Treadmills don’t have to break the bank to be highly functional. After testing 90+ treadmills, here is our expert guide to the best treadmill machines for home gyms under $1,000 for every kind of user.
Treadmill machines are one of the best investments you can make for your home gym and your fitness goals.
And fortunately, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on a treadmill to get the full range of benefits of treadmills.
For $1,000 or less, you can get many of the features of a studio-grade treadmill, such as motorized incline, strong motor for smooth running and speed changes, a large running deck, cushioning, and a console and display to track your walking and running workouts.
Just because you plan on spending less than $1,000 for a treadmill doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on durability, performance, or safety features.
In this guide to the top-rated treadmills under $1,000, we select the best options from the 90+ treadmills we’ve tested over the years.
Whether you are looking for a sturdy treadmill for walking, a treadmill that folds, or the most compact treadmill under $1,000, there’s a treadmill with your name on it.
Let’s jump in.
The Best Treadmills Under $1,000
Presented below is a table of our top picks for the best treadmills for home gyms that cost $1,000 or less.
We ranked each treadmill according to the needs and uses they serve best.
BEST OVERALL
- Sole Fitness F63 Treadmill Machine
- 4.8
- $999
- Shop Now @ Sole Fitness
RUNNER-UP
- Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill
- 4.7
- $999
- Shop @ Horizon Fitness
BEST FOLD-FLAT
- Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill
- 4.5
- $999
- Shop Now @ Echelon
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
- XTERRA Fitness TR260 Treadmill
- 4.5
- $637.29
- Shop Now @ Amazon
BEST FOR WALKING
- Sunny Health Electric Folding Treadmill
- 4.3
- $949
- Shop Now @ Sunny Health
Sole F63 Treadmill
Key features:
- Price: $999
- 3.0 CHP motor
- Powered incline (up to 15 degrees)
- Max user weight of 325lbs
- Running deck – 22” x 60”
- Lifetime warranty on frame and warranty
Sole Fitness is one of the top treadmill brands when it comes to building high-quality, durable treadmills for home use. The Sole F63 is the entry-level model in Sole’s line of treadmills.
Even though it lands in the range of cheap treadmills, the Sole F63 is built like a tank, has a best-in-class warranty, high weight capacity, and comes in just under our $1,000 mark at $999.
The Sole F63 has a 3.0 Continuous horsepower motor, the strongest among treadmills under $1,000, a 325lb weight capacity (again, number one in its class), an easy folding mechanism, and a large running deck of 20” x 60” that is perfect for users of all sizes.
Where it really shines in my experience is in two areas.
First, the power incline, which goes up 15-degrees of incline, is exceptionally smooth and the motor responds quickly. There is little lag from when you increase/decrease the incline and the machine responding.
This makes the F63 an awesome choice for people who love doing hills and treadmill interval training workouts.
Second is the overall stability of the treadmill. It runs and operates like the treadmills at my local gym. And while there are other treadmills that have some of the same characteristics in terms of build quality as the F63 (the Horizon 7.0 AT is almost identical in terms of attributes), the Sole F63 simply runs like a tank.
It’s as close as you will get to a studio-grade running experience while spending $1,000 on a treadmill. Combine this with the lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, and you’ve got a high-performance treadmill and peace of mind.
The only thing I don’t love about the Sole F63 is the basic LCD display.
Sole has only recently started updating the displays to compete with brands like Peloton and NordicTrack, and the F63 still has a dated display.
I’d love to see Sole upgrade the display in the future, but for people who are happy with a meat-and-potatoes display and a sturdy walking and running experience, the Sole F63 is our runaway favorite for the best treadmill for home gyms under $1,000.
Best overall treadmill under $1,000Display is a bit basic
Powerful 3.0 CHP motor
Powered incline (up to 15 degrees)
Large running deck – 20” x 60”
Lifetime warranty on the frame and motor
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Key features:
- Price: $999
- Motor: 3.0 CHP
- Max user weight: 300lbs
- Power incline – up to 10%
- Running deck: 20” x 55”
The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill lands in the runner-up position, standing out as an affordable and feature-rich treadmill that won’t break the bank.
