Treadmills are a great way to increase your step count. Sometimes they are the only way to increase your step count! Even before covid you may feel confined to your house because your neighborhood may not feel entirely safe – even if it’s only because of lack of sideways and greenspace to go running. It’s not just safety though, sometimes family responsibility is enough to confine you to your house; you can’t just leave your kids or your baby. Treadmills give you the safety and convenience to get your workout done without the time and money of things like a gym membership or traveling to a green space area. People will often tell you that “you get what you pay for” so it may seem unreasonable to think you can get a treadmill under $200 that will be decent. Well, you can. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to get the ‘feel good’ body chemicals that you get after exercise for under $200. We’re here to help you choose a treadmill to help your reach your activity goals by comparing treadmills that meet your financial and convenience needs.
What is the Best Treadmill Under 200?
To find the Best Treadmill Under 200 for you we have used several of treadmills for less than $200 and selected the absolute top 6 treadmills under $200.
This is based on our first-hand experiences, years of practice as well as individual research on what others have to say, so that we can give you a more well-rounded review.
Feel free to scroll to the end of this article for a short buying guide and some frequently asked questions.
1. Under Desk Foldable Treadmill
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 55.5 pounds (25.17 kg) Size: 47 x 22 x 43 inches (119.4 x 55.9 x 109.2 cm) Speed: 4 mph miles per hour Max Horsepower: 1 hp Max weight: 240 lbs Display type: LED |
The under-desk walking treadmill from Decsix is a light-duty exercise machine for home and office use. It has a small 1HP motor that provides a speed range of 0.5 – 4 miles per hour, making it suitable for walking and light jogging workouts. While it is small with a foldable design, its alloy steel construction can withstand up to 300 pounds weight capacity. The LED display console is remotely controlled and provides you with workout metrics that include time, distance, speed, and calories. It also offers up to 12 exercise programs, which is a plus for a treadmill at this price point. On the downside, the walking surface is narrow and may be uncomfortable for some users to walk on safely.
Pros
- Has a low speed range for exercising while working on your desk,
- Sturdy and stable for heavyweight users,
- Simple design with an affordable price,
- Compact size and lightweight construction for easy storage
Cons
- Walking belt is small for tall users,
- The low-capacity motor may not sustain long exercise sessions without stalling
2. Folding Electric Treadmill Running Machine for Home
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 81.11 pounds (36.79 kg) Size: 54.2 x 20 x 42 inches (137.7 x 50.8 x 106.7 cm) Speed: 7.5 mph miles per hour Max Horsepower: 1.5 hp Max weight: 240 lbs lbs Display type: LED Heart rate monitor: Yes |
This treadmill offers good value for money with one of the highest maximum speed capacities in its category. It also comes with extra features such as dual cup holders, a media rack, USB, and Aux-In ports for your media equipment that you don’t get with treadmills at this price range.
While it doesn’t fold flat to stow away under furniture, the deck folds up to reduce its footprint for storage.
However, it also comes with a relatively small motor that delivers 1.5HP, limiting the duration of continuous performance. Also, the running deck is small for some users to exercise comfortably. On the plus side, we like that the treadmill has a sturdy handrail with pulse monitors and its control panel with integrated speakers. It also offers 15 preset workout programs to build stamina and improve performance in your workout.
Pros
- Good value for money as it comes with extra features,
- The motor delivers quiet operation yet powerful,
- Small footprint for tight spaces and deck folds up for easy storage,
- The high top speed gives you a more intense workout,
- Offers preset workout programs
Cons
- The control panel displays data in metric units,
- The treadmill may feel unstable when running on it
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Foldable Manual Walking Treadmill
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 46.7 pounds (21.18 kg) Size: 50 x 49 x 23 inches (127 x 124.5 x 58.4 cm) Max Incline: 13.5 ° Max weight: 220 lbs Display type: Digital Monitor |
Walking is an excellent way to start your fitness journey, and if you are looking for a no-fuss, affordable, and effective method of walking at home, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M model is a great choice. It is a manual treadmill that helps you lose weight, improve your health, and fitness by using weighted flywheels to provide momentum according to your pace. The treadmill features a compact 42″L x 13″W walking deck that makes the unit suitable for tight spaces and also features a folding design for easy storage. While it doesn’t have automatic speed adjustments, the treadmill features a fixed 13.5% incline that makes the walking exercises more intense and a non-slip belt for traction. Plus, you can track your speed, distance, and other metrics with the battery-powered LCD monitor, but the treadmill does not include any heart rate monitoring.
