Best Home Treadmills Under $500
Home treadmills under $500 are popular entry to medium level home treadmills. They have more features than treadmills under $300, can accommodate slightly heavier users, have better warranty terms and allow the trainees to have more serious running workouts more often.
However, they lack certain features commonly found on more expensive home treadmills.
Updated: September 26, 2022.
When on sale, home treadmills under $500 often can be found at rather affordable prices, even under $300 - that is why we have included the current prices of every model.
On This Page:
Under $500 Treadmills - Features and Specifications
1. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
2. Goplus 2 in 1 Folding/Under Desk Treadmill
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill
5. MaxKare 2.5 HP Motorized Electric Folding Treadmill
6. Exerpeutic TF1000 Ultra High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill
7. Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill
8. SereneLife SLFTRD25 Smart Digital Folding Treadmill
9. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill
10. ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill
Treadmills Under $500 - Few Final Words
Under $500 Treadmills - Features and Specifications
A good home treadmills under $500 should be folding treadmill with transport wheels. This way, when in use, it can be positioned on the best possible spot, and when the workout is done, it can be moved away. However, having the treadmill positioned in the permanent position is the best option - when willing to exercise, just unfolded it and walk, jog, or run. When done, just fold it to preserve space and that's it.
The deck size of running treadmills in this class is usually 50 inches long and 16 inches wide while walking treadmills have somewhat shorter running/walking decks, usually in the 40 inches range.
Maximum user weight depends on the type and construction, but a good home treadmill of this class should support the users of at least 220 pounds, preferably users of at least 250 pounds. In fact, 250 pounds is perhaps a minimum for the 'maximum user allowed weight' in this class, but there are very good affordable treadmills that support users up to (only) 220 pounds, and such treadmills are excellent choice for lighter users.
300 pounds maximum user limit is not often found for a running treadmill in this class, but there are models that support even such users.
Walking treadmills have weaker and cheaper motors, allowing the manufacturers to make stronger and durable walking treadmills with a maximum user limit up to 400 pounds while keeping the price in check.
These treadmills generally use stronger motors than treadmills in the 'under $300 range', but some manufacturers still use 'Peak HP' or 'Impulse HP' instead of 'Continuous HP' labels. Anyway, one can expect 2.0 - 2.5 HP motors in running treadmills and 1.0 - 2.0 HP motors in motorized walking treadmills. Of course, manual walking treadmills don't have electric motors at all.
The maximum speed of running treadmills under $500 is usually around 10 mph while walking treadmills have maximum speed between 4 and 6 mph.
Most of the treadmills have manual incline with 2-3 positions, however, there are treadmills in this price range that are closer to $500 but offer motorized incline change, usually between 0 and 10%. Such systems allow the user to change incline without interruptions during workouts, which is, of course, great.
The number of programs vary significantly from just 4-6 programs to up to 15 or even more workout programs. Also, certain models can have a connection to Google Maps and simulate real terrain, simulating the workout on the real terrain. Of course, the quality of simulation depends on the price of the treadmill, but it is a very interesting feature for treadmills under $500.
Having different user-profiles and saving previous workout sessions is a great option for situations where several users train on the same treadmill. However, most of the units in this price range don't have different user profiles.
The treadmill console allows the user to track parameters of the exercise like burned calories, covered distance, speed, duration, and similar. Consoles in this price range mostly don't have built-in speakers, MP3 players, USB charging ports, cooling fans, etc.
Also, heart rate monitors are mostly in the form of contact sensors on the handles, although some models support wireless heart rate monitors, but they don't come with heart chest strap monitors.
Maintenance is very simple - lubricate the belt and other parts of the treadmill after a certain amount of time (depending on the usage) and adjust the belt, if required. Note that it is vital to maintain the treadmill as instructed by the manufacturer - read the manual/instructions before assembly and first use and act accordingly.
Warranty terms vary significantly - some models come with the most basic 90 or 180-days warranty on motor and parts, while some models come with a 1- or 2-year warranty on most stressed parts like motor, belts, and similar.
1. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is a mid-range home treadmill, featuring 50x16 inches running deck powered by a 2.25 HP motor and supporting the users up to 250 pounds (113 kg).
