As someone who’s worked from home for the majority of the last decade, I’m in favor of any tool that encourages more movement and less stagnation. Luckily, the rise of remote jobs has ushered in a new era of walking pads and under-desk treadmills—budget-friendly, space-efficient alternatives to their bigger, more expensive brethren.
These pieces of compact exercise equipment provide a space-efficient pathway for you to make your workday even more productive. Instead of sitting in your desk chair for hours on end, you can rack up much-needed steps and still get tasks done from your home office.
While the Garage Gym Reviews team has tested some excellent models in this growing market, we were particularly impressed by a new offering that brings some added bells and whistles. In this Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus Treadmill review, I’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of a well-priced, well-designed cardio machine that can be a total gamechanger for your home fitness routine.
Our Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus Review, Summarized
Earning an impressive overall score of 4.3 out of 5, the Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus is an affordable walking pad outfitted with a 3.5 HP peak brushless motor that keeps noise levels to a minimum. Designed for incline walking, this surprisingly sturdy machine supports users up to 400 pounds. You can easily change speed and incline settings with the remote control or the Merach App, which also provides access to guided home workouts.
How We Tested
One of the biggest advantages of under-desk treadmills like the UltraWalk W60 Plus is that they’re specifically designed for small spaces. To earn a 3 out of 5 in this category, the machine shouldn’t take up too much space and should at least have wheels or a folding mechanism for enhanced portability. Many models can fit under a bed or couch when you’re not using them, too.
While under-desk treadmills are considerably cheaper and smaller than traditional models, we still prioritize durability since nobody wants to invest in a machine that won’t hold up to repeated use. To meet our threshold for a 3-star rating, we want to see at least a 220-pound weight capacity and moderately sturdy components.
Just because under-desk treadmills are compact doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable. During testing, we consider the belt size, as well as any built-in cushioning to help reduce impact on your joints. To earn a 3 out of 5, the walking deck should be wide and long enough to support the average user, and the surface should feature some type of built-in cushioning.
Our team of experts includes runners, certified personal trainers, CrossFit athletes, and even an Olympian. Collectively, we’ve evaluated more than 20 under-desk treadmills based on our proprietary treadmill testing methodology. Using a 1-5 scoring scale, we rate each machine across a variety of categories, including footprint and portability, durability, value, and more.
The GGR squad is intimately familiar with both traditional treadmills and under-desk models like the UltraWalk W60 Plus. Most of us work from home and have extensive experience using walking pads and mini stair steppers to help transform a sedentary job into a more engaging, active daily experience.
The MERACH UltraWalk W60 Plus is a compact under-desk treadmill with some impressive specs, notably its steel frame that can support up to 400 pounds. Additionally, the treadmill provides auto-incline levels up to 12% and has an ergonomically wider deck than most walking treadmills. Don't expect a running treadmill, however, since its top speed only reaches 4 miles per hour.
Before You Buy
- Although the $499.99 MSRP may seem a little steep, you should be able to find this model on sale for closer to $350. Plus, Merach offers exclusive discount codes throughout the year that can help you save even more.
- If you purchase the UltraWalk W60 Plus directly from the manufacturer’s website, you get an extra year of motor coverage on top of the standard two-year warranty.
- This under-desk treadmill is HSA/FSA eligible, meaning you can use pre-tax dollars to upgrade your home fitness routine. Merach also offers financing options through Klarna or Afterpay that lets you spread the total cost out over more manageable installments.
- Merach currently offers a bundle option that allows you to get the UltraWalk W60 Plus and the brand’s P14 Adjustable Foldable Weight Bench for approximately $450. This allows you to save about $300 and gives you a versatile training tool for bench workouts.
Is the Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus Worth It?
As someone who believes walking is criminally underrated, I’m all about finding creative ways to get more steps in. While I still prefer to get outside and soak up some sunshine, investing in a walking pad is a fairly low-cost way to make your health and fitness more of a priority.
The UltraWalk W60 Plus certainly isn’t the most budget-friendly option on the market. However, its impressive spec sheet and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for remote workers. One of my former colleagues always took meetings on her walking pad, which served as a friendly reminder that there’s no reason you have to sit in a desk chair all day and grind away.
