Best Treadmills Under $500 (Quality At A Low Cost IS Possible! )

There’s a reason you don’t have a treadmill.

You know you can burn up to 900 calories in a single hour on a treadmill.

But you also know they’re expensive. Often incredibly so.

What if I told you costs have come down considerably, even on quality models?

More accurately, the quality of budget treadmills has increased drastically, making them great options.

You will sacrifice some features. But if you choose the right treadmill, the features you lose are ones you don’t need anyway.

What you don’t sacrifice is build quality and reliability.

How do you know which treadmills are best?

That’s where we come in!

We’ve narrowed the field down to only the best treadmills under $500.

We made sure to include multiple options, so you can find one that is just right for you. Take a look at our recommendations below and see which one is perfect for you.

 

Best Budget Treadmill Under $500: Comparison Table

Image	Name	Type	# of Programs	Price	Rating
Check Price	Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill	Electric/Folding	9	$$	10 / 10
Check Price	Weslo Crosswalk 5.2t	Electric	4	$$$	9.8 / 10
Check Price	Confidence GTR Power Pro	Electric	12	$$	9.5 / 10
Check Price	Weslo Cadence R 5.2	Electric	6	$$$	9.5 / 10
Check Price	Confidence Power Plus	Electric/Folding	12	$	9.2 / 10

 

Features To Look For

Treadmills are convenient because they allow you to exercise no matter how little time you have and in any type of weather. But the best part of treadmills is that they have features you can’t get from pavement.

You can do without some of them. But without these features, your workout will be harder. This could destroy your desire to continue working out.

Furthermore, these features can actually help you lose more weight in a healthier and quicker way.

Finding an affordable treadmill with good features is not hard, but it might require a little extra digging if you want to get the right price.

No worries! We have created a list of exactly what you should look for.

 

Shock Absorption

When you run, your body is jumping and coming back down over and over again. This can make for a very bumpy (and just plain annoying) workout, if the surface doesn’t help absorb the shock of your weight.

Treadmills with shock absorption will lighten the burden on your knees and other joints, making your run feel much smoother.

 

Adequate Motor

If your treadmill is motorized you are looking for a 2.0 or above drive. This will keep the motor from becoming overheated if you plan on exercising for an extended period of time.

 

Workout Programs

Workout programs are the different types of workouts your treadmill might offer you. For example, rather than keeping up with your interval workout, your treadmill will do it for you.

• It will incline and increase speed on its own.
• It will stop once you have traveled your desired distance.
• It will slow down when your heart rate gets too high.

These programs are not necessary to your workout, but they can be very helpful when learning how to workout for the first time.

 

Incline Options

Incline is just like what it sounds like: a program that gives the track an incline. This feature can simulate climbing a mountain or stairs. And the best part? It works wonders for the glutes!

 

Top Treadmills Under $500

Of all affordable treadmills companies have to offer, we have dwindled them down to the top five for your convenience.

The following treadmills are all equipped with the features we previously addressed. They are also easy to move, assemble, and use, making them perfect for nearly every user.

As you will read, these options fall under motorized and folding treadmills because they are the most affordable types. Customers have been pleased so far, and we are positive you will be too!

 

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill

The Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill is the best option under 500, hands down.

It’s a great buyer choice according to Amazon customer reviews, ringing in as the treadmill with the best reviews.

This motorized folding treadmill is easy to store and sturdy to use.

Its motor is a reliable 2.20, making it great for someone who needs a lasting treadmill.

It is equipped with shock absorption to ensure your workout is comfortable and quiet.

It has nine built in work out programs, allowing for fun and effective workouts.

Do not miss out on this affordable, reliable deal that will help you begin your workout habits!

Read our full review here.

 

2. Weslo Crosswalk 5.2T

The Welso Crosswalk 5.2T is also one of Amazon’s best inexpensive treadmills with an astounding 4.3 out of five stars.

It is also a very affordable treadmill but offers just as many benefits as an expensive treadmill.

It provides a workout that can strengthen many key muscle groups in your body.

You can choose between four workout programs, and don’t worry!

Shock absorption is also included to make sure your workout is again, comfortable and quiet.

If you have hours to exercise, this treadmill is great.

If you’re short on time but are determined to be more active, it is also perfect for you.

This treadmill is perhaps one of the most user friendly treadmills on the list. Purchase and you won’t be disappointed.

Read our detailed Weslo Crosswalk review for more.

 

3. Confidence GTR Power Pro Motorized Electric Treadmill

This motorized, folding treadmill truly grants its users confidence with its three level incline.

As one of the highest quality and best affordable treadmills on Amazon, it promises not to disappoint.

It has an astounding twelve fitness programs to ensure users never become bored with their exercise.

The greatest downside to this treadmill is its motor—a 1.5 drive, only allowing the treadmill to get to 7.5 mph.

This motor will be completely reliable for users who are just getting started in their exercise habits.

If this description fits you, this treadmill might be a great fit.

If you are tight on space, this treadmill is perfect for you.

It will store any place and move anywhere.

Check out our detailed review of this Confidence treadmill.

 

4. Weslo Cadence R5.2

The Weslo Cadence R5.2 is a one of the best reliable and cheap treadmills that is perfect for anyone.

