6 Best Treadmills For Home Under $500 of 2024

By Nancy LangLast update: 2024-10-17

Walking and running are two of the most effective exercises to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Treadmills are the indispensable equipment for this kind of workouts.

However choosing a good treadmill that’s worth your money is not easy. Don't worry, we already collected all the best treadmills for you.

Here are the best treadmills for home under $500 you can buy in 2024:

  • Best Overall: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
  • Best Quality: ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill
  • Highest-Capacity: Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill
  • Best For Walking: Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill
  • Best Manual Treadmill: Exerpeutic 100XL Treadmill
  • Runner-Up Manual Treadmill: Phoenix 98510 Treadmill
Top 6 Best Treadmills For Home Under $500
Best Overall
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
    Read Our Review
    Best Quality
    ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill
      Read Our Review
      Highest-Capacity
      Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill
        Read Our Review
        Best For Walking
        Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill
          Read Our Review
          Best Manual Treadmill
          Exerpeutic 100XL Treadmill
            Read Our Review
            Runner-Up Manual Treadmill
            Phoenix 98510 Treadmill
              Read Our Review

              Top 6 Best Treadmills For Home Under $500

              Best Overall: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

              XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
              XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
              Pros
              • XTRASoft cushion desk for maximum shock absorption

              • Good-looking design

              • Built-in advanced features: 12 preset programs, Heart rate monitoring, Bluetooth data sharing, MP3 speaker

              • Sturdy and durable

              Cons
              • Maintenance required

              XTERRA Fitness TR150 has an attractive design. The treadmill is mainly black, but the frames have a brushed silver or nickel color. Along with its aluminum rails, the machine looks so premium. The build is really good, making the treadmill sturdy and reliable. The pads bellow help protect the floor surface.

              I put XTERRA Fitness TR150 as the best overall choice not only because of the good-looking design, but also the strong motor. XTERRA Fitness TR150 has 2.25 horsepower motor that lets you run at 10 miles per hour on 3 different incline levels.

              The XTRASoft cushion desk is designed for intense workouts. It has the ability to turn the most violent workouts into the quiet and gentle practices. Moreover, the treadmill has some advanced features, such as 12 preset programs, Heart rate monitoring, Bluetooth data sharing, MP3 speaker.

              The only drawback I can point out is the required regular maintenance. You have to track lubrication every 180 miles and occasional tightening of the belt.

              XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Specifications

              Horsepower

              2.25 HP

              Speed range

              0.5 - 10 MPH

              Maximum weight capacity

              250 lbs

              Belt size

              16 x 50 inches

              Dimension

              63.4L x 28.75W x 51.4H inches

              Storage dimension

              28.5L x 28.75W x 61H inches

              Incline

              3 levels

              Verdict

              XTERRA Fitness TR150 is the best treadmill for home under $500

              Best Quality: ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill

              ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill
              ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill
              Pros
              • As good as XTERRA Fitness TR150

              • Digital incline

              • 16 preset programs

              Cons
              • There isn’t any significant negative point on this treadmill

              ProForm Performance 300i is basically the same as XTERRA Fitness TR150. The design, the build, the motor, and the shock absorbing system are all great.

              The motor on ProForm Performance 300i has 2.0 continuous-duty horsepower (CHP). The CHP means that the motor can maintain 2.0 HP over an extended period of time, which is definitely more powerful than 2.0 HP.

              ProForm Performance 300i costs a little more than XTERRA Fitness TR150 for some more advanced features. They are valuable. The digital incline system that lets you adjust the incline level easily from 0% to 10%.

              The console has 16 preset programs from climbing a mountain to taking a marathon. The iFit Coach program that gives you VIP access to daily global and studio workouts led by professional trainers.

              There is nothing to complain about this treadmill.

              ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill Specifications

              Horsepower

              2.0 CHP

              Speed range

              0.5 - 10 MPH

              Maximum weight capacity

              300 lbs

              Belt size

              16 x 50 inches

              Dimension

              70L x 33W x 53H inches

              Storage dimension

              35L x 33W x 60H inches

              Incline

              0 - 10%

              Verdict

              You should definitely go for the ProForm Performance 300i if you have a big budget

              Highest-Capacity: Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill

              Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill
              Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill
              Pros
              • 400 lb weight capacity

              • Extra long handles

              • Wide walking belt

              Cons
              • Short walking belt

              • Low horsepower, low speed

              Most treadmills support users from 250 lbs to 300 lbs. If you weight above 300 lbs, it would be hard to find a suitable treadmill. Fortunately, Exerpeutic has introduced a high weight capacity model - Exerpeutic TF1000. It supports 400 pounds of user weight capacity.

              Exerpeutic TF1000 is sturdy enough for a 400 lb user to climb on and walk/run at 4 MPH. The treadmill features 2-position manual incline that lets user practice different kinds of workouts.

