MERACH T31 Review: A Good Budget Treadmill?
The MERACH T31 is the kind of treadmill I think a lot of home gym owners are actually looking for.
It isn't a $2,000 commercial treadmill.
It doesn't have a massive touchscreen, premium finishes, or a running deck that takes up half your garage.
Instead, the T31 gives you an 18% automatic incline, speeds up to 8.7 MPH, a folding design, app connectivity, and a 350-pound weight capacity for around $599, and I've seen it selling closer to $499.
After using it for the past few weeks for walking, incline work, shorter runs, warm-ups, and intervals, my takeaway is pretty simple.
It does the important treadmill stuff surprisingly well.
[[BTN:Check Current MERACH T31 Price →|https://bit.ly/4ySjxpM]]
[[NOTE:Use code T31LIFTLAB to save 10% on the MERACH T31. This is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Pricing and discounts can change.]]
Quick Verdict: Is the MERACH T31 Worth It?
[[VERDICT:8.5|Very good budget treadmill|The MERACH T31 gives home gym owners a surprisingly capable treadmill for around $500 to $600. It feels smooth and stable for walking and normal running, gives you a legitimately useful 18% automatic incline, folds easily, and is simple to move. The basic display, plastic construction, and 8.7 MPH top speed remind you that this is a budget treadmill, but functionally it does the important things very well.]]
I think the T31 makes the most sense for someone who wants to add walking, incline work, warm-ups, and regular running to a home gym without spending several thousand dollars.
I'm 5'8", and the 47.24-inch by 18.11-inch running surface gives me plenty of space.
I've pushed the treadmill toward its 8.7 MPH maximum and it still feels stable.
The 18% automatic incline is one of my favorite features, and the hydraulic folding system makes it much easier to live with in a smaller gym or office.
The biggest limitations are exactly what you'd expect at this price.
Nothing about the T31 feels particularly premium, and 8.7 MPH isn't fast enough if your main goal is serious sprint training.
But for what I personally use a treadmill for?
I'd have a hard time justifying spending $2,000 or more when something like this does almost everything I need.
My MERACH T31 Rating
[[RATING:Value=9.5;Running Experience=8.5;Incline=9.0;Build Quality=7.5;Controls & Features=8.0;Storage & Portability=9.0;Overall=8.5]]
MERACH T31 Specs
[[SPECS:Price=Around $599, often on sale around $499;Speed Range=0.6 to 8.7 MPH;Automatic Incline=Up to 18%;Running Surface=47.24 x 18.11 inches;Motor=3.5 HP peak brushless motor;Weight Capacity=350 lbs;Product Weight=122.4 lbs;Dimensions=57.1 x 35 x 51.2 inches;Folded Dimensions=30.7 x 35 x 51.2 inches;Preset Programs=20;Bluetooth=Yes;MERACH App=Yes;Heart Rate Monitoring=Yes;Hydraulic Folding=Yes]]
MERACH T31 Pros and Cons
[[PROS:Excellent value around $500 to $600;18% automatic incline;Smooth and stable during normal running;8.7 MPH is fast enough for most casual runners;Running deck feels roomy enough for my 5'8" frame;Very easy assembly;Hydraulic folding system;Easy to move on transport wheels;350 lb weight capacity;Simple controls;Useful speed and incline shortcuts;MERACH app adds additional workout options;Large upper surface can hold a phone, tablet, or laptop;Relatively compact for a full treadmill]]
[[CONS:Plastic construction does not feel premium;Basic display;8.7 MPH top speed limits true sprint training;47-inch deck may feel short for taller runners with long strides;Not the treadmill I'd choose for very high-mileage marathon training;Storage trays lack premium rubber liners or grip;Premium MERACH app features require an additional subscription]]
Assembly Is Extremely Easy
The first pleasant surprise with the MERACH T31 was how little assembly it required.
Most of the treadmill comes together already.
You basically raise everything into position, install a few bolts, attach some of the smaller accessories and you're ready to go.
It took me around 15 to 20 minutes.
The treadmill also arrived very well packaged.
If the thought of assembling a giant treadmill in your house sounds miserable, this one really isn't bad.
I would give MERACH an A+ for the packaging and setup process.
Is the MERACH T31 Running Deck Big Enough?
One of my biggest concerns with cheaper treadmills is usually the running surface.
Manufacturers need to save money somewhere, and shrinking the running deck is an easy way to make a treadmill cheaper and more compact.
The T31 uses a 47.24-inch-long by 18.11-inch-wide running surface.
That is considerably smaller than some commercial treadmills.
But at 5'8", it has been completely comfortable for me.
I've used other small treadmills where I constantly felt like I needed to monitor where my feet were landing.
You're running while also thinking:
Am I too close to the side?
Am I drifting backward?
