Let’s be honest. Finding a treadmill that works for real running without a huge cost is hard. You see many models online. They all look good in pictures. But which one actually holds up when you run? Which one has a motor that won’t slow down? Which one protects your knees?

I test fitness gear. I bought several popular low-cost treadmills. I put them through their paces. I ran on them. I checked their parts. I measured their noise. My goal was simple: to find out which ones are good for running and which ones are not.

This guide shares what I learned. I will give you a clear winner. I will also explain why the others did not make the top spot. This is not about brand claims. This is about what happened when I turned these machines on and started to run.

My Top Pick for Runners: The THERUN Treadmill
After all the tests, one model stood out clearly. The THERUN Home Treadmill with Incline Adjust is the best treadmill for running on a budget. It has the strongest motor, the best shock absorption, and features that runners need. If your main goal is to run, this is the machine you should look at first.

Now, let’s get into how I reached this conclusion.

How I Tested These Treadmills

I believe you deserve to know how I got my results. A good review is built on clear tests. I did not just use each treadmill once. I used a set method for all of them. This makes the comparison fair and true.

I focused on a few key areas that matter most for running.

The Test Setup
I used each treadmill for a period of time. I tested them at different times of day to check noise. I used a simple sound meter app on my phone to measure decibel levels. I am a 180-pound person, so I tested how stable each machine felt under my weight. I also had a lighter friend test them for walk-run intervals.

I looked at five main things for every treadmill:

1. Power and Noise: Does the motor keep a steady speed when you run? Or does it sound like it is struggling? How loud is it?
2. The Running Surface: Is the belt long and wide enough for a natural running stride? Is the material grippy or slippery?
3. Comfort and Impact: How much does the machine shake your knees and ankles? Does it have good cushioning?
4. Features and Ease of Use: Are the controls easy to use? Is the display clear? How useful are the extra programs?
5. Build and Storage: Does it feel solid or wobbly? How easy is it to move and store away?

Here is a table that shows the main points I checked for:

What I Checked	How I Measured It
Motor Power	Consistency at top speed, noise level, and response to incline.
Running Belt	Actual length and width, grip, and how it felt to run on.
Shock Absorption	The amount of impact felt in my knees and joints during a run.
Speed and Incline	How smooth and easy it was to change settings during a workout.
Overall Build	Stability at high speeds and the quality of the materials used.

This method helped me see past the marketing. It showed me what each treadmill is really like to use every day.

What You Must Know Before You Buy a Running Treadmill

The word “treadmill” can mean many things. Some are for walking. Some are for running. Buying the wrong type is a common mistake. Let’s break down the key differences so you know what to look for.

Walking Pads Are Not for Running
You will see many “walking pads” or “under-desk treadmills.” These are low-profile machines. They are great for walking while you work. But they are not made for running.

Why?

• Weaker Motors: They often have 2.5HP motors. This is enough for walking but can strain with the impact of running.
• Lower Speed: Their top speed is often 4 MPH or less. This is a fast walk, not a run.
• Shorter Belts: The belt length is usually under 40 inches. This is too short for a comfortable running stride.

In this review, models like the Gkyet and Yagud are walking pads. I will explain why they are not good choices for runners.

Key Features for a Running Treadmill

If you want to run, look for these five things:

1. A Strong Motor: Look for a motor rated at 3.0 HP or more. A 2.5HP motor might be okay for jogging, but a 3.0HP motor will give you a smoother, more reliable run, especially if you are over 200 pounds.
2. A Long, Wide Belt: You need space to run safely. A belt that is at least 16 inches wide and 45 inches long is a good target. This gives you room to move without fearing you will step off the side.
3. Good Shock Absorption: Running is hard on your body. A treadmill with a good cushioning system protects your knees, ankles, and back. Look for terms like “shock absorption” or “cushioned deck.”
4. Enough Speed: For running, you need a treadmill that can go at least 7.5 MPH. For faster runners, 9 MPH or more is better.
5. A Solid Frame: It should not wobble when you run. Handrails are important for safety when starting, stopping, or losing your balance.

Understanding these points will help you make sense of the reviews below.

The Best Inexpensive Treadmills I Tested for Running

I tested five machines. They have different designs and goals. I will start with the best for running and work down. For each one, I will tell you what is good, what is not, and who it is for.

