The Best Treadmill Under $500 Reviewed (2023 Buyer’s Guide)

If you’re thinking of buying a treadmill or taking the time to train your body and get fit, this can be done with a treadmill.

However, there are many treadmills to choose from, and where do you start if price is an issue, or you’re on a budget ?

Don’t worry or get swept away with research and information.

That’s why I’m here, to help you check out the best treadmills under $500 for exercise.

Why Buy a Treadmill Under $500?

Is buying the best treadmill under 500 worth it?

A treadmill is perfect for those who may be pinched for time. Investing in exercise equipment and creating a workout area isn’t a bad thing to consider.

If you are a runner or a fitness enthusiast looking to include one of the best cardio workouts in your training, a treadmill is essential for both exercise variety and effectiveness.

My Budget-Conscious Treadmill Recommendations:

Alright, let’s get down to it now.
So what are the best treadmills under $500? 

Drumroll please…

Here is my list of what I’d recommend if you’re thinking of buying a treadmill.

The best treadmills under $500 go to:

The Best Budget Treadmills Under $500

Here are the full reviews of each product from the lineup…

What Makes the Best Treadmill?

The best unit for you meets your exercise needs and your budget.

It’s easy to set up and easy to use.There’s not too much fear of it breaking down.

You want it to be USEFUL…

If you’re not going to use it regularly (at least a couple times a week), you are better off getting a coat rack.

I only say that because my first treadmill only used as such — not very aesthetic and very cumbersome.

Best Treadmill Warranty Program:

It’s my personal opinion that none of these options have a killer warranty.

I mentioned this a tiny bit earlier, I think this is more a question for you about short term finances and long term investment.

What’s the Difference from Expensive Treadmills?

The difference between more expensive treadmills, like those you’d see at your local LA Fitness or Gold’s Gym, and the under $500 treadmills you’d get for your house is largely going to be the automated features and number of settings available.

High End

More expensive treadmills will certainly offer move speeds, inclines, and workout programs and they will happen as if by magic (a.k.a. electricity).

Easily changed up mid-workout — perhaps even multiple times.

Home Versions

With the home versions, the inclines are all manual. You’ll need to decide what grade you’ll run or walk at before getting started.

I’d recommend keeping it there for your whole workout too.

You could switch it up, but varying the incline will definitely take some time.
Although, it could be a “strength” portion of your workouts! 

Quality

Speeds and workout programs on the $500 or under treadmills are still simple enough to use and alter during your run or walk.

Beyond this, there is certainly more quality assurance and warranties available with the more expansion treadmills.

Up to you if that’s important for you.

Why Buy a Treadmill Under $500?

Convenience

First and foremost, the convenience of having a treadmill at your residence is quickly noticeable. There are no more excuses to miss your workouts or not get steps in.

Whether you work from your house, are a stay-at-home mom, or just don’t want to go one more place after work, you’ll find having a treadmill just down the hall is relieving and time saving.

What is a Treadmill?

Components of the Treadmill

Usually, it consists of a belt that moves at different speeds and inclines to walk, jog, run, side shuffle, walking lunge, or, if you are daring, to backpedal (a.k.a. jog backwards) at.

Never fear while you push yourself to do crazy cardio moves — Part of the engineering process was putting safety measures in place like a safety key (usually, a magnet with a clip to attach to your shirt) to pull, should something happen.

For example, if you’re working out and injure yourself, you can simply remove the safety key to wind down a machine quickly and safely in an emergency.

Purpose of the Treadmill

Some will have workout programs built into the system.

Some are intended solely for runners and walkers who want to get more steps into their days.

Depending on your exercise needs and wants, your storage space, and your price point, there are reasonable options that include folding treadmills and fitness treadmills.

Incline Levels

This is the number one feature for me.

Beyond getting steps in my day, the incline is just enough change to do a little more glute, hamstring, and cardiovascular system training.

Think about walking up a mountain, that is harder than walking down the block.

Incline options allow you to do both.

Inclines are beneficial to mix in to your workouts because they’ll target different muscle groups (i.e. back of your legs and booty) while upping the ante for cardio.

Get ready to get your heart pumping!

Workout Programs

The second most important feature in my opinion is the availability of cardio programs.

While some treadmills at these low price ranges won’t come with workouts preloaded on the machine, many will offer fitness apps with purchase.

So, you can tap into a variety of programs right from your phone or tablet device.

Especially if you are limited with the equipment at your house, you will want to be able to do a variety of movements and intensities with your treadmill.

