During the summer months, it may be a little bit easier to turn to walking or jogging outside as a way to get yourself moving. However, with cooler temperatures, you might have to pivot your current fitness routine back indoors. But that doesn't mean you have to cut yourself short when it comes to cardio.
It's now easier than ever to squeeze in a quick sweat sesh thanks to compact treadmills that can fit right into your home gym setup (or help create it). From manual to electric options, there are plenty of affordable machines out there to help you put in those steps.
While these treadmills won’t give you the same fresh-air feeling as running outdoors, they will give you a stellar workout — regardless of your fitness level.
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What to look for in an affordable treadmill
With so many different treadmills on the market with such a wide variety of features, it can be hard to make a decision when shopping. Here are a few things you should consider when looking at any type of treadmill.
Safety
Electric treadmills should have a built-in safety feature in the form of either a panic button or a magnetic key that pulls off if the user loses their balance or falls. These will shut off the belt immediately to minimize injury. Other safety features may include rubber bumper pads on the side of the belt and safety rails that can be easily grabbed.
Typical use
Consider what you plan to use the treadmill for before buying. If your primary form of exercise is running, you’ll want a machine with a stronger shock-absorbing system and a wider belt than what you would need if you were only using it to walk. If you plan to use it while working at a standing desk, a treadmill that works on manual power or has a lower speed range should be fine.
Stability
The treadmill should be steady and feel solid, not shaky, when you're using it. Look for sturdy construction, a stable base and solid handrails. The treadmill should also have good shock-absorbing features, especially if you plan to run on it.
Speed and incline settings
If you plan to run on the treadmill, you should look for one that has a wider range of speeds and inclines to accommodate a variety of workouts. Also consider how the speed and inclines are changed: Can you change mid-workout without breaking stride, or do you need to get off the treadmill to adjust the incline? Look for any preset programs you can follow or live-stream connectivity if that’s something you want for your workouts.
Storage
Don't forget to consider where you plan to keep it! Some treadmills fold up to a standing position so that they can be placed in a closet, and some fold flat to slide under a bed. If you need to move your treadmill around, make sure it has built-in wheels to make it easier.
Editor-loved affordable treadmills
"After spending an entire year with the walking pad, I still use it consistently in two ways: During meetings while at my standing desk (when I’m just expected to listen and not speak) and in the evenings while watching hours-long Twitch streams," wrote TODAY health reporter Sarah Jacoby in a review article.
A quiet motor, a speed range of 0.5 mph to 10 mph, and a dozen preset workout programs set this bestselling treadmill apart from the rest — not to mention the 12,000+ five-star ratings given by verified customers. The exercise tool also includes cushioned deck technology to provide maximum impact absorption and minimize the stress on your joints during use.
Overall, if you're going to invest in a treadmill, our editors recommend this "interactive" option. The interactive part comes from the thousands of on-demand videos at your fingertips with a membership (you get a free 30-day access!), which are led by professionals in sweat-inducing workouts.
"The NordicTrack treadmill is an award-winning at-home treadmill for its spacious yet collapsible design, incline options, and high tech bluetooth connectivity," says celebrity fitness trainer Daniel McKenna. "This treadmill feels and looks like an elite gym machine — an overall great option for at-home workout goers."
Best affordable treadmill under $200
This folding treadmill was the only one we found at the under-$100 price point and fits our criteria — and it's perfect for anyone who just wants to get moving.
You can choose among three incline level adjustments, reach speeds of up to 7.5 mph, and take advantage of an LED display to track your time, distance walked, calories burned and speed.
“I like that it folds up easily, fits perfectly in my little space [and] is really sturdy; plus the fact that it’s quiet so I don’t have to wake up my husband and kids when working out early in the morning,” wrote one verified reviewer.
The armrest has a built-in touchscreen and folds down, allowing the treadmill to be operated while under a desk.
Do you hate running but still want the cardio benefits of a treadmill? This affordable option, designed for walking (or even a light jog!), is your best bet. The compact dimensions and foldable design make it perfect for small spaces in homes of all sizes. Track your time, speed, distance and calories on the LCD monitor.
Best affordable treadmills under $350
Not only does it include a dozen built-in HIIT workout programs and a five-layer belt design for quieter running, but it also folds down to conveniently fit under your couch or bed.
It’s 50 inches long and folds up for easy storage with a soft-drop hydraulic system. The LCD display shows run time, distance, calories burned and more.
Connect to the FitShow app via Bluetooth and record your training data, share stats on social media — or even challenge friends. The treadmill also includes three manual incline settings and has a weight capacity of 265 pounds.
It has a wide 17-inch belt and an emergency brake button included in the remote. It also has rubber struts to absorb shock and cut down on noise while operating the treadmill.
Place it underneath a desk so you can walk while you work, then just prop up the riser, with an included touchscreen display, to start running.
You can control the treadmill with the included remote, or you can use your phone to adjust the settings, as well as play workout music through the machine’s Bluetooth speakers. The machine includes an emergency stop key for safety and built-in wheels for easy transport.
This treadpad only goes 3 mph, making it a great option for beginners and working from home. Plus it connects to an app so you can track your stats.
How we chose the best affordable treadmills
Shop TODAY’s editorial team picks products based on independent research and reporting, as well as expert insights.
To select the best budget treadmills for this list, I looked at machines under $500 and considered safety features, the number of speed and incline levels, weight capacity, belt size, foldability and storage, as well as special features like app connectivity and preset programs. All the treadmills featured have at least an average 4-star rating from shoppers.
I made sure to rely on my background as a certified exercise physiologist and my 20-plus years in the fitness industry when reviewing product details and customer reviews. I took into account that treadmills under $500 may sacrifice some features that you might get with higher-end products.