The speed range is between 0.5 and 10 mph (0.8 and 16 km/h) with three incline levels. However, the incline is set manually, requiring the user to either set the incline before the workout session or to stop with walking/running, adjust the incline, and then to continue with the cardio exercise.
Unfolded unit's dimensions (ready for use) are (L x W x H) 63.4 x 28.75 x 51.4 inches (~161 x 73 x 130.5 cm).
In order to save space when not in use, XTERRA TR150 can be folded and its folded dimensions are (L x W x H) 28.5 x 28.75 x 61 inches (72.4 x 73 x 155 cm). Also, unit comes with transport wheels, so it can be moved around if required.
XTERRA Fitness TR150 features 12 workout programs, offering a nice variety of programs for avoiding the boredom during the workouts. Also, the user can choose the manual program.
5” (12.7 cm) LCD display is easy to read even when running. It shows all the necessary information required by the user during exercise like running/walking speed, current incline, time, covered distance, burned calories, and pulse.
Console features 'Quick Touch Speed Buttons', which allow the user to quickly set desired speeds from 1 mph to 9 mph (1.6 - 15 km/h).
Heart rate sensors are positioned on the handlebars.
All-in-all XTERRA TR150 is for a reason one of the most popular treadmills in its class - it offers a relatively strong and sturdy workout platform for cardio sessions at home.
If a stronger unit, with more options and features is required, consider some of the larger, stronger, but also more expensive XTERRA Fitness treadmills:
| Model | TR150 | TRX2500 | TRX3500 | TRX4500 |
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| Motor | 2.25 HP | 2.25 HP | 3.0 HP | 3.25 HP |
| Speed Range | 0.5 - 10 mph | 0.5 - 10 mph | 0.5 - 12 mph | 0.5 - 12 mph |
| Incline | 3 positions (manual) | 0-10%, electronic | 0-12%, electronic | 0-15%, electronic |
| Running Deck | 16 x 50 inches | 20 x 55 inches | 20 x 60 inches | 20 x 60 inches |
| Console Display | 5 inches, LCD | 5.5 inches, Blue Backlit LCD | 6.5 inches, Blue Backlit LCD | 7.5 inches, Blue Backlit LCD |
| Workout Programs | 12 Preset | 24 Preset, 2 Custom, 1 Heart Rate Control | 30 Preset, 2 Custom, 1 Heart Rate Control | 30 Preset, 2 Custom, 1 Heart Rate Control |
| Handlebar Speed/Incline Control | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio/Speakers | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling Fan | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 63.4 x 28.7 x 51.4 inches | 72.3 x 35 x 56.1 inches | 77.2 x 35.5 x 56.1 inches | 77.2 x 35.5 x 56.1 inches |
| Folded Dimensions | 28.5 x 28.75 x 61 inches | 48.3 x 35.5 x 61.8 inches | 51.2 x 35.5 x 65.8 inches | 51.2 x 35.5 x 65.8 inches |
| Weight | 109.3 lbs | 207.3 lbs | 213.9 lbs | 220.5 lbs |
| Maximum User Weight | 250 lbs | 300 lbs | 350 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Amazon Link | XTERRA TR150 Folding Treadmill Black | Xterra Fitness TRX2500 Folding Treadmill | XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill | XTERRA Fitness TRX4500 Treadmill |
Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for more reviews and recommendations.
XTERRA Fitness TR150 treadmill features very balanced design at rather affordable price. It doesn't come with motorized incline, Bluetooth connectivity and similar features that are common at more expensive treadmills, but as a walking and running platform, it is one of the best buy treadmills in its class.
For most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check XTERRA Fitness TR150 Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
2. Goplus 2 in 1 Folding/Under Desk Treadmill
As its name suggests, Goplus 2 in 1 Folding/Under Desk Treadmill is a 2-in-1 treadmill that may be used as a classic treadmill for running/jogging exercises with a speed range of 0.6 - 7.5 mph (1-10 km/h) and as under desk treadmill with the speed range of 0.6 - 2.5 mph (1-4 km/h).
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill features a folding handrail - when it is folded, the unit may be used as an under-desk treadmill, and when it is unfolded, the unit may be used as a classic walking/jogging treadmill.
