60”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning, 8.25” LCD monitor, Bluetooth connectivity, rapid-charge USB port, quick controls, media shelf, pulse-grip heart rate monitors, preset workout programs, cooling fan, 325lb max capacity

Today we are focusing on some of the best treadmills under $1,500 on the market, highlighting our seven favorite models, along with mini reviews, pros and cons for each.

After this, we’ll be discussing what to look for on a treadmill in this category, as well as diving into some of the most frequently asked questions.

Top 7 Best Treadmills Under $1500

• Motor: 3.5 CHP
• Speed: 0 to 12mph
• Incline: 0 to 15% (Motorized)
• Belt: 22” x 60”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning, 8.25” LCD monitor, Bluetooth connectivity, rapid-charge USB port, quick controls, media shelf, pulse-grip heart rate monitors, preset workout programs, cooling fan, 325lb max capacity

The 7.4 sits in Horizon Fitness’s midrange Studio Series, combining a powerful motor and high level of performance along with those added extras that make home treadmill workouts a pleasure.

The 3.5 CHP RapidSync motor makes light work of powering the Treadmill to top speeds of up to 12mph and incline up to 15%, with a very quick response to the controls.

The 22” x 60” belt gives you plenty of space to run, while 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning boosts the comfort. As a result, this product ranks first on our list of the Best Treadmills Under $1500.

On the central console, you’ll find an 8.25” LCD monitor, which is home to all your workout feedback and a huge range of workout programs, from 5Ks to hill climbs and beyond. Built-in speakers, a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity complete the lineup of an impressive sub-$1,500 running machine.

• Motor: 1.25 HP
• Speed: 0 to 8mph
• Incline: 12 levels (Motorized)
• Belt: 19” x 51”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Textured deck rails, preset workout programs, multiple LED screens, hand pulse heart rate monitors, built-in speakers, USB charger, media shelf, safety key, transportation wheels, 220lb weight capacity

If it’s a space-saving treadmill you are looking for, then the Asuna 7750 SpaceFlex from Sunny Health & Fitness will tick a lot of boxes. This one offers the quality you would expect from this price range but with an emphasis on size.

The Treadmill folds flat or upright to a tiny floor space of 13” x 29” and wheels away for ease of storage. This obviously means the running belt is compact (19” x 51”), but it is comfortable enough to jog on while reaching a top speed of 8mph.

The streamlined console offers multiple LED display screens as well as controls, speakers and a media shelf. Due to the compact dimensions, it may not appeal to everybody, but for those who want to save space, the 7750 works a treat.

• Motor: None
• Speed: Unlimited
• Incline: Four positions (Manual)
• Belt: 19” x 49”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Dual flywheels, shock absorption deck, 8 levels of adjustable resistance, soft-drop system, transportation wheels, tablet holder

Next is a treadmill with a bit of a difference – it’s entirely manual. However, unlike the more basic manual treadmills that flood the budget market, the 7700’s reassuringly higher price delivers higher performance. The result? A more useful machine for experienced runners.

The 7700 features a robust build that can support runners up to 400lbs. The running belt is a tad short at 49”, but at 19”, it feels wide enough. You can also adjust the resistance manually, with four levels of manual incline too.

Like the Asuna 7750, this Treadmill is good for smaller homes, as it folds up to a smaller size and can be wheeled away easily. Of course, with no power, there are no screens, speakers or extras, but the tablet holder allows you to use your own device with ease.

• Motor: 3.00 CHP
• Speed: 0 to 12mph
• Incline: 0 to 15% (Motorized)
• Belt: 20” x 60”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Softrak cushioning system, SoftDrop folding system, dual backlit LCD screens, 26 built-in workout programs, cooling fan, USB charging port, Bluetooth compatibility, media shelf, transportation wheels, 300lb weight capacity

Our new pick is the Schwinn 870, which boasts a ‘smarter, smoother and more enjoyable running experience, with a high-end feel at a price that isn’t actually too high-end.

