Winter is approaching, and that means, cold, snowy, icy miles. While runners pride themselves on battling against the toughest training conditions, sometimes it is best to pound out the miles inside. But if you don't have a gym membership—or the roads are too slippery to get there—you may find yourself in need of a treadmill of your own.
We have gathered up some of our favorite cheap treadmills out there. Look below for buying advice and reviews on the treadmills that can rescue your winter training without draining your savings.
- Best for Working from Home: Goplus Under Desk Treadmill
- Best for Small Spaces: Weslo Cadence Folding Treadmill
- Bast Bang for Your Buck: ProForm — 505 CST Treadmill
- Best Budget Option: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M
- Best With Built-In Screen: ProForm Cadence LT
- Customer Favorite: XTERRA Fitness TR150
How to Choose a Cheap Treadmill
When looking for a new treadmill, you will want to consider how much and how aggressively you plan to use it. If you are more of a walker, or hoping for a desk treadmill, you will do fine with an option that doesn't go particularly fast and may not have all the bells and whistles.
For speedier runners or those who plan to use the treadmill frequently, you may want to invest in a model that's a bit sturdier, and has some features like built-in workouts, automatic incline, and speeds over 10mph. You will also want to consider your space—opt for a smaller or foldable option if you are trying to optimize walking room.
How We Choose
To find the best cheap treadmills out there, we researched the most popular models available. We then took into account price, materials, features, and top speed and incline. Finally, we consulted more than 19,000 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon, to settle on these six.
Best for Working From Home
$459.99 $369.99
Key Specs:
- Max MPH: 4
- Incline settings: None
This treadmill is not the best option for frequent runners, but it works great if you are looking for a walking treadmill or are building a walking desk. Not only is it situated perfectly for a walking desk because it is flat and without a bar or handles, it has a remote so it can be controlled without bending over—and stopped without having to hop off. Since it is thin and has wheels, it is also easy to store under a bed or couch when not in use.
Best for Small Spaces
$260.00
Key Specs:
- Max MPH: 10
- Incline settings: Manual
The Weslo isn't on sale, but it is still one of the cheapest treadmills on our list. Despite the low price point, it works well for most runners, reaching up to 10 mph. It comes with a 30-day iFit membership that allows you to stream workout classes through a device of your choice. It folds up easily to save space, and the large LCD screen allows you to see all your stats during your workout.
Best Bang for Your Buck
$999.99 $599.99
Key Specs:
- Max MPH: 10
- Incline settings: Automatic
While this ProForm treadmill is the most expensive option, it is worth the extra cash as it is a great midrange treadmill for $400 off. It has a sturdy build, but still can fold it up and out of the way. It uses high cushioning technology to make running a bit easier on your legs, and a 30 day iFit membership that connects directly to the treadmill, automatically adjusting your pace and incline based on the preset workout you choose. It reaches speeds of 10mph, and an incline of 10%. There are also built in speakers and fans, which add a taste of luxury.
Best Budget Option
$199.90 $147.99
Sunny Health & Fitness Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M
Sunny Health & Fitness Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M
Key Specs:
- Max MPH: Manual
- Incline settings: Manual
If you are budget-conscious or have a small space, this Sunny treadmill might be just right for you. It is completely foldable, and since it is manual, you can place it anywhere without worrying about plugging it in. While you are better off doing workouts and long runs outside, it is more than capable of handling walks and easy runs when you don't want to go outside. Plus, it is under $200, making it exceptionally affordable.
Best With Built-In Screen
$835.00 $399.00
ProForm ProForm Cadence LT Folding Treadmill
ProForm ProForm Cadence LT Folding Treadmill
Key Specs:
- Max MPH: 10
- Incline settings: Automatic
Another affordable option, this ProFrom has a built-in screen that allows you to monitor your stats as you run, and even follow along on classes—if you purchase an iFit membership. It has a two-level adjustable incline, and reaches up to 10 mph. The belt is designed with extra cushioning to make it easier on your joints and legs over long miles. Plus, it’s foldable, so you can store it out of the way when you are done!
Customer Favorite
$499.99 $349.99
XTERRA Fitness XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black
XTERRA Fitness XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black
Key Specs:
- Max MPH: 10
- Incline settings: Manual
This tread is a favorite of Amazon customers, with over 10,000 reviews giving and average of 4.5/5 stars. It is a pretty basic model, but if you aren't looking for all the bells and whistles, it can be a great training option for when the weather is bad. The five-inch LCD display tells you distance, pace, and even heart rate, thanks to the built-in heart rate monitors. It has 12 preset programs if you are looking for a mindless workout, and it can reach up to 10 mph. While it has three incline settings, they are manual, so you will have to stop the treadmill and change them by hand.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
