Best Under-Desk Treadmills 2024: Tested by Trainers Over 2 Years

The best treadmills for a home gym may conjure up images of breaking a sweat while running at a clip, but there’s a new category of treadmills booming—the under-desk variety, also called walking pads. With more people working from home than ever before, the popularity of under-desk treadmills for walking indoors has never been higher. People who use them report not only physical benefits, like getting in more daily activity and having more energy, but also improved mood and stress relief¹.

RELATED: Best Black Friday Treadmill Deals

The GGR team is made of certified personal trainers, triathletes, and competitive weightlifters who have tested and continue to use the best under-desk treadmills daily (the WalkingPad Folding Treadmill is one of our favorites). After researching more than a dozen under-desk treadmills and testing 10, we picked our favorite compact cardio machines by using the following factors:

• Ease of use: Could you adjust the speed while keeping your eyes on the screen?
• Speed: How fast could they go?
• Footprint: Could they easily fit under our desks?
• Versatility: Did they work on various floor types?
• Price: Is it a good value?

7 Best Under-Desk Treadmills 

• Best Overall Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad Folding Treadmill P1
• Quietest Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Compact Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness WalkStation Slim
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill Under $500: MERACH Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Goplus Walking Pad With Incline
• Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill: REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill

Compare Side by Side

	WalkingPad P1	LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp	Sunny Health and Fitness WalkStation Slim	MERACH T19	Goplus Walking Pad	UREVO 2 -in-1 Under Desk	REDLIRO
Rating Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers and coaches, use a multi-point testing methodology to determine average ratings out of 5 stars.
Speed Range	0.5 – 3.75 mph	0.4-4.0 mph	0.5 – 3.7 mph	0.6 – 3.8 mph	0.6 – 3.8 mph	0.6 – 7.6 mph	0.5 – 7.5 mph
Incline Range	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Not specified (manual adjustments)	N/A	N/A
Deck Size	47.24″ L x 16.5″ W	50″ L x 20″ W	39″ L x 14″ W	48″ L	38.5″ L x 16″ W	40″ L x 17″ W	41.3″ L x 15″ W
Foldable?		—	—	—	—
Programs	N/A	None available	N/A	MERACH app (must use your own device)	N/A	N/A	12 preset programs and manual modes
Display	N/A	Omni console	14.2″ L x 5.1″ W digital display	LED	LED screen	LED screen	LED screen
Warranty	1-year comprehensive	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	3-year manufacturer, 90-day limited parts	1-year comprehensive	3-month comprehensive	1-year comprehensive	1-year comprehensive
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Best Overall Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad P1 Folding Treadmill

Good for: People who live in small spaces and want a reliable under-desk treadmill

Best Overall Under-Desk Treadmill

WalkingPad Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 4

Check Price Save $170 on the P1 foldable pink and $120 on the P1 for Black Friday

Product Highlights

• Folds for easy storage
• Suitable for tall folks and long strides
• Comes assembled
• Compatible with KS Fit App
• Features foot-sensing controls

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $450
• Foldable
• Can be controlled by the app or a remote
• Has automatic foot control
• No assembly required

Cons

• Max user weight of 220 lbs
• No obvious warranty

Bottom Line

The WalkingPad is another great option for people who want a way to walk while doing another activity.

If you live in a studio apartment but still want to get in on the under-desk treadmill craze, the WalkingPad P1 might be the best choice for you. This machine folds completely in half. I’m not talking about just a set of handlebars folding either. The WalkingPad P1 is just 32.5 inches by 5 inches when the deck itself is folded hamburger-style, making it one of the best compact under-desk treadmills. This makes it an excellent option for people who need to be able to store this machine when it isn’t being used.

GGR head of content and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis has the WalkingPad P1 at her house, and she’s been using it for over a year and a half now. She, along with her husband, found that it works well for people of various heights.

“It feels pretty sizable, although a bit slimmer than a regular treadmill,” Nicole explains in our full WalkingPad Review. “It’s comfortable for me, but my husband has also used it comfortably and he’s 6 foot, 2 inches.”

The WalkingPad P1 has foot-sensing controls, although Nicole found it easier to stay in manual mode. I’m personally intrigued by the idea of the foot controls. According to the WalkingPad’s product page, the machine will go faster if you step towards the front of the deck, slower if you step in the back, and stay at a consistent speed if you’re walking in the middle. 

