By: Jeremy Neisser
Many runners love and use treadmills, but that doesn’t mean they are affordable.
As these exercise machines grow more advanced and technical, prices go up.
With this in mind, it’s important to identify some quality, inexpensive options for the runner on a budget.
- Excellent Cardio Benefits: This Affordable Treadmill Will Help You Start Your Fitness Journey. Walking Can Significantly Improve Mental And Physical Health. The Compact Design Of The Treadmill Will Get You Into Shape Regardless Of Home Size.
- Compact And Ergonomic: This Compact, Lightweight Treadmill Is Excellent For Small Spaces. Running Surface: 42In X 13In. The Treadmill Is Durable And Can Withstand Power Walking Or Light Jogging.
- Lcd Monitor: Track Fitness Progress On The Easy To Read Digital Monitor. Treadmill Monitor Displays Time, Speed, Distance, Calories.
- Non-Electric: Space-Saving, Treadmill Machine Requires No Electric Outlet Needed And Remains Low Maintenance. Easy Folding Functionality And Transportation Wheels Allow Easy Mobility And Storage.
- Non Slip Running Surface: Feel Safe And Secure On The Smooth Belt. 220 Lbs. Maximum User Weight
- Included Components: Treadmill, User Manual
- Incline Degrees: 10.4°
5 Best Treadmills Under $200
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill
The Very Basic Treadmill but it gets the job done. Price wise, exactly where we said it would be and it is highly reviewed.
The full product dimensions are roughly 13 x 42 in. and the machine is capable of holding a maximum of 300 lbs.
There is a basic safety key and an LED display that shows important information like calories burned and time spent walking or running.
- Excellent Cardio Benefits: This Affordable Treadmill Will Help You Start Your Fitness Journey. Walking Can Significantly Improve Mental And Physical Health. The Compact Design Of The Treadmill Will Get You Into Shape Regardless Of Home Size..Batteries Included?: YES
- Compact And Ergonomic: This Compact, Lightweight Treadmill Is Excellent For Small Spaces. Running Surface: 42In X 13In. The Treadmill Is Durable And Can Withstand Power Walking Or Light Jogging.
- Lcd Monitor: Track Fitness Progress On The Easy To Read Digital Monitor. Treadmill Monitor Displays Time, Speed, Distance, Calories.
- Non-Electric: Space-Saving, Treadmill Machine Requires No Electric Outlet Needed And Remains Low Maintenance. Easy Folding Functionality And Transportation Wheels Allow Easy Mobility And Storage.
- Non Slip Running Surface: Feel Safe And Secure On The Smooth Belt. 220 Lbs. Maximum User Weight
This treadmill includes flywheels for easy movement and maneuverability.
The product does not require any electricity and doesn’t have a motor.
Instead, the belt is propelled by the user’s natural movement.
The treadmill does fold, is height adjustable, and the ramp can be shifted into a climbing position. The belt does take some effort to move.
In general, this is a great treadmill for somebody who doesn’t want any frills, doesn’t want to waste any electricity, and instead focuses on getting an inexpensive, quick workout.
2. Best Choice Products Folding Treadmill
Bеѕt Value:
This treadmill made by Best Choice products, is another manual folding treadmill designed to be propelled by the body’s natural movement.
It runs without an electric outlet or a motor.
- AUTOMATIC/MANUAL SPEED SETTINGS: Quickly switch between six preset speeds (0.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 mph), or adjust with the -/+ buttons for more options (max speed of 7.5 mph)
- 3 PRESET WORKOUTS: Choose between Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced modes to find your perfect workout-use the safety key to cancel your workout if you're tired!
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Track distance, speed, time, and calorie counts on the screen, while the handles have speed settings, start/stop buttons, and heart rate sensors
- PORTABLE DESIGN: Easily folds down, and built-in wheels make it even easier to roll it from one room to another so you can workout anywhere around the house
- EXERCISE CONVENIENTLY: The control console features 2 water bottle holders and a media shelf for tablets, books, and phones when your workout's on pause!; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 48"(L) x 25"(W) x 47.5"(H); Weight Capacity: 175 lbs.
It weighs around 44 lbs. and possesses full product dimensions of 44 x 22.5 x 45 in.
There is an LCD monitor which displays important information like calories burned, speed of movement, and the duration of the workout.
The screen does require two AA batteries to function.
The treadmill can hold a person who weighs a maximum of 250 lbs.
There are wheels so the treadmill can be moved around a room.
In general, it is comfortable and simple to use without breaking the bank, making it a popular option.
