Best Under-Desk Treadmills 2025: Walk More, Sit Less With These Top Walking Pads
Anthony O’Reilly was an award-winning journalist when he fell in love with weightlifting and nutrition, which led to a new career as a fitness writer for publications such as Muscle & Fitness and BarBend.com before joining Garage Gym Reviews. The Queens, NY native is now a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. He now lives in Charlotte, NC, and spends most of his free time hiking the Blue Ridge mountains or trying to find a bagel that reminds him of home.
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
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 them1 report not only physical benefits, like getting in more daily activity and having more energy, but also improved mood and stress relief.
“Walking can have several health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, stronger bones and joints, enhanced muscle tone, better digestion, blood sugar control, improved sleep quality, and immune function,” adds GGR chief medical advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM.
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 walking pads and putting 10 through our fitness equipment testing methodology, we picked our favorite compact cardio machines based on 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?
5 Best Under-Desk Treadmills
- Best Overall Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad P1 Folding Treadmill
- Quietest Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp Under-Desk Treadmill
- Best Compact Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness WalkStation Slim
- Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Goplus Walking Pad With Incline
- Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill: UREVO Strol 2E Smart Treadmill
Editor’s Note
At Garage Gym Reviews, we are always testing the newest walking pads and updating this page to reflect our favorite finds. Our team of certified personal trainers, elite athletes, and home gym experts has researched and tested 20+ under-desk treadmills. In March 2025, we added the UREVO Stroll 2E Smart Treadmill as the best foldable option because of its two-in-one design and incline options.
Compare Under-Desk Treadmills
 |  |  |  |  | |
| WalkingPad P1 | LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp | Sunny Health and Fitness WalkStation Slim | Goplus Walking Pad | UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill | |
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 – 7.6 mph |
| Incline Range | N/A | N/A | N/A | Not specified (manual adjustments) | N/A |
| Deck Size | 47.24″ L x 16.5″ W | 50″ L x 20″ W | 39″ L x 14″ W | 38.5″ L x 16″ W | 40″ L x 17″ W |
| Foldable? | — | — | — | ||
| Programs | N/A | None available | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Display | N/A | Omni console | 14.2″ L x 5.1″ W digital display | LED screen | LED screen |
| Warranty | 1-year comprehensive | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 3-year manufacturer, 90-day limited parts | 3-month 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
Designed with productivity in mind, the WalkingPad is a great option for people who want a way to walk while doing another activity.
What our tester says:
“To my surprise, this thing still works fine! I have used it daily in the winter, spring, and when the weather is inclement for the last 2 years and have definitely gotten my money’s worth.”
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 sandwich-style, coming in at just 32.5 inches long (56.37 inches when in use), 21.5 inches wide, and 5 inches tall. It earned a 4.5 out of 5 on footprint and portability, only losing a half-point because it weighs 62 pounds so some people may struggle with moving it from room to room.
This makes it an excellent option for people who need to be able to store this machine when it isn’t being used. There’s also no assembly required, earning it a 5 out of 5 for delivery and setup, and despite not having the strongest motor has withstood regular use for more than two years.
“To my surprise, this thing still works fine! I have used it daily in the winter, spring, and when the weather is inclement for the last 2 years and have definitely gotten my money’s worth.”
Nicole Davis,
Certified personal trainer and Director of Content
Nicole, along with her marathon-loving husband, found the WalkingPad P1 works well for people of various heights and weights.
“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 rated the workout experience a 4 out of 5, docking a point because the remote is finicky (and as of this writing has stopped working).
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.
Lastly, the maximum speed is 4 MPH—so as the name suggests, this is for walking and not running.
If you’re looking for a similarly-sized under-desk treadmill that offers a little more speed and a stronger motor, we recommend the UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill. It goes up to 7.6 MPH and has a 2.5 horsepower motor.
We also have a review of the latest WalkingPad model, the WalkingPad C2, but just to cut to the chase, the OG version is our top choice when it comes to walking pads.
| 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 | 57″ L x 20.3″ L x 4.9″ H |
| Incline? | No |
| Foldable? | Yes |
| Wheels? | Yes |
| Remote control? | Yes |
Quietest Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR1200-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill
Good for: People who don’t want a noisy under-desk treadmill
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.
What our tester says:
“I feel so relieved to have the ability to take steps and increase my heart rate while I work.”
Need a quiet treadmill to get your steps in? Former GGR Senior Staff Writer and certified personal trainer Lauren Strong uses the smaller version of 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 walking pad during virtual work meetings, though this writer has never once heard a peep out of this cardio machine.
“I feel so relieved to have the ability to take steps and increase my heart rate while I work,” Lauren explains.
For those reasons, we rated it a 5 out of 5 for workout experience (because nobody likes to run or walk on a loud treadmill). 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 nearly 10 inches longer though, sitting at 48.43 inches. That size of deck should work for most tall people, too. While that’s still shorter than a typical treadmill, we’ll give the TR1200 a 3.5 out of 5 for ergonomics since this is still impressive for an under-desk model.
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 $1,500 (it costs $1,299 before taxes). 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. Overall, we give it a value rating of 4 out of 5.
