The three best treadmills under £500, the Echelon Stride 30 Sport, Reebok i-Run 5.0 and NordicTrack T Series 5, lined up against a blue diagonal stripe

Buying guide

Five hundred pounds is the budget most beginners have in mind, and it is a sensible one. You are past the flimsy walking pads but not remortgaging for a Peloton Tread. The sub-£500 market has improved hugely, but there is still plenty of rubbish mixed in. Here is every model worth your money, plus the ones that regularly dip below £500 in sales.

By Chris Linford  |  Updated June 2026  |  Prices checked regularly and change with sales

Best under £500, by buyerSwipe to see all 11
Editor’s choice
Best overall
JTX Slimline compact folding treadmill
JTX Slimline
RunRank 4.9
UK flagBritish brand
£599£499
Summer Sale, £100 off
  • Speed 9.9 mph
  • Assembled Yes
  • Warranty 2yr in-home
Check price at JTX
Best value
Echelon Stride-20 Sport folding treadmill
Echelon Stride-20 Sport
RunRank 4.0
£699£499
  • Speed 10 mph
  • Incline 12 levels
  • Motor 1.75 HP
Check price at Echelon
Runner-up
Domyos Run 500 folding treadmill by Decathlon
Domyos Run 500
RunRank 4.4
£499
  • Speed 10 mph
  • Incline 10%
  • Max user 130kg
Check price at Decathlon
Best incline
Reebok i-Run 5.0 folding treadmill with powered incline
Reebok i-Run 5.0
RunRank 4.2
£499
  • Speed 9.3 mph
  • Incline 12-level
  • Apps Zwift, Kinomap
Check price at Sweatband
Best sale deal
Reebok GT40z folding treadmill
Reebok UPGRADED GT40z
RunRank 4.4
£549
  • Speed 11.2 mph
  • Incline 12%
  • Apps Zwift, Kinomap
Check price at Sweatband
Best on sale
NordicTrack T Series 5 folding treadmill
NordicTrack T Series 5
RunRank 4.8
£499
  • Motor 2.6 CHP
  • Speed 10 mph
  • Incline 10%
Check price at Amazon
Best storage
Sunny Health Slim Interactive Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Interactive
RunRank 3.5
£499
  • Speed 9 mph
  • Folds 14cm flat
  • Weight 39.5 kg
Check price from JLL
Widest deck
JLL Pegasus Connected Folding Treadmill
JLL Pegasus Connected
RunRank 3.6
£499
  • Speed 7.5 mph
  • Deck 51cm wide
  • Folds 15cm flat
Check price from JLL
Best warranty
Domyos T520B folding treadmill by Decathlon
Domyos Folding Treadmill T520B
RunRank 3.6
£449
  • Speed 8.1 mph
  • Incline 10%
  • Warranty 5yr frame
Check price at Decathlon
Best compact
Domyos Compact RUN100 treadmill by Decathlon
Domyos Compact RUN100
RunRank 4.0
£499
  • Speed 8.7 mph
  • Incline None
  • Warranty 5yr frame
Check price at Decathlon
Tight budget
CITYSPORTS folding treadmill budget UK
CITYSPORTS Folding Treadmill
RunRank 2.5
£190
  • Speed 7.5 mph
  • Incline None
  • Use Walking
Check price at Amazon

Prices checked regularly and change with sales. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

A few years ago this budget got you a wobbly frame and a motor that sounded like a blender. Now you can get a solid, foldable machine from a reputable brand that will handle regular jogging and last for years. If you have come here starting your Couch to 5K, there are machines at this price that will comfortably handle it. The catch is that for every decent treadmill at this price, there are three that look great in the listing photos and fall apart after six months. This guide separates the two.

Prices fluctuate. Some of these sit right at the £500 mark and occasionally creep either side. We have also included a section on treadmills that are normally above £500 but frequently appear in sales at or below it, because some of the best value here comes from catching the right deal.

