Budget Treadmills: Reviews

Reviewers say the Horizon Fitness T101 is a great value if you plan to use it mostly for walking. No other treadmill in this price range comes close to matching its number of positive reviews. The 20-by-55-inch belt is… expandroomy enough for most users, and assembly is relatively easy and straightforward. Owners love this budget unit's quiet operation and appreciate its extra features, including speakers for an MP3 player, nine preprogrammed workouts and a built-in fan. Unlike many treadmills at this price point, the 10-percent incline is automated, saving you from manually turning a crank. The 2.25-horsepower continuous-duty motor has a maximum speed of 10 mph, and the T101's weight capacity of 300 pounds is high for this price range (most models top out at 225 or 250 pounds). The T101 folds for easy storage, but some owners say it's large and bulky even when folded. The treadmill comes with a lifetime frame and motor warranty; parts and labor are covered for one year. Most units at this price cover labor for only 90 days. collapse

Although the Stamina InMotion II manual treadmill suffers from the usual afflictions of a budget unit -- including a small walking belt, few features and relatively flimsy construction -- most owners who purchase this… expandcompact machine for casual, limited walking are pleased with it. In fact, the treadmill's low price, small size and light weight make the majority of owners happy enough to put up with the multiple belt adjustments and heavy lubrication required to get it running steadily and quietly. Like most manual treadmills, the InMotion II is set at a constant incline and you must grasp the handlebars for leverage as you walk. It comes with a one-year frame warranty and 90 days of parts coverage. collapse