Let's be realistic - if you're just starting out with home running, you don't need to mortgage the house to buy a treadmill. Beginners, in my book at least, shouldn't be forking out more than £600 for their first experience of indoor jogging (but splurge if you like, I'm not in charge here.). For the purpose of this list, though, we’re staying firmly in the under-£600 camp and there are some surprisingly impressive machines waiting there.
Cherry Picked Brands
This isn’t a bargain-bin roundup of rickety contraptions with wobbling handrails and the lifespan of a mayfly. We've picked out five treadmills that offer you fantastic value, a silky-smooth running experience, and plenty of gadgets to make you feel like you're a member of a sci-fi gym – without the water-in-your-eyes price. If you want to shift last night's pizza, prepare for your first 5K, or simply stretch your legs during a marathon binge-watching session of your favourite show, these treadmills have you covered.
Workout Sweet Spot
The sweet spot for beginners is a treadmill that stands sturdy, has decent speed and incline controls, and is made by a brand you've actually heard of. Extra credit if it connects with apps or comes with other training programs to keep you on your toes. And yes, we've diplomatically steered clear of the "cheap and cheerful" models below £200 that squeak like a hamster wheel and don't quite instil confidence.
So, slip your trainers on, clear some floor room, and get ready to meet the top 5 best treadmills for beginners – all costing less than £600 (at this time of writing). First up, a really great example from a brand most of us recall in conjunction with bouncy aerobics classes and cozy trainers.
5 Best Treadmills for Beginners – Under £600
1, Reebok FR20z Floatride Treadmill
Reebok may be famous for its whites and 80s aerobics gear, but it appears they also make a treadmill that's more than capable of serving in your home gym for about the £530 level. The FR20z Floatride is a slim machine for new runners looking for a reliable, quiet and somewhat smart one – minus parting with small fortunes.
Around that is wrapped Reebok's eco-Kinetic motor, something straight out of a B sci-fi flick but actually a very efficient 2.25 HP motor. It propels the belt at a spirited 18 kph (11.2 mph), plenty fast for interval training or running. Best of all, it is built to last and will not be emitting a sorrowful grinding sound after a month of use.
The FR20z also features a very impressive feature package for the price. You get a roomy 140 x 46 cm jogging deck, a sprung top for the joints-friendly jog, and a record 15 levels of incline (up to 15%) for those who prefer to sweat going up. Runners and walkers alike will appreciate its 32 workout programmes of workouts, from manual strolls to tailored sessions, with extra Bluetooth connectivity for streaming your tunes through its built-in speakers.
Want some mates? Pair the treadmill with Zwift or Kinomap and you'll be pounding the virtual streets of cities or racing buddies worldwide. There's even a 30-day free Kinomap trial to hook you in.
Practical details encompass an auto-stop safety function, transport wheels for moving it around, and a two-year manufacturer's warranty for reassurance. It's a DIY assembly job, but with it installed, the FR20z is a slim, solid buddy for your first exercise escapades. As a beginner-friendly treadmill with a mix of solid engineering and a touch of tech panache, this Reebok deserves to top the list.
2, ProForm Sport Treadmill
Whereas the Reebok FR20z is the steady, sensible friend who has you running on a Sunday morning, the ProForm Sport for around £590 is the friend who drags you along some impromptu hike and says it'll be fun. This treadmill is all about making your workout more interactive because of its Bluetooth connectivity and iFit compatibility. Log into the iFit app on your own machine, sync it with the treadmill, and you're pounding virtual Rockies trails while a chirpy trainer screams at you to "keep your knees high.".
Its 1.86 HP motor isn’t trying to win a horsepower contest, but it’s perfectly capable of delivering up to 16 kph (that’s just shy of 10 mph) — fast enough for sprints if you’re feeling brave. There’s a 0–10% incline range too, with 21 levels to keep your calves guessing. And because everybody hates creaky joints on day one, ProForm has built-in its "CoreShox" cushioning, which is a techno-sounding term but really means "your knees will thank you later.".
