There are a ton of home treadmills to choose from these days and they come in all shapes and sizes. Well, generally speaking, they’re all more or less the same shape, but you know what I’m trying to say.
And the prices on these treadmills vary greatly- you can get a very basic walking machine for a couple hundred bucks (not that I’d say that’s recommended) or drop 5-figures on a state-of-the-art, commercial model.
Luckily, you don’t have to choose one extreme or the other.
These days, a budget of $2000 gets you a lot when it comes to treadmills. I would even argue that this price range is where you see the best deals- the best ratio of features to price, if you will.
And honestly, even though you can easily spend a lot more than this, most folks can get all the treadmill they really need for $2000 or less.
In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best treadmills for $2000 (or less).
I’ll also provide some background info regarding the most important performance specs and features you should consider when comparing treadmills, as well as what to expect from models in this price range in general.
| Running Surface | Motor | Weight Capacity | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon 7.8 AT | 22" x 60" | 4.0 HP | 375 lb | Lifetime frame Lifetime motor 5 year parts 1 year labor |
| Spirit XT385 | 22" x 60" | 3.5 HP | 375 lb | Lifetime frame Lifetime motor Lifetime deck 10 year parts 1 year labor |
| Sole F85 | 22" x 60" | 4.0 HP | 400 lb | Lifetime frame Lifetime motor Lifetime deck 5 year parts 2 year labor |
| NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | 22" x 60" | 3.75 HP | 300 lb | 10 year frame 2 year parts 1 year labor |
| Bowflex Treadmill 10 | 22" x 60" | 4.0 HP | 400 lb | 15 year frame 15 year motor 5 year parts 1 year electronics 2 year labor |
| Spirit XT285 | 22" x 60" | 3.0 HP | 350 lb | Lifetime frame Lifetime motor Lifetime deck 10 year parts 1 year labor |
| Sole F80 | 22" x 60" | 3.5 HP | 375 lb | Lifetime frame Lifetime motor Lifetime deck 5 year parts 2 year labor |
The 7 Best Treadmills For Under $2000
#1 Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
It’s hard to pick a clear cut winner between the first 3 models on this list. There’s no wrong answer because they’re all top of the line treadmills with very similar specs.
It all boils down to personal preference and the fine details.
And I’ll admit, I’m giving Horizon’s 7.8 AT a little preferential treatment here because I have it in my home as we speak and can attest to how awesome it is.
Favoritism aside, I feel like this treadmill has made a real name for itself over the last year or so- it seems to be popping up on everyone’s “best of” lists.
It’s easy to see why.
From a performance standpoint, the 7.8 AT can easily hang with any treadmill in this price range. With its 4.0 CHP motor and 22″ x 60″ running surface, this treadmill is large enough and strong to provide comfortable workouts.
The frame is very heavy-duty (it took 3 of us to get it in my house)- with an assembled weight of 330 lb and a max weight limit of 375 lb it’s tough enough to hold smaller and larger folks alike.
And of course it’s backed by a great warranty: lifetime frame/motor, 5 year parts, 1 year labor.
But it’s the dial-controls that really do it for me.
Using the dials to control the speed and incline make it so easy to adjust during workouts that I think I’ve been ruined for buttons for good.
The console is pretty sophisticated other than the dial controls too. Features include a large color display, bluetooth, an included chest strap, and plenty of workouts to choose from, to name a few.
If you’re looking for a powerful, easy-to-use machine, Horizon’s 7.8 AT Treadmill is a great choice. And I’m tellin’ ya, those dial controls are a game-changer. See full review.
#2 Spirit XT385
If you’re looking for a no BS treadmill that’s easy to use and built to last, Spirit’s XT385 might be exactly what you’re looking for.
The specs on this model are just a little less impressive than those found on the 7.8 AT above and the console isn’t nearly as sophisticated, but this machine still has what it takes to get the job done and then some.
And when it comes to the warranty, there’s no beating it.
The XT385 comes with a 22″ x 60″ running surface and a 3.5 HP motor that can reach a top speed of 12 mph and a top incline of 15%.
It also comes with large, 2.5″ rollers for added durability and comfort during operation.
This treadmill is also pretty darn heavy-duty, weighing in at 283 lb and has a weight capacity of 375 lb, allowing it to accommodate pretty much all folks safely.
