A treadmill has become a vital part of most individuals’ fitness regimes. Treadmill might be among your hefty investments, but you don’t have to break your bank when you can invest in good-quality, affordable treadmills under your budget.
Yes, you read that right!
We have seen a lot of expensive treadmills in the market, making people skip the idea of purchasing a treadmill due to that MASSIVE PRICE TAG. But you don’t have to look away when you can still purchase a treadmill of good quality for under $400. Various reputable treadmill manufacturing companies offer sturdy and durable treadmills that save you money.
Things to Know Before Investing in a Treadmill Under $400
If you have decided to invest in huge gym equipment like a treadmill, here are a few things to consider before buying one. Also, remember that a quality treadmill does not necessarily need a massive fortune investment as you can still get the high built quality under your budget.
Design
The treadmills with a price tag below $400 usually are not armed with luxurious design features. Most of these treadmills come with very basic design features that are friendly for beginners only and do not favor heavy or intense workouts in terms of power and strength. However, you can easily find a foldable treadmill under $400 that you can fold easily, saving lots of space, and is also easy to place in a low-ceiling area due to its small footprint.
Power
Economical treadmills usually do not offer as high power as high-end treadmills do. It is essential to find out the CHP provided by the treadmill and make sure the continuous horsepower lies between 2.5 to 3.0 to ensure a suitable running time on the treadmill.
Incline
It is important to know the inclination angle that your budget-friendly treadmill is offering. The treadmill user should know the incline options, as various training programs require a high incline angle. Another important thing to know is, most budget-friendly treadmill models come with manual incline options and not motorized options like a high-end treadmill. So, it’s a thing to consider if you can handle manual adjusting or not.
Belt Size
Most of the cheap treadmills come with narrow belt surfaces or smaller belt sizes which sometimes make it difficult for taller and bulky individuals to exercise freely on the belt surface. In most affordable treadmills under $400, the standard belt length lies between 36” and 50”, which makes it difficult for taller users to run on the belt, but it should be enough for everyday walking and jogging for normal people, which is most likely the purpose of any treadmill that is under $400.
Also, the budget-friendly treadmills have tread belts with a width between 14” to 18”, which might not suit bulky people. However, all this has the advantage that the smaller belt can be adjusted easily in smaller spaces.
Control Features
Many of the budget-friendly treadmills do not come with additional features such as LCD display and Bluetooth connectivity. A treadmill that is armed with an LCD display keeps the person on the treadmill entertained while also displaying workout stats such as his heart rate and hours spent on the treadmill. Similarly, the Bluetooth Connectivity feature makes the treadmill’s workout time filled with lots of fun and keeps the user going. So if these features are not on your top list, you may go for any treadmill that looks good.
Warranty
The warranty that comes with the treadmill says a lot about the quality of the treadmill and the reputation of its manufacturer. Not all affordable treadmills come with a warranty or may require you to pay additional for the warranty, delivery fees, or assembly charges. Most reputable treadmills manufacturing companies offer a few years of warranty even with their most affordable treadmill models. Always invest in those treadmills which offer a three to five years warranty for the frame and a six to eight-month warranty for the motor.
Top-rated Treadmills Under $400
To help you not spend extra dollars to purchase a treadmill or spend hours searching for a treadmill under your budget, we have enlisted the top-rated treadmills under $400, which are remarkably known for their strong built quality, excellent performance, and popularity among users. Let’s find our top picks, which are loved by customers worldwide.
1. Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series – A Compact & Powerful Choice
Not everyone knows that Weslo Cadence is owned by the same company that owns NordicTrack and Proform, i.e., Icon Health & Fitness. So it is easy to predict that the sturdiness and power that comes with Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill series would be as incredible as its other siblings. Talking about the specs of this affordable treadmill, we cannot stop drooling over its advanced shock absorption system to protect joints and its heart rate monitoring which is rarely available in economic treadmills which come for under $400.
