Even though our studio has treadmills priced thousands of dollars for me to choose from, I often run on budget-friendly treadmills in my spare time. There are MANY treadmills under $1500 that I enjoy using. I think this price range is the sweet spot where budget and quality meet.
We recommend a wide variety of treadmills in this price range. Most fold and are space-saving; some are great for running, and others are for walkers. We test all kinds of treadmills at different budgets. We aim to help you find a great treadmill, so we’ve included our list of the best treadmills under $1500 to aid your search.
Best Treadmills Under $1500, Compared:
 Sole F63 |  NordicTrack EXP 7i |  Horizon 7.0 AT |  WalkingPad X21 |  Sole F65 | |
| Price (MSRP) | $2,299 | $2,499 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An entry-level treadmill with a high-quality build, impressive training options, and an easy-to-use design, all for an affordable price. | A high-tech entry-level treadmill with iFit streaming and a well-cushioned, compact deck that folds up. | A great budget treadmill for running that’s compact and easy to use with simple non-subscription workouts. | The double-folding design makes this already very compact and lightweight treadmill fold up like a briefcase for use almost anywhere. | This midrange treadmill has a spacious folding deck and simple design that supports people up to 325 lbs. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Sole F63 | NordicTrack EXP 7i | Horizon 7.0 AT | WalkingPad X21 | Sole F65 |
| Workout Experience | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Specs / Features | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 8 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 7 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Build Quality | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Overall Score | 64 | 70 | 68 | 72 | 70 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 6 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | Free | iFIT – $39/month | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | Netflix, Prime - (Beta Testing) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Display | 6.5″ backlit LCD | 7″ HD touchscreen | 7.25″ LCD screen, 4 LED windows | LED digital display | 9” backlit LCD |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 77″L x 35″W x 67″H | 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H | 76″ L x 35″ W x 66″ H | 39.6" L x 27.99" W x 55.9" H | 82.5" L x 38" W x 67" H |
| Deck Size | 20″ x 60″ | 20″ x 55″ | 20″ x 60″ | 18.1" x 47.6" | 22" x 60" |
| Folding? | |||||
| Treadmill Weight | 224 lbs | 228 lbs (in box) | 277 lbs | 81.57 lbs | 267 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 325 lbs | 300 lbs | 325 lbs | 240 lbs | 325 lbs |
| Motor Size | 3.0 CHP | 2.6 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 1.0 HP | 3.0 HP |
| Max Speed | 12 mph | 10 MPH | 12 mph | 7.45 mph | 0 to 12 mph |
| Incline/Decline | 15 incline levels | 0 to 12% | 0% to 15% | N/A | 15 incline levels |
| Warranty | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 2-year deck, 2-year parts, 2-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | 1-year | lifetime frame and motor, 2-year deck, parts, and wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items |
| Additional Features | Bluetooth speakers, storage, USB-A charging | AutoAdjust, soft cushioning, SpaceSaver Design | Bluetooth, Quick Dial controls, 3-zone cushioning | dial speed control, phone holder, adjustable handrail | Release lever, Bluetooth speakers, Sole+ app connectivity |
Best Treadmills Under $1500 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
Keep scrolling to learn more about these top treadmills for under $1500.
Sole F63 Treadmill
- Excellent quality for the price
- 3.0 HP motor is quiet for moderate running
- Large folding deck
- Holds up to 325 lbs
- Lifetime warranty
- Simple console
- Weak fan
Our top recommendation for the best treadmill under $1500 is hands-down the Sole F63. We know the Sole brand creates well-constructed treadmills with quiet, capable motors. Even though the F63 is Sole’s entry-level model, it dramatically reflects what this brand offers. It also has qualities and training features similar to those of more expensive models.
A few standout features of the Sole F63 are the 3.0 HP motor that’s quiet and great for light to moderate running, the 20” x 60” deck that’s compact yet accommodating for all running strides, and the 15 levels of incline and 12 mph max speed for great versatility.
These training capabilities, motor, and deck size are more commonly found on high-end models. So, the F63 will handle a great deal of walking, jogging, and running, providing plenty of options to add variety to your workouts.
The F63 has a folding deck for home use that assists when lifting and lowering it, so you don’t have to lift or lower its entire weight. This folding feature also gives you a lot of room when the F63 isn’t being used. Even though this is a substantial treadmill that weighs 267 lbs, it still is pretty maneuverable when you need to push it out of the way because of the multiple transportation wheels.
