The 7 Best Under-Desk Treadmills to Walk it Like You Talk it (and Type it)

According to a study done by Stanford University during the height of COVID, 42 percent of U.S. workers were working from home full-time and work-from-home culture doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

However, a lot of us are realizing we’re getting less steps than we were previously, likely because we’re sticking to a single room in our home rather than buzzing around the office or commuting to and from our home. Enter under-desk treadmills, compact but mighty cardio machines that can help you get your steps in during that meeting that should’ve been an email, and may even help boost your productivity.

The GGR team is made of certified personal trainers, triathletes, and competitive weightlifters who actually tested some of the best under-desk treadmills—in fact, this writer completed most of this article while walking on our top choice, the Sunny Health & Fitness WalkStation Slim.

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?

Best Under-Desk Treadmill 

• Best Under-Desk Treadmill Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness WalkStation Slim
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill Under $500: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Egofit Walker
• Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill: REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Compact Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad Folding Treadmill P1
• Quietest Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR1000-DT3 GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill

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

Good for: People who want a name-brand under-desk treadmill

Best Under-Desk Treadmill Overall

Sunny Health and Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill

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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. To start, it worked just as well in my carpeted bedroom as it did on hardwood. 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, 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.

Best Simple Under-Desk Treadmill: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Good for: People who want an uncomplicated under-desk treadmill

Best Simple Under-Desk Treadmill

GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Fits seamlessly under most standing desks
• Quick assembly
• Folds extremely flat for storage
• Comes with remote to change speed with ease

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easily portable and stored
• Emits minimal noise
• Very easy assembly
• Bluetooth speaker on console
• Phone mount
• Remote control
• Safety key
• Ideal for use in small spaces and those who are casual joggers/walkers
• Transport wheels

Cons

• Not intended for sustained or fast running
• Smaller than typical running surface
• Does not fold once handrails are installed
• Handrails do not adjust and are at a fixed 3.5 feet (not ideal for taller individuals)
• Only two modes available
• Max speed is 8 miles per hour
• No incline/decline
• Can not mount a tablet

Bottom Line

The GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a great value purchase for any walker or casual jogger looking to save space while still getting in a solid cardio session. If you are looking for a treadmill to train for your next marathon on, this is not the one for you.

GGR founder Cooper Mitchell frequently uses the Goplus 2-in-1 while working during the day in his home office. He lauds the machine for its simplicity.

“The only buttons to press are the three on the Goplus’ remote control––power, increase speed, and decrease speed are all you have,” Coop explains.

Simple is better for under-desk treadmills. You don’t want to be distracted by a gleaming touchscreen or a dozen buttons while you’re trying to work. The display on the Goplus has also followed the same simple-is-best guideline as the remote control. You’ll see a few sparse metrics cycle through on the LED display, but that’s the extent of the tech features.

Coop also likes that there is a foldable handlebar included on the GoPlus, which is especially useful if you have balance concerns. Plus, the machine can easily be stored under a bed or couch when you aren’t using it. 

It is worth noting that the motor will lag if you stand on the GoPlus before giving it a chance to start. You should also limit the GoPlus to use on hard floors, as it is recommended in the manual that the machine shouldn’t be used on carpeted surfaces.

Take a look at our full Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill review.

Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Egofit Walker

Good for: People who want to walk on an incline while working

Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline

Egofit Walker M1/M1T Smallest Under Desk Electric Walking Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Has incline options up to 5%
• Compact footprint
• Remote holder included
• Arrives assembled
• Works well on carpet

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $500
• Incline options
• No assembly required
• Handle folds
• Can control through an app or the remote
• Has transport wheels

Cons

• Max capacity is under 250 lbs
• Small deck
• 1-year warranty

Bottom Line

The Egofit Walker is an inexpensive way to get steps in during the workday with the added bonus of incline.

For those who find under-desk treadmills to be a little too easy, we recommend the EgoFit Walker, which has a 5 percent incline. That’s not much, but as certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly, who tested out the Egofit, explains, it’s better than nothing.

“Walking at an incline has been shown to increase the amount of calories you burn, and helps tone your posterior chain,” O’Reilly says. “The Egofit’s not nearly as challenging as a 12-3-30 workout, but I could feel the difference compared to most other under-desk treadmills.”

Anthony notes that the Egofit is not the best treadmill for everyday use. For one, it only has a .75 horsepower motor, so walking on it for an hour a day everyday is going to wear that down fast. It also has a weight limit of 242 pounds, and while Anthony is around 220 he’s noticed the tread is already getting a little tired of him. 

That’s why he gifted it to GGR Head of Content and competitive weightlifter Kate Meier. “We love this,” she says, referring to herself and her two young children. The motor works just fine for them and it’s an easy way for them to remain active when watching TV or on rainy days.

