Treadmills are a great edition to almost any at-home environment. With gyms sometimes being overwhelming and fitness classes being even more frightening, beginning (or continuing) a fitness regiment on a treadmill is a great way to exercise in a variety of ways. Whether you’re planning on losing fat, gaining muscle, or just adding some additional movement to your life in the office, check out our 11 favorite treadmills under $500 that would be a great addition to your home.
Table of Contents
11 Best Treadmills Under $500 (2024 Reviews)
Best Treadmills Under $500
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1. WEKEEP Folding Treadmill
(Most silent)
Why it’s great: WEKEEP’s Folding Treadmill can fold completely vertically for a compact and easy storage and use. Unlike some other models, the heart rate monitoring system is a photoelectron design, which is a more advanced way of tracking because it only needs one finger instead of the whole hand. It’s also crafted with Silkworm technology as an advanced shock absorption for a silent workout for your family and neighbors, with additional shock-absorption treatments inside the machine. The WEEKEEP Folding Treadmill also has a Bluetooth connection, which makes it ideal to connect to your phone for listening or watching, and the LED Display is a sleek touch-sensor that’s easy to see in both the daytime and at night.
Keep in mind: This one has a weight capacity of 265 pounds.
Good for: Those who need to be quiet during their workouts.
![WEKEEP Folding Treadmill]()
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2. MAXFREE Folding Treadmill 2-in-1
(Best for home offices)
Why it’s great: This 2-in-1 treadmill can be used both as a treadmill and as an under-the-desk walking machine, as its handlebar can come all the way down and still function. Its speed ranges from 0.6 to 6 MPH and the width of the band is over 16” wide for larger walkers. You may be wondering how you’re able to control it when you’ve folded the control center down: it’s through either the remote control that comes with it, which you can easily have on your desk while working, or through a cell phone app! This app not only controls your speed but can track and save your exercise history and calories burned. And yes, it does have a Bluetooth connection as well.
Keep in mind: This treadmill’s speed doesn’t quite reach the speed that some other ones do. It’s better for walking and light jogging rather than intense intervals.
Good for: Desk exercising!
![MAXFREE Folding Treadmill 2-in-1]()
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3. Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill
(Most functional)
Why it’s great: The Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill is a fun, affordable, and durable choice for the fitness lover. With the selection of speeds from 0.5-9 MPH, 3 manual options for incline with 2% and 4.37%, and a large 15 inch running band, this treadmill is simple, durable, and just plain nice to use! It comes with durable handrails for exercise management, 9 built-in workout programs, a display that features time, distance, speed, and calories burned, a pulse tracker, and a smartphone holder for listening or watching. It has all of the features you’d want out of a treadmill without breaking the bank.
Keep in mind: Though it’s foldable, it’s not as compact as some other models and has limited storage.
Good for: Those who prefer functionality and easy to use equipment.
![Sunny Health and Fitness Folding Treadmill]()
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4. UREVO Foldable Treadmill
(Best design)
Why it’s great: The UREVO has a unique foldable design unlike any of the other uber-compact models we’ve featured. Instead of having a minimal control center shaped like a bar, its control center is flat and has a clear display and control buttons distributed in a simple layout. Then, when you want to store it, the folding mechanism uses a soft-drop system to lay completely flat, so the control center doesn’t make it difficult to store. The powerful motor ranges from 0.6 to 7 MPH, with 12 pre-set training programs, and a treadmill belt with a wide 16.5” length.
Keep in mind: This treadmill doesn’t have the speed capabilities of some of the other ones. Additionally, it doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
Good for: Those that want features and a sleek and simple design.
![UREVO Foldable Treadmill]()
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5. Easy Folding Treadmill For Home Use
(Most options)
Why it’s great: While this little treadmill is foldable, it has packed in a lot of features. It comes with 12 built-in running programs and 3 different tilt options, allowing you to get some incline. It ranges in speed from 0.5-7.5 MPH. It has a LED display that tracks the time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate, so you know exactly what you’re doing. Plus, the two handles have pulse sensors for more accurate data. The dash also has two drink holders, so you can have plenty of water on hand. It also has a stand for your phone or music player and built-in speakers! Despite the bigger display, this still folds up compactly for storage when not in use.
Keep in mind: This one has a weight limit of 240 pounds.
Good for: Those that want a lot of options on their treadmill.
![Easy Folding Treadmill For Home Use]()
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6. XTERRA TR150 Fitness Folding Treadmill
(Best for speed)
Why it’s great: If you want speed, then you have it with the XTERRA TR150! This treadmill goes from 0.5 to 10 MPH, one of the fastest models of our featured favorites. With 12 preset exercise programs and 3 manual incline settings, this model is a trusted brand that always boasts durability, longevity, and ease-of-use. It also lies in the middle of our price range, at a good cost for the value and longevity of the machine.
Keep in mind: This model is bulkier than the other ones, but if you’re planning on keeping this machine out in a workout space, then it shouldn’t be an issue.
Good for: Those that need more speed and durability.
![XTERRA TR150 Fitness Folding Treadmill]()
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7. Folding Electric Treadmill
(Most portable)
Why it’s great: Although this one is a little bigger and heavier than some of the other options, it’s still very portable because it has wheels! This treadmill has a strong, but quiet motor, making it perfect for an everyday workout no matter the time or who’s around. It also has 8 shock absorbers to minimize damage to your joints and allow for a softer, gentler running experience. It has 3 manual incline levels and runs from 0.5-9.2 MPH.