For price, quality, and use in most homes, the Sole F63 is the best choice. We highly recommend it if you’re looking to save a little on a treadmill without sacrificing training options.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole F63 Treadmill.
Interested in the Sole F63?
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
- Thousands of iFIT workouts with a subscription
- Well-cushioned 55” long deck
- Compact, lightweight, and foldable
- 2.6 CHP motor for light to moderate training
- Ten mph max and 12% incline
- Small touchscreen
- Noisy incline
Another great treadmill to consider for under $1500 is the NordicTrack EXP 7i. This is NordicTrack’s compact entry-level model, which includes many of the same features as the brand’s high-end treadmills.
We know NordicTrack to have well-cushioned treadmills that have forgiving deck cushioning. Even though this is a lower-end model, the EXP 7i has comfortable cushioning that is great if you need to lessen the high impact that comes with the territory of jogging and running.
This treadmill is the best under $1500 runner-up because it has a good motor that’s great for light to moderate walking, jogging, and some light running. The motor is 2.6 CHP, and the deck is 20” wide and 55” long. Most people can walk and jog comfortably on the deck, while others with shorter running strides should also have room to run.
The NordicTrack EXP 7i has a 7” touch screen enabled with iFIT training content. iFIT is an interactive workout platform that offers on-demand videos led by knowledgeable trainers. These workout classes take place indoors and outdoors. Our team loves iFIT’s outdoor classes because they are worldwide and offer thousands of workouts.
iFIT definitely enhances your overall training experience on the EXP 7i. You can use the treadmill without a subscription, but we recommend checking iFIT out. In addition to thousands of trainer-led workouts, you can create your own workouts with the Google Map feature. This feature lets you draw routes on a map and then displays Google Images of the location throughout your walk and run.
Another awesome iFIT feature is AutoAdjust. This is where the EXP 7i automatically adjusts the grade and speed based on your iFIT workout. So, if you’re hiking up a mountain, the EXP 7i’s incline adjusts to match.
Check out the NordicTrack EXP 7i for a treadmill with high-quality training content and a foldable, well-cushioned deck.
Click here to read our detailed review of the NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill.
Interested in the NordicTrack EXP 7i?
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
- High-quality for an affordable price
- A 3.0 HP motor is great for running
- 60” long deck
- Quiet and foldable
- Includes onboard workouts and no subscription fee
- Not for heavy training
- Speakers and fans are weak
The Horizon 7.0 AT has a 3.0 CHP motor, which we recommend for light to moderate running. Like other budget treadmills, the 7.0 AT folds up, and the deck folds and unfolds to give you some extra space.
Plus, the deck offers assistance when lifting and lowering the deck, so you don’t have to lift its entire weight or lower it t yourself. The deck cushioning is also comfortable and forgiving to help lessen the impact on your joints.
Another impressive aspect of the Horizon 7.0 AT is the 12 mph max speed range and 15% incline. Most higher-end treadmills come with this high of a speed and incline, so we love to see it on a budget-friendly treadmill like the 7.0 AT.
The 7.0 AT is one of the cheapest treadmills on this list. However, we regularly use it. Between the cushioning, quiet and responsive motor, and training variables, the 7.0 AT shouldn’t be disregarded because of its price.
This treadmill also comes equipped with onboard workouts and Bluetooth speakers to play your own content through them. The onboard workouts are standard but are nice to have without having to pay an additional monthly fee to access them.
Check out the Horizon 7.0 AT if you’re looking for a great value treadmill for running.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill.
Interested in the Horizon 7.0 AT?
WalkingPad X21 Treadmill
- Double folds to only be 9” long
- Great for apartments and condos
- Primarily for walking
- Compact and lightweight
- Some can jog on it
- Can feel fold hinge underfoot
- Small transport wheels
If you need a space-saving treadmill, we recommend the Walking X21. This treadmill is very compact, and it folds twice to be the size of a large briefcase when you’re done, so you can just shove it over against a wall or in a closet, out of sight. At just around 56” long, it is one of the smallest treadmills on this list.
The WalkingPad X21 folds in half at the deck and then folds again at the top to store upright and fit under the console and uprights. As compact as the X21 is, it is also lightweight compared to other treadmills on this list at around 82 lbs.
The X21 is solid for a treadmill of this size. The deck sits directly on the floor and is 18” wide and 47.6” long. Due to its small belt, we recommend the WalkingPad X21 for primarily walking and some light jogging.
