Top 7 Best Treadmills under $300
You don't need to spend a lot to have a treadmill at home. Here are the best treadmills under $300.
By: Travis
Hi, I am Travis. My main focus in life is to understand training better and help others get better results too. I used to be about the least fit kid in school and would always be last to get picked for a team. It wasn't for a lack of trying, but all my efforts just lead to injuries
For years, I had completely given up on ever getting in shape. Then I began to use my brain before using my muscles. I read every popular book on exercise, and began to structure my training.
With the right training methods, and the right machines, I was able to rebuild my body from the ground up.
According to science, I would never be able to walk pain-free again. And I would never be able to do 20 pull-ups with the injuries to my rotator cuff. But they were al wrong.
This site is where you can find all my tips and recommendations.
Treadmills are among the most popular exercise equipment. The ambitions of the user can be as simple as walking. Treadmills are also popular with advanced fitness enthusiasts. The reasons for owning a treadmill vary.
Some people like the convenience of walking in the privacy of their homes. Some live in areas where it's not possible to walk outdoors. Competitive runners will appreciate being able to train regardless of the weather or time of day.
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The reasons notwithstanding, treadmills are an efficient way to burn calories and improve fitness. But, there are hundreds of models and designs on the market. How to pick the right one? Do you spend a couple of thousand dollars on a fancy model?
Or, can a less-expensive, cheaper model of treadmill get the job done? We think there are some so-called cheap treadmills for less than $300 that are worth investigating. We've done the legwork for you. Here are our seven choices for the best treadmill under $300.
7 Best Treadmills under $300
1. Merax JK1603E Treadmill
The Merax JK1603E Electric Treadmill is one of the least expensive treadmills that still offers enough features to handle up to intermediate level workouts. This is a sturdy and durable treadmill that you may find surprising is still in our price range.
The dual handgrip sensors can monitor your heart rate. The LCD has larger than normal numbers, making it very easy to read while running.
The 500 Watt motor is especially quiet. This treadmill also weighs less than 70 pounds, so it's easy to shift around.
The Merax JK1603E is a very compact running machine. It is an excellent home-use treadmill if you have limited space.
And while the belt is relatively narrow with 14 inches, we believe this is the best treadmill under $300 for beginners.
Even intermediate runners and walkers can still get a great workout on the Merax. There is a user weight limit of 240-pounds, so this treadmill is sturdy enough for a light job.
You also get easy and accessible stop buttons and an MP3 port so you can connect your own audio player.
The value for money in this electric treadmill is unbeatable.
Pros:
- The foldable deck makes it a snap to roll this folding treadmill out of the way when not in use.
- With most of the standard features of low-cost treadmills, the Merax JK1603E is possibly the best value.
- The LCD and speed controls are very user friendly.
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- The 14-inch belt width on the Merax JK1603E Treadmill is slightly narrower than most inexpensive models.
- When you receive your machine, their warranty information does not come with the parts and accessories. You must email the company for warranty information.
Product Features:
▼ ▲- : Built-in LCD with large readout area
- : Dual handgrip pulse monitors
- : MP3 port and auxiliary audio jacks
- : Quiet 500W vacuum motor design
- : Easy-to-access start and stop buttons
- : Dual cup holders
2. Weslo Cadence G 5.9i
Weslo makes our next recommendation for the best treadmill under 300. This is a foldable treadmill, so it doesn't take up much space when not in use. The transport wheels make it easy to roll it to wherever you want to store it.
It also has an excellent maximum user weight rating. The maximum weight capacity is 275-pounds.
The running area is 16-inches wide, which is not super wide. However, the Weslo Cadence G 5.9i has a 50-inch long deck. While it may not fit long-striding competitive runners, it is designed to workout at speeds up to 10 miles per hour.
For a smaller, less expensive treadmill, Weslo installed a strong motor. The Cadence G 5.9i has a 2.25hp motor powering the deck, which is stronger than most low-budget treadmills. You got to water bottle holders so you would likely never get thirsty.
When you consider price, max speed, and motor strength, the Cadence 5.9i is a great treadmill that won't cost you a lot.
Pros:
- This treadmill has a powerful motor for a treadmill below $300.
