How much you should spend on a treadmill really depends on what you’re expecting to get out of it. You can buy a treadmill for well under $1,000 these days, while some of the high-end machines from Life Fitness, Matrix and other premium brands can easily cost $5,000 or more.
We’ve reviewed treadmills at just about every price point over the years, and spending more doesn’t always mean you’re getting a better treadmill for your particular needs. A $3,000 machine may be completely unnecessary for someone who walks three times a week, while trying to save money on a $700 treadmill probably isn’t a great idea for someone who runs five miles every day.
For most buyers, we think treadmills can be broken down into three general price ranges.
Budget Treadmills: Under $1000
This is still entry-level territory, although you can get a lot more treadmill for your money today than you could years ago.
Most treadmills under $1,000 are best suited for walking and lighter jogging. You’ll generally get a smaller machine with fewer features and less substantial construction than you would by moving up in price.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t some very good options here. Companies like Horizon have done a nice job of offering capable treadmills at relatively low prices, and if you’re primarily walking, you may not need to spend much more.
Where we’d be a little more cautious is regular running or households where several people will be using the treadmill. That’s when moving into the next price range usually starts to make sense.
Mid-Range Treadmills: $1,000 to $2,500
This is the sweet spot for most home treadmill buyers.
Once you’re spending somewhere between $1,000 and $2,500, there are some very good machines capable of handling everything from daily walking to regular running. This is also where you’ll find many of the most popular models from NordicTrack, Sole, Horizon and other major home fitness brands.
As you move toward the upper end of the range, treadmills generally become more substantial and you’ll start seeing larger running surfaces, better consoles and more advanced training features.
You certainly don’t need to spend $2,500 to get a good treadmill. In fact, some of our favorite models over the years have fallen right in the middle of this range. Take a look at our Best Treadmills $1,500 to $2,000.
For the average person looking for a quality treadmill for regular home use, this is where we’d start shopping.
High-End Treadmills: $2,500 to $5,000+
Once you get above roughly $2,500, you’re moving into premium treadmill territory.
At this level, you’re generally paying for some combination of better construction, a more refined workout experience, advanced technology and higher-quality components. You’ll also start seeing premium residential machines from brands such as Matrix and Life Fitness alongside the top models from the more mainstream treadmill companies.
This price range makes the most sense for serious runners, households that expect heavy use or anyone who simply wants a treadmill that’s a noticeable step up from the typical home machine.
But don’t assume that spending $4,000 automatically gets you twice the treadmill you’d get for $2,000. The improvements become more incremental as prices climb, and whether they’re worth paying for depends on what matters to you.
What About $6,000+ Treadmills?
Then there are what we like to call the super treadmills.
Once you get into the $6,000, $7,000 and even $10,000+ range, you’re looking at some of the same brands and machines you’ll find in health clubs, hotels and high-end home gyms.
They’re incredibly well built, but very few people actually need one.
If you have the money and want a commercial-quality treadmill in your house, by all means go for it. We’ve used plenty of these machines over the years and there’s definitely a difference.
For everyone else, we’d put that extra few thousand dollars back in your pocket.
So How Much Should You Spend?
If you’re primarily walking and won’t be putting a ton of hours on the machine, under $1,000 may be all you need.
For walking, jogging and regular running, we’d generally look in the $1,000 to $2,500 range, which is where you’ll find some of the best values on the market.
If you’re a serious runner, have multiple people using the treadmill or simply want something more substantial, $2,500 to $5,000 opens up a lot of premium options.
Beyond that, you’re mostly paying for commercial-level construction, premium features or simply the luxury of owning one of the best machines available.
The important thing isn’t spending as much as you can afford. It’s spending enough to get the treadmill you actually need.
Next up in Part 3: What Gives Value to a Treadmill, we’ll look at what you’re actually getting for that extra money.
Summary
1. How To Buy The Best Treadmill For Your Budget
2. How Much To Spend On A Treadmill
3. What Gives Value To A Treadmill