Best Treadmills Under $300 (2024)

When it comes to finding the best treadmill, everyone is looking for something different. Serious runners, for instance, might look for treadmills with 12 to 15 MPH max speeds, incline/decline options, and a powerful motor. Other fitness fanatics may desire all the technical bells and whistles, like 14-inch touchscreens, Bluetooth connectivity, and trainer-led treadmill workouts. 

However, some folks just want a budget-friendly, reliable treadmill with basic features that lets them walk or jog when they want to. Let’s face it, everybody isn’t looking to add high end ProForm or NordicTrack treadmills to their home gym. Many people, especially beginners, want an affordable treadmill they can stow in their home gym or home office. If this sounds like you, keep reading because we’ll tell you about the best treadmills under $300 on the market right now. 

We Test It Today So We Can Help You Tomorrow

Our line-up of testers includes personal trainers, CrossFit-L1 coaches, athletes, mobility specialists, and more. Trust me, we live and breathe fitness. We frequently talk about different types of exercise equipment amongst one another and aren’t afraid to keep it real about what’s hot…and what’s not. 

We’ve tested some of the most recognized treadmill brands and even those that might be unfamiliar to most. We’ve also had the chance to evaluate cheap treadmills with just the bare essentials and expensive ones with attractive features. Therefore, when it comes to treadmills, we know our stuff. 

The 5 Best Treadmills Under $300

• Best Overall Treadmill Under $300: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill
• Best Folding Treadmill: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness WalkStation Slim
• Best With Incline: Zelus Folding Treadmill
• Best With Programming: SereneLife Smart Digital Treadmill

Best Overall Treadmill Under $300: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill

Best Overall Treadmill Under $300

Sunny Health And Fitness SF – T7603 Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Compact and foldable
• Simple to build solo
• Foldable with a gas shock for gentle release
• Handles have speed adjustments
• 2.2 CHP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact
• Easy to fold
• Lightweight
• Sturdy, all-steel frame
• Shock absorption
• Reviewers report easy assembly

Cons

• Weaker motor will not support sustained or intense runs
• Small running deck not suited for taller individuals
• Some users report the lifespan is very short

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a seriously affordable, compact, portable and simple treadmill, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 folding treadmill may be for you. While this machine won’t support sustained or intense running, it’s a value purchase for walkers, joggers and casual runners.

Sunny Health & Fitness is a brand that caters to a wide range of budgets and stands behind their motto of “fit for everyone.” The Sunny SF-T7603 is an example of that, with its attractive price tag and reasonable features. It’s a folding treadmill that’s very easy to put together and compact enough to put in small spaces. I really like that it has transportation wheels, so you’re not struggling to move it around a room. 

You’ll get an LCD display that shows helpful information like speed, pulse, distance, and time. Speaking of speed, this treadmill goes between 0.5 and 9 MPH, which isn’t too bad for an affordable treadmill. Running is undoubtedly an option on this machine, but it admittedly might not be the most comfortable with a short 49-inch running deck.

The Sunny SF-T7603 only has a 2.2 peak HP, so it’s better suited for walking. Since it’s a “peak” motor, this treadmill’s highest horsepower peaks at 2.2, which means it typically operates between 1 and 2  HP. To run enjoyably, you need at least a 3.0 CHP motor. Otherwise, you’ll have a machine that changes speed slowly and unsteadily. 

At first glance, you’ll also see that this treadmill has incline capabilities, but do note that it’s not automatic. You’ll need to turn the machine off and lift up the far end of the treadmill to change it. For many, this is inconvenient, but it may not be a dealbreaker.. You could upgrade to the SF-T7705 for a little more money if you want an automatic incline. 

The other features of this machine are a six-point shock absorption system, hand grip pulse sensors, and handrail controls. These are all convenient and will appeal to those who are looking to walk or jog on this machine. You probably won’t like the narrow running deck or its 220-pound weight capacity if you’re taller, heavier, or have long strides. 

For more, check out our Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 review.

Best Folding Treadmill: GoPlus Electric Folding Treadmill

Best Folding Treadmill

GoPlus Electric Folding Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Folding treadmill 
• Available on Amazon 
• 1100-watt motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact and foldable
• Very affordable
• Device holder

Cons

• Confusing and vague assembly instructions
• Lower user weight capacity
• Water bottle holders very small

Bottom Line

The GoPlus Electric Folding Treadmill is a compact and affordable treadmill with basic features. The shorter running belt may not be ideal for taller users.

