If you want to make a lifestyle choice, consider the best budget treadmill to help you reach your health goals. After all, they’re designed to help you implement a gentle walking routine into your week, without the need to leave your house. As the days grow a little colder (and wetter), the idea of a brisk walk, jog or run sounds unappealing. Instead, consider a treadmill for your fitness regime. Scroll down for our in-depth buyers guide and FAQs answered by a personal trainer at Total Fitness.
Finding the best budget treadmill may seem daunting. But, we’ve taken on the research for you, providing some great choices from reputable brands – with plenty of glowing reviews. As an at-home gym novice, you may not be keen on a treadmill or exercise bike taking up your home or life. So, we’ve included space-saving, foldable options – so it’s not in front of your TV permanently.
Best budget treadmill at a glance
• Best budget treadmill overall: Reebok I-Run 4.0 Treadmill – View Offer at Very
• Best for health monitoring: Speedmaster 1.8 Programmable Treadmill – View Offer at The Range
• Cheapest treadmill: FIT4YOU Folding Electric Treadmill – View Offer at The Range
Whether your new piece of kit is a running treadmill or a treadmill desk, it removes the need to step outside in the rain and cold. Gone are the days of dreading that journey to the gym after a long day of work, or worrying about all the cross-trainers being occupied or not being cleaned after use; you can just enjoy your workout from the comfort of your home. How does that sound? With your cheap treadmill of choice, you can start your very own gym for at-home exercises – at your own pace.
For a healthy lifestyle, we should aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, between four to five days. Though this target may seem a little impossible, an at-home treadmill like the WalkingPad X21 may remedy any anxieties you may have about stepping outside for a run or into a public gym. If you struggle to get out and about, they can help you achieve these health goals, whether your goals are burning calories, losing weight, improving your cardiovascular health or just keeping moving.
Best budget treadmill
Best budget treadmill overall
www.very.co.uk
The Reebok I-Run 4.0 Treadmill offers versatile home workouts with speeds up to 16km/h and a 4° incline, ensuring an adaptable challenge. It features a spacious 125cm x 46cm running area with Elastomer Cushioning for reduced impact. With 12 preset programs, an LED display, heart rate monitoring, and a foldable design, this treadmill provides convenience for enthusiastic home runners aiming to avoid gym fees. Could this be you?
Customer review: "Quiet, no assembly needed. Exactly what I needed to kick start my 2024."
Pros
- Smooth, quiet and durable 1.25 HP motor
- 12 motivational fitness programmes plus 3 target modes
- UCompact folding design and built-in transport wheels
Cons
- One customer was disappointed in Very's courier service
Premium budget treadmill
www.argos.co.uk
The Pro Fitness T1000 Treadmill offers 24 motivational programs and body fat analysis. Its acrylic mirror console features four LED windows for easy monitoring of time, distance, calories, heart rate, speed, and gradient. With Bluetooth speakers and easy folding for storage, it provides excellent shock absorption and simple usage. Electric lifting and multi-angle gradient adjustment enhance the running experience, taking up minimal space when folded.
Customer review: "Only had this a few weeks and absolutely love it. Super easy to assemble, but does need two people. Definitely value for money. I researched it for weeks to see reviews etc and other than the odd one or two lower reviews the 5-star ones were spot on. Great treadmill (so far) great price and excellent delivery."
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption effect and is easy to use
- Takes up less space and is so easy to store away
- Easily monitor your time, distance, calories and more
Cons
- One customer said it was not stable enough for sprinting
Best for health monitoring
www.therange.co.uk
MOTIVEfitness by U.N.O's Speedmaster 1.8 Programmable Treadmill is a perfect mid-level choice for cardio workouts. Its folding deck saves space while offering full functionality. Powered by a strong DC motor, it goes from 0.8km/h to 18km/h. The incline, adjustable up to 15%, mimics steep terrain for a more realistic run and quicker fitness gains.
Pros
- 12 training profiles and heart rate programme
- Space-saving folding frame design with assisted lift
- Mid-level treadmill for aerobic-based treadmill training
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
Best budget flat treadmill
www.jtxfitness.com
The JTX Movelight Walking Treadmill is a compact and user-friendly fitness machine designed for walking workouts. It features a slim, portable design, speeds up to 6km/h, easy-to-use controls, a digital display for tracking progress, and safety features like automatic slow-down. Due to its flat design, it's great for simple, convenient home workouts.
Customer review: "Bought mainly to use with a standing desk. Really substantial and much better quality than I anticipated (compared to other desk treadmills). Also really useful when you don't want to go out and walk in the wet weather! Very pleased."
Pros
- Quiet 1HP motor - makes it ideal as a walking desk when WFH
- Easy to step on and off when starting and finishing your workout
- Space-saving build, this deck has an easy-to-use remote control
Cons
- Auto shut-off function - has proved to be very frustrating for some customers - as it instantly deletes all statistics it was providing for the workout you were doing (distance, time, step count, etc.)