Quick comparison: best treadmills under £500

TreadmillBest forMax speedInclinePrice
JTX SlimlineBest overall9.9 mphNone£499 (was £599)
Echelon Stride-20 SportBest value10 mph12 powered levels£499
Domyos Run 500Runner-up10 mph10% powered£499 – £699
NordicTrack T Series 5Best on sale10 mph10% powered£499 – £699
JLL PegasusWidest deck at this price7.5 mph3-level manual£499
Sunny Slim InteractiveUltra-slim storage9 mph3-position manual£499
Domyos T520BBest folding (sale)8.1 mph10% powered£449 – £549
Domyos Compact RUN100Best compact for home8.7 mphNone£499
Reebok i-Run 5.0Best incline under £5009.3 mph12-level powered£499
Reebok GT40zBest sale deal11.2 mph12% powered£549
CITYSPORTS FoldingBudget walking7.5 mphNone£190

Our top pick: JTX Slimline

JTX Slimline compact flat-fold treadmill folded away under a bed
RunRank 4.9 / 5

Best overall

UK flagBritish brand

Save £100 in the Summer Sale

£599£499

Summer Sale price, no code needed. Direct from JTX, free UK delivery, arrives assembled.

Buy at JTX Fitness → Read the full review
  • Motor 1.75 CHP
  • Top speed 9.9 mph (16 km/h)
  • Incline None
  • Deck 122 x 45cm
  • Warranty 2yr in-home
  • RunRank 4.9 / 5

If you are shopping at this budget, the JTX Slimline is the one we would put in front of most people right now, and the reason is as much about the buying experience as the machine itself. It carries a £599 RRP but is down to £499 in the JTX Summer Sale, with no code needed, so the £100 saving is simply the price you pay at the basket. For that you get a treadmill from an independent British brand that arrives fully assembled, folds completely flat to slide under a bed, and is backed by a 2-year in-home warranty. At £499, that combination is genuinely hard to beat.

The Slimline is built for walking and jogging rather than fast running. The 9.9 mph (16 km/h) top speed gives most beginners and steady runners plenty of headroom, since a 10-minute-mile sits at 6 mph, and the 1.75 CHP motor stays quiet at the speeds you will actually use, which matters in a flat or terraced house. The 122 x 45cm deck is fine for walking and jogging, there are 36 preset programmes plus 3 of your own, and you can pair a Zwift Runpod foot sensor if you want virtual runs. The real headline is storage: it folds flat and disappears, which is the single biggest factor in whether a home treadmill gets used or quietly abandoned.

Be clear on the compromises. There is no incline at any level, so if hill training or the 12-3-30 workout is on your list, look at the Reebok i-Run 5.0 or the Echelon below instead. The 45cm deck feels a little narrow above roughly 7 to 8 mph, the maximum user weight is 100kg, and the 1.75 CHP motor is not built for sustained fast running. None of that undoes the core appeal for its intended buyer: a no-fuss, assembled, warranted treadmill that folds away, at a strong sale price.

Deal note. The Slimline is normally £599. The JTX Summer Sale price of £499 applies automatically with no code, saving you £100. JTX runs sales periodically rather than permanently, so treat £499 as a current offer rather than a fixed price. At this price you are getting an assembled, warranted treadmill from a British brand for what many rivals charge for an unbuilt budget machine, which is what makes it the standout buy on this list right now.

For
  • £599 RRP, £499 in the Summer Sale with no code, save £100
  • Arrives fully assembled, no construction
  • Folds completely flat, under a bed or upright behind a door
  • 9.9 mph covers walking to a moderate run
  • Quiet 1.75 CHP motor for the price
  • 2-year in-home warranty from a British brand
  • 36 preset and 3 user programmes
Against
  • No incline at any level
  • 45cm deck feels narrow above 7 to 8 mph
  • 100kg maximum user weight
  • No native app connectivity (Zwift via foot sensor only)
  • 1.75 CHP motor is limited for sustained fast running
Verdict. Our top pick for most people buying at this budget, especially in the Summer Sale at £499. It does not have the incline of the Reebok or the raw power of the NordicTrack, but it nails the things that decide whether a home treadmill actually gets used: it arrives ready to go, folds away completely, comes from a British brand you can call, and is covered for two years. If you specifically need incline, or you run fast and tall, read on. Otherwise this is the easy recommendation.

Best value: Echelon Stride-20 Sport

Echelon Stride-20 Sport folding treadmill
RunRank 4.0 / 5

Best value

Save £200 off RRP

£699£499

Folds up with transport wheels. Buy direct from Echelon.