It had two levels of incline and includes six workout programs to make weight loss easy for anyone.

The motor is a 2.5 drive making it perfect for light or intense workouts.

Perhaps the greatest incentive to purchase this treadmill, however, is the comfort cell cushioning.

This is extreme shock absorption that protects you joints as you run or walk.

Again, this treadmill is perfect for any user, making your workout convenient no matter who you are.

If you want to learn more about this treadmill, read our full Weslo Cadence R5.2 review.

 

5. Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmil

Another treadmill from Confidence falls into our top five treadmills under $500.

This treadmill is very similar to the previous Confidence treadmill, but it is ideal for new runners wishing to shed a few pounds.

It is the lightest treadmill on our list at only 53 pounds but still contains shock absorption that makes for a great workout.

It is also a folding treadmill with wheels, so don’t worry about where you are going to put it.

No matter how small you might be, this treadmill is going to be easy to use and easy to store.

While this treadmill rings in at number five, it is certainly one of the best quality treadmills out there.

This customer was not disappointed, and I am sure you won’t be either.

We also have a more detailed review of the Confidence Power Plus.

 

Types Of Treadmills

Treadmills all look very similar to just the average user, but each type has incredibly unique features.

Some have numerous workout programs and incline over 45 degrees. Others allow the user to determine the speed simply by the movement of his or her feet. Some do all of that and can even fold up and be stored in virtually any space.

There is a treadmill out there that will meet your needs, and by understanding the types of treadmills listed below, we hope to help you find it.

 

Electric

Electric treadmills are the kind of treadmill you are most likely to see at your neighborhood gym. They are driven by an electric motor and typically offer multiple different workout programs.

Because of their reliance upon electricity, they are typically the sturdiest type of treadmill, but take up the most space. These treadmills are also characterized by the smooth walk or run they offer their user.

For the user who is looking for a long-term treadmill, this treadmill is the ideal fit. You will pay more and it will take up more space than the others, but you will have a loyal fat burner that will last a short lifetime.

 

Manual

These self-serve treadmills are not run through electricity and do not depend on a battery. They are solely reliant on your legs to do the work.

By walking or running on the track, the roller-based tread belt begins to move in sync with your feet, allowing you to determine your own speed.

These do not offer as many workout programs as other treadmills. They have been known to be the lightest and most affordable type, making them perfect for someone who is just getting started in a fitness lifestyle.

Yet users are quickly becoming more intrigued with electric treadmills because of their multitude of workout programs and options. There are no manual treadmills mentioned in this list, but that does not mean they are no good. It is simply that most people want an electric treadmill.

 

Folding

These light weight, low maintenance treadmills are the most convenient treadmill if you are crunched for space.

When you are finished running or walking, these treadmills can be folded and stored in a closet or under a bed.

Like electric treadmills, they are get plugged in and are typically very affordable.

These treadmills are most likely electric and are the most common on our list.

These treadmills, however, are not ideal for a taller user who has long strides.

Because of their small nature, they tend to be quite compact. If you are in need of convenient workout equipment, you will love the folding treadmill.

 

Top Treadmill Brands

These two brands are quite consistent within the top ten customer reviewed treadmills on Amazon.

They are reliable, meet all the feature criteria, and are the most affordable of each brand.

Seven of the top ten Amazon Treadmills are either Welso or Confidence. Check these awesome treadmill brands out and consider purchasing one for yourself!

 

Welso

Welso treadmills may be the most consistent brand of treadmills under $500. This brand contains some of the best priced treadmills, and are some of the easiest to use.

Welsos are light, folding treadmills, and are perfect for people who need a treadmill they can handle on their own. Anyone can use one. They are also known for being easy to put together and simple in programs. They incline and have drives that are very reliable.

 

Confidence

Three Confidence treadmills also fall in the top ten customer reviewed treadmills on amazon. These treadmills are also light treadmills that are easy to put together; however, they are perhaps the most affordable treadmill.

They have all the right features: shock absorption, dependable motors, incline options, and twelve workout programs. Although the screen is typically small, incline and workout options are plentiful.

 

Buying A Treadmill: Tips And Advice

The following tips will help you out when you are buying a treadmill.

 

Visit Websites

Visit the websites of treadmills you are considering to make sure this treadmill has all the right features you are considering.

 

Consider The User(s)

Who will be using the treadmills? You or multiple family members? What is your height? What is the weight limit? What kind of space do you have?

 

Choose A Reliable Brand

Any of the brands we recommended will be great!

 

Final Things To Consider

Check out this youtube video and list while thinking about the final things you might want to consider.

https://youtu.be/KMBobzpKq64

 

Best Budget Treadmills: Conclusion

Treadmills are not pieces of equipment that you need a gym membership for. They can be affordable enough to bring into your own home and simple enough to use at your own convenience. Welso and Confidence treadmills are perhaps the two best brands to choose from because of their variety of options under $500.

When looking for a treadmill, one should be conscious of the features that are necessary and the features that would be desired. Some of these features include shock absorption, reliable motors, incline, and workout programs. These features help ensure you get the best, most reliable workout experience.

Not everyone is expected to buy a treadmill and use it most effectively immediately. However, these treadmills make that goal much more doable.