It has a tread belt length of 50”, which is impressive, with a width of 16”, which is fine as well for most users. Weslo Cadence G 5.9 has a maximum speed of 10 MPH and motor power of 2.25 HP, which is remarkable at this price point.
This economical treadmill comes with 6 built-in workout programs (3 weight loss and 3 intensity programs), and interestingly, it is iFit enabled as well, which means that you can access numerous workouts from the iFit library through Bluetooth connectivity.
Since Weslo Cadence G 5.9 has a compact and foldable design, you can benefit from its smaller footprint of only 64.5 inches long and 29 inches wide frame. The appearance of this treadmill is appealing to those who are looking for a space-friendly treadmill. Moreover, it offers a 2-level of manually adjustable incline settings which, again, is a plus point.
The Good:
- Bluetooth Connectivity & Impressive monitor display.
- Accessibility to iFit programs.
- Foldable design.
- Running belt of 50” inches.
- Holds up to 275 lbs of weight capacity which is higher than its competitors.
The Bad:
- A narrower tread belt can be troublesome for heavier users.
- No LED screen backlight
Our Verdict:
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 treadmill is a no-fuss kind of treadmill that is perfect for those who are seeking to invest in a treadmill that has a great frame quality and foldable design. Although the warranty is not as good as other high-end treadmills, it still gains some extra points for being a basic treadmill with lucrative features, such as a thumb sensor and monitor display, for only $400.
2. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill – Top-rated, User-friendly Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is quite popular among fitness enthusiasts who are looking for a sturdy and simple treadmill design without jumping out of their budget. It comes with all those exceptional features that are present in treadmills with hefty price tags, which is why we call it a sweet spot for its amazing running surface and affordable design specifications. XTERRA is powered with 2.25 HP; even at this motor power, there will be no noise during its operation. With a speed of 10 miles per hour and three manual incline settings, nothing is left to question upon the features packed inside this economic treadmill.
The running belt has a width of 16 inches and a length of 50 inches. Furthermore, the easy-to-pull knob design makes the folding and unfolding of this treadmill pretty seamless, so you can easily shift it wherever you want without requiring any assistance. XTERRA Fitness TR150 treadmill has a beautiful LCD display of 5 inches along with accessibility to 12 built-in workout programs to help you jog or work out, from low to high-intensity workout programs. You can easily track your heart rate, covered distance, burnt calories, and incline and speed through the control panel. The XTRASoft Cushioned Deck makes it easier to jog on the ultra-soft treadmill surface, even for elderly people with up to 250 pounds.
The Good:
- 3 manual incline settings.
- Easy knob system for folding and unfolding.
- 12 built-in workout programs for low to high-intensity regimes.
- Soft cushioned deck for secure, comfortable, and pain-free running.
The Bad:
- It does not offer Bluetooth connectivity.
- No cooling fans.
Our Verdict:
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is among the top-rated affordable treadmills, which is packed with amazing features and, up above that, a strong frame quality that will make this treadmill last longer. With a smooth and noiseless operation, you can spend hours working out on its soft-cushioned running surface without fearing any joint injury.
3. Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill – Most Innovative and Advance Treadmill Under $400
At an amazing price point, Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill is designed for heavy workouts with a motor power of 2.2 HP. To help you conveniently continue your exercise and to protect your body from tiredness, the treadmill comes with a soft cushioning feature. Another interesting specification of this folding treadmill is its handrail controls which help you control your speed on the treadmill. Not all budget-friendly treadmills come with this major innovative feature, making it an excellent choice. Furthermore, you may also pause running on the treadmill by simply utilizing the pause function through handrail controls.
