Best Treadmills for 2017: 21 Treadmills Reviewed & Compared

Sunny Health SF-T4400

It’s very important to remember that if you’re spending under $300 on a treadmill, that you probably shouldn’t expect the best experience possible. In fact, the same can be said for treadmills under $500 and even treadmills under $1,000.

But what the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 represents is about the bare minimum that anyone should look at if they want a treadmill.

And, even then it’s a difficult product to recommend to anyone other than a lighter person who just wants to use it for walking or light running.

The 2.20HP motor is nothing special and is about all that is to be expected out of a treadmill at this price. And, the 16″ x 49″ track isn’t too significant either but will work okay for a smaller person.

The incline is manually adjustable, which, while not ideal, is still a decent feature for such an inexpensive treadmill. Still, though, it only gives you three incline positions and you can’t switch mid-walk, so it’s not very convenient.

Ultimately, you get what you pay for and if you’re looking for a treadmill that you can use seriously, you will definitely want to spend more money. But if you’re strapped for cash, and you don’t mind sacrificing for a weaker product, this thing can work if you are lighter and are planning on using it primarily for walking or very light jogging.

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Weslo Cadence G 5.9

For a sub-$300 treadmill, the Weslo Cadence G 5.9 is not too bad of an option. However, the same recommendation goes for just about any treadmill under $500…

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ProForm 6.0 RT

While it might seem like the ProForm 6.0 RT’s 2.0 CHP is a bit low compared to some of the other treadmills under $500, the truth is that the CHP rating is actually a more accurate rating than the more common HP rating.

Of course, HP stands for horsepower. However, CHP stands for continuous horsepower and is the better rating to go by. And, since the ProForm 6.0 RT is one of the only sub-$500 treadmills to include a CHP, it’s inaccurate to rate it in comparison to a 2.2 or 2.5HP motor.

Ultimately, 2.0 CHP isn’t fantastic, but for a sub-$400 treadmill, it’s what you should expect to get.

While, overall, the ProForm 6.0 RT probably isn’t the best option for serious users, it’s 18″ x 50″ track and it’s 10% automatic incline makes it a more versatile option for all users in comparison to the two sub-$300 treadmills listed below.

And, with a 5-year limited warranty you have quite a bit more protection than some of the other options in this price range.

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Merit Fitness 725T Plus

In comparison to the other compact treadmills under $500 in this category, the Merit Fitness 725T Plus sits somewhere in the middle. It is a little better than the sub-$300 options, as it has an automatic incline feature and a little bit wider of a track.

However, it is only on par with the ProForm 6.0 RT in terms of specifications and because the 6.0 RT is almost $100 less expensive, it makes sense to choose the ProForm over this folding treadmill.

Although, as I’ve pointed out a few different times in this section, the options in this price range really aren’t suitable unless you only plan to use your treadmill for walking or light jogging.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t run at higher speeds on these cheaper treadmills, it just means that it’s not as safe as some of the higher end treadmills, and that you’ll wear down the weaker motors quicker.

But, again, in terms of price-to-performance, the ProForm 6.0 RT is the better deal at this point in time.

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Sunny Health SF-T7514

A maximum speed of 4 MPH? Why would you ever want that?!?

Well, if you’ve read any of this treadmill buying guide, you probably know that sub-$500 treadmills are really only good for walking and light jogging.

And, with that being said, a treadmill that is made only for walking and light jogging with a maximum speed of 4.0 MPH, really isn’t that bad of an option anyways.

Yes, it would have been nice if the maximum speed were a little bit higher (maybe 5.0 MPH max), but ultimately, the maximum speed cap really isn’t that bad in the grand scheme of things.

And, as far as walking treadmills go, the wider track (20″ x 46″), larger capacity (350 lbs.), and more powerful motor (2.5 HP) make it one of the better options. However, I did have to dock points for the manual incline (which means you’ll have to change the incline yourself manually), the higher price tag, and the fact that the speed cap is just a little too low (I would’ve like to see ~5.0 MPH).

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Gold’s Gym Trainer 720

At a little over $500, the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 still isn’t what most experts would consider a safe running treadmill. However, unlike the sub-$500 options, it does have a larger track (20″ x 55″) which gives it a bit more room in comparison.

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ProForm Performance 400i

The ProForm Performance 400i is similarly specced and priced to the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720.

Both have 20″ x 55″ tracks, which while not terrible, aren’t spectacular—especially if you have a longer stride and/or want to sprint.

Both can also do a maximum of 10 MPH in speed and go up to a maximum 10% incline. And, both come with a 25-year warranty on the motor, which is definitely nice to have.

