The 7 Best Treadmills Under $500 Reviews (2022)

What are the Best Treadmills Under $500? During the quarantine, most of the treadmills have sold out. They are no longer in stock. But from the market, some treadmills are offered for less than 500 dollars that can even help us lose weight from within the home.

The most expensive treadmills have a number of functions that you have to be a computer engineer to understand. However, for a reasonable price, you can buy a tape with several functions that no device of more than 2,000 dollars can overshadow.

When buying a treadmill for your living room, home gym, or office, having a budget of up to $500 can result in a surprisingly good machine.

Our Top Pick

Horizon Fitness T101

• Motor: 2.5CHP
• Speed: 0 to 10mph
• Incline: 0 to 10% (Motorized)
• Belt: 20” x 55”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning, Bluetooth speakers, rapid-charge USB port, LED screens, quick controls, pulse-grip heart rate monitors, preset workout programs, cooling fan, media shelf, transportation wheels

While we are still a considerable step away from the higher-end market, spending this amount means you will see improved designs, stronger motors, more functional top speeds, and a handful of advanced features that budget treadmill users have to make do without.

With that in mind, what should you look out for? In today’s article, we are highlighting a selection of the best home treadmills for weight loss in this price range, to give you a clearer idea of what to expect, what’s popular, and what you should avoid.

Top 7 Best Treadmills Under $500

• Motor: 2.5 CHP
• Speed: 0 to 10mph
• Incline: 0 to 10% (Motorized)
• Belt: 20” x 55”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning, Bluetooth speakers, rapid-charge USB port, LED screens, quick controls, pulse-grip heart rate monitors, preset workout programs, cooling fan, media shelf, transportation wheels

While the T101 from Horizon Fitness actually sits just above our $500 budget, we feel that – if you can stretch your budget that bit further – you will be rewarded with some excellent comfort and performance features.

On the comfort side of things, the track features a 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning with a 20” x 55” belt that will cater to most runners and walkers pretty well.

To manage your media, the top of the stand has a built-in tablet holder, Bluetooth speakers, and a USB charging port. Additionally, there is an integrated fan to keep you cool.

As for performance, the T101 is powered by a 2.5 CHP motor for a pretty smooth ride with max speeds of up to 10mph and a 10% motorized incline. There’s more on this excellent treadmill in the full T101 review!

• Motor: 2.2 HP
• Speed: 0.5 to 9mph
• Incline: Three positions (Manual)
• Belt: 49” x 15.5”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Shock-absorption deck, Soft Drop system, quick-speed buttons, 9 preset programs, LCD display screen, pause function, heart rate monitor, water bottle storage, safety key, transportation wheels, 220lb weight capacity

This well-liked model from Sunny Health & Fitness is a treadmill that comes in at the more affordable end of this sub-$500 price range, and it has a lot going for it.

First, the fundamentals – this folding treadmill features a decent 49” x 15.5” running belt, which isn’t as large as our top picks but will still work for most joggers. Also, joggers and light runners are taken care of by a strong 2.2 HP motor that can go up to 9 mph.

The central console features a bright LCD screen offering workout feedback, nine built-in programs, and a handy pause function (pausing the treadmill, but not losing your workout data).

When you add in a heart rate monitor, a safety key, and quick-speed buttons, this treadmill is a wonderful deal.

• Motor: 1.5 HP
• Speed: 0.5 to 7mph
• Incline: Three positions (Manual
• Belt: 43.3” x 15.7”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Anti-slip ‘lawn-textured’ belt, Quick controls, LCD screen, built-in speakers, heart rate monitor, media shelf, safety key, transportation wheels, 240lb weight capacity.

This folding treadmill from Merax comes nowhere near the $500 price cap for this range, but still shows off good features that make it a sensible consideration. The user-friendly central console is one area where this is apparent, with a simple LED screen and built-in aux speaker system offering amplification of your tunes while you work out.

Because of the tiny belt (43.3″ x 15.7″) and a top speed of 7mph, the treadmill is better suited to lighter runners and those with shorter strides. Nonetheless, it appears to be well-made, and the belt has a comfortable anti-slip quality. It’s nothing too fancy, but for the price, it’s a very good buy.