Like the Sole F63, it’s got a lot of features that give it a commercial-grade feel when running or walking on it, including a 325lb weight capacity, motorized incline (up to 15-degrees), 3.0 CHP motor, and a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor.
The Horizon 7.0 AT is also heavy for a budget-friendly treadmill at a whopping 277bs. Find a place to park it the first time, as it will be heavy to move from there on out.
This does provide extra stability for heavier users, but again, it’s a beast of a machine when trying to move it around the house.
For those who want a treadmill that can be folded up, the 7.0 AT has a feather-light folding mechanism that can be engaged easily from the back of the running deck, cutting down on floor space when not in use.
The only real difference when comparing the Horizon 7 AT vs Sole F63 is that the Horizon has a 7.25” LCD display vs the F63’s 6.5” display. Besides that, they are almost identical in terms of warranty coverage, motor speed, incline, price, and running deck size.
Foldable, space-saving designHeavy; difficult to move once assembled
Up to 15 degrees of powered incline
Lifetime warranty on the frame and motor
Includes heart rate monitor
3.0 CHP motor for smooth and consistent performance
Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill
Key features:
- Price: $999
- 1.75 CHP motor
- Running deck – 55” x 20”
- Folds to just 10” of thickness
The Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill is the ultimate in space-saving under-$1,000 treadmills.
The featherweight frame, which weighs just over 150lbs, collapses down into a profile that is just 10” thick. This fold-flat design can be wheeled under a bed (with enough clearance, obviously) or propped up against a wall using the handle on the back of the running deck.
The Echelon Stride has a large console for such a compact treadmill. While it doesn’t have a screen, there are several sleek LCD displays on the console. For a more immersive training experience, pair your smartphone or tablet with Echelon’s Fit app for a huge selection of trainer-led classes and workouts.
Although the Echelon Stride is the ultimate in terms of being compact and foldable, the performance of the treadmill leaves a little to be desired for larger users (I’m 290lbs at just below the max user weight of 300lbs for this treadmill).
This treadmill sacrifices some durability and stability for its performance features, which is great news for regular sized users, but the Echelon Stride is not a good option for heavier users or more elite runners.
The warranty on the Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill is also not awesome, with just a one-year warranty. This is in stark contrast to warranties offered by Sole and Horizon, who cover the frame and motor of their treadmills for life.
Echelon offers extended warranties (three years for $265, for example).
Slim folding design (just 10” high when folded)Really short warranty (added coverage costs extra $$)
Light frame—weighs just 156lbsRunning deck too short for tall users
Power incline – up to 10%
Sleek design that is easy to fold
Pairable with the Echelon Fit (through a smartphone or tablet)
XTERRA TR260 Treadmill
Key features:
- Price: $799
- Motor: 2.25 CPH
- Running deck: 16” x 50”
- Max user weight: 250lbs
The XTERRA TR260 is a budget-friendly treadmill that clocks in at well under $1,000 without sacrificing the functionality or durability of more expensive treadmills for home gyms. The $799 price tag makes it the perfect treadmill for the entry-level or novice runner.
To start off, assembling the XTERRA TR260 was a breeze to put together. Assembly took less than 15-minutes, instructions were extremely clear, necessary tools were included, and I was able to put it together on my own.
For a treadmill that costs less than $800, I was really surprised with how smooth and powerful the motor was on the XTERRA TR260. The machine runs (ha, treadmill pun!) on a 2.25 CHP motor and the frame is built using steel and a cushioning system to reduce impact and noise.
The XTERRA TR260 has a rear-folding mechanism that lifts easily with the assistance of a hydraulic rod and handle on the back of the treadmill. The footprint shrinks to just 32” x 29” when folded up. It also has a really low step-up height, perfect for people who have mobility issues.
Using the XTERRA TR260 was a pleasant surprise (again, thanks to the 2.25 CHP motor which punches above its weight class) and I really liked the one-touch controls for speeds and inclines.