Buy direct from Echelon → Read the full review
  • Motor 1.75 HP
  • Top speed 10 mph
  • Incline 12 powered levels
  • Deck 119 x 41cm
  • Folds Folds up, wheels
  • RunRank 4.0 / 5

The Echelon Stride-20 Sport is our value pick because, unlike most machines on this list, it sits at £499 reliably rather than only when a sale happens to land. It carries a £699 RRP but is almost always at £499, so you get a powered-incline, app-connected folding treadmill from a known brand without waiting for a discount code or a flash sale. For a sub-£500 budget, that dependable pricing is half the appeal.

The 1.75 HP motor and 10 mph top speed cover walking, incline walking and steady jogging, on a 119 x 41cm cushioned deck. The powered incline is the headline: it climbs through 12 motorised levels at the touch of a button, where most sub-£500 machines give you a fixed manual ramp or nothing at all. That puts hill walking and interval work within reach at this price, which is the reason to choose the Echelon over our top pick if incline matters to you. It is built around walking and jogging rather than fast running, so if you want a punchier motor, the NordicTrack and Domyos below are worth a look.

A 5-inch backlit LCD keeps the metrics clear, with Bluetooth and pulse sensors built in, and the deck folds up onto transport wheels with a rear carry bar so it tucks away between sessions. Echelon’s connected ecosystem is there if you want guided classes, but the treadmill runs perfectly well on its own, so the subscription is a choice rather than a requirement. The warranty is strong for the money too: a 5-year motor warranty and a 10-year frame warranty, with extended cover for Premier members.

Price note. The Stride-20 Sport has a £699 RRP but sits at £499 most of the time, which is what earns it a place here while pricier models in the Echelon range often climb well above the £500 mark. At a dependable £499 you are getting a powered-incline folding treadmill from a connected brand, with no code or sale to chase. Prices can still move, so confirm the current figure before buying.

For
  • £699 RRP but reliably £499, no code or sale to chase
  • Powered incline with 12 levels, rare under £500
  • 10 mph covers walking, incline walking and steady jogging
  • Folds up onto transport wheels with a rear carry bar
  • 5-inch backlit LCD plus Bluetooth and pulse sensors
  • Connected Echelon classes available but not required
  • Strong warranty: 5-year motor, 10-year frame
Against
  • 1.75 HP motor suits walking and jogging, not fast running
  • Compact 119 x 41cm deck for taller runners
  • 114kg maximum user weight
  • Best app features sit behind an Echelon membership
Verdict. The best value under £500 if you want powered incline at a price that does not depend on catching a sale. A 12-level powered incline, a folding frame and a connected brand for a dependable £499. It is a walker and jogger rather than a fast runner, so if you need more motor, look at the NordicTrack or Domyos.

Runner-up: Domyos Run 500

Domyos Run 500 folding treadmill by Decathlon
RunRank 4.4 / 5

Runner-up

£499

RRP £699.99, frequently £499.99. Decathlon.

Buy at Decathlon → Read the full review
  • Motor 1.25 HP
  • Top speed 10 mph
  • Incline 10% powered
  • Deck 130 x 45cm
  • Reviews 1,661 at 4.6
  • RunRank 4.4 / 5

The Domyos Run 500 is the pick of Decathlon’s range and our runner-up overall. At £499.99 (RRP £699.99, which it frequently sits below), it does something rare at this price: it pairs a genuine 10% motorised incline with a 130kg maximum user weight and a deck that folds down to just 27cm, low enough to slide under a bed.

It is also the most proven machine on this page by review volume, with 1,661 owner reviews averaging 4.6 stars. The 1.25 HP motor and 10 mph top speed cover walking, jogging and steady running comfortably. Most sub-£500 treadmills skip incline entirely or cap the user weight low to save on the frame. The Run 500 does neither, which is exactly why it sells so well.

You get Decathlon’s full warranty package: 2 years parts and labour, a 5-year metallic frame warranty and spare parts for 10 years, plus walk-in support at any Decathlon store. It arrives assembled, rolls on transport wheels, and pairs with Kinomap and Zwift over Bluetooth and ANT+.

Price note. The RRP is £699.99, but the Run 500 frequently drops to £499.99, which is where it earns its place on this list. At that price, the powered incline and 130kg steel frame are very hard to match.

