If your job requires a lot of time sitting at a desk, there’s a good chance you have difficulty reaching your daily step goal. Fortunately, using a walking pad or under-desk treadmill is an easy way to increase your movement during a workday. It can also help with weight loss efforts since it bumps up your daily activity level and calorie burn.1 However, it should still be accompanied by moderate to vigorous physical activity. Quieter and more compact than fitness treadmills, the best walking pads should still deliver similar sturdiness and ease of use to let you walk confidently and safely at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
To find the best walking pads and under-desk treadmills on the market, we consulted an athletic trainer and a few personal trainers on which key features to look for. We then tested 13 of the most popular picks at home for four weeks by completing a minimum of four walks per week. When creating our final list of recommendations, we considered the ease of setup, ease of use, foldability, comfort, and value of each walking pad. A certified personal trainer from our Review Board also assessed this article for accuracy.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Elseluck Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill at Amazon ($250)
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Best for Small Spaces:
Egofit Walker Pro-M1 Treadmill at Amazon ($479)
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Best Foldable:
WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill at Amazon ($399)
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Best Portable:
LifePro PacerMini Pro Treadmill at Amazon (See Price)
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Most Quiet:
Sunny Health & Fitness Pacer Smart Compact Auto Incline Treadpad Treadmill at Amazon ($620)
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Best No-Frills:
WalkingPad C2 Folding Treadmill at Amazon (See Price)
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Best With Remote:
GOPLUS Under Desk Treadmill at Amazon ($280)
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Most Affordable:
UREVO Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill at Amazon ($190)
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Easiest to Use:
Sperax Pro Under Desk Treadmill at Amazon ($2,000)
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Best With Handlebar:
Urevo Strol 2E Under Desk Treadmill at Amazon ($280)
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Best Overall
Elseluck Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 47.6 x 20.1 x 4.6 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Speed Range: 0.6-3.8 MPH | Incline Range: None | Product Weight: 54 pounds | Foldable: No | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for those seeking a user-friendly, quiet walking pad for increasing physical activity.
Why We Love It
Elseluck’s Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill won us over with its hassle-free setup and intuitive design. It comes fully assembled, so you can start walking on it right out of the box without having to follow complex assembly instructions. Its simplicity extends to operation, too, with a user-friendly power switch on the side and a convenient remote control that allows you to adjust the speed without having to physically touch the walking pad. We like that when you’re not using the remote control you can store it in the walking pad’s remote holder so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
The bright LED display screen of this treadmill displays clear readings of key metrics like speed, distance, time, and calories burned. It excels in terms of convenience and versatility. Its compact size and wheeled base make it easy to store under desks, beds, or closets, which is perfect for small living spaces. When testing this treadmill, we were particularly impressed by its whisper-quiet operation, which allowed us to engage in various activities and work without disrupting others nearby.
Potential Flaws
- While this treadmill’s compact size makes it easy to store in small spaces, it doesn’t fold like other options on our list at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Best for Small Spaces
Egofit Walker Pro-M1 Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 21.9 x 38.4 x 6.9 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Speed Range: 0.5-3.1 MPH | Incline Range: 0% and 5% (fixed) | Product Weight: 48.5 pounds | Foldable: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for those in small paces who want a compact treadmill that allows you to walk while working at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Why We Love It
Egofit’s Walker Pro-M1 Under Desk Treadmill’s compact design, quiet and easy operation, and extra features make it a great pick for small spaces. It comes pre-assembled and ready to use right out of the box. When testing, we found the treadmill to be extremely quiet—we’ve even been able to take work calls while getting our steps in. We also like that the LCD display lets us track our steps, distance, speed, time, and calories burned.
Unlike other models, the Walker Pro-M1 has a 5% incline option, which helps crank up the calorie burn during your walking workouts. Remember that this is a fixed (non-adjustable) incline, so you can only set the incline to zero (i.e., flat) or 5%—nothing in between. We also appreciate that the treadmill’s wheels allow us to easily move it to our preferred storage spot once the workout is over at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Potential Flaws
- With a maximum speed of 3.1 miles per hour, you won’t be able to walk as fast on this option compared to others on our list.
