What should you expect with the best treadmills under $3000?

What you’ll find in this price category are the highest end models in the mid-level brands and the entry level models in the high-end commercial brands.

So for instance, you’ll find the top of the line treadmills from Sole Fitness, a leader in the mid-level category, and also the entry level machines from Life Fitness, a leader in the commercial space.

Here’s what you should be looking for in this price range…

1. Deck Size/Cushioning – All of the best treadmills in the $2000 to $3000 price range should have very advanced cushioning to reduce impact on your knees and joints, as well as large belts that can accommodate even the tallest of users at full stride. Look for a minimum of 20″ wide x 60″ long.

2. Motor – The motor on a treadmill in this price category should be in the 3.0-3.5 CHP range, which will be able to accommodate heavier usage without being overworked.

3. Incline Capability – As far incline is concerned, treadmills over $2000 should definitely come with at least 15% elevation, and you should be able to make changes on the fly with the touch of a button. This gives you the ability to ramp up your cardio training and target additional muscles in the lower body.

4. Workout Programs – You can expect a wide range of built in workout programs to choose from, more than you get on lower priced machines. Look for a wide range of target options including distance, time, calories and more, as well as interval training, cardio-centric programs and hills, among others.

5. Warranty – All of the best treadmills in the $2000-$3000 should come with rock solid warranties, a testament to the quality of the machine. Look for lifetime coverage on the frame and motor, at least 2-3 years on parts and electronics, and 1-2 years on labor. If you don’t see this type of coverage, consider other treadmills.

What about the extras?

You typically get a lot of extras when you are spending over $2,000, including but not limited to console options, touch screen displays, workout tracking capability, training/destination videos, one touch controls and music/sound systems.

Each brand is different, and the treadmills that they offer will have different features and capabilities, so think about what you want vs what you need.

Which best treadmill in the $2000-$3000 range should you choose?

This is a very interesting category because you have to decide whether you want a top of the line “regular” treadmill or an entry level club-quality treadmill.

What do we mean by this? Some of the popular mid-range brands offer options over $2000, even though most of their treadmills are in the $1000-$2000 price range.

For example, the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is one of the best treadmills the company offers, costing around $2,800 on sale. It’s packed with everything: incline/decline, great cushioning, iFit training, a huge 22″ Smart HD touch screen, loads of built in workouts, powerful motor, large running belt and more.

But even with all of those great features, it’s still not considered gym quality like Matrix, Life Fitness and Precor. If you are looking for something just like the treadmills you find at the gym, then you need to go with one of those models.

That’s why we feature these brands on our best treadmills $2000-$3000 list, as more often than not that is what people are looking for when they get up to the more expensive price ranges.

Let’s take a look at our selections to help you make a decision….

The Matrix TF30 is an awesome treadmill from a company that offers residential machines that are as close to their commercial counterparts as possible. It has a sleek, durable yet foldable frame, three console options, powerful motor, well cushioned deck, up to 15% incline, workout tracking capability and an incredible warranty. If you want a rock solid machine that will give you years of solid performance, this is the one.

The Precor TRM 223 is another great choice, part of the company’s more affordable Energy Series. It has special impact reducing technology, a nice array of workouts, SmartRate heart training, maintenance free deck, 15% incline and a solid warranty; along with the durable construction the company is known for.

The Life Fitness T3 is a winner as well, giving you a larger running surface than some of the other entry level choices, as well as incline capability, diverse programming, two console options, FlexDeck shock absorption and a good warranty.

All of these treadmills are great choices for the home, so it’s a matter of checking out the reviews and seeing which one has the features and capabilities you are looking for.

Each company offers a few lower priced options and some pricier options as well, so you might find that another treadmill in the series is more appealing to you. And that’s fine. We’re giving you what our experts believe to be the best overall options in the price range, but please feel free to choose another if it is more in line with what you are looking for.

So look through these best treadmills in the $2000-$3000 price range and decide which one is ideal for your home gym.