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The amount of available treadmills out there can seem as endless as the marathon you signed up for on January 1. We know the overwhelming feeling of trying to sift through the detritus in search of the best treadmills on the market. As such, the cardio enthusiasts at BarBend sought to compile a list of the best treadmills...
The post The 6 Best Treadmills Under $1,500 for 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
The amount of available treadmills out there can seem as endless as the marathon you signed up for on January 1. We know the overwhelming feeling of trying to sift through the detritus in search of the best treadmills on the market. As such, the cardio enthusiasts at BarBend sought to compile a list of the best treadmills under $1,500 to help narrow your search and show you that, even with a hard cap on your budget, you don’t need to sacrifice on the features that are most important to you.
Treadmills that bump up against $1,500 are somewhere between “mid-range” and “budget” options, but it’s important to remember that even the most wallet-friendly options can help improve your cardiorespiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health. (1) Whether you need dynamic programming with virtual coaches to pump you up, or just a moving rubber belt you walk on while you suffer through a Zoom meeting, check out our picks for the best treadmills under $1,500 below.
The Best Treadmills Under $1,500
How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills Under $1,500
The BarBend team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit professionals, and nutrition coaches has put over 40 treadmills to the test over the years. Following our testing methodology, our testers rated over 13 categories — including footprint and portability, adjustability and ergonomics, and durability, among others — on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
These ratings and our team’s hands-on experience helped us choose the treadmills on this list. If your budget is set at $1,500, you are looking somewhere between “mid-range” and “budget” treadmills, but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on important features like incline, dynamic programming, or the amount of space it will occupy. These are a few of the factors that went into our top picks.
Essentials
When compiling our picks, we made sure to include treadmills for running and walking that feature the essentials one looks for in an efficient cardio machine. For a running treadmill, that meant max speeds of 10 to 12 miles per hour, incline ranges between 10 and 15 percent, cushioned decks, motors with at least 3.0 horsepower, and preset programming or integration with fitness apps.
For those interested in walking, we emphasized treadmills with steep incline ranges, as they can provide variety and challenge and better replicate the terrain you’d find on an outdoor hike. We also included some under-desk options with max speeds of between 3 and 4 miles per hour, which are more suited for getting your steps in than sweating up a storm.
Dynamic Programming
Integration with apps like iFIT or Peloton can open up your training options on and off your treadmill. While these options usually require a monthly subscription (typically between $20 and $50), they can be worth it for the guided instruction, structured programs, and interactive community features.
An iFIT workout on the 7-inch display of the NordicTrack EXP 7i.
Speaking about iFIT, one of the most popular fitness apps, certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto, says, “iFIT has some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom.” You can usually access these kinds of apps on built-in touchscreens or a compatible mobile device, and we included several with this kind of integration on this list. Following the cardio workouts provided by this kind of programming can bring some excitement to your training.
Footprint
A factor that should guide any treadmill purchase is how much space it will take up in your home gym. We kept this in mind when putting our list together, including a range of full-size, folding, and low-profile treadmills that can help you make the most of your space. Whether you’re living in close quarters or have more room than you know what to do with, we’ve got picks that should suit your needs.
Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,500: NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
This tread still goes all the way up to 12 percent incline and 12mph in speed, plus it comes with a free one-month iFit membership (a $39 value). The adjustable cushioning can also help lower the impact on your joints, or mimic the feel of a road race if you are training for something on rougher terrain.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
Our choice for best overall treadmill under $1,500 is also the most compact treadmill from NordicTrack — the EXP 7i. For $1,299, you’ll get much of what most the best NordicTrack treadmills have to offer — iFIT integration with SmartAdjust, a standard 12-percent incline, a 2.6 CHP motor, and a max speed of 10 miles per hour. This is one of our best-reviewed treadmills, with our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, rating it a 4 or 4.5 out of 5 in categories such as durability, customizations, adjustability, ergonomics, and more.
The EXP 7i’s iFIT integration also earned it a 5 out of 5 for its dynamic programming. With iFIT, you’ll have access to over 16,000 live and on-demand classes. Even though a subscription will run you $39.99 per month after your 30-day free trial, we think it unlocks the full potential in the EXP 7i, specifically in how it works in tandem with the machine to make automatic adjustments in tune with the app’s classes and scenic rides.