Price wise, it's very close to $200.
3. TANGNADE Smart Digital Folding Treadmill
This is a fairly new treadmill on the market.
The treadmill has a 14.56" x 41.33" walking/running surface. The biggest negative that I have seen is that it does take a month or so to get to you.
- 【POWERFUL MOTOR POWER】-Enjoy a quiet workout with a powerful motor perfect for walking, jogging and running in the comfort of your own home, speed ranging between 0.5-7.5Mph. The product contains: 1 x Folding Electric Treadmill 1 x English manual 1 x Remote control.Our shipping address: Los Angeles and New York. Ensure that buyers in various places can receive packages faster.
- 【2.25 HP QUIET BRUSHLESS MOTOR & SHOCK REDUCTION SYSTEM】Its powerful 2.25 HP continuous duty motor works quietly regardless of the speed and intensity of the workout. Wide speed from 0.5 – 7.5 mph.This makes it highly suitable for office as well as home use.5layer shock-absorbing structure anti-skid noise reduction running belt which tend to provide safe cushioning for your back, joints, knees, ankles, and muscles.
- 【MULTI-FUNCTION LED DISPLAY & REMOTE CONTROLLER】Multi-functional LED display that allows user to Track progress in speed, distance, time and calories burned. Built-in phone bracket,you can listen music or watch TV when walking or running.You can also change speed or stop in an instant with the remote controller.With the easy-to-reach safty key, the treadmill can moment to stop in emergency situations.
- 🏃【NO NEED ASSEMBLE & SPACE SAVER DESIGN】 This 2 in 1 treadmill arrives fully assembled and can be used directly after unboxing.Foldable design and transportation wheels allow for easy mobility and portable foldable treadmill for storage,fold it up and walk away-in one easy step,pefect for home , apartment, office use.Sturdy steel frame, durable to use; support maximum weight up to 260lb.
- 🏃【24/7 FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SERVICE】If you have any problem with our product, please fell free to contact with us through Amazon.
I do like the table design and LCD screen built in above the motor.
It has a horsepower: 0.75hp which truth be told is sh*t compared to the other treadmills.
In general, it is a small treadmill but is capable of holding more weight than other variations in the same price range. Well. if you are looking for decent treadmill for walking only and you are in no hurry to get the treadmill delivered, this might be the best fit for you with in this price range.
4. 1HP Under-Desk Walking Treadmill
This final low budget treadmill offers a rather large 41'' x 17'' walking/running area.
This machine includes most standard features like LED lights and handrails.
There are wheels so the treadmill can be moved around as needed, and the folding allows for easy storage.
- 0.6-6.25MPH -- Dskeuzeew under desk treadmill provides a speed of 1 - 6.25MPH, which is adequate for most trainees. The right home treadmill can help you integrate fitness into your daily life, and enjoy exercise in the comfort of your home regardless of the weather.
- NO INSTALLATION -- No need to install, just take this walking pad out and use it. The dimension of the electric treadmill is 47 x 20 x 5.5 inches. With transport wheels, you can easily move and store it under a sofa, bed, or behind a door, which greatly frees up some floor space.
- FITNESS TRACKING DISPLAY -- Dskeuzeew Portable Treadmill is designed with a LCD display to show speed, distance, time, and calories burned, allowing you to visualize your exercise and maintain motivation. You can control the speed or stop the treadmill by pressing the remote control.
- PROTECT YOUR KNEES -- 5 layer anti-slip belt of this desk treadmill is designed to absorb the force of your step, to protect your joints and ligaments from damage.
- NO WORRY TO PURCHASE -- Lifetime frame, 1-year motor and parts warranty as standard; easy to contact Dskeuzeew after-sales service team if you need any assistance. NOTE: The carpet will affect the heat dissipation of the treadmill, please do not put the running machine on the carpet/mat.
It’s comfortable and capable to hold up to 220 lbs. without damage.
There are no cup holders which is a bit of a negative but overall it's a good price for a solid machine.
5. Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill
Meet the Dskeuzeew under desk treadmill – a fitness companion that's got your daily workout covered! It offers a speed range from 0.6 to 6.25MPH, perfect for most exercise routines. Imagine having the power to infuse fitness seamlessly into your daily routine, rain or shine, all from the comfort of your own home.
The best part? No installation headaches. Just unpack the walking pad, and you're ready to roll. It's compact, measuring 47 x 20 x 5.5 inches, and it's equipped with transport wheels. This means you can effortlessly stash it under your sofa, bed, or even behind a door. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to more room to move.