The X21 has a 1.0 HP brushless motor that can reach speeds of up to 7.5 mph. For most people, this will be a jogging, maybe even a running pace. Users with shorter stride lengths should be able to jog and potentially run, but those with longer strides might only have room for walking.
As far as the layout, the console and uprights are non-adjustable. There is a built-in LED panel across the console/handle. A large dial in the middle is where you start and stop the belt and increase and decrease the speed. This design makes the X21 really easy to use.
When living in an upper-level apartment without elevator access, this is the treadmill that I could take home and use. It’s fairly quiet, and at just over $1000, you get a very compact and storable treadmill to use almost anywhere.
Click here to read our detailed review of the WalkingPad X21 Treadmill.
Interested in the WalkingPad X21?
Echelon Stride-6
- Folds flat and stores upright
- Well-priced for walking and running
- 12.5 mph max speed and 12 incline levels
- 60” long deck
- Large device rack
- 1-year warranty
- Not for heavy training
The Stride-6 has many thoughtful features in addition to its storing abilities. It has a rear grab bar for when you want to move it. The start and stop buttons are clearly labeled along with the quick-adjusting buttons. Plus, the little roller dials on the handles are conveniently placed under your hands.
Echelon has studio training content that features different instructors who teach workouts on treadmills, exercise bikes, mats, and other equipment. You can stream Echelon’s workouts on the Echelon Stride-6 with your device. A large device rack holds your phone or tablet for convenient streaming.
As one of the most conveniently storable treadmills for walking and running, the Echelon Stride-6 has a lot of features beyond its folding capabilities. The deck size is perfect for all running strides at 60” long. Plus, the 12.5 mph max speed and 12 incline levels make for great training options.
We often see the Stride-6 marked down to just over $1000. It’s Echelon’s entry-level model, but it includes many of the brand’s features that we like. For a well-priced yet conveniently stored treadmill, this is a great option.
Interested in the Echelon Stride-6?
Sole F65 Treadmill
- Perfect for runners
- Large deck and motor
- Foldable deck
- Simple console with onboard workouts
- Firm and supportive cushioning
- Limited tech features
- Not best for distance training
Another excellent treadmill from Sole is the Sole F65. This treadmill is one of the best in its price range because of its ample motor size, large running surface, and great build quality. The F65 has a 3.0 HP motor that’s quiet to use and good for light to moderate running.
It has a 22” wide and 60” long deck, typically the largest deck size we see on folding treadmills. If you like more width to move around, this one is a great pick. The F65 is one of the largest treadmills on this list. It weighs 267 lbs, so it might not be best in some home spaces. If you’re looking to save on a hearty treadmill, I’d check this one out.
The Sole F65 has a great design. It has a steel frame, uprights, and crossbar mounted under the console and storage tray. The crossbar helps make the F65 feel solid and stable while running. It also adds to the stability of the console, so you don’t have to worry about shaking. The F65 supports up to 330 lbs, a good weight capacity.
We love that a lifetime warranty backs the frame and motor to instill confidence in the construction, too. The console is pretty simple with a 9” LCD screen, but the onboard workouts make it easy to use while providing some structured training. You can, of course, just hop on and press start and do your own thing, too.
We highly recommend looking into the Sole F65 Treadmill if you’re wanting a running treadmill that’s just over $1500. The cushioning provides shock absorption while feeling more similar to running outdoors too.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole F65 Treadmill.
Interested in the Sole F65?
WalkingPad X25 Treadmill
- Double fold design
- Handles up to 300 lbs
- Ten mph max speed
- Convenient control dial
- Connects to the KS Fit app
- Not for heavy training
- Might be too small for some runners
It has the highest weight limit WalkingPads offer: up to 300 lbs. This makes the X25 a little more inviting for larger users. It has a ten-mph max speed, although since the deck is only 47” long, most people won’t be able to use it at that speed. It’s best for mainly walking and jogging.
The singular dial on the console, which is also the front handle to hold for balance, makes adjusting this treadmill really simple. You can just hop on and go or connect to the KS Fit app for some training options and a place to track your workouts.
The WalkingPad X25 is one of the few treadmills that can work in an upper-level apartment, so if you need a really space-saving and lightweight treadmill to still get in a good workout for under $1500, check out this one.
Interested in the WalkingPad X25?
Factors To Keep In Mind When Buying The Best Treadmill Under $1500
Along with price, there are some things to consider when shopping for the best treadmill under $1500.