- The treadmill doesn’t have a handlebar, so it may not be the best option for those with balance issues who need something to hold onto while they walk.
Best Foldable
WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 21.5 x 56.4 x 5 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Speed Range: 0.5-3.75 MPH | Incline Range: None | Product Weight: 62 pounds | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for users looking for a no-frills, compact walking pad to increase their step count.
Why We Love It
WalkingPad’s P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill is super easy to set up and use, but the folding design is what makes it truly stand out from the rest. When folded, its footprint is only 32.5 by 21.5 inches, making it easy to store under a desk or tuck away in another part of the room. At 62 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than some others we tested, but the foldable design and wheels on the bottom make it easy to move.
We also like that stats—including speed, steps, and distance—are displayed on the remote rather than on the treadmill’s display, which keeps us from craning our necks to see the data. We love that this pick is quiet and low-profile, allowing us to take work calls without distraction at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, we noticed that the belt jerked a little when we changed the treadmill’s speed, so it’s essential to steady yourself before reducing or increasing it.
- The treadmill isn’t compatible with third-party apps, so you won’t be able to track your stats via fitness apps like Apple Health.
Best Portable
LifePro PacerMini Pro Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 25 x 32.7 x 7 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Speed Range: 0.5-3.0 MPH | Incline Range: 0% and 7% (fixed) | Product Weight: 40 pounds | Foldable: No (only handlebar) | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who need to move their under-desk treadmill frequently at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Why We Love It
The compact design and 40-pound weight of Lifepro’s PacerMini Portable Treadmill make it an easy choice for our best portable pick. It’s lighter than the other walking pads we tested and has built-in wheels for easy movement. When the handlebar is folded down, it’s only 7 inches high, so it’s easy to slide under a couch or desk when not in use.
It took less than five minutes to set up when it arrived, and the instruction manual was easy to understand. The treadmill tracks time, speed, calories, and steps. You can use it completely flat or crank it up to a 7% incline for more of a challenge. We found the remote easy to use and we like that the height-adjustable handlebar folds down for storage.
Potential Flaws
- If you want to add an incline to your walk, you can only choose the fixed 7% incline setting because no other incline options are available.
- The belt length is relatively short, so it may not work for taller people or those with a longer stride.
Most Quiet
Sunny Health & Fitness Pacer Smart Compact Auto Incline Treadpad Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 58.2 x 26.4 x 7.7 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Speed Range: 0.5-6 MPH (in running mode) | Incline Range: 1.67-3.81 degrees | Product Weight: 79.4 pounds | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for users who want a compact, foldable walking pad for easy storage with quiet operation at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Why We Love It
Hands down the quietest walking pad we tested, Sunny Health & Fitness’ Pacer Smart Compact Auto Incline Treadpad Treadmill impressed with its straightforward setup and user-friendly operation. Assembling the treadmill was a breeze, thanks to the clear step-by-step instructions and the included T-Wrench tool, allowing for a hassle-free setup in 30 minutes. Its intuitive controls, including a power switch and easy-to-use remote, made starting and adjusting workouts effortless, enhancing the experience of walking while working.
With its six-level automated incline mechanism, the treadmill allows us to increase the intensity of our walking routines and burn the most calories. Additionally, as we grow more accustomed to walking while working, this enables us to increase the difficulty of our walks. We truly appreciate how this treadmill folds up, making it simple to store and suitable for tiny places. The SunnyFit app, which lets you stream and follow dozens of treadmill routines, syncs with this walking pad as well.
Potential Flaws
- The folding design lacked the same level of support as non-folding alternatives. It’s supportive enough for walking while working, but we don’t trust it enough for running workouts.
- We wish the treadmill featured a water bottle holder for added convenience at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Best No-Frills
WalkingPad C2 Folding Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 20.4 x 56.9 x 4.9 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Speed Range: 0.5-3.72 MPH | Incline Range: None | Product Weight: 55 pounds | Foldable: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for shorter users who have limited space to store fitness equipment.