For
  • Genuine 10% powered incline at £499
  • Folds to 27cm, slides under a bed
  • 130kg user weight on a steel frame
  • 1,661 reviews at 4.6 stars, the most proven Domyos
  • Bluetooth, ANT+, Kinomap and Zwift support
  • Arrives assembled, plus Decathlon in-store support
Against
  • 10 mph top speed, not for fast running
  • Rated for up to 10 hours a week
  • RRP £699.99, needs a sale to hit budget
Verdict. The pick of the Decathlon range and our runner-up overall. Real incline, a 130kg frame and a 27cm fold at £499. If you want a Decathlon treadmill, start here.

Best folding treadmills under £500

If your treadmill needs to disappear when it is not in use, folding capability is non-negotiable. Every treadmill here folds to some degree, but the machines in this section fold to the smallest footprints, ideal for flats, spare bedrooms and rooms that serve double duty.

JLL Pegasus Connected Folding Treadmill
RunRank 3.6 / 5

Widest deck

£499

Direct from JLL, Klarna available.

Buy from JLL → Read the full review
  • Motor 2.5 HP peak
  • Top speed 7.5 mph
  • Incline 3-level manual
  • Deck 119 x 51cm
  • Folds Flat (15cm)
  • RunRank 3.6 / 5

The JLL Pegasus sits in an interesting gap between walking pad and treadmill. It has a foldable handle, folds flat to just 15cm, and shares a 7.5 mph speed cap. But it has a 51cm wide running belt, wider than many full-size folding treadmills, and a 3-level manual incline that no pure walking pad offers.

That extra width makes a genuine difference. You get more room to move at brisk walking speeds without constantly checking your feet are centred. The 120kg max user weight is competitive at this price, and the flat fold to 15cm means it genuinely slides under a bed or sofa.

The limitation is speed. At 7.5 mph, this handles walking and light jogging but is not built for running. If you want to run at pace, the NordicTrack or Reebok are better choices. JLL’s warranty is standard manufacturer cover rather than in-home engineer service.

For
  • 51cm wide deck, wider than most at this price
  • Flat fold to 15cm slides under a bed
  • 3-level manual incline adds variety
  • 120kg max user weight
  • Klarna available direct from JLL
Against
  • 7.5 mph cap, walking and light jogging only
  • No app connectivity
  • Standard warranty, not in-home
Verdict. The best option at £499 if you want a wider-than-average deck with manual incline and genuinely flat storage. Not built for running, but a clear step up from a pure walking pad.
Sunny Health Slim Interactive Treadmill
RunRank 3.5 / 5

Best storage

£499

Direct from JLL. Folds flat to 14cm.

Buy from JLL → Read the full review
  • Motor 2.2 HP brushless
  • Top speed 9 mph
  • Incline 3-position manual
  • Weight 39.5 kg
  • Folds Flat (14cm)
  • RunRank 3.5 / 5

The Sunny Slim Interactive takes a different approach to folding. Instead of the deck tilting upright, it collapses down to just 14cm tall. That means it slides under a bed, under a sofa, or into a cupboard. If your storage situation means a vertically folding treadmill still takes up too much room, this solves the problem.

The 2.2 HP brushless motor delivers speeds up to 9 mph with quiet operation that suits flats and terraced houses. At 39.5 kg, it is one of the lightest treadmills with a proper frame, making it genuinely portable around the house. The soft-drop unfolding system prevents the deck from slamming onto your floor.

The trade-off is stability. At higher speeds you will notice more movement than on a heavier, more planted machine. For walking and light jogging up to about 7 mph it is perfectly fine. Push it towards 9 mph regularly and you may find it less reassuring underfoot. Worth noting: over 1,000 Amazon reviews averaging 4.4 stars.

For
  • Folds to just 14cm, slides under anything
  • 2.2 HP brushless motor runs quietly
  • 39.5 kg, one of the lightest proper treadmills
  • Soft-drop unfolding prevents floor damage
  • 1,000+ Amazon reviews at 4.4 stars
Against
  • Less stable at faster speeds
  • Manual incline only (3 positions)
  • Not built for regular running above 7 mph
Verdict. The best ultra-slim storage option under £500. If your treadmill needs to vanish completely when not in use and you are primarily walking or lightly jogging, this is the one.
Domyos T520B folding treadmill by Decathlon
RunRank 3.6 / 5

Best warranty

£449

Often £449.99 on sale (RRP £549.99). Decathlon.

Buy at Decathlon →
  • Top speed 8.1 mph
  • Incline 10% powered
  • Reviews 930 at 4.7
  • Warranty 5yr frame, 10yr parts
  • Folds Yes
  • RunRank 3.6 / 5

The Domyos T520B is a Decathlon exclusive and one of the best-kept secrets in the UK treadmill market. At its sale price of £449.99, it is hard to argue with what you get.