While we haven’t personally tested the GoPlus Electric Folding Treadmill, we have tested another product from GoPlus, the 2-in-1, which gives us a good idea of the quality of product the brand makes.

The GoPlus Electric Folding treadmill is a good budget treadmill for walking and light jogging. It’s easily foldable, very portable, and not a bad choice for someone in an apartment who just wants to get their 30-minute daily workout in. Users will get a multi-function backlit LCD screen that shows their heart rate, speed, calories, time, and distance. You’ll also be able to efficiently change your speed, start and stop the machine, and check your heart rate using the handrails. 

This electric treadmill goes up to 6 MPH and has a built-in incline. You won’t be able to adjust the incline, which seems to be a common complaint from users. Some have found ways to make the treadmill more level, but I don’t think that’s safe and wouldn’t advise others to do this. If adjusting your incline is important, it’s best to take a look at other options. 

RELATED: The Best Incline Treadmill Workouts

The running surface on this GoPlus treadmill is only 39” L x 14” W, which is less than ideal, even for walking. Walkers should aim to find treadmills that are at least 50 inches in length and 20 inches in width. However, this tends to be more challenging to find when you’re getting a budget treadmill. 

Interestingly, the motor is 1100 watts, which tells you how much electricity it uses but not how powerful the motor actually is. So, I’d take that as a sign that you’re not getting a high horsepower here. 

Overall, the GoPlus Electric Folding treadmill is advantageous to someone who just wants to get moving when the great outdoors isn’t an option. It might not be a great piece of fitness equipment for heavy daily use, but it’ll help you burn calories and get some cardio in. It’s got a tablet/phone holder so you can watch your favorite shows and 12 preset training programs for you to explore. 

Best Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness WalkStation Slim

Best Under-Desk Treadmill

Sunny Health and Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.13

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Product Highlights

• Easy to move
• Stable and doesn’t move in use
• Under $500
• Arrives at your door assembled

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $300
• Multiple safety features
• Very sturdy
• Compatible with the SunnyFit app
• Comes fully assembled
• 3-year warranty
• Lightweight

Cons

• 220-pound user weight capacity
• 1.5 horsepower

Bottom Line

The Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill is a great option for those who need sturdy machine to walk on.

The Sunny Health and Fitness WalkStation Slim is true to its name and doesn’t sugarcoat what it’s made for: walking! Therefore, this is a great option if you want a walking treadmill in your home gym. 

This bad boy is very lightweight and has a slim, space-saving design. It’s made for stowing under a desk until you’re ready to go walking again. In order to achieve its slim structure, it’s without handrails, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the stats on your workout. It includes a 14-by-5-inch digital monitor near the motor where you can see calories, distance, steps, and time. 

Quick note: The manufacturer encourages users to place the treadmill near a stable object, like a desk or nightstand, to maintain their balance. Our testers found it to be very sturdy, but assess your own steadiness to determine what’s best for you. 

Since it’s only meant for walking, you’re not going to get a huge tread deck. This one is short and narrow, but it’s nice that it’s shock-absorbing. What I do like is that this treadmill comes with a remote control you can wear around your wrist that lets you adjust the speed of your workout. 

Given that this machine is made for walking, and that’s just what it’ll do: It only goes up to 3.75 MPH. You’re also getting a 1.5 peak HP, so don’t expect it to support heavy-duty trodding or be able to maintain heavier individuals. The max user weight capacity on this thing is 220-pounds. 

In its entirety, this machine is mini but mighty. If you like to walk and it’s your preferred type of cardio, we‘d say give it a try. Also, did I mention that it arrives fully-assembled? 

Best With Incline: Zelus Folding Treadmill

Best With Incline

Zelus Folding Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Compact foldable treadmill 
• FitShow app for tracking workouts 
• Available on Amazon  

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact and foldable
• Simple assembly
• Very affordable

Cons

• Comes with small incline that can’t be adjusted
• Small running belt
• Max speed of 6 MPH
• Low user weight capacity

Bottom Line

The Zelus Folding Treadmill is a compact and affordable treadmill that is better for smaller people due to the shorter running belt and lower user weight capacity.

