Treadmill Price Guide

How much to spend for the features you need

Treadmills come in all styles, from the most basic machine to the most complicated.  Deciding what type of treadmill to buy can be a tricky process.  Let our price guide point you in the right direction.

Basic treadmills

On the low-priced end of the spectrum, you'll find the most basic treadmills.  The most basic model you can buy is a manual treadmill.  As the name suggests, these do not operate on a motor- they are powered solely by your movement.  The downside is that you cannot change the resistance- if you want a harder workout, you simply have to walk faster.  The upside, aside from the price, is the fact that there is no motor to break down!

If you want a motorized treadmill but don't want to spend much, chances are you'll be getting one with a minimum of user controls and computers.  This is just fine.  Your treadmill doesn't necessarily need an onboard computer to monitor your heart rate or calories burned.  Just use a stopwatch and paper and do the math yourself if you're interested.

If you're buying a low-cost treadmill, do pay attention to a few important things:

Check the motor. A cheap motorized treadmill might be noisy.  It might have a jerky movement.  Certainly not all budget treadmills have this problem, but it's a possibility, and it's worth giving the machine a trial run.

Check the computer. If your treadmill has an on-board computer, make sure it works like it's supposed to!  Fancy graphics aren't necessary, but functionality is a must.

Check the warranty. Just in case, make sure your treadmill is covered through a certain amount of time- some companies offer lifetime warranties, but the warranty doesn't necessarily cover the computer or controls.  Read the fine print before you purchase.

The key point is making sure you get a machine that functions well and serves your needs.  If you don't need bells and whistles on your treadmill, why pay for them?

Deluxe treadmills

For those who are prepared to spend big bucks and want a very high quality machine, there are definitely treadmills available that will satisfy your every need.  From extra-soft cushioning to hydraulic folding to on-board computers that monitor every change of pace, these more expensive models are for the true devotees. 

If you're in the market for a deluxe treadmill, there are a couple of points to keep in mind.  Consider these things carefully to make sure you're investing your money in the right machine.

Test it out. With a purchase of this size, by all means give it a trial run.  Test the treadmill for sound and smoothness.  A high quality treadmill should make an almost imperceptible swooshing sound, and should have no jerkiness.

Ask for help- or get a manual.   An expensive treadmill will most likely have a complex computer system and control panel.  While it's great to have all of these features, they're useless if you don't know how they work.  Ask for an in-store explanation of the system.  Even better, read the user's manual carefully.  And don't be afraid to call the manufacturer if it doesn't seem to be working right or you can't figure it out.

Think twice before buying a hybrid. Some high-end treadmills are designed to function as other types of machines, like elliptical machines or crosstrainers.  While these are great for those who like to vary their exercise, think seriously about whether it's really something you need.  No matter what the manufacturer says, a treadmill that is also meant to do something else will not perform as efficiently as two separate machines would.

No matter what your budget, the most important thing to keep in mind when treadmill shopping is what features you need.  If the treadmill you need outweighs the money you have to spend, consider purchasing used or refurbished to get a higher quality machine for a lower price.  It's important to be satisfied with your treadmill- it's a big investment for your fitness future.

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