Nicole did note that the machine’s motor seemed to lag slightly when her 200-pound husband used the machine versus herself. This isn’t particularly surprising considering the motor only has one horsepower. For reference, on a typical treadmill, we’d expect to see anywhere between a 2.5 to 3.0 horsepower motor.

We also have a review of the latest WalkingPad model, the WalkingPad C2, but just to cut to the chase, we much prefer the OG version.

Price	Around $450
Weight	66 lbs
Weight capacity	220 lbs
Belt size	47.24” L x 16.5” W
Motor	1 horsepower
Speed	0.5 – 4 MPH
Dimensions	‎20.3″ L x 57″ W x 4.9″ H
Incline?	No
Foldable?	Yes
Wheels?	Yes
Remote control?	Yes

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Quietest Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill

Good for: People who don’t want a noisy under-desk treadmill

Quietest Under-Desk Treadmill

TR1200-Glow Up Under Desk Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.2

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Product Highlights

• Under-desk walking treadmill 
• Encourages physical activity while working
• Quiet 2.25-HP motor
• 350-lb weight limit
• 20” W x 50″ L deck size

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High max user weight
• Quiet motor
• Comes fully assembled
• Fits in small spaces

Cons

• Not designed for running
• Expensive

Bottom Line

The Lifespan TR1200-Glow Up Under Desk Treadmill is a compact walking pad that can encourage physical activity during your work day. With a 2.25-horsepower motor, it's very quiet, and reaches a max speed of 4 miles per hour. Although it's a bit pricier than some competitors, it comes fully assembled and boasts a 350-pound max user limit.

Need a quiet treadmill to get your steps in? GGR Senior Staff Writer and certified personal trainer Lauren Strong uses the smaller version of our the LifeSpan TR1200, the TR1000, in her 900-square-foot home with her husband, and he’s never once heard this under-desk treadmill’s motor. Lauren also uses this treadmill during work Zoom meetings, though this writer has never once heard a peep out of this cardio machine.

This is due to the 2.25 CHP motor, which is much more powerful than what you typically see in an under-desk treadmill. A better motor not only means less noise and quicker speeds, but it also ensures this treadmill will last much longer than other picks. The powerful motor, along with a 350-pound weight capacity, also makes this our top pick for the best under-desk treadmill for a heavy person.

“It also has six independent compression shocks, which are designed to absorb the impact and lessen the noise from walking,” Lauren notes in her LifeSpan TR1000-DT3 GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill review. The TR1200 is identical to Lauren’s treadmill in terms of motor size and deck width; the belt is just 10 inches longer though, sitting at 50 inches. That size of deck should work for most tall people, too.

It should be noted, however, that if you want a powerful motor and shocks, you’re going to have to pay for it—and in the case of this under-desk treadmill that means shelling out nearly $1,800 ($1,500 if you can get it on sale). Yes, that’s much more expensive than our other options but as we’ve mentioned it’s going to work better and last longer than cheaper under-desk treadmills.

Price	Around $1,499
Weight	117 lbs
Weight capacity	350 lbs
Belt size	50” L x 20” W
Motor	2.25 CHP
Speed	0.4 – 4 MPH
Dimensions	63″ L x 28.5″ W x 7.25″ H
Incline?	No
Foldable?	No
Wheels?	Yes
Remote control?	No

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Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health and Fitness WalkStation Slim

Good for: People who want a name-brand under-desk treadmill that can be walked on for hours

Best Walking Under-Desk Treadmill

Sunny Health and Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill

GGR Score: 4

Check Price Black Friday sale: Use code EARLY15 for 15% off

Product Highlights

• Easy to move
• Stable and doesn’t move in use
• Under $500
• Arrives at your door assembled

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $300
• Multiple safety features
• Very sturdy
• Compatible with the SunnyFit app
• Comes fully assembled
• 3-year warranty
• Lightweight

Cons

• 220-pound user weight capacity
• 1.5 horsepower

Bottom Line

The Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill is a great option for those who need sturdy machine to walk on.

There are two main reasons why our group of certified personal trainers and semi-professional athletes picked the Sunny Health and Fitness WalkStation Slim as our favorite under-desk treadmill for walkers. To start, it worked just as well in my carpeted bedroom as it did on hardwood, so you can use it in any room of the house. Secondly, the 1.5 Peak HP motor held up to six hours of continuous use during my company’s infamous Meetings Monday.

I was the lucky person who tested the Sunny Health and Fitness WalkStation Slim (you can read more about my experience with it in our Sunny Health and Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill review), which materialized at my doorstep in under a week after ordering. My roommate described the box it comes in as “coffin-shaped,” but that worked just fine for me since the treadmill arrived fully assembled.