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill features 40x16 inches running deck which is large enough for walking, but for jogging, it should be somewhat longer.
Overall dimensions of the unit are 49 x 27 x 42 inches (~124.5 x 68.6 x 106.7 cm), with folded dimension of 52 x 27 x 5 inches (~132 x 68.6 x 12.7 cm) - it can easily be stored under most beds and similar objects.
The unit is also relatively lightweight at 69.5 pounds (~31.5 kg).
This unit is powered with 2.25 HP motor and supports users up to 265 pounds (120 kg).
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill doesn't feature adjustable incline and it doesn't come with pre-set exercise programs - the user uses a remote control to adjust belt speed.
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill is a rather compact unit, easy to use, and store and is somewhat different from classic treadmills.
The LED display is placed just ahead of the running deck and it clearly shows exercise time, current speed, covered distance, and burned calories.
The unit features Bluetooth connectivity for playing music, while the folding handrail features a phone holder.
One of the very interesting features of Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill is that it requires no assembly - it is ready for use practically right out of the box.
For most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Goplus 2 in 1 Folding/Under Desk Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill
Sunny SF-T4400 Treadmill features a 49 x 16 inches (~124.5 x 41 cm) running deck, and is powered by 2.20 HP electric motor providing the speed range of 0.5 - 9 mph (0.8 - 14.4 km/h).
Running deck is comfortable with a good cushioning system and is rather gentle to users hips, knees, and ankles, especially if the user walks or jogs slowly.
Sunny SF-T4400 Treadmill supports a maximum user weight of 220 pounds (~100 kg). Also, Sunny SF-T4400 Treadmill comes with 3 manual incline positions and 9 built-in workout programs.
Sunny SF-T4400 Treadmill features a heart rate sensors built-in in handle grips, allowing the user to monitor heart rate while working out - very important for 'in the Zone' workouts. Handrails controls also allow the user to control speed, start and stop functions of the treadmill.
The unit weighs 103 pounds (~47 kg) and in combination with transport wheels, it can be easily moved around when required. When unfolded, Sunny SF-T4400 treadmill dimensions are (L x W x H) 62 x 27 x 50 inches (~157.5 x 68.6 x 127 cm), and when folded, dimensions are (L x W x H) 34.5 x 27 x 58 inches (~87.6 x 68.6 x 147.3 cm).
When on sale, Sunny SF-T4400 Treadmill can often be found at very affordable prices - if Sunny SF-T4400 treadmill fits your needs, consider it as your next home walking/running treadmill.
For more reviews and recommendations, check Sunny SF-T4400 Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill features a relatively spacious running deck of 49.5 x 16.5 inches (~126 x 42 cm) and motorized incline with 12 positions.
Running deck features a shock absorption system, decreasing the stress on legs (joints) while jogging and running.
Sunny SF-T7515 is powered by a 2.2 HP motor, offering a speed range between 1 and 8 mph (1.6 and 12.8 km/h) for users up to 250 pounds (~113 kg).
The backlit LCD Monitor displays: exercise time, covered distance, current speed, burned calories, current incline, and current heart rate.
Also, it comes with integrated speakers, microphone, Bluetooth, and MP3 connectivity, allowing the user to answer calls and listen to music while exercising.
Sunny SF-T7515 features a soft drop system for easy folding and transportation wheels for easy moving around.
Heart rate monitors are positioned in the handles, allowing the user to monitor heart rate during exercise.
The tablet/smartphone holder is integrated with the console, however, a tablet/smartphone covers a part of the console.
Sunny SF-T7515 treadmill is an excellent home treadmill for users up to 250 pounds that need a treadmill for walking, jogging, and light running (up to 8 mph). With 12 programs and 12 automatic incline levels, it can help the user burn plenty of calories.
For most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
5. MaxKare 2.5 HP Motorized Electric Folding Treadmill
As its label suggests, the MaxKare 2.5 HP Motorized Electric Folding Treadmill is powered by a 2.5 HP electric motor, providing speed range between 0.5 and 8.5 mph (0.8 and 13.6 km/h) making it suitable for fast walks exercises, jogging and even light running.
