11 best cheap treadmills to buy in 2023
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TREADMILLS are great pieces of kit for runners and would-be runners, and the best treadmills to buy combine function with cost efficiency.
After all, even the more inexpensive treadmills will still set you back several hundred pounds so you want to be sure your spend is worth it.
At this time of year treadmills really come into their own; when it’s so cold outdoors it’s often easier to just curl up on the sofa than brave the winter weather for your run.
A treadmill is your own personal running track within the comfort of your own home and while running on one is more boring than running outside, you can improve the vibe with music or watching TV.
They’re suitable for all levels of fitness also and bring great health benefits. Even if you’re still at the walking stage, with regular sessions you’ll soon be running – first for just a few minutes but you’ll be amazed at how quickly you improve.
As a form of exercise, running is hard to beat, so to help you on your journey, take a look at our guide to the best cheap treadmills to buy in 2023.
Best treadmills at a glance:
- Best smart treadmill: Domyos Smart Compact Treadmill Run100E
- Best for training: Reebok Astroride A2.0 treadmill
- Best premium treadmill: Reebok GT40 S treadmill
- Best non-motorised treadmill: Opti non-motorised folding treadmill
- Best for incline: Opti folding treadmill
- Best dual-use treadmill: Home Fitness Code 2-in-1 folding treadmill
- Best lightweight treadmill: Citysports folding motorised treadmill
- Best for running: JTX Sprint-3 electric treadmill
- Best minimalist treadmill: Dynamax RunningPad folding treadmill
- Best starter treadmill: HOMCOM Folding Treadmill Electric Motorised Running Machine
- Best Bluetooth enabled: Nero Sports - Foldable Electric Motorized Treadmill
1. Best smart treadmill: Domyos Smart Compact treadmill RUN100e
- Domyos Smart Compact Treadmill Run100E, £449.99 from Decathlon - buy here
If you're looking for a simple, petite treadmill to help you enjoy jogging at home, this Domyos model may be just the ticket.
The average walking speed for most people is around 5 to 6kph, and with a maximum speed of 14kph, this treadmill offers a decent pace for improving runners.
It's also super sleek, measuring only 38cm deep when folded, making it easy to tuck away in a cupboard or under the bed.
It has a digital screen that helps you keep track of your time, distance, calories, speed, and steps; 30 different programs; plus the possibility of connecting to smart apps.
Dimensions: 156 x 76 x 115 cm, Weight: 47kg, Incline: 3%, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 130kg, Power: 1.25HP
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2. Best for training: Reebok Astroride A2.0 treadmill
- Reebok Astroride A2.0 treadmill, £399.99 from Sports Direct - buy here
This Reebok treadmill will push you to 13kph and sells itself on its springy, cushioned treadmill technology, which makes for a smoother run that's more forgiving on your joints.
It has 36 preset programmes, a body fat and fitness test and two manual incline levels.
It has integrated hand pulse sensors and an LED display that gives you detailed feedback on your training.
Dimensions: 68 x 140 x 76cm, Weight: 57kg, Incline: not known, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 120kg, Power: 1.5HP
3. Best premium treadmill: Reebok GT40 S treadmill
- Reebok GT40 S treadmill, £499.99 from Sports Direct - buy here
With a max speed set at a lung-busting 16kph, this treadmill will challenge the keenest of runners.
Powered by a solid 2 horse power (hp) motor, this model has 36 user programmes, 12 incline settings and a maximum user weight of 110kg.
Like many other treadmills, it also has pulse monitors in the handles so you can see how hard you're working, and despite its impressive performance, it will still fold away once you're done.
However, it has a slightly bulkier fold, so isn't ideal for small spaces.
Extra details like cup holders, two storage trays, a five inch LCD display, MP3 input and built-in speakers give this Reebok treadmill a high-end vibe.
Dimensions: 168 x 77 x 131cm, Weight: 75kg, Incline: not known, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 110kg, Power: 2HP
4. Best non-motorised treadmill: Opti non-motorised folding treadmill
- Opti non-motorised folding treadmill, £130 from Argos - buy here
At the affordable end of the market, you can find this incredibly priced treadmill from Opti.
The catch? It's not motorised; you'll have to power it yourself with your legs as you walk or run.
It's fixed at an angle of 6%, so it's a tough workout whether you're walking or jogging.
And it folds away if you want to save space once your workout is over.
If you want to dip your toe into the treadmill market, this is an excellent way to go.
Dimensions: 120 x 60 x 120cm, Weight: 21.5kg, Incline: 6%, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 100kg, Power: none
5. Best for incline: Opti folding treadmill
- Opti folding treadmill, £440 from Argos - buy here
You don't have to break the bank to get your hands on a motorised treadmill.
Another model from affordable brand Opti, this treadmill will reach 12kph; a decent jogging pace, and can adjust to angles of 2.8%, 5%, 6.5%.
It's also got 10 built-in workout programmes and a pulse monitor in the handles.
It'll fold away once you're done to save space too.
Dimensions: 127.2 x 71.7 x 156.7cm., Weight: 42kg, Incline: 6.5%, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 100kg, Power: 1.5HP
6. Best dual-use treadmill: Home Fitness Code 2-in-1 folding treadmill
- 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, Under Desk Electric Treadmill, Walking Jogging Machine for Home Office, £229 (on offer) at Home Fitness Code - buy here
Ideal for when you're working from home and can't make time for exercise, this folding treadmill can be whipped out whenever you fancy boosting your energy levels.
It has two modes - walk and run - and speed ranging from 1-10km/hr - as well as non-slip running belt with great shock absorption.
Ideal for home fitness, it's super compact and foldable so a great space saving piece of gym kit.