Plus, the WalkStation Slim is really easy to move from one room to another. I was able to easily utilize the included transport wheels to move my machine into the living room to watch television.

I was also intrigued by the automatic machine-shut-off feature. If you hop off the deck while the WalkStation Slim is moving, the treadmill will automatically come to a halt. The feature makes the WalkStation safer for kids and pets to be around, even when you’re having an air-head moment and forget to turn the machine off. 

It is worth noting that the emergency safety clip was too short to be useful for me. However, for those around 5 feet 4 inches tall, like my roommate, likely won’t have this issue. I think the brand just needs to extend the attached string to eliminate this concern for taller folks. 

Another thing to consider is the weight capacity. At just 220 pounds, this weight capacity certainly wouldn’t make this the most inclusive under-desk treadmill. On traditional treadmills, we typically expect to see a weight capacity of 300 pounds, so I was hopeful to see a number close to this standard.

Price	Under $300
Weight	55.1 lbs
Weight capacity	220 lbs
Belt size	39” L x 14” W
Motor	1.5 HP
Speed	0.5 – 3.75 MPH
Dimensions	50″ L X 21.5″ W X 6.5″ H
Incline?	No
Foldable?	No
Wheels?	Yes
Remote control?	Yes

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Best Under-Desk Treadmill Under $500: MERACH Under-Desk Treadmill T19

Good for: Anyone looking for an under-desk treadmill that won’t break the bank

Best Under $500

MERACH Under-Desk Treadmill T19

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Under desk treadmill 
• Features: Remote operation, Bluetooth, front transport wheels, and LED display 
• 2 colors- black and white 
• Max speed of 3.8 MPH

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free MERACH Fitness app
• Noise reduction plate – keeps noise under 40 dB
• No assembly required
• Under $350
• Front transport wheels
• Remote control operation

Cons

• User weight capacity only 220 lbs
• Short 1 year warranty

Bottom Line

The Merach T19 under desk treadmill is an affordable option for customers wanting to fit more walking into their lives. The T19 has lower user weight capacity than other under desk treadmills. Otherwise it has fairly good specs for a budget machine.

Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline:  Goplus Walking Pad With Incline

Good for: Walkers looking for an under-desk treadmill with an incline option 

Best with Incline

GoPlus Walking Pad With Incline

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Manual incline adjustment
• Can be used as an under-desk treadmill
• Built-in wheels and upright storage
• 265-lb. weight capacity
• 0.6-3.8 MPH

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Manual incline
• Can fit under couches and desk for easy storage
• Built-in wheels
• Long power cord

Cons

• Low weight capacity
• Only meant for walking

Bottom Line

The GoPlus Walking Pad With Incline offers all the benefits of an under-desk treadmill with the added benefit of having a manual incline adjustment to make your walk a little more challenging.

The Goplus Walking Pad with Incline offers a manual incline adjustment to tilt the front foot pads upward for a customized under-desk walking experience. We like that this Goplus under-desk treadmill has the option because most of the under-desk treadmills we’ve tested don’t have incline settings or come with a fixed incline.  

On this Goplus treadmill, the front adjustable foot pads can be tilted up to 2 degrees. While that may not seem like much, we think it’s just enough to help stimulate the glutes and hamstrings. Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor and expert product tester, says, “it won’t be not nearly as challenging as a 12-3-30 workout, but you’ll be able to feel the difference compared to most other under-desk treadmills.” 

Our team has extensively tested the under-desk machine we featured in our Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill review, but we have not yet assessed the Goplus Walking Pad with Incline. That said, there are many similar features on both models and we enjoyed our experience with the Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill. 

Both machines have a 2.25 horsepower motor, which is powerful enough to sustain fast walking speeds for long periods of time, making it one of the best durable under-desk treadmills. However when Coop Mitchell, GGR founder and expert tester, uses the Goplus 2-in-1 treadmill, he notices the motor will lag if you stand on the deck before giving it a chance to start. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, and Coop has learned to start the treadmill with his feet on the side rails. 

We mention this because you may experience a similar situation should you buy the Goplus Walking Pad with Incline. This treadmill has a 265-pound user weight capacity and a 38.5-inch-long running deck, which may not work for tall or heavy folks. 