Did you know that the word “Zelus” in Greek mythology stands for the god and personification of zeal? Given that zeal means great enthusiasm, does the Zelus Folding Treadmill meet that expectation? 

For less than $250, you’re getting a machine that you can store in cramped spaces, move about as you wish, and that’s relatively easy to put together. In addition, it includes an LED display and is Bluetooth-compatible. 

However, there is a catch when it comes to its Bluetooth capabilities. Users have to download the FitShow app to utilize Bluetooth technology and connect it to the machine. Unfortunately, the app has very poor reviews and isn’t very intuitive. 

Walkers and joggers using this machine will get a treadmill belt that’s 39.4 inches long by 13 inches wide. This means that it, too, is short and narrow like some of the others on this list. Although your walking space is limited, it does have a five-layer non-skid running belt that’s also supposed to help with noise reduction and improve stability. 

In addition, those concerned with the impact on their joints may like that the treadmill deck comes with shock absorption. Yet some purchasers left reviews on Amazon stating that it’s not well-padded and it feels like you’re walking directly on the floor. 

The Zelus Folding Treadmill has non-slip side belts, a helpful safety feature to use after completing your workout. It also has dual speakers, but you’ll need to use an auxiliary cord to connect whatever device you use for music. There’s a built-in incline that you can’t adjust, and it goes up to 6 MPH so you can walk or jog. If you’re unsure what workouts to do, they do have 12 preset programs that you can check out. 

The max user weight limit is 220 pounds on this treadmill, but several people have said that anything over 140 pounds makes it not perform as well. This is likely due to the 750-watt motor that would have a hard time withstanding a heavier weight or frequent use. 

Best With Programming: SereneLife Smart Digital Treadmill

Best With Programming

SereneLife Smart Digital Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Foldable treadmill with soft-drop system 
• Available on Amazon 
• FitShow app for logging workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact and foldable
• Soft-drop system
• Contact grip heart rate monitors

Cons

• Difficult assembly
• Quality seems hit or miss
• Small running belt

Bottom Line

The SereneLife Smart Digital Treadmill is a compact and affordable treadmill with some extra features like grip contact heart rate monitoring and a soft-drop folding system. However, it has issues with durability and apparently quality control.

The SereneLife Smart Digital treadmill is an affordable option that you can link to the FitShow app for Bluetooth connectivity. It’s a lightweight machine that offers a slightly higher user weight limit than what’s seen on similarly priced treadmills. Usually, you’ll see a 220-pound weight limit, but this one can support 265 pounds, which is pleasant for a heavier user. But do keep in mind that it’s still best for more petite individuals than taller ones due to the narrow running deck. 

This treadmill has a permanent incline and a max speed of 6.0 MPH, making it best for walking and light jogging. It has a motorized treadmill power of 1 HP, so you definitely don’t want to be aggressive on this particular piece of exercise equipment. 

Decked out with an LCD screen, you’ll be able to read helpful workout stats like calories burned, and distance traveled. Plus, you can adjust the speed of your workout and customize a fitness session with their 12 preset training modes on the console. 

If watching shows while you work out is important, you can use the removable tablet holder to mount your device. You’ll also get two cup holders, but be aware that they aren’t big enough to hold a water bottle. The handrails come with a pulse grip but are a bit shaky. 

In all, this folding treadmill will still get the job done. Users who prefer walking and are looking for something small, movable, quiet, and easy to assemble will be OK with this. 

Other Treadmills Under $300 We Researched

Not every treadmill can make it to our best-of list, but some of the ones we tested came pretty close. Check them out below!

GoPlus 2-in-1:  This treadmill checks a few boxes for power walkers and joggers who want something portable, lightweight, and straightforward to assemble. You can change the speed and instantly stop the machine with the remote control that it comes with. It also comes with a Bluetooth speaker and shock-absorbing tread deck. 

UREVO 2-in-1: You can work out while you work with this treadmill, and it comes fully assembled. Suitable for users up to 265-pounds and has a shock-absorbing belt to make it easier on the joints. It’s very compact but still boasts more running area (16.9 x 42.5) than some of the others.