- It can reach a top speed rating of 10 miles per hour to train with intensity.
- The heart monitor reads from thumb pressure, so you don't have to grip anything to get your heart rate.
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- The Weslo Cadence G 5.9i doesn't have a cooling fan in the console.
- This treadmill only has manual incline adjustment using the feet.
Product Features:
▼ ▲- : Full-size, easy-to-read console
- : Dual water holders
- : Extra-long 50-inch tread belt
- : Thumb sense heart rate monitor
- : Six preset workouts
- : Spring-loaded deck folds up for storage
3. SereneLife Electric Folding Treadmill
SereneLife is an American company from New York. Their mission is to help customers live a more serene life through healthy fitness. The SereneLife Electric Folding Treadmill is an affordable home exercise machine that supports its mission by providing people with an easy and accessible way to run on an electric treadmill.
This model comes with a handful of traditional training programs installed. However, there is also an app available from SereneLife that features dozens of training regimens and allows you to track your workout progress.
You will greatly appreciate this folding electric treadmill when you live in a small apartment. The folding design allows it to easily be stored without taking a lot of space, making it great for home use.
The digital LCD is larger than comparable models, so it's easy to read the elapsed workout time, the speed you're going, plus the calories you're burning.
The SereneLife Electric Folding Treadmill belt can propel you at up to six miles per hour.
Pros:
- The SereneLife Electric Folding Treadmill is lighter than many in this class, so it is straightforward to shift around a room.
- While the incline adjustments are manual, this treadmill has more than most inexpensive manual incline models.
- The FitShow App allows you to track your progress, plus has dozens of preset workout programs.
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- The small 1.0 horsepower motor is not strong enough to handle intense running.
- With a narrower and shorter deck than other models, the SereneLife Electric Folding Treadmill works best as a walking treadmill
Product Features:
▼ ▲- : Preset training programs
- : FitShow App to expand the number of preset workouts
- : Large digital LCD showing run time, speed, and calories burned
- : Handles with convenient grip sensors to read pulse rate
- : Easy-glide folding deck for storage
4. Best Choice Products 800W treadmill
Our next recommendation for the best treadmill under 300 gives you a pair of color choices. Most treadmills models only come in a standard black/gray/silver basic color combination.
The Best Choice Products 800W treadmill has the option as well. But, you can also add some flash to your home gym with a white and pink combination.
This treadmill has a large digital display and includes three preset workout programs. The console display tracks your total distance, speed, time, and calorie burn.
The incline is not adjustable on this model. But, that doesn't have to be a drawback. On many cheaper treadmills, the incline adjustment only adds to the wobbliness of the device.
The deck is small for space-saving benefits. However, it's sturdy enough to have a 250-pound user weight rating, which is great for this price range. Best Choice Products added wheels to the machine's front to let you easily roll it from room to room.
Pros:
- The smaller size is an excellent choice for people with only minimal space for a treadmill.
- Even though it's small, the Best Choice 800W has a steel frame to improve stability.
- This treadmill has a lightweight deck with transport wheels so you can quickly move it around.
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- Top speed is only 7.5 miles per hour, so the Best Choice Products 800W Treadmill is not well-suited for fast running.
- There is no incline adjustment for this treadmill.
Product Features:
▼ ▲- : Three pre-programmed workouts
- : Full-size LCD console
- : 800 Watt motor
- : Lightweight deck for easy fold-up storage
- : Double bottle holder and media shelf for phones, tables, or reading material
5. Goplus 1100W treadmill
Our next treadmill has a heavy-duty motor that generates 1110 watts of power. This is a strong motor for such an inexpensive treadmill. It is also extremely quiet, so you easily listen to music or watch a TV show while using the Goplus 1100W at full speed.
The deck is 14-inches wide, which is standard for beginner-level treadmills. The steel frame is sturdy enough to walk, jog, or even light running. Despite having a sturdy steel frame, the Goplus 1100W Treadmill still weighs less than 60-pounds.
The full-size LCD shows elapsed time, distance, and calories burned. This machine also has a unique curve to the side handles. The curved handles angle back towards the front and down towards the deck. This is an excellent feature for rehab and therapy.
And last but not least, you get a two-year 100% risk-free warranty on the call Goplus 1100W. The manufacturer really shows his confidence in his treadmills with this kind of guarantee.
