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As much as I’m sure we’d all love to be absolutely swimming in cash to deck out our dream home gym, it’s likely not the case for most of us. That’s why I think it’s important to test and review lots of budget fitness equipment you might actually buy versus some $5,000 commercial option. Enter the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603.
In this Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 treadmill review, I’ll detail the wins, the losses, and the “meh” about this extreme budget option. I’ve extensively researched and tested this machine to give you the most in-depth look available. Let’s get started.
Top Fitness Experts Weigh In
Even with the fitness industry constantly evolving, the Garage Gym Reviews expert product testers’ main goal has never changed: deliver in-depth reviews you can trust. Our team is chock full of experts––think certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, former NCAA D1 athletes, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, and USA Weightlifting coaches. We also have an expert panel with doctors of physical therapy and other medical specialists who help us dissect high-level, specific information around products.
I’ve personally tested well over two-dozen and some of the best treadmills in my quest to find the best of the best. I’ve walked, jogged, and broken a real sweat on these cardio machines of pain to figure out what works and what doesn’t so you don’t have to.
Cheap but Decent
Sunny Health And Fitness SF – T7603 Treadmill
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.
A Quick Look at the Sunny Health & Fitness SF- T7603 Treadmill
When I think of budget cardio machines, I think of Sunny Health & Fitness. The bright red “Sunny” logo has been gracing home gyms since 2002 and shows no signs of slowing down. Currently on the Sunny Health & Fitness website, there are 41 treadmills available, with prices ranging from $179.98 for the SF-T1407M to $2,699.99 for the Treadmill Workstation Desk 9700.
My Tips
- If you’re able-bodied, I would recommend saving the money on professional assembly and doing it yourself.
- On a super tight budget? Amazon offers interest-free financing options starting at just $29.17 per month for one year!
Pros:
- Small and compact
- Easy to assemble for one person
- Inexpensive; under $500
- 9 preset workout programs
- Foldable with Soft Drop system
- Financing is available through Amazon
Cons:
- Slow to get to max speed
- Have to manually adjust the incline when the machine is off
- Undersized running deck of 49” X 16”
- 220 lb max user weight
- 2.2 CHP motor
Is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill Worth It?
Sunny Health & Fitness is known for designing and producing various budget cardio equipment. At under $400, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 is definitely a treadmill of note. However, it isn’t the best option for everyone. Let’s see who I think should “add to cart” and who should check out something else:
Great for:
- Jogging or walking
- People who need a portable treadmill with a compact footprint
- A super budget option
Not recommended for:
- Sprints or repeated heavy running
- People over 220 lbs
- Taller people
Sunny Health & Fitness SF- T7603 Treadmill Specs
| Footprint | 62” L X 27” W X 47” H |
| Weight | 103.6 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 220 lbs |
| Running surface | 49” L X 16” W |
| Warranty | 8 year structural frame / 180 days other parts and components |
| Motor | 2.2 CHP |
| Speed | .5-9 MPH |
| Incline | 3 manual options |
| Programs | 9 |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Handrail controls | Yes |
| Shock absorption | Yes |
| Price | Under $400 |
Using the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill
Just like you wouldn’t press an old car to its limits, I’d recommend taking the same approach here with the SF-T7603. Yes, it can technically max out at 9 MPH, but the $350 machine will probably crap out a heck of a lot sooner if you frequently go that hard on it. Just like I could make my 2008 Volvo Wagon go 125 mph (even though technically it could), it doesn’t mean I should. For a treadmill just under $350, you have to be realistic about your expectations and what you can or cannot comfortably do on the machine.
Let’s start out with the basics: The SF-T7603 has a max user capacity of only 220 pounds and a 2.2 CHP motor. If you’re wondering what these mean and how they compare to a “good” treadmill, industry standard-wise, they don’t quite hit the mark. Generally speaking, we want to see at least a 300-pound weight capacity on treadmills in order for the machine to be an inclusive option. Plus, a 2.2 CHP motor is just fine for walking, but I’d recommend a motor of at least 3.0 CHP to be heavy-duty enough for frequent running.
If you’re just looking to walk on a machine that’s inexpensive, you’ll probably like this treadmill. I can definitely empathize with feeling unsafe or uncomfortable exercising outside, so this is another budget-friendly way to feel in control of your workout.