RECOMMENDATION

I’d recommend finding one that you are comfortable walking, running, and doing some interval training on — like different inclines, speeds (walk to sprint), walking lunges, side shuffles, and more.

Treadmill Size and Compactness

A folding treadmill will obviously boast storage advantages.

Most can easily be stored in a closet after use.

As they stand vertically, they are a little over 5 feet tall. 

All the products we cover here, fall into that folding treadmill category which is sublime for home use.

The residential treadmills are built to easily plug into a standard outlet and usually last seven to ten years with proper care.

Secondary Features

The right treadmill for you might also offer more advanced features, like:

• An LCD display screen,
• Bluetooth technology to sync with your fitness wearables for heart rate monitoring, or
• Workouts to keep you engaged in your cardio training.

Indoor Cardio

Treadmills are one good way for me to keep working out indoors, when the weather is not so good — or we are encouraged to stay 6 feet from others.

Despite the weather and the pandemic, there are other reasons to invest in a treadmill – One being, controlled cardio workouts.

Treadmills Help You Train Smart

If you are training for a specific goal, i.e.: a running race, a hike, to get more activity in your day (say “Hello” to my FitBit telling me I need to get more active and just “209 steps to win the hour”), or weight loss, it’s helpful to set specific goals for your treadmill cardio workout.

Treadmills let you control your speed and incline which keeps you honest and challenged.

I have often taken a walk outside and returned from said walk and thought, “Did my heart rate even get high enough for a real workout?”

Get Your Exercise In

With a treadmill, that worry diminishes.

Yes, there are still reasons to go for walks, runs, or other activities outside — like breathing fresh air and getting some sunlight and Vitamin D.

Let’s face it, we are all basically houseplants — get sun, water, and fresh air.

Nonetheless, treadmills take the guesswork out of workouts.

NOTE

If you want to be intentional with your daily activity and get your heart rate up from workouts through busy schedules, less-than-nice weather, or a global pandemic, a treadmill is for you!

Thoughts to Keep in Mind

As you continue to shop around, definitely take into account:

Your Space

Ask yourself, where do you want to “start” this thing? Will it fit in your living room, spare bedroom, garage or somewhere else? Measure the space for your unit and consider if it would be helpful to fold it up for storage.

Your Price Range:

If you just need something for extra steps in the day, maybe you don’t need to go even as high as $500 for a treadmill.

You just need something that works or walk outside if your neck of the woods is nice annually!

If you need more than just steps, does $400-$500 price range work for your budget or can you upgrade totally to a commercial treadmill?

Your Exercise Needs:

Get specific about your goals with your treadmill for home.

Do you want heart rate monitors and bluetooth connections for superior training and entertainment?

Do you need variability in incline to get your booty and hammies involved more?

Is the treadmill intended just to walk and get steps in or are you hoping to become an Olympic track athlete?

NOTE

Depending on how often and how fast you’ll be pounding the treadmill, you’ll want to upgrade as much as you can afford to. **See Your Price Range above**

Incline

If you are normally an outdoor runner, hiker, or walker, make sure there is enough of an incline grade to support training for that.

Usually, it’s recommended to train at a 2% incline as that resembles the grade of “flat” ground outside. Other than that, incline is a great way to challenge yourself and continue to improve your fitness!

Treadmill Life:

With good care, treadmills can last multiple years. Treat it well, so you can have nice things.

A Treadmill Mat

Definitely worth the purchase to protect your floors, especially if they are wood or laminate.

Once you define those parameters, make YOUR decision the best one for YOU.

Conclusion

Keeping the best features for you in mind, here’s a reminder of my top recommendations for the best treadmill under 500:

Top Pick:

Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill is the best all around treadmill with its approachable price point, tried and true user experience, and excellent features and quality.

Best Value:

Confidence Fitness Ultra Electric Treadmill is a tough price to beat.

Editor’s Choice:

ProForm Cadence WLT Folding Treadmill for the win with the iFit workouts, springy running deck, and reliable quality.

Thank you for reading!

Thanks for reading, I hope you found the best treadmill under 500 for you. If you want to connect further about treadmills, other equipment, and workouts, hit me up.

I’d love to keep chatting and hear what’s worked for YOU!

Let me know which treadmill you go with for your home gym and if there’s a workout program you are following. Let’s keep each other accountable ladies!

If you’re considering other workout equipment, why not take a look at this manual treadmill review or check out my other reviews for: ellipticals, vertical climbers, or upright exercise bikes. You may also be interested in this review of the best rowers under $500 if you’re on a limited budget.

In case you need gear for running, check out my running pants or running tights article.