Best cheap treadmills 2024 – Maximum cardio effort for minimal price

The best cheap treadmills for those who want to get and stay fit indoors without breaking the bank

Best cheap treadmills: image shows runner's feet on treadmill
(Image credit: Getty)

You're in the right place if you are looking for the best cheap treadmills and thinking of an inexpensive indoor running machine investing to help achieve your weekly fitness targets. There's no question that you can now get much more tech for your hard-earned cash at the lower-priced end of the treadmill market. You can, too, get fit using the below cheap treadmills!

The days of mammoth, weighty treadmills taking up half your spare room are well behind us – the best treadmills are cheap treadmills: smaller, foldable and more potent than you might imagine. In fact, some cheap treadmills are so good that they ended up being listed in our best folding treadmills guide as they can produce up to 1.5 horsepower and can dial up to a maximum speed of around 8-10 mph, meaning you can push yourself on more challenging interval sessions if that's your aim.

Alternatively, at the lowest end of the price scale, you'll find smaller models that fold down nicely and are ideal for regularly walking or jogging up to around 6mph. On a budget? Have a look at the best folding exercise bikes and the best under-desk treadmills; both are inexpensive and can get you fit at home. Whatever equipment you choose to improve your fitness, make sure you stay consistent; that's the most important thing!

Best cheap treadmills to buy right now

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Domyos Comfort Treadmill T520B against blue backgroundT3 Best Buy Award badge

(Image credit: Decathlon)
Best cheap treadmill overall

Specifications

Max speed: 8 mph
Incline: 0-10%
Power: 1.2 HP
Running surface: 43 x 121cm
Max user weight: 130kg
Dimensions: 163 x 73 x 138cm
Foldable?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
 Great if you regularly run at low intensity 

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited number of pre-set programmes
-
Sizable and not easy to move around

In our 5-star review of this treadmill, we praised it for being a good training tool for both runners and walkers who want a well-priced, small, foldable treadmill for regular indoor workouts at a low intensity.

It features 10 pre-set programmes, each around 30-minutes in length, and adjusts the incline automatically throughout your run to match the programme inclines. Of the 10 pre-sets, five are health and five are calorie-burning workouts, which is a solid basic set, and it makes for the perfect treadmill for running regular miles at a slower pace while catching up on a Netflix series.

Read our full Domyos Comfort Treadmill T520B review

Mobvoi Home Treadmill Incline review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best cheap folding treadmill with incline function

Specifications

Max speed: 8.7 mph (14 km/h)
Incline: 0-15%
Power: 2.2 HP
Running surface: 16" x 43.3" (400 mm x 1,100 mm)
Max user weight: 220.5 lbs / 100 kg
Dimensions: 51.9” L x 26.2” W x 44.5” H
Foldable?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Capable of producing inclines up to 15%
+
Decent 2.2HP motor
+
Bright LED display
+
Connects to Wear OS smartwatches
+
Quiet operation

Reasons to avoid

-
Comparatively small running deck
-
Too small for proper treadmill workouts, too big for an under-desk treadmill
-
You can't pause a workout

Mobvoi's latest accessibly-priced running machine, the Home Treadmill Incline, might be too big for an under-desk treadmill and too small for indoor sprint workouts, but there is a broad spectrum of potential workouts you can perform on the machine, thanks to the comparatively powerful motor, incline capabilities and pre-set programmes.

For the most accurate results, you might want to pair the treadmill with a Wear OS watch (like the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS); better still, buying both is still cheaper than purchasing one 'big' treadmill, even for a discounted price. If you're after a decent, affordable incline treadmill for walking, jogging and occasional running indoors, check out the Mobvoi Home Treadmill Incline.

Read our full Mobvoi Home Treadmill Incline review

Viavito LunaRun Fold Flat Treadmill against purple backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Viavito)
Best cheap folding treadmill with cupholders

Specifications

Max speed: 9.9 mph
Incline: 0-10%
Power: 1.25 HP
Running surface: 42cm (16.5”) x 125cm (49.2”)
Max user weight: 90kg (198.4lbs)
Dimensions: 160 x 76 x 153cm
Foldable?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Super compact
+
Folds flat for easy storage
+
Decent sized running deck
+
Boasts a speed of 0.8 to 16kph

Reasons to avoid

-
Low max user weight (90kg)
-
Cup holders are shallow

The Viavito LunaRun treadmill is a great contender among its equals to existing foldaway models on the market. It has a great surface area to run on, is easy to operate, and is a real space saver. It has features that allow you to get the most from your workouts, as well as pre-built HIIT programmes to encourage and motivate you. 

