Runner Approved: 7 Best Treadmills Under $1500

Last Update: April 23, 2024

Say hello to features! For under $1500, treadmill users can enjoy training content, improved cushioning, and sturdy builds. Smart features increase in this category compared to more affordable treadmills. This price range is great for new or seasoned athletes supplementing their typical training with a more feature-enriched treadmill. Most treadmills on this list will be suitable for walking and running. Without further ado, we are happy to bring you our best treadmills for under $1500!

Here’s Our List Of The Best Treadmills Under $1500 for 2024

• Best Treadmill Under $1500: Sole F63 Treadmill
  
• Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $1500: NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
• Best Treadmill Warranty: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
• Best Folding Treadmill Under $1500: ProForm Carbon TLX
• Best Training Content: Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill
• Best Treadmill Under $1500 Runner-Up: Sole F65 Treadmill
• Best Walking Treadmill Under $1500: XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Treadmill

Best Treadmill Under $1500: Sole F63 Treadmill

Our best treadmill under $1500 had to be the one equipped with a strong build and no ongoing subscription requirement. The Sole F63 foldable treadmill is this category’s standout. The Sole F63 rests on Sole’s laurels as a trustworthy treadmill manufacturer and is backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The F63 is great for runners and walkers, whether they want subscription content or skip the added monthly premium.

A lifetime warranty covers the Sole F63’s motor and frame, assuring buyers they are investing in a trustworthy machine. The motor is a 3.0 HP motor that can support walking or running, though high mileage runners may want to invest in something a little more powerful. The F63 can support users up to a maximum weight of 325 lbs. The F63 has a solid and impressive build, allowing the treadmill to incline up to 15% and accelerate up to 12 mph.

The Sole F63 has five preset programs, heart rate training, and two user-defined workouts. If the onboard content is not enough, there are two tablet racks for storing a smart device. I love that the F63 does not lock you into any one subscription service but allows you to dictate how you would like to train. The simple LCD screen shows an abundance of metrics, but you can pair the treadmill with the free Sole+ app to view the metrics a different way and store your activities for reviewing later.

The Sole F63 has an abundance of storage. There are two water bottle holders and small item holders on the console. Additionally, there is a large storage rack across the crossbar. You can charge your device with the USB port embedded in the console while viewing content from the either of the two tablet racks. The top tablet rack has a height adjustable clip for even more secure storage. With all these storage options, the F63 is certainly built for the long haul.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F63 Treadmill Here

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Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $1500: NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill

On the days when my legs feel they can take no more, NordicTrack swoops in for the rescue. No other brand could take the prize for Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $1500. The NordicTrack EXP 7i perfectly fits the bill. The EXP 7i has a sleek, compact design for discreet incorporation into a modern home.

Runner’s Flex Cushioning is NordicTrack’s shock-absorbing technology built into the running deck. The deck gives with every foot contact but provides a little spring to help you to the next step. The EXP 7i is a great treadmill for walkers or runners recovering, reducing impact, or trying to go farther. The deck is not the only comfort feature included on the EXP 7i. The treadmill also sports twin bottle holders and a device rack. Refuel and view content on your smart device as you please.

iFIT provides thousands of classes viewable from the EXP 7i’s 7-inch HD touchscreen. The classes can be done from the treadmill, as iFIT has thousands of classes filmed globally for walking, hiking, or running workouts. These workouts are trainer-led and enable their trainers to take control of your speed and incline settings for hands-free training. iFIT can adjust the settings to suit your fitness level, so the workouts get harder as you get faster and stronger. For more training options, a Google Maps app lets you create routes almost anywhere in the world for automatic incline adjustments that match what you are watching on the screen as closely as possible. Without iFIT, the EXP 7i permits manual activities or limited featured iFIT classes.

