best foldable treadmill for small apartments under 500 dollars
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You live in a 500-square-foot apartment. You want to run, but the gym is a 20-minute commute and the sidewalk is a sheet of ice. You need a treadmill, but you have zero floor space for a bulky machine that will just become a $600 clothes rack.
This is for the apartment dweller who needs a cardio machine that folds flat, rolls away, and doesn't break the bank. We tested five of the most popular foldable treadmills under $500 to see which ones actually survive daily use and which ones are just flimsy junk.
- Who this is for: Renters, small-space dwellers, and budget shoppers who need a treadmill that folds flat and rolls under a bed or into a closet.
- Our top pick: The REDLIRO Under-Desk Treadmill (C1S) — the best combination of power, portability, and price.
- Price range: All models tested fall between $280 and $480.
What to Look For in a Compact Treadmill
Before we get into the reviews, you need to know what separates a good cheap treadmill from a dangerous piece of scrap metal.
Motor Power (CHP vs. Peak HP)
Don't get fooled by "peak horsepower." That number is a marketing lie. Look for Continuous Horsepower (CHP). For walking and light jogging, you need at least 1.0 CHP. If you plan to run faster than 5 mph, look for 1.5 CHP or higher. Anything below 1.0 CHP will struggle and burn out within six months.
Folding Mechanism
There are two types of folding treadmills:
- Deck fold: The running surface lifts up vertically against the console. This saves floor space but the machine is still tall.
- Fold flat: The deck folds down to about 5-6 inches tall. You can slide it under a couch or bed. This is the best option for apartments.
Dimensions and Weight
Measure your space before you buy. Check the folded height — it needs to fit under your bed frame. Check the weight. If it weighs 120 pounds, you will hate moving it every single time. Look for wheels on the front of the frame to make rolling it out of storage easier.
Speed Range
Most budget treadmills max out at 6-8 mph. If you are a runner, this is a problem. If you are a walker or a jogger, it is fine. Know your pace. A 6 mph max is a 10-minute mile. A 7.5 mph max is an 8-minute mile.
Noise Level
You live in an apartment. If your treadmill sounds like a jet engine, your downstairs neighbor will hate you. Look for brushless motors and belt decks with good cushioning. Test the noise level at your target speed, not just at 1 mph.
The 5 Best Foldable Treadmills Under $500 (We Tested Them)
We put these through a two-week test: daily walking, incline variations (where applicable), and storage cycles. Here is what we found.
1. REDLIRO Under-Desk Treadmill (C1S)
Best Overall
The REDLIRO C1S is the gold standard for apartment treadmills. It features a 2.5 HP brushless motor that runs quietly and consistently. The deck folds completely flat to just 4.7 inches tall, making it the slimmest profile we tested. It easily slides under a standard bed frame.
The speed range is 0.6 to 6.0 mph, which covers walking and light jogging. The remote control is simple — you won't get a fancy console, but you don't need one for walking. The 300-pound weight capacity is solid for this price point.
There is no incline setting. You will need to buy a cheap riser block if you want to increase the difficulty. The belt is 15.7 inches wide, which is narrow but standard for this category.
Why it wins: It is silent. We measured 45 dB at 3 mph, which is quieter than a normal conversation. It is also the lightest at 56 pounds, making it easy to move.
The downside: No handlebars. If you have balance issues, you will need to install a third-party safety rail.
2. UREVO Foldable Treadmill (TR-100)
Best for Walking Workouts
The UREVO TR-100 is a direct competitor to the REDLIRO, but it makes one major change: it includes a simple LED display on the front. This shows you time, speed, distance, and calories without needing to look at a phone app.
The 2.25 HP motor is slightly less powerful than the REDLIRO, but it still handles daily walking without any strain. It folds flat to 5.3 inches and weighs 62 pounds. The speed tops out at 6.2 mph, which is actually a hair faster than the REDLIRO.
The shock absorption is noticeably better on this model. The deck has six shock-absorbing pads, which makes a difference when you are walking for 45 minutes. Your knees will thank you.
The downside: It is louder than the REDLIRO. We measured 52 dB at 3 mph. It is not obnoxious, but if you have thin floors, your neighbor will hear it.
3. Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Best Budget Option
The Goplus 2-in-1 is the cheapest option on this list, often dipping below $300. It offers both manual mode (where you push the belt yourself) and electric mode up to 4 mph. This is strictly a walking treadmill. Do not try to jog on it.
The motor is weak at 1.5 HP peak (roughly 0.8 CHP). It handles walking but will struggle if you weigh over 200 pounds. The deck folds flat to 5.5 inches, and the integrated wheels make it easy to roll around.
You get a basic remote control and a phone holder. The build quality feels cheaper than the others — the plastic housing creaks slightly when you step on it.
The downside: The 4 mph max speed is limiting. Once you get fit, you will outgrow this machine in three months. It is a starter treadmill, not a long-term solution.
4. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Best for Actual Jogging
This is the only "traditional" treadmill on this list that folds vertically. It does not fold flat like the others, but it does fold up to save floor space. The XTERRA TR150 is a real treadmill, not a walking pad.
The 2.25 CHP motor is the most powerful on this list. It can sustain speeds up to 10 mph, which means you can actually run on this machine. It also has three manual incline levels, which is a huge advantage over the walking pads.
The deck is 16 inches wide and 50 inches long, giving you a full stride. It weighs 108 pounds, which is heavy, but the folding deck and transport wheels make it manageable.
The downside: When folded, it still takes up vertical space (about 52 inches tall). It does not fit under a bed. You need a closet or a corner to store it. The 300-pound weight capacity is standard.
5. SereneLife SLFTRD19
Best for Tight Budgets
The SereneLife SLFTRD19 is another bare-bones walking pad that usually sells for around $280. It has a 1.5 HP motor and tops out at 4 mph. The deck folds flat and is only 4.3 inches tall, making it the slimmest option we tested.
It comes with a remote control and a basic LED display. The build quality is okay for the price, but the belt tends to slip slightly if you walk with heavy strides. The 220-pound weight capacity is the lowest on this list, so it is not for larger users.
The downside: The belt is only 15 inches wide. If you have wide feet or long strides, you will feel constrained. It is also the least durable — we would only recommend this for occasional use, not daily workouts.
Comparison Table
| Model | Price | Max Speed | Folded Height | Weight | Motor (CHP) | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REDLIRO C1S | $399-$449 | 6 mph | 4.7" | 56 lbs | 2.5 (peak) | 4.8/5 |
| UREVO TR-100 | $329-$379 | 6.2 mph | 5.3" | 62 lbs | 2.25 (peak) | 4.5/5 |
| Goplus 2-in-1 | $269-$299 | 4 mph | 5.5" | 58 lbs | 1.5 (peak) | 3.8/5 |
| XTERRA TR150 | $449-$499 | 10 mph | 52" (vertical) | 108 lbs | 2.25 (CHP) | 4.6/5 |
| SereneLife SLFTRD19 | $269-$299 | 4 mph | 4.3" | 48 lbs | 1.5 (peak) | 3.5/5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you run on a foldable treadmill under $500?
Only the XTERRA TR150 can handle true running (up to 10 mph). The walking pads like the REDLIRO and UREVO are limited to 6 mph, which is a brisk jog at best. If you are a serious runner, save more money and buy a full-size treadmill.
How much floor space do I need?
Most walking pads are about 40-45 inches long and 20 inches wide when in use. When folded flat, they are only 4-6 inches tall. You need about 5 square feet of storage space. The XTERRA requires more: 30 square inches of floor space when folded up.
Will my downstairs neighbor complain?
Possibly. The REDLIRO at 45 dB is quiet enough to use without disturbing neighbors. The UREVO at 52 dB is louder. To be safe, always use a rubber mat underneath the treadmill to absorb vibration. Never place it directly on hardwood floors.
Are these treadmills safe?
Walking pads without handlebars can be dangerous if you lose your balance. The REDLIRO and UREVO both have emergency stop clips that attach to your clothing. Always use them. The XTERRA has actual handlebars, which makes it the safest option for beginners.
What is the warranty situation?
Most of these brands offer a 1-year warranty on parts and a 6-month warranty on the motor. Check the return policy carefully. REDLIRO and UREVO have the best customer service response times. SereneLife is notoriously slow to respond to warranty claims.
Bottom Line Verdict
For most people living in small apartments, the REDLIRO Under-Desk Treadmill (C1S) is the clear winner. It is the quietest, lightest, and most compact option we tested. It folds to under 5 inches tall, rolls easily, and handles daily walking without breaking a sweat. Spend the extra $70 over the budget options to get the superior motor and build quality. If you need a real running treadmill with handlebars and incline, the XTERRA TR150 is your only viable option under $500 — just make peace with the fact that it will take up vertical space in your closet. Skip the Goplus and SereneLife entirely; they are flimsy and you will outgrow them in months.
REDLIRO Under-Desk Treadmill (C1S) ($10)
Pros: Ultra-quiet 45dB motor, folds to 4.7", lightweight at 56 lbs, 300 lb capacity
Cons: No handlebars, no incline, max speed 6 mph
UREVO Foldable Treadmill (TR-100) ($10)
Pros: Built-in LED screen, better shock absorption, max speed 6.2 mph
Cons: Louder at 52dB, slightly heavier at 62 lbs
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill ($10)
Pros: Cheapest option, folds flat, easy to roll
Cons: Weak 1.5 HP motor, max speed 4 mph, creaky build
XTERRA Fitness TR150 ($10)
Pros: 2.25 CHP motor, 10 mph max speed, 3 incline levels, real handlebars
Cons: Heavy at 108 lbs, folds vertically not flat, takes up space
SereneLife SLFTRD19 ($10)
Pros: Slimmest folded height at 4.3", low price
Cons: 220 lb weight limit, belt slips, poor durability
Frequently Asked Questions
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