Our BarBend product tester walking on the NordicTrack EXP 7i.
The compact nature of the build only allows for a 55-inch belt deck, which is 5 inches less than our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, recommends. “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride,” she explains. “Shorter individuals may be able to get away with a shorter deck.” As such, sprinters and taller runners may want to opt for an option with a 60-inch deck.
While the shorter running surface is certainly a trade off, it contributes to its small footprint — 17.16 square feet. That’s more than 3 square feet smaller than the NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill. It can be folded when not in use to help reduce its footprint that much more. “[The] hydraulic lift system is going to take care of everything for you,” BarBend’s expert product tester Jake Herod highlighted in his video review of the EXP 7i below.
NordicTrack's BEST Valued Treadmill?? — NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KGDZi_mow)
Dedicated runners may be wary of the 1.9-inch-diameter rollers, which come in 0.35 inches smaller than what we’d like to see on running treadmills. If you plan to rack up a lot of miles, larger rollers can translate into a longer lifespan for your treadmill.
Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Running: Sole F63
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Shop SOLE
Specs
Pros
Cons
When it comes to the best treadmills for running, you want to look for a 20-inch by 60-inch belt deck to accommodate longer strides, some belt deck cushioning, and incline capability to bring some added intensity and variety to your runs. Enter the Sole F63, our pick for the best treadmill under $1,500 for running.
The 15-percent incline range actually exceeds the 12-percent range found on many treadmills in this price range — like the NordicTrack EXP 7i. Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, emphasized incline capability when assessing running treadmills for BarBend. “If you’re using your treadmill to train for a race (as opposed to just keeping fit), incline is a necessary feature.”
Our tester doing an incline workout on the Sole F63.
An aspect Kate Meier — certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial staffer — highlighted was the importance of the size of the running deck. After completing multiple running workouts Meier rated the F63’s adjustability and ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5. “All our testers — up to 6-feet tall — felt the deck allowed plenty of space for comfort.”
Anyone recovering from an injury or interested in long-distance training will appreciate the cushioned deck and two-ply belt — an upgrade over the one-ply belts common in less expensive machines. Capritto also noted the importance of reducing impact on the user’s joints. “A padded deck can help offset some of the impact on your ankles, knees, and hips by absorbing a lot of the shock.”
The console and LCD display on the Sole F63
While the F63 offers a backlit 6.5-inch LCD screen to help you keep an eye on your heart rate, distance, and calories burned, there is no interactive touchscreen. However, you can use your phone or tablet to take advantage of the 1,400 free — yes, free — treadmill workouts on the Sole+ app.
Meier rated its tech capabilities 4.3 out of 5, noting the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. When connected to the treadmill, Sole+ can track your stats and workout history over time, as well as play audio through the speakers.
Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Walking: Horizon 7.0 AT
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a durable, low-cost option for anyone looking for a quality treadmill without overspending. It features a strong motor, a wide range of speed and incline settings, and a unique three-zone cushion system.
Shop Horizon
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Horizon 7.0 AT is our pick for the best treadmill under $1,500 for walking because of its spacious 60-inch belt deck and above-average 15-percent incline, which allow for comfort and challenge during walking workouts. Should you want to run, it can reach speeds of 12 miles per hour. Heavier users will also like its 325-pound weight capacity, which is 25 pounds heavier than most machines at this price range. The 7.0 AT’s adjustability and ergonomics earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester, a certified CrossFit Level-1 trainer.
When assessing the best walking treadmills for BarBend, certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto unpacked what she likes to see in a high-quality treadmill for walking. “A good walking treadmill has speeds up to at least 4 miles per hour (that represents a brisk walk of 15 minutes per mile), but ideally up to 6 to 9 miles per hour for individuals who are very fast walkers or want to sometimes jog,” she explained. “You’ll also want a deck with minimum dimensions of 16 inches wide by 48 inches long (preferable is 18-20 inches wide by 55-60 inches long).”
Our product tester holding the handles on the Horizon 7.0 AT during a walking workout.
The 20-inch by 60-inch walking surface on the Horizon 7.0 AT surpasses Capritto’s preferred dimensions, and it contributed to our tester’s rating of 4.5 out of 5 for their workout experience. “I docked a half point because I thought the belt was a little thin,” they pointed out. “Otherwise, I loved the deck and there was zero wobble or shake.”