Let’s begin with the winner.

1. THERUN Home Treadmill: The Best for Serious Running

The THERUN treadmill is in a different class than the others I tested. It is built like a machine from a gym, but it fits in a home. From the moment I unboxed it, I could feel the difference. It is heavier and more solid.

Quick Facts:

• Motor: 3.0 HP
• Top Speed: 9 Miles per Hour
• Incline: 0 to 6% Manual Adjust
• Running Area: 43.3 inches long by 16.5 inches wide
• User Weight Limit: 300 Pounds
• Special Things: Large 18-inch display, 15 preset workouts, heart rate sensors on the handrails, folds for storage.

The Good:

• Very strong and quiet motor.
• Spacious and comfortable running belt.
• Excellent shock absorption for joints.
• Useful incline and preset programs.

The Not-So-Good:

• It is heavy and harder to move.
• It is more expensive than the other models.

Testing the Powerful 3.0HP Motor

The motor is the heart of a treadmill. The THERUN’s 3.0HP motor is the strongest I tested. I started at a walk. I moved to a jog. Then I pushed it to a run at 7.5 MPH. The motor responded perfectly. The speed did not drop. The belt did not hesitate.

I measured the sound. At a fast run, the noise level was around 55 decibels. This is like the sound of a normal conversation. You can run early in the morning or late at night without disturbing everyone in your house. The other treadmills with 2.5HP motors were noticeably louder and less smooth when pushed to run.

How the Shock Absorption Protects Your Body

The running belt on the THERUN has a special cushioning system. When my foot landed, the belt gave a little. It felt soft but not mushy. This is important. It means the machine absorbs the impact, not your legs.

After a 20-minute run, my knees and shins felt good. I did not have the pain you sometimes get from running on a hard surface. This feature alone makes the THERUN worth it for anyone who runs regularly.

Using the Incline and Preset Programs

The manual incline goes up to 6%. You change it by lifting the back of the treadmill. It is simple and stays in place securely. Adding incline makes your workout harder. It helps you burn more calories. It is like running up a hill.

The 15 preset programs are a great bonus. You press a button, and the treadmill automatically changes speed and incline for you. It keeps your workout from getting boring. The large display is easy to read. It shows your time, speed, distance, and calories burned. The pulse sensors on the handrails let you check your heart rate without a chest strap.

Who should buy the THERUN Treadmill?

This is the best choice if you are serious about running. It is for people who will run several times a week. It is for those who want a machine that feels solid and safe. If your budget allows for the best running experience, this is the one.

2. Aiteid Treadmill: A Good Choice for Jogging and Small Spaces

The Aiteid Treadmill is a compact machine. It has a 3.0HP motor like the THERUN, but it is designed differently. It is lighter and has a shorter belt. It tries to balance power with a small size.

Quick Facts:

• Motor: 3.0 HP
• Top Speed: 6.2 Miles per Hour
• Incline: None
• Running Area: 39 inches long by 15 inches wide
• User Weight Limit: 300 Pounds
• Special Things: 12 preset programs, device and cup holders, folds for storage.

The Good:

• Strong motor for its size.
• Helpful extras like phone and cup holders.
• Easy to fold and move on its wheels.

The Not-So-Good:

• The running belt is shorter, which may not suit tall runners.
• The top speed is too low for fast running.
• There is no incline option.

Is the 3.0HP Motor as Good as the THERUN’s?

On paper, the Aiteid has a 3.0HP motor. In practice, it feels different. It is quiet, which is good. But the top speed is limited to 6.2 MPH. This is a good jogging speed, but it is not a running speed. If you like to run fast, you will hit this limit quickly.

The motor works well for what it is designed for: walking and jogging. It felt steady at 5 MPH. But it does not have the same power reserve as the THERUN for intense runs.

Is the Running Belt Too Short for You?

This is the biggest question with the Aiteid. The belt is 39 inches long and 15 inches wide. I am of average height. When I jogged, I felt I had to be careful with my stride. My feet were coming close to the end of the belt.

For a tall person, this belt would feel too short for a comfortable run. It is fine for walking and light jogging. But for a natural, relaxed running stride, the longer belt on the THERUN is much better.