- Not designed for sprinting - walking speed only
Best for a gentle workout
www.decathlon.co.uk
The DOMYOS Comfortable Treadmill T520B from Decathlon is a comfortable and practical fitness machine. With speeds up to 13 km/h, 43 x 121 cm running area, incline options, a cushioned deck, and a user-friendly console, it offers a versatile and enjoyable home workout experience. It'd be great for something gentle - and for novices.
Customer review: "I have been using it irregularly for a year now. My weight is 95kg. My experience using it has vastly improved when the mat was put underneath. I’d say it’s essential as the mat provides some sort of additional cushioning. Good for what is described. I’ve been using it recently for power walking, like 6km per hour for 30-40min and it is excellent for it."
Pros
- 10 pre-set programmes: five for health, five for calorie targets
- Designed for user comfort with a deck size suited to jogging
- Offers a compact, space-saving solution with folding storage
Cons
- Does not have Bluetooth or an LED screen
Budget smart treadmill
The JLL T350 Digital Folding Treadmill is a feature-rich fitness machine. It offers a powerful motor, speeds up to 18 km/h, 20 incline levels, a 20-point cushioning system, Bluetooth connectivity, a variety of preset programs, and a user-friendly digital display, making it a versatile and convenient option for home workouts. We like this one.
Customer review: "I have been using this treadmill since February during lockdown and am very happy with my purchase. I have been using it 3 or 4 times a week and it is still running without issue. Initially, I managed to put it together on my own but would recommend two people to be safe. The instructions were very straightforward and it came with all the tools needed. Using the treadmill is intuitive. There are quick-start options for speed and inline which can be easily altered on the fly with handy buttons on the side bars.
It comes with a range of pre-determined programs, alternating speed and incline to suit different workouts and give a flavour of what's in store. There are also four spare slots to create your own which I have done after following the handy guide. Each section of a program is 200m and the whole program is 2km.
The display is very bright and gives all the information I need. Speed, incline, distance, time and calories. The Bluetooth connection does take about 20 seconds for my phone to connect but this is from a cold start with the power at the mains off. The speakers are decent and the volume can be altered with the buttons on the front which is great, to help push on during the workout.
The folding aspect doesn't take much effort. It's easy to lift up thanks to the design and stays locked until needed. Then, it's a case of unlocking with your foot and it slowly descends on its own. I did have to contact support as one of the wheels underneath snapped but after contacting, a new wheel was sent out and arrived within a couple of days and was simple to change. Overall, I would recommend this treadmill and be pleased I purchased it, rather than waiting for other suppliers to restock."
Pros
- LCD monitor displays time, speed, distance, heart rate and calories
- With 20 running programs; first three programs can be customised
- High-powered speakers with Bluetooth, USB and iPhone capabilities
Cons
- The treadmill base is rather heavy to move around
Best budget treadmill for incline
www.argos.co.uk
This Opti Motorised Folding Treadmill with Incline offers 10 preset workout programs for your cardio needs. Conveniently located pulse sensor, speed, and start/stop buttons on the handlebars simplify adjustments. Plus, it's equipped with an iPad holder, sturdy steel frame, and foldable design for storage. With three manual incline levels, too! The console screen helps you keep track of speed, distance, time, calories burned, and pulse feedback. Focus.
Customer review: "Just bought this treadmill a few weeks ago and used it as long. The built-in program just fits what I used to run and I don't have to adjust the speed frequently. Hardware is sturdy, running matt do so. Very pleased about this purchase up to now."
Pros
- Programmes include one manual, 10 pre-set, three user settings, pulse control
- Monitor your console with speed, distance, time, calories and pulse
- Complete with an iPad holder so you can watch your favourite show or listen to music
Cons
- The stop button on the left side is very easy to catch
Cheapest treadmill
www.therange.co.uk
The FIT4YOU Folding Electric Treadmill is perfect for home or shed use, and comes with Bluetooth speakers and app connectivity for enjoyable workouts. Featuring three manual incline levels, and a bright LED screen for real-time tracking of time, speed, distance, and calories. Sturdy handrails with a built-in heart rate monitor and an emergency tag ensure safety and peace of mind during workouts! If budget is your main factor, opt for this model.
Pros
- Designed with Bluetooth and built-in speakers
- Adjustable speed control from the main console.
- Emergency stop switch helps you to stop in case
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
Best budget foldaway treadmill
www.jtxfitness.com
The JTX Slimline Compact Folding Treadmill is a space-saving, user-friendly fitness machine. Designed for home workouts, it offers a slim profile, easy folding mechanism, speeds up to 14 km/h, incline settings, a clear LCD screen for tracking progress, and a safety key for added security during exercise. This is one of our favourites.
Customer review: "The treadmill has been perfect for my husband and I. It has made getting in exercise easier as we can just hop on whenever we want to without needing to think about what we need to leave home or be self-conscious in public. It's easy to use and has a wide range of speeds available. It is also one of the few treadmills our there that actually fold to a compact size which was just what we needed!"