For smaller users who are looking to do more recreational workouts on a treadmill, the XTERRA TR260 is going to check all the boxes. The running deck is a bit narrow (the belt is just 16” wide) for larger users, and the max speed of 10mph will be pushing the motor’s limits for very experienced runners.
Also, and this is more of a nitpicking thing, but when putting my tablet in the tablet tray, it blocked the LCD display. I would have preferred a clip-on tablet holder that allows for unobstructed views of the metrics of my running and walking workouts.
Ultimately, the lower price point of $799, ease of assembly, and tiny footprint when folded make the XTERRA TR260 a great choice for beginners.
Best treadmill under $1,000 for beginnersRunning deck too narrow for larger users
Low step-up height—just 5.5”Using the tablet tray obstructs the LCD screen
Lifetime warranty on the frame (one year on the motor)
Easy to move—frame weighs about 100lbs
One-touch controls for speed and incline
Sunny Health and Fitness Electric Treadmill
Key features:
- Price: $949
- Running deck – 19” x 52”
- 2.0 HP peak motor
- 15-degrees of power incline
- Max user weight: 265lb
The Sunny Health and Fitness Electric Folding Treadmill is a budget-friendly treadmill for walking enthusiasts and entry-level runners.
The treadmill runs on a 2.0 peak horsepower motor, has an extra cushioned running deck for maximum shock absorption, and a respectable 265lb weight capacity, making it an excellent treadmill for people who plan on doing a lot of walking and are just getting started on their weight loss journey.
The treadmill speeds and incline—you can crank the treadmill all the way up to a 15-degree grade for added intensity—are adjusted quickly with one-touch controls on the console and from the convenience of the guard rails.
The Sunny Health and Fitness Electric Folding Treadmill is easy to fold for a minimal footprint when not in use (just 32” x 32”), has an emergency stop clip (safety doesn’t take a holiday!), and a running deck of 52”, suitable for users up to 6’.
The treadmill was also very easy to put together, with just four steps to assemble, all the requisite tools included, and lots of tips for maintaining the treadmill in the user manual.
While priced reasonably, the Sunny Health and Fitness Electric Folding Treadmill could do with an aesthetics upgrade. The display and console were very dated, especially compared to the latest “smart” treadmills available for under $1,000.
Additionally, the motor isn’t as strong as other treadmills on this list, with just 2.0 HP peak power, making it a less ideal option for more experienced runners who want faster speeds.
That said, if you are looking for a reliable treadmill for walking workouts at home that is easy to put together and easy to use, the Sunny Health and Fitness Electric Folding Treadmill is an excellent choice.
Easy to foldDated design
One-touch speed and incline adjustments
Budget-friendly pricing
Excellent option for people who love doing treadmill walking workouts
Best Treadmills Under $1,000 – Compared by Features
Want to compare the treadmills up-close? Below is a comprehensive table comparing the features and specifications of our top picks for the best treadmills under $1,000 to help you better analyze and contrast the different options available.
PriceMotorIncline (%)ScreenFoldableSpeedMax WeightRunning SurfaceWarranty
Sole F63$9993.0 CHP0-156.5” LCDYes0.5-12mph325lb20” x 60”Lifetime frame and motor
Horizon 7.0 AT$9993.0 HP0-157.25” LCDYes0.5-12mph325lb20” x 60”Lifetime frame and motor
Echelon Stride$8991.75 CHP0-12LCDYes0-12mph300lb20” x 55”12-months
NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Series$8003.0 HP0-105-14” LCDYes0-10mph300lb20” x 55”10 year frame, 2 years parts
XTERRA TR260$7992.25 HP0-105.2” LCDYes0-10mph250lb16” x 50”Lifetime frame, 1 year motor
Sunny Health Electric Folding Treadmill$9492.0 HP peak0-154” LCDYes0.6-10mph265lb19” x 52”3-year frame, 180 on parts and components
How to Choose the Best Treadmill Under $1,000
When searching for the perfect treadmill for your home gym without breaking the bank, there are some key factors to use when filtering the nearly endless number of treadmills on the market.