While you can slot your own device in the tablet holder and stream whatever you like, there is no touchscreen, which contributed to their 3-out-of-5 rating. Our tester was also disappointed that, when connected via Bluetooth, different apps had different capabilities. “It seemed like some apps could play audio, but others could only track your stats, like steps and calories,” they said. If you have a favorite workout app you want to use, take a look at Horizon’s chart for app compatibility. (2)
Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.
Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,500: ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
Adjusts up to a 12% grade so that you can feel like you're hitting real hills. With an iFIT subscription you can hit trails around the world from the comfort of your own home.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
We chose the Carbon TLX as the best folding treadmill under $1,500 because ProForm’s SpaceSaver upright hydraulic folding system reduces its footprint from 18.11 square feet down to 8.6 square feet — about the difference between a two-seater sofa and a medium-sized ottoman. (3) With its heavy-duty steel frame and 249-pound overall weight, we...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 6 Best Treadmills Under $1,500 for 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
The amount of available treadmills out there can seem as endless as the marathon you signed up for on January 1. We know the overwhelming feeling of trying to sift through the detritus in search of the best treadmills on the market. As such, the cardio enthusiasts at BarBend sought to compile a list of the best treadmills under $1,500 to help narrow your search and show you that, even with a hard cap on your budget, you don’t need to sacrifice on the features that are most important to you.
Treadmills that bump up against $1,500 are somewhere between “mid-range” and “budget” options, but it’s important to remember that even the most wallet-friendly options can help improve your cardiorespiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health. (1) Whether you need dynamic programming with virtual coaches to pump you up, or just a moving rubber belt you walk on while you suffer through a Zoom meeting, check out our picks for the best treadmills under $1,500 below.
The Best Treadmills Under $1,500
- Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,500: NordicTrack EXP 7i
- Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Running: Sole F63
- Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Walking: Horizon 7.0 AT
- Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,500: ProForm Carbon TLX
- Best Budget Treadmill Under $1,500: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
- Best Compact Treadmill Under $1,500: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills Under $1,500
The BarBend team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit professionals, and nutrition coaches has put over 40 treadmills to the test over the years. Following our testing methodology, our testers rated over 13 categories — including footprint and portability, adjustability and ergonomics, and durability, among others — on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
These ratings and our team’s hands-on experience helped us choose the treadmills on this list. If your budget is set at $1,500, you are looking somewhere between “mid-range” and “budget” treadmills, but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on important features like incline, dynamic programming, or the amount of space it will occupy. These are a few of the factors that went into our top picks.
Essentials
When compiling our picks, we made sure to include treadmills for running and walking that feature the essentials one looks for in an efficient cardio machine. For a running treadmill, that meant max speeds of 10 to 12 miles per hour, incline ranges between 10 and 15 percent, cushioned decks, motors with at least 3.0 horsepower, and preset programming or integration with fitness apps.
For those interested in walking, we emphasized treadmills with steep incline ranges, as they can provide variety and challenge and better replicate the terrain you’d find on an outdoor hike. We also included some under-desk options with max speeds of between 3 and 4 miles per hour, which are more suited for getting your steps in than sweating up a storm.
Dynamic Programming
Integration with apps like iFIT or Peloton can open up your training options on and off your treadmill. While these options usually require a monthly subscription (typically between $20 and $50), they can be worth it for the guided instruction, structured programs, and interactive community features.
Speaking about iFIT, one of the most popular fitness apps, certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto, says, “iFIT has some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom.” You can usually access these kinds of apps on built-in touchscreens or a compatible mobile device, and we included several with this kind of integration on this list. Following the cardio workouts provided by this kind of programming can bring some excitement to your training.
Footprint
A factor that should guide any treadmill purchase is how much space it will take up in your home gym. We kept this in mind when putting our list together, including a range of full-size, folding, and low-profile treadmills that can help you make the most of your space. Whether you’re living in close quarters or have more room than you know what to do with, we’ve got picks that should suit your needs.