Pros
- Space-saving flat fold treadmill for compact storage
- Get interactive with a range of approved running apps
- A large, easy-to-read digital display that tracks key metrics
Cons
- One customer said the user program button is temperamental
Verdict: Which is the best budget treadmill?
We like the Reebok I-Run 4.0 Treadmill. It’s versatile, user-friendly and folds away for storage. Plus, there is no assembly required and the usage is quiet. Whether you'd like some peace or would like to treat yourself to a jog whilst watching the TV, this model is a convenient, budget-friendly choice.
FAQs
For a little clarity on treadmills and to answer any of your racing questions, we’ve spoken to Dean Zweck, Product Development Manager at Total Fitness. Consult our budget treadmill FAQ section below…
Is treadmill walking good for you?
Dean calls walking on a treadmill “a well-rounded approach” for your health, with the possibility to help with your heart, metabolism and weight. Why is a treadmill so good for your health? Well, it’s adaptable and customisable to “match your physical needs. Simply taking advantage of the flexibility you have with speed or incline, you can tailor a budget treadmill to your ability level and goals.
"While you may not be inclined to try more challenging exercises in the beginning, over time, the nature of treadmill walking will build your endurance, as well as confidence, which can – in turn – reduce “the risk of injuries and steadily [improve] your overall health,” says Dean from Total Fitness.
Ultimately, a treadmill provides flexibility, safety and convenience. A motivator, for sure.
Are treadmills good for weight loss?
Personalising your exercise intensity is – perhaps – the most essential part of a treadmill. By adjusting the speed and incline, you’re able to work at your own pace. Dean says this customisation element is “crucial for burning calories effectively, especially when paired with a balanced diet and other exercises.” Even low-intensity walking can prove useful, provided they’re around 45 to 60 minutes.
But, what helps you lose weight? Well, consistency is key, says Dean at Total Fitness, as “regular workouts help you burn calories over time.” Incorporating the treadmill into your day-to-day routine is a fantastic way to gradually improve your fitness, as well as nurture your wellness and make steady, achievable progress in reaching your goals.
Are treadmills bad for your knees?
Treadmills are actually knee-friendly, says Dean from Total Fitness – as they provide a low-impact, “reliable and cushioned surface compared to unpredictable outdoor terrains.”
So, if you’ve been having trouble with your knees and were concerned about the impact treadmill workouts would have on them, treadmills can reduce stress on your joints. However, there are a few things you need to put in place to avoid any further injury or stress on your knee. Many modern treadmills are equipped with shock absorption, which gives your knees extra protection.
Provided you check your form and wear proper shoes, you should be okay to start using a treadmill. But, for peace of mind, Dean recommends consulting your GP if you have any concerns. Using a treadmill isn’t any different to running outdoors – and your body will require a warm-up: “Consider adding a warm-up routine to your session to help minimise the risk of injury and speed up recovery.”
Is the treadmill good for losing belly fat?
It certainly plays a role, says Dean from Total Fitness. An aerobic activity, treadmill workouts can play a “vital role in overall fat loss, including stubborn belly fat by contributing to a calorie deficit.” Unfortunately, as much as we may not like it, our bodies “don't let us pick where the fat disappears.”
So, which exercises can help conquer belly fat?
Dean suggests adding a treadmill workout to your routine, which could be a step in the right direction. He adds: Diversifying your workouts with “strength training and HIIT sessions and combine these with a well-balanced diet” may help you target some belly fat you’d like to see go.
Do treadmills use a lot of electricity?
We’re all a little worried about our energy bills at the moment, with prices going up again this year. Thanks to Thrifty Chap, we have some insight into how much electricity using a budget treadmill will cost you. How much extra electricity is going to be used up by your new piece of kit? We’ve got answers.
Well, the amount depends on various factors, which can include the make, model and how much you get on your budget treadmill. Above, we’ve recommended using your treadmill once a day to make an impact on your overall health, wellness and weight loss goals. However, usage is up to you.
On average, it is suggested that an hour of usage will take 1.5 KWh of energy, claims Thrifty Chap.
If your energy price is 29p per KWh of electricity and you use your treadmill every day of a 30 day month, for 30 minutes a day, that would work out at around £6.62 a month extra.
Remember not to leave it on standby and switch it off at the wall – to keep energy bills down.
Meet the experts:
This article contains expert advice from Dean Zweck, Product Development Manager at Total Fitness. He’s been in the fitness industry for over 20 years. He is knowledgeable in nutrition, workout advice, and sporting footwear and can provide extensive fitness knowledge due to his time as a fitness educator and PT.
Before you start any exercise, the NHS advises you to speak to a GP if you have not exercised for some time, or if you have medical conditions or concerns. Make sure your activity and its intensity are appropriate for your fitness.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.