Budget Treadmill Review

Can you buy a good treadmill for less than $800?

Most experts say price is a pretty good indication of quality when it comes to treadmills. Expensive models have more durable components, stronger motors, a higher weight capacity and longer warranties than treadmills costing less than $800. In general, experts advise serious runners to look at units that start at about $1,000 and can stand up to the abuse of daily runs. Walkers can get away with less-expensive treadmills, but experts still recommend selecting one that's priced at $1,000 or higher if possible.

However, spending a grand or more on a piece of exercise equipment isn't always an option. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, consumers spend an average of $677 to buy a treadmill. Fortunately, there are some budget models costing less than $800 that earn high marks in owner-written treadmill reviews, and our overall Best Reviewed budget unit retails for just $600. Inexpensive treadmills may not receive many expert recommendations, but hundreds of positive user reviews demonstrate that these machines still fill a need for those who just want a simple way to get some moderate exercise indoors.

The lowest-cost treadmills are manual, or motorless: You do the motor's work with your feet, pushing the treadmill belt with every step. We couldn't find any expert reviewers who recommend manual units, but their less-than-$200 price is tempting to those on a very limited budget. User reviews show that getting and keeping a manual treadmill belt moving is often much harder than expected, and you must grasp the handrails for both safety and leverage. If you think a manual treadmill is all you need, a few models stand out due to positive user reviews -- but both experts and users agree that you're usually better off with an electric treadmill.

Because of their light weight, sometimes-wobbly frames and low-horsepower motors, motorized treadmills priced less than $500 aren't sturdy enough to take the pounding of daily runs and their belts usually aren't long enough for running, anyway. However, these machines can stand up to walking or occasional light jogging.

The more you're willing to spend, the stronger motor, larger walking/running deck and better warranty you can expect; some budget treadmills costing between $500 and $800 earn positive reviews from experts and users alike. As long as you keep your expectations in check, a budget treadmill can be a good option for those who exercise occasionally or are just starting a fitness program, and working out on a low-cost treadmill is certainly better than not exercising at all.

Most professional reviewers, including Runner's World and ConsumerReports.org, focus on expensive treadmills for serious runners and exercisers. ConsumerReports.org includes several budget treadmills in its latest review, but most of the models evaluated cost more than $1,000. TreadmillDoctor.com and Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com -- two websites operated by professionals with extensive experience in the fitness equipment industry -- review nearly every machine on the market. Although both sources are worth checking for reviews of budget treadmills, few get much attention or very high ratings. User reviews are often the best source of information on low-cost treadmills, especially at sites such as Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Buzzillions.com and Sears.com.

Use caution when reading online treadmill reviews, as many professional-looking sites are designed solely to generate ad- or commission-based income. Although these websites often provide some details on specs and features, they shouldn't be considered an objective source of information on performance or quality. You can generally tell a credible website from a fishy one by checking out the "About Us" page (if there is one). We find that when a site discloses its owners and editors, and describes what criteria it uses to rate treadmills, its picks are more credible. Less-plausible reviews won't tell you anything you can't read right on the manufacturer's spec sheets.