1. Speed settings: These vary from person to person. Walkers have lower speed requirements, while runners need higher speeds. Typically, the maximum speed of WalkingPad's best home walking treadmill under $1000 is 6km/h, while the 2-in-1 model under $1000 can reach 12km/h, which meets running needs well.
2. Size: You should pay more attention to the folded and unfolded dimensions to ensure you have enough space for the portable treadmill.
3. Budget: Before purchasing, you should be clear about how much you want to invest in a portable treadmill. If you have a higher budget, you can choose a fully functional treadmill; otherwise, you can appropriately forgo extra features. However, it’s important to note that a lower price doesn’t mean poor quality. All WalkingPad’s best home treadmills under $1000 are made with advanced technology and high-quality materials. A lower budget simply means the portable treadmill doesn’t have as many functions – in other words, if not necessary, there’s no need to spend more on extra features.
4. Other features: For the best foldable treadmill under $1000 for small spaces, consider these questions: Does it come with built-in wheels for easy movement? Does it have a remote control to adjust speed? Is it foldable? Can it support your weight? These features will add significant convenience during use.
Both HP and CHP are metrics used to measure a treadmill motor’s power. HP (Horsepower) refers to peak power – the maximum power the motor can output for a short time, such as during startup. CHP (Continuous Horsepower) refers to the sustained power output the motor can maintain over long periods of use, which is more relevant for consistent performance.
For portable treadmills, CHP is more important because it reflects the motor’s ability to handle prolonged use. A lower CHP may lead to insufficient power during extended sessions. However, actual performance can be affected by factors like user weight, running speed, incline, indoor temperature, and humidity – which is why choosing a treadmill with adequate CHP for your needs is key.
HP is more commonly highlighted in marketing, as treadmills often show a power surge when first turned on (to overcome initial inertia), and this peak power is what HP measures. Even the best treadmills under $1000 rely on this initial surge to start smoothly.
Both HP and CHP influence a treadmill’s speed capability. For light walking, a motor with 1.0 - 1.5 CHP may suffice. If you prefer jogging, aim for at least 1.5 - 2.0 CHP. For faster running or heavier users, a motor with 2.0 - 3.0 CHP (or higher) is better to ensure stable performance.
The belt size is another element that we need to consider. First, we need to think about the placement—where we want to put it—and whether there is enough space for the treadmill. A too-crowded fitness environment may cause injuries from bumping into things. Commonly, the average shoulder width is between 40 to 45cm, and 42cm is the entry-level running belt width. If the width is lower than this figure, it will not provide a comfortable running experience for most people.
At the same time, the length of the running belt is also important. A taller person will definitely not feel comfortable on a short belt, and there is a simple formula: the belt length should be greater than or equal to the stride length plus 10cm. For people with poor physical stability, considering safety and comfort, we also need to choose a wider belt.
The shock absorber is particularly important for portable treadmills. Without a shock absorber, running on a treadmill could damage our knees and have a harmful effect on our health.
If there were no shock absorbers, running on a treadmill would involve repeatedly moving forward in a fixed position. Since we aren’t actually moving forward, the force generated by pushing off the ground is smaller than in real outdoor running, which doesn’t place excessive load on the knees. However, during running, the belt speed is constant, but the speed of each step varies. As running time increases, we stop running actively and instead let the belt carry us. In this scenario, our ankles and knees may not have time to adjust before we’re forced into the next step, making knee injuries more likely.
Things change when a budget-friendly treadmill (under $1,000) is equipped with a shock absorber. Take the WalkingPad treadmill, for example: when running on it, the body weight isn’t directly transferred to the knees upon foot strike. Thanks to the shock absorber, our body weight and gravitational acceleration act first on the running belt and shock-absorbing equipment. This is why a good shock absorber can reduce pressure on the knee joints and ankles during running—an excellent fold-up treadmill under $1,000 can even protect the knees better than running outdoors.
WalkingPad’s professional runway-grade running layer structure, paired with 6 independent short absorbers, gives its folding treadmill (under $1,000) excellent shock absorption, significantly protecting our knees and ankles.
The advantages of a home gym treadmill under $1,000 are quite evident. Firstly, running on such a treadmill is safe—you don’t have to worry about bad weather or heavy traffic. Secondly, a good home treadmill under $1,000, like some ProForm models, offers greater freedom: you can run anytime and anywhere you want, without being restricted by work or weather conditions. Thirdly, these treadmills are more engaging, as they often come with multiple running training modes that provide an excellent workout experience.
