Some cheap treadmills are frail and squeaky. Others don’t display reliable stats, support only petite people, or have very short running areas.
So, how can you find an affordable treadmill that works?
That’s what this article is for. We’ll show you how you should choose the best treadmill under £500 starting from your needs.
Because that’s the thing:
You always have to judge products in terms of your wants and goals.
Next, we’ll discuss some of the top treadmills under £500 currently on the market to make sure you find what you’re looking for. Keep reading below!
Table of Contents
Things To Look For In Affordable Treadmills For Home Use
The main things to look for in your treadmill are:
Ruggedness
You want your treadmill to be made from sturdy materials that make it last.
However, be prepared to compromise in terms of weight. A 40 kg treadmill will accommodate a higher user weight and will be better for running. Conversely, a lighter treadmill accommodates lighter people and is better for walking.
You can also recognise a rugged treadmill by looking at its motor.
Usually, 2-3 HP is good enough for home use and this affordable range. Higher-power treadmills that reach 4-5-6 HP also allow higher speeds.
Pro tip: Some cheap treadmills are noisy, so make sure yours isn’t.
Compact Size
Most people looking for affordable treadmills also have less space in their homes. If that’s you, look for:
- A treadmill with a compact footprint without compromising the running area. For example, a 100-cm running area isn’t long enough if you’re over 6 feet tall and run very fast. However, it can be enough if you’re walking. So, consider your stride when looking at each treadmill’s area.
- A foldable treadmill. Make sure the treadmill folds easily, without constantly screwing and unscrewing the handlebars. Then, check the folded height to ensure you can store that specific treadmill where you want to.
Other factors will depend on your goals, current fitness condition, and what makes you tick, such as:
Speed
A higher speed doesn’t mean that that treadmill is better. A treadmill is better if it has better materials and if it fits your needs.
So, if you don’t like running and aren’t planning to try it, don’t go for a 15 km/h treadmill just for the heck of it.
Instead:
- Make sure the speed’s easy to adjust.
- 5 km/h increments are better than 1 km/h increments.
- Quick-push speed buttons with specific speeds written on them are better for HIIT because you can change between intervals seamlessly.
Computer
Make sure the display is wide enough and easy to read. Also, make sure that your treadmill displays all the stats you need to reach your goals; whether speed, the number of steps or calories – that’s utterly dependent on your needs.
Secondly, check for built-in programs.
Those programs aren’t a must if you want a walking pad to use in front of the TV. However, if you’re serious about your progress or lose motivation quickly, check to see if you have those built-in programs.
Techy Features
Techy features like Bluetooth, apps, or device holder are best if:
- You need music or watching your shows to keep you entertained/ motivated
- You need to track your progress carefully
Comfort
Consider any preexisting conditions and your body shape at this point.
- If you tend to wobble, make sure the treadmill has handlebars and a wide running area.
- If you’re mobility-challenged, check the treadmill’s height from the floor. Make sure it’s easy to get on the walking pad and off it.
- Check the treadmill’s shock absorption ability if you have preexisting pain in your ankles, knees, hips, or back. As a rule of thumb, the more cushioning, the better.
- If you like running barefoot or just wearing socks, get a grippy running band.
Best Treadmills Under £500 Reviews
With that in mind, here are some excellent treadmills in the affordable range:
GEARSTONE Foldable Treadmill: Compact, Sturdy Treadmill For Brutal HIIT
- Intelligent Functions： The desired speed can be set...
- LCD Display: The LCD display gives you information about all...
- Stow away to Save Space： Thanks to the practical folding...
The Gearstone Foldable Treadmill is a dream-come-true for people who want a foldable treadmill that’s sturdy enough for running.
So, Gearstone’s motor reaches 2 HP at peak power, which is enough to get you to 15 km/h. The treadmill can also support people up to 120 kg, thanks to its high-quality steel frame.
This steel frame is both a pro and a con, as some online reviewers have noticed.
