7 Best Treadmills Under £1000

Working out is healthy, but who has time to do it? That’s what most people usually say.

But, if the recent COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we should do our best to stay healthy.

So, if you’re like most of us shopping on a limited budget, you came to the right page.

We’ll teach you how to choose the best treadmill under £1000 by analysing their features objectively. We’ll then discuss seven best products in the market to ensure you pick the right treadmill for your needs.

Psst: they’re all foldable to save you some room.

Read along!

What To Look For In Treadmills Under £1000

Below are the factors we used in evaluating the products below. You can take them into account too before purchasing any treadmill.

1. 1. Powerful motor. If you want your Treadmill to run fast and smooth, you need a powerful engine. Look for treadmills that are at least 2.5 HP, although more is better. Also, powerful motors are usually quieter, which may be essential for you if you have downstairs neighbours or roommates.

 

1. 1. Patented cushioning technologies or 8-point suspension systems that allow increased cushioning is essential for beginners and people with chronic joint pain. That’s because your knees have to withstand 1.5 times the equivalent of your weight when you’re walking and running.

 

1. 1. Heart-rate options. It’s always a good idea to track your pulse when working out because you don’t want to over or under-train. Handlebars pulse sensors may be accurate, but it can be uncomfortable to run while grasping the handles throughout your workout. Besides, you burn more calories and tone your upper body when you’re also moving your hands on the treadmill. That’s why we prefer folding treadmills with added chest straps.

 

1. 1. Speed limit. When you’re evaluating a treadmill’s speed limit, consider your current fitness level, your goals, and purposes. For example, 10 km/h is enough for a beginner, while 18-20 km/h is decent for a marathon runner, considering Eliud Kipchoge’s record at the 2018 Berlin marathon. So, remember your goals and ascertain that your treadmill allows room for improvement.

 

1. 1. Incline levels. The adjustable incline is best for resistance training and building lower-body muscles in a low-impact way. Most folding treadmills under £1000 have 15-20ᵒ gradients, but choose a wide incline model if your goal is endurance training.

 

1. 1. Max weight. This point is not just about making sure whether a specific treadmill accommodates your weight. Remember that treadmills with a higher max weight point are usually sturdier and better for the whole family.

 

1. 1. Platform area. If you’re tall and/or want to run faster, you need a long and broad platform. Besides, a spacious platform is better for stability.

 

1. 1. Make sure the screen is easy to use, ergonomic, large, and intuitive. That way, you can keep track of all the stats and make the necessary adjustments quickly.

 

1. 1. App compatibility. If you want a specific fitness app, make sure the treadmill is compatible with that. For example, Kinomap is a great app for treadmill running because you can take part in various events and run on different routes around the world.

 

1. 1. Entertainment options. If you want to listen to music or watch a show while running, make sure your tablet has Bluetooth compatibility, speakers, and a tablet holder. Otherwise, you can just run in front of the TV.

 

1. 1. Perks like added chest strap or mats are essential because they show the brand’s interest in your user experience. However, don’t settle on a low-quality treadmill just because it comes with something free.

 

1. The lengthier the guarantee, the more durable your products are. Most treadmills in the under £1000 category offer at least a 5-year warranty for the frame and a 2-year warranty for motor and parts. However, you can find models with better contracts too, like the ones below.

Best Home Treadmill Under £1000

We’ll review the seven best treadmills under £1000 on the market through the lens of the factors above. We’ll analyse all their pros and cons to ensure you get the best one for your needs. Read along!

JTX Sprint-7: best overall

The JTX Sprint-7 offers great value for money because it ticks all the boxes for safety, functionality, and superior user experience.

The patented CushionStep™ deck is spacious enough even for tall people because it’s 52 x 145 cm – that’s up to 50% longer than usual treadmills. It also features a mix of CSC springs and an 8-point suspension to absorb shocks by about 30%.