Dimensions: 122 x 49 x 14cm., Weight: 24kg, Incline: none, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 110kg, Power: 1.5HP
7. Best lightweight treadmill: Citysports folding motorised treadmill
- Citysports folding motorised treadmill, £286.59 from Amazon - buy here
If you're a newcomer to the treadmill world and you want to get your heart pumping at a decent price, this Citysports treadmill could be the answer.
It has a top speed of 8kph so it's perfect if you want to up your step count or improve your fitness from home, but you're not planning on running a marathon any time soon.
It's quiet to use and easy and lightweight to move around - plus, it folds away neatly so ideal for working out at home if you're short on space.
Dimensions: 147 x 15 x 59cm, Weight: 26.2kg, Incline: none, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 100kg, Power: 1.5HP
8. Best for running: JTX Sprint-3 electric treadmill
- JTX Sprint-3 electric treadmill, £599 from JTX Fitness - buy here
If its robust quality you're after at an affordable price, this JTX Sprint-3 Treadmill delivers.
Its reinforced steel frame feels strong and durable and the tablet holder is one of the best-positioned we've seen in this price range, so you can easily watch TV as you run, or even log in to an online training session.
There are 40 workout programs, a backlit display that has all the metrics you need to monitor your fitness, plus a top speed of 16kph - that's a six minute mile pace.
The electric incline is also one of the best we've seen in this price bracket and there are 12 levels for you to work through up to a 9% maximum, which is the ideal way to increase the intensity of your run.
Dimensions: 62 x 74 x 150cm, Weight: 62.7kg, Incline: 9%, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 120kg, Power: 2HP
9. Best minimalist treadmill: Dynamax RunningPad folding treadmill
- Dynamax RunningPad folding treadmill, £550 from Argos - buy here
If you don't want to have a permanent treadmill fixture in your home, then this Dynamax RunningPad folding treadmill is ideal. You can simply fold and tuck it away when you're not using it.
There's even a Mirage Console and Dynamax app which provides live workout feedback, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and five display functions.
Unlike some cheaper designs on the market, this gem has support on either side too.
Dimensions: 90 x 150 x 72cm., Weight: 38kg, Incline: none, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 110kg, Power: 1HP
10. Best starter treadmill: HOMCOM Folding Treadmill Electric Motorised Running Machine With Led Display
- HOMCOM Folding Treadmill Electric Motorised Running Machine With Led Display, £318.99 at Robert Dyas - buy here
Ideal for beginners, this Homcom running machine has 12 pre-set modes that are easy to change and three running mat angles to choose from.
It goes up to 12 km/hr so you can get a good pace going and the LED screen tracks your time, speed, distance and heart rate.
Plus, it folds away and has two wheels so it's portable and easy to store - a great all-rounder.
Dimensions: 43 x 29 x 76.5 cm.Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 100kg
11. Best Bluetooth enabled: Nero Sports - Foldable Electric Motorized Treadmill with Bluetooth
- Nero Sports - Foldable Electric Motorized Treadmill with Bluetooth, £269.98 at Amazon - buy here
This Nero Sports treadmill has 12 pre-set programmes and five workout speeds so you can quickly get going and track you progress (in time, speed, distance or calories) on the LED display. It also has three inclines for a more challenging workout.
The Bluetooth connectivity is a real pro with this model as it's often not a feature on cheaper treadmills. It allows you to sync it up with your iPhone or iPad so you can use training apps, log your activity and follow run pre-set google maps.
Plus, it's lightweight and foldable for easy storage and arrives almost entirely pre-assembled so you'll be up and running in no time.
Dimensions: 140 x 60 x 123cm., Weight: 24kg, Incline: 3 levels, Foldable: Yes, Maximum user weight: 110kg, Power: 1HP
Where can I buy a cheap treadmill?
Over the past two years the demand for affordable treadmills has sky-rocketed.
As a result, stock fluctuations are frequent, but there are a handful of retailers you can rely on to have a decent selection of treadmills. These include:
How much is a treadmill?
You can get a self-powered treadmill (that you drive with your legs) for under £100.
A low powered treadmill that's suitable for medium level jogging will set you back at least £200.
If you want a treadmill that will go up to 20kph and has a few features, such as pre-programmed workouts, you're looking at spending at least £500.
Can treadmills help you lose weight?
We're not doctors here, so if you're looking for weight loss advice, it's worth checking out the NHS website.
That said, as a rule of thumb, running (and even walking quickly) burns a lot of calories very quickly.
Runner's World reckon you'll burn around 100 calories per mile run, so if you manage five miles (about 8km) you'll have knocked 500 calories off your waistline.
That's two Mars bars!
How to run on a treadmill
Running on a treadmill is actually easier than running outside as the belt aids you in moving your legs.
Beginners should start slowly on a treadmill - start with a walk then gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable, until you reach a steady jogging pace.
Keep this pace for as long as you can manage and aim for at least 20 mins on the treadmill three to four times a week.
After a few weeks you'll see your fitness and endurance improve when you'll be able to run faster for longer.
How to lubricate a treadmill
It's best to keep your treadmill lubricated to keep the running mat and motor working smoothly.
Generally, most treadmills need to be lubricated every six months.
To do so, firstly unplug your running machine. Lift the running belt and remove any dust and debris, then apply your lubricant at either side of the belt.
Lower the belt and ensure it is safely back in place. Plug the treadmill back on and walk for a few minutes at a very slow place to ensure the lubricant reaches all parts of the belt.
When in doubt, consult your manual about how and when to apply lubricant.
Can you do couch to 5k on a treadmill?
Of course – whether you're running on a road or on a treadmill it all counts and you can definitely do the NHS Couch to 5k programme.
It may even be easier to keep track of your exact timings, calories burned and other metrics if you use a running machine.
Find out more information about the NHS's hugely popular couch to 5k fitness plan.