For whatever reason, $1000 seems to be that sweet spot for good quality treadmills. Don’t get me wrong, you can still find some amazing deals, especially with walking pads. However, If you’re looking for a high quality treadmill, 1,000 can get you a great deal.
What Makes a Good Quality Treadmill?
Before diving into our list of top picks, let’s explore the essential features and qualities that define a good quality treadmill. When investing in exercise equipment, you want to ensure you’re getting the most value for your money. Here’s what to look for:
- Motor Power: The motor is the heart of a treadmill. Look for a treadmill with a continuous-duty horsepower (CHP) motor of at least 2.0 HP. This ensures smooth and consistent performance.
- Running Surface: The treadmill’s running belt should be wide and long enough to accommodate your stride comfortably. A belt that’s at least 20 inches wide and 55 inches long is a good starting point.
- Incline Options: A good treadmill should offer variable incline levels to simulate uphill running, providing more workout intensity and variety.
- Speed Range: Make sure the treadmill’s speed range is suitable for your fitness goals. A range of 0-10 mph is adequate for most users, but serious runners may want speeds up to 12 mph or higher.
- Cushioning: Quality cushioning is crucial to reduce the impact on your joints. Look for adjustable or well-designed cushioning systems.
- Console Features: A user-friendly console with clear displays, built-in workout programs, and compatibility with fitness apps can make your workouts more enjoyable.
- Durability and Build Quality: Treadmills should be sturdy and well-constructed to withstand regular use. Check the weight capacity and overall build quality.
- Folding Design: If space is a concern, opt for a treadmill with a folding mechanism for easy storage.
Best Treadmills for Around $1000
At a Glance
- Weight Capacity: 265lb
- Top Speed: 10 miles per hour
- Maximum Incline: 15 levels of automatic recline
- Dimensions: 32″D x 69″W x 56″H
Best Features
- Versatile Speed and Incline: The Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill offers a top speed of 10 mph and an impressive 15 levels of automatic recline, making it suitable for users with various fitness goals.
- Performance Monitor: With 15 pre-installed workouts and the ability to create three custom user workout entries, this treadmill provides a diverse range of workout options. The built-in BMI calculator and onboard stats tracking your time, speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned make it easy to monitor your fitness progress.
- USB/Bluetooth Connectivity: Stay connected and entertained during your workouts by placing your phone or tablet on the device holder. Additionally, you can charge your personal devices using the built-in USB port and stream music from your devices to the built-in speakers via Bluetooth.
- Spacious Running Belt: The treadmill features a wide and secure running belt measuring 19 inches by 52 inches, providing ample room for a comfortable workout without the worry of drifting off the sides.
- Handrail Controls: The built-in handrail buttons offer quick and safe adjustments to speed and incline during your workout, ensuring stability and control.
At a Glance
- Weight Capacity: 300 Lbs
- Top Speed: 10 miles per hour
- Maximum Incline: 10%
- Dimensions: 70″D x 34″W x 55″H
Best Features
- Best-Selling and Most-Reliable: The Horizon Fitness treadmill is known for its simplicity and durability. It’s a popular choice for those starting their fitness journey or preparing for a special event. Setting it up is a breeze, taking just 30 minutes.
- Compact and Foldable Design: This treadmill easily fits into your workout routine and living space with its one-step hydraulic folding system. When assembled, it measures 70″ x 34″ x 55″.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Enjoy your favorite media with crisp stereo sound through the integrated speakers by syncing your phone or device. The built-in device holder keeps your screen accessible for entertainment or classes. It also comes with a rapid-charge USB port to keep your devices powered.
- Responsive and Comfortable Deck: The treadmill features a 20 x 55-inch deck with responsive, 3-zone cushioning. This provides the ideal blend of flexibility and support, reducing fatigue and increasing comfort for runners, joggers, and walkers.
- Durable Motor: Powered by a Johnson Drive System, the Horizon Fitness T101 maintains perfect rhythm thanks to an innovative system that recalibrates with each footfall, ensuring a smooth and consistent performance without lags or surges.
- Ultra-Quiet Operation: Horizon’s sturdy frame and components include an ultra-quiet motor that runs at lower RPMs. This not only keeps the motor cooler but also extends its longevity for consistent performance.
- Extra Features: The treadmill offers a range of convenient extras, including an audio in/out jack, Bluetooth speakers, an energy saver mode, a fan, a tablet rack, a water bottle holder, and heart rate contact grips.
At a Glance
- Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
- Top Speed: 10 miles per hour
- Maximum Incline: 10%
- Dimensions: 69.1″D x 35.6″W x 56.7″H
Best Features
- Global Route Exploration: One standout feature of this treadmill is its ability to explore destinations around the world. It offers over 50 global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed, but do note that you’ll need to subscribe to the Explore the World service for access.