It is designed with attention to detail for consumer satisfaction, including the running belt, which is grey rather than the standard black. This is a clever little touch to combat the annoying footprints that get left behind on the deck by trainers. Meanwhile, the two-year parts and labour warranty is a real bonus.

Read our full Viavito LunaRun Fold Flat Treadmill review

JTX MoveLight Walking Treadmill review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best cheap treadmill for standing desks

Specifications

Max speed: 3.1mph (6km/h)
Incline: 0%
Power: 1 HP
Running surface: 48 x 17.7in
Max user weight: 120 kg
Dimensions: 49 x 27 x 42in
Foldable?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Space-saver design
+
No need to fold it away as it's flat as is
+
Plenty fast enough for any walking activities
+
Remote controlled
+
Large LED display

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the quietest machine (although not loud per se)
-
Kind of basic device (for better or worse)
-
There are cheaper options available

The JTX MoveLight Walking Treadmill is highly recommended for people who prefer to move around at home but haven't got the fitness/motivation/money to use a full-size treadmill. The MoveLight provides just enough features and power for a walking treadmill, and it's more accessibly-priced than even the best cheap treadmills. 

Sadly, it's only available in the UK and by no means fast enough to help you significantly improve cardio fitness – you'll need a 'proper' treadmill for that. However, if health maintenance, low-impact exercise and keeping fit indoors are your main goals, you'll be happy with the JTX MoveLight.

Read our full JTX MoveLight Walking Treadmill review

Also consider the Mobvoi Home Treadmill, especially if you live outside the UK: Mobvoi Home Treadmill review

The ProForm 305 CST Folding Treadmill in front of a white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: ProForm)

5. ProForm 305 CST Folding Treadmill

Best cheap treadmill for serious runners

Specifications

Max speed: 10 mph
Incline: 0-10%
Power: 2 HP
Running surface: 46 x 127cm
Max user weight: 135 kg
Dimensions: 165 x 82 x 154cm
Foldable?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
If you train hard
+
High speed and high incline

Reasons to avoid

-
Admittedly the most expensive 'cheap' treadmill on this guide

This treadmill sits at the higher end of the ‘cheap’ category, but for the extra pounds, you’ll get extra power. Those who run regularly should take note: this unit goes up to 10mph and hits inclines of up 10%. It comes loaded with 16 pre-set workouts, and thanks to the Bluetooth connection you can add more to this with online workouts or replicate real runs on Google Maps.

It’s also compatible with iFit for live or on-demand classes (subscription is extra) that will automatically adjust the incline during the workout. In addition, the heart-rate grips mean you can measure your heart rate mid-run if you do not have an HR monitor or fitness watch. 

The Confidence Fitness Ultra 200 Treadmill in front of a white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Confidence Fitness)

6. Confidence Fitness Ultra 200 Treadmill

Best cheap treadmill for walkers or joggers

Specifications

Max speed: 6.2 mph
Incline: 0-5%
Power: 1 HP
Running surface: 100 x 36cm
Max user weight: 110 kg
Dimensions: 130 x 61 x 116cm
Foldable?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Dirt cheap
+
Those who want to walk

Reasons to avoid

-
 If you’re tall with a long stride 

We’re into the lower end of the price spectrum with the Confidence Fitness Ultra 200 Treadmill, and with this low price comes lower speeds. This belt’s top speed of just over 6mph means it’s aimed more at those looking to walk, fast walk or jog.

It comes loaded with 12 pre-set programmes, so you can mix up your training, and it features a Bluetooth connection to play music through the speakers via your phone. The compact nature means if you’re lacking space in your house or apartment, the Ultra 200 is ideal.

Its small size when folded also means you can stash it away next to a wardrobe or in a cupboard. The small size of the belt, however, means that taller runners might find it difficult to hit their full stride.