Why We Love It
For a basic, space-saving walking pad that’s easy to use, it’s tough to beat WalkingPad’s C2 Foldable Walking Treadmill. Setting up the treadmill is straightforward since it comes pre-assembled—we just had to unfold it and plug it in to get started. The small footprint and foldable treadmill design make this a solid pick for those with limited space at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
The remote allows us to easily adjust the treadmill’s pace, and the LCD monitor lets us view our steps, speed, time, and distance in real time from the device. The four-layer running belt allows for good shock absorption and noise reduction. Plus, we love that when finished, we can simply fold it in half and store it under a desk, couch, or bed. Two rollers on the bottom make maneuvering it from one spot to another easy.
Potential Flaws
- This treadmill would be more stable and safe to use if it had a handlebar.
- The walking surface felt a bit narrow to us and may not be comfortable for those with large feet or longer legs.
Best With Remote
GOPLUS Under Desk Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 23.5 x 51.5 x 6 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Speed Range: 0.5-4.0 MPH | Incline Range: None | Product Weight: 55.5 pounds | Foldable: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for exercisers looking for a budget-friendly option that prioritizes safety.
Why We Love It
GOPLUS’ Under-Desk Treadmill has a remote control that allows you to conveniently adjust its speed without bending over to touch the machine. It also features an emergency stop button for added safety. It’s easy to set up and use, and while it’s not feature-packed, it has the basics—an LED screen that displays speed, distance, time, and calories burned.
The treadmill comes fully assembled, so all we needed to do to get started when testing it was unbox it, attach the power cord, and plug it into the wall. Thanks to the included remote, it’s extremely easy to turn on and adjust the speed with the click of a button ar We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed a humming sound while using the treadmill, which could distract some, especially during work calls.
- A folding handlebar would be a welcome safety feature.
Most Affordable
UREVO Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 46.5 x 19.3 x 4.45 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 242 pounds | Speed Range: 0.6-4 MPH | Incline Range: None | Product Weight: 37.5 pounds | Foldable: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for exercisers looking for a budget-friendly option with added comfort.
Why We Love It
UREVO’s Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill impressed us with its hassle-free setup and intuitive operation, arriving at our doorstep fully assembled. We like that it comes with a remote control that allows you to effortlessly adjust your speed while on the machine. Walking on this treadmill feels comfortable and conducive to productivity, as it’s smooth and quiet enough to walk on during work meetings, especially at lower speeds. We like that the treadmill features eight silicone shock absorbers and two soft rubber pads in its belt that protect users’ knees, making walking more comfortable and reducing noise.
This treadmill’s compact design and portability make it a standout choice for small living spaces. While not foldable, its manageable size and included wheels make it easy to move and store when not in use, especially since it only weighs 37.5 pounds. Though this walking pad doesn’t have as many unique features as others on our list, its simplicity and affordability make it an attractive option for those seeking a basic, no-frills under-desk treadmill to stay active while working.
Potential Flaws
- The treadmill isn’t compatible with third-party apps, so you won’t be able to track your stats via Apple Health or other popular smartphone apps.
- Although we found this walking pad easy to use, the included instruction manual didn’t explain things as well as we would have hoped at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Easiest to Use
Sperax Pro Under Desk Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 46.5 x 19.3 x 4.45 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 280 pounds | Speed Range: 0.6-6.2 MPH | Incline Range: 0-1 degree | Product Weight: 58.8 pounds | Foldable: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for exercisers looking for a user-friendly option with intuitive controls at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Why We Love It
When we tested Sperax’s Pro Under Desk Treadmill, we were impressed by how easy it is to set up and use. It comes fully assembled, which makes it incredibly easy to start using right out of the box. Its user manual provides clear instructions for operation and maintenance. We love the under-desk treadmill’s intuitive extra features, including a handlebar for added stability and a remote control to adjust the speed while you’re walking.
Walking on this treadmill feels stable and comfortable, and