Treadmills help you integrate your workout life with your home life by bringing them into the same place. Here we help you find a treadmill that will help you exercise in a way that fits you. Maybe you have long work calls and want to do something productive with that time – let’s face it those work calls aren’t often productive! Well, you could simply turn phone call time into workout time. Just take the phone call on your treadmill! Treadmills should be able to provide you with high-effort workouts that are exciting enough to challenge you. It is important to exercise in a safe and controlled way, especially if you plan to do it regularly. We have brought together a list of multiple treadmills under $500 which we think are the best. We look at how these treadmills meet safety, functionality, and convenience expectations and how they fall short.
What is the Best Treadmill Under 500?
To find the Best Treadmill Under 500 for you we have used several of teadmills priced below 500 and selected the absolute top 6 teadmills under 500.
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. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 97 pounds (44 kg) Size: 63.4 x 51.4 x 28.8 inches (161 x 130.6 x 73 cm) Speed: 10 miles per hour Max Horsepower: 2.25 hp Max weight: 250 lbs Display type: 5″ LCD Display Heart rate monitor: Hand Grip Pulse Sensors |
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is a popular medium-range exercise machine that features a foldable design for convenient storage and excellent performance for keeping fit at home. The treadmill comes with a 2.25 HP motor that powers the treadmill with speeds of up to 10 MPH and has a quiet operation for comfort. While it is a smaller motor, unlike other models in its price range, it withstands extended workout sessions without overheating while keeping your energy consumption low. The TR150 allows a 250-pound maximum weight load and features a slightly longer running belt than the competition to accommodate a variety of users. However, the deck is also narrow at 16 inches, which may limit the intensity of your running exercises for stability. Additionally, while the running deck features an adjustable incline with three levels, you’ll have to make the adjustments manually. On the upside, the console comes with 12 built-in exercise programs and quick selection speed buttons for interval training. Plus, it features a 5-inch LCD to display six workout metrics, including the heart rate and extras such as integrated stereo speakers, dual water bottle holders, a media rack, and a safety key.
Pros
- Decent quality and sturdy construction for medium intensity workouts,
- Ten quick selection speed adjustments enable interval training,
- Treadmill offers 12 in-built programs to vary your exercise routine,
- User-friendly console with stereo speakers and media rack for entertainment,
- Easy to assemble out of the box with a clear instruction manual
Cons
- Incline levels are manually adjusted,
- No backlighting on the LCD screen panel,
- Produces inaccurate heart rate and calories burned metrics
2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 123.5 pounds (56.02 kg) Size: 64.5 x 50.5 x 28 inches (163.8 x 128.3 x 71.1 cm) Speed: 8 miles per hour Max Horsepower: 2.2 hp Max Incline: 12 ° Max weight: 240 lbs Display type: LED Backlit Display Heart rate monitor: Handlebar Pulse Sensors |
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 is a medium-impact treadmill with a couple of smart features to improve your daily workout experience. The treadmill has a compact footprint and a folding design for storage, plus a hydraulic Soft Drop System that seamlessly unfolds it for use. The SF-T7515 features a lightweight steel frame that offers good stability with adjustable stabilizers and quiet operation with a 2.2 HP motor. However, some users have observed that the machine may get loud at high speed, and while it has decent build quality, the parts have a short 90-day warranty. Additionally, the company has unreliable customer service should you need help assembling or replacing the parts. The SF-T7515 is a small treadmill with a 49.5″L x 16.5″W x 10″H running deck, which may not provide enough length for a full stride for tall users. The treadmill comes with a digital console with auto adjustments for speed and inclines while tracking time, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. Plus, it also provides 12 pre-set workout programs and three user profiles for customization. The SF-T7515 is Bluetooth enabled, which allows you to pair your smartphone with the console speakers to listen to your favorite music. You can also use the audio jack instead and adjust the volume, and select tracks on the console dashboard. I like that the treadmill has a BMI function where you input data that makes calculating the calories you’re burning while working out more accurate.
