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If you've never bought a treadmill before, here's your first piece of advice: $1,000 is a more-than-decent budget for your first model. If you don't need the high-tech features of a Peloton or Bowflex, for example, you can easily find a fantastic model -- think durable, space-saving, even easy to assemble -- for under $1,000.
Shop the best treadmills under $1,000 ahead. Find folding treadmills, walking treadmills, under-desk treadmills and more options to fit your needs. We scoured shopper reviews to make these recommendations and spoke with experts on the topic.
The best treadmills under $1,000
- Walk and jog at your desk: Redliro under desk treadmill
- Easiest to store: WalkingPad C2 Mini foldable walking treadmill
- Above-average weight capacity: Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 walking treadmill
- Space-saving Goplus 2 in 1 Superfit folding treadmill
- Easy to assemble: Runow folding treadmill
- Incline on a budget: XTERRA Fitness TR folding treadmill
- Integrated tech: Sunny Health & Fitness smart running treadmill
Learn more about these great treadmills from Amazon, Walmart and WalkingPad.
Walk and jog at your desk: Redliro under desk treadmill
Consider this under-desk treadmill if you work from home and want to get more movement into your daily routine. This motorized walking and jogging treadmill offers 12 preset exercise modes, as well as the option to manually adjust the setting for your perfect workout.
Redliro under desk treadmill, $309 after coupon (reduced from $470)
Easiest to store: WalkingPad C2 Mini foldable walking treadmill
This mini walking treadmill is also the perfect size to slide under a standing desk. When it's not in use, this fitness machine can be folded to almost half its size for easy storage, so it's the best treadmill for a small space. Choose from five colors.
"If your goal is to up your daily step count without compromising your house decor, the compact WalkingPad is an excellent option!" George says. "You can fit it under a standing desk to accrue more steps while answering emails, or hop on for a stroll while watching TV. The belt is also designed for maximum cushion and comfort."
WalkingPad C2 Mini foldable walking treadmill, $450 with code WPEASTERGIFT (reduced from $600)
Above-average weight capacity: Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 walking treadmill
The T7643 walking treadmill by Sunny Health & Fitness would make an excellent addition to your home gym. The treadmill boasts a 19.5-inch-wide surface for walking or running and an above-average weight capacity of 350 pounds. It's equipped with two bottle holders, and a space for your tablet or phone.
A good fit for speed walkers and light joggers, the T7643 walking treadmill can reach speeds up to 6 mph. The built-in digital monitor displays your burned calories, speed and distance covered while working out. This piece of home gym equipment's deck can be folded into the frame. Plus, it's often on sale at Amazon.
Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 walking treadmill, $650 (reduced from $770)
Space-saving: Goplus 2-in-1 Superfit folding treadmill
Yes, this really is two models in one. The 2-in-1 Superfit treadmill can be used as a traditional treadmill capable of reaching speeds of up to 7.5 mph or folded down and used as a walking treadmill that will max out at 2.5 mph. The sturdy frame and shock-absorbing, multi-layer design will keep your workout quiet and comfortable.
This piece of home gym equipment would make a great addition to any home office for the remote worker trying to get in their steps between (or even during) meetings. Just add a standing desk into the mix, and you're good to go.
It's available in seven colors. Prices vary by color. The price listed below is for the blue model.
Goplus 2 in 1 Superfit folding treadmill (blue), $350 (reduced from $500)
Easy to assemble: Runow folding treadmill
This folding treadmill has three incline options and an LED monitor that tracks your speed, distance, calories burned, time and pulse while working out. This impressive piece of gym equipment has a more than respectable shock-absorbing system that protects your knees and ankles and takes only 15 minutes to assemble.
Runow folding treadmill, $540 after coupon (reduced from $700)
Incline on a budget: XTERRA Fitness TR folding treadmill
This affordable treadmill has a 16-inch by 50-inch running surface and a 250-pound weight limit. Despite the budget-friendly price point, it offers an LCD display that tells you your speed, incline, time, distance, calories and pulse. This treadmill offers 12 preset programs and three manual incline settings. It folds so you can store it away while it's not in use.
"This model features a max of 10 mph, which gives you plenty of room to play with your speed and gradually increase your intensity should you decide you're ready for it," certified personal trainer and director of the fitness company Your Future Fitness Andrew Blakey told CBS Essentials.
XTERRA Fitness TR folding treadmill, $375
Integrated tech: Sunny Health & Fitness smart running treadmill
This treadmill has an LCD monitor that displays time, distance, speed, calories, incline and heart rate. It offers 12 preset interval programs and has integrated speakers, microphone, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity. You can use it to run up to 8 mph and to change the incline up to 12%. Fold this treadmill when you're done and stow it away. It has a weight capacity of 240 pounds.
Sunny Health & Fitness smart running treadmill, $500
Why you should invest in a treadmill
"The best workout program is the one you will stick to," George says. And while other workout routines can require either time or multiple pieces of equipment to master (think Pilates or weight training) running or walking just... doesn't. And that makes walking a very easy habit to commit to.
If you can commit to walking or running, investing in a treadmill for your home is a great idea to support your health goals. And if you're looking to get maximum results in a minimal amount of time, more good news: A treadmill can help, working certain muscle groups along with keeping your heart healthy.
"Since walking or running on the treadmill works the large muscle groups in your lower body (quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes), it is a great way to build strength in your lower body and cardiovascular system," George says.
How we chose these treadmills
When picking the best treadmills under $1,000, we considered:
- Customer reviews: We combed through verified customer reviews to ensure that real people like you are consistently pleased with these products.
- Expert recommendations: We spoke with George and Blakey for their thoughts on fitness and treadmills.
- Star rating: All of these products have a four-star rating or higher.
- Your needs: We picked treadmills for a variety of needs. We found running treadmills, walking treadmills, folding treadmills and more.
Read more about how we review products
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Carolin Lehmann is an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides and books for CBS Essentials. She's always testing new products to recommend. Some of her current favorites include Stanley cups, Alo Yoga workout sets and the Cuzen matcha maker.
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