Running belt is 17 inches (~43.2 cm) wide, offering a large area for walking and an acceptable area for jogging and running - this very much depends on the running technique.
Maximum allowed user weight is 220 pounds (~100 kg), with the treadmill itself weighing 91 pounds (~41.3 kg).
The physical dimensions of the unit are 53.39 x 26.18 x 45.95 inches (~135.6 x 66.5 x 116.7 cm), with the folded size of 28.47 x 26.18 x 46.42 inches (~72.3 x 66.5 x 117.9 cm).
The unit features 15 pre-set exercise programs, with the console featuring a large backlit LCD display showing speed, workout program, covered distance, burned calories, time, and heart rate.
Handrails feature contact heart rate monitors and additional speed control buttons.
MaxKare 2.5 HP Motorized Electric Folding Treadmill features 3 position incline, which is great, but the incline change is manual - it should be set before the exercise in order to avoid stepping off the treadmill during the exercise.
All-in-all, MaxKare 2.5 HP Motorized Electric Folding Treadmill is very balanced design, without any advance feature that would increase the mechanical complexity and the price of the unit - when found on sale, it can be found at very acceptable price.
For most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check MaxKare 2.5 HP Motorized Electric Folding Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
6. Exerpeutic TF1000 Ultra High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill
Exerpeutic TF1000 High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill is an excellent home walk-only treadmill that comes at a very affordable price considering its features and specifications.
There are similar cheaper treadmills, but TF1000 comes with more than enough features and very high maximum allowed weight.
Exerpeutic TF1000 is optimized for walking and hence has a running deck 40 inches long and 20 inches wide. It is powered by a 1.5 HP motor, with a maximum speed of 'just' 4 mph (6.4 km/h) and supports the users up to 400 pounds (~182 kg) - people of such size and weight shouldn't run anyway in order to prevent overstressing their ankles, knees, hips and other joints.
The incline is manual and has 2 possible positions. Similarly, there are no pre-set programs - it is up to the user to set the desired speed and slowly, but safely burn calories.
Handles are extra-long (18 inches, ~46 cm) and improve the safety of the treadmill. Also, handles feature Heart Pulse Pads and Speed Control Buttons.
The console is very simple, but it does its job well. LCD display monitors exercise time, covered distance, calories burned, speed, and trainee's pulse.
TF1000 treadmill comes with a 5-year motor warranty, 1-year frame warranty, and 90 days warranty on parts and labor.
The Exerpeutic TF1000 walking treadmill is an excellent choice for people wanting to burn extra calories by working out at home - power walks burn a large amount of calories, they are easy on the joints, and don't stress muscles too much, allowing the user to work out more often for longer periods of time.
If you are looking for a strong and durable walk-only treadmill, Exerpeutic TF1000 is an excellent choice even if you much lighter than 400 pounds.
For most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Exerpeutic TF1000 Walking Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
7. Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill
Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill and its 'older' brother G 5.9 are on the market for some time and they are very popular models. The main difference between these models is that G 5.9i features Bluetooth connectivity and one-month iFit free membership.
Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill features a rather spacious running deck for a treadmill considering its price - 50 x 16 inches (~127 x 41 cm) and rather an acceptable maximum allowed user weight of 275 pounds (~125 kg).
Like all treadmills in this class, Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill is a folding treadmill saving storage area. Also, transport wheels allow users to position the unit where and when required.
The physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 64.5 x 29 x 55.5 inches (~164 x 73.7 x 141 cm) and when folded 29 x 29 x 60 inches (~73.7 x 73.7 x 152.4 cm).
The deck is solidly built with a decent cushioning system, allowing the users to both run and jog. Although Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill features a wide range of speed (0 - 10 mph), despite 2.25 Impulse HP motor, longer running at higher speeds for heavier users is not recommended (other units in this class don't even offer such speeds for 250+ pounds users).
If you are a heavier user and you want to run for a longer period of time, consider getting more expensive treadmills.
Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill features manual incline with two-position and 6 built-in programs - again, the unit comes with Bluetooth connectivity and 1-month free iFit membership.