• Motor: 2.25 HP
• Speed: 0 to 10mph
• Incline: Three positions (Manual)
• Belt: 16” x 50”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: 5” LCD display, heart rate monitor, quick speed keys, XTRASoft cushioning, 12 preset workout programs.

The TR150 from XTERRA Fitness is another of our top recommendations in this category — a popular foldable running machine that accomplishes the basics well.

The 2.25 HP motor is amazing, providing smooth and quiet running while yet delivering plenty of power and runner-friendly speeds of up to 10 mph. Most users will enjoy walking, jogging, and light running thanks to features like a 16″ x 50″ XTRASoft belt and three customizable incline levels.

While the 5” LCD display is relatively small and not backlit, the control panel is simple and functional, with 12 preset workout programs available to choose from.

There’s also a heart rate monitor built into the handles. Ultimately, XTERRA sells the TR150 at a good price, making it one of the best value options in this range.

• Motor: 1.95 HP
• Speed: 0 to 8.5mph
• Incline: Fixed
• Belt: 16” x 45”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Shock-absorption deck, one-button folding system, multi-layer diamond-texture belt, touchscreen LED monitor, media shelf, safety key, transportation wheels, 260lbs weight capacity

This folding treadmill from Fisup is a relatively new addition to the market from a relatively new company, although it has already made its mark thanks to several selling points.

Namely, the design. It folds from the top down with the press of a button, allowing you to store it upright wherever you like. Plus, as affordable treadmills go, this is pretty aesthetically pleasing, with a stealthy black design and gold highlights – a little ‘space age’, but we like it!

Design aside and it ticks enough boxes in this price range, although with a top speed of just 10km/h (just over 6mph) it’s more suited to walking and light jogging than running. The belt offers average dimensions of roughly 16” x 45”, which will be enough for these activities.

• Motor: 2.25 HP
• Speed: 0 to 8.5mph
• Incline: Three positions (Manual)
• Belt: 17” x 43”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Anti-shock system, heart rate monitor, backlit LCD screen, range of preset workout programs, quick speed buttons, cup holders.

The 801 from MaxKare is another solid choice if you’re looking for a treadmill in the midrange market, with appealing features complementing the attractive price tag.

In terms of core performance, you are looking at a running machine with a relatively quiet motor offering speeds of up to 8.5mph – not the fastest on this list, but not the slowest either. The multi-layer belt, however, is one of the widest in this range with 17” catering nicely for wider users.

The folding system is easy to use, while it also comes with a manual three-angle incline option, a heart rate monitor, and controls built into the handles. The main control panel is simple yet functional with a nicely-sized backlit LCD screen displaying all your stats, including speed, time and calories burned.

• Motor: 2.2 HP
• Speed: 0 to 9mph
• Incline: 0 to 10% (Motorized)
• Belt: 15.5” x 47”
• Folding: Yes
• Features: Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers, backlit display screen, preset workout programs, quick speed buttons, and cup holders.

Even though you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, it’s difficult not to admire the design of the T012 from Efitment because it’s so streamlined and attractive to the eye.

Yet, it’s not just a pretty face as it boasts both a decent core performance and some great secondary features.

There’s a 2.2 HP pulse motor pushing a 15.5” x 47” belt, with a top speed of 9mph. The headline act is that it comes with 15 levels of motorized incline, which isn’t that common in the sub-$500 price range.

One of the major advantages is that it has built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to listen to music or view movies while running. In practice, this isn’t an incredible sound system, yet does the job.

Buying Guide for Under $500 Treadmill

Investing more money in a treadmill can only bring you better results. Sure, you can find some great-value running machines that function reasonably well in the budget treadmill under 300$. However, treadmills found in this $500 range always deliver three basic things that entry-level models struggle to offer.

Specifically, we are talking about stronger motors, adequate belt space, and incline options. Of course, this is still affordable territory – so the more advanced features seen on treadmills under $1,000 are still out of reach – yet the features you will find are a step up in comfort and convenience when compared to lower-priced models.

In this section of the book, we’ll go through the features that are common in this category and what to look for.