RELATED: Best Treadmill for Tall Runners

Price	$179.99
Weight	43 lbs
Weight capacity	265 lbs
Belt size	38.5” L x 16” W
Motor	2.25 HP
Speed	0.6-3.8 MPH
Dimensions	48” L x 21” W x 6” H
Incline?	Yes, up to 2 degrees
Foldable?	No
Wheels?	Yes
Remote control?	Yes

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Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill

Good for: People on a budget who want an under-desk treadmill for a small space

Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill

UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.3

Check Price Save 17% for Black Friday

Product Highlights

• Folds flat to fit under beds and couches
• Comes ready to go; no assembly required
• Easy to move
• Can also be used under a standing desk
• No incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $400
• Handle can be folded under to use under a desk
• Easy to store and good for people in tight spaces

Cons

• Short and skinny deck not ideal for running
• User weight capacity below industry standard at 265 lbs
• Max speed of 7.6 mph

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a foldable treadmill for under $500, the UREVO 2 in 1 is a great option for you.

If staying on budget is your No. 1 concern, check out the inexpensive UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill. This portable machine is under $370 and available on good ole’ Amazon. The 2.5 CHP motor packs an impressive punch that most smaller under-desk treadmills do not and goes up to 7.6 miles per hour. Consider me impressed. Plus, the 265-pound user weight capacity is pretty decent compared to others at this price.

Although you should be wearing running shoes when using an under-desk treadmill, I do like that the UREVO has a non-slip belt. It made me feel like I had less of a chance of falling off, which is always a distinct possibility if you’re me. The belt is also constructed with five layers of rubber and Silica Gel, so you don’t feel like you’re plodding along on a rock-encrusted trail. 

RELATED: How to Choose Running Shoes

I will say, don’t expect to actually use the device holder. Although the UREVO does have one, I wouldn’t trust my phone or iPad in it. This isn’t a huge deal, especially since most of us would likely be using it with the handle folded down under a standing desk.

The one-year warranty isn’t particularly surprising for the price, but it is worth noting anyway. You may end up purchasing another under-desk treadmill within a few years (especially if you’re using yours every single day), but it is simply par for the course. Still, with its low price, this is still one of the best under-desk treadmills for beginners.

Read our entire UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill review.

Price	Around $300
Weight	72 lbs
Weight capacity	265 lbs
Belt size	42.5” L x 16.9” W
Motor	2.5 HP
Speed	0.5 – 7.6 MPH
Dimensions	52.6” L x 26.4” W x 39.7” H
Incline?	No
Foldable?	Yes
Wheels?	Yes
Remote control?	Yes

Read More

Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill: REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill

Good for: Storing under beds or couches when not being used

Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill

REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.1

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Foldable
• Adjustable handrail
• Slim and fits under a desk easily
• Transport wheels
• Comes assembled
• 12 program settings

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $400
• Foldable
• 12 preset programs
• 2.25 CHP motor
• Shock-absorbing deck
• Can be stored under a bed or couch

Cons

• 220-pound user weight capacity
• Has to be plugged in to use
• Short deck

Bottom Line

The REDLIRO Under-Desk treadmill is a good option for those tight on space who also want a way to walk while they work.

The REDLIRO treadmill is a versatile, under-desk treadmill. It has a thick handlebar if you need more support or have balance issues. You can also easily fold this down and stick the REDLIRO underneath a standing desk to tippity-type away on your computer. The duality. We truly love to see it.

Director of SEO for GGR Ashley Little tested the REDLIRO treadmill herself.

“This is a good option for those looking to walk at their desk while working, or those who want a brisk walking pace workout to get more steps in during the day,” Ashley reported in her full Redliro Under Desk Treadmill review.

Ashley used this machine both barefoot and with shoes, although she recommends you use it with shoes (we do, too, for safety reasons). 

“The treadmill deck got pretty warm after using it for a while, so just be aware of that,” Ashley explained.

The REDLIRO has 12 preset programs to cycle between and can even max out at 7.5 MPH, although the deck might be a little short for serious jogging or running. 

However, Ashley did say the REDLIRO was really easy to move, likely due to the attached transport wheels. She was able to drag it from one room to another without any concern.

“It’s also thin enough to fit under most beds or couches, which I found to be very handy,” Ashley mentioned.