For more reviews and recommendations, check Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
8. SereneLife SLFTRD25 Smart Digital Folding Treadmill
SereneLife SLFTRD25 Smart Digital Folding Treadmill is powered by a 1.5 HP electric motor, offering a maximum running speed of 7.5 mph (12 km/h) of the 15.75 x 43.3 inches (40 x 110 cm) running deck.
SereneLife SLFTRD25 comes with 16 builtin running programs and 3 manual incline positions.
Bluetooth connectivity allows the user to link the treadmill with FitShow app installed on a compatible device (iOS or Android), like smartphones, tablets, and similar. With the FitShow app, the user can record automatic stats tracking, personalized workouts, competitions, etc.
SereneLife SLFTRD25 also features built-in speakers, water bottle holders, a 4-layer thick running belt, 5 inch (12.7 cm) backlit LCD monitor that displays time, distance, speed, calories burned, heart rate, etc.
Physical dimensions are (L x W x H) 54.7 x 26.7 x 49.6 inches (~139 x 68 x 126 cm), while folded dimensions are (L x W x H) 25.6 x 26.7 x 52.3 inches (~65 x 68 x 133 cm).
The maximum allowed user weight is 265 pounds (~120 kg), which is very nice limit for the treadmill in this class.
For most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check SereneLife SLFTRD25 Smart Digital Folding Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
9. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill is a very popular home affordable walking and running treadmill with several limitations, but it provides almost everything what most people actually wants from the treadmill in its price class.
The treadmill comes with a 2.2 HP peak DC electric motor. The motor of this strength is not dimensioned for heavier runners, which is confirmed with an official maximum user weight of 220 pounds (100 kg). The speed range is between 0.5 and 9 mph (~0.5 and 14 km/h) and is enough for walkers and most of casual joggers/runners.
SF-T7603 treadmill dimensions (L x W x H) are 62 x 27 x 47 inches (~158 x 69 x 120 cm), folded dimensions are (L x W x H) 32.5 x 27 x 58 inches (~82.5 x 69 x 147.3 cm) and it weighs 103 pounds (~47 kg). Running surface dimensions are (L x W) 49 x 16 inches (~124.5 x 40.6 cm), which is suitable for shorter runners and most walkers.
SF-T7603 treadmill comes with 9 built-in programs and with the heart rate monitor. Heart-rate contact sensors are positioned on both handles. Also, it comes with three incline positions which are set manually.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Motorized Treadmill is a very good and affordable home treadmill. When the maximum user weight is not an issue, the SF-T7603 treadmill is a very good choice for regular walking and light jogging cardio workouts in the privacy of your home.
For most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
10. ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill
ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill is a mid-range home treadmill and one of the best in its class. It features a 2.0 CHP electric motor, ProShox cushioning system, motorized incline, 16 built-in programs and can support users up to 300 pounds (~136 kg).
Also, the ProForm 300i treadmill features a maximum speed of 10 mph (16 km/h), supporting users that like to walk, jog and/or run. The incline is motorized with a maximum incline of 10%.
Running deck is 50 inches (127 cm) long and 16 inches (40.6 cm) wide, which is more than enough for walking and jogging, while runners with longer strides should pay attention to their running technique while running at maximum speeds.
Treadmill console feature a medium-size, easy to read, LCD display. The console display all the required information, including ¼ Mile Track, Elapsed Time, Distance, Incline, Speed, Calories Burned, and Heart Rate.
ProForm 300i is iFit capable unit, but users should provide their own iFit subscription in order to use iFit.
ProForm 300i treadmill is a foldable treadmill that comes with EasyLiftTM Assist which helps the user to easily lift and fold the running deck up for easier storage.
ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill is a very good, mid-range treadmill, suitable as a home treadmill for walkers and joggers up to 300 pounds and for lighter runners.
For most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Treadmills Under $500 - Few Final Words
Home treadmills under $500 are very good cardio exercise machines. Certain models offer features that were recently reserved only to more expensive models, at budget-friendly prices.
However, be sure to check every aspect of your new treadmill: size, running deck size, motor power, speed, workout programs, etc. Some advanced treadmills, when on sale, cost less than $500 and are an excellent opportunity not only for beginners.
But, in the end, it is the trainee who is actually walking/running, not the treadmill :)