NordicTrack includes features that make your experience on the EXP 7i smooth and enjoyable. The 7-inch touchscreen tilts to eliminate glare. The speed and incline ranges are represented along the sides of the console for quick OneTouch adjustments. Hydraulic soft drop technology makes the EXP 7i’s folding design even more convenient, allowing the treadmill deck to lower softly to the floor on its own. This attention to detail and modern aesthetics make the EXP 7i a nice addition to any home gym.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Here

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Best Treadmill Warranty: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is an incredibly affordable running treadmill. While it technically falls under $1000, it’s good enough to contend against more expensive treadmills. As a brand, Horizon deserves recognition for their impressive and valuable constructions along with an impressive warranty length. Runners and walkers who care more for durability and performance than they do for training content will be pleased with what the Horizon 7.0 AT has to offer.

Horizon is a treadmill brand that doesn’t win awards for its looks, but it stands out from the competition when we put it to performance tests. The 7.0 AT is quiet, responsive, and powerful. It supports walking and running with its 3.0 horsepower motor. The speed and incline changes are fast and smooth so you always stay on pace. HIIT workouts are easy to execute on the Horizon 7.0 AT, and the moderately soft cushioning is great for easy, recovery efforts.

The console is low-tech and does not have a touchscreen display. It has Bluetooth connectivity to allow the Horizon 7.0 AT to connect with apps like Zwift. The QuickDial controls and interval keys are intuitive and help you quickly change the performance settings. I like using the Horizon 7.0 AT with the Peloton app. It is way more affordable than Peloton’s treadmills but provides a similar experience thanks to the dials.

The deck is 20” x 60” with plenty of room for walking or running for most users. The maximum user weight is 325 lbs. It has a sturdy steel construction. The frame and motor are covered with a lifetime warranty. Parts are covered for 3 years and labor for 1 year. At this price point, we are very satisfied with the warranty, build, and performance of the Horizon 7.0 AT.

Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Here

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Best Folding Treadmill Under $1500: ProForm Carbon TLX

The ProForm Carbon TLX is another treadmill with a price that falls just below $1000 but fits right in with treadmills that cost a few hundred dollars more. It has a compact folding deck that uses hydraulic folding assistance, replacing ProForm’s old manual folding treadmills. It improves on its predecessors with its price, performance, and folding mechanism.

If you are trying to stay in a budget, the ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill falls well under the $1500 price point. If this lower price gives you a little more wiggle room, you could subscribe to iFIT, the $39/month subscription service that pairs with the TLX. The iFIT training service has thousands of treadmill classes. These classes are led by professional coaches as they traverse beautiful routes all over the world. When paired via Bluetooth to your iFIT app, the TLX’s speed and incline will automatically adjust according to the workout’s preset levels.

When you are done training, the ProForm Carbon TLX folds up and out of the way. Many of ProForm’s old Carbon series treadmills folded manually, but the TLX has hydraulic folding. This makes lifting and lowering the deck much easier. The TLX weighs 249 lbs as it comes shipped. The treadmill has transport wheels and must be tilted onto those to move around. Compared to most treadmills, it is fairly easy to move.

The ProForm Carbon TLX has a motor rating of 3 continuous horsepower. That motor strength combined with the 20” x 60” running deck makes it suitable for running as well as walking. It has a firm running deck that provides a road-like underfoot feel but is still more shock-absorbing than training outdoors on the pavement. It feels smooth and performs well. The TLX is not the quietest treadmill and may not be the best option for apartment or condo living.

Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill Here

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Best Training Content: Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill

We awarded the Bowflex BXT8J our Best Training Content on a treadmill under $1500 because it has a great balance of built-in programs and premium training features. Additionally, Bowflex offers two months of JRNY, their premium content platform, free with the purchase of a BXT8J, twice as long as the free trial from Peloton and iFIT. The BXT8J can also be used without a premium subscription, utilizing the manual training features or the onboard programs.

The twenty-six onboard training programs allow users to set a target distance, time, or calories. These programs are also designed to lead the exerciser through various interval and steady-state workouts. Four custom templates allow users to design their workout for even more onboard training variability. The Bowflex BXT8J has built-in pulse grip sensors, or it can pair to a Bluetooth Polar heart rate monitor for the heart rate training programs.

The treadmill has two unique capabilities–a fitness score and a pacer. The fitness score estimates calories burned and your VO2 max to provide a training score, which will change over time as your training progresses. The pacer allows you to compare your current performance to a similar past workout, so you can easily tell whether you are improving or taking it easier. We appreciate seeing robust training features included on the BXT8J at no additional cost.