Best Overall Treadmill Under $1,500: NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
This tread still goes all the way up to 12 percent incline and 12mph in speed, plus it comes with a free one-month iFit membership (a $39 value). The adjustable cushioning can also help lower the impact on your joints, or mimic the feel of a road race if you are training for something on rougher terrain.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,299
- Incline Range: 0%-12%
- Max Speed: 10mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 59.7” H x 70.8” L x 34.9” W
- Weight: 228lbs
Pros
- The 12-percent incline and max speed of 10 miles per hour allow for plenty of variety.
- Its tilting, 7-inch HD touchscreen can stream interactive iFIT workouts.
- NordicTrack’s EasyLift assist hydraulic folding carries most of the burden when folding upright.
Cons
- 55 inches is at the low end of the average running belt range of 55 to 60 inches.
- Since it lacks other preset workout programs, a $39.99 monthly iFIT subscription may be necessary to maximize its potential.
- The 1.9-inch rollers are smaller than the 2.25- to 2.5-inch rollers we recommend for heavy use.
Our choice for best overall treadmill under $1,500 is also the most compact treadmill from NordicTrack — the EXP 7i. For $1,299, you’ll get much of what most the best NordicTrack treadmills have to offer — iFIT integration with SmartAdjust, a standard 12-percent incline, a 2.6 CHP motor, and a max speed of 10 miles per hour. This is one of our best-reviewed treadmills, with our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, rating it a 4 or 4.5 out of 5 in categories such as durability, customizations, adjustability, ergonomics, and more.
The EXP 7i’s iFIT integration also earned it a 5 out of 5 for its dynamic programming. With iFIT, you’ll have access to over 16,000 live and on-demand classes. Even though a subscription will run you $39.99 per month after your 30-day free trial, we think it unlocks the full potential in the EXP 7i, specifically in how it works in tandem with the machine to make automatic adjustments in tune with the app’s classes and scenic rides.
The compact nature of the build only allows for a 55-inch belt deck, which is 5 inches less than our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, recommends. “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride,” she explains. “Shorter individuals may be able to get away with a shorter deck.” As such, sprinters and taller runners may want to opt for an option with a 60-inch deck.
While the shorter running surface is certainly a trade off, it contributes to its small footprint — 17.16 square feet. That’s more than 3 square feet smaller than the NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill. It can be folded when not in use to help reduce its footprint that much more. “[The] hydraulic lift system is going to take care of everything for you,” BarBend’s expert product tester Jake Herod highlighted in his video review of the EXP 7i below.
NordicTrack's BEST Valued Treadmill?? — NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KGDZi_mow)
Dedicated runners may be wary of the 1.9-inch-diameter rollers, which come in 0.35 inches smaller than what we’d like to see on running treadmills. If you plan to rack up a lot of miles, larger rollers can translate into a longer lifespan for your treadmill.
Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Running: Sole F63
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Shop SOLE
Specs
- Price: $1,199
- Incline Range: 0%-15%
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Dimensions: 67? H x 77? L x 35? W
- Weight: 224lbs
Pros
- Runners will like the spacious 20-inch by 60-inch running surface.
- The cushioning layered into the belt deck may help lessen the impact on your joints.
- You can access more than 1,400 free treadmill workouts via the Sole+ app.
- The 15-percent maximum incline surpasses the average range by 3 percent.
Cons
- With no screen, you’ll need to stream Sole+ or other fitness apps on your own device.
- There is no decline capability, which may be disappointing for some runners.
When it comes to the best treadmills for running, you want to look for a 20-inch by 60-inch belt deck to accommodate longer strides, some belt deck cushioning, and incline capability to bring some added intensity and variety to your runs. Enter the Sole F63, our pick for the best treadmill under $1,500 for running.
The 15-percent incline range actually exceeds the 12-percent range found on many treadmills in this price range — like the NordicTrack EXP 7i. Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer, emphasized incline capability when assessing running treadmills for BarBend. “If you’re using your treadmill to train for a race (as opposed to just keeping fit), incline is a necessary feature.”
An aspect Kate Meier — certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial staffer — highlighted was the importance of the size of the running deck. After completing multiple running workouts Meier rated the F63’s adjustability and ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5. “All our testers — up to 6-feet tall — felt the deck allowed plenty of space for comfort.”