Decathlon’s own-brand fitness equipment has quietly built a reputation for solid quality at sensible prices. The T520B is designed for walking and jogging at speeds up to 8.1 mph, which comfortably covers brisk walking, incline sessions and light running. No flashy screens or app ecosystems, just a well-made machine that does what it says.

Where the T520B really shines is the warranty. Decathlon offers 2 years parts and labour, a 5-year metallic frame warranty, after-sales service, and spare parts available for 10 years. Most budget brands disappear after a year or two, taking their spare parts with them. Decathlon is not going anywhere. With 930 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the user feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

For
  • 930 reviews at 4.7 stars, proven satisfaction
  • 5-year frame warranty plus 10 years spare parts
  • Walk into any Decathlon store for support
  • Clean folding design built for daily use
  • Frequently on sale at £449.99
Against
  • No app, Bluetooth or audio
  • 8.1 mph cap limits faster runners
  • RRP £549.99, needs a sale to hit budget
Verdict. The safest bet if you want a treadmill from a brand with physical UK stores and excellent after-sales support. Ideal for walking and jogging. Catch it at £449.99 for outstanding value.

Best treadmill for UK homes under £500

These picks prioritise the overall home experience: build quality, noise, footprint and ease of use. Not everyone needs the fastest or most feature-packed machine. Sometimes you just want something solid that works, does not annoy the neighbours, and does not dominate the spare room.

Domyos Compact RUN100 treadmill by Decathlon
RunRank 4.0 / 5

Best compact

£499

Decathlon. Compact home design.

Buy at Decathlon →
  • Top speed 8.7 mph
  • Incline None
  • Reviews 343 at 4.7
  • Warranty 5yr frame, 10yr parts
  • Folds Yes (compact)
  • RunRank 4.0 / 5

The Compact RUN100 is the newer sibling of the T520B, and Decathlon have positioned it as their compact home treadmill. It tops out at 8.7 mph, which edges it slightly above the T520B into light running territory.

The “compact” branding is earned. This machine is designed to take up minimal floor space while still offering a usable running surface, and the folding mechanism keeps it tidy when stowed. Like the T520B, you get Decathlon’s warranty package: 2 years parts and labour, 5-year metallic frame, and spare parts for a decade.

The 343 reviews averaging 4.7 stars suggest Decathlon have got the quality right again. If something goes wrong, you can walk into a Decathlon store. That is a genuine advantage over online-only brands.

For
  • Compact design takes minimal floor space
  • 8.7 mph covers light running
  • Decathlon in-store support and returns
  • 5-year frame warranty plus 10 years spare parts
  • 343 reviews at 4.7 stars
Against
  • No incline
  • Fewer reviews than the T520B
  • On the louder side at 65 dB
Verdict. A strong choice if you value simplicity, compact design, and the reassurance of a brand with physical UK stores. If you need incline or higher speeds, look at the Reebok i-Run 5.0 instead.

Best incline treadmill under £500

Incline training has exploded in popularity, largely thanks to the 12-3-30 treadmill workout. Walking at a steep incline burns far more calories than flat walking, builds glute and hamstring strength, and gives a serious cardio workout without the joint impact of running. The problem is that most treadmills under £500 have limited or no incline.

Reebok i-Run 5.0 folding treadmill with powered incline
RunRank 4.2 / 5

Best incline

£499

Sweatband. No assembly required.

Buy at Sweatband →
  • Motor 2.0 HP peak
  • Top speed 9.3 mph
  • Incline 12-level powered
  • Apps Zwift / Kinomap
  • Assembly None required
  • RunRank 4.2 / 5

The Reebok i-Run 5.0 is quietly one of the most interesting treadmills at this price point. The headline feature is the 12-level powered incline. At under £500, that is exceptional. Most treadmills at this price either have no incline or a basic manual system with two or three positions. The i-Run 5.0 gives you motorised incline adjustment at the touch of a button.

That makes it one of the few machines here built for the 12-3-30 workout: a steep powered incline at 3 mph for 30 minutes. The Echelon Stride-20 Sport also offers a powered incline, while the NordicTrack T Series 5 stops at 10%, so check the exact gradient if the full 12% matters to you.