For premium subscribers, the JRNY fitness platform is compatible with the BXT8J. JRNY is free for two months. Afterward, users must cancel or subscribe monthly ($11.99) or yearly ($99). This pricing reflects viewing the content on a smartphone or tablet. The subscription cost and free trial period are better than competitors like iFIT, Peloton, and Echelon. JRNY offers coached workouts, scenic destination routes, and studio classes. The BXT8J only has a backlit 7” LCD screen, so JRNY must be viewed from a phone or tablet. The app can be connected to the treadmill via Bluetooth. Bowflex conveniently places a media shelf for viewing JRNY content. This treadmill can be made smart or kept simple.

The Bowflex BXT8J’s build is suitable for walking and running. The running surface is 20” x 60”. The speed and incline ranges are 0 to 12 mph and 0 to 15%, respectively. The maximum user weight is the industry standard of 300 lbs. The console is not quite as sturdy at higher speeds as Bowflex’s other treadmills. It has USB charging for keeping your device powered while supporting JRNY workouts.

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Best Treadmill Under $15000 Runner-Up: Sole F65 Treadmill

The Sole F63 was the obvious pick for this list’s best treadmill. Of course, we couldn’t ignore the F65 from the same Sole lineup. The F65 has all of the F63’s features with a few improvements to justify its higher price. It has a larger running deck, a bigger screen, and a better folding mechanism. We picked it as the runner-up, but we wouldn’t be surprised if you thought it was a winner.

The Sole F65’s running deck is 22 inches wide and 60 inches long. While this used to be the standard among residential treadmills, many brands have adopted a 20-inch width. If you feel comfortable with more space, the F65 is a great option. Sole treadmills are firmer than NordicTrack treadmills and provide a more realistic underfoot feel to running outdoors. The F65 has a low step-up height of only 8 inches.

While we really like the Sole F63, its folding mechanism isn’t as robust as that of the F65. The F65’s durable folding mechanism is also more convenient with a hand-release lever instead of a kick-release. Its footprint shrinks from 82.5” L x 38” W x 67” H to folded dimensions of 42.5” L x 38” W x 67” H. That means the amount of floor space taken up is reduced by nearly 50%.

The Sole F65 does not require a subscription to access its onboard training programs. The 9” LCD console is backlit for easy viewing. There are 7 preset training programs and 2 customizable options. The F65 also has Bluetooth speakers and connectivity with the Sole+ app. This app provides smart training content at no additional cost to Sole customers. Then you can conveniently set your phone or tablet in the device rack to view training videos.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F65 Treadmill Here

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Best Walking Treadmill Under $1500: XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Treadmill

The XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Treadmill is the Best Walking Treadmill for under $1500. It has great features for supporting regular and heavy walking use. The TRX3500 would also work for shorter runs. It has built-in training capabilities expanded by the treadmill’s Bluetooth connectivity and third-party app support.

The TRX3500 has a robust build for serious walking. It has a 3.0 HP motor, which will suit short running. This treadmill is great for walkers training for long durations or distances. It has a spacious 20” x 60” belt, which is comfortable for long strides. The incline and speed ranges are standard at 0 TO 12% and 0.5 to 12 mph. The direct speed and incline buttons display a decent range, though not all of the options. Walkers will find the ranges just fine.

There are quite a few training features built into the TRX3500. It has 30 onboard programs and 2 custom workout templates. These programs are great for walking but may not be challenging enough for runners. The backlit LCD screen shows the program profile, preparing you for the upcoming hard interval. The displayed metrics include time, speed, pace, distance, calories, and incline. If the treadmill is paired with a compatible heart rate monitor or you use the HR sensors on the handlebars, your heart rate will also display on the screen.

The training options don’t stop there! The TRX3500’s Bluetooth connectivity allows the treadmill to pair with Zwift or Kinomap. These virtual training apps allow you to train in distant locales or compete against other users. XTerra also supports sending training data to apps like Apple Health and Google Fit. XTerra conveniently includes how-tos for connecting with these apps. Zwift and Kinomap apps require a paid subscription, but the TRX3500 includes a wide range of free training options.