The running platform is a bit narrower at 119 x 41 cm, so it's perfect for joggers, walkers, and short-striders — not Olympic hurdlers. The nicely equipped console tracks your speed, distance, calories, and even heart rate, and you get built-in speakers for playing back your favourite playlist or podcast as you walk.
Assembly is very light, the whole unit weighs only 48 kg, and there's a two-year warranty from the manufacturer when you sign up. Yes, you will have to pay for a subscription to receive iFit's 10,000-plus workouts, but even without it, the Sport treadmill is a trustworthy, no-fuss workout partner. If you want something light, smart, and willing to take you through your first few months of running, this ProForm is a shrewd purchase.
3, JTX Slimline: Fold Away Treadmill
Not all of us want our living room to look like a commercial gym, and the JTX Slimline (£599 or so) exists to let it be. Its sole job is to give a good walk or jog, then discreetly disappear from view before the dog gets a chance to turn it into a new bed.
Straight out of the box (literally — it's pre-assembled), you can get this treadmill up and running in minutes. Just 43 kg, with easy-transport wheels, it's easy to roll out when the mood takes you and roll back in when you've had enough. Fold it flat or store it upright in a cupboard — it's the Marie Kondo of treadmills.
Under its slender body lies a 1.75 HP motor, which propels the belt to a speed of 16 kph. That's more than sufficient for jog-trotting or a steady jog, though if you're planning on training to run a marathon then you may find you need something slightly thicker. The 122 x 45 cm running surface is generous by foldable norms, giving leisure runners a stable platform without dominating too much floor area.
While easy to look at, the Slimline is not uninteresting. The 39 exercises to complete are displayed clearly on a digital screen: 36 pre-set routines, three custom routines, and a bonus body fat calculator. While there isn't app connectivity integrated, plug it in with a footpad and tablet, and you can still take part in virtual runs on Zwift and its friends.
Safety also gets a mention, with quick speed buttons on the handles so you don't struggle to reach for the console while running. For anyone who wants a treadmill they can hide away after each exercise, the JTX Slimline is a neat, dependable choice. It's having a personal trainer who knows when to leave you alone.
4, Reebok Jet 100X Treadmill
And if the Reebok FR20z is the intellectual sibling of the family, then its sports sibling is the Jet 100X for around £580 – the type who's constantly off running somewhere and flapping their "PB". Powered by a 2 HP motor, this treadmill whisks you from a gentle 1 km/h stroll to pace 18 km/h gallop, with 12 electronic inclines thrown in for good measure (and your thighs on alert).
What makes the Jet 100X stand out is its Air Motion cushioning. This nifty tech shifts air between pods under the deck, adjusting with every step. Translation: it’s kinder to your knees than pounding the pavement, and it makes for a smoother ride overall. Pair that with a solid 24 pre-set programmes, three customisable options, and three target settings, and you’ve got no excuse for hopping off early.
The five-window LED console keeps you informed (literally) with distance, calorie, step, heart rate and incline displays. For fun, link up your phone to the built-in speakers and listen to your inspiration soundtrack – or crank up a podcast and pretend you're running through an episode of detective drama. There's even a cooling fan to simulate that outside breeze and a handy bottle holder so you don't have to stop for water mid-run.
Once you're done, the soft-drop folding mechanism lets you roll up the treadmill without risking a battle royal or a mangled floor. In general, the Jet 100X is a comfortable, loaded jog without overwhelming your living room – a safe bet for beginners who enjoy a bit of extra tech pizzazz.
5, JLL T400 Folding Home Treadmill
If you’re looking for a treadmill that ticks all the boxes without ticking off your bank balance, the JLL T400 is a strong contender. With its sturdy 2.5 HP motor, this machine is happy to keep up whether you’re casually walking or pretending you’re training for an action movie chase scene. It offers a generous speed range from 1 to 18 km/h and, if you’re feeling ambitious, 20 incline levels to test your mettle.