For those who still want a quiet treadmill at a lower price tag, we recommend the Goplus Walking Pad With Incline.
| Price | Around $1,299 |
| Weight | 77.6 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 330 lbs |
| Belt size | 20” W x 48.43″ L |
| Motor | 2.25 CHP |
| Speed | 0.4 – 4 MPH |
| Dimensions | 60.63″ L x 27.95″ W x 5.8″ H |
| Incline? | No |
| Foldable? | No |
| Wheels? | Yes |
| Remote control? | No |
Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health and Fitness WalkStation Slim Flat Treadmill
Good for: People who want a name-brand under-desk treadmill that can be walked on for hours
The Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill is a great option for those who need sturdy machine to walk on.
What our tester says:
“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”
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. We rated the workout experience a solid 4 out of 5, taking a point off because the 39-inch deck may be too short for taller people’s stride.
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, earning it a 5 out of 5 on footprint and portability.
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 walking pad. 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. That led to a construction and durability score of just 3.5 out of 5.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation has no preset workout programs. We recommend the REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill for anyone looking for guided workouts, or those who want a foldable treadmill that fits neatly under their desk.
| 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 |
Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Goplus Walking Pad With Incline
Good for: Walkers looking for an under-desk treadmill with an incline option
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.
What our 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.”
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 model has that option because most of the under-desk treadmills we’ve tested don’t have incline settings or come with a fixed incline. Right off the bat, we give it 4 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics.
On this Goplus walking pad, 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, former 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.
“For the price, I think the durability matches,” he explains, scoring the Goplus 2-in-1 treadmill 2.5 out of 5 for durability. “I use it for a couple hours everday during the work week and I don’t have to think about it.”
RELATED: Best Treadmill for Tall Runners
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. However, with a sub-$200 price tag and incline training ability, it’s still a solid budget-friendly option. We’ll give it a 4 out of 5 for value, which is about the same as Coop gave the Goplus 2-in-1 (4.25 out of 5).
“I don’t think the data is very accurate, but for a treadmill I can put under my desk and walk while I work, it fits the needs extremely well at a great price,” he says.
For those who don’t mind a fixed incline and want something a little more compact, check out the Egofit Walker. You can read our full Egofit Walker review for our full thoughts.
| 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 |
Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill: UREVO Strol 2E Smart Treadmill
Good for: People on a budget who want an under-desk treadmill for a small space
If you are looking for a foldable treadmill for under $500, the UREVO Strol 2E Smart Treadmill gives you the ability to run or walk at speeds up to 7.6 MPH.
What our tester says:
“You can go ahead and use that handlebar, or fold it back down to use it under your desk and then be able to easily store it.”
If you want the best foldable treadmill that won’t bust your budget, check out the inexpensive UREVO Strol 2E Smart Treadmill, which is an updated version of the 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 walking pads 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—we gave it a 5 out of 5 on value for those looking for a walking treadmill.
Another bonus: This treadmill allows for up to a 2% incline. That might not be much compared to a typical treadmill, but GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele believes the UREVO can still provide a tangible benefit.
“I think it’s enough to engage your glutes and hamstrings a little bit more,” she explains.
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. From a construction standpoint, we give this a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
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.
“If you want to use this in front of the TV while watching a movie or something, you just want to have a handlebar for safety,” Lindsay points out. “You can go ahead and use that handlebar, or fold it back down to use it under your desk and then be able to easily store it.
It earned a 5 out of 5 on footprint and portability. Honestly, it could be taken on a road trip and stored in someones car since it’s only 42 inches long and 16 inches wide and folds completely flat.
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.
Looking for something around the same price that’s a bit more compact? So long as you’re OK with staying under 4 MPH, we’d recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness WalkStation Slim.
| 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 |
Other Under-Desk Treadmills We Researched
Unsit Treadmill: Essentially a walking pad paired 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. This is one of the primary differentiators between a traditional treadmill and a walking pad.
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. Various studies3 suggest that using a treadmill desk can lead to a variety of benefits. Furthermore, according to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, “Walking is often underrated, but it can offer numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and mental well-being. It’s also accessible to individuals of various fitness levels.”
Certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly 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. “Rucking or walking with a weighted backpack can boost the number of calories you burn from walking,” adds Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
- 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?
RELATED: 11 Benefits of Walking on a Treadmill
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 walking pad 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 weigh less than 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 walking pad isn’t as easy as walking and talking at the same time.
Former 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. If you’re walking while simply catching up on emails, you can even add short intervals at a faster pace. “Short bursts of walking at a higher speed can raise your heart rate and make your body work harder,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM.
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.
Are walking pads actually worth it?
In our experience, walking pads are a useful tool, especially if you work from home. Although they’re not designed for intense workouts, they can encourage you to stay active during your workday, allowing you to hit your daily step count while remaining productive.
What are the disadvantages of a walking pad?
Walking pads usually have smaller motors and shorter belts than traditional treadmills, which can limit their durability and speed range for more intense workouts. Furthermore, their compact size and lack of incline or advanced features may not suit users looking for versatile training options.
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
- Ben-Ner, A., Hamann, D. J., Koepp, G., Manohar, C. U., & Levine, J. (2014). Treadmill workstations: the effects of walking while working on physical activity and work performance. PloS one, 9(2), e88620. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0088620
Further reading
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 them1 report not only physical benefits, like getting in more daily activity and having more energy, » Read more about: Best Under-Desk Treadmills 2025: Walk More, Sit Less With These Top Walking Pads » Read more
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