When it comes to buying a treadmill, everyone wants a top quality machine for a low price.
These Best Buys set the standard for high treadmill value at a low price.
Our picks were based on:
Affordability
Range of Workout Features
Quality of Construction
Expert Ratings
Consumer Reviews
Stability & Cushioning
Overall Value For Your Dollar
We've listed the top 3 treadmills in 3 price categories: Economy, Mid-Priced and Premium best treadmills, along with reviews and links to where you can find out more about these treadmills.
1) Strong Motor with Lifetime Warranty - The C2500 comes with a strong 2.5 HP continuous duty motor which is quite good at this price point.
You're also covered with a lifetime motor warranty, which is excellent for an economy treadmill.
2) Extra Long 60" Treadbelt - If you're tall, a runner or just want extra room to move, you can't get better than a 60" treadbelt. It's hard to find a belt this long for under $1000.
1) Cushion Flex System Cushioning - The Cushion Flex system was recognized by a leading university as the industry’s best, providing a 40% lower impact than walking or running on asphalt.
A good cushioning system is vital to protect your joints as you workout - and this is hands down one of the best treadmill cushioning systems out there.
2) Excellent Warranty - The F83 comes with a Lifetime Warranty on the motor, frame and deck. Plus you get 5 years on the electronics / belt / rollers and 2 years on service.
This is absolutely thebest treadmill warranty we've found on a mid-priced unit - especially the 2 years on service. It shows you the quality of construction.
1) 15" flat screen LCD TV - This is a similar set-up as you'd find in a $4000 health club treadmill. This TV sits above the console on it’s own tilting frame.
When TV's are embedded in the console, if they break they can sometimes render the treadmill useless. But The Smooth 9.45 TV attaches separately and can be easily removed if it needs a repair - without affecting the treadmill operation.
Another advantage to this set-up is that even if you run or increase the incline on the treadmill, the TV remains stable and doesn't shake or wobble.
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3) Adjustable Cushioning - Reduce impact on your joints up to 33%, as compared to road running.
This is also a great feature to have for multiple treadmill users. Some people prefer a firmer feeling deck while others prefer a softer running surface while exercising.
4) Interplay™ Universal iPod® Dock - You can plug your iPod/mp3 into the built-in audio jack and listen to your favorite music through 2 built in speakers while you workout.
Conclusion:Highly Recommended
The Nordic Track C2500 is an excellent value for under $1000. You get a strong motor with an extra long belt, adjustable cushioning and a high 325 lb user weight capacity (extra stability).
Plus there's the little extras like the iPod dock, Fitness Journal to track your progress and the Competition Training center where you race against a virtual competitor. Although it's not necessarily recommended for runners or heavier users, the C2500 still gives you more for your money than other treadmills in this price range.
Buying Tip: Save on store markup and sales tax when you buy the C2500 direct from the Nordic Track Closeout Store. You can also save money on shipping.
3) Built-In Speakers with iPod / Mp3 Hookup - Plug in your iPod or mp3 player and listen to your favorite music through the built in speakers. There's also a headphone jack if you prefer.
4) Whisper Deck with Lifetime Warranty - This is a very quiet deck with a lower decibel rating than the standard Phenolic coated treadmill decks to give you a quieter workout.
It comes with a lifetime warranty so if you wear it out Sole will replace it. Again, a great feature to have, especially if you're a runner.
5) Folding Safety Lock Deck - The folding double horseshoe frame design came about as a result of needing a very stable - yet portable - treadmill frame for Hilton hotels. Once folded and locked it allows you to move the treadmill easily and safely.
While many folding treadmills have to compromise on stability, Sole's folding treadmills have actually received high praise for beingMORE stable than other non-folding treadmills due to this design.
Conclusion:Highly Recommended
You really can't match Sole's quality of construction at this price point - they're just built so well. If you don't necessarily need a folding treadmill, the Sole S73 is very similar to the Sole F83 and is $100 less.
However if you want a commercial qualityfolding treadmill that feels extremely stable and strong - with some nice extras included, the Sole F83 is an incredible value.
Buying Tip: You can save on the Sole F83 by getting it direct from the Sole manufacturer. They also offer free shipping and $0 sales tax.
2) 400 lb User Weight Capacity - This is one of the highest user weight capacities you'll find in a home treadmill.
Along with a 290 lb machine weight and commercial grade deck it makes for a very stable commercial feeling treadmill.
3) Hydra Suspension™ Adjustable Cushioning - This cushioning system is quite good - you can actually adjust the cushioning to 12 different levels.
This is a great feature to have since various runners often prefer different types of running surfaces.
4) Motion Control on Handrails - To speed up you wave your hand over the motion control on one handrail and to slow down you wave your hand over the other handrail. While most people will like the feature, it's especially handy for taller runners.
(Sometimes when you're taller, leaning close to the console to change your speed can have you running up against the treadmill hood - depending on how the frame is built).
5) Lifetime Parts, Motor and Frame Warranty - While a lifetime frame warranty is fairly common, it's hard to find one that covers the motor and parts for a lifetime. Even commercial $4000 treadmills don't cover parts for a lifetime so this warranty is exceptional.
Conclusion:Highly Recommended
If you're looking for a premium, commercial grade treadmill that can take a beating the Smooth 9.45 is guaranteed to impress. With a strong 3.0 HP motor, extra long 60" belt, 400 lb user weight capacity and motion control on the handrails it is ideal for runners or heavy usage.
Plus the 15" TV is similar to health club treadmills - without the price tag. Overall an excellent luxury treadmill.
Buying Tip: The regular price on the 9.45 is usually $3999. But if you watch the Smooth website, you can often get it on sale for $2999 and save $1000.