Is my next stride going to launch me off the treadmill?
I don't get that feeling on the T31.
I can run normally without staring at the belt or consciously trying to shorten my stride.
That doesn't mean everybody will have the same experience.
If you're considerably taller than me and have a very long running stride, I would pay more attention to the 47-inch deck length.
But for me, the size hasn't been an issue at all.
The MERACH T31 Feels Surprisingly Stable While Running
I'm not a huge distance runner.
Most of my treadmill work consists of warm-ups, shorter runs, conditioning work, and intervals.
For those purposes, the T31 has performed really well.
Normal jogging feels smooth and comfortable.
More importantly, the treadmill stays surprisingly stable as the speed increases.
The maximum speed is 8.7 MPH, and even when I've pushed toward the top end, I haven't felt the frame becoming unstable or the console shaking all over the place.
The treadmill uses a 3.5 HP peak brushless motor, which has been more than adequate for everything I've asked it to do.
[[TRAINER:Most of my treadmill work is warm-ups, shorter runs, incline walking and interval conditioning rather than high-mileage endurance training. For those uses, the T31 gives me basically everything I need without dedicating a huge amount of money or floor space to cardio equipment.]]
There is one important limitation here, though.
8.7 MPH Is Not Fast Enough for Serious Sprinting
If you want to do true all-out sprint intervals, the 8.7 MPH maximum is going to be limiting.
For me, 8.7 MPH feels more like a moderate sprint.
I can run hard, but I can't really open up and perform the kind of all-out sprint I could on a faster treadmill.
For most people who want to walk, jog or run, that's probably irrelevant.
But if sprint training is one of your main reasons for buying a treadmill, I'd look for something with a higher maximum speed.
The 18% Automatic Incline Is One of the Best Features
This is probably my favorite feature of the T31.
You get up to an 18% automatic incline.
And because it's powered, you don't need to stop your workout, climb off the treadmill and manually reposition the front feet like you do with a lot of cheaper treadmills.
Hit the incline control and the deck automatically raises.
The T31 also gives you quick-access incline buttons, so you can jump directly to 5%, 10%, or 15% without repeatedly tapping the incline button.
At the upper settings, you definitely feel it.
I wouldn't say 18% suddenly feels like you're hiking up the side of a mountain, but it's more than enough incline to turn a normal walk into a challenging conditioning workout.
The treadmill has also stayed stable at the higher incline settings.
For someone who likes incline walking, this is a huge advantage over a lot of treadmills in this price range.
Noise and Cushioning Are Both Good for the Price
I wouldn't call the T31 silent.
I also wouldn't call it loud.
At higher running speeds, most of the noise I hear comes from my feet hitting the deck rather than the treadmill motor itself.
Compared with other treadmills I've used, I'd put the noise level squarely in the normal range.
The cushioning has also been comfortable for my style of training.
I've used it for shorter runs and runs around 30 minutes without experiencing knee or joint discomfort.
It doesn't have an exaggerated soft or bouncy feeling.
It just feels like a comfortable running surface.
That said, I'm not running 50 miles per week on this thing.
Someone training for a marathon or ultramarathon is going to care a lot more about long-term running comfort than I do, and I'd personally be looking at a more premium treadmill for that kind of mileage.
The Display Is Basic, but That's Not Necessarily Bad
The T31 console isn't going to blow anybody away.
It's a basic display that gives you the important information:
Speed.
Time.
Distance.
Calories.
Incline.
Heart rate.
And honestly, that's mostly what I want.
You have dedicated buttons to adjust speed and incline along with quick settings for 2, 4, and 6 MPH and 5%, 10%, and 15% incline.
There's also a simple start and stop button.
Nothing about the interface takes much time to figure out.
You step on, press start, choose your speed and incline, and go.
There are no giant menus to navigate and no giant touchscreen dominating the treadmill.
For a basic home treadmill, I actually appreciate that simplicity.
The MERACH App Adds a Lot More Functionality
If you do want more technology, that's where the MERACH app comes in.
The treadmill connects through Bluetooth, and the app gives you more workout options than the basic onboard display.
You can build workouts around things like time or distance.
There are virtual workouts that let you follow routes through different locations.
MERACH also offers guided premium workouts where a trainer takes you through the session and the app can automatically adjust the treadmill as the workout progresses.
So if the trainer increases the incline or changes the speed for an interval, the treadmill can make that adjustment for you.
The free version still gives you basic workout templates, treadmill controls and workout metrics.
You can also connect heart-rate data, including an Apple Watch.
Personally, I still like that none of this is necessary.
You don't have to open an app every time you want to walk for 20 minutes.
The treadmill works perfectly well on its own.
The app is an extra layer for people who want it.
The Heart Rate Sensors Were Surprisingly Close to My Apple Watch
The T31 also has pulse sensors built into the handles.