              They also design the walking belt wider and the handles longer for more comfort and more safety. However, the walking belt is little short in length.

              Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill Specifications

              Horsepower

              1.5 HP

              Speed range

              0.1 - 4 MPH

              Maximum weight capacity

              400 lbs

              Belt size

              20 x 40 inches

              Dimension

              51.2L x 32W x 63H inches

              Storage dimension

              41.3L x 32W x 54H inches

              Incline

              2 levels

              Verdict

              Exerpeutic TF1000 is designed for high-weight users to walk and run comfortably at a normal speed

              Best For Walking: Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill

              Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill
              Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill
              Pros
              • Long walking belt

              • Convenience

              • Compact and lightweight

              Cons
              • Just suitable for walking

              • No incline adjustment

              Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill is the best under-desk treadmill for walking under $500. The price is really good for its high-quality build.

              When it comes to an under-desk treadmill, the most important criterion is convenience. The treadmill should have a small footprint that fits perfectly under a desk. Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill is really compact that fits perfectly under your standing desk.

              Despite being small, the treadmill is reliable. It stays firmly when you walking on it. The long walking belt and the simple safety key will prevent you from stepping off the treadmill while you're focusing on working.

              The treadmill has a high speed as an under-desk treadmill - up to 4 MPH with 0.5 MPH increments. But, it's not suitable for running as the absorbing system is not so effective.

              There are no special features on this treadmill, except for the basic console. It lets you adjust the speed and observe some main indicators - time, speed, steps, distance, calories burned.

              Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill Specifications

              Horsepower

              Not provided

              Speed range

              0.5 - 4 MPH

              Maximum weight capacity

              250 lbs

              Belt size

              18 x 53 inches (Step-Up Height: 6 inches)

              Dimension

              65"L x 25"W x 8"H

              Storage dimension

              65"L x 25"W x 8"H

              Incline

              No

              Verdict

              If you’re finding for an under-desk treadmill, I strongly recommend the Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill

              Best Manual Treadmill: Exerpeutic 100XL Treadmill

              Exerpeutic 100XL Treadmill
              Exerpeutic 100XL Treadmill
              Pros
              • Good build quality

              • Support up to 325lbs

              • Extra-Long Handles

              • 3 levels of incline and 8 levels of magnetic resistance

              Cons
              • Short running belt

              Exerpeutic 100XL looks quite simple and plain, though, it's sturdy enough for 325 lb user running on it. The frame has been reinforced to accommodate a high weight capacity. The walking belt is widened and the handles are enhanced in length for more comfort.

              The starting incline is 8 degree, there is no horizontal level since it's the way a manual treadmill works. You can manually adjust the incline in 3 levels. You can also adjust the resistance level for more diverse workouts.

              The magnetic tension mechanism offers you 8 levels of resistance. And twin 6-inch diameter flywheels provide a smoother and more consistent workout.

              The LCD display computer shows you elapsed time, distance walked, calorie burn, speed and heart rate monitoring.

              One drawback of Exerpeutic 100XL is that it has a short running belt, tall people may find it hard to run on.

              Exerpeutic 100XL Treadmill Specifications

              Maximum weight capacity

              325 lbs

              Belt size

              16 x 45 inches

              Dimension

              50L x 29W x 50H inches

              Storage dimension

              25L x 29W x 50H inches

              Incline

              3 levels (8, 10, 15 degrees)

              Resistance

              8 levels of magnetic resistance

              Verdict

              Exerpeutic 100XL is the best choice for manual treadmill under $500


              Runner-Up Manual Treadmill: Phoenix 98510 Treadmill

              Phoenix 98510 Treadmill
              Phoenix 98510 Treadmill
              Pros
              • Good build

              • Compact

              • Low price

              Cons
              • There’s only one incline level & There is no resistance adjustment

              Phoenix 98510 is more compact than Exerpeutic 100XL. However, it's still sturdy enough to support 250 lb users. Phoenix 98510 also costs much lower than Exerpeutic 100XL.

              The default incline level is 12.5 degree. There is not incline and resistance adjustment - this is a drawback of Phoenix 98510. The treadmill also doesn't have an integrated stop button. Phoenix 98510 is a pretty basic manual treadmill.

              However, it still has a display that tracks speed, distance, time, and calories. And it has two bottle holders with a water bottle included.

              Phoenix 98510 Treadmill Specifications

              Maximum weight capacity

              250 lbs

              Belt size

              13 x 41 inches

              Dimension

              46.5L x 21.1W x 50H inches

              Storage dimension

              21.7L x 21.1W x 50.2H inches

              Incline

              1 level

              Resistance

              No

              Verdict

              If you want a budget manual treadmill, Phoenix 98510 is a good choice.