However, while the ProForm Performance 400i does cost a little bit more at the time of the last update to this guide, the ProForm Performance 400i does sport a 2.5 HP motor which is not bad for a sub-$600 offering.

And, because the motor is a little better on the ProForm Performance 400i, it is given a slight edge over the Gold’s Trainer 720.

Ultimately, for under $600 the ProForm Performance 400i is a very decent option that will allow you to get in some moderate running, but that is probably better suited for serious walking and a decent amount of jogging.

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NordicTrack T 6.5 S

A lot of the ~$550-$700 treadmills offer similar specs and the NordicTrack T 6.5 S is no different.

It has a 20″x 55″ track—which while wide enough for most, is a little short for runners who have longer strides—the ability to hit up 10 MPH speeds, a maximum incline of 10%, a 300 lb. capacity, and a 25-year warranty on the motor.

It’s 2.6 CHP motor is just a tiny bit better than the 2.5 CHP motor found on the ProForm Performance 400i treadmill listed below. Although, the 400i comes in a little bit cheaper.

The T 6.5 S also comes with plenty of workout apps, one-touch controls, and a CardioGrip heart rate monitor—all of which are fairly common in this price range.

Ultimately, the NordicTrack T 6.5s can serve as a decent treadmill for walkers and light joggers, and can probably accommodate lighter users who want to get in some moderate running as well.

However, if you want to buy a treadmill that will accommodate a serious runner, you might want to consider looking at the options below that cost at least ~$200 more.

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Horizon Fitness T101-04

For the same price as the NordicTrack T 6.5 S, you also have the Horizon Fitness T101-04 and, in my opinion, the latter is a slightly better deal—although a case can be made for both.

The main reason is the fact that the Horizon Fitness T101-04 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and warranty, as well as a 2-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty on labor.

The extra warranty will give you more peace of mind and will keep your treadmill protected for a lot longer.

However, the one downside of the T101-04 is that it sports a 2.25 CHP motor, whereas the NordicTrack T 6.5 S has a stronger 2.6 CHP motor.

So, for anyone who may want to do some moderate running, the NordicTrack model listed below is probably a little bit better of an option. But, if you want to protect your investment for a similar price and just a little bit less powerful of a motor, the Horizon Fitness T101-04 treadmill is the way to go.

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Nautilus T614

With a 2.75 CHP motor, the Nautilus T614 is perhaps one of the most affordable treadmills that can actually be considered a real entry-level treadmill for moderate running.

The 20″ x 55″ track isn’t going to be ideal for runners with longer strides, but for shorter people and for anyone looking for an option that they can use for walking or light running, it should be good enough.

With the stronger motor, the T614 can also hit speeds as high as 12 MPH. It can also reach a maximum 12% incline, which is the most affordable treadmill on this list that can do so.

It’s 10-year warranty on the motor and frame and 2-year warranty on parts isn’t the best warranty option out there, especially considering some companies offer a lifetime warranty. However, there are probably better odds that you will purchase a newer treadmill within 10 years (especially if you start running a lot more), than you will use a treadmill for over 10 years and, thus, need a longer warranty.

Ultimately, the Nautilus T614 is probably the best affordable treadmill as it is cheap and it can actually be used for moderate running.

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LifeSpan TR1200i

The LifeSpan TR1200i is a similar offering to the Nautilus T614 in terms of features, specs, and price. However, there are a few differences that, in the end, make the T614 narrowly edge this folding treadmill out.

For starters, the LifeSpan TR1200i’s 2.5 CHP motor is a little lacking in comparison to the 2.75 CHP motor found in the Nautilus T614.

And, where the T614 can reach a max speed of 12 MPH and a max incline of 12%, the TR1200i comes up just short in terms of max speed (can hit up to 11 MPH) and can only hit a max incline of around 6%.

The warranty on the LifeSpan TR1200i is pretty spectacular, though, as you get lifetime coverage on the motor and frame, as well as a 3-year warranty on parts and a 1-year warranty on labor.

And, the TR1200i also holds a slight edge in track length, as it has a 20″ x 56″ track in comparison to the T614’s 20″ x 55″ track. It’s not a huge difference, but it is a difference nonetheless.

Ultimately, the two are so similar that you wouldn’t be faulted for choosing the one of the other. I prefer the stronger motor and steeper incline to push myself, but you may be interested in pushing the machine to its limits and instead feel much better about the superior warranty.

In either case, if you have about ~$750 to spend, either the 1200i or the T614 are good options.

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ProForm Performance 600i

The ProForm Performance 600i is a real step up from the other sub-$800 treadmills currently on the market.

