Gym Gear

The 6 Best Treadmills under $1000

If you are looking for a home treadmill, $1000 will give you a lot of options. Read our review for our top recommendations.

Woman running in her office on a $1000 treadmill.
Travis

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.

When you first start with your fitness regimen, you may be inclined to purchase the most expensive equipment on the market right off the bat. However, it may behoove you to set a budget when making your initial purchases.

For instance, tons of great treadmills won't break the bank. While they may not be as fancy as the high-end models, they get the job done until you fall into a more consistent rhythm.

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Once you find a treadmill manufacturer that you like, you can splurge on a more expensive unit that will last you much longer. To get you started, here are six of the best treadmills you can acquire for less than $1000.

We've also included a buying guide and a list of frequently asked questions below the product reviews. Use these resources to bolster your knowledge further and make a confident purchase decision that suits your unique situation.

1. Horizon Fitness T101

Woman running on Horizon T101 Go series treadmill

Pros

  • The hydraulic design makes it simple to fold
  • Three-zone track is padded with cushions
  • Convenient modern connectivity options
  • Lifetime guarantee on both the motor and frame

Cons

  • Too short for tall users
  • Small LCD screen requires squinting
  • Less incline and speed than similar models

Product Features

  • Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
  • Quick-charging USB port for your phone
  • Variable Response cushioning with three zones
  • Handlebar heart rate monitors
  • Tablet holder
  • Refreshing fan
  • Preset workout ideas

Review

Horizon Fitness delivers an all-around impressive treadmill with the T101. It offers a robust workout for people of all fitness levels. Walking, running, and jogging all feel great when performed on the T101.

The hydraulic folding design makes this treadmill perfect just about anywhere. You can quickly store it without the need for a second person. There are also tons of modern comforts and conveniences to enjoy.

You get a reliable Bluetooth connection, a place to display your tablet, and a USB charging port that keeps your devices active. For longer workouts, the cooling fan provides an excellent way to manage your body temperature.

Unfortunately, there aren't that many speed or incline options to choose from. While beginners won't mind much, athletes will most likely desire more robust options. You can choose your speed or go with one of the preset workouts.

If you are just breaking into a running routine, then you will love all of the modern bells and whistles offered by the T101. Buy it here

2. Nautilus T616

Woman running on the Nautilus T616 home treadmill

Pros

  • The strong 3.0 CHP motor
  • Wide running belt
  • Impressive 15% motorized incline
  • Loaded with enjoyable features
  • Easy to place in storage when not in use

Cons

  • Gets very close to the $1000 budget
  • Controls could be a little more responsive

Product Features

  • StrikeZone cushioning technology
  • Bright screen display
  • Cooling fan with three-speed settings
  • Wireless Bluetooth capability
  • Convenient phone charging port

Review

The T616 from Nautilus is an impressive piece of machinery through and through. It is no wonder why it has become Nautilus' most popular model to date. The 3.0 CHP motor is very powerful compared to other treadmills in this price bracket.

The conveyor belt is extremely durable and easily passes as public gym quality. The belt itself is 20 x 60 which provides more than enough room for any user. The StrikeZone cushions on each side keep you comfortable during intense sessions.

If you need extra storage space, you can fold up the T616 with ease. When you want to unfold it, there is a soft drop system that prevents the belt from crashing to the ground. The cooling fan offers three speeds to suit any environment perfectly.

The control console is immaculately backlit and easy to read. You won't have any issue selecting workouts or reading information about your run. You can connect your phone via Bluetooth and charge it with the conveniently placed USB port.

The T616 is a great choice for anyone willing to spend a little extra. It combines power and luxury in a way that most people expect from a gym. The best part is that you get to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. Buy it here

3. NordicTrack T Series 6.5S

Woman running on the NordicTrack T 6.5S

Pros

  • Solid 2.6 CHP motor that gets the job done
  • Bundled with a free month of iFit
  • A good amount of value-driven features
  • Folds up without the hassle

Cons

  • Build quality could use some improvement
  • You need an iFit subscription to make the most of it

Product Features

  • Built-in speakers for audio playback
  • 5-inch display that is quite bright
  • EKG heart rate monitor grips
  • FlexSelect cushioning technology
  • Free trial for iFit membership

Review

This Nordic Track treadmill offers solid value at a fairly low cost. Of the T series models, this one is easily the most popular. The bevy of features it provides each user is pretty unprecedented at this price point.

Before we get into the bells and whistles, let's take a look at the baseline performance. The motor revs at 2.6 CHP at delivers a top speed of 10 mph. You can also crank it up to simulate up to a 10% incline.

The backlit screen offers tons of options and stats for your workout. There is an iFit integration that connects directly to the popular app. Once your free trial expires, you will most likely be tempted to spring for a paid membership.

To keep you relaxed during long runs, the track is cushioned with soft material that reduces the stress on your legs. This is excellent for anyone that suffers from bad knees.