However, it is worth noting how short and thin the deck is — 49 inches long and 16 inches wide. For people over 5 feet, 9 inches, I’d recommend a deck of at least 55 inches for running (preferably 60 inches if possible). At 49 inches long, taller folks will likely need to take more calculated steps to avoid falling off of the deck. Plus, 16 inches wide is really thin, and around four inches skinnier than I generally would like to see. If you have balance issues or just don’t like feeling like you’re on a tightrope, this may not be the best option for you.
Although I like that there’s adjustable incline on this inexpensive motorized treadmill, it still isn’t auto incline, which is the easiest to use. In order to actually change the incline to one of three available options on the SF-T7603, you have to fully stop the machine and adjust the red plastic piece on the side manually. This is really inconvenient and makes a quick-changing incline workout difficult, if not impossible.
Footprint and Portability
This is the category where the SF-T7603 shines the most: portability. At 103 pounds, this machine is lightweight and easy to move from room to room, or even from floor to floor. If you’re in an apartment or small space, the SF-T7603 is a great option because it can fold and unfold gracefully, due to the gas shock on the deck.
I had no issues moving this machine myself because the two handy transport wheels made the process a breeze. As much as I wish the deck was longer, it is a double-edged sword if you wanted to move said lengthy treadmill. In this case, the short deck and compact footprint serve this machine well.
RELATED: Best Compact Exercise Equipment
Technology, Display, and Conveniences
When I’m talking about technology with the SF-T7603, I’m not talking about interactive iFIT programming, or what you might find on a Peloton Bike. At $350, this treadmill is probably half the price of a smart device you own or have in your pocket right now. It isn’t fair to expect it to have a ton of bells and whistles.
You’ll find a small LCD monitor a few inches wide on the dash of the SF-T7603 that will display metrics like calories burned, speed, time elapsed, and pulse rate. Certainly nothing crazy, but it gets the job done. Plus, I like that it is pretty easy to read.
Besides the LCD display, the dashboard also has a few colorful jump buttons for increasing or decreasing speed. You’ll be able to start and stop the machine or change your preset program with a quick button press.
As much as I enjoy the included nine preset programs, I find the naming structure a bit odd. Instead of naming the programs with helpful hints about what they are (think calorie burn or heart rate training), the SF-T7603 just generically calls them P1-P9. Good luck remembering what each one is because even the manual won’t tell you!
In terms of conveniences, there are dual cup holders, but they are tiny as heck. Unless you’re having a brewski or a hard seltzer, the cup holders will likely just be a useless frustration for you versus a good spot for your reusable water bottle.
I do like the quick change buttons and pulse sensor on the handlebars. It makes switching the speed a lot more convenient, especially if you’re nervous about letting go to change a setting on the dashboard.
Comparison to Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400
SF-T7603’s Twin
Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill SF-T4400
Product Highlights
- Under $500
- Has manual incline options
- Compact and folds
- Speeds up to 9 MPH
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Has incline
- Folds easily
- Very compact
- Tread comes with shock absorption
- Quick-speed buttons on the handrail
Cons
- User weight capacity is 220 lbs
- Top speed of 9 MPH
- No decline option
Bottom Line
The SF-T4400 is a great budget walking treadmill that can be easily folded and used in small spaces.
After trying both the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T7603 and SF-T4400, I can solidly say they are essentially the same machine. With close to the same price tag and the same exact horsepower motor, these treadmills don’t differ by much.
RELATED: Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400) review
The dimensions and running deck are the only real differences. However, those differing numbers are minute; you can expect to only see an extra half an inch on the running deck. Don’t just take my word for it, check out the specs below:
| Treadmill: | Sunny Health & Fitness SF- T7603 | Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400) |
| Price Range: | Around $350 | Around $350 |
| Motor: | 2.2 CHP | 2.2 CHP |
| Running deck: | 49” L x 16” W | 49” L X 15.5” W |
| Product dimensions: | 62” L x 27” W x 47” H | 62” L X 25.5” W X 50” H |
| Max speed: | 9 MPH | 9 MPH |
| Levels of incline: | 3 levels of manual incline | 3 levels of manual incline |
| Workout programs: | 9 | 9 |
| Warranty: | 3-Year Structural Frame, 180 Days Other Parts And Components | 3-Year Structural Frame, 180 Days Other Parts And Components |
| Maximum user weight: | 220 lbs | 220 lbs |
Check out the full scoop: Sunny Health & Fitness (SF-T4400) Treadmill Review
Customer Experience
The warranty is definitely subpar for the SF-T7603—you get three years for the frame and 180 days for everything else (which is about half a year). Amazon also offers an additional two years of protection for $24.99, but it isn’t clear what that entails. For context, the industry standard on a good treadmill is 15 years to life for a frame warranty.