With its robust incline capabilities, quiet brushless motor, and other conveniences, the UltraWalk W60 Plus checks all the boxes we look for in an under-desk treadmill. So, if you’re willing to spend a little more, you get a terrific bang for your buck.
Before we dive into our team’s experience, here’s a quick overview of the key specs and metrics for the UltraWalk W60 Plus.
Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus Treadmill: Key Features & Specs
| MSRP | $499.99 |
| Dimensions | 50.2″ L x 22.2″ W x 6.1″ H |
| Running Belt | 41.3” L x 16.5” W |
| Product Weight | 67.7 lbs |
| User Weight Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Speed Range | 0.6-4.0mph |
| Incline Range | 12% auto incline |
| Motor | 3.5 HP peak brushless motor (1.25 CHP) |
| Display & Programming | Digital monitor displays calories, time, speed, distance, and incline; 4 built-in workout programs; syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty |
Experience Using the Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus Treadmill
We tasked one of our expert product testers with putting the UltraWalk W60 Plus through our comprehensive treadmill testing methodology. For context, she’s 5’8” with an athletic build, so her experience may not necessarily be the same as a larger individual. Still, it was hard not to be impressed by how comfortable the UltraWalk W60 Plus was during testing.
“Compared to other treadmills I have tested, the Merach UltraWalk W60 Treadmill was exceptionally stable and reliable,” she told me. “It felt like walking on a track rather than concrete.”
Although under-desk treadmills and walking pads are simpler in nature than their full-sized siblings, this model bucks that trend a bit by offering some more tech capabilities and features that enhance your experience.
“I love that I could adjust the ‘tightness’ of the belt to find the perfect rebound level,” our tester told me.
Another feature she appreciated was the ability to turn the sound of the button off.
“I get very annoyed listening to “beeps” every time I adjust a treadmill so it was great to be able to silence the machine,” she told me. “I would place a lot of emphasis on this feature if you intend to use the treadmill in a public setting.”
That being said, our tester did have a few callouts about this machine. So, let’s take a category-by-category look at the UltraWalk W60 Plus so you can decide if it’s a worthwhile addition to your home office.
Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus Treadmill Rating
Footprint and Portability
Under-desk treadmills are inherently more footprint-friendly than something like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 (our favorite overall treadmill). So, it should come as no surprise that the UltraWalk W60 earns a near-perfect score in this category.
Measuring 50.2 inches long by 22.2 inches wide by 6.1 inches tall, this compact machine has a footprint of roughly 7.74 square feet. That means it takes up about the same floor space as a standard yoga mat (though it’s a bit shorter) or about two carry-on suitcases placed end to end. Hopefully that gives you a visual perspective on how compact the UltraWalk W60 is.
Tipping the scales at 67.7 pounds, this model is also quite portable. You should have no trouble moving it thanks to the large soft-rubber wheels that make transportation smooth and quiet.
“It’s not too bulky, so it could easily be stored under a bed or in a closet,” says our expert product tester.
It’s also worth noting that you can stand the UltraWalk W60 Plus upright if you prefer the vertical storage route.
Delivery and Setup
Unlike more complicated strength and cardio equipment, under-desk treadmills typically require little time to get up and running (or walking, to be more accurate). That’s exactly the case with the UltraWalk W60 Plus, as the brand claims there’s no assembly required.
Truly, all you have to do is find a spot where it fits comfortably, plug it in, and you’ll be on your way to increasing your step count. The power cord is 8.2 feet long, meaning you should have plenty of leeway to find an outlet that works based on your setup.
So, we award an easy 5-out-of-5 for delivery and setup, especially since you get free shipping.
Durability
When we assess an under-desk treadmill’s durability, we primarily focus on its weight capacity and overall build quality. Again, this is another area where the UltraWalk W60 shines compared to its competitors.
This model supports users up to 400 pounds, making it the most inclusive walking pad we’ve ever stepped foot on. In fact, it’s nearly double the capacity of the WalkingPad P1 Classic Folding Treadmill, which only supports up to 220 pounds.
That impressive 400-lb capacity stems largely from a heavy-duty steel frame that remains stable even under faster speeds. So, we feel confident that the UltraWalk W60 Plus will hold up well as you incorporate it into your daily schedule.