The 3 HP motor is powerful and silent, allowing a maximum speed of 20 km/h. That means you have plenty of room to progress. You can also quickly adjust the incline on 15 levels between 0-15%, with a simple push of the button.

The good news is that you can push these buttons effortlessly without looking down. The not-so-good part is that the 15% incline may not be enough for challenging resistance training. It all depends on your fitness level, though.

Here’s how the JTX Sprint-7 will help:

This treadmill features 43 personal trainer-designed workouts so that you can choose a motivating programme that pushes your limits. You can also adapt these workouts by choosing different intensities, and track your heart rate with the built-in pulse sensors on the handles.

Want more comfortable pulse tracking? Get a Polar chest strap that connects automatically to this treadmill.

If you prefer one routine over another, you can quickly build a weekly routine. That’s because Sprint-7 offers you four user profiles, with distinct preprogrammed workouts.

Besides, the treadmill is very user-friendly. It has a safety key that stops it instantly if there’s an issue, it features two water bottle holders, plus it’s easy to fold. You’ll also like the generous display, with large, rubber buttons.

Then there are the media options.

You get an included tablet holder to watch your favourite shows, built-in speakers, and Kinomap connectivity. With this app, you can choose to run on various real-life routes, take part in races, and track your stats.

But don’t forget the downsides.

The biggest complaint is the weak built-in fans. Next follows the accuracy. For instance, you get 0.1 km readings, but three digits before the decimal. That means JTX assumes you can run over 100 km in one go, but don’t need precise distance between say 1.6 and 1.7 km. The calorie counting cannot be that accurate considering you’re not filling in your weight and height.

Don’t forget about the 43 programmes, as many customers complain there are too many options which require a learning curve. But from our perspective, these are just minor defects, so Sprint-7 is still our best choice.

Check price and reviews on Amazon UK

JLL T450 Digital Folding Treadmill: best to improve resistance

The T450 is one of the cheapest folding treadmills under £1000. The main advantage compared to the Sprint-7 is that you get five more incline levels. Therefore, these 20 incline levels will allow you to improve your resistance and increase your muscle mass.

However, the JLL T450 has a slightly narrower running platform at 127 x 42 cm. If you’re not very tall or run very fast, though, this belt is wide enough for your needs. And don’t forget that the maximum speed is 18 km/h, so not incredibly fast.

Also, if JTX Sprint-7’s 43 preprogrammed workouts scared you a bit, the JLL T450 has a more approachable array of exercises. Therefore, its 20 built-in routines make it easier to select the right one for your needs.

Unfortunately, you don’t have any user profile slots to personalise your routines further.

In terms of cushioning, both treadmills are excellent at reducing impacts on your ankles and joints. And both allow dynamic entertainment plus heart-rate measurements through handrail sensors.

A crucial difference in terms of entertainment, though, is that there’s no tablet holder. You can only connect your smartphone or iPod to listen to music, plus there’s no Kinomap connectivity.

And here’s maybe a crucial disadvantage for heavy people:

JLL’s Sprint-7 accommodates maximum 160 kg, whereas the JLL T450 has a 120 kg weight limit. So, unfortunately, heavyset people cannot use this machine to achieve their fitness goals.

Another downside is that the JTX T450 has a 5-year warranty for the motor, five years less than the JLL Sprint 7. However, the frame is lifetime-guaranteed, and you get a 2-year warranty for parts and labour.

Check price and reviews on Amazon UK

NordicTrack S 20i: best for bored-easily types

The NordicTrack S 20i’s selling point is its limitless training options. You can try workouts galore, such as intervals, walking, and even boot camps, cross-training, and yoga. So, if you’re a bored-easily person, the S20i will help you muster enough motivation with something new every day.

Bonus: you get a free 1-year iFit membership!

Moreover, this treadmill is powerful, but not as good as the Sprint-7 and T450 above because its motor is 2.5 CHP. By comparison, JTX’s T450 treadmill’s engine can reach 4.5 HP at the highest speed.