Price	Around $370
Weight	57 lbs
Weight capacity	220 lbs
Belt size	41” L x 15” W
Motor	2.25 HP
Speed	0.5 – 7.5 MPH
Dimensions	52″ L x 25″ W x 42″ H
Incline?	No
Foldable?	Yes
Wheels?	Yes
Remote control?	Yes

Read More

Other Under-Desk Treadmills We Researched

Unsit Treadmill: One of the best under-desk treadmills with a standing desk, reviewers seem to love the Unsit Treadmill for its expansive desk space and overall build quality. However, this sturdiness and durability comes with a hefty price––expect to pay close to $2,500 for this treadmill desk.

GOYOUTH 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill: The GOYOUTH is only $400, and has a similar look to other under-desk treadmills we’ve actually tested. However, the deck is extra short, which may not suit taller folks.

Under-Desk Treadmills vs Traditional Treadmills

The primary difference between walking pads vs treadmills is that the former is strictly used for getting steps in throughout the day, whereas traditional treadmills can be used for walking or running.

Is there a best under-desk treadmill for runners? Well, no, and there’s a few reasons as to why. For one, under-desk treadmills are smaller and therefore don’t have motors that can reach the speeds of traditional treadmills. Secondly, most under-desk treadmills lack any type of handrails or other safety features that are necessary when running.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Under-Desk Treadmills

Curious about our selection process? Check out the main considerations our expert product testers and reviewers asked themselves when testing and scoring these machines:

• Price: Prices for under-desk treadmills are typically less than traditional treadmills, but still range from just a few hundred dollars to over $1,000. Our testers compared treadmills in the same price range to compare features, motor power, and overall value.
• Portability: While an under-desk treadmill may be smaller than a full-size folding treadmill, our testers had to determine how if each machine was portable and featured transport wheels.
• Compactness: The dimensions of an under-desk walking pad should not only fit under a desk, but offer a compact size to stow away when not in use.
• Features: Our testers looked for additional featured a safety key, Bluetooth connectivity, phone holder, or a shock-absorbing deck.
• Display: Most under-desk walking pads don’t have a traditional console, so our testers paid attention to where the display is located, size, metrics displayed, and if it features an LCD display or LED screen.
• Speed: Testers noted maximum speed, speed range, and if the treadmill has a speed control.
• Motor: Our testers take note of the maximum horsepower of the motor and how it sounds at top speeds.
• Assembly: Under-desk walking pads don’t often require assembly. Our testers noted when assembly was required and the degree of difficulty and time.
• Deck size: The best walking pad treadmill fits right under your desk, but it also allows for natural gait. The deck size should allow for a natural walking experience in both width and length. Our testers had to determine if the deck size is suitable for both short and tall people alike.
• User weight capacity: For traditional treadmills the industry standard is about 275 pounds, but even the best walking pads typically fall short. We scored under-desk treadmills higher if the weight capacity was comparable to a traditional treadmill.
• Foldability: While under-desk treadmills are quite compact treadmills, we took into consideration if there was a folding mechanism and how it could offer more versatility.

Benefits of Under-Desk Treadmills and Walking Pads

The benefits of under-desk treadmills have been studied by researchers across the world. There are a variety of studies that suggest using a treadmill desk can lead to a variety of benefits. Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor and certified personal trainer, is here to break it all down for us. 

• Can aid in weight loss: If you’re considering walking for weight loss, it’s a solid idea. “Even if you’re just walking at 2 MPH, using an under-desk treadmill can increase the amount of calories you burn throughout the day, making it easier to achieve a caloric deficit for weight loss (if that’s your goal),” Anthony explains.
• Can increase calories burned: Walking on a treadmill can increase your NEAT, or non-exercise activity thermogenesis. This essentially means any activity (that burns calories) that isn’t intentional exercise, and this value makes up a majority of your daily caloric burn. Increase NEAT, increase calorie burn. 
• Keeps you active: The CDC recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity). “If you’re someone who’s burning the candles at both ends, an under-desk treadmill can help you reach that goal while still meeting your work deadlines,” Anthony reveals.
• Reduces the risk of chronic illness: Increased physical activity can also reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and diabetes. Who doesn’t want to reap those benefits?

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Under-Desk Treadmills and Walking Pads

If you’re still undecided on what under-desk treadmill to take home, check out these critical things to keep in mind before you buy. 

Weight Capacity

Under-desk treadmills are usually small and lightweight. Although this can be a plus on its own, these same factors can make the weight capacity lower than on traditional treadmills. Make sure to check that your prospective under-desk treadmill can support your weight.

Portability

If you like to work in different rooms around your home, it is important to note the portability of your possible under-desk treadmill. Some come with attached transport wheels while others don’t, so be sure to check on this factor ahead of time. Generally speaking, most under-desk treadmills are under 100 pounds, so most able-bodied individuals should be able to move them solo.