The console looks a bit dated, but it still comes with 10 built-in workout programs, bluetooth, and an included heart rate strap. If you’re looking for a simple to use console, you’ll appreciate how straightforward the XT385 is to operate.
When it comes to the warranty, Spirit really shines. The XT385 comes with one of the best warranties you’ll ever see on a treadmill in this price range or any: lifetime frame/motor/deck, 10 year parts, and 1 year labor.
That 10 year parts guarantee is literally 2x as long as what pretty much everybody else is offering, so if strong warranties are important to ya, here ya go.
Overall, Spirit is an awesome brand and their XT385 is a great example of how well-built a treadmill in this price range can be. See full review.
P.S.- the full retail price of this model is a little over $2000, but you can get it on sale at Fitness Factory.
#3 Sole F85
It’s not easy for me to have a Sole product in the 3rd spot because they happen to be one of my favorite brands- and you’ll usually find their products at the top spot on my guides.
And it would be easy enough to argue that the F85 should be on the top of this list.
But with the convenient dial controls on the 7.8 AT and the ridiculous warranty on the XT385, number 3 it is for now.
But like I said earlier, there are no wrong answers between the 3 treadmills at the top of this list- it all depends on what you’re looking for and which specs you’re weighting the highest.
Sole’s F85 is no stranger to the limelight- this beast of a treadmill has a guaranteed spot on pretty much every blogger’s “best treadmill list” regardless of price range.
And that’s because this machine has a great combination of performance specs and warranty.
Like all the other models listed so far, the F85 comes with a large, 22″ x 60″ running surface that’s big enough for even the tallest runners to stretch out.
It’s also packing a powerful, 4.0 CHP motor and large front/rear rollers (2.75″/2.36″) to ensure a smooth workout experience.
The frame is also impressive, weighing in at just over 300 lb, it can safely hold folks up to 400 lb.
Sole’s consoles aren’t usually the most advanced things in the world, but Sole has recently upgraded the F85’s by giving it a 10″ touchscreen panel that comes with built-in apps like Netflix and YouTube.
It also comes with bluetooth, USB charging, and plenty of workout options to choose from (including 6 standard programs 12 custom programs, and several fitness tests).
And Sole’s warranties are excellent too: lifetime frame/deck/motor, 5 year parts, 2 year labor.
Overall, if you’re looking for a great combination of performance and tech, Sole’s F85 is a smart option. See full review.
#4 NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack name needs no introduction- they’ve been one of the top names in home fitness for decades now and their still going as strong as ever.
They offer several treadmill to choose from, all of which are priced in that moderate range, but the Commercial 1750 has the most to offer for under $2000.
The 1750 comes with a 3.75 CHP motor that can reach a top speed of 12 mph and a top incline of 15% -that’s pretty standard stuff and very similar to every treadmill we’ve seen thus far.
But this treadmill can also decline to -3%, giving you the option of training downhill.
This could be a handy feature for people training for a road race or who just want extra variety in their training.
The 1750 also comes with a 22″ x 60″ running surface, 2.5″ rollers, and a comfortable shock absorbing system. The weight limit is only 300 lb though, making this model the least heavy-duty of the bunch so far.
The warranty isn’t quite as generous either: 10 year frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor.
But what really sets this treadmill (and NordicTrack in general) apart from most, is the tech in their consoles.
The Commercial 1750 comes with a large, touchscreen HD display that’s designed to be used with their subscription streaming service, iFit.
Using iFit is optional, but if you do, you get access to unlimited instructor-led workouts and all that. If you don’t want to pay the monthly fee, no worries- this treadmill comes packed with like 50 built-in workouts.
Other cool features include bluetooth, USB charging, and quick touch speed/incline buttons.
Overall, if you’re interested in joining the world of streaming home workouts, or are just looking for a technologically advanced treadmill with tons of workout options, NordicTrack’s Commercial 1750 is a great option. See full review.
#5 Bowflex Treadmill 10
Bowflex is another powerhouse in the home fitness game. Even though they hit the scene with their progressive Bowflex gyms, their cardio machines have earned a stellar reputation in their own rights.
Bowflex machines tend to be heavy-duty and powerful, and their new Treadmill 10 fits their mold nicely.