I wouldn't buy a treadmill specifically because of handle-based heart-rate monitoring, but I compared the reading to my Apple Watch during testing.
My Apple Watch was showing around 80 BPM while the treadmill was reading somewhere in the mid-70s.
That's not perfect, but it was reasonably close for a simple handle sensor.
I'd still use my watch or a dedicated heart-rate monitor if I really cared about training to a specific heart-rate zone.
There's More Storage Space Than I Expected
You get two large storage areas around the console that can easily hold things like a phone, water bottle, or other small items.
There's also a surprisingly large flat area across the front.
It's big enough that I can put a laptop on it.
That means you can lower the treadmill speed and basically use the T31 like a walking workstation if you want to get some steps in while working.
It's not a purpose-built treadmill desk, but the space is there.
One minor complaint is that the storage areas are pretty basic plastic.
There aren't premium rubber liners or anything to keep your stuff from sliding around.
Again, this is where the roughly $500 price reminds you what kind of treadmill you're buying.
Folding and Storage Are Excellent for a Home Gym
One of my favorite parts of the T31 is how easy it is to get out of the way.
The entire deck folds upward using a hydraulic system.
You don't need to muscle the running deck into position.
Lift it with one hand and the system helps bring it up.
When you're ready to use the treadmill again, you press the release and the deck lowers itself slowly back toward the ground.
Once folded, the treadmill's footprint drops to roughly 30.7 inches long by 35 inches wide.
It also has transport wheels.
Tip the machine onto the wheels and it's surprisingly easy to roll around despite weighing a little over 120 pounds.
I currently keep mine in an office area and can tuck it into the corner when I'm not using it.
That's a legitimate advantage for a home gym.
Cardio equipment takes up a ton of space.
Being able to fold and move the treadmill makes it much easier to justify keeping around.
[[LINK:Browse All Lift Lab Reviews →|https://liftlabreviews.com/reviews]]
What I Like Most About the MERACH T31
The simplicity is probably what I like most.
This treadmill isn't pretending to be a luxury cardio machine.
It goes fast enough for me to get a good run in.
It gives me an 18% incline for walking and conditioning.
It folds up.
I can move it.
It's comfortable.
It's stable.
And it does all of that for around $500 when it's on sale.
That's a pretty compelling combination for a normal home gym owner.
If you want a different style of cardio machine and have a much larger budget, I recently reviewed the REP STRIVE VPR Air Bike, which gives you eight resistance levels and can handle everything from longer Zone 2 sessions to very hard intervals.
[[LINK:Read My REP STRIVE VPR Air Bike Review →|https://liftlabreviews.com/post/rep-strive-vpr-air-bike-review]]
Where the Budget Price Shows
There aren't any major functional problems that jump out at me.
Most of the negatives are refinement issues.
The console is basic.
The handles are basic.
There's quite a bit of plastic.
The storage areas don't have rubber liners.
You don't touch anything on the T31 and think, "Wow, this feels expensive."
But it's also a treadmill that can sell for around $499.
Something has to give.
And I'd much rather MERACH save money on fancy materials and screens than give me a treadmill that looks premium but feels terrible to run on.
Functionally, the T31 has done what I've asked it to do.
Who Should Buy the MERACH T31?
[[WHO:Home gym owners who want an affordable treadmill;People who primarily walk, jog, or do moderate runs;Anyone who enjoys incline walking;Home gym owners with limited floor space;People who want a folding treadmill that's easy to move;Anyone who wants a simple treadmill without paying for a giant touchscreen;People looking for cardio equipment around the $500 to $600 range]]
This is the person I think MERACH nailed the T31 for.
You have a home gym.
You want the option to walk and run.
Maybe you want a quick warm-up before lifting.
Maybe you want to get a few miles in when the weather is bad.
Maybe you want incline walking for lower-impact conditioning.
You don't need the nicest treadmill in the world.
You just need one that works.
That's where the T31 makes a lot of sense.
And if you decide it's a good fit for your gym, you can use code T31LIFTLABto save 10% through my affiliate link.
[[BTN:Save 10% on the MERACH T31 →|https://bit.ly/4ySjxpM]]
Who Should Skip It?
[[SKIP:Marathon and ultramarathon runners putting in very high weekly mileage;Serious runners who want a longer running deck;Athletes who need all-out sprint speeds above 8.7 MPH;Anyone who wants commercial-grade construction;People who want a large premium touchscreen and entertainment system;Very tall runners who need significantly more stride length]]
I wouldn't position the T31 as a high-end endurance treadmill.
That's not what it is.
If running is your primary sport and you're logging serious mileage every week, I'd invest more money into something designed specifically for that workload.
The same goes for sprinting.
An 8.7 MPH top speed is enough for plenty of people to run hard, but it isn't enough for true high-speed sprint work.
