So you’re stuck at home and need a way to work out – but don’t want to spend serious bucks on a treadmill. Finding a budget friendly, yet good performance treadmill for under $500 is not easy. So we’ll do the hard work and review the 7 best treadmills under $500.
Check out the comparison table if you want to dive into the specific features – otherwise, come along for the jog while we breakdown the best at a great price point.
Update as of 2021 – well, COVID changed the world. And the newest fitness trend taking over is working out while you are working. And so our new, favorite treadmill under $500 can be used as a regular home fitness device – or under a standing desk. It’s got a beautiful design, is easy to store and more, great speakers – and it’s only $450. The Mobvoi treadmill is the new, best, all around, low cost treadmill for your home gym OR home office. Visit their site here to check out all it can do, or read our review of the Mobvio treadmill now.
Top 7 Treadmill under $500
- XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill
- Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill
- ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill
- MaxKare Folding Treadmill
- Exerpeutic TF1000 treadmill
- Goplus Folding Treadmill
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 – Our choice best treadmill under $500
Of course ProForm isn’t the only manufacturer out there. The Weslo Cadence is truly comparable to the 6.0 RT in price but with fewer features. The incline has two stages and is manually adjustable, which requires you to stop and make the change.
It comes with 6 preloaded workouts and has the space saver fold up capability. It is lighter than the ProForm at just 120 lbs, making it easier to store as needed. Casual users find it designed to meet their needs while more determined athletes tend to find it lacking in durability. Check out the price on Amazon now.
ProForm 505 CST Treadmill
If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty treadmill, the 505 features all of the perks of the ZT4 with a more substantial running surface included able to support an individual up to 325 lbs. Of course the price reflects the heavier construction, well over the MSRP of the ZT4.
Another added bonus is that you can order it in a variety of colors. The ZT4 is only available in the standard black/silver. The only challenge users mentioned is that plastic parts can be damaged during shipping, but customer service replaces those without any significant hassle.
Nordic Track Commercial 1750
In comparison to the Proform ZT8 treadmill, the Nordic Track Commercial 1750 has a total of 38 different workout programs. The options are designed for heart rate control, calorie burn, interval training and speed training. The treadmill also comes with three fans; two meant to cool your face and another to keep your body comfortable. While the Proform ZT8 allows only incline training, this treadmill has both incline and decline training options. Kindly follow this link to view the Nordic Track Commercial 1750.
- The treadmill features a total of three fans
- The design of the treadmill has 38 workout programs
- You will be able to engage in both incline and decline training
Sole F80
The Sole F80 differs from the Proform ZT8 treadmill in some ways. The Sole F80 has a more powerful motor that produces 3.5 horsepower. This motor supplies power to the tread belt to provide for long distance running, tough workouts and introducing dynamism to internal training. This treadmill features ten preset workout programs, fewer than the 24 programs that you will find on the ZT8. When it comes to the display, you will enjoy using the 9-inch LCD for training support and entertainment. Kindly visit this website to have a look at this product.
- 10 preset workout programs
- 9-inch display screen
- A 3.5 horsepower motor
Matrix TF30
The Matrix TF30 has a 3.25 horsepower motor, one that is more powerful than that in the Proform ZT8 treadmill. This motor uses advanced technology to measure every footfall so that you can enjoy smooth training. The treadmill also has a higher top speed, allowing you to run at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour. However, the 55-inch long tread belt is not designed for people with longer strides. Please follow the link provided to view a picture of the treadmill.
- Shorter tread belt length
- A 3.25 horsepower motor
- Maximum speed of 12.5 mph
ProForm 6.0 RT Treadmill
This is the model if you’re looking for a treadmill on a budget. It only has a 2.0 cph motor with a top speed of 8 mph. Preloaded workouts number eight, instead of eighteen. It does not have the ProShox system or the 25-year warranty for its frame. Of course, you are paying several hundred dollars less for this version, but are getting a product that doesn’t receive a ton of positive feedback.
If you are just starting out and don’t want to sink tons of cash into a treadmill, this could be a good option. Be warned it seems to have manufacturing difficulties with many units being returned for bent, crooked and broken frames. Also the motor tends to be noisier.
best cheap treadmill