Two features deserve mention. First, it requires no assembly, it is ready out of the box. Second, it supports Zwift and Kinomap via Bluetooth, unusual at this price and free of any proprietary lock-in. The 9.3 mph top speed covers walking, brisk jogging and moderate running. It is not built for sprint intervals, but for consistent home use at sensible paces it is perfectly capable.

For
  • 12-level powered incline, full 12-3-30 capable
  • Zero assembly required
  • Zwift and Kinomap compatible via Bluetooth
  • 9.3 mph covers walking, jogging and moderate running
  • Compact folding design
Against
  • 2.0 HP peak motor is weaker than NordicTrack’s 2.6 CHP
  • Not built for regular high-speed running
  • Fewer verified reviews than NordicTrack or Domyos
Verdict. The go-to treadmill under £500 if incline training matters to you. The 12-level powered incline, zero assembly, and Zwift compatibility make it a standout. A solid all-rounder that does a bit of everything well.

Best running treadmill under £500

If your primary goal is running at pace, the NordicTrack T Series 5 is the strongest treadmill under £500 for it, with the Domyos Run 500 next best. At 10 mph with a 2.6 CHP continuous motor, the T Series 5 has the power and belt speed for proper running sessions, and the 140 x 46cm deck gives room to open up your stride.

The Reebok i-Run 5.0 comes second at 9.3 mph, adequate for steady runs but limiting for faster intervals. The Domyos Run 500 also reaches 10 mph and handles steady running, though its 1.25 HP motor sits below the NordicTrack’s. Our top pick, the JTX Slimline, tops out at 9.9 mph, which is plenty for jogging and a moderate run but not for sustained fast training. The T520B and Compact RUN100 top out at 8.1 and 8.7 mph, which realistically puts them in the jogging category. The JLL Pegasus at 7.5 mph is walking and light jogging only.

If running is genuinely your thing and you can stretch the budget, watch the sale section below. The Reebok GT40z at 11.2 mph and the NordicTrack on sale days offer noticeably better running. For a broader look at machines built for runners, our best home treadmill UK guide covers mid-range and premium options.

Budget picks under £200: proceed with caution

Can you get a functional treadmill for under £200? Technically yes. Should you expect it to rival anything further up this list? Absolutely not. These are entry points for people who want to test whether they will actually use a treadmill before committing to a bigger spend.

CITYSPORTS folding treadmill budget UK
RunRank 2.5 / 5

Tight budget

£190

Amazon. A walking machine, not a runner.

Buy at Amazon →
  • Top speed 7.5 mph
  • Incline None
  • Reviews 312 at 4.2
  • Build Ultra-lightweight
  • Warranty Standard
  • RunRank 2.5 / 5

The CITYSPORTS is much closer to a walking pad than a treadmill. It is extremely lightweight, which makes it easy to move around, but that same lack of weight means it does not feel particularly stable above walking pace. The 312 Amazon reviews averaging 4.2 stars are generally positive, though most of that goodwill comes from people who bought it specifically for walking at a desk.

Treated as a compact walking machine, it is decent value. Treated as a treadmill for exercise, it has clear limitations: plastic components, a narrow belt, and a motor that works hard at higher speeds.

Verdict. Fine for light walking and desk use. Not recommended for running or serious fitness. If you want to test whether you will actually use a treadmill, this is the cheapest way to find out.

What about the Phoenix Fitness Folding Treadmill (£169)? We do not recommend it. The machine has very few verified reviews, weighs just 25 kg (the NordicTrack weighs 76 kg), and the unknown-brand aftercare is a risk. Spend a similar £190 on the CITYSPORTS for a budget walking machine, or save up for a NordicTrack or Decathlon model that will actually last.

Treadmills frequently on sale for under £500

Some of the best treadmill deals in the UK come from machines that sit just above £500 at full price but regularly drop below during sales. If you have the patience to wait, these are worth watching.

Reebok GT40z folding treadmill
RunRank 4.4 / 5

Best sale deal

£549

RRP £549, frequently drops below £500. Sweatband.

Buy at Sweatband → Read the full review
  • Top speed 11.2 mph
  • Incline 12% powered
  • Apps Zwift / Kinomap
  • Weight 61 kg
  • Warranty 10yr frame + motor
  • RunRank 4.4 / 5

The Reebok GT40z is a treadmill we rate very highly across the site. At its full £549 RRP it sits just outside this guide’s budget, but it spends a significant amount of time on sale at or below £500.