How We Picked and Tested

When it comes to our treadmill round-ups, we really get into the nitty gritty because every machine just doesn’t make the cut. Here are some of the details we evaluated for our best treadmills under $300 roundup:

• Running deck size: At this price point, many running belts are on the smaller side, but the specifications still matter. Is the running belt comfortable for heavier and taller individuals? 
• Speed range: What’s the most you can do on this treadmill based on its top speed? Can you only walk and/or jog? Is it suitable for running? 
• Incline capabilities: If the treadmill has incline capabilities, is it manual or automatic? What’s the incline range? 
• Portability: Are there transportation wheels on the treadmill that make it easy to move around? Can you store it under a desk or inside a closet? Is it light enough for one person to move it? 
• Display: If there’s a display on the console, what kind is it? What information does it provide? 
• Max user weight limit: Can this machine support someone over 250 pounds?  
• Assembly: Does it come fully assembled? Are you able to put it together yourself? Is an expert required? 
• Motor: Is it quiet or loud? How well does it transition when you increase the speed and/or incline? Is it a peak HP motor or a continuous horsepower motor? 
• Durability: Does the frame feel sturdy? Are the handrails wobbly? 
• The extras: Is the machine equipped with a tablet holder and/or cup holder? Does it have Bluetooth connectivity? Did they provide a remote control to adjust speed and other settings? 
• Safety features: Is a safety key included? Does it have an emergency stop button? 

Benefits of Ultra-Budget Treadmills

So, are there really any benefits associated with purchasing an affordable treadmill for home use? Absolutely! Here are some of those benefits: 

Home Gym Equipment That Doesn’t Break The Bank

One of the most attractive things about cheap treadmills is that they’re cheap. The features that come with higher-priced treadmills are nice, but they aren’t always necessary. The whole point of using a treadmill is to walk, jog, or run. So, as long as the machine lets you safely and comfortably do that, that’s all that matters. 

They Still Check The Cardio Box

If completing daily cardio sessions is what you aim to do, a budget treadmill is still going to let you do it. Of course, you’re not going to get the touchscreen display or quality deck cushioning, but that stuff doesn’t matter to everyone. Some people literally only use a treadmill because the weather is too bad to let them complete an outdoor run. Others might be dealing with a chronic condition and just want to get some steps in. Either way, the cardio box can be checked off daily.

Portable and Lightweight

While I can’t speak for all affordable treadmills, I can say that most are pretty light. Commercial treadmills are often heavy to move around. However, these are often so lightweight and compact that you can work out during the day and throw a party at night without it getting in the way.

What to Look for in Treadmills Under $300

We understand that treadmills under $300 aren’t going to have some of the qualities associated with high-end treadmills. And they’re likely going to have a not-so-great warranty package. However, even at this price point, you can have some expectations. Here’s what we tend to look for in these more affordable treadmills: 

We Like to Move It, Move It (Portability)

One major feature we look for in budget-friendly treadmills is portability. Can it be easily moved by one person and stored under a desk or in a closet? If you don’t have a dedicated home gym, you’ll want something with transport wheels to take your treadmill somewhere else when it’s not in use.

Safety Features 

Always look for treadmills with safety features like a security key or emergency power-off button. If stability is an issue, make sure you get something with sturdy handrails. I even like the anti-skid belts because you can stand on them once you’ve finished your workout and wait for the running belt to come to a complete stop.  

Running Surface

Cheaper treadmills often come with short and narrow running belts, so you must find one that fits your weight, height, and stride. If you overlook this, you could end up with a treadmill that completely restricts your movement. 

Speed and Incline

It’s very important to be realistic about how fast and intense you want your workout to be. If you plan on running, you’ll need a treadmill that can go faster than 6 MPH. Those wishing to simulate going uphill will want to ensure that an adjustable incline is a feature too. Treadmills at this price range sometimes have unadjustable or manual inclines, so be careful what you choose. 

The Motor

Throughout this round-up, you saw a few brands use watts to describe their motor, but this isn’t very helpful. Some brands do this to hide how weak their motor really is. In addition, please pay attention to whether it’s a peak HP motor or a continuous HP motor. The latter is better for consistent use. 

RELATED: History of Treadmills

FAQs About Treadmills Under $300

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a public health professional, health & wellness writer, and entrepreneur. She enjoys learning about and educating others on healthy living and helping business owners achieve more while doing less.

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