However, one improvement compared to its two competitors above is that the S 20i features a self-cooling system. Otherwise, its maximum speed is 18 km/h just like the JLL T450, though it’s a bit wider at 51 x 140 cm. The belt is almost as generous as Sprint-7’s.

Conversely, the incline goes only to 10%, and the treadmill allows a 135 kg maximum weight – somewhere in between the T450 and the Sprint-7.

The cushioning system is reliable at reducing shocks to your joints, considering it uses the FlexSelect™ technology, but the 1.9” precision and balanced non-flex rollers system aren’t as proficient as Sprint-7’s.

You’ll also like the iFit Bluetooth, the large screen with Onetouch™ Controls and heart-rate options. Besides, you get a lifetime warranty for the frame, ten years for the engine, and 2-year for parts and labour.

This warranty is on par with Sprint-7’s and more prolonged than JLL T450’s, which only covers five years for the motor.

Check price and reviews on Amazon UK

Sportstech F37 Professional Treadmill: high-power motor

If you’re heavier and want to run at higher speeds, consider the Sportstech F37. This professional treadmill features German quality and a powerful 7 HP motor.

That means you can achieve a maximum speed of 20 km/h, just as much as the Sprint-7. And, just like the Sprint-7, the maximum incline is 15%. If you want a higher incline, scroll back up to the JLL T450.

That said, you can use the Sportstech F37 for most of your routines, whether you like to walk, jog, or run at full speeds. The treadmill allows people up to 150 kg, and it has a spacious belt of 1,300 x 500 mm.

The similarities with Sprint-7 don’t stop here.

The F37 features an 8-point shock-absorbing system that reduces impacts on your joints by up to 30%. You can also use the Kinomap app while training to enjoy interesting routes, coaching, or player mode.

As you can see, the 7.5” screen is wide enough to immerse you all these routes.

But here’s a disadvantage: this treadmill is noisier than the Sprint-7 and T450 because it can reach 75 decibels.

Here’s an example to understand better:

Seventy-five decibels sound like a vacuum cleaner, so maybe not silent enough for all roommates, but very safe for long-term exposure.

Moreover, S 20i only features twelve built-in training programmes, which seem few compared to the array of options we’ve seen in the products above.

The S 20i has some advantages too.

For instance, the built-in greasing system, the ventilation system, and auto-incline are very user-friendly. But possibly the most significant advantage is the chest strap you’ll get with the treadmill. This strap is accurate and more comfortable to use than the handlebars pulse sensors for continuous heart-rate tracking.

Use heart-rate tracking to listen to your body and choose workouts that challenge you. That way, you can lose weight and increase your endurance faster.

Check price and reviews on Amazon UK

Branx Fitness Foldable’ Cardio Pro’ Treadmill: best for perks

Branx Fitness’s Cardio Pro treadmill is also a practical choice, especially if you need it for less strenuous workouts. One reason is that this model can achieve only 17.5 km/h, which is slower than its above competitors.

Also, the 3.5 HP motor is more robust than NordicTrack S 20i’s and comparable to JLL T450’s, but not the most Herculean from the batch.

Besides, it only accommodates people up to 130 kg. You’ve seen models above that can support heavier people, but also treadmills with a lower weight limit. Therefore, this factor may not be a deal-breaker.

The 0-20 level incline is also pretty good, on part with the Sprint-7, and more than what other treadmills in the “foldable under £1000” category allows.

Don’t neglect the 12 preprogrammed workouts. 12 is an ok number for a mid-range treadmill, meaning you have enough options not to get bored, but not too many to confuse you. So basically, this model is in between the Sprint-7 and S 20i.

The same goes for the running area, which is 125 x 45 cm, comparable to the T450, but smaller than Sprint-7’s and NordicTrack’s S 20i.

You may also appreciate the Smart Shock Cushioning System, which is reliable to reduce the impact on your joints.

Unfortunately, you don’t have an iPod or tablet support, and the warranty is just five years for the frame and motor.