What makes it worth watching? The GT40z offers 12% powered incline (full 12-3-30 capability), an 11.2 mph top speed, Zwift and Kinomap compatibility, and a 10-year frame and motor warranty. At any price under £500, that specification is exceptional.

It weighs 61 kg with ZigTech cushioning adapted from Reebok’s running shoe line, and the soft-drop folding mechanism prevents the deck from slamming onto your floor. If you catch this at £499 or below, it is arguably a better buy than everything else on this page except the NordicTrack.

For
  • 12% powered incline, full 12-3-30 capable
  • 11.2 mph suits genuine runners
  • Zwift and Kinomap compatible
  • ZigTech cushioning from Reebok’s shoe line
  • 10-year frame and motor warranty
  • Soft-drop folding mechanism
Against
  • RRP £549, needs a sale to hit this list
  • 61 kg, heavier than flat-fold alternatives
Verdict. If you catch the GT40z below £500, it is arguably the single best deal in UK home fitness. 12% incline, 11.2 mph, Zwift, and a 10-year warranty for under five hundred quid. Set a price alert.
NordicTrack T Series 5 folding treadmill
RunRank 4.8 / 5

Best on sale

£499

Frequent sale price, RRP higher. Buy at Amazon.

Buy at Amazon → Read the full review
  • Motor 2.6 CHP
  • Top speed 10 mph
  • Incline 10% powered
  • Deck 140 x 46cm
  • Warranty Lifetime frame, 10yr motor
  • RunRank 4.8 / 5

The NordicTrack T Series 5 is the treadmill to watch on sale. Its RRP sits above £500, but it is discounted so often that it regularly lands in budget, and when it does it is the strongest runner on this page. NordicTrack has been making treadmills since the 1970s, and the T Series 5 has racked up nearly 29,000 reviews on Amazon alone.

The 2.6 CHP motor is powerful enough for everything from gentle walks to proper running sessions at 10 mph. The average recreational runner sits between 6 and 7 mph, so you have genuine headroom. The 10% powered incline is a standout at this price. Most sub-£500 treadmills give you either no incline or a manual system with a couple of fixed positions. A motorised incline that adjusts at the touch of a button genuinely transforms the range of workouts you can do.

The running deck measures 140 x 46cm with NordicTrack’s FlexSelect cushioning, which lets you toggle between a softer and firmer surface. It folds vertically with a hydraulic EasyLift assist and rolls on transport wheels.

Register within 28 days and you get a lifetime frame warranty, a 10-year motor warranty, and 2 years parts and labour. It comes with iFIT compatibility and a 30-day free trial; after that it is a paid subscription, but the treadmill works perfectly well without it. Do not let the subscription put you off the hardware.

Price note. The T Series 5 carries a higher RRP, but it is very frequently on offer around £499 to £549, which is what earns it the top spot. Even at the higher end, the extra few pounds buys you significantly more machine.

For
  • 2.6 CHP motor handles regular running comfortably
  • 10% powered incline at the touch of a button
  • FlexSelect cushioning with soft and firm toggle
  • 29,000+ Amazon reviews, proven reliability
  • Lifetime frame, 10yr motor warranty on registration
  • Hydraulic EasyLift fold with transport wheels
Against
  • Higher RRP, needs a sale to hit £500
  • iFIT subscription required for full app features
  • Heavier than flat-fold alternatives
Verdict. The strongest runner under £500, but only once a discount brings it into budget. If you can catch it at £499 to £549 it is excellent, with a 10% powered incline and the best warranty here. Set a price alert and pounce.

What to look for in a treadmill under £500

At this price you are making trade-offs. No treadmill under £500 does everything brilliantly. The key is knowing which trade-offs matter to you and which do not.

Motor powerLook for at least 2.0 HP continuous for walking and jogging, and 2.5 CHP or higher for regular running. Continuous horsepower (CHP) is more useful than peak horsepower, which is often inflated in marketing.
Deck sizeFor walking, 120 x 40cm is adequate. For jogging and running, aim for at least 130 x 45cm. A deck that is too short or narrow feels restrictive and can be unsafe at higher speeds.
Top speedWalking needs up to 4 mph. Brisk walking and light jogging need 6 to 8 mph. Regular running needs 9 mph or above. Do not buy a treadmill where you expect to regularly hit the maximum speed.
InclineThe single most impactful feature for calorie burn and workout variety. Powered incline that adjusts mid-workout is far more useful than manual incline that requires stopping.
WarrantyLook for at least 2 years on parts and labour, and ideally 5 years or more on frame and motor. If a brand will not warranty their motor for more than a year, they are not confident it will last.

