Everybody wants to be fit, right? This is an undeniable fact for the most of us. More often than not, however, there are multiple factors that hinder us from doing so.
Be it time, place, or even budget. Sometimes it just makes us wonder whether fate just does not want us to work– there is also the HIGH possibility of us just making excuses.
Thanks to modern technology, fate can no longer hold back our dreams of achieving a physique that befits Hollywood celebrities. Nowadays, we no longer need to go out to gyms nor bask in the burning heat of the sun while running outside. Even within the luxury of our homes, fine machinery is available for our very own utilization.
With the wonders of Treadmills, we can now jog tens and hundreds of kilometers without moving from a single spot. Of course, this is not just some cheap trick. Most of us are even pretty knowledgeable about it.
Treadmills have existed for a long period of time after all. From rubber belts attached to wooden logs up to the present day cold steel and hinges. However, not all treadmills are created equal. Some are just too expensive with ugly features, while others are gold with the price suitable for rags.
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Taking these factors into consideration will definitely help you find the perfect equipment for your fitness and exercise needs. With all that said and done, here are the reviews of best treadmills for under 500 bucks.
2023 Top Picks: Best Budget Treadmills under $500
MODEL | SPEED | POWER | RATINGS |
---|---|---|---|
ANCHEER App Control (Editor's Choice) | 0.5-7.5 MPH | 2.25 HP | 4.5 |
Goplus Folding Treadmill (Best Overall) | 0.5-7.5 MPH | 2.25HP | 4.3 |
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 (Best in Budget) | 0.5-9 MPH | 2.20 HP | 4.3 |
Exerpeutic TF1000 | 0.4-8 MPH | 1.5 HP | 4.0 |
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 | 0-10 MPH | 2.25 HP | 3.9 |
1. ANCHEER TR570 Folding Electric Treadmill – (Editor’s Choice)
This Ancheer TR570 folding electric treadmill is marketed as “2 in 1” treadmill, since it offers two different exercise modes.
By folding the riser, you can walk or jog at a walking pace up to 3.7 mph. If you arrange it this way, it will easily slide under a desk, so you can turn an ordinary standing desk into a treadmill desk. With the raised handrail, the running speed can go up to 0.6 to 9 mph.
This machine is specially made for home use. That being said, it was made to fit the small confines of the houses. With a running pad of 48″L x 16.4″W, it ensures comfortable running with just the right amount of space. Also, it features a foldable running belt. That is pretty awesome given that not everyone has a lot of free space in their home. Yeah, that would mean putting it in a corner then unfolding it for a good 5 or 10 kilometer run.
After which, just fold it again to party or play or whatever else you want to do with that free space. Despite its space saving features, the equipment itself does not compensate in weight and performance. In actuality, this treadmill weighs 59lbs and a 2.25 HP motor. This would mean that it can support up to 220lbs of weight without getting shaky or rocky.
Topping it all off, this treadmill optimizes user interface. It has a multi-panel display, which simultaneously shows your speed, distance, time, pulse, and calories.
Pretty neat, right?
That’s not the end of it. It already has 12 programmed workouts for you to choose from. Definitely fitting to be used at home, since little to no guide will be given. It can also be connected to your phone through Bluetooth for you to set up the program through mobile.
It also comes with two speakers for you to play your favorite working jams while running. That adds up to the cool factor, it already had, plus the rad music further motivates and gives you the energy to run that extra minute.
Overall, it’s a great treadmill for offices and home gyms which costs just under $500.
Key Features
- Tread belt dimensions: 48L x 16.4W inches (123L x 42W cm)
- Motor: 2.25 HP
- 3-5% manual incline
- Speed levels: 0.5 – 8 MPH
- Console: 12 programs, Bluetooth enabled
- Weight capacity: 220lbs
2. Goplus Folding Treadmill – (Best Overall)
The Goplus Folding treadmill is another good choice when choosing a treadmill to be placed in the comforts of your living room. Similar to ANCHEER’s app controlled electric treadmill, this one also features a foldable 40″L*16″W running belt.
It also features an incline design that will both help in folding and unfolding, as well as, keep you extra fit with the extra hurdle. With these features, this equipment is perfect for the aging population. Gaining numbers in age does not excuse skipping cardio and leg day.
Although having similar features with the ANCHEER’s electric treadmill and can support 220 pounds as well, the Goplus folding treadmill has no complex control system. That would mean all the necessary information is displayed on the multi-panel screen, there is neither complex Bluetooth connections nor audio jacks.