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What To Look for In Treadmills Under $1500

This price range includes the entry-level model treadmill from most renowned cardio equipment brands. These machines come with improved features and warranties. Most routine runners will want to start with a budget around this amount for a more robust machine suited to their training needs.

Training Content

The NordicTrack EXP 7i accesses iFIT’s training content with an active subscription or supports manual training.

$1500 treadmills provide a mixture of included and premium training content. As the entry point to most notorious treadmill brands, these treadmills often possess miniature console versions of their more expensive counterparts. We see quite a few 7-inch touchscreens in this range. This screen size is rather small, so users may want to consider a treadmill without a touchscreen or to ensure it has a tablet rack, allowing for a larger viewing option. These touchscreen displays are not the best for users with vision concerns.

Walkers and runners should consider their treadmills training features and any additional expenses they may incur with premium add-ons. Many of these treadmills, like the XTERRA TRX3500, support multiple third-party training apps for diversified training. If you can, test different training platforms to decide which one to commit to.

Running

The Horizon 7.0 AT is one of the top budget running treadmills and does not require a subscription.

To ensure that a treadmill is suited to running, evaluate the motor, deck size, and speed range. These three aspects determine whether you can run on a treadmill or only walk. This will vary by user; not all runners have the same needs or stride lengths. We recommend a 3.0 HP motor or higher for regular running and a 20” x 60” deck for most runners. Typically, running treadmills will have a 0 to 12 mph speed range and an incline range of at least 0 to 12%. Limited speed and incline ranges can indicate an underpowered or unstable treadmill.

The ProForm Carbon TLX’s incline automatically adjusts when it is paired to iFIT.

Bottom Line – Best Treadmills Under $1500

The right treadmill for you largely depends on your training needs. Treadmills in this price range tend to be trustworthy and long-lasting. We have highlighted a few brands and models that we trust and recommend. Runners and walkers should find something suitable in this category. The only unmet needs within this range are extended speed and incline ranges, large touchscreen displays, and improved cushioning. Many exercisers find those features unnecessary and seldom used, so they are perfectly suited to a treadmill under $1500.

How We Test Treadmills

A lot of work goes into testing the treadmills that make it onto our best lists. When it comes to choosing treadmills at a certain price, we consider their value. We look for treadmills that outperform more expensive treadmills or have features that you typically don’t see for the price. We test how easy it is to run, walk, and follow all sorts of different workouts, so you know if the treadmill is the right fit for your training. One of the most important parts of our review and testing process is trying the available content options for each machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I spend on a good treadmill?

This price range ($1000 to $1500) includes some of the best treadmill brands’ entry-level machines. It also includes a few mid-rung treadmills from more affordable brands. The treadmills we have listed are products we support and like for a variety of users. A good treadmill will fit your needs. A serious runner should think twice before buying a treadmill only recommended for walking. Just because it works well for one type of use doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for the other. Fortunately, this price range captures walking and running treadmills. There is a blend of low-tech and high-tech features, which are both great ways to train. Be sure to evaluate your training expectations to get a treadmill most suited to you.

Is it worth having a treadmill at home?

A home treadmill is very convenient. It eliminates many barriers to exercise, such as getting ready, commute time to the gym, inclement weather, and fear of the gym. With a treadmill, you can walk or run in peace from the comfort of your home. Of course, treadmills present their own obstacles. They take up a lot of space, are expensive, and often require assembly. Fortunately, there are compact, affordable, and easy-to-assemble (or white glove services) solutions. Ultimately, a treadmill’s worth is determined by its impact on your life, how often you use it, and how it suits your needs.

Do you need an expensive treadmill?

If money were no object, we would probably all buy one of the most expensive treadmills on the market. I am thinking anti-gravity and underwater treadmills. Practically, you probably don’t need one of those. Treadmills under $1500 provide plenty of training options and even some smart features. A higher budget is recommended for a more premium feel and maximized smart features. Yet, there are treadmill solutions that will work for walkers and runners within most budgets. Check out our Best Treadmills Under $1000 and Best Treadmills Between $500-$700 for even more affordable options.

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