The Value of the Extra Features

The Aiteid includes some nice extras. It has a place to hold your phone or tablet. It has a cup holder for your water bottle. These seem small, but they are very convenient. You do not need to set up a separate table.

It also has 12 preset programs. These add variety to your workout. The machine is light enough to move around. It has wheels, so you can roll it to a corner after your workout. This is a great feature for people living in apartments.

Who should buy the Aiteid Treadmill?

Choose the Aiteid if you live in a small home and mostly walk or jog. It is a good fit if you like the preset programs and convenience features. It is not the best for dedicated runners due to the shorter belt and lower top speed.

3. Joxir Walking Pad Treadmill: The Best for Walk-Run Intervals

The Joxir Walking Pad is an interesting machine. It sits between a walking pad and a full treadmill. It has a handlebar, which most walking pads lack. It also has an incline. This makes it more versatile than a basic walking pad.

Quick Facts:

• Motor: 2.5 HP
• Top Speed: 7.5 Miles per Hour
• Incline: 0 to 8 degrees Adjustable
• Running Area: 38 inches long by 15 inches wide
• User Weight Limit: 360 Pounds
• Special Things: Magnetic remote control, foldable, 6 silicone shock absorbers.

The Good:

• Very high weight capacity.
• Unique and useful magnetic remote.
• Good shock absorption for a compact machine.
• The incline is a great feature.

The Not-So-Good:

• The 2.5HP motor is not strong enough for long running sessions.
• The running belt is quite short and narrow.
• The handlebar is short and not meant for full support while running.

Can the 2.5HP Motor Handle Running?

I tested the Joxir at different speeds. At walking speeds, it is very quiet and smooth. When I increased the speed to a jog, around 5 MPH, the motor was okay. But when I pushed it to its top speed of 7.5 MPH, I could hear the motor working hard. The sound changed from a quiet hum to a louder strain.

This motor is better than the ones in basic walking pads. However, it is not designed for you to run at 7.5 MPH for 30 minutes straight. It is best for interval training: walking mixed with short periods of jogging. For long runs, the 3.0HP motors in the THERUN and Aiteid are much more capable.

Testing the 8-Degree Incline and Shock Absorption

The incline feature on the Joxir is a big plus. You can adjust it up to 8 degrees. This makes your walks or jogs more challenging. It helps you burn more calories without having to run faster. The adjustment is manual but works well.

The shock absorption is also good. It uses six silicone pads under the deck. When you walk or jog, you feel a cushioning effect. It is not as advanced as the system on the THERUN, but it is effective. It takes a lot of the impact away from your joints, which makes your workout more comfortable.

The Handle Bar and Portability: A Mixed Result

The handlebar on the Joxir is not like the tall, sturdy handrails on a full-sized treadmill. It is lower. It is good for stability when you step on and off. It is not designed to hold onto while you run. The machine is also fairly light and easy to fold. You can store it under a couch or in a closet. This is perfect for saving space.

Who should buy the Joxir Treadmill?

The Joxir is a great hybrid machine. It is the best choice if you mostly walk but want the option to jog sometimes. It is also excellent for interval training. The high weight capacity makes it a good option for heavier users who plan to walk. If you have limited space but still want incline training, the Joxir is a strong contender.

Treadmills Best for Walking Only

The next two treadmills are what I call “true walking pads.” They are low to the ground. They do not have handlebars. They are made for walking while you work or watch TV. I tested them to see if they could handle running, and the answer is a clear no.

The Gkyet Under Desk Treadmill

This model is yellow and has a very low profile. Its top speed is only 4 MPH. The motor is 2.5HP, but it is made for walking, not running. The belt is 35.4 inches long. I tried to jog on it, and my strides were too long for the belt. It felt unsafe. It is a good machine for its purpose: quiet walking under a desk. It is not for running.

The Yagud Under Desk Treadmill

The Yagud is similar. Its top speed is 3.8 MPH, which is even lower than the Gkyet. It has a quiet motor, which is nice for an office. However, the short belt and low speed make running impossible. It is designed for a slow walk while you work. It does its job well, but its job is not running.

Why These Are Not for Runners

• Speed is Too Low: You cannot run at 3.8 or 4 MPH.
• Belts are Too Short: You cannot take a full running stride on a 35-inch belt.
• No Handrails: This makes it unsafe for the high balance demands of running.
  If you are a runner, you should not consider these two models.