In addition, the incline system relieves the hassle of bending down and enduring back pain and weak knees.
Nobody gets left behind, of course. Although it has simple features, it does not mean that it is only made for the elderly. We, young people, are also able to benefit with this machine as well. Its 2.25 HP motor can generate the rubber rotation speed with 0.5 to 7.5 mph. Yeah, pretty much like coming from snail crawl straight to going to a dog run. We can choose which type we want to do.
Adding the inclination system will definitely give us an extra push and make us shed another bucket of sweat. Not only that, but it also has 12 built-in exercise programs for your convenience that automatically accelerates and decelerates the treadmill. That means 12 different ways to enlarge those hamstrings and glutes.
With its safety and cushioning features, the user’s safety and overall well-being are almost always ensured. Best of all, this treadmill is only around $400 as a base price.
Key Features
- 2.25HP Powerful motor
- 0.5 – 7.5 mph
- Running belt dimension of 40″L*16″W
- Overall weight capacity: 265lbs
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Exercise Treadmill – (Best in Budget)
Let’s be real, not everybody has a couple of hundred bucks to spare. That, of course, does not mean that our long wanted Hollywood body dreams will not come into fruition. There are still those treadmills that are sold for a cheaper price without compensating quality, features, or safety. Take, for example, the Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill.
Boasting a low price of less than $500 dollars, then this machine is perfect for those who want to get fit in a tight budget.
The Sunny SF-T7603 boasts a running belt that has the dimensions of 49L x 16W. This is large enough to vary your steps and pace. In addition to that, this treadmill can support up to 220 lbs. It also has a foldable frame, like the other treadmills on this article, which would mean you can just place it around any crevice in the house and set it up whenever you feel like wanting to sweat a bit.
When folded it’s dimensions are Folded Dimensions: 32.5L x 27W x 58H.
Despite its price, its features are not too much lagging in terms of functionality. This has 2.20 HP motor that can generate enough energy to make the running belt sustain a speed up to 9 miles per hour. That is definitely more than enough to give you a good workout and lessen the number of calories you’ve eaten for breakfast.
Let’s talk about computer controls now. Given the price, we would normally expect this treadmill to be a bit falling behind in terms of tech. That, however, is not the case. Just like the previous treadmills, it also has a pre-programmed exercise routine that anyone can enjoy.
Also, its speed can jump from 2 to 4 to 6 and vice versa in an instant. This prevents an arduous and long waiting time of waiting for it to increase or decrease in 0.1 mph each and every time. Of course, it also monitors your heart rate while running. Simply put, it’s just an overall great treadmill for your home workout while spending less.
Key Features
- 2.20 peak HP drive system
- Quick speed buttons to automatically jump to 2, 4 and 6 mph
- Folds up easily and moves easily with transport wheels for quick storage.
- Soft drop mechanism
- Max. weight capacity is 220lbs
4. Exerpeutic TF1000 Electric Treadmill
As easy and as ideal it may sound, working out and exercising is actually pretty tough to do. It requires patience, perseverance, and dedication. After all, any exercise regimen does not produce any visible results if done inconsistently or intermittently. This may sound a bit harsh, but it is actually the truth.
On the other hand, starting a regimen does not really require hellish training or military training routines. Those who wish to begin may do so with little baby steps. Instead of running tens of thousands of miles, they may start by walking a couple kilometers — emphasis on walking. Big things start from small beginnings.
That being said, Exerpeutic TF1000 electric treadmill is the perfect equipment to start your fitspiration story. This amazing equipment can fit anywhere as it has a very flexible folding frame.
As a beginner, this is very essential as we don’t usually have big spaces solely intended for exercising Also, having a 20 inch wide treadmill belt allows a big room for error, especially for those who have a hard time walking in a straight line. It also monitors and displays statistics such as time, distance, calories burned, speed, and heart pulse. This means you can basically see your progress, as well as the number of calories you have already burnt.
As previously stated over and over again, this is the right equipment for those who want to start. The primary reason is that this treadmill is solely dedicated for walking – yeah the act of slowly stepping using your left and right foot to get from point A to point B. It only has a maximum speed limit of four miles per hour, with the options increasing at a mere 0.1 mph.
On the other hand, it compensates on its large weight support capabilities. It can easily support 400lbs without breaking to pieces. Four miles per hour may not sound pretty amazing, but this will actually greatly aid you in the future. Primarily because walking on it is a great exercise as it increases the heart rate and burns calories.