Design

The overall design of a treadmill under $500 is still pretty basic – you are a far cry from the swish high-end running machines you’ll find in commercial gyms. Yet, you can still expect something that looks pretty decent in a modern living room or office.

Most of the treadmills in this range are foldable, so you can stow them away pretty easily. This is essential if you are using the treadmill in an area that isn’t a dedicated home gym (such as a living room) or a small space, like a studio apartment.

Some designs will also offer hydraulic assistance, so folding and unfolding the track is a smoother process.

Core Components

Unlike some of the lower-end affordable models, treadmills in this $500 range tend to be motorized and make use of motors with decent power – around 2 HP (horsepower) or above. The average speed tends to be around 7 to 8mph, although some models boast top speeds of 10mph.

Considering the average male jogs at around 8mph, the treadmills here are adequate for walkers, speed walkers, and joggers. Faster runners and sprinters may want to look towards higher-end categories to deliver the power they need.

Incline Selection

This is a section where we do see big improvements over entry-level treadmills. Budget models don’t usually feature any control over incline at all – what you see is what you get. However, as you push up to $500, the incline is pretty standard.

However, many models will still offer just manual incline. This means you’ll have to be off the machine to change the setting, with usually just two or three gradients to choose from.

Luckily, some models do come with motorized incline controls, offering up to 10% of incline at the touch of a button. This means you can change the gradient from your control panel during your workout.

Each manufacturer and model differ, so be sure you know whether the incline is manual or motorized before splashing out.

Belt Size

Another crucial consideration is the size of the running belt. Remember, these are not gym-grade treadmills, so you won’t be able to enjoy huge areas on which to run. Manufacturers in the affordable-midrange market want to keep costs as low as possible, so belts are narrower and shorter than you may be used to.

The good news is that the size of belts on treadmills under $500 is bigger than those on entry-level treadmills. While each differs, the average size tends to be around 15.5” wide and 47” long. This is relatively comfortable unless you are around 6ft or taller, or wider than the average adult.

You’ll find it’s not much of a problem when walking, but as the speed increases and your stride becomes longer, you may run out of room – literally. It’s something to consider, but, if you are taller, investing more money in a machine will give you a better experience.

Control Module

Just glancing at the treadmills above proves that control modules tend to vary wildly from model to model. Some may be quite simplified and compact, while others have more buttons than a NASA control room, spread across the main panel and the handles.

The LCD display monitors can also vary greatly – some are big, detailed, and backlit, with others are small and need external lighting to be seen. How much importance you put on this is down to you, but providing the screen is capable of displaying speed, distance, time, and other crucial parameters simultaneously, it will have done its job.

Keep an eye out for built-in preset programs – most treadmills have them. These may not be as advanced as those you’d find on higher-end treadmills, yet you should still find a variety of programs tailored towards both athletic performance and fat loss.

Secondary Features

As with many other aspects, the secondary features on a treadmill in this category are still quite basic but feel like a noticeable improvement over lower-priced machines. Whereas the entry-level range may boast just one advanced feature, treadmills costing up to $500 offer more of them as standard.

As with the most basic treadmills, you should find a safety tether to attach to yourself. This important feature may not be the most glamorous thing on the treadmill but will ensure the machine automatically stops if you faint, fall or collapse.

Onto the cooler things! This price range will give you features such as Bluetooth support, integrated speakers, and handle-mounted heart rate monitors. As attractive as these features are, they aren’t likely to be the most reliable in this range.

For example, the speakers will work, but they won’t sound incredible. Heart rate monitors will give you a good indication of your work level, but they won’t be as accurate as a wrist or chest strap monitor.

The smart thing to do is to buy a treadmill that delivers a strong core performance than see any secondary features as a bonus.

Conclusion

Whether you are walking, jogging, or running, there is a treadmill for everybody in this sub-$500 range. While spending five hundred dollars may not be a big deal for some, it’s also not an amount you want to throw away on a treadmill that doesn’t fit your needs.

Our top seven chart highlights some of the most popular running machines on the market at the moment, although don’t stop there – there are many other models that may be worth your time!

Digest the information in our buyer’s guide, then head off to make a sensible decision!