It has 9 built-in workout programs, which you can follow conveniently without feeling bored. A wide LCD display makes monitoring distance, calories, speed, and pulse rate easier. The built-in smartphone holder is yet another convenient design feature, especially considering that not all budget-friendly treadmills come with such holders. This treadmill’s 49 inches-long and 15.5 inches-wide running surface offers a speed of 0.5 to 9 MPH, which you may customize accordingly. Due to the smaller size of the tread belt, it can be folded easily, making it a compact choice for your home gym. When unfolded, the dimensions of this treadmill are 62” L by 25.5” W, which is suitable for putting it in smaller spaces.
The Good:
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Quick control through the handrails.
- 4.3% maximum incline
- It has a built-in smartphone holder for using your phone.
- Compact footprint for small home gyms.
The Bad:
- Narrower track surface than others
- Low speed, i.e., 9 MPH (that’s not a serious con)
Our Verdict:
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill has a compact size which makes it perfect for those living in apartments. People who want to save money or don’t want to pay the monthly fees for gym memberships can benefit from its cheap price point while enjoying some of the advance and innovative features of a treadmill.
4. UREVO 2 in1 Under Desk Treadmill – Bring Multi-Functionality at Home
UREVO is a trusted fitness equipment manufacturing brand that is popular for providing value to customers through offering additional features. With its 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill, you can enjoy the ease of working out at home by investing in a treadmill that has the motor power of 2.5 HP and ticks the affordability box as well. It may be used for walking, running, and jogging upon its 5-layer slip-resistant belt that allows you to carry out any type of exercise.
Being 2-in-1, you can thoroughly enjoy the dual functionality features of this powerful treadmill, i.e., you can easily work out on a traditionally designed frame-up treadmill with a speed of 7.6 MPH or just do a simple walk under the desk at a speed of 3.8 MPH. The foldable design comes with wheels for easy transportation of UREVO 2-in-1 under desk treadmill, and ease of assembly is yet another attractive feature to add on. It has a tread belt with a width of 16.9 inches and a length of 45.7 inches, with additional cushioning for knee and joint protection. The speed and workout programs can be managed through the remote controller. And with a wide-screen display, it is easier to track your workout, including time, calories, and distance, in real time.
The Good:
- Ease of transportation.
- Multifunctional, i.e., can be used as a flat machine without handles or as a regular treadmill with frame up.
The Bad:
- It can be noisy sometimes.
Our Verdict:
UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill is best suited for those who do not want to distract from their work while working out, as the innovative 2-in-1 model can be used anywhere and anytime you want, with or without handles. The power and treadmill belt are some of the amazing features UREVO offers at an appealing price tag.
5. Goplus Under Desk Treadmill – Combining Work & Walk
Soon after the demand for under-desk treadmills increased, many popular treadmills manufacturing companies started introducing 2-in-1 treadmills which can be used with or without handles. GoPlus is yet another name that has entered the competition with compact yet powerful under-desk treadmills with the sturdy build quality for under $400. You can use it with the raiser down and enjoy walking or jogging, or can lift the frame to get into your regular workout routine at a speed range of 0.5 – 4 MPH. The strong heavy-duty frame construction can hold up to 220 lbs and can be transported anywhere in the home with its movable wheels.
This Goplus under-desk treadmill has rubber feet that protect the floor and do not leave unpleasant marks. Also, we love the noiseless functioning of this treadmill and reduced vibration even at the highest speed due to its multi-layer shield design. The treadmill can be operated easily from a distance of 15m through a wireless remote control. The running surface of this under-desk treadmill is 41” x 17”, which is enough for your regular walking routine. The touchable LCD display, Bluetooth connectivity, and easy, seamless placement of the treadmill are some of the impressive highlights of the Goplus under-desk treadmill.
The Good:
- Shock-proof, multi-layer cushioned design
- A decent space on the tread belt for easy walking and running
- Noiseless functioning
The Bad:
- No incline features
- No pre-installed workout programs
- Lower speed as compared to other heavy-duty treadmills
Our Verdict:
It’s a light-duty treadmill made for a little bit slower speeds than treadmills that are heavier, but considering its budget-friendly price, this under-desk treadmill ticks all the right boxes. With the stand and rails taken off, the Goplus can travel at a top speed of 4.0 miles per hour or brisk strolling, which again is satisfactory.
6. Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill – Innovative Twin Flywheels Design And High Incline
Last but not the least, Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill is another recommended treadmill that comes for under $400 and has a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame. The best thing about this fitness treadmill is its sleek and slimline design that can hold up to 230 lbs of weight, which is impressive. The innovation lies in its twin flywheels design that makes this treadmill function quite smoothly. With a tread belt size of 43” x 13 ¼”, the space provided is sufficient for individuals of every size to jog or walk over this treadmill, but for a runner, the running track can be short. It has long handles with a foam grip for a more secure running experience.
A wide LCD display helps track the time, distance, and speed, which is, again, a plus point. Through manual adjustments, you can adjust the incline settings of the Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill into two positions, i.e., 6 and 10 degrees. The foldable design, along with oversized belt rollers, adds more convenience. Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill deserves a spot on the list of the best running treadmills under $400 thanks to its quiet and smooth performance, simple controls, and sturdy construction that is guaranteed to last longer. The ease of assembly and comfortable transportation through the wheels make it a perfect addition to your home gym.
The Good:
- Twin flywheels design
- It does not require electricity
- Offers good manual incline of up to 6 and 10 degrees
The Bad:
- Lack of built-in fitness programs
Our Verdict:
The Fitness Reality TR1000 manual treadmill has the advantage of a small design that doesn’t require electricity and requires no proper maintenance. Try the TR1000 manual Treadmill, as it is budget-friendly and helps you achieve your fitness goals.
Our Pick for the Winner
All of these budget-friendly treadmills have outstanding frame construction and a lot of lucrative features for under $400. If you want to invest in a treadmill for your basic workout regimen, these are the most economical treadmills that you may consider investing in. However, among all these affordable fitness treadmills, we love XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill for its amazing specifications, noiseless working, and overall very impressive build quality. The wide running surface of the tread belt, along with soft cushioning, make this treadmill no less than an expensive workout treadmill.
Wrap Up
So do you like any of these budget-friendly treadmills which offer durability, quality, and performance as well? We hope that now you will not consider going ahead of your budget with a treadmill when you can still purchase the one that ticks the right boxes for you for only $400. Let us know in the comments section about your favorite affordable treadmill from the list. The sturdy belt can hold up to 265 lbs of weight and provides a spacious area for your regular workout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are affordable treadmills good for the knees?
Undeniably, the premium and heavy-duty treadmills are made with soft-cushioned tread belts to prevent knees from injuries. However, you don’t have to rely upon these expensive treadmills all the time, as some treadmill manufacturing companies are still constructing treadmills that protect joints and knees from impact and injuries. Some treadmills which come for under $400 have soft-cushioning systems to protect your joints.
Are treadmills under $400 create noise during working?
Since most of the affordable treadmills are only intended for walking and jogging, the majority of treadmills in this price range have a quieter motor. Many users of these treadmills have discovered they can work out on a cheap treadmill while watching TV and listening to music without being bothered by the noise.
What is an under-desk treadmill?
An under-desk treadmill is a flat machine without grips that fits under your desk and allows you to lean on it while you work. Walking pads on the under-desk treadmills are usually made to be used at modest speeds, unlike ordinary treadmills, which can withstand miles of walking and jogging.
How much weight does an under-desk treadmill hold?
An under-desk treadmill with strong frame construction has the capacity to hold up to 320 pounds.
What is the average price range of an under-desk treadmill?
The price of an under-desk treadmill ranges between $300 to $1300.
How long does a budget-friendly treadmill last?
Most manufacturers claim that a budget-friendly treadmill has an average lifespan of about ten years. However, this depends on a number of things, such as keeping the motor in good working order and routinely lubricating the treadmill.