Get ready to track your progress like a pro with the built-in LCD display. It'll show you your speed, distance, time, and calories burned, keeping you in the loop and motivated. And you're in charge – control the speed or hit the brakes using the convenient remote control.
Let's talk comfort and safety. The treadmill's 5-layer anti-slip belt is designed to cushion your every step, taking care of your joints and ligaments as you stride.
Worried about post-purchase blues? Don't be! Dskeuzeew's got your back with a lifetime frame warranty, along with a 1-year motor and parts warranty. Their friendly after-sales service team is there to assist you every step of the way.
Keep in mind, though, that placing the treadmill on a carpet/mat might affect its heat dissipation. So, choose your spot wisely.
- 0.6-6.25MPH -- Dskeuzeew under desk treadmill provides a speed of 1 - 6.25MPH, which is adequate for most trainees. The right home treadmill can help you integrate fitness into your daily life, and enjoy exercise in the comfort of your home regardless of the weather.
- NO INSTALLATION -- No need to install, just take this walking pad out and use it. The dimension of the electric treadmill is 47 x 20 x 5.5 inches. With transport wheels, you can easily move and store it under a sofa, bed, or behind a door, which greatly frees up some floor space.
- FITNESS TRACKING DISPLAY -- Dskeuzeew Portable Treadmill is designed with a LCD display to show speed, distance, time, and calories burned, allowing you to visualize your exercise and maintain motivation. You can control the speed or stop the treadmill by pressing the remote control.
- PROTECT YOUR KNEES -- 5 layer anti-slip belt of this desk treadmill is designed to absorb the force of your step, to protect your joints and ligaments from damage.
- NO WORRY TO PURCHASE -- Lifetime frame, 1-year motor and parts warranty as standard; easy to contact Dskeuzeew after-sales service team if you need any assistance. NOTE: The carpet will affect the heat dissipation of the treadmill, please do not put the running machine on the carpet/mat.
Conclusion: Best Treadmills under $200
When seeking a treadmill under $200, I've found that there are a couple of different options.
Runners can choose between a manual or electric machine and can choose either an extremely simple option or one that has a few added comforts like padded handles, cup holders, and even a motor.
If you are looking for ones that have a little more to them or have a motor, these are the best ones under $400 and under $500 on the market
Treadmill History Lesson:
It's important when talking about treadmills to share the history of them so that when you are comparing them you have a foundational knowledge of how they got to the point we are right now and what makes them different.
Treadmills have a strange and complex history.
Their original purpose wasn’t actually as exercise machines, but as methods to utilize human energy and punish individuals by making them walk for hours on end for the benefit of someone else.
It all started in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which were exceptionally difficult times to be alive.
According to Mental Floss, an engineer named Sir William Cubit developed the original design for the treadmill, calling it a treadwheel.
This wheel would crush grain to make flour or push water, which could be harnessed for energy.
The tread wheel became popular and quickly spread to the prisons of the United States.
The prisoners suffered frequent injuries from their poor diets and constant exercise – imagine a starving individual being forced to use a stair climber for 8-10 hours a day!
Eventually, though, the wheel faded out of use by the end of the 19th century, when it was deemed too cruel to be used.
But the story of the treadmill did not end there. In the 1960s, Medibank mentions that a physician started to study the tread wheel and developed the prototype of the first treadmill, designed to improve aerobic health.
He made a model, slapped a patent on it, and the first treadmill for exercise was born.
Nowadays, treadmills are consistent features in gyms.
They are, in essence, a moving belt that athletes can run and walk on to simulate normal aerobic exercises without having to move anywhere. Most individuals use them to run inside when the weather outside is too poor.
What Are the Benefits of a Treadmill?
Considering their popularity, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that treadmills possess a lot of benefits for the average runner. In general, they can improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, stamina, and the runner’s ability to withstand the force of an impact with the ground.
Spine Health mentions they can also improve spinal health and help an athlete build muscle without the need for outdoor exercise. We also share all of the benefits here.
However, runners should be careful.
Sometimes, the impact of the treadmill can be too much and the athlete can damage their shins and knees.
It’s also possible to hurt the muscles in the back when running with bad form, so it’s important that treadmill users make sure they sprinkle in stretching, outdoor running, and other exercises to stay in shape.
Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Jeremy.
I have run over 250 races including the California International Marathon, Clarksburg Country Run, and various other 5K & 10K races throughout the United States. I am a former Athletics department employee at University of the Pacific and Shoe Consultant with Dicks Sporting Goods
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Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API