- Advanced LCD Display: The blue backlit LCD display provides an array of information, including 16 workout programs and the capacity for 2 user profiles. It’s a comprehensive tool for tracking your workouts.
- Motorized Incline: With a 10 percent motorized incline, this treadmill allows you to add some uphill intensity to your workouts.
- Comfortable Running Path: The 20-inch by 55-inch running path, combined with the SoftTrak Cushioning System, ensures a smooth and comfortable running experience.
- Impressive Speed Range: You can push your limits with a top speed of 10 miles per hour, catering to both runners and walkers.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The integrated heart rate contact grips enable you to keep track of your heart rate during your workouts.
- SoftDrop Folding Technology: When it comes to storage, the SoftDrop folding technology is a user-friendly feature. It provides a gentle descent and rolls away effortlessly, making it easy to store the treadmill.
- Convenient Charging: For added convenience, there’s a charging USB port, allowing you to keep your phones, tablets, or music players fully charged while you work out.
- Warranty: The treadmill comes with a warranty that includes 10 years for the motor and frame, 1 year for mechanical and electrical components, and 1 year for labor.
At a Glance
- Weight Capacity: Not specified
- Top Speed: 12 miles per hour
- Maximum Incline: Not specified
- Dimensions: 77.2″D x 35.5″W x 56.1″H
Best Features
- Powerful Motor: The XTERRA treadmill is equipped with a robust 3.0 HP motor, providing smooth and powerful performance. The 110V Cord/Outlet Power Source ensures you have ample power to run your workouts effectively.
- Reader-Friendly LCD Display: The 6.5-inch bright blue backlit LCD display is user-friendly and clearly shows program profiles, time, speed, pace, distance, calories, incline, and pulse. This makes tracking your progress easy and convenient.
- Diverse Workout Programs: This treadmill offers a variety of motivating programs, including 30 pre-set workouts, 2 custom programs, 1 heart rate control program, and manual options. Whether you prefer structured routines or more control, there’s an option for you.
- Convenient Speed and Incline Controls: The handlebar-mounted speed and incline controls put you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to make quick adjustments without interrupting your workout flow.
- Built-In Bluetooth Connectivity: The treadmill’s built-in Bluetooth connectivity opens the door to a world of possibilities. It connects to FTMS (Fitness Machine Service) 4.0-enabled third-party apps like Zwift, Kinomap, Tacx, and more, enhancing your workout experience and offering engaging training options.
At a Glance
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Top Speed: 11.2 miles per hour
- Maximum Incline: 15% (8.5°)
- Dimensions: 31.1″D x 69.7″W x 64.4″H
Best Features
- Easy Assembly & 24/7 Service: Assembling the OMA treadmill is a breeze, requiring just two people and three simple steps. What’s more, their customer service team works around the clock, providing lifetime assistance, ensuring high-quality and reliable performance.
- Impressive Weight Capacity: The treadmill boasts a substantial weight capacity of 300 lbs, thanks to six built-in shock-absorbing cushions in the large HDF running deck and two thick cushions under the 55” x 20” running surface. This makes it suitable for every family member.
- Convenient and Versatile Console: The treadmill features quick buttons for adjusting speed and incline, two tablet holders, two item baskets, and two Bluetooth speakers, offering a comfortable and enjoyable running experience. The spacious 27″ between the armrests provides added comfort.
- Quiet Motor & 15% Incline: Equipped with a 3.0 HP Permanent Magnet Direct Current Motor, the treadmill supports speeds up to 11.2 miles per hour. Combined with a 15% incline, it’s versatile enough to meet diverse workout needs while operating quietly, efficiently, and reliably.
- Variety of Programs: The OMA treadmill offers three modes, including 43 programs. These comprise one heart rate-controlled program in the AnyRun app, three countdown programs (time, distance, and calories), and 36 preset and three custom interval programs, simulating different terrains.
- Real Training Videos Worldwide: OMA has partnered with Zwift, Kinomap, and AnyRun to make your treadmill smart. You can engage in structured workouts with individuals from around the world. Simply connect your treadmill via Bluetooth and experience global running.
- Safe Unfolding and Easy Moving: The treadmill’s strong hydraulic cylinder and quick knob allow for safe lifting or lowering of the running deck with just one hand. This not only saves 40% of space but also makes moving the treadmill a breeze with the two transport wheels, requiring just one person.
If you’re on the fence about what to spend on a good treadmill, $1000 seems to be a good starting point. You can’t go wrong with any of the treadmills on this list!