Second, it instills discipline and forcefully etches a routine on your system. In the long run, this can result in your body craving to exercise as it was already instilled deep within.
Key Features
- Electric walking treadmill
- 5 HP high-torque motor
- 0-inch wide treadmill belt
- Can support up to 400 lbs of user weight
5. Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series
The primary purpose of exercising inside the confines of your own house is to ensure that you are in top shape despite the lack of professional supervision. That, however, does not mean that those who want to partake in a professional-like training regimen cannot do so. This Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill is perfect for those kinds of people.
This treadmill offers 6-workouts focused on weight loss and intensity training. Yeah, that’s six professional workout routines without the help of a professional. Of course, safety measures were also put into place. It has a comfort cell cushioning that supports and saves the knees and joints. We don’t want any injuries after all.
Adding to that, it has two incline options and can reach up to 10 mph. It can support up to 250lbs and also monitors your heart rate. As amazing as all that sounds, it has more to offer. It has a running belt that is 16” x 50” in size, as well as, 2.25 CHP motor.
What is a good home treadmill if it isn’t foldable, right? It has a foldable frame as well that makes it easy to store. Putting it all together, it just makes this one cool and amazing professional treadmill that can perfectly fit your home.
Key Features
- Comfort Cell Cushioning to reduce stress on joints and to maximize stride impact absorption.
- Folding design for space saving and easy storage.
- Speed from 0-10 mph with the 2.25 CHP Mach Z motor.
- Heart rate monitoring through thumb sensor.
- Maximum User Weight: 250 lbs
Things You Need to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill
Needless to say, we always want the best product that will satisfy all our needs. We are shedding our own money, after all. We’ve created a list of the factors that you must consider when buying a new treadmill.
Budget
Everybody doesn’t have the same amount of money when buying treadmills. That, of course, is understandable. Treadmill prices can go as much as a few thousand dollars after all.
(Check out: Treadmills under $1000)
Considering the price, the functionality and complexity of equipment vary as well. You would not be expecting to receive a diamond ring after paying a dollar, right? In the same manner, it is important to gauge your budget and adjust the speculation you would be expecting.
Running Deck/Belt Area
The running deck or the belt area is the part of the treadmill where you will be running. It is important to take note of the sizes and the gait of the persons who will be using the treadmill. The wider the running deck would also mean a wider room for errors.
On the other hand, the wider the belt area would also mean further support railings and is not advisable if adolescents and teenagers with small body frames will be using the device.
Motor Size
The motor would basically be the one manning the rotation of the belt. This would mean that if you wish to have a treadmill that can go as fast as ten miles per hour, then it would be wise for you to choose a treadmill with a large motor. The vice versa applies as well. If you are still starting to dedicate time for workout and exercise, then treadmills with smaller motors would suffice.
If so, it is advisable that you choose a treadmill with at least a 2.2 HP continuous duty motor or even higher. For runners or heavy users of treadmills, a 2.5 – 3 HP continuous duty motor is recommended. Always check the quality of the continuous duty motor power, don’t be impressed by peak duty motor rating alone.
The fact is horsepower rating is not uniform, which makes understanding the exact power level of the motor difficult to determine. The good news is that these days, most major brands use decent motors. Motor quality is less of a concern than other features and then it was a few years ago.
Maximum User Weight
Treadmills are still just equipment. It consists of parts and, albeit having a seemingly stable running ground, may still have problems supporting heavier weight. There are some cases of treadmills heavily shaking as it can no longer support the weight of the user. Think about it like this, a spoon can only hold a certain weight until it bends.
Likewise, each treadmill only has a certain weight limit it can support. It is important to take note of this to avoid injuries and hospitalizations.
Electronic Features
Having multiple features and functionalities may seem cool at first glance – perhaps it is. However, the user’s comprehension of these functions is just as important.
Also, some of these features may be important to professionals and those who have extensive knowledge and conditions, but may not be as important to others. These functions will just unnecessarily add to the bill. So rather than focusing on the number of functions, it will be better to focus on which functions suits you better.
Finding The Perfect Match
As individuals with varying needs and tastes, it is of utmost importance to find the perfect equipment that not only suits our tastes but also serves our needs.
With the guide and reviews that we have provided, we hope to have aided you on your fitspiration journey and have helped you choose the best affordable treadmill. Regardless of which of these awesome machinery you have chosen, it is the effort and determination of starting to change that really matters.
As some famous superhero said, “With great efforts comes great physique.”- Maybe not exactly like that, but you get our point.