Last Update: April 23, 2024
These are not bargain treadmills. They are loaded with smart training features paired with impressive builds. These treadmills are built for running, though walkers will certainly appreciate their high-tech amenities. This price point can be misleading, as many of these treadmills work best with a monthly subscription. Fortunately, there are offerings with free or freemium content for those who prefer to avoid a monthly subscription.
Here’s Our List Of The Best Treadmills Under $2500 for 2024
- Best Treadmill Under $2500: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
- Best Treadmill Under $2500 For Runners: Sole F85 Treadmill
- Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $2500: ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill
- Best Studio Training Content: Echelon Stride-4s Treadmill
- Best Treadmill For Larger Users: Bowflex Treadmill 22
Best Treadmill Under $2500: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
Our Best Treadmill Under $2500 goes to one of our top treadmills overall–the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill. This treadmill delivers serious training capabilities from its sleek and cushioned build to its smart features. The 14-inch touchscreen makes every treadmill run nearly as great as exercising outdoors.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill delivers effective and entertaining workouts with its powerful and comfortable build.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 embraces the z-shaped frame for a sleek and compact design. It stands at the helm of the trend of paring treadmills down to their absolute necessities while proving nothing will be lost in the process. Gone are the days of larger bulky crossbars and egregiously sized storage compartments. The 1750 thoroughly convinces you that you don’t need them. It is balanced and efficient, providing a sturdy frame and a powerful 3.5 CHP motor. The 20” x 60” deck is spacious and well-cushioned to keep you going that extra mile. When all the miles are run and done, the 1750 folds compactly and easily with hydraulic assistance.
The trouble with onboard training programs is their lack of personalization. The 1750 skips most of that old-school training for smart training with iFIT. The $39/month fitness platform, iFIT, is what the 14” touchscreen on the 1750 is built for. It delivers worldwide content coached by top trainers. The workouts vary from walks to easy runs to intense interval training. Yet, you hardly have to lift a finger to complete the workout. iFIT can automatically adjust your incline, speed, and fan speed for tailored training. The incline will match real-world grades as closely as possible, while the speed matches your fitness level. If you do have to make an adjustment, iFIT will factor your feedback into future workouts. When set to auto, the fan speed increases as your pace does. The NordicTrack 1750 reduces interruptions to your workouts so you can focus on running, just as you would outdoors.
If you think that $39 per month is a lot for treadmill workouts, I am happy to report that iFIT is so much more. The 14” touchscreen on the 1750 tilts and pivots to keep the fun going once your walk or run is completed. No more neglecting your strength and yoga sessions. Simply adjust the screen to face your position on an exercise mat off the treadmill and let iFIT lead your entire workout. The iFIT suite of features is too vast to delve into its entirety. To highlight a few more, iFIT allows you to create Google Maps routes to run virtually on the 1750, train by Bluetooth heart rate, and join training series for content that builds as the weeks go by.
+ PROS
- The NordicTrack 1750 has AutoAdjust features to give you an uninterrupted run.
- The soft deck encourages runners to go farther and faster or take a recovery day.
- iFIT has thousands of on- and off-equipment classes from over a hundred trainers.
- The 20” x 60” and 3.5 CHP motor are sufficient for regular running.
- Bluetooth enables runners to pair their heart rate monitors and headphones.
- The z-shaped frame is sleek, modern, and allows the treadmill to fold compactly.
– CONS
- The incline range is less impressive than competitors. I wish NordicTrack would have kept the 15% maximum grade of previous models.
- The 1750 needs a subscription to maintain its functionality.
Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Here
Best Treadmill Under $2500 For Runners: Sole F85 Treadmill
The Sole F85 excels at entertaining, training, and remaining stable, all things runners want and need, though maybe not in that order. Thus, the Sole F85 earns our recognition as the Best Treadmill Under $2500 for Runners. With or without a subscription to any of the premium content, runners will be pleased with Sole’s offerings in the F85.
Sole F85 Treadmill
The Sole F85 has a 4.0 HP motor to support the most serious of runners, and it also boasts some of the best onscreen content of any treadmill on the market.
If you or your wallet are allergic to monthly subscriptions, meet the treadmill that is truly under $2500. The Sole F85 is extraordinarily sturdy, so the console shakes very little, even at high speeds. It has a 375 lb maximum user weight capacity, beating our top pick, the NordicTrack 1750, by 75 lbs. It has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The 22” x 60” deck is firm, creating a road-like underfoot feel. The Sole F85 is for tough runners who don’t want their treadmills to do any of the work for them. The speed range is a standard 0 to 12 mph, while the incline/decline range is a more impressive -6% to 15%. Though the F85 is a bulky 319 lbs, it has four transport wheels and gas shock-assisted folding for easy storage and transportation.