This is another technologically advanced treadmill, coming with a 10″ HD touchscreen display that’s designed to pair with Bowflex’s streaming app, JRNY.
But you can also use the touchscreen to access a bunch of entertainment apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, making this a smart option for folks who get bored easily during their workouts.
Tech aside, the Treadmill 10 has plenty else to be proud of.
This treadmill comes with a 22″ x 60″ running surface, a 4.0 CHP motor, and a max weight capacity of 400 lb (the Treadmill 10 weighs an impressive 323 lb assembled).
And like the 1750, this treadmill can also decline, but even further to a max of -5%.
Other interesting features include USB charging, bluetooth, and easy to access speed/incline buttons on the handrails.
It also comes with a pretty impressive warranty: 15 year frame/motor, 5 year parts, 1 year electronics, 2 year labor.
Overall, if you’re looking for more entertainment options from your treadmill, Bowflex’s Treadmill 10 is worth checking out- definitely one of the most advanced consoles in this price range. See full review.
#6 Spirit XT285
Yup, another Spirit made the list. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a 10 year parts warranty.
The XT285 is just a slightly smaller-duty version of the impressive XT385 mentioned earlier. It’s also a couple hundred bucks cheaper, so if you like the XT385 but it’s a little outside of your budget, this could be a nice alternative.
This treadmill comes with a 3.0 HP motor, making it one of the weaker options on this list, but it can still comfortably reach a top speed of 12 mph.
It does come with a spacious 22″ x 60″ running surface and 2.5″ rollers for a smoother feel during workouts.
With an assembled weight of 249 lb, the XT285 is about 40 lb lighter than the XT385, but it still comes with an impressive weight capacity of 350 lb.
The console on this model is also pretty basic, but it comes with 8 standard workout programs to choose from, bluetooth capabilities, and an included chest strap heart rate monitor.
And as I hinted at, the XT285 comes with the same amazing warranty as the XT385: lifetime frame/motor/deck, 10 year parts, and 1 year labor.
If you’re looking for an easy to use treadmill that’s built to last, Spirit’s XT285 is a great choice (it’s also one of the most affordable models on this list). See full review.
#7 Sole F80
Rounding out my list is another treadmill from one of my favorite brands. Sole has several treadmills to choose from, with subtle differences between the specs and asking prices.
The F80 is a lighter-duty version of their F85 that I discussed up above and costs a few hundred bucks less.
So, if you’re a Sole person but don’t quite have the budget for the F85, this model could be a nice fit.
The F80 comes with a 22″ x 60″ running surface, a 3.5 HP motor, and 2.5″ rollers- all of which are impressive for the price. And at 278 lb, this is still what I’d consider a heavy-duty machine.
Especially considering it has a weight capacity of 375 lb.
The performance specs are pretty much what you’d expect from a Sole treadmill, as is the fairly simple console.
You don’t get any fancy screens with built-in entertainment apps here, but you do get a 9″ display which is easy to read during your workouts.
Additional features include bluetooth, USB charging, and an included chest strap heart rate monitor.
And of course the F80 is backed by their famous warranty: lifetime frame/deck/motor, 5 year parts, 2 year labor.
As the most affordable treadmill on this list, the Sole F80 is still a powerhouse with a lot to offer in terms of performance. See full review.
What To Expect From A $2000 Treadmill
Considering the large price range that home treadmills fall in, I consider a $2000 model to be moderately priced. I would even go as far as saying treadmills up to $3000 are still moderately priced, considering how expensive they can be.
But for the average user, the difference you see going from a $2000 to a $3000 treadmill probably isn’t big enough to justify the extra cost.
(Unless of course you have the extra cash and are looking for a better model, and in that case, by all means).
With a $2000 budget, you’re going to be able to get yourself a great treadmill. Treadmills in this price range come with spacious running surfaces, strong motors, heavy-duty frames, and a wide range of features to choose from.
They should also be backed by generous warranties, giving you a little more peace of mind about making this size of an investment.
When comparing treadmills in this price range, I suggest you focus on the following:
Running Surface
The running surface is always the first spec I look at when checking out a new treadmill. This spec is just a measurement of how large the belt is, but it tells you a lot about the treadmill.