The 870 is very smooth in action thanks to a 3.0 CHP motor and Softrak impact absorption, while there is ample challenge no matter your ability or goals – the 12mph top speed and 15% max incline sort that out!

One of the main draws to this Treadmill is the secondary features. These include things like dual backlit LCD screens with workout feedback and 26 built-in workout programs, along with a USB charging port and a cooling fan. The ability to hook up to the popular Explore The World app is the icing on this delicious cake!

• Motor: 3.5 CHP
• Speed: 0 to 12mph
• Incline: 0 to 15% (Motorized)
• Belt: 20” x 60”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Dual backlit LCD screens, Rebound deck cushioning, Bluetooth connectivity (for RunSocial App), 26 workout programs, integrated handrail controls, plenty of storage space

While it may be one of the lower-priced models in this sub-$1,500 range, the T618 is a full-sized, high-powered treadmill with most of the goodies you would want.

The core performance of this popular running machine is powered by a robust 3.5 CHP motor, with a comfortable belt featuring dimensions of 20” x 60”. This translates to a top speed of 12mph which can be reached very quietly, while the 15% incline is another essential feature. Both speed and incline can be controlled via integrated handle controls as well as on the main console.

In addition to plenty of storage, this console features everything you’d need, including two blue backlit screens, Bluetooth connectivity and 26 workout programs, as well as syncing capabilities with multiple apps.

• Motor: 3.5 CHP
• Speed: 0 to 12mph
• Incline: 0 to 12% (Motorized)
• Belt: 20” x 60”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: FlexSelect cushioning, 10” Smart HD Touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, very good built-in speakers, heart rate monitors, iFit compatible

The T 8.5 S from NordicTrack is a very appealing treadmill in this price range, combining all the features a modern home treadmill user would want.

Powering this attractive running machine is a self-cooling 3.5 CHP motor, with a quiet operation, a max speed of 12mph and a max incline of 12%. The commercial tread belt is standard for this range with generous 20” x 60” dimensions and low-impact cushioning for a comfortable workout.

What makes all of this even more impressive is that is completely foldable, so using it in smaller spaces is made more convenient. Meanwhile, the minimalist central console is just excellent, with a 10” Smart HD Touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, very good built-in speakers, and an impressive fan.

• Motor: 2.75 CHP
• Speed: 0 to 12mph
• Incline: 0 to 15% (Motorized)
• Belt: 20” x 56”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Full-color 7” touchscreen, 17 preset workout programs, Bluetooth connectivity, 38 preset workout programs, Intelli-Step, Intelli-Guard, three-speed cooling fan

It’s no surprise that the majority of models in this range are aimed toward home gyms and bigger spaces. However, the newly-updated TR3000i from LifeSpan is a space-saving treadmill that combines the higher-end features that the price tag demands with compact dimensions and an easy-folding design.

This Treadmill still offers good belt width of 20”, even if the length is a little shorter (56”), and is all powered by an excellent 2.75 CHP motor. This very quiet, smooth-running motor offers speeds of up to 12mph, with 15 levels of motorized incline.

The secondary features also impress, with a packed console featuring a full-color 7” touchscreen, a three-speed cooling fan, 17 preset workout programs, and Bluetooth connectivity. The step-counting Intelli-Step and safety-enhancing Intelli-Guard features add even more value.

Buying Guide for Under $1500 Treadmill

So, you’re looking to buy the Best Treadmills Under $1500? Good choice. Your improved budget is likely to land you with a very good machine that should help you reach your fitness goals. Performance, features and reliability all improve in this range – so let’s take a closer look at each aspect.

Here’s what to consider when shopping for a $1,500 treadmill:

Design

Treadmills in this range are quite distinctive when compared to those treadmills costing less than $1,000 – the reason being that they look more like the commercial treadmills you’d find at a gym than home machines.

Everything feels sturdier and more reliable, while the aesthetics also improve – they tend to look pretty stylish as opposed to cheap.