Pros:
- Above-average 2-year warranty with a 100 percent risk-free satisfaction guarantee provides confidence in the materials and workmanship.
- Super quiet 1100W electric motor is powerful enough to propel the deck up to 6 miles per hour.
- There is an extra emergency stop key on the handles for increased safety.
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- The Goplus 110W Treadmill does not offer an adjustable incline.
- At 220-pounds, the user weight capacity is a little low.
Product Features:
▼ ▲- : Large, easy-to-read LCD
- : Folding deck for space-saving storage
- : Lightweight at 59-pounds
- : Curved safety handles
- : Emergency shutoff key on the handles
- : 2-year warranty
6. Confidence Power Plus Treadmill
Our next treadmill under $300 is another outstanding choice for first-time users or anyone on a strict budget. The Confidence Power Plus is a lightweight and folding treadmill that can save space when not in use. The speed range goes from 0.6 to 6.2 miles per hour.
One unique feature of this model is how flat it folds up. You can even lower the console and side handles to slide this treadmill under a bed. There is a 600W, low-noise motor that propels a 14-inch wide by 38-inch long tread belt.
The LCD display is large and easily readable under nearly all circumstances. The only problem is that it's not back-lit, so it will be hard to use in a dark room. If you are like us, you prefer running, and it will lit room, but that night might not be the same for everyone. So keep that in mind before you buy this folding electric treadmill.
If you forget to turn off your treadmill when you've finished a workout, this machine has an automatic shutoff after it's idle for 30-minutes. While it's an inexpensive treadmill, the Confidence Power Plus is still sturdy enough to rate a 250 max user weight capacity.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable and stable enough to warrant a 250-pound user weight capacity.
- Very large LCD console readout, so you can follow speed, distance and calories burned.
- The Confidence Power Plus folds down flat so that you can slide it under a bed.
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- The LCD can be hard to read in low light.
- The Confidence Power Plus Treadmill does not have any preset workout programs.
Product Features:
▼ ▲- : Large console buttons for speed adjustment and start/stop
- : Automatic emergency shutoff key
- : Speed range from 0.6 to 6.2 miles per hour
- : 600W low-noise electric motor
- : Folds flat for under-the-bed storage
7. Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill
Our final recommendation for the best treadmill under $300 pulls the plug on the need for an electrical outlet. The Sunny Health SF-T1407M uses manual propulsion. All you need to get a good workout on this treadmill is a pair of AA batteries to operate the LCD console.
The fact that this treadmill doesn't use a motor is ideal for saving power. It also gives you the flexibility of where to put the treadmill. You don't need to use any extension cords or locate your treadmill near a wall outlet.
A manual treadmill will feel different when you're used to electric treadmills. The running belt needs to be moved by just your own power, and you don't get that feeling of running slightly downhill that you get on a good electric treadmill.
RV enthusiasts and campers can also take this lightweight treadmill on the road. Despite being a manual, non-electric machine, there is still a battery-operated LCD that tracks speed, time and calories burned, and steps.
Unfortunately, this electric treadmill doesn't come with any heart rate sensors. But it makes up for that with quality and ease of use.
Pros:
- You fold up the deck and flatten down the handles to wheel this machine anywhere for fast and convenient storage.
- Since there is no electricity required, you can load up this treadmill to travel with you anywhere.
- This is the lightest treadmill in the class, so it's effortless to just wheel out of sight.
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- There is no way to change the incline or the speed of the belt. This is strictly a manual treadmill.
- The Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Treadmill has an LCD that shows the traditional treadmill data, but it is minimal.
Product Features:
▼ ▲- : All manual operation – no electric required
- : LCD console needs only two AA batteries
- : Folds up to slide under a bed or roll into a closet
- : Non-skid belt for safety and security
- : Maximum user weight rating of 220-pounds
Frequently Asked Questions About Treadmills under $300
Should I Buy a Cheap treadmill?
We are one great value for money. But sometimes buying cheap ends up costing us more.
And it's no different for treadmills. Males need to be sturdy because we put a lot of weight on them, but we're running. Generally, the impact when our feet land on the running service is 3 to 5 times our weight. So you can imagine that the treadmill takes quite a beating.