              Types of Treadmill

              1. Motorized Treadmills

              • When it comes to motorized treadmills, you don't need to produce forces to make the belt move. The motor does it for you, you just need to catch up the speed of the belt.

              • Therefore, walking and running on a motorized treadmill won't stress your joints, especially your knees and ankles.

              • You'll also have more workout features on a motorized treadmill, such as speed and incline adjustment, distance goal setting.

              • These advantages make you practice longer and longer, which is great for losing weight.

              • The horsepower of the motor is one of the most important factors of a motorized treadmill since the speed of the machine depends on it.

              2. Manual Treadmills

              • When it comes to manual treadmills, the belt moves when your feet run against the deck, and you have to maintain the force to keep the belt moving. At the same speed, a manual treadmill requires you to produce 30% more energy than a motorized treadmill. Thus, your heart rate will be in a higher zone.

              • Manual treadmills are great for muscle and high-intensity interval workouts. Many athletes use this type of treadmills to enhance their strength. Manual treadmills also have cheaper prices than motorized treadmills.

              • However, manual treadmills will put tons of stress on your joints. They also lack interesting features and are noisy.

              Which Brands Make The Best Treadmills For Home Under $500?

              XTERRA

              • XTERRA Fitness has provided outstanding-craftsmanship-quality fitness equipment for 3 decades. They headquartered in Arkansas, the US.

              • They has a wide range of products, from treadmills, ellipticals, to rowers. The XTERRA line of treadmills is made out of heavy-duty steel and incorporate durable motors that will keep up the pace as long as you do. Moreover, all of their machines are protected by a lifetime warranty.

              • XTERRA Fitness is one of the most trusted treadmill brands.

              ProForm

              • ProForm is a 30-year-old in-home fitness provider. The company has been the No.1 brand for 20 years in revenue, the most recognized fitness brand. They also owns hundreds of patents.

              • ProForm is famous for their premium quality, innovating integrated technology, and beautiful design. If you want a premium treadmill, ProForm is the brand to look for.

              Exerpeutic

              • Exerpeutic Therapeutic Fitness is a brand of Paradigm Health and Wellness Inc. They are one of the top suppliers to the Fitness, Health and Wellness industry in the US. They are famous for their dedicated team of design engineers and physical fitness specialists. Therefore, they have provided high-quality and innovative fitness appliances for years.

              • Exerpeutic has a diverse range of products. Their treadmills are highly appreciated.

              Titan

              • Titan is an American distributor that headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The company was started over 10 years ago and now has become a top 500 internet retailer.

              • The company owns several brands, Titan Attachments that provides farm attachments, Titan Ramps that provides ramps of all kinds, Titan Great Outdoors that provides camping and picnic accessories, and especially Titan Fitness that provides Fitness equipment.

              • Titan is famous for their good but affordable products. They has the best overall under-desk treadmill - Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill.

              FAQs

              Which treadmill is best for home use?

              It depends on your need.

              If you have weak knees or ankles or just want mild workouts, you should choose a motorized treadmill. I recommend the XTERRA Fitness TR150 - I reviewed above.

              If you want an under-desk treadmill that allows you exercise while working, I recommend the Titan Fitness Under Desk Walking Treadmill - I reviewed above.

              If you want to work more intensely or want an affordable treadmill, you should choose a manual treadmill. I recommend the Exerpeutic 100XL - I reviewed above.

              What does a good treadmill cost?

              A decent manual treadmill costs only from $150. And a decent motorized treadmill costs from $300. You can get a really premium treadmill at $500. There are even some treadmills that cost thousands of dollars.

              Can I lose weight walking 30 minutes on a treadmill?

              It’s important to maintain a consistent schedule to lose weight. If you walk 30 minutes a day, you should walk every day.

              Are treadmills accurate for calories burned?

              Experts agree that the calorie counter on treadmills is quite accurate. However, the calories burned depends much on weight. Therefore, an advanced treadmill that lets you input your weight and is more accurate than a normal treadmill.

              Many treadmills use a reference of about 155 lbs to calculate the calories burned. If you're above 155 lbs, you actually burn more than the number displayed. If you're below 155 lbs, you actually burn less than the number displayed.

              One important thing you need to know is that relying on the handlebars makes you burn 40% less. So, you're trying to lose weight, try to avoid using the handlebars too much.

              What are the disadvantages of treadmill?

              Treadmills require more effort than exercise bikes. You need to try harder when walking or running on a treadmill, which also leads to a shorter workout duration. And overall, you work less, burn fewer calories. In return, treadmills enhance your strength and muscular more.

              Another disadvantage of treadmills is that they are not suitable for those have problems with joints, especially joint and ankle problems.

              Summary

              Above are my full review of the best treadmills for home under $500. Hope that the information in this article will help you find the suitable one for you.


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