Best Buy Treadmills
The 4 top-rated treadmill buys for all budget ranges
With hundreds of different treadmill models currently on sale it is tough to find what units give the best overall value. And, when you are on the market for a new treadmill, you not only want to highest quality machine but you also want the absolute best price.
We have put together a list of the top rated treadmills in each category below. These treadmills set the bar for top rated treadmill value at a fantastic price. The treadmill reviews were based on the following criteria:
- Cost
- Features
- Quality of Construction
- Expert Ratings
- Customer Reviews
- Stability
- Overall Value For Your Dollar
Our picks have come down to the 4 top rated treadmills in the following areas: Best Budget Treadmill (Under $500), Best Treadmill Under $1000, Best Mid-Range Treadmill (Under $1500) and Best High End Treadmill (over $2000). These treadmills are the best of the best.
Best Buy Budget Treadmill (Under $500)
Merit 720t Treadmill
$499.99
Why It Ranked Best
- AeroSoft Plus™ cushioning system: The best impact reduction system in a budget treadmill. The AeroSoft Plus cushioning gives the Merit T720t shock absorption on par with treadmills priced at $1000 or more.
- Heavy Duty Frame: The 720T’s frame is backed by a lifetime warranty and supports users up to 250 pounds, well beyond anything else you’ll find in a sub-$500 treadmill. The frame also folds for easy storage.
- 2.25 Treadmill Duty Motor: This large motor gives the Merit 702T great power at all speeds, giving even heavy walkers a consistant, smooth motion to the belt without the hiccups or burps often found in other budget treadmills. The 720t motor is backed by a two-year warranty.
Our Two Cents: Highly Recommended!
The Merit 720t is the best value treadmill you can find priced at under $500. Now a year old, the design has been further refined and the Merit 720t is one of the finest treadmills produced by Johnson Health and Fitness, one of the world’s largest fitness manufacturers. They know treadmills and are one of the few companies able to produce high quality at a low price.
Now, this unit isn’t recommended for serious trainer or hardcore running, but when you compare it to other treadmills in the same price range, the Merit 720t gives you a lot more for your money.
We’ve found the absolute lowest price for you online. Click here to purchase the Merit 720t at a rock bottom price.
Best Buy Treadmill Under $1000
Bodycraft TR1120 Treadmill
$789.00
Why It Ranked Best
- SmartTrack Running System: with 8 Kinetic Energy Dampers for maximum comfort. The 8 kinetic energy dampers help to give one of the most cushioned workouts around.
- Body Fat Percentage Analyzer: Bodycraft has gone out of its way to provide as much information as possible in helping you to achieve your fitness goals, including its all-new body fat percentage analyzer software.
- Silent Linear Drive Incline Motor: This heavy duty motor provides up to a 10% incline at 1000 pounds of thrust.
- Heavy Duty Steel Frame: Bodycraft is known for producing the most duraby gym equipment on the market and they have brought that expertise to their treadmill frames. These welded steel frames are back by Bodycraft’s lifetime warranty.
Our Two Cents: Highly Recommended!
Bodycraft builds the heaviest duty, most stable treadmills out today. When you get on the Bodycraft TR1120 and take it for a run, you don’t feel like you’re on a treadmill priced at under $1000. No shakes, no wobbles, no thin plastic feeling. The Bodycraft TR1120 wins as best buy treadmill for under $1000 with ease.
Walkers, joggers and runners will all feel at home on the TR1120.
Best Buy Mid-Range Treadmill (Under $1500)
Sole F80 Treadmill
$1479
Why It Ranked Best:
- 3.0 horsepower high torque motor: Newly upgraded this year, the Sole F80 now features a powerful 3hp motor that runs cool at low RPMs and is built to withstand the strain of even the heaviest duty of workouts.
- Cushion Flex System: Developed back in 1992 and recognized in the industry as the best on the market, Sole’s CFS shock absorption system has been shown to price a 365% lower impact than walking or running on concrete or asphalt.
- Whisper Deck: Sole’s patented silent drive system offers the lowest decibal rating currently available. This gives you a quieter workout. And, better yet, the deck now comes with a lifetime warranty.
Our Two Cents: Highly Recommended!
If you want a commercial quality folding treadmill for a home treadmill price, then the Sole F80 is the best value treadmill for under $1500. Nothing else is even in the same ball park. We’ve found the best price for the Sole F80 at Amazon.com
Best Buy High End Treadmill (Over $2000)
Smooth 9.25x Treadmill
$2499
Why It Ranked Best
- 3.5 HP Motor: One of the most powerful motors at this or any price range. Plus, Smooth’s Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) circuit board allows for near silent operation - a feature normally only found in commercial treadmills.
- Lifetime Warranty: The Smooth 9.25X comes with a lifetime warranty on parts, frame and motor. This is the best warranty in the entire fitness industry.
- Heavy Duty Engineering: A 400 pound weight capacity, on par with commercial treadmills, makes the most sturdy home treadmill on the market. The Smooth 9.25x is great for runners or hardcore, heavy duty users.
- 20″ x 62″ Belt: The absolute longest best you’ll find on the home market and one comparable to what you’d find on a commercial gym treadmill. More room allows runners of all sizes the ability to pick up their pace without feeling confined or like they’re going to fall off. Lots of room to workout.
- 4-Ply Whisper Weave Belt: Speaking of the belt, most home treadmills offer only a 2-ply belt. The Smooth 9.25x takes a cue from commercial treadmills and comes with a 4-ply belt. The extra thickness helps with cushioning as well as extending the life of your treadmill.
- Built In Sound System: While not a necessary feature, the 9.25x has a top quality sound system built in that allows you to listen to music or watch your favorite show as you run.
Our Two Cents: Highly Recommended!
If you are in the market for a club quality treadmill with commercial level components and some luxury add-ons, then the Smooth 9.25x is the perfect choice for you. It gives you the deluxed sound system, giant motor, lifetime warranty, large running area and commercial quality frame…all for a price that cannot be beat.
The Smooth 9.25x regularly sells for $3499 or more, but if you purchase direct from the manufacturer you can get one for around $2499. Click here for more information or to purchase the Smooth 9.25x treadmill for the lowest price online.