Keep in mind: This one doesn’t fold completely flat, so it’ll take up more room, even when folded.
Good for: Anyone that might need to move their treadmill from one room to another.
![Folding Electric Treadmill]()
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8. Fannay Folding Treadmill
(Best safety features)
Why it’s great: This treadmill comes 90% pre-assembled, so you don’t have to shuffle through a manual for hours before being able to use your new purchase. It takes just about 15 minutes to be fully up and running, a good deal compared to some other at-home workout equipment. It does have a foldable feature as well, along with 12 pre-set exercise modes, a monitor that shows heart rate, speed, time, distance, and body fat, and even has a step counter (if you also like to track your steps). The exercise settings range from 0.5 to 6 MPH, and you can adjust these settings both manually and based on certain criteria like calories. It comes with a 6-level shock absorption system that helps with knee and joint pain, and a special lubrication hole for easy greasing. It also has a safety key, so it won’t run unless you’re ready, which not many of the other foldable treadmills have.
Keep in mind: Unlike other folding treadmills, the larger control center causes the treadmill to be a bit more difficult to store if you’re planning on putting it away on a regular basis.
Good for: Those that want a functional design that covers all the bases and safety features.
![Fannay Folding Treadmill]()
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9. Folding Electric Treadmill
(Best display)
Why it’s great: This is another great foldable treadmill with 12 different preset programs to choose from, ranging from 0.5-7.5MPH. It has a nice, 5” LED display that tracks all the usual stuff, including speed, distance, calories, time, and heart rate. The belt is also made with anti-slip, lawn texture material, so you don’t have to worry about any accidents. While it doesn’t have Bluetooth capability, this one does have an MP3 and auxiliary audio port and speakers, making it easy to play your music while you run.
Keep in mind: This one doesn’t have any incline options, so it’s just flat, straight running.
Good for: Those that like a bigger, detailed display.
![Folding Electric Treadmill]()
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10. LifePro Electrostride
(Best training programs)
Why it’s great: The LifePro Electrostride has a lot of similarities to WEKEEP’s model, in that it’s small, sleek, and super easy to use. It’s created with handrails that are easily used during a workout, and easily stored when put away, as they fold along with the control pad. Its 5.5” width fits easily in small spaces whether during use or when being stored. It also has Bluetooth connection capabilities, BMI calculations, a heart rate and pulse monitor for easy tracking, and an LED display that shows calories, distance, time, speed, and pulse. It also comes with a lifetime warranty for additional trust and support, so if you have any problems with your treadmill, the LifePro team is here to help.
Keep in mind: This model is a bit more narrow than others. If you have a wider step and have a bit more space for storage, be sure to weigh your options with some of the other models we feature.
Good for: Training programs! It has the most out of all of the models with 39 pre-set training programs and 3 customizable exercise programs
![LifePro Electrostride]()
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11. XSPRACER Folding Treadmill
(Most durable)
Why it’s great: This folding treadmill has a huge display that tracks the usual time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate. Plus, this machine has controls on the handles, so you can easily adjust the speed, pulse, and turn off and on without having to let go and reach the display. It has two cup holders, making it easy to stay hydrated, and a stand for your phone or music player. It also has speakers for your MP3 player. It has a large running deck, so you’ll have plenty of space to walk, jog, or run at speeds ranging from 0.7-7.5 MPH. It has a 2.0 hp motor, which allows it to run smoothly and quietly, plus 12 preset programs to choose from.
Keep in mind: This is the priciest option, but it’s worth it for all the added features and durability.
Good for: Those that are willing to spend a little more to get a better quality machine.
![XSPRACER Folding Treadmill]()
Best Overall
WEKEEP Folding Treadmill
The WEKEEP Folding Treadmill is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
FAQs about Treadmills
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1. Do I need to oil a treadmill?
Depending on the model, treadmills need to be lubricated on a specific plan for them to work in the most efficient way possible. Sometimes, there’s a particular lubrication hole that’s designed on the treadmill to make it easier for upkeep, and sometimes it’s a little more complicated. Check your model and how they recommend you lubricate it, including how much, how often, and where.
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2. How do I use the training programs on my treadmill?
Many treadmills that have pre-crafted workout programs create a program based on incline and speed. This means that depending on the program you pick, these two factors will automatically adjust during the program, with the outcome of burning fat or building cardio.
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3. Where can I store my foldable treadmill?
If you have a super-compact treadmill, storage could be as easy as sliding under a desk, a bed, or a couch. If your treadmill is built with a bit more sturdiness, sometimes keeping it in your garage, basement, or a designated workout area will be easier so you can keep it out.
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4. How do I know the speed I should start using on my treadmill?
Depending on your experience with treadmills and exercise, speed can vary. If you’re a beginner, start at the lowest speed and build it up from there. Most treadmills have an emergency brake that you can pull if you feel you’re going too fast, which will automatically slow down and eventually stop the belt so you don’t get injured.
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5. How do I burn fat on my treadmill?
When exercising, it’s important to know that one of the best ways of burning fat is utilizing an interval training feature. Some treadmills might have this setting, and some might not. If not, you may be able to manually input your own interval session, or you can use the up and down buttons to keep adjusting your speed throughout the workout.
Conclusion
Treadmills are a great way of creating your own customizable workout. When set up in a space where you can make it comfortable for yourself, like in front of a television or with a speaker system, you can make your workout completely catered to yourself, so you can stay healthy and happy in your own home!
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