RELATED: Best Treadmills for Heavy People
Motor and Speed Range
Just because under-desk treadmills aren’t meant for running workouts doesn’t mean you should make huge sacrifices when it comes to the quality of the motor. Thankfully, Merach built this machine with a 3.5 HP peak brushless motor that, according to the brand, produces an average noise level of 53.6 decibels.
For comparison, that’s about the same sound equivalent as moderate rainfall or a quiet office. Whether you’re trying to multi-task at home or in an actual office environment, you won’t have to worry about interrupting anyone around you.
“The track runs very smoothly and quietly,” says our expert product tester.
Meanwhile, you can set the speed anywhere between 0.6 to 4.0 miles per hour. Obviously, that’s not nearly as robust as what you get on a traditional treadmill, but it should suffice for brisk walks.
“Using the remote, it took approximately 3.5 seconds to reach top speed (after a 3-second startup countdown),” our tester told me. “It felt fast but not sudden. I found it to be a comfortable pace for transitioning from a slow stroll to an up-tempo power-walk.”
In addition, there’s another customization feature that makes this model unique.
“There’s also a setting for incline that ranges from zero to 12, which creates more resistance during a workout,” our tester explains. “I have not used a walking pad that has inclined settings, so this sets Merach apart from other brands.”
Ergonomics and Comfort
While particularly tall individuals may feel a bit cramped, most folks should find the UltraWalk W60 Plus comfortable. The running belt measures 41.3 inches long by 16.5 inches wide, which is about on par for the under-desk treadmill category.
For context, it’s about 9 inches shorter and 3.5 inches narrower than the TR1200-Glow Up Under Desk Treadmill but nearly the same exact dimensions as the belt on the UREVO Strol 2E Smart Treadmill.
In addition, this model has a five-layer anti-slip belt and six shock absorbers that help reduce the impact on your joints. These elements help enhance the ergonomics and overall comfort, resulting in a rock-solid 4-out-5 rating.
Tech Capabilities
While you won’t find this model on our list of the best treadmills with a TV screen, you still get some impressive tech capabilities. The UltraWalk W60 Plus has a built-in Bluetooth speaker for streaming your favorite playlist, and it also has dynamic, sound-sensing RGB lighting that can turn your workouts into a more gamified experience.
Unfortunately, though, our tester ran into some issues with both of these features.
“I was connected to the treadmill via Bluetooth to track the metrics of my activity, but I couldn’t find any buttons or settings in the app to connect music or the sound of the in-app workouts to the treadmill speakers,” she told me. “I found the RGB lighting to be disappointing. There was one button on the remote to control the lighting but it merely turned on/off a small blue light on the top of the treadmill track. I’m not sure if there are other ways to manipulate the lighting but, if so, I couldn’t find them.”
There’s even a step milestone feature that changes the color based on how many steps you’ve totaled. That’s a unique twist that you don’t see from other manufacturers.
Although the display is fairly basic, it shows key metrics like calories burned, time, speed, distance, and incline. You can easily change the settings with the remote control (which attaches to the magnetic remote dock), or you can download the Merach App to make changes from your phone.
“The app lets you track your workouts and also offers other types of workouts for at-home use, which I thought was helpful,” our tester explains.
The setup process is a breeze, as it only took our tester about two minutes to create an account and gain access to the platform. It’s worth mentioning that you get 40 minutes of free training for the day, but you will have to upgrade to the pro version ($7.99 per month or $79.99 annually) to access structured workouts without limitations.
“The app also includes ‘challenges’ where you can ‘walk through’ different regions in the world,” our tester told me. “I found the summary tab particularly useful to see an overview of my activity for the day. If I walked several times, I could see a summary of my metrics rather than having to compile them myself.”
Safety and Stability
Even though you won’t be sprinting on this machine, safety is still a top concern. As mentioned earlier, the six-layer, shock-absorbing belt helps ease some of the burden off your hip, knee, and ankle joints. Right off the bat, that’s a good step in the right direction.
“It’s not too bouncy or slippery,” says our expert product tester.
Moreover, parents will appreciate that the UltraWalk W60 has a child lock protection mode. This feature prevents accidental starts from the kids (or even your pets). All you have to do is press and hold the designated button on the remote to activate or deactivate this valuable safety feature.