The treadmill comes with two bottles of lubricant to help it run smoothly, which will come in handy if you want to hold onto this thing for a while.

On the bright side, there’s no assembly required. Simply take it out of the box, plug it in, and start walking.

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

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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. 

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

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

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Product Highlights

• Foldable
• Adjustable handrail
• Slim and fits under a desk easily
• Wheels on the bottom make the treadmill very portable
• 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.

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.

Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad P1 Folding Treadmill

Good for: People who live in small spaces

Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Walking

WalkingPad Folding Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Folds for easy storage
• Comfortable to walk on for tall and short people alike
• 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. This makes it an excellent option for people who need to be able to store this machine when it isn’t being used.

GGR editor and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis tested the WalkingPad P1 (along with her husband) and found that it works well for people of various heights.

“It feels pretty sizable, although a bit slimmer than a regular treadmill,” Nicole explains. “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.

Quietest Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR1000-DT3 GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill

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

Quietest Under-Desk Treadmill

TR1000-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill

Community Score: 2

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Product Highlights

• Under-desk walking treadmill 
• Helps you get more steps throughout the day
• Encourages physical activity while working a desk job
• Free shipping and upgraded shipping available 
• No assembly required  
• Fits in small spaces
• 2.5 CHP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No assembly required
• Free shipping + upgraded shipping available
• Reviewers shared quiet enough for calls
• Automatic step tracking and auto-pause features
• Compact enough for small work areas
• Noise-dampening shocks
• 350-lb weight capacity

Cons

• Limited reviews
• Difficult to move
• Expensive
• Console is hard to see

Bottom Line

The TR1000-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill is an upgrade option if you want a dedicated under-desk treadmill quiet enough to use while taking calls.

GGR staff writer and product tester Lauren Strong uses this 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.

“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.

It should be noted, however, that if you want a powerful motor you’re going to have to pay for it—and in the case of this under-desk treadmill that means shelling out nearly $1,600 ($1,300 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.

The 40-inch deck might be a bit small for some tall people.

Other Under-Desk Treadmills We Researched

Lifespan TR1200-DT3: If you’re willing to fork over almost $1,600 for a treadmill desk, you might enjoy this machine. The TR1200-DT3 combines a slow-moving treadmill deck with an adjustable standing desk.

Unsit Treadmill: 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 under-desk treadmills and traditional 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.

There’s a few reasons for this. 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 questions our expert product testers and reviewers asked themselves when trying these machines:

Price

How expensive is the machine? How does it compare to other treadmills in the same price range?

Portability

How portable is the under-desk treadmill? Can the piece of equipment be easily moved? Does it have transport wheels attached?

Compactness

Is it compact? What is the footprint and overall dimensions? Will it fit well in most workspaces? Is it space-saving?

Features

Does the machine have any safety features like a safety key? Does the treadmill have a shock-absorbing deck? Does the machine have Bluetooth connectivity? Does it have a phone holder? What is the noise level like on the treadmill?

Display

Does the treadmill have an LCD display? What about an LED screen?

Speed

What is the maximum speed? What is the general speed range? Does the treadmill have speed control?

Motor

Does the treadmill have a quiet motor? What is the maximum horsepower of the motor?

Assembly

Does it require assembly or is it ready right out of the box? Can one person do it by themselves?

Deck size

What is the deck size? How does this compare to other under-desk treadmills? Will the deck size be suitable for both short and tall people alike?

User weight capacity

What is the user weight capacity? 

Weight

How heavy is the treadmill? Does it feel heavy-duty?

Foldability

Is it a foldable treadmill? This is important for people who live in small spaces or apartments.

Benefits of Under-Desk Treadmills

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 staff writer and certified personal trainer, is here to break it all down for us. 

Increase Caloric Burn 

“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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Under-Desk Treadmill FAQs

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

FreeMotion t8.9b Treadmill Review (2023): High Weight Capacity, High Price Tag

by Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Check out our FreeMotion t8.9b treadmill review to see what we really think about this super-expensive cardio machine. Read more

NordicTrack Elite 3700 Treadmill Review (2023): One Of The Best of Its Time

by Jessica Thomas, MPH

In our NordicTrack Elite 3700 Treadmill review, we take a look at the specs of this now-discontinued treadmill. Read more

NordicTrack FS10i Review (2023): Glide, Stride, and Run 3-in-1

by Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Check out my NordicTrack FS10i review to see if this innovative 3-in-1 machine is all it claims to be. Read more

The 10 Best Full-Body Workout Machines (2023): Exercise With These Total Trainers

by Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1

From suspension trainers to power racks and cardio machines, we provide the best full-body workout machines on the market. Read more