Alternatives to the MERACH T31
[[ALT:REP STRIVE VPR Air Bike|A much more expensive premium cardio option if you want Zone 2 training, traditional air-bike intervals, and very high-resistance conditioning from one machine.|https://liftlabreviews.com/post/rep-strive-vpr-air-bike-review]]
The STRIVE and T31 obviously aren't direct competitors, but they represent two very different ways to add cardio to a home gym.
The MERACH is the much more affordable option and makes more sense if walking and running are priorities.
The STRIVE costs considerably more but offers an enormous range of cycling-based conditioning.
Final Verdict: Is the MERACH T31 a Good Budget Treadmill?
After several weeks with the MERACH T31, I think this is a very good example of budget home gym equipment getting the important things right.
No, it doesn't feel premium.
The display is basic.
There's a lot of plastic.
The running surface isn't enormous.
And 8.7 MPH limits how hard serious runners can sprint.
But none of those things have stopped me from getting good workouts on it.
It feels stable.
The running surface is comfortable for me.
The automatic 18% incline is genuinely useful.
It's easy to fold.
It's easy to move.
The app gives you additional options if you want them.
And when it's selling around $499, you're getting a lot of treadmill for the money.
For someone like me who mostly wants to warm up, walk at an incline, do some conditioning, or run a few miles, I don't personally need a $2,000 treadmill.
The T31 covers those basics really well.
[[VERDICT:8.5|A very good treadmill for the average home gym|The MERACH T31 isn't built for marathoners or serious sprint training, but that's not really the point. For around $500 to $600, you get a stable running experience, 18% automatic incline, easy folding, good portability, and enough speed for normal running. If you want straightforward cardio without spending a fortune, there's a lot to like here.]]
[[BTN2:Check Current MERACH T31 Price →|https://bit.ly/4ySjxpM]]
[[NOTE:Use code T31LIFTLAB to save 10%. Affiliate links help support Lift Lab Reviews at no additional cost to you. Pricing, sales, and discount offers can change, so check the retailer for the current price before purchasing.]]
MERACH T31 FAQ
Is the MERACH T31 good for running?
Yes, for normal recreational running.
The T31 reaches 8.7 MPH and has felt smooth and stable during my testing, even toward the higher end of its speed range.
I think it's a good fit for warm-ups, shorter runs, moderate jogging, and general conditioning.
If you need high-speed sprinting or do very high weekly running mileage, I'd look for a more performance-focused treadmill.
How fast does the MERACH T31 go?
The MERACH T31 has a speed range of 0.6 to 8.7 MPH.
That's plenty for walking, jogging, and normal running, but serious runners may find the maximum speed limiting for sprint workouts.
How much incline does the MERACH T31 have?
The T31 has an automatic incline that goes up to 18%.
You can adjust it electronically during your workout, and there are quick-access buttons for 5%, 10%, and 15% incline.
How big is the MERACH T31 running deck?
The running surface measures approximately 47.24 inches long by 18.11 inches wide.
At 5'8", I've found it completely comfortable for walking and running.
Taller runners with longer strides may prefer a longer treadmill.
Does the MERACH T31 fold?
Yes.
The running deck folds vertically with hydraulic assistance and lowers slowly when released.
When folded, the footprint is approximately 30.7 by 35 inches.
Transport wheels also make it relatively easy to move around.
What is the MERACH T31 weight capacity?
The MERACH T31 has a listed maximum user weight of 350 pounds.
Does the MERACH T31 work with an app?
Yes.
The treadmill connects to the MERACH app through Bluetooth.
The app includes workout tracking, workout templates, virtual training options, treadmill controls, and premium guided workouts.
Can you connect an Apple Watch to the MERACH T31?
The MERACH app supports Apple Watch connectivity for heart-rate and workout tracking.
The treadmill also has pulse sensors built into the handles.
How much does the MERACH T31 cost?
The regular price is around $599, but I've seen the T31 selling around $499.
Pricing can change, so I recommend checking the current price before buying.
You can also use codeT31LIFTLABto save 10% through my affiliate link.
[[BTN:Check Current Price + Save 10% →|https://bit.ly/4ySjxpM]]
Is the MERACH T31 worth it?
For the average home gym owner, I think it offers very good value.
If your priorities are walking, incline training, normal running, a compact folding design, and keeping the price around $500 to $600, the T31 gets the basics right.
If you're a high-mileage endurance runner or need serious sprint speeds, I'd spend more on a treadmill designed around those specific needs.
Related Reviews
[[LINK:REP STRIVE VPR Air Bike Review →|https://liftlabreviews.com/post/rep-strive-vpr-air-bike-review]]
[[LINK:Browse All Lift Lab Reviews →|https://liftlabreviews.com/reviews]]