Pros
- An affordable option for daily fitness and cardio workouts,
- Compact footprint with a hydraulic folding design to fit tight spaces,
- Small motor with low power consumption and quiet operation,
- Integrated workout programs and user profiles help track your progress,
- BMI function provides more accurate tracking of workout metrics
Cons
- Poor after-sales services when you need parts replaced,
- The short running deck may not provide adequate running space for tall users,
- May have a short service life
3. ADVENOR Treadmill Motorized Treadmills
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 92.59 pounds (42 kg) Size: 56.9 x 50.1 x 25.2 inches (144.6 x 127.2 x 64 cm) Speed: 8.1 miles per hour Max Horsepower: 2.5 hp Max Incline: 4.5 ° Max weight: 220 lbs Display type: LED Monitor Heart rate monitor: Hand Pulse Sensors |
The Advenor 2.5HP Treadmill is a light-duty model for keeping fit at home. It features a powerful 2.5 HP motor with a smooth and quiet operation for long workout sessions and has better performance than other models in its price point. Additionally, this treadmill comes with a multi-layer textured running belt that provides excellent shock absorption to prevent fatigue and injury to your joints while also dampening activity noise for comfort. While the deck size is typical for treadmills in this range, tall people may find it too narrow and short to run on comfortably. The treadmill is notably easy to assemble alone despite its weight, plus the company offers excellent customer service when you get stuck or encounter product defects. I also like that it comes with 36 pre-programmed training modes to vary your workout to improve fitness levels, three user profiles for customization, and three count-down modes. However, this treadmill may not be the best choice for weight loss because it has a 220-pound weight limit that may be too low for some users. The Advenor comes with a user-friendly console with three independent LED windows that display all the five workout metrics simultaneously for convenience. Another attribute that users like are the dual top and bottom media racks for your phone and the built-in stereo speakers for entertainment. Plus, the handrails feature quick speed adjustment buttons for interval training and the heart rate monitor.
Pros
- High quality and durable construction at an affordable price,
- Silent and powerful motor provides smooth operation for training,
- Manual incline adjustment increases exercise intensity to improve fitness levels,
- The multi-layered running deck with impact protection to prevent joint injuries,
- Three LED monitors to display all your exercise data simultaneously,
- Folding deck design reduces storage footprint by up to 35%,
- Features 36 pre-set workout programs to vary your routine
Cons
- Running deck may be narrow and short for tall people,
- It has a low maximum weight limit for obese people,
- Some workout metrics may be inaccurate such as speed and heart rate
4. 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
5. Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, 2.25HP Superfit Under Desk Electric Treadmill
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 84 pounds (38.1 kg) Size: 49 x 42 x 27 inches (124.5 x 106.7 x 68.6 cm) Speed: 8 miles per hour Max Horsepower: 2.25 hp Max weight: 265 lbs Display type: 2″ LED Display |
Under-desk treadmills are a brilliant innovation that helps people who increasingly find themselves without time to include exercise in their daily activities. While there are various under-the-desk treadmills available, the Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is one of the best-selling models in the market, offering great value for money. It has a compact design for tight spaces and features a foldable main bar with a built-in media rack for your smartphone and attachable handrails for stability. The Goplus treadmill features a rigid steel construction that supports up to 265 pounds and weighs 84 pounds. It has a compact running deck suitable for walking and light jogging. Plus, it comes with a 5-layer running belt that provides impact resistance, traction, and noise dampening to give you a comfortable workout experience. I like that the treadmill is Bluetooth enabled, which allows you to synchronize workout data with third-party fitness apps and an integrated speaker for music and entertainment while exercising.