Activity Level
When purchasing a treadmill, it’s important that it matches what you want to use it for. Treadmills come in different sizes and have motors of different sizes, so it’s important to purchase one that has an appropriate deck and motor size to support the level of training you’re going to use it for.
For decks, 60” in length is best for pretty much all running strides. 55” long and shorter are usually best for walking and jogging, although if you have a shorter stride length while running, you will probably be able to run, too. For reference, I am 5’1”, and I can run on 55” long decks and even ones a little bit shorter than that.
For motor sizes, we recommend a minimum of 3.0 HP for running. 3.5-4.0 HP are best for heavier training and usually come on higher-end treadmills. 2.0-3.0 HP is best for primarily walking and jogging, as well as lighter to moderate use.
Motors under 2.0 and brushless motors are usually best for mainly walking, too. Treadmills with these motor sizes tend to be pretty compact.
We consider heavy training to be around 10+ miles of running per day. Think marathon training. Most treadmills that support this kind of use aren’t very budget-friendly.
Moderate use is around 3-7ish miles per day of running. Many treadmills under $1500 are built for this kind of use. Light use is around 1-3 miles per day.
Keep in mind that our per-day mileages are based on our experience testing. Some treadmill motors can last longer, while others might not last as long. Along with the motor size, the overall quality of the treadmill is a big factor.
Size and Space
The overall footprint of the treadmill and where you’re going to use it are very important factors, too. You won’t be able to use the treadmill if it doesn’t fit in your home. Fortunately, many treadmills come with folding options and features that make them more convenient for home use.
In fact, most budget treadmills have folding decks or collapsible handles and consoles to fold flat. Of course, the footprint when it’s unfolded, as well as the deck and incline height, are important to check out before buying.
If you need a treadmill that stores completely out of the way, you’ll want to buy a foldable one. Treadmills with decks that fold up are convenient, but often these treadmills are too large and heavy to store under a bed or in a closet. You should consider the folding mechanism, as well as the treadmill’s weight, to be sure it will work where you’re going to use it.
Treadmills that weigh 300+ lbs aren’t very realistic to use on an upper-level floor. Even a treadmill that only weighs 150 lbs might not be realistic to move very often.
You want to make sure you have enough floor space to safely use the treadmill, as well as a high enough ceiling to be able to utilize all of its features, like the incline.
Console/Content
The console might not seem important, but it can be if the treadmill doesn’t come with content that you enjoy using. For instance, if the console has limited tech when you want a touchscreen to stream workout videos from, this might be frustrating.
The same is true if the treadmill comes with subscription content at a monthly price that you don’t want to subscribe to and a touchscreen you don’t want to use. Treadmills include all kinds of content options, so I would check out all of the features to make sure it is what you want.
Typically, if a treadmill has a touchscreen, it most likely comes with subscription training content. And if there’s subscription training content, be prepared to have limited access to the touchscreen features if you don’t subscribe.
Treadmills with simple LCD or LED consoles sometimes come with onboard workout programs. These workouts are simple but can help provide structure in your training. If you plan on reading a book or streaming content from your device, it’s a good idea to look for a treadmill with a simple console and a device rack.
You can also put a lot of treadmills in front of your TV, especially space-saving ones that fold up and roll out of the way when you’re done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Look For In A Budget Treadmill?
Along with the price, looking into the construction, deck and motor sizes, warranty, footprint, and weight capacity are a good idea to make sure the treadmill will handle the type of use you want to use it for and that it will fit in your home and fit you.
How Do I Know Which Treadmill Is Best?
The best treadmill is the best one for you. You’ll know a treadmill is the best model for you if it has a large enough deck and weight limit to support you, a large enough motor to support your level of training, and a footprint and weight that will fit in your home.
Checking out the content before buying is also a good idea to make sure the console and features align with what you’re looking for.
What Is A Good Treadmill For Beginners?
A good treadmill for beginners is one that is sturdy, well-powered, and priced in the person’s budget. A great treadmill for a beginner that we recommend is the Sole F63 which we consider to be the best treadmill under $1500.
What Is The Best Treadmill Length For Running?
We recommend 60” in length for running. Some people with shorter strides can run on 55” decks, but a good rule of thumb is to look for a treadmill with a 60” long deck. Our best treadmill under $1500 pick is the Sole F63. It has a 20” wide and 60” long deck to support all strides.
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