It’s also one of the key areas where cheaper and more expensive treadmills often vary.
Cheaper treadmills tend to come with smaller running surfaces, while more expensive models tend to come with larger ones.
This rule certainly isn’t written in stone, but a really small running surface is a tell-tale sign of a low quality treadmill.
Treadmills in the $2000 price range should come with large running surfaces- and by “large”, we’re talking at least 20″ x 60″ (width x length, measured in inches).
Many will come with measurements of 22″ x 60″ with some even going as large as 22″ x 62″ (although it’s more rare to see the length longer than 60″).
And unless you’re well over 6′ tall, you shouldn’t need a running surface longer than 60″ anyway.
When it comes to treadmills and running surfaces, larger is always better- more room makes for a more comfortable workout experience, regardless of how tall you are.
Motor
When it comes to the motor, stronger is usually better. And luckily, you’ll see some powerful motors when looking at treadmills in this price range.
Most home treadmills in this price range will be packing 3.0 – 4.0 HP motors, which is at the top of the expected range for treadmills in general.
These motors are capable of reaching speeds of up to 12 mph and should be able to do so smoothly and quietly.
In this price range, you’ll be working with DC motors, which is what most home treadmills come with.
DC motors work well for home use because they can handle the needs of most single users and they do so affordably.
You might see AC motors in commercial grade treadmills and some higher-end residential models, but you won’t see any in this price range.
AC motors can run for longer periods without over heating, making them better equipped for homes and settings with multiple users, where the treadmill could be running for hours a day.
Luckily, most folks will get by just fine with a powerful DC motor like the ones found on the best treadmills in this price range.
Frame
Treadmills in this price range should come with heavy-duty frames that are stable to run or walk on and they should come with high weight capacities.
A $2000 treadmill shouldn’t feel wobbly or like it’s going to fall apart under your feet.
A good way to get an idea as to how heavy-duty a treadmill is without taking for a test run is to look at its machine weight and its weight limit- higher is better in both cases in my book.
In this price range, I want a treadmill to weigh 300 lb or so assembled.
Yes, this makes it a little harder to move and assemble, but it ensures it’s going to be stable during your workouts.
When it comes to weight limits, you should expect treadmills in this price range to be able to handle 300 – 400 lb safely.
Features
Treadmill features can vary a lot in this price range. Some brands focus more on the performance specs and only come with a simple LCD console, while others come with higher-tech touchscreen displays.
Workout streaming is all the craze now and you’ll be able to find treadmills that offer this in this price range (just keep in mind you’ll have to pay the monthly fees).
Ultimately, when it comes to the included features, it depends on personal preference, but the following can be found on most treadmills in the $2000 price range:
- Built-in workout programs (amount can vary greatly)
- Bluetooth- connections with fitness apps
- Wireless heart rate monitoring
- USB charging
- Quick-touch incline/speed controls
- Speakers (bluetooth or old school audio jack)
Personally, I would focus on the performance specs first and foremost, and then see which features the treadmill comes with- and then go with the one that checks as many of my preferences off as possible.
Warranty
Last, but definitely not least, is the treadmill’s warranty. I probably should’ve listed this spec higher up because I rank it right up there with running surface and motor strength as one of the most important things to consider for a treadmill.
Longer warranties are obviously preferred.
And luckily, we see some great warranties in this price range.
Treadmill warranties usually include guarantees for the frame, motor, parts, and labor.
Most high-end treadmills in this price range will offer lifetime guarantees on the frame and many will do the same for the motor.
When it comes to parts, 5 years is generous, and is what most of the best options are offering (although Spirit goes above and beyond with their 10 year guarantees).
Most brands will offer 1-2 years on labor.
Final Thoughts
It’s a good idea to have a game plan when hunting for your new treadmill. This way you can compare all the models you’re looking at evenly and on the same criteria.
Using the specs I mentioned above is a great way to do this.
For me, looking at the performance specs (running surface, motor strength, weight capacity) is the easiest, fastest way to compare treadmills against each other.
After looking at those stats, I then move on to the console features.
Comparing treadmills in this manner will make it easier to find the best combination of specs and features to fit your needs. This is also how I chose the models that made this list.
If nothing else, I hope this list shows that you can get some great treadmills with a $2000 budget.