For a detailed breakdown of what treadmills cost across every budget level, see our treadmill pricing guide.

Which treadmill under £500 should you buy?

Best overallJTX Slimline – British brand, arrives fully assembled, folds dead flat under a bed, 2-year in-home warranty. £499 in the Summer Sale, down from £599, no code needed. The easiest buy for most people.
Best valueEchelon Stride-20 Sport – powered 12-level incline, 10 mph, folds. Reliably £499 (RRP £699), no code needed. The pick if you want powered incline at a stable price.
Runner-upDomyos Run 500 – 10% powered incline, 130kg frame, folds to 27cm. The pick of the Decathlon range at £499.
Best on saleNordicTrack T Series 5 – the strongest runner here when a discount drops it to £499 to £549. Set a price alert.
Best inclineReebok i-Run 5.0 – 12-level powered incline, Zwift compatible, zero assembly.
Best storageSunny Slim Interactive – folds to 14cm flat, slides under anything. 1,000+ positive Amazon reviews.
Widest deckJLL Pegasus – 51cm wide belt with manual incline and flat fold. Best walking to light-jogging machine at £499.
Best warrantyDomyos T520B – 5-year frame, 10 years spare parts, walk-in Decathlon support. Catch it at £449.99 on sale.
Best sale dealReebok GT40z – 12% incline, 11.2 mph, Zwift, 10-year warranty. Set a price alert and wait.
Tight budgetCITYSPORTS (£190) – light walking only. Test whether you will use a treadmill before committing more.

Frequently asked questions

Is a treadmill under £500 actually any good?

Yes, if you buy from the right brands. The JTX Slimline, NordicTrack T Series 5, Reebok i-Run 5.0, JLL Pegasus, Sunny Slim Interactive, and Decathlon’s Domyos range all deliver genuine quality at this price. What you will not get under £500 is a large touchscreen, a powerful motor for daily high-speed running, or the kind of build quality that shrugs off years of heavy use without maintenance. For regular walking, jogging and moderate running, this budget is perfectly adequate.

What is the best treadmill under £500 for weight loss?

Any treadmill you will actually use consistently is the best treadmill for weight loss. That said, machines with incline capability burn more calories in less time. The Reebok i-Run 5.0 with its 12-level powered incline and the NordicTrack T Series 5 with 10% incline are the strongest options. See our guide to losing weight on a treadmill for evidence-based advice.

Should I buy a cheap treadmill or save for a better one?

It depends how you plan to use it. If you want to walk regularly and do light jogging, a £500 treadmill from a reputable brand will serve you well for years. If you want to run at pace several times a week, train for events, or use it as a full gym replacement, saving for a mid-range machine in the £700 to £1,000 bracket gives a noticeably better experience. Our best home treadmill UK guide covers mid-range and premium options.

Can I do the 12-3-30 on a treadmill under £500?

The 12-3-30 workout needs a 12% incline at 3 mph for 30 minutes. The machines here with a powered incline, the Reebok i-Run 5.0 and the Echelon Stride-20 Sport, are the natural candidates, and the Reebok GT40z reaches a true 12% when it is on sale. The NordicTrack T Series 5 stops at 10%, and our top pick the JTX Slimline has no incline, so it is not the one for this workout. Incline levels are not always the same as a percentage, so if hitting a genuine 12% matters, confirm the exact gradient before buying.

Is a walking pad better than a treadmill under £500?

They serve different purposes. A walking pad is smaller, lighter and cheaper, but typically limited to walking speeds with no incline and no handrails. A treadmill under £500 offers faster speeds, incline options, cushioning and a more stable platform. If you only want to walk at a desk, a walking pad makes sense. If you want proper exercise capability, a treadmill is the better investment. The JLL Pegasus sits between the two, with a flat-fold design and wide deck but genuine jogging capability.

Prices checked June 2026 and subject to change; we update this page regularly to reflect current UK pricing. HomeTreadmill is reader-supported: when you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations, every treadmill is assessed independently using our RunRank system.