I know, I know. The SF-T7603 is an extreme budget option and I shouldn’t judge it so harshly. However, I think it’s important to give you all the information you should know before spending your money on something.
Returns-wise, Amazon offers the customary 30-day window. In the top righthand corner of the website, there’s an option to look at your returns and orders. If you want to return the SF-T7603, you’ll need to go to that tab and request authorization to do so.
Ordering and Assembling the Sunny Health & Fitness SF- T7603 Treadmill
Ordering the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 off of Amazon is quick and easy. Simply add the machine to your cart, put in your card information, and you’re off to the races. Amazon offers free standard delivery on this product for everyone (even if you’re not a Prime member). You’ll likely receive this treadmill within about a week as we did.
Even though this machine is just under $350, Amazon does offer financing options. If you have an Amazon Rewards Visa Card (or sign up for one), you can get the SF-T7603 for just $29.17 per month for 12 months interest free.
If you’re concerned about building a treadmill on your own, Amazon offers professional assembly for just $59.99. You’ll need to select that option at checkout if you are interested in having someone else put it together for you.
Since we have our Operations Manager and expert assembler Sam “asSAMmbly” Presley on the Garage Gym Reviews team, we, of course, decided to have him put it together. Here are his thoughts:
“The SF-T7603 Treadmill is easy for one person to build,” Sam says. “I believe there were only 10 bolts included to attach the arms and the display and you are ready to go. It’s lightweight enough to easily remove from the box on your own, too.”
Customer Reviews
On Amazon, the SF-T7603 has over 1,600 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Satisfied reviewers enjoyed the small footprint, easy-to-adjust belt, and reasonable price.
“So far, I’m quite pleased with it and would recommend it if you want a good, basic treadmill without a lot of bells and whistles,” customer Mia Marco said.
Less pleased purchasers mentioned that the pulse monitor is wonky, the machine isn’t very durable long-term, and customer service is spotty.
“I’m really disappointed that it stopped working so soon after purchase and that their tech support was unable to listen to what was wrong,” customer Bria Lynn explained. “I sent them three videos of the problem and it did not change their response on how to fix it even though their recommendations didn’t work.”
Final Verdict of Our Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill Review
Overall, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill is a very budget-friendly treadmill that I’d feel comfortable recommending to casual exercisers. It isn’t going to last forever and isn’t a great option if you’re particularly tall or if you run frequently. However, at just under $350, the price is difficult to beat.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF- T7603 Treadmill Rating
Sunny Health & Fitness SF- T7603 Treadmill
In this Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 treadmill review, I’ll tell you if this extreme budget option is worth purchasing.
Product Brand: Sunny Health & Fitness
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 379.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.57
Sunny Health & Fitness SF- T7603 Treadmill FAQs
Can the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill fold?
Yes, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 is a folding treadmill! It also unfolds easily and gently due to the Soft Drop gas shock folding mechanism.
What is the max speed for the SF-T7603?
The max speed of the Sunny SF-T7603 is 9 MPH. This means you can expect a speed range between .5 to 9 MPH.
How heavy is the SF-T7603?
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 is fairly lightweight and just over 100 pounds. There is a weight limit of 220 pounds.
Is there Bluetooth on the SF-T7603?
No, you will not find Bluetooth capabilities on this treadmill. High-end models usually have this feature but it will naturally up the price point of the machine. If you’re interested in machines with Bluetooth, check out NordicTrack or ProForm treadmills.
Can I reach my fitness goals with the best treadmill or do I need an exercise bike?
Both a treadmill and an exercise bike are excellent options for cardio machines and can help you reach your goals. I would decide which you actually enjoy doing more because it will make you more likely to exercise.
Further reading
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