It has a decent 2.75 CHP motor, a large 20″ x 60″ track, a capacity of up to 325 lbs., and the ability to hit up to 12 MPH and an incline of up to 12%.

It also has a solid warranty as well, with lifetime coverage on the frame and motor, along with 2-year coverage on parts and a 1-year warranty on labor.

However, as good as this treadmill is for the price, the Nautilus T616 offers a little bit better machine for only a few bucks more.

If, by chance, though, this treadmill sees a drop in price or goes on sale, it would still be a great option.

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Nautilus T616

The Nautilus T616 is hands down the best price-to-performance option on the market right now.

However, it should be noted that the current low price on Amazon is a “Prime Members only” deal. So, if you’re not a prime member, the price will not be as low for you.

But you can always signup for a 30-day free trial to get the deal if you want to jump on this treadmill at this price.

As for the treadmill itself, though, it has a 3.0 CHP motor, a 20″ x 60″ walking track, a maximum speed of 12 MPH, and a maximum incline of 15%. To put that into perspective, this treadmill can serve as a great budget-friendly option for moderate-to-serious runners, as well as a very reliable option for walkers.

And, all of the T616’s features or specs meet or exceed every treadmill priced below it. So, essentially, if you have around ~$800 to spend, the Nautilus T616 is probably your best bet.

The one downside, though, is the fact that the T616 only comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame and motor, and is only covered for two years on parts, and only 90 days on labor. In comparison, other options, like the ProForm Performance 600i, have a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, as well as offer coverage for three years on parts and one year on labor.

So, you really have to weigh whether or not you want all that performance at a sacrifice of a better warranty or not.

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ProForm Power 995i

The ProForm Power 995i is essentially the same treadmill as the Nautilus T616… at least spec and feature-wise, anyways.

The reason why the Power 995i comes in at about ~$150 more than the T616, is because it has a much stronger warranty.

Where the T616 only offers a 10-year warranty on the frame and motor, and only 2-years of coverage on parts and 90-days on labor, the 995i offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, as well as 3-years on parts and 1-year on labor.

Aside from the warranty, the ProForm Power 995i sports a very respectable 3.0 CHP motor, a sizable 20″ x 60″ track, and the ability to hit a maximum speed of up to 12 MPH and 12% incline.

What this means is that this is a really solid treadmill for the price. It can be used for moderate-to-serious running, or it can be used for serious walking who want to utilize the high incline percentage to simulate walking up hills.

Ultimately, while the T616 will essentially offer the same performance, you need to weigh whether or not the extra money spent on the warranty is something that would be worth it to you. While the 995i does cost ~$150 more at this current time, if the T616 were to need some kind of replacement after 3 months, you would likely have to spend some of that money on the parts—whereas the 995i has 1-year coverage on labor and in the same scenario it wouldn’t cost you anything.

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NordicTrack C 1650

The NordicTrack C 1650 is a feature-rich treadmill that is a really good option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly treadmill that is capable of delivering a solid experience.

It’s 3.5 CHP motor is powerful enough for moderate-to-serious runners and it’s maximum 12 MPH and 12% incline are good enough to push most people to their limits.

Yes, it is true that there are cheaper treadmills out there that can hit 15% incline, but the NordicTrack C 1650 makes up for the slightly lower incline percentage with its superior motor and it’s incredible warranty…

The C 1650 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, which is pretty standard for options in this price range. However, its 5-year coverage on parts and 2-year coverage for labor costs are excellent and will give you some added protection on your investment.

And, perhaps one of its coolest features is its 10″ web-enabled touchscreen display, which shows off the 34 preloaded workout apps the machine comes with.

Ultimately, the NordicTrack C 1650 is one of the better treadmills in the low $1,000s, and if you’re looking for solid machine that will give you plenty of exercising options, but that won’t cost you a couple thousand dollars, this is definitely a great option.

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ProForm Pro 2000

The ProForm Pro 2000 is a step up from the NordicTrack C 1650. While the two have similar feature-sets and will both accommodate the majority of users, the ProForm Pro 200 has a couple of features that help give it the edge.

Most notably, where the C 1650 can only incline to a maximum of 12%, the Pro 2000 can go as high as 15%. The Pro 2000 can also do a -3% decline, which is a nice feature to have if you want to prepare yourself for some downhill running.

Of course, the extra features will cost you a little more (the Pro 2000 comes in at ~$50-$100 less than the C 1650, depending on the retailer), but the increase isn’t too significant in the grand scheme of things.