While this is a considerably cheap option attractive to people with a low budget, some of its drawbacks include poor build quality that may not withstand prolonged use and a cramped walking belt for comfortable use. Some users also noted that they needed to support themselves on the handlebars for momentum and stability due to the steep incline.
Pros
- The non-motorized operation makes it flexible to install anywhere,
- Compact and lightweight construction makes it easy to assemble,
- Affordable price that is attractive for entry-level buyers,
- Fixed incline provides more intensity to burn more calories
Cons
- The compact walking belt may constrict some users,
- May not provide a full-body workout,
- The fixed incline may be too steep for some users
4. Folding Treadmill for Home Office
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 57.3 pounds (25.99 kg) Size: 52 x 24.6 x 48.8 inches (132.1 x 62.5 x 124 cm) Speed: 12 miles per hour Max Horsepower: 2.5 hp Max Incline: 3 Levels ° Max weight: 242 lbs lbs Display type: LCD Heart rate monitor: Yes |
The Chengjin Folding Treadmill is one of the best budget models in the market that offers value features, such as Bluetooth and preset exercise programs. It is a light-intensity exercise machine with a 2.5HP quiet operation motor with a high-temperature resistance to provide long sessions without overheating. The treadmill also features a multi-layered belt with an anti-slip surface and shock absorbing technology to protect your knees and ankles. The treadmill comes with a molded console tray that features two water bottle holders and handrails with pulse sensors. The console has a 5-inch LCD screen that displays five exercise metrics and offers 12 preset exercise programs for interval training. Additionally, you get Bluetooth-enabled speakers and a phone holder to keep you entertained as you work out, and three manually adjusted incline levels. On the other hand, the running surface is notably short and narrow, making it uncomfortable for some users. It also has a low top speed of 6-mph to achieve running speed.
Pros
- Offers 12 preset programs and 3-level incline to boost exercise intensity,
- Folding design with compact footprint saves space in storage,
- Affordable and good value for money,
- Multi-layered running belt with shock absorption to prevent fatigue
Cons
- Speakers have poor quality sound,
- Has low speed for advanced users
5. Folding Smart Electric Treadmill w/Remote Control & LCD Monitor
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 55.5 pounds (25.17 kg) Size: 51.5 x 23.5 x 6 inches (130.8 x 59.7 x 15.2 cm) Speed: 4 mph miles per hour Max Horsepower: 1 hp Max weight: 220 lbs Display type: LCD |
This model is a budget-priced treadmill with walking and light jogging speeds for people with low activity levels. It features sturdy construction with a comfortable walking surface and a quiet motor that operates without stalling. The treadmill features a touch LCD screen that displays four exercise metrics and is also remote-control operated for convenience. However, this machine also has drawbacks, such as having a short power cord. Also, you will have to disassemble the handrail to fold it.
Pros
- Easy to use and quiet for use while working,
- Compact and foldable for storage in tight spaces,
- It has a large display panel with a touch screen,
- Inexpensive and comes assembled out of the box
Cons
- It has a short power cord and has to be set up near a socket,
- Folding and unfolding the handrail is not convenient
6. CAROMA Folding 2.5HP Electric Treadmill with Bluetooth Speaker for Home Office
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 51 x 24 x 51 inches (129.5 x 61 x 129.5 cm) Speed: 5 mph miles per hour Max Horsepower: 2.5 hp Max weight: 220 lbs lbs Display type: LCD |
This foldable treadmill from the Caroma brand features built-in Bluetooth speakers to enhance your workout experience. It is a lightweight treadmill with a quiet motor suitable for low-intensity home cardio exercises to help you keep fit. It is also a good choice for seniors and people with limited mobility who need to improve their health due to its low-profile design. The Caroma treadmill comes with an adjustable handrail gives the treadmill a low profile in folded position. It also allows connection to the iFitShow app to help you keep track of your fitness goals and features 12 preset programs to improve performance.
Pros
- Compact treadmill with a small footprint for tight spaces,
- Variable preset workout options,
- Bluetooth connects to media devices,
- Integrates exercise data with fitness app
Cons
- Not robust, and the motor may stall occassionally,
- Poor after-sales services from the manufacturer
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 6 Best Treadmill Under 200, our absolute top pick is Under Desk Foldable Treadmill.