The Sole F85 has a 15.6” touchscreen with many preloaded apps and training programs. The F85 is also newly integrated with Garmin Connect, so runners can pair and view their heart rate onscreen. They can also train via heart rate zones. Sole has a variety of onboard programs and user customization options. If you repeat workouts often, the F85 lets you save a previous workout as a template to rerun in the future. Kinomap is a supported third-party app that allows users to run virtual courses with the incline automatically adjusted to the real-life terrain. This premium app requires a monthly subscription but is not required to use the F85.
For a treadmill that doesn’t require a subscription to be great, I can’t avoid talking about subscriptions! Yet, you probably already have at least one video streaming subscription like Netflix or Hulu. The Sole F85 has integrated Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Peacock, and Hulu into the screen. Watch a new movie or catch up on the latest episode, all while getting in your daily mileage! For a free entertainment option, watch some YouTube videos! The F85 also has Spotify, ESPN, CNN, and Audible. But wait! If that’s not enough for you, iPhone users can screen mirror their devices onto the Sole F85 for nearly limitless entertainment and training possibilities. The Sole F85 has all this and more, making it one of the most content- and feature-rich treadmills at this price point.
+ PROS
- The entertainment and training content is balanced between free and premium options.
- The 15.6” touchscreen makes viewing content easy and accessible.
- The incline range is 15% to -6%, allowing users to train steep uphills and downhills.
- Four transport wheels make moving the F85 easy compared to treadmills 100 lbs lighter.
- The 4.0 HP motor and 22” x 60” deck are great for running.
- The console is very sturdy due to a quality treadmill build.
– CONS
- The deck’s gas shock lifting assistance is not as helpful as the hydraulics found on other treadmills.
- The speed and incline buttons are not representative of the treadmill’s capabilities
Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F85 Treadmill Here
Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $2500: ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill
Not too much, not too little–the ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill has a soft deck that doesn’t feel like it’s doing all the work for you. I think that there is utility to treadmills with firm and soft decks. They work best for different types of runs, but if you want a single treadmill to do it all, you need the Goldilocks option. The ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill is our pick for Best Cushioned Treadmill Under $2500 because the deck skews just slightly on the softer side of the treadmill deck cushioning spectrum.
ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill
The ProForm Pro 9000 has a cushioned deck and great training from iFIT to power up every run.
The ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill employs ReBound Pro Cushioning to ease every step. I do not find it as luxurious as the NordicTrack Commercial series cushioning, but I consider this a good thing. Soft cushioning has become synonymous with recovery and easy running for me. For runners training to improve their 5k and race times, a bouncy treadmill may be the cause of their wondering why their treadmill running is not translating to improved race times. The ProForm Pro 9000’s 20” x 60” deck is forgiving on the legs, but it lets you work hard just as intended. The 3.6 CHP motor allows the treadmill to keep up with you on tough interval days or long, steady runs.
The Pro 9000 has a 0 to 12 mph speed range and a -3% to 12% incline range. These ranges are easily accessible, with each number represented by the quick adjust buttons located beneath the screen. You can also adjust the settings from the screen, which you will have more than enough space to do. The ProForm Pro 9000 has a 22” touchscreen display with great visuals and a responsive surface. The screen and buttons ensure all the training controls are accessible, no matter which type you prefer.
iFIT provides the onscreen content for a monthly fee of $39. It is the same platform found in the top pick on this list, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The Pro 9000 has a larger display, so walkers and runners can get a better view of the global content. 20” touchscreens bring content to life on exercise equipment. The AutoAdjust features keep you further immersed in the onscreen content for each and every run. For a more personalized experience, connect your phone via Bluetooth to play your favorite music or pair Bluetooth headphones for quiet listening. The ProForm Pro 9000 has the smart tech required to create a fun and seamless workout.
+ PROS
- The ProForm Pro 9000 cushioning feels soft enough for recovery and firm enough to stabilize harder efforts.
- The 22” touchscreen is a great screen size for viewing iFIT’s premium content.
- iFIT automatically adjusts the speed and incline to match your fitness level.
- Bluetooth lets runners and walkers pair their phones for listening through the speakers or headphones for quiet listening.