Putting the Treadmills Side-by-Side

Now, let’s compare the three main models that can handle some level of running or jogging. This table makes the differences clear.

Feature	THERUN Treadmill	Aiteid Treadmill	Joxir Treadmill
Motor Power	3.0 HP (Best)	3.0 HP (Good)	2.5 HP (Okay for jogs)
Top Speed	9 MPH (Best)	6.2 MPH (Good for jogs)	7.5 MPH (Good, but motor strains)
Running Belt Size	43.3″ L x 16.5″ W (Best)	39″ L x 15″ W (A bit short)	38″ L x 15″ W (Quite short)
Shock Absorption	Advanced System (Best)	Silicone Absorbers (Good)	Silicone Absorbers (Good)
Incline	Yes, 0-6% (Best)	No	Yes, 0-8 degrees (Best)
Best For	Serious running	Jogging in small spaces	Walk-run intervals

THERUN vs. Aiteid: The Power and Space Trade-Off

This is the main choice. The THERUN is more powerful and has a larger running area. It is the clear winner for performance. The Aiteid is less powerful but more compact and easier to store. If you have the space and want to run, choose the THERUN. If your space is very small and you only jog, the Aiteid is a good option.

Joxir vs. The Others: The Unique Hybrid

The Joxir does not have the pure power of the THERUN or the compact design of the Aiteid. Its strength is its combination of features: decent speed, incline, and high weight capacity in a foldable design. It is not the best at any one thing, but it does many things well.

Finding the Best Treadmill for Your Life

Your perfect treadmill depends on how you plan to use it. Here is my final advice based on your needs.

If you are a serious runner:

Your only choice from this group is the THERUN Treadmill. It has the strong motor, the long belt, and the cushioning you need to run comfortably and safely, day after day.

If you live in a small apartment:

You have two good choices. For jogging and walking, the Aiteid Treadmill is great because it is easy to move and store. If you prefer walking with incline and the option for light jogging, the Joxir Treadmill is a better fit due to its slimmer profile when folded.

If you want to mix walking and jogging:

The Joxir Treadmill is made for you. The incline feature will make your walks more effective, and you can switch to a jog whenever you want without the machine struggling.

If you only want to walk at your desk:

The Gkyet or Yagud walking pads will work well. They are quiet and fit under a standing desk. But remember, they are not for running.

Answers to Common Treadmill Questions

I get asked many questions about treadmills. Here are some of the most common ones.

What is the minimum motor power for running?

From my tests, a 3.0 HP motor is the starting point for running. The 2.5HP motors in the Joxir and other models can handle jogging, but they show their limits during sustained running. For a reliable running experience, 3.0HP is the way to go.

How important is shock absorption?

It is very important. Running on a hard surface can hurt your knees, shins, and back over time. The THERUN treadmill had the best shock absorption in my tests. My body felt the difference after running. Models with good shock absorption, like the Aiteid and Joxir, are much better for your joints than ones with no cushioning.

Can I use a walking pad for running?

No. I tested this. Machines like the Gkyet and Yagud have a top speed that is a fast walk. Their belts are too short for a running stride. Trying to run on them is unsafe and could damage the machine. They are only for walking.

What is a good treadmill for a heavier person?

Look at the weight capacity. The Joxir supports 360 pounds, which is the highest in this test. The THERUN and Aiteid support 300 pounds. Just as important is motor power. A heavier user should lean towards a 3.0HP motor or higher for a smooth experience.

My Final Recommendation and Conclusion

After testing all these treadmills, the path is clear.

The THERUN Home Treadmill with Incline Adjust is the best inexpensive treadmill for running. It won because it has the complete package. The 3.0HP motor never struggled. The large, cushioned belt made running feel natural and easy on my joints. The added features like incline and heart rate monitoring are useful for improving your fitness. It is a machine built for running, and it shows.

The other treadmills have their places. The Aiteid is a smart choice for small-space jogging. The Joxir is excellent for walkers who want to add jogs and incline. But for the person who asks, “Which one is best for running?” the answer is the THERUN.

I hope this detailed guide helps you make a choice you will be happy with for years. The right treadmill can make all the difference in your fitness journey. Good luck!