And cheap treadmills just can't stand up to this. Another source of failure is the motor that drives the belt. If the manufacture saves too much on the motor it will not last more than a couple of months.
The best treadmills under 300 dollars listed here are all selected based on their quality and reliability. Each has a steady frame, good motor, and a large LCD display. If it's a folding treadmill, the hinges and design are built for many years of service.
There are even cheaper options out there, but we can't recommend them. So please research before you buy it.
Does Motor Power Matter?
Motor power on a treadmill under $300 matters for two reasons:
One, the horsepower of the motor, dictates the speed range of the running surface. You see, it takes a certain amount of power to drive the belt at a certain amount of speed. More speed requires more power.
So it's crucial to know beforehand how you want to use the treadmill. If you want to run fast, you need a treadmill with a strong motor. If you are looking for a walking treadmill, you don't need a strong motor.
Generally, the manufacturers will specify how fast an electric treadmill can go.
But, and here comes the second reason, you also need to take reliability into account. Most motors will last considerably shorter if they are continuously run at maximum speed.
Which belt size should I choose?
Belt size depends on how you use your treadmill. Long stride runners need to be cautious of getting a belt too short. People with stability issues might want to choose a wider belt.
When it comes to choosing the best treadmill under 300, you can't expect super wide or very long belts. That is simply not possible for a price as low as $300. It also makes the device difficult to store unless it's a folding treadmill.
So you want to find some kind of compromise that gives you enough running surface well still being affordable and storable.
Belts between 14 and 20-inches wide and 48 to 55-inches long can usually accommodate most stride lengths. Our choices for the best treadmill under 300 are on the lower side of that. However, they are still big enough for most beginners and intermediates.
Should I Buy a Folding treadmill?
This is a question that depends on personal circumstances. If you have a dedicated space for all your fitness equipment, you probably don't need an electric folding treadmill.
But if you need to save floor space and store your running machine out-of-the-way, an electric folding treadmill could be invaluable. I know that it saved me from many difficult conversations with my wife.
An electric folding treadmill it's not always better. It also adds a few more parts that can break. So if you don't need it, don't get it. The best treadmill is the one that's most suited for your workout.
Is it Worth it to Have a Treadmill at Home?
Even the most competitive runner has been forced to skip a training session because it was freezing cold or pouring down the rain. Owning the best treadmill under $300 means you'll never have to worry about heat, cold, rain, or snow. You can train when you want and how you want.
And if you are not a fitness enthusiast, you can still benefit a lot from having an exercise machine at home. Imagine all those times you should've gone to the gym but didn't. If it would've worked out a treadmill at home for even half of those, it would probably be a lot closer to your goals.
I know that's the case for me.
So I having the best treadmill under 300 right in my house leaves me with no excuses, and I end up training a lot more.
Can I Use a Treadmill to Lose Weight?
Walking, jogging, and running are three of the best ways to burn calories. Treadmills are safe and stable ways to accomplish all three. Treadmills allow you to ramp up the intensity by changing speeds and incline as well.
Most weight-loss experts advise some form of calorie deficiency to lose weight. A good diet combined with working out on a treadmill is a great way to achieve that.
Most of our recommendations for the best treadmill under $300 have a calorie counter to show you exactly how much you burned. And some come with a heart rate monitor so you can track your exertion even better. One of the biggest advantages of a heart rate monitor is that you can accurately structure your workout for the best health benefits.
The Final Verdict For Best Treadmill under $300
Putting a treadmill in your home opens up all sorts of opportunities. You can train when you want, wear what you want, and train how you want. You don't need to spend thousands on a model with all kinds of gadgets and accessories. And you can easily integrate your workout into your daily life so that you can work on your health with a minimal time cost.
These seven options we've reviewed for you are great and affordable treadmills. With a full-size console, excellent speed range, plus a strong frame, the Merax JK1603E is our best treadmill under $300. It has many extras and accessories usually reserved for pricier treadmills.
You can hit speeds up to 10 miles per hour, and the deck is wide enough to provide stability and long enough to accommodate most stride lengths. All seven are super treadmills under $300, but the Merax takes our blue ribbon based on price, features, and performance.