To learn more about what makes a great treadmill, we spoke with Ryan Koziol, NASM-certified personal trainer and founder of RYKO Fitness. Keep reading to find our picks for the best treadmills under $500, plus what Koziol says about each of them. A multi-layer running belt provides a durable and smooth surface. The belt is fairly wide, but taller individuals should note that it’s slightly shorter than standard treadmills. An easy-to-read LCD display tracks metrics including speed, incline, duration, and distance. Plus, there are pre-programmed workouts ready to stream. A built-in stereo speaker works with USB flash or SD cards. Customers love the convenience of this machine, saying that it’s easy to set up, maneuver, use, and store. If you have a small office space, this could be a game changer for your health. Koziol loves this treadmill’s sleek design and easy setup. “With this treadmill, you can easily increase your daily step count,” he says. “A short 20-minute walk can help you rack up between 2,000-3,000 steps.” Treadmills don’t get much more apartment-friendly than this. Reviewers rave that it’s quiet, lightweight, and a cinch to store or move. “This is a great option for beginners who want to get more active without going outside or having to leave the comfort of their home," Koziol confirms. “The running belt on this treadmill is narrow, which would make it more suitable as a ‘walking treadmill,’ rather than a ‘running treadmill.’ Taller individuals or those with larger feet might find the treadmill belt too narrow on this treadmill.” Those looking to break up the monotony of a workday will likely enjoy this under-desk treadmill. It’s great for the occasional run, but it truly shines as a walking or jogging tread. “I like this unique treadmill because you can easily convert it into a desk treadmill for racking up steps during the workday," Koziol says. He adds that it’s easy to fold and store away, and is a “simple option for anyone who just wants to get moving at home.” The only downside he points out is that there are no incline capabilities, which he says typically are the best way to mimic outdoor terrain. The handrails have buttons for easy speed and incline adjustments during your workout. There are also nine built-in workout programs, which is a great bonus for a budget pick. This treadmill even has sensors on the handrails to measure your heart rate, which it displays with other standard metrics on the LCD screen. The machine does fold and roll, but reviewers mention that it’s a bit heavy. Reviewers enjoy the versatility of this treadmill, saying it provides them with a smooth and challenging workout. Individuals looking for a portable, lightweight, and completely manual treadmill will likely find that this machine suits their needs. Koziol says this is “a great option for anyone wanting to walk backward to strengthen and stabilize their knee joints,” due to the fact that it operates on a fixed incline. He goes on to note that “walking backward may help increase knee extension range of motion (great for injury recovery and prevention), and can increase energy expenditure by 40% (compared to walking forward).” On the con side, Koziol says the treadmill has a bit of a “shifty belt.” While the console doesn’t have as large a display as other options, it still offers 12 preset programs and plenty of tracking statistics. This model has three incline settings, which must be implemented manually. It folds and rolls for easy storage—though we’re betting you’ll want it out more often than not after your first run. Reviewers are delighted with this treadmill’s bulked-up design and say it offers impressive durability at a reasonable price. “This may be the best treadmill on the list,” Koziol raves. “It has a large tread surface (great for taller individuals) and incline capabilities, and its top speed of 10 miles per hour is sufficient for a majority of people wanting to walk, jog, or run. With 12 different pre-set programs, you have a wide variety of challenging workouts to explore. For $360, this treadmill is a steal!” Budget. Obviously, we limited this treadmill roundup to models under $500. However, there’s still a range of prices within that cap. Pick a machine that fits your personal budget and has the features you want. Intention. Do you want to walk while you work? Build up your running endurance? Considering how (and when) you plan to use your treadmill is essential. Certain machines are better suited to specific activities. If you plan to run on your tread, be sure to think about the power of the motor, the maximum speed, and the size of the deck (or belt). Usually, these features are less important if you only plan to walk or jog. Size. Think about the size of your treadmill compared to the available space. Many of these treadmills fold, but that doesn’t always mean they’re compact enough to store under a bed or in a closet. Size also affects the deck. A shorter deck can be uncomfortable for taller individuals. Features. For some, bells and whistles are less important. Others depend on rich displays and connectivity. Before committing to a specific machine, consider what you want in a treadmill, such as Bluetooth capability, incline, or preprogrammed workouts. Reading reviews, researching, and comparing options can be very beneficial when looking for the best treadmill for your needs. Sometimes, you can even test a treadmill in-store before you make a purchase.