If you have the money, you can go for Folding Electric Treadmill Running Machine for Home which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Foldable Manual Walking Treadmill.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying treadmills under $200
Treadmill price
The cost of treadmills is highly variable. Prices range depending on the quality of the treadmill and the type of treadmill (traditional, folding treadmill, desk treadmill etc.). There are budget options in every category, and as expected, you pay for what you get. A cheap treadmill will not have the bells and whistles of the higher end treadmills but may be suitable for you. The important thing when setting your budget is to realistically consider how often you will use the treadmill, what kind of exercise you will use it for (desk walking, incline running etc.), and the amount of space that you have to accomodate it. As a guide, you can expect to pay between $600 to $2500 for a treadmill, although top quality treadmills can cost up to $4000.
Assembly
Assembling the treadmill on your own is one of the key thing components to consider. Some treadmill retailers will offer assembly included within the purchase price or at an additional fee. If you don’t feel confident to assemble it yourself, we recommend you include the cost of assembly in your initial budget. This will help avoid incorrect assembly which may damage your treadmill in the long run. If you choose to assemble the treadmill yourself, it should be relatively intuitive. First, refer to the instruction manual and make sure the instructions are clear and you have the correct tools. Take inventory of the parts and make sure nothing is missing, then begin the assembly. The process will vary depending on your product choice, but the main tasks include cable routing, arm installation, and display unit assembly. We recommend you purchase a treadmill with assembly instructions that include pictures and are easy to understand.
Storage
Before purchase, it’s always a good idea to measure the space the treadmill will require in your home. Foldable treadmills are now becoming increasingly available. This feature allows you to fold the treadmill in half in other to free up space after your workout session. After usage, the treadmill may be stowed under a bed, behind a door, or in a closet, allowing for convenient storage. Some foldable treadmills come with power-assist technology which makes the procedure simpler, regardless of your physical strength.
Walking/running speed
An average person’s walking pace ranges from 1 to 4 mph, jogging from 4 to 6mph, and running beyond 6mph. Depending on the model, treadmills have varied speed ranges. The speed may be adjusted to suit your desired level of workout intensity or training. The maximum speed on most treadmills designed for home use is 10 to 12mph. The commercial models used in gyms have a greater top speed of 12 to 14mph. When compared to their nonfolding counterparts, folding treadmills while being more portable, have a lower peak speed.
Questions and Answers About treadmills under $200
Is running on incline treadmill bad for knees?
Running on a treadmill without taking proper precautions could cause some injuries on your knees. For example, running on a treadmill at a 0% incline can cause minor wear to your knee and patella tendon over time. By setting it to a moderate slope at 3%, it can assist alleviate these issues. A 3% incline reduces the force impact on the legs and knees by 24%, but getting it steeper at a more than a 3% incline (utilize for runners straining for uphill terrain) should be use in caution as it can also put your knee joint under stress. Always remember to do proper stretching before and after running.
Can I run on small treadmill?
One may consider a small treadmill machine when you have issues with space in keeping it. Running on a small treadmill can be extremely effective, however, you need to put your height and body width into consideration when picking the right one for you. Small treadmills appear to be more narrow which are often less comfortable to use, limiting your stride, and making it less comfortable for running. As a general rule, a minimum of 50 inches belt is recommended for walkers, 55 inches belt size for runners, and 60 inches belts for runners above 6 feet tall.
How do I protect my floor under my treadmill?
Due to the general ultra-heavyweight of a treadmill, the materials is made of, as well as the human weight on it when using it, it may cause damage to your home flooring.
Most manufacturers will recommend using a thicker and harder treadmill mat made of quality rubber below the machine to prevent floor cracking, dents, and chipping caused by the machine’s overall weight as well as the weight of the users during use.
What are some possible drawbacks of very cheap treadmills?
Cheap treadmills are likely to feature low-quality components, such as motors, wiring systems, system boards, and the machine belt, which could wear out quickly if used to its full potential. Aside from the added costs of replacing a treadmill, cheap treadmills with speeds less than roughly 10 miles per hour and little or no inclination function do not work to their full potential. These less expensive ones are frequently found to be unreliable in keeping track of time, distance, and burnt calories, which are the primary purposes of using a treadmill machine.