Here are the key things to look for when shopping around for a treadmill that is under $1,000, from screen size, to incline, to the length of warranty.
Cost
Searching for treadmills under a specific price threshold is the first step in choosing the right treadmill for you.
The sticker price is just the beginning when it comes to costs, however, as online subscriptions for iFit, JRNY, and other popular fitness apps can cost between $20-40 per month.
Motor
The horsepower of the treadmill motor is the clearest indicator of durability and performance of a treadmill. Look for a treadmill that has a continuous-horsepower of at least 2.0 to keep your running workouts smooth and consistent.
Incline
Consider a treadmill that has a decline setting. Incline treadmills are an excellent way to increase the difficulty of your workouts without relying on maxing out the horsepower of the motor. With treadmills in the price range of $1,000 or less, there is the option of both motorized or manual inclines.
Weight capacity
The weight capacity of a treadmill gives you an indication of how strong and durable the treadmill is. Ensure that it can support your weight and accommodate the needs of potential users in your home. Treadmills for heavier people can handle up to 400lb and sometimes even 500lb.
Screen size
Screens are an excellent way to stream your favorite shows or follow along with online immersive training. Treadmills in this price bracket are limited in terms of screen size, but most can be paired with a tablet or smartphone. (See also: Best Treadmills with Screens)
Foldability and Footprint
For people with limited space at home, look for a folding design and a compact footprint. Folding treadmills allow you to make the most of the space in your home.
Treadmills, like most cardio machines, are relatively large, but there are some compact options in this list.
Workout programs
Look for treadmills that offer a variety of pre-set workout programs. These programs can provide diversity in your training routine and help you achieve specific fitness goals.
Pre-set programs should include hills, manuals, interval programs, heart rate workouts, and so on.
Running deck
The size of the running deck is the space available for you to run and walk. Taller users will want a longer deck (I recommend at least 50” for people 6’ and up) and wider users should look for a deck width of 18” and up.
Cushioning
The cushioning on the treadmill is what reduces the impact of running on your knees and ankles. Cushioned treadmills have variable cushioning systems that soften the impact of your heel hitting the running deck.
Look for a zoned cushioning system that has more cushioning at the front of the deck and firmer cushioning towards the back of the deck for a better push-off with your feet.
Safety features
For home with kids and pets, and for people who want an added sense of confidence on the treadmill, look for safety features like a kill switch, safety key clips, and handrail grips.
User reviews
Dive into the user reviews and ratings of the treadmills that make the cut for you. Reading real-world experiences from people, including how they fared with assembly to the performance of the machine, gives you additional insights into each treadmill.
Warranty
Treadmills come with a manufacturer’s warranty that protects against defects of the frame, motor, and electronics.
A reliable warranty gives you peace of mind and should cover the frame and motor for at least 5 years (some brands like Sole and Horizon warranty the frame and motor for life), and parts and labor for at least a year.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, the price is just the starting point when choosing the best treadmill under $1,000.
Factors such as durability, performance, display features, running deck, weight capacity, foldability, and other key decision-makers will be the true arbiters of which treadmill ends up finding a place in your home gym and exercise routine.
After thorough analysis and years of testing and reviewing treadmills, the Sole F63 continues to be our numero uno, thanks to the F63’s industrial-grade construction, powerful motor, and incline and folding features.
The right treadmill for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences and fitness goals. Choose the one that lines up the closest to what you want from a treadmill, take your treadmill workouts to the next level, and crank up the velocity on your fitness journey.
More Treadmill Guides and Reviews
The 6 Best Treadmills Under $2,000 – Tested and Reviewed. Looking for an awesome treadmill machine for under $2,000? In this roundup we highlight the best treadmills for getting sweaty and burning fat without breaking the bank.
How Much Do Treadmills Cost? (90 Different Treadmills Compared). The treadmill machine is a killer tool for better health and improved fitness. But knowing how much you should spend on a treadmill can be tough. Here’s your ultimate guide to how much treadmills cost and how much you should spend on one.