RELATED: Treadmill Safety Tips
Value
Even at a listed price point of $499.99, the UltraWalk W60 Plus is priced fairly based on its build quality and performance. However, you should be able to get it for even less—we’ve seen it on sale for closer to $350.
“I would definitely purchase the Merach UltraWalk W60 to use at home or recommend it to someone who’s looking for a good walking pad,” our tester says.
While a walking pad isn’t as versatile as a traditional treadmill, it’s still a useful tool for working on your cardiovascular fitness (at a lower intensity, of course). So, if you’re in the market for one, this is a high-value option.
RELATED: Best Budget Treadmills
Customer Experience
Merach deserves a tip of the cap for providing excellent customer-oriented policies. First, we like that you get a 30-day return window, which gives you some time to determine if this walking pad is the right addition to your workspace.
Second, we love that this comes with a two-year warranty. You’ll often see just a one-year policy for walking pads and budget-friendly equipment, so multiple years of coverage is a big win. Plus, you can get an extra year of motor coverage by purchasing the UltraWalk W60 Plus directly from Merach’s website.
Throw in the fact that you get free shipping and multiple financing options and you have all the makings of a great customer experience. As a result, we award a 4 out of 5 in this category.
Customer Reviews
As a newer product, there aren’t many reviews on the UltraWalk W60 Plus. However, the early returns are promising, as both customers who left a review on the Merach Fitness website awarded this model a 5-star rating.
Here’s the direct feedback from those users, and we expect more positive customer reviews in the future based on our experience with this product.
Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus Treadmill Vs
Our team is intimately familiar with the under-desk treadmill market, so you can rest assured we know which models are worth trying and which ones you can afford to pass on. While we were highly impressed by the UltraWalk W60 Plus, it’s far from the only viable option.
One of our favorites is the good ole’ WalkingPad P1. This popular machine features a foldable design for convenient storage between use, and its plug-and-play setup means there’s no assembly required. GGR Senior Director of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, is a big fan of this compact under-desk treadmill, noting that it works equally well for her longer-limbed husband.
“It’s comfortable for me, but my husband has also used it comfortably, and he’s 6-foot-2,” she says. “I have used it daily in the winter, spring, and when the weather is inclement for the last three years and have definitely gotten my money’s worth.”
RELATED: WalkingPad Review
While the WalkingPad and UltraWalk W60 Plus are in the same general price range, if you have more room to spend, you could splurge on the LifeSpan TR1200-Glow Up Under Desk Treadmill. At $1,299, it’s about three times the cost of those more budget-friendly models, but you get some impressive features, including a 330-pound weight capacity, six built-in shocks, and a 2.25 CHP motor that’s more powerful than what you usually see in this category.
|  |  | |
| MERACH UltraWalk W60 Plus Walking Treadmill | WalkingPad P1 Classic Folding Treadmill | TR1200-Glow Up Under Desk Treadmill | |
Rating | |||
| Speed Range | 0.6-4 mph | 0.5 – 3.75 mph | 0.4-4.0 mph |
| Incline Range | 0-12% | N/A | N/A |
| Deck Size | |||
| Foldable? | — | — | |
| Programs | Through the MERACH app | N/A | None available |
| Display | N/A | Omni console | |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1-year comprehensive | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor |
Final Verdict of Our Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus Treadmill Review
The Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus received a firm stamp of approval from our expert product tester, who called it one of the best walking pads she’s ever used. Between its powerful, yet quiet motor, sturdy steel frame, and large running deck it’s built for reliable performance.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your work-from-home routine, this is an appealing option that won’t burn a huge hole in your pocket.
Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus Treadmill Review: FAQs
Is a walking pad worth it?
Yes, a walking pad is a wise investment for remote workers (or even traditional office workers) who want to make fitness more of a priority. It can be a valuable tool for increasing your daily step count, supporting your weight-loss goals, or simply breaking up the monotony of your workday.
What are some key features I should look for in an under-desk treadmill?
Key features to look for in an under-desk treadmill include its weight capacity, motor size, speed range, and any tech features that enhance your experience. Also pay attention to the warranty and return policies so you know what type of coverage is included.
How fast does the Merach UltraWalk W60 Plus go?
The UltraWalk W60 Plus offers a speed range of 0.6 to 4.0 miles per hour.
References
- Hicklin, T. (2019, June 11). How many steps for better health? National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-many-steps-better-health