One of its best features is the shock absorption system that softens out each step – your joints will thank you profusely later. The running deck is spacious enough to allow for a comfortable stride so that you don't have to tiptoe nervously along a tiny belt while watching the rear wall.
Training-wise, the T400 provides 36 pre-set programmes ranging from endurance boosts to stamina builders. Or you can play it easy with manual mode and just zone out as you rack up the kilometres. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream your favourite music or connect with compatible apps to monitor your progress.
Storage is nicely simple thanks to its fold-up nature, and it's a practical option if you keep your exercise space clear of laundry baskets or Lego blocks. For around £500, the JLL T400 finds the middle ground between power, range, and comfort indulgence features without breaking the bank. For those new to treadmills looking for solid performance and plenty of room to grow, this is a great generalist.
Comparison Table Beginner Friendly Treadmills
| Treadmill | Price Guide | Max Speed | Inclines | Max Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reebok FR20z Floatride | £530 | 18 kph | 15 | 120 kg |
| ProForm Sport | £595 | 16 kph | 21 | 120kg |
| JTX Slimline | £595 | 16 kph | None | 100 kg |
| Reebok Jet 100X | £580 | 18 kph | 12 | 110 kg |
| JLL T400 | £500 | 18 kph | 20 | 120 kg |
Conclusion - Final Verdict for Beginners
And there you have it — five decent treadmills, all of which are under £600, that find a balance between quality, features, and price without straying into "Overpriced Gym Membership" costs. If you're just starting out, here's the essentials, and how these models stack up.
Priorities for Newbies
- Quality build & motor strength: A treadmill that won't squeak, a motor that won't die after a few months, and can handle your weight and extra load (if you lean forward, carry water bottles, etc.).
- Adequate speed & incline range: You don't need Olympic speed on day one, but enough range to progress incrementally (and not get bored) is vital.
- Warranty & reputation: When it does break, you want to have some nice customer support and access to parts. The longer warranty on the frame/motor demonstrates confidence by the manufacturer.
- Comfort & use: Adequate cushioning, enough room for belts, safety features, foldability or portability if storage is a problem, and some built-in programs or incline positions to vary things up.
- Keeping costs in check: Under £600 is a fair threshold for beginner treadmills — you get ample working machine without breaking the bank on gizmos and gimmicks that you may never use.
How the Picks Compare
Here's how our five runners compare in those areas…
- All five are from a reputable brand (Reebok, ProForm, JTX, JLL) with decent reviews and customer support in the UK.
- They all provide 2 years' or so parts and labour warranty (longer, on registration), and robust motor/structure build to handle regular walks, jogs, and occasional runs.
- Speeds are ~16-18 kph, and incline settings are generous on most of them — good for adding rising challenge without the need for pro-grade treadmill.
- Comfort aspects such as cushioning (Air Motion, shock absorption, etc.), folding mechanisms, inbuilt programs and safety features are all amply covered across the product board.
- They are not in the discount bin below £200 (which, to be honest, is a space where things can go horribly wrong quickly). They deliver sufficient value without compromising on necessary solidity.
Final Recommendation
If I had to pick a "best all-around" for most new runners, I'd select one of the mid-level ones that gives you speed, incline, a little room on the deck, and a decent warranty like the Reebok FR20z or the JLL T400. These give you some leeway to grow (from walk → run → faster or longer runs) without having you think you've spent more than you should or bought something that's too restrictive.
If your space is very limited or you are going to use it lightly (walking, light jogging), the JTX Slimline is a reasonable choice. And if you like motivational features, programmes, or smart technology, the ProForm Sport has the advantage.
Final Word
Beginners should ideally budget around £600 (give or take) especially because you can get machines that meet all the criteria within that budget. Buying from a brand, doing motor & frame warranty checks, and making sure size, speed, and features of the treadmill meet your purpose will save you from getting something to gather dust.
If you shop now — use the comparison chart, pick the one that fits your room best, your fitness goals, and your tolerance level. You'll have a machine that's solid enough to sweat on, dependable enough not to leave you in the middle of a workout, and fun enough to keep coming back for more.
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