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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.
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 |
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Can you use an under-desk treadmill on carpet?
A lighter weight treadmill, like a walking pad or under-desk treadmill, should be fine on carpeting, so long as the carpet is low pile, which means the fibers are short a looped. A carpet with longer fibers, however, may lead to the treadmill collecting more dust and fiber particles, which will lead the treadmill to require more cleaning and maintenance.
RELATED: Can You Put a Treadmill On Carpet?
Has anyone lost weight on a treadmill desk?
While a walking pad or under-desk treadmill isn’t the most intense form of workout, it is an effective way to get more steps and work done throughout your day, which can burn calories and may lead to weight loss.
A 2013 study2 followed participants over 1 year of treadmill use. In it, patients lost an average of 1.4 kilograms, with the largest weight loss occurring with those who were obese (3.4 kilograms).
How effective is an under-desk treadmill?
As under-desk treadmills gain popularity, they’ve come under more scrutiny on their effectiveness. Still, an under-desk treadmill in use throughout your work day can help break up an otherwise sedentary day. In some cases, users have walked an extra two miles each day1 by using a walking pad, which helps people get more steps and burn more calories, helping you stay active and possibly supporting weight loss.
Can you jog on an under-desk treadmill?
Most under-desk treadmills are made to be compact, portable, and lightweight—meaning that quite a few walking pads and under-desk treadmills won’t have the ability to support heavy jogging or running. However, there are quite a few under-desk treadmills that still work great for light jogging in addition to walking, with some achieving maximum speeds of 7.6 miles per hour.
References
- 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.
- 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
Further reading
Wondering if the fat-burning heart rate zone is all its cracked up to be? Read on to find out. Read more
Strava is a powerful app for tracking workout data and performance, but is it the right app for you? Find out in our Strava Fitness App Review. Read more
Follow our seven tips for children-treadmill safety. Read more
Wondering how to sell a used treadmill? We have a number of tips to help you score cash for your machine. Read more