Treadmills may not be the most glamorous of workout machines, but when it comes to pure cardio, there aren’t any more effective. It’s a machine for people who are willing to do the work, a machine that’s simple, absurdly easy to use and that will make you look and feel better. And besides, you can watch TV while you use a treadmill, and isn’t that really what it’s all about?
Of course, no one wants to pay more than they have to for a quality treadmill, and I’m not going to let you. In fact, I’m going to help you find the perfect budget treadmill. In fact, part two, I’m going to find you that perfect budget treadmill and I’m going to make sure that you only pay a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand. You can spend the difference on new running shoes and a killer TV to watch while you use your brand new treadmill, which you will find below.
Goplus Folding Electric Treadmill
This little treadmill is perfect for anyone who needs to save space. Aside from being small enough to be unobtrusive, you can save extra space and just fold it up and put in the closet when you’re done using it. It’s multi-function LED display gives you plenty of stats, from heart rate to distance to calories burned, and the handrails have little buttons that allow you to check all these stats without having to change your stride.
Phoenix Easy-Up Manual Treadmill
This treadmill cuts out most of the frills, and just lets you use your own speed/power to generate your own workout. It’s simple, effective, and the space-saving design will make you feel like it’s not even there when you’re not using it. And hey, you aren’t beating this price.
H.B.S. Portable Folding Electric Treadmill
Another folder, this one might be slightly more robust, but it’s still small enough to fold up and even take with you if you travel, which is a nice feature. Pictured model not included because that would be illegal.
This treadmill is cool because its arms allow you to get in a fuller workout, a la cross-country skiing. It also has four preset workout apps if you need a little extra help getting going, and it’s 250lb weight capacity is a slight bump-up from other slighter treadmills, which typically start to groan a bit when you hit 200-220 lbs.
Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill
This foldable treadmill is near the upper range of our budget price limit, but that’s because it’s built like a more robust model, with a fully integrated, feature packed LED display and an Aerosoft cushioning system, which ensures that you can use this without, you know, destroying your body. It’s a full home-treadmill in a foldable, portable package.
Confidence Fitness Power Trac Treadmill
12 built-in fitness programs are the highlight of this treadmill. But it also has 4 adjustable speeds, and an adjustable incline. Add it all up and you have a treadmill that should more than get the job done for most people.
Ancheer S8400 Electric Treadmill
This space-saving treadmill is similar to some others we’ve discussed, but what sets this treadmill apart is its easy lubrication system. Eventually, you’re probably going to have to lube up your treadmill to make sure it keeps running smoothly. This is kind of a pain in the ass. Well, Ancheer has added a quick service refueling button. You just squirt the lube in the hole (calm down) and the treadmill will lube itself up.
Ancheer 502 Folding Electric Treadmill
So, this is basically the same treadmill we just discussed, complete with all that self-lubing. The difference is that you can fold this one up. A small difference, maybe, but to anyone working with limited space, you know that little difference can make all the difference. Also, this one is black instead of orange like the other one, which might be kind of important to you, but only you can answer that question for yourself.
Exerpeutic Ultra High Capacity Electric Treadmill
This is a treadmill built for people who need a little help getting going. After all, most treadmills are built for those who are already in pretty reasonable shape. But this one is reinforced so it has a weight capacity of 400 lbs. You gotta start somewhere, bro, and this treadmill right here is the best way to do it.
Confidence Fitness Manual Magnetic Treadmill
Magnets, how do they work? Well, gentle reader, in this case, the magnets provide a quiet, steady resistance that works against your own efforts to give you a nice workout. Electric treadmills are nice, but a treadmill like this gives you a more natural workout while also allowing costs to be kept down.
This foldable treadmill offers a nice balance between the let’s call them simpler treadmills on this list and the more expensive brands. It’s small, compact, but also built to last, with a weight limit approaching 300lbs, and its cushioning system ensures that your workouts will be as comfortable as they are productive.
Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill
The 2.2HP drive of this treadmill is one of the more powerful on this list. That means that it’s capable of reaching higher speeds and providing you with more resistance and workout options. Of course, its 9 built-in workout programs give you some pretty decent options to start.
This space-saver will let you, uh, save space, but it also has a deceptively powerful little engine. At 2.5HP, this is a pretty kickass little treadmill. It also has 6 built-in weight-loss apps designed by a certified personal trainer so that you can hit your goals effectively and efficiently.
Redmon Fun & Fitness Tread Mill
Hey listen, some of you have kids, and you know it’s never too early to get them started on a life of fun and fitness so don’t give me any grief here, okay? That kid knows what’s up and he’s gonna be the one crushing all the ass while your fatso kid crushes bags of Cheetos. This is important. This is your child’s future we’re talking about!
Merax Folding Eelectric Treadmill
This foldable treadmill also happens to be the highest rated treadmill on this illustrious list. Why? Well, it offers a perfect combo of space-saving and utility. Its motor is quiet and unobtrusive, it has a cushioned platform that keeps you going where other treadmills might let you down, and, well, it gets the job done and what more can you ask of a treadmill?