The treadmill also features a 2.25 HP motor that delivers up to 4 MPH walking speed and 8 MPH jogging speed. You can adjust the belt speed with an included remote control device, and the treadmill comes with a safety key to stop it in an emergency. The Goplus Foldable Treadmill is reasonably priced under $400 and requires no assembly out of the box. However, one of the drawbacks people noted is that the speed feels slower than what you would get with commercial treadmills, and the running deck is significantly narrow to jog comfortably.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable construction with a folding design,
- Powerful motor that handles prolonged use without overheating,
- Bluetooth enabled for synchronizing data with fitness apps,
- Built-in media rack and speakers to play music with your phone,
- Has a non-slip multi-layered running belt with impact absorption
Cons
- It doesn’t fold flat with the handrails are attached,
- Has a narrow width that may be uncomfortable for some users,
- Not ideal for weight loss or intense training
6. UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 59 pounds (26.76 kg) Size: 52.7 x 40.5 x 26.4 inches (133.9 x 102.9 x 67.1 cm) Speed: 7.6 miles per hour Max Horsepower: 2.5 hp Max weight: 265 lbs Display type: LED Display |
The UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill is a versatile model that works like a conventional treadmill for light jogging and a walking treadmill that you can use under a standing desk. While it does not feature handlebars and an elevated display console like you find on standard treadmills, it comes with a foldable, elevated media rack with control buttons for start, stop and speed adjustments. Plus, it allows for easy storage because you can slide it under your furniture or lean it against a wall inside your closet. The treadmill features a low 7.6 MPH top speed to help you maintain balance without handlebars while jogging or walking. It also comes with a remote control device for speed adjustments, considering that the display panel is on the running deck. The machine does not offer heart rate monitoring or extras such as Bluetooth, and the console only displays four metrics. The UREVO features a solid steel construction that supports a maximum weight of 265 pounds and comes with a 2.5 HP motor. Additionally, the treadmill is lightweight at 59 pounds for easy portability every time you need to use it. The running deck is notably compact-sized for performing low-impact workouts, while its 5-layer anti-slip running belt helps to dampen operation noise to 75db and reduce the impact on your joints.
Pros
- Versatile, low impact treadmill for walking and light jogging,
- Sleek and modern design with a self-lubricating running belt,
- The energy-efficient motor delivers smooth and powerful operation,
- The remote control enables convenient speed adjustments,
- Compact size allows easy transport and storage
Cons
- The treadmill is compatible with the TV remote controls,
- The motor overheats quickly and may have a short service life
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 6 Best Treadmill Under 500, our absolute top pick is XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black.
If you have the money, you can go for Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the ADVENOR Treadmill Motorized Treadmills.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying teadmills under 500
Treadmill Benefits
Some of the most significant from treadmills benefits include: efficient weight loss tool, high availability due to being weather independent, a great tool to build muscles and bone density, improvement of blood circulation in the body, great cardio workout due to easily adjustable workout insensitivity, ability to track your activity with build-in heart monitors and displays showing you your progress.
Fat Loss
Treadmills can be a great help in losing weight because of their high availability and adaptability. Exercising at your fat-burning heart rate promotes weight loss. This is the range where you burn the most calories per minute. Most modern treadmills have a built-in heart rate monitor and make this process easier for you.
Safety
In general, treadmills are considered very safe, and if the manufacturer’s instructions are followed, accidents are rare. Among the most dangerous home treadmill accidents is losing your footing and becoming trapped between the machine and a wall. If you fall, the still-spinning treadmill can cause severe skin burns. To prevent this, treadmill manufacturers have developed a clip-on safety key that shuts off the internal circuit to stop the treadmill. Typically, there’s also an emergency stop button you can press.
All Weather Workout
Weather independence is one of the most attractive benefits of a treadmill. If you are one of those people who find it difficult to get a workout in bad weather, an indoor treadmill is a great addition to your routine. Depending on where you are in the world, running on a train can be affected by weather conditions and become unsafe, such as muddy or icy – a treadmill eliminates this risk.
Convenience
Convenience is one of the main selling points of treadmills. Aspects making treadmills so convenient include: Weather and time independence, meaning you can exercise at any time and in any weather. You can also do other things on the treadmill, such as watch TV or read, to keep the workout interesting.
Programs
Programs are simply workouts that are pre-programmed on the treadmill. Any activity on the treadmill can technically be a workout but those that are programmed are often targeting specific aspects of fitness such as cardio or fat burning. Preprogrammed workouts are useful because it is disruptive to change the inclines or speed as you run. Also when you’re already tired, the last thing you desire to do is make it more difficult by increasing the speed or incline. However, a pre set program will increase the speed and incline for you. Programs also give you something to work towards such as the completion of a milestone. These programs can be fitness tests that both challenge your speed and endurance and give you an idea of how to fit you are. There are also popular workouts like 5k training or High-Intensity Interval Training. When buying treadmills, generally the more programs there are the better, but the main thing you should look out for is ‘user-defined or ‘custom’ workouts so you can set your workout. Usually, a treadmill might come with preset workouts. Having more preset workouts is good if you like variety and so that you can choose harder/easier workouts based on how you feel that day.
Storage and Portability
While treadmills aren’t known for being either portable or easy to store, some can be (just have a look at the list above). Consider a foldable treadmill for easy storage and portability. Most producers will list the dimensions of the folded machine so you can see if it will fit within your home gym storage.