The advantage is the evident sturdiness and durability you can expect in the long term. The downside is that you won’t be able to move the Gearstone treadmill around quickly.
That said, Gearstone – this compact treadmill for actual running – has other advantages:
The first is integrated speakers so that you can run on the rhythm of your favourite tunes. Music helps you keep pace and focus better. As a result, you can keep your motivation up.
Secondly, you can use the treadmill while it’s folded as a walking treadmill. If you have a home office, you can walk on the folded Gearstone while you’re reading and talking on the phone with your clients.
Once those clients manage to annoy you enough, you can take that frustration out by running on the unfolded Gearstone.
Just remember the safety key isn’t there to save the treadmill from your wrath.
Moreover, you’ll be surprised by the number of techy features for this price range. As such, the Gearstone boasts computer control, remote control and gesture control.
Bonus:
See those buttons specifically designed for 6 km/h and 12 km/h?
Those are wonderful if you’re doing brutal HIIT sessions when you alternate between running and fast-paced walking.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Bluefin Fitness TASK 2.0: best walking treadmill for standing desk
- 2-in-1 FOLDING TREADMILL & WALKPAD: Versatile & space saving...
- BURN CALORIES WHILE YOU WORK: Neatly fits under standing...
- TREADMILL RUNNING MODE: Up the pace & use as a regular...
Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 is a worthwhile option if you don’t really like running – or if your body can’t handle that high impact right now.
So, Task 2.0 can reach just 8 km/h, but that’s not why we voted it best walking treadmill.
Here’s the thing:
Many people who don’t like running or can’t run also have some underlying conditions. Most likely, you’re also dealing with mobility issues, joint pain, chronic backaches and so forth.
In this case, when you’re looking at affordable walking pads, you should see how good these are for your problems.
That’s why we recommend Task 2.0.
The walking band is made from five layers that provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption. The result is the Task 2.0 allows you to exercise pain-free – which you probably can’t do on harder surfaces, like pavement.
Secondly, this track is wide and grippy. If you have mobility issues, these features are critical as well.
Then there’s the versatility:
You can use this treadmill folded under your desk as a standing-desk walking pad, just like the Gearstone Treadmill. Both options are silent enough so they won’t bother your coworkers.
If you’re interested in power-walking/ jogging, unfold the treadmill and do your thing.
Of course, you can also walk slower when the band’s unfolded so that you can use its handlebars for extra safety.
You can do all of that on the Gearstone treadmill as well. So which should you choose?
If you want to reach faster speeds, pick the Gearstone model that comes to 15 km/h. But, if running isn’t your thing, Track 2.0 offers better cushioning plus six in-built programs to choose from.
And here’s the bonus:
Task 2.0 lets you use the FitShow app to personalise your workouts and increase your motivation.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
CITYSPORTS Lightweight Treadmill: best lightweight treadmill for moderate HIIT
- Large LCD Display Screen: The different progress in time,...
- Safety Easy to Use: Best for jogging, walking, running and...
- Super Quite Motor: Our treadmill compares to other...
Citysports Lightweight Treadmill is also a reliable choice because a dependable brand produces it. Plus, it’s marketed as a lightweight treadmill, which it is considering that it weighs just 25 kg, and still it withstands a maximum user weight of 110 kg.
Here are other features you’ll like:
It allows you to run up to 8 km/h.
It’s quiet.
It’s compact.
So why should you choose Citysports instead of Bluefin’s Task 2.0? Other than the weight difference, what’s in it for you?
Notice those two buttons on the handlebar, left and right of the enormous red stop button, with a “6” and a “3” on them. Well, these are fantastic helpers if you’re into HIIT.
HIIT means high-intensity interval training, and you have to alternate fast between the intervals for the workout actually to work. That means you need to change the speed instantly.
Also, that 3 km/h button is terrific for getting into your cool-down quickly.