Aside from the incline/decline feature, the Pro 2000 also comes with a very stable 3.5 CHP motor, an excellent lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, 5-year coverage on parts, and 2-year coverage on labor.

Ultimately, the ProForm Pro 2000 is definitely a treadmill that won’t limit most users in terms of how far it will let you push yourself.

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ProForm Power 1495

The ProForm Power 1495 is essentially the same machine as the ProForm Pro 2000 treadmill, with the exception that the Power 1495 comes with a built-in 10″ touchscreen display.

Other than that, the two treadmills are virtually identical in terms of motor (3.5 CHP), track size (20″ x 60″), max speed (12 MPH), incline (15%), decline (-3%), warranty, and weight capacity.

However, the Power 1495 does come in at a couple hundred extra dollars, with the only real significant upgrade being the added 10″ touchscreen.

So, if you can do without the touchscreen, you would get a very similar experience and save a good chunk of change by choosing the Pro 2000 model over this one.

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FreeMotion 890

The FreeMotion 890 represents perhaps what is the most affordable commercial-grade treadmill on this list.

With a 4.25 CHP motor, the FreeMotion 890 is powerful enough to meet even the most extreme runners training regimens. And the 22″ x 60″ running track is the largest running surface on a treadmill under $2,000.

Aside from that, the FreeMotion 890 has a maximum capacity of 400 lbs., so it is definitely capable of accommodating users who have larger body types.

Some other notable features are the 10″ touch screen display, the 15″ HD TV (yes… there is an HD TV included on this treadmill!), the commercial grade tread belt, the ability to hit a -3% decline, 40 workout apps, and plenty more.

It also comes with a phenomenal warranty, with lifetime coverage on the frame and motor, 5-year coverage on parts, and 2-year coverage on labor.

Ultimately, the FreeMotion 890 is the best rated treadmill for home use currently available under $2,000.

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Reebok ZigTech 1910

The Reebok ZigTech 1910 is a very similar machine to the FreeMotion 890 treadmill listed in the treadmills under $2,000 category.

However, the Reebok ZigTech comes in at a couple of hundred dollars more without providing really any kind of upgrade, other than a different set of apps and features on the display (although, that’s not to say the 1910 has better apps than the FreeMotion 890.)

The ZigTech 1910 also comes with a little bit narrower of a track (20″ compared to the 890’s 22″.)

So, while the Reebok ZigTech 1910 is a solid overall treadmill, the current price it is sitting at lowers the score I gave it. Because, ultimately, if you’re going to spend ~$2,000 on a treadmill, why not get more in the FreeMotion 890, for a lower price?

Of course, the ZigTech 1910 could be found at a lower price from a different retailer, or the price could drop. If it does go below the FreeMotion 890, then it would be a much more viable option.

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ProForm Boston Marathon

The ProForm Boston Marathon, cost aside, is one of the most feature-rich and best all-around treadmills on the market. Yes, it will set you back a pretty penny (close to $3,000), but if you want a serious machine that you can use to really push yourself to the limits, this is probably your best bet.

For starters, the ProForm Boston Marathon treadmill is powered by a strong 4.25 CHP motor and it can hit speeds as high as 12 MPH (which really is standard for most decent treadmills.)

However, the ProForm Boston Marathon treadmill stands out in a few key areas. First, it has the longest track (20″ x 62″) among all of the treadmills listed on this page.

But, perhaps most important, it can hit an insane 20% incline and -6% decline, both of which are the highest figures of any of the machines on this list.

The warranty is also what you would expect, with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, along with 5-years of coverage on parts, and 2-years of coverage on labor.

And, the treadmill also comes with some unique training features, such as HD video workouts specifically tailored to the Boston Marathon, plus an onboard marathon training feature.

Ultimately, if money is no object and you want a serious machine, then the ProForm Boston Marathon is your best bet as it is probably the best treadmill for running currently available.

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3G Cardio Elite Runner

The 3G Cardio Elite Runner is a very solid option if you are looking for a commercial-grade treadmill that is durable and reliable.

It doesn’t quite have the “extreme” nature to it that the ProForm Boston Marathon treadmill has, but it definitely holds its own.

For one thing, it has the largest track among any of the treadmills listed here (22″ x 62″). And, while it doesn’t have as intense of an incline/decline feature, it can hit a maximum 15% incline.

It’s warranty is also one of the best on this list… it comes with a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, as well as an incredible 10-year coverage on parts, and a respectable 2-years in-home labor.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for the type of treadmill you’d find in a gym, the 3G Cardio Elite Runner is definitely one that fits the bill. It’s expensive, but it’s quality design and superior warranty will ensure that it performs at a high level for you for a very long time.

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