The Nero Pro Bluetooth Electric Motorised Folding Treadmill in front of a white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Nero)

7. Nero Pro Bluetooth Electric Motorised Folding Treadmill

Best cheap treadmill for those with limited space

Specifications

Max speed: 6.2 mph
Incline: 0%
Power: 750 W
Running surface: 105 x 35 cm
Max user weight: 110 kg
Dimensions: 126 x 60 x 120 cm
Foldable?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
 If you mainly walk
+
 To run against others via the app 

Reasons to avoid

-
 If you want to run fast
-
 If you have a long stride 

The main selling point for the Nero Sports Pro treadmill – aside from the price – is the fact that you can connect it via Bluetooth to the Nero app which logs your workouts, both indoor and outdoor, as well as offering the ability to race live against other users around the world. You can also control the treadmill via your phone, which is a handy feature at this price point.

There are 12 pre-set programmes and three levels of incline, and, like the similarly priced Confidence treadmill, the top speed of 6.2mph makes it more suitable for those looking to walk or jog gently rather than pound the belt at high running speeds. It also has a smaller belt size (the smallest in this guide), so consider it carefully if you’re tall with a long stride or close to the belt’s maximum user weight of 110kg.

The Reebok Astroride A2.0 Treadmill in front of a white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Reebok)

8. Reebok Astroride A2.0 Treadmill

Best cheap treadmill for a variety of training

Specifications

Max speed: 8 mph
Incline: 2 levels
Power: 1.5 HP
Running surface: 130 x 45 cm
Max user weight: 120 kg
Dimensions: 167.5 x 76.5 x 140 cm
Foldable?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
 36 pre-set workouts

Reasons to avoid

-
 If you’re short on space

The Astroride A2.0 features two incline levels which you adjust manually by moving the treadmill deck at the base rather than pressing a button and the treadmill moves automatically. The deck features Astroride cushioning tech, which provides a forgiving platform on which to run, so if you’re suffering joint issues or rehabbing a lower-limb injury this model could be worth considering.

The Astroride A2.0 comes with 36 pre-set workout programmes, which at this price is a good number to provide plenty of variety to your training, along with the option to add three custom programmes of your own.  

The unit folds vertically, but unlike some of the others in this guide it does not have the smallest footprint once folded, so if space is at a premium you might want to consider a flatter folding unit.

How we test the best cheap treadmills

We test cheap treadmills the same way we test standard and folding treadmills: by running on them. We always test running machines in a home environment to ensure we get a sense of how they would perform in real-world conditions.

For more info on how we test at T3, click on the link now.

How to choose the best cheap treadmill for you

When you think of treadmills, you might immediately think that you need to spend at least a grand to get a decent model, but that’s no longer the case. Treadmills are now packed with advanced tech at smaller sizes for well under that amount, and if you’re looking to jog and walk, you can go even cheaper.

At these lower prices, though, there are certain factors you should bear in mind. Firstly, if you’re tall, you should pay close attention to the treadmill’s belt size, especially on cheaper models where dimensions are often reduced, so you end up having less space on which to run. Taller runners might want to get a full-size treadmill.

Another thing to note is that if you want to run faster, you should look for a beefier motor with at least 1 horsepower, preferably 1.5HP, as that will power the belt to faster speeds. Many feature limited incline options, and if they do, they are manual (eg you have to stop the treadmill and lift the belt itself onto a higher notch) rather than automatic incline adjustment.

Other features are likely to include a basic number of pre-set programmes, remote controls and Bluetooth speaker connections, but that’s the extent of it. These treadmills won’t connect to third-party training apps such as Zwift or Kinomap (both retailer links) to automatically adjust the incline to match the onscreen incline as you run. Equally, access to live or in-demand classes is rarely included as an option the lower you go in price. 

Is it worth buying a cheap treadmill?

If you’re not a fan of walking or running in the rain/sleet/hail/gales/insert other horrendous type of winter weather system, and you’re limited in both space and budget, then a cheap treadmill could be the ideal solution if you want to exercise regularly indoors. Some of the treadmills recommended here can be found online for under $400/£300, and would work well for those looking to walk or jog regularly indoors without any bells or whistles. 

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

With contributions from