Many of the models in this range do still fold up, even if it doesn’t initially seem that way. More often than not, the treadmills that do fold will feature a hydraulics system for an easier experience when lifting and lowering the deck. In truth, this feature doesn’t differ too much from the systems on offer in lower or higher price ranges.

Core Components

This is one of the prime reasons to purchase in this price range. While many features remain similar regardless of the price you spend, as you move into the sub-$1,500 range, you’ll see more powerful motors with quieter operation, leading to a smoother, more reliable performance while using the Home Treadmill.

One quick look at the models we have chosen for this list reveals that there are barely any treadmills with motors around 2.5 CHP or lower – these are usually found in lower-end categories. Most of the models in this range are somewhere between 3.0 CHP and 4.0 CHP, which guarantees a good performance.

Incline Selection

The incline selection is something that also improves in this range. Whether you want to add a little gradient to mimic the wind resistance of outdoor running or a considerable hill to test the mettle of your leg muscles, having the option to set up to 15% incline from your main console is ideal.

In this range, between 12% and 15% incline is standard, which is more of a gradient than most day-to-day users will need. Interestingly, this price range is where we first start to see decline gradients of up to -3%, to mimic a slight downhill gradient. This wide gradient swing is not available on mid-ranged treadmills under $500.

Belt Size

As you may be aware, the size of the belt – the part of the deck that actually moves – is what can make or break your experience. Too short or too narrow, and you’ll find using your full stride while running is not feasible – or, at least, not comfortable.

In lower-end treadmills under $300, you can find belt widths as narrow as 15” with lengths of under 40”. This is fine for walking or jogging for shorter people, but if you are an average-sized adult and want to jog freely, it can be too cramped.

In the $1,500 range, belt dimensions of 20” x 60” are standard, which is great for all sizes of users, whether walking, jogging or running. In fact, even commercial treadmills costing over $10,000 only offer dimensions of around 22” x 60”, so you’re not far off that with a treadmill in this range.

Control Module

It’s hard to fault the control modules on treadmills in this price category. The layouts, button styles and complexity differ greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Some will be relatively simple, while others are very comprehensive. However, they all offer similar features, such as speed and incline controls and buttons to initiate preset workout programs.

Unlike the LED and LCD screens in the lower end of the market, here, you will find full-color HD screens ranging from around 7” to 14” as the main focus of the console.

Some will be able to display workout videos – especially those with iFit connectivity – while others just display your workout stats, including time, distance, heart rate and calories burned.

Secondary Features

The treadmills in this range are often fitted with comfort and convenience-enhancing features that owners of lower-priced models could only dream about.

The kinds of features you’ll end up with will vary depending on the manufacturer, but most treadmills will offer speakers. Some are Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to listen to workout instructions and your favorite tunes while also making and taking calls.

However, some machines will offer Bluetooth only for syncing with certain workout apps. Be sure you are aware of this before buying – if you see ‘Bluetooth’ and ‘speakers,’ don’t assume that they will be ‘Bluetooth speakers.’ The speakers may only be useable via an auxiliary port (which isn’t too big a deal).

Elsewhere, you will find these treadmills are fitted with cooling fans offering varying speeds to keep you comfortable while you work out. These will be nearby the standard safety tether, which all good treadmills should offer – instantly stopping the machine if you collapse or fall for any reason.

You should also find heart rate monitors readily available, with most of them located on handlebars on the main console.

As with any machine-based heart rate monitor, these systems will give a good indication of what your heart rate is as you work out but are never as accurate as chest-strap monitors. Thankfully, with some treadmills, a chest-strap monitor is included as an extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Verdict!

With so much performance on offer, this was a tough category in which to choose a winner! However, we feel we have constructed a good top seven chart that reflects the best of the current market.

End up with any of the Best Treadmills Under $1500 we have highlighted and you’ll be making a great investment in your fitness – providing you actually use it!

If you are serious about running and your general health, the performance and individual extra features on offer in this range all come together to deliver a running machine that will undoubtedly help you reach your goals.