Overall, the T Series 6.5S is a great introduction to the Nordic Track brand. You get more than enough power to start your fitness journey. Plus, the iFit app gives you plenty of ways to expand your exercise game. Buy it here

4. ProForm 705 CST

Proform 705 CST is one of the best sub-1000 treadmills out there

Pros

  • The belt is wide enough for larger people
  • Excellent top speed of 12 mph
  • Detailed LED screen keeps you engaged and informed

Cons

  • Needs to be put together once shipped
  • Features are hampered if you don't subscribe to iFit

Product Features

  • Rapid controls that get you right into the action
  • Bluetooth speakers and connectivity
  • Tablet holding dock
  • iFit integration
  • Cooling fan
  • ProShax cushioning

Review

The first thing you will notice about the Proform 705 CST is just how fast the motor runs. It operates at 2.75 CHP and can reach top speeds of 12 mph. It is also very reliable and built to last for several years at a minimum.

The belt is a whopping 20 x 60 inches. This gives even the biggest runners more than enough room to feel comfy. Not only does the user get a cooling fan, but the treadmill has a cooling system that reduces wear and tear on the unit.

The LED screen is easy to read and comes with multiple quickstart options. If you just want to start exercising, few models let you start so easily. There are also custom workout regimens you can access with an iFit subscription. Buy it here

5. Schwinn 830

Schwinn 830 treadmill with woman running on it

Pros

  • A stable base and stylish design
  • Solid incline and speed settings
  • Simple to store and prepare

Cons

  • The belt may be too small for large runners
  • No Bluetooth options

Product Features

  • USB charging port
  • Front-facing speakers
  • Intuitive controls and screen layout
  • Personal cooling fan

Review

The stylish appearance of the Schwinn 830 looks great in any room. The 2.75 CHP motor can also keep up with runners of any experience level. You can easily adjust the speed from 0 to 12 mph. The incline can also be raised to a full 12%.

The SoftTrak cushioning system absorbs most stress your legs would normally endure. You can fold it up with relative ease and set it back up just as easily. You can jump right into a workout or choose from 22 presets.

You can place just about anything in the sizeable storage pockets. A tablet and a bottle of water only take up some of the allotted space. If you want a functional and stylish piece of equipment, the Schwinn 830 won't let you down. Buy it here

6. Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Space-Saving Treadmill

Woman running on the Asuna space saving treadmill

Pros

  • Folds up flat for creative storage solutions
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Large tablet holder and speakers to keep you entertained

Cons

  • A lower top speed of just 8 mph
  • No incline settings are available

Product Features

  • Can fold up into a flat sheet
  • Convenient transportation wheels
  • Tablet holder
  • Quality speakers

Review

Last but not least is the Space-saving treadmill by Sunny Health and Fitness. As the name implies, the core reason to own this machine is just how much space it saves. When folded into a flat plane, it can be stored just about anywhere.

The motor only operates with 2.5 horsepower. This allows it to reach top speeds of 8 mph. While this is plenty for beginners, expert runners will no doubt want something a bit stronger.

However, you get a suite of entertainment options including a tablet holder and an integrated speaker system. This makes the space-saving treadmill excellent for anyone looking to dabble in exercise for the first time. Buy it here

What to look for in a Sub-$1000 treadmill?

There are four basic things to consider when choosing a treadmill under $1000. At this price range, you should be able to acquire a model that offers decent performance in each of these categories.

Incline options

Once you get familiar with running on flat ground, you are going to want to up the ante with an incline. Models at this price point typically offer a motorized incline of between 10% and 15%.

A 15% incline offers a noticeable challenge, and many expensive models still feature this level of steepness as a standard.

Size of the belt

You would be surprised at how long your stride becomes once you fall into a comfortable rhythm. You want to ensure your belt is tall enough to run safely. The average person will want a belt that is 20 x 55 inches at least.

If you are taller than six feet, you will want a belt that is at least 20 x 60 inches to operate it safely.

Motor and speed (core components)

When spending money on a mid-range treadmill, you should demand components that work well. The motor should maintain at least 2.5 CHP to provide a decent top speed. At this price, try to get a model that can reach 10 mph or faster.

You also want to make sure the frame is reliable and will last a couple of years at a minimum. This is especially true if you plan to store it for prolonged periods in a folded-up position.

Control module

A modern control module is easy to read and understand. It should feature a bright backlit screen with a clean layout. As for your options, you want to be able to quickstart a custom workout with just a few clicks.

As a bonus, many treadmills at this range also come with preinstalled workout regimens. These offer plenty of guidance to anyone who is just starting.

Do treadmills help you lose weight?

Exercising on a treadmill burns up calories which will help you lose weight. However, it is important to balance your diet as well. You need to expend more calories per day than you consume to shed some pounds. On average, a person will burn a little more than 500 calories when they run for 30 minutes. Walking for a half-hour will only burn about 200 calories per session.

How often should you use a treadmill?

It is recommended that you get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. The easiest way to get that with a treadmill is to spend 30 minutes a day five times per week.

How much do I need to spend on a treadmill?

Although you can spend many thousands of dollars, we recommend sticking between $750 and $1500. Models in this range provide a majority of the benefits and features of a more expensive machine.

Does a treadmill help reduce belly fat?

Fat is usually burned equally across all areas of your body. If you combine regular exercise with a good diet, your belly will begin to shrink over time.