So, from all the features above, you could argue the Branx Fitness Cardio Pro is not the best, but also not the worst in this review.

What’s its strong point, though?

We recommend this Treadmill because it’s quality, but also because it has free perks! For example, you get a free twister, and free treadmill mat, plus the Cardio Pro comes pre-assembled so you can use it almost right out of the box.

Check price and reviews on Amazon UK

JTX Sprint-5: best for marathon training

Sprint-5 and Sprint-7 come from the same brand, namely JTX, so it’s essential to figure out how they compare. That way, you can understand which purpose each is best suited for.

As you can see, both models feature patented Cushionstep™ belts with Soft Drop systems that reduce impacts to your joints by 30%. Also, they’re both silent, feature 43 preprogrammed workouts, Kinomap connectivity, and speakers.

However, Sprint-5 is less robust than Sprint-7. That way, the motor is only 2.5 HP, the running deck is large at 140 x 48 cm but not as wide as Sprint-7’s, and it can only accommodate 140 kg instead of 160 kg.

Another difference regarding robust operation is that the Sprint-5 can only go up to 18 km/h and 12ᵒ incline. So, if you want to run faster and at a higher incline to tone quickly, Sprint-7 is a better choice. Even so, Sprint-5 still allows plenty of wiggle room to increase your fat burn and endurance levels, especially if you’re into athletic training.

Moreover, Sprint-5 has an enviable grip compared to other foldable treadmills thanks to its Black Diamond run-belt™ with grip technology.

So, if you’re training for a marathon or simply want to improve your conditioning at an intermediate level, Sprint-5 is a practical choice.

Bonus: Sprint-5 features customised programmes, although just three instead of Sprint-7’s four.

But here are some downsides according to most customers:

Just like the Sprint-7, the Sprint-5’s fans are pretty weak too. Unfortunately, this model also has weak speakers and a flimsy tablet holder.

Check price and reviews on Amazon UK

Sportstech F17 Treadmill: best for beginners

Sportstech F17 is one of the best foldable treadmills under £1000 for beginners because it’s quality, silent, and cushioning. Its motor runs under 45 decibels, as compared to the Sportstech F37’s 75-decibel engine.

Not sure what 45 decibels sound like?

Imagine a quiet suburb or even a library. Both options make exercising a breeze.

Besides, thanks to the built-in lubrication system, your treadmill will remain quiet and functional for an extended period.

You’ll also appreciate the superb 5-layer cushioning system that protects your knees and ankles during your workout. This feature is crucial for heavy people because walking puts the equivalent pressure of 1.5 times your body weight on your knees. So, the heavier you are, the more dangerous exercise is.

Also, beginners may have a hard time staying motivated enough to make a habit out of fitness.

Luckily, F17 has Kinomap and Sportstech connectivity. These apps will allow you to immerse yourself in various routes worldwide, plus keep track of your stats to measure your progress.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll also like the 12 built-in programs. These give you enough options for your workouts, but not too much to confuse you.

The included heart-rate belt is another advantage because you want to keep continuous track of your pulse if you’re a newbie. This measurement will help you stay in a safe heart-rate zone for you to avoid over-exertion and under-training. Therefore, you can achieve your fitness goals efficiently.

But Sportstech F17 isn’t perfect.

Unfortunately, it can only support people up to 120 kg and 12 km/h maximum speed. Besides, the motor isn’t that powerful at just 2.5 HP, compared to other products in this review.

And the most significant disadvantage is the lack of incline. If you’re a beginner and can’t withstand a constant high speed throughout your workout, you may need a low-impact challenge. And you would usually get that by increasing the incline angle, which Sportstech F17 doesn’t allow.

Check price and reviews on Amazon UK

In Conclusion

We began this article by explaining what to expect in treadmills under £1000, and what not to compromise. We also discussed seven best products in this price range, by analysing each feature in terms of your needs.

That’s the key takeaway from this review:

Always choose according to your purpose and preexisting conditions, but never compromise on quality.