Foldability

If you’re tight on space, foldability may be an important factor. Some of the under-desk treadmills I’ve tested can be folded in half (hamburger-style) and others are flat already with a foldable handlebar. Figure out ahead of time which option works best for you and make sure your prospective new machine has just that

RELATED: Best Compact Exercise Equipment

Price

Under-desk treadmills are traditionally less expensive than full-sized treadmills. However, it isn’t lost on me that shelling out $500 isn’t exactly nothing for most people. If you’re concerned about the cost of an under-desk treadmill you really like, check to see if financing options are available. Some companies, like NordicTrack, offer excellent financing options with 0% APR for up to 42 months. 

RELATED: History of Treadmills

Safety Features

Because these treadmills are made to go underneath a desk, there’s a good chance you’ll be multi-tasking while using your under-desk treadmill. It’s easy to get distracted, and accidents can happen even on a walking pad. Look out for some common safety features that’ll help mitigate your risk of injury:

• Emergency stop button: This is just an accessible button you can press that’ll stop the treadmill in the event of any emergency.
• Safety key: A safety key can be attached to the user and will signal the treadmill to stop if at any point the key is pulled away.
• Automatic shut-off: Many under-desk treadmills have this feature where it’ll pause the treadmill belt if it doesn’t detect any weight on the deck. This is nice for a trip, or if you simply step off to grab something; you won’t be surprised by a moving treadmill when you step back on.
• Non-slip surface: Many treadmill belts have a textured surface that can help you maintain your grip while in use.
• Slow start: Under-desk treadmills will slowly accelerate to their designated speed so users aren’t surprised by a sudden jolt of speed.

If you happen to be around the treadmill for your purchase, you can test out these features, seeing if the automatic shut-off is working; you can also test out how grippy the non-slip surface is.

Speed

Under-desk treadmills generally have weaker motors than traditional treadmills due to their size, so don’t expect to run at the speed of sound on these things. Most under-desk treadmills will top out at around 7 miles-per-hour, though some can go faster than that.

Noise

To ensure you’re getting a quiet under-desk treadmill, look for one with a good motor and heavy-duty materials (i.e. something not made entirely of plastic). This will reduce the amount of noise the motor makes and any sound created by you walking on the treadmill.

Additional Features

You won’t get Netflix or any other streaming services on an under-desk treadmill. At the best, you might get Bluetooth controls but that’s about it.

How to Use a Treadmill Desk

Unlike their more traditional counterparts, under-desk treadmills require little to no assembly. Most of them just have to be taken out of the box and plugged into an electrical outlet. That said, using a treadmill isn’t as easy as walking and talking at the same time.

GGR staff writer Lauren Strong recommends starting off slow until you find a stride that works for you—this is especially important if you’re taller and have a longer stride than the average person.

You’ll then want to find a speed that’s challenging but doesn’t leave you out of breath while you’re on a Zoom call.

Best Under-Desk Treadmills FAQs

References

1. Scisco JL, Meyers E, Miceli A, Powell J. “It’s Been a Game Changer”: Examining Treadmill Desk Use When Working from Home. Occup Health Sci. 2023 Jan 28:1-22. doi: 10.1007/s41542-023-00144-0. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36741939; PMCID: PMC9883822.
2. Koepp, G. A., Manohar, C. U., McCrady-Spitzer, S. K., Ben-Ner, A., Hamann, D. J., Runge, C. F., & Levine, J. A. (2013). Treadmill desks: A 1-year prospective trial. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 21(4), 705–711. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.20121

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

Further reading

Treadmill Parts 101: Everything You Need to Know

by Kate Meier NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Want to learn more about treadmill parts? Our guide walks you through the makeup of these running machines. Read more

Best Protein Powder for Kids (2024): Picky-Eater Approved

by Perry Nix, MS, RD, LD

If you're dealing with picky eaters and want to ensure your children get the protein they need, check out this review of the best protein powder for kids. Read more

Rowing vs Running: Which Type of Cardio Is Better?

by Lindsay Boyers, CN

Wondering whether rowing vs running is the better form of cardio exercise? A personal trainer explains the differences. Read more

Echelon Stride-6s Review (2024): A Budget-Friendly Treadmill for Your Home Gym

by Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC

In this Echelon Stride-6s review, find out what our testers thought of this sleek, modern treadmill designed for home gyms. Read more