Track Size
Standard treadmills measure between 55 and 65 inches in length for you to walk and run comfortably. If you have shorter legs you could be fine with a shorter track while tall people should try to get a treadmill with a longer running area.
When it comes to width, you should aim for a track that is around 22 inches wide.
Questions and Answers About teadmills under 500
Are treadmills really worth the cost?
Treadmills are only worth the cost if you use them enough to make it worth it. These exercise devices can be a hefty investment, which makes their value questionable for some people. However, if they last for years after frequent use then that is something worth considering.
Another thing that determines how much a treadmill is worth the cost is extra features like safety measures or convenience options, such as charging your phone while running on one. Investing slightly more into a treadmill with added safety features might be worth it in this case. Simple features like charging your phone to keep the music goiing is simple touches that could vastly improve the running experience.
Is treadmill good for weight loss?
Running is a good way to lose those extra pounds because it helps burn excess fat and exchange builds muscle and burns calories. This means that although you may not notice any difference in the short term, your clothes will fit better and you’ll feel more toned than before. Running also helps with mental health as well as physical fitness – regular exercise releases endorphins which can help improve moods.
Treadmills make running more convenient which in turn means that you are likely to run. Having a treadmill in front of the TV can mean that you can run whilst keeping up with your favourite netflix shows. Many people don’t like running because of how boring they perceive it to be and having to head outside to fight the cold or heat. Having a programme running may help make running more enjoyable and also gives people something to concentrate on other than the physical strain on the body. This means that people are more likely to run and for longer periods, meaning more gradual and consistent healthy weight loss.
Can treadmill reduce belly fat?
Running is a great exercise to lose weight. It burns fat and calories, which helps you become leaner as well as stronger. Running may also suppress appetite; many people find that eating less makes it easier to lose excess weight without feeling hungry or deprived. Treadmills help make running more convenient and enjoyable by providing a comfortable and conducive place you are familiar with where you can run when you want to the tunes that you want. Treadmills can only assist in making it easier to run they cannot assist in the weight loss itself. So if you’re buying a treadmill the best way to make sure that you lose weight is to use it frequently and weekly. Even if you just do a slow workout just to get the heart rate up a bit it’ll be enough to initiate some weight loss, assuming a good diet. So the best way to lose weight with a treadmill is simply to use it a lot.
What is a hybrid treadmill?
A hybrid treadmill is simply a treadmill that is designed to serve at least one other purpose.
A treadmill is one of the most popular cardio exercise machines which provides users with numerous benefits like improved cardiovascular health, toned muscles, and increased fat burn.
An elliptical is a cardio machine that has two foot-pedals and handles for users to hold onto while they work out on the device. A stepper is another popular workout equipment that simulates stair climbing without excessive strain on the joints. A manual treadmill is a piece of workout equipment that requires you to manually push the machine in order for it to move.
A hybrid treadmill is usually a treadmill that is also a stepper or elliptical, sometimes both. A hybrid treadmill may also refer to a treadmill that is both motorized and can run as a manual treadmill or a treadmill that could double up as a desk so you can walk as you work. In this way, it is important to make sure what kind of hybrid you are buying so you don’t end up with a treadmill that isn’t as you would expect.
Are treadmills bad for your knees?
Running can be bad for your knees if you do not practise proper warm up techniques. First, there’s the impact on them every time you land with each stride when you run outside or indoors on a treadmill. The shock of that repeated pounding can damage the cartilage in your knee joint which could lead to arthritis down the track if not managed correctly by getting medical advice about how often to run, and what can be done for extra support (more supportive shoes). A lot of the time, the terrain, speed, and incline will have a big effect on how much strain is put on your knees. Running down a steep hill is one of the worse things to do to your knees as the momentum of your body from both gravity and forwards force is considerable. In this way, a treadmill is considerably better for your knees than outdoor running. You can control your incline, plus most treadmills will not go up to an incline steep enough to cause considerable harm to your knee joints. You can also control the speed so you can control how hard you’re running. Running on concrete means that there is considerable impact on your knees because the ground does nothing to cushion your landing. A running belt is considerably less impactful than running on a road. Treadmills sometimes come with extra shock absorbance, so if you are concerned about your knees that might be a feature to look out for.