Anyone recovering from an injury or interested in long-distance training will appreciate the cushioned deck and two-ply belt — an upgrade over the one-ply belts common in less expensive machines. Capritto also noted the importance of reducing impact on the user’s joints. “A padded deck can help offset some of the impact on your ankles, knees, and hips by absorbing a lot of the shock.”
While the F63 offers a backlit 6.5-inch LCD screen to help you keep an eye on your heart rate, distance, and calories burned, there is no interactive touchscreen. However, you can use your phone or tablet to take advantage of the 1,400 free — yes, free — treadmill workouts on the Sole+ app.
Meier rated its tech capabilities 4.3 out of 5, noting the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. When connected to the treadmill, Sole+ can track your stats and workout history over time, as well as play audio through the speakers.
Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill Under $1,500 for Walking: Horizon 7.0 AT
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a durable, low-cost option for anyone looking for a quality treadmill without overspending. It features a strong motor, a wide range of speed and incline settings, and a unique three-zone cushion system.
Shop Horizon
Specs
- Price: $1,477
- Incline Range: 0%-15%
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Dimensions: 66? H x 76? L x 35? W
- Weight: 277lbs
Pros
- The 15-percent maximum incline can add variety and intensity to your walking workouts.
- Its 60-inch-long belt deck can support taller users with long strides.
- The 325-pound user weight capacity is 25 pounds higher than many treadmills at this price range.
Cons
- Without a touchscreen, you’ll need to use your own device to stream workouts or entertainment.
- Only certain apps, like Zwift and Peloton, connect directly via Bluetooth. (2)
The Horizon 7.0 AT is our pick for the best treadmill under $1,500 for walking because of its spacious 60-inch belt deck and above-average 15-percent incline, which allow for comfort and challenge during walking workouts. Should you want to run, it can reach speeds of 12 miles per hour. Heavier users will also like its 325-pound weight capacity, which is 25 pounds heavier than most machines at this price range. The 7.0 AT’s adjustability and ergonomics earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester, a certified CrossFit Level-1 trainer.
When assessing the best walking treadmills for BarBend, certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto unpacked what she likes to see in a high-quality treadmill for walking. “A good walking treadmill has speeds up to at least 4 miles per hour (that represents a brisk walk of 15 minutes per mile), but ideally up to 6 to 9 miles per hour for individuals who are very fast walkers or want to sometimes jog,” she explained. “You’ll also want a deck with minimum dimensions of 16 inches wide by 48 inches long (preferable is 18-20 inches wide by 55-60 inches long).”
The 20-inch by 60-inch walking surface on the Horizon 7.0 AT surpasses Capritto’s preferred dimensions, and it contributed to our tester’s rating of 4.5 out of 5 for their workout experience. “I docked a half point because I thought the belt was a little thin,” they pointed out. “Otherwise, I loved the deck and there was zero wobble or shake.”
While you can slot your own device in the tablet holder and stream whatever you like, there is no touchscreen, which contributed to their 3-out-of-5 rating. Our tester was also disappointed that, when connected via Bluetooth, different apps had different capabilities. “It seemed like some apps could play audio, but others could only track your stats, like steps and calories,” they said. If you have a favorite workout app you want to use, take a look at Horizon’s chart for app compatibility. (2)
Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review.
Best Folding Treadmill Under $1,500: ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
Adjusts up to a 12% grade so that you can feel like you're hitting real hills. With an iFIT subscription you can hit trails around the world from the comfort of your own home.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $999
- Incline Range: 0%-12%
- Max Speed: 10mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 59.1” H x 74.3” L x 35.1” W
- Weight: 249lbs
Pros
- ProForm’s SpaceSaver hydraulic folding allows for easy upright folding.
- Its iFIT integration gives you access to over 16,000 live and on-demand classes.
- The 20-inch by 60-inch provides ample space for sprinters, runners, and joggers.
Cons
- For those tracking their heart rate, it has no pulse sensors.
- After the 30-day free trial, an iFIT subscription is $39.99 per month.
We chose the Carbon TLX as the best folding treadmill under $1,500 because ProForm’s SpaceSaver upright hydraulic folding system reduces its footprint from 18.11 square feet down to 8.6 square feet — about the difference between a two-seater sofa and a medium-sized ottoman. (3) With its heavy-duty steel frame and 249-pound overall weight, we...
Click here to view the article.