So, Citysports is better for HIIT, whereas Task 2.0 is better suited for general cardio, newbies who want a vaster array of programs, and fitness app addicts.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
CITYSPORTS Folding Motorised Treadmill: slim treadmill for older adults
- 【PORTABLE & SLIM】The Mini Tread lies flat under your...
- 【COMPACT】The sleek design of this slim folding walking...
- 【FAST, STRONG AND DURABLE】Built to last with a 500w...
Like the other treadmills in this review, Citysports is a reliable model for home use because it’s sturdy, quiet, and comfortable.
Here’s what makes it different:
Firstly, it has the lowest maximum speed so far at 6 km/h. That’s enough for power walking but not enough for active running.
Secondly, you can change the speed in 0.5 km/h increments. If you’re tired or mobility challenged, you know that 0.5 km/h can make a huge difference.
And thirdly, look how slim it is.
Its 15 cm ground clearance makes it perfect for older adults or people with mobility issues who can’t lift their legs very high up.
And secondly, this slim design allows this Citysports treadmill to fold very neatly. Thus, you can stash it seamlessly between a wardrobe and a wall or underneath your bed.
Now for the downsides.
This Citysports treadmill lacks the bells and whistles we’ve discussed for the above models too. So no incline, no heart rate measurements, and in this case, no Bluetooth speakers. Moreover, the maximum user weight is just 100 kg, which is the lowest such weight of the bunch.
Also, some customers noticed that the belt needs retightening once every few workouts. Luckily, the Allen wrench is included in the pack.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Dripex 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill: best silent treadmill for home use
- 【2 IN 1 DUAL MODES FOLDABLE HOME TREADMILL】 Our stylish...
- 【QUIET POWERFUL 2.25HP MOTOR & SHOCK-DEDUCTIVE RUNNING...
- 【BUILT-IN BLUETOOTH SPEAKER & REMOTE CONTROL】 With...
Dripex 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill is highly similar to the Gearstone model.
- So they both weigh 38 kg and support people up to 120 kg.
- Both treadmills fold neatly and feature Bluetooth.
- Their motors are similar in power, around 2 HP – though Dripex’s is slightly more powerful at 2.25 HP.
- Both have the same 110 x 40 cm running area.
- You can use both these treadmills folded at 1-4 km/h speeds.
So what’s the difference?
Firstly, if you compare the maximum speeds, you’ll notice that Dripex is slower at just 12 km/h. So, if you run faster than that, the choice is obvious.
But what if speed isn’t an issue?
In this case, choose Dripex if you want a much quieter model at 60 dB. Also, Dripex is much more friendly for your knees because its 5-layer design offers better shock absorption.
Alternatively, choose the Gearstone treadmill if you want to alternate between HIIT and high-impact cardio. Gearstone has two quick-push buttons for 6 km/h and 12 km/h speed, and that’s amazing for brutal HIIT routines.
Conversely, Dripex wastes its large handlebar with a speed display that you can’t push. So, to change between speeds, you’ll have to press the “+” and “-“ buttons until you get to the right one.
So:
- Dripex is better for your knees and quieter.
- Gearstone is better for brutal HIIT.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
In Conclusion
When you’re getting an affordable treadmill, make sure you’re picking a sturdy, durable model. Then, be prepared to sacrifice some bells and whistles in exchange for others.
But, at the end of the day, remember that you should choose depending on your needs. That’s how we judged the five treadmills above, and that’s how you should be thinking as well.
So, here’s a quick recap before we sign off:
- GEARSTONE Foldable: Compact, sturdy treadmill for brutal HIIT
- Bluefin Fitness TASK 2.0: Best walking treadmill for standing desk
- CITYSPORTS Lightweight: Best lightweight treadmill for moderate HIIT
- CITYSPORTS Folding: Slim treadmill for older adults
- Dripex 2 in 1: Best silent treadmill for home use
She had to trade the gym for home fitness equipment when her two little angels were born. But she successfully managed to make the transition, and sharing her vast fitness experience online is the engine that keeps this website going.
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