Treadmills can get pretty pricey, particularly for those that are of commercial quality and trying to find a decent and reliable one under the $500 mark is very limited.  You won’t find any commercial quality within this price range, however, there are a handful of decent treadmills that are built for light to medium use.

Here’s a list for some of the best treadmills under $500 based on user reviews:

Best Treadmills Under $500

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Home TreadmillWeslo Crosswalk 5.2T TreadmillWeslo Cadence G5.9 TreadmillGold's Gym Trainer 720
treadmill_sunnyhealthtreadmill_weslo_crosswalk_5.2ttreadmill_weslo_cadence_G5.9treadmill_golds-Gym-Trainer-720
Motor: 2.20 Peak HP
Deck: 15.75" x 48.82"/Fold up
Incline: Manual - 3 settings/12 degrees max
Console: LCD Display/13 workout programs
Dimensions: 62.2L x 26.8W x 47.3H
Motor: 2.25 Impulse HP
Deck: 16"x50"/Fold up
Incline: Manual - 2 position.
Console: LCD Display/4 preset workouts
Dimensions: 55 x 29 x 68
Motor: 2.25 Impulse HP
Deck: 16"x50"/Fold up
Incline: Manual - 2 position/6% Max
Console: LCD Display/6 preset workouts
Dimensions: 67 x 30 x 10
Motor: 2.50 HP G Force
Deck: 20"x55"/Fold up
Incline: Auto: 10% Max
Console: LCD Display/18 preset workouts
Dimensions: 68 x 73 x 35
Max Weight: 220 lbs.Max Weight: 250 lbs.Max Weight: 250 lbs.Max Weight: 300 lbs.
Warranty: 1 year frame/90 day partsWarranty: 90 day warranty partsWarranty: 1 year motor.Warranty: Lifetime frame, 25 year motor warranty, 1 year parts and labor warranty
Price: $$$Price: $$$Price: $$Price: $$$$

Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill

Sunny Health & Fitness provides you with the SF-T4400, an affordable option that is good for the basic user.  It’s a light treadmill with a max load capacity of 220 lbs. so if you’re under the max weight, you’ll be able to enjoy its many perks.  The incline is manually adjusted to 3 positions with a maximum incline level of 12 degrees.

Features:

  • Motor – A 2.20 Peak HP drive system runs the treadmill.
  • Deck – The deck has a conservative 15.75in x 48.82in running surface with an easy folding mechanism and soft drop system to help you unfold your treadmill safely.  You have 3 levels of incline that is manually adjusted with a max angle of 12 degrees.
  • Handrail controls – Handrail controls provide pulse grip heart rate monitoring and allow you to start, stop and control the speed.  
  • Console – The console has a large LCD display with a tablet holder.  13 programs are built in including a manual workout, 9 preset programs, a countdown mode, and a body quality index.
  • Max user weight – Choose between 3 options of incline levels; Max user weight: 220 Lbs
  • Dimensions – 62.2L x 26.8W x 47.3H inches
  • Warranty – 1 year frame, 90 day parts

What We Like:

  • Price – The price ranges $289.99 to $500.00 depending on the e/retailer.  Amazon appears to have the best deal.
  • Light Weight – Weighing roughly 100 lbs., the unit is light weight and can be moved around easily on its wheels.  Light weight may be good but then you have to question its durability.
  • Assembly – Very easy to assemble.

Weslo Crosswalk 5.2T Treadmill

Equipped with a 2.25 HP motor and CrossWalk Upper-Body Arms for upper body resistance, Weslo’s 5.2T is a budget-friendly treadmill that provide the average user with a decent cardio experience.   It has a lightweight, compact design that will accommodate anyone under 250 lbs.

Features:

  • Motor – A 2.25 HP motor with a max output of 10 MPH.
  • Deck – The deck measures 16″x50″ so if you’re tall or have longer strides, you may be restricted to walking.  It has 2 incline settings that can be manually adjusted.  It also comes equipped with Comfort Cell™ Cushioning, a layer of cushioning designed for impact absorption.
  • CrossWalk (TM) Upper-Body Resistance – A unique feature that enables the user to get an upper body workout.
  • Heart Rate Sensor – Instead of the traditional hand grip, the Crosswalk utilizes the thumb sensor which may be easier for some.
  • Console – A simple, clean console with a basic display that provides your basic controls and 4 preset workouts.

What We Like:

  • Great Value – Slightly under the $500 mark, the 5.2T is an affordable solution for those looking for a decent treadmill.
  • Compact – The dimensions are 55 x 29 x 68 which makes this treadmill very compact and the foldable deck makes it easy for storage.

Weslo Cadence G5.9 Treadmill

A simple and functional treadmill with an affordable price tag, the Cadence G5.9 features a two-position, manually adjustable incline and Comfort Cell Cushioning. It has a lightweight design and thanks to its patented SpaceSaver technology, its folding frame makes it very compact.  Its drive system is equipped with a 2.25 HP Impulse™ Motor, and the weight capacity is 250 pounds, max user weight. The deck support system includes the Comfort Cell™ Cushioning.

Features:

  • Motor – You get 2.25 HP Impulse Motor capable of 10 MPH.
  • Deck – The deck measures 16″ x 50″ with Comfort Cell Cushioning helping you reduce the impact in addition to supporting a user up to 250 lbs.
  • Console – Comes with a blue-tinted LCD that tracks speed, time, distance, pulse and calories burned. There are 6 pre-programmed workouts for you to choose from and controls to adjust the speed in half mile increments.
  • Heart Rate Sensor – Comes equipped with a thumb sensor heart rate monitor.

What We Like:

  • Price – Very affordable.
  • Compact – With dimensions measuring 64.5″L x 29″W x 55.5″H, the Cadence G5.9 is designed with Weslo’s patented SpaceSaver technology which provides a lightweight and compact design.

Gold’s Gym Trainer 720

Golds Gym equipment is one of the many equipment brands manufactured by ICON fitness. With a several attractive features, the Trainer 720 is at the top of this price bracket in addition to providing the most features. A lifetime warranty accompanies this treadmill which adds to its list of reasons why this machine made it to the list of the top 5 best treadmills in this price range.

Features:

  • Deck – The treadbelt measures 20″ x 55″ and the deck conveniently folds up for easy storage. With a max weight of 300 lbs., the AirStride Cushioning system supports this deck helping reduce impact on your joints for a more comfortable workout.
  • Console – The Gold’s Gym Trainer 720’s console provides more than what you would expect from a treadmill under $500. A multi-window LED display allows you to choose from 18 workout programs and track your stats, like speed, time, distance and calories burned.
  • Sound System – There is a built-in fan and a sound system that you can plug into through a headphone jack.
  • Motor – The unit comes equipped with a 2.5 HP G-Force motor that will provide you with consistent power.
  • Incline – Adjust your incline level from 0 to 10 percent through your console with QuickSelect incline control.

What We Like:

  • Price – This is a nice choice for anyone looking for an affordable treadmill, particularly one under $500. You get more features than most within this price range and you it’s surprisingly more durable and then any of the others.
  • Warranty – You get a lifetime frame warranty, 25 year motor warranty, and 1 year parts and labor warranty which is surprising for any treadmill within this price range.
  • Max Weight Capacity – This treadmill is claimed to support up to 300 lbs. Certainly more than most of the treadmills in this class.