- The ProForm Pro 9000 has a 3.6 CHP motor and a 20” x 60” deck to support long and interval runs.
- The speed and incline ranges can be easily changed with the console buttons or from the touchscreen.
– CONS
- The incline motor is loud.
- The ProForm Pro 9000 does not have the modern construction most other treadmill brands have adopted.
Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Here
Best Studio Training Content: Echelon Stride-4s Treadmill
The Echelon Stride-4s is poised as a competitor to Peloton with its music-fueled studio classes. Yet, the Echelon Stride-4s sets itself apart with its compact folding deck. The frame is reinforced to keep the console sturdy and minimize the shake of the screen while you are training. But unlike the Peloton treadmills, it stores compactly when you are done training.
Echelon Stride-4s Treadmill
The Echelon Stride-4s has music-fueled studio classes on its touchscreen display. When the class is over, you can fold up the deck to save space.
Echelon Fit is a subscription program with the option to subscribe monthly, annually, or biannually, with longer subscription lengths resulting in long-term savings. The platform has built a name for itself with its Peloton-like studio classes paired with music. The training features don’t stop there. Runners can also try scenic runs or cross-train with one of the off-treadmill workouts. The screen handily rotates for off-treadmill viewing. The Echelon Stride-4s Treadmill requires a subscription to maintain its features and functionality. This treadmill is best for subscribers only.
The Echelon Stride-4s has a 22-inch HD touchscreen display. It has a maximum speed of 12.4 miles per hour. There are 12 incline levels. The treadmill has rolling wheels on either treadmill arm that allow the walker or runner to easily adjust their speed or incline while training. I really like these controls.
The Echelon Stride-4s has a 3 CHP motor. The deck is a large 20” x 60” and can accommodate users up to 325 lbs. The deck uses DuroFlex Cushioned Suspension to provide more shock absorption. You can fold the deck up. It has dimensions of 73” L x 33.5” W x 61.5” H when unfolded. While the Stride-4s does not fold flat to the ground like other Echelon treadmills, its folded dimensions reduce the treadmill’s footprint.
+ PROS
- The studio classes are fun and incorporate music.
- The touchscreen is 22 inches.
- The deck folds upright to store compactly when not in use.
- The speed and incline wheels make it easy to adjust your settings while training.
- The 3 HP motor and 20” x 60” deck are suitable for walking and running.
– CONS
- The treadmill has few features without an active subscription.
- The Stride-4s may not be as suited to long-distance running as the other treadmills on this list.
Read Our Full Review Of The Echelon Stride-4s Treadmill Here
Best Treadmill For Larger Users: Bowflex Treadmill 22
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a bit above this price range, but we had to include it because it dips below $2500 when on sale. This treadmill is one to watch, and we definitely recommend snagging it around the holidays if your $2500 budget has no wiggle room. It earns our award for Best Treadmill for Large Users with its spacious deck and high user weight capacity.
Bowflex Treadmill 22
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a sturdy treadmill with great features that is worth the budget stretch if you can afford it.
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has a maximum user weight capacity of 400 lbs. It also has a roomy deck size of 22” x 60”. The moment I stepped onto the deck, I knew this was a sturdy machine. There is no wobble in the console, and it spurns the minimalist design of trendy treadmill brands to feel like it was built to last. Bowflex does not disclose the motor specs, but they stand by its performance with a 15-year warranty. They also promise it can handle the full speed and incline ranges enabled on the machine. Our testing certainly led us to conclude this treadmill was great for large users or multi-runner households.
The Treadmill 22 has the most impressive incline range on this list with a -5% to 20% range. It would be a good fit for anyone needing to train for a hilly race course or trail run. The speed range is a standard 0 to 12 mph, and you certainly have plenty of leg room to run at the faster speed without fear of hitting the motor hood or stepping off the end. The Treadmill 22 has a crossbar between the uprights, which is covered by a large storage tray. Runners and walkers can stash all their belongings on or below the console, likely with room to spare. Though there is a large touchscreen, the Treadmill 22 also has a tablet rack for viewing other content.
JRNY is the subscription program displayed through the 22” touchscreen of the Treadmill 22. It is one of my personal favorite platforms as it allows exercisers to watch streaming content while they follow along with a workout. I would compare this treadmill to the Sole F85 but with the addition of the premium platform. JRNY conducts a fitness assessment the first time you start a workout on the treadmill, so that training content is more tailored to your abilities. The Treadmill 22 is great for pushing your limits with trainer-led classes or taking it easy while watching a Netflix or Hulu show on the console. This treadmill is one to watch for its diverse training content and impressively sturdy build.
+ PROS
- The Treadmill 22 has a spacious 22” x 60” deck, a powerful motor, and a user weight capacity of 400 lbs.
- The console has minimal to no shaking during running.
- JRNY provides premium training content personalized to the user.
- JRNY includes third-party entertainment apps for TV show and movie streaming while working out.
- The touchscreen is a cinematic 22 inches.
- The Treadmill 22 has a lot of storage, including a tablet rack.
– CONS
- Most of the features are locked behind the JRNY paywall, making this treadmill ideal for subscribers.
- The Treadmill 22 has a large and bulky footprint.
Read Our Full Review Of The Bowflex Treadmill 22 Here
What To Look for In Treadmills Under $2500
Motor Size
Treadmills between $2000 and $2500 should be able to handle running and, hopefully, a lot of it. Generally, I would want to see a treadmill motor of 3.5 HP or greater in this category. Multi-user households should aim for 4.0 HP. The exception to this is the inclusion of an AC motor. The horsepower of a DC motor is not comparable to an AC motor in terms of longevity. A less powerful AC motor should last as long as a much more powerful DC motor.
Deck Size
At this price point, treadmills will typically be full-sized folding treadmills. I expect a minimum deck size of 20” x 60”. A 22-inch deck width may be more comfortable for larger users. Consider a wider deck if you are worried about being cramped. A 20” x 60” deck should accommodate most running strides comfortably without encroaching on the motor hood.
Smart Features
Whether you want subscription content or are trying to avoid ongoing expenses, treadmills, at this price point, should offer a wide range of smart and fun features. The training will get more tailored and customized to you, whether you have to manually customize it or the treadmill has a smart algorithm to do it for you. I look for a hands-free workout, so I don’t have to worry about adjusting the settings and breaking my concentration during a run.
Other smart features include heart rate training, Bluetooth, auto fan cooling, and step counting. Ideally, these features enrich your training and add more variety. Be mindful of whether additional accessories are required to use all of the treadmill’s features. You may need a compatible heart rate monitor or Bluetooth headphones.
Touchscreens
Large touchscreen displays are one of the primary reasons treadmill prices increase from one range to another. The $2000 to $2500 price range includes touchscreens from 15 to 25 inches. Any touchscreen in this size range will provide adequate visibility and navigation during activity. Screens over 20 inches tend to provide a more cinematic experience. Large screen sizes are easier to navigate at high speed and may be easier for users with vision impairments.
Bottom Line – Best Treadmills Under $2500
Treadmills under $2500 have phenomenal features. They are mainly targeted at runners with their large decks and powerful motors, but walkers may be drawn to their large screens and smart training features. These treadmills offer training and entertainment content. They also come with improved incline ranges, giving exercisers even more training variability. Treadmills under $2500 encompass or surpass the top offerings from many of our favorite brands, making this a great budget cutoff.
How We Test Treadmills
We walk and run on treadmills a lot. That’s one of the most important aspects of treadmill reviewing. We have to use the treadmill just as you would to get an idea of how it will perform. We also conduct additional tests like measuring the noise level of treadmills at different speeds and testing how quickly they adjust speed and incline. We test the onboard workout programs, subscription content, and compatible third-party apps. A lot of thought and time goes into reviewing each machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the highest quality treadmill?
There is room for a lot of debate around this topic. We like a lot of brands for different reasons. We are partial to Sole and Bowflex for their sturdy builds. iFIT brands, Peloton, and Echelon make outstanding training content. NordicTrack and ProForm have very soft cushioning. Horizon makes my favorite speed and incline adjustments. LifeSpan has great treadmills with the best compact and portable designs. Beyond these treadmills, there are manual and under-desk treadmills that we think are great quality for other reasons! This list is a great place to start, and we have full reviews of many treadmills that can help you learn more about what each model and brand has to offer.
Should you buy an expensive treadmill?
Treadmills are a hefty investment. Fortunately, spending more upfront can often save you money in the long run. Yet, if you are willing to sacrifice smart features and large touchscreens, you may be perfectly fine with a lower treadmill budget. A decreased cost should come from fewer features and extras, not from a less trustworthy build. Runners should be particularly hesitant to buy a more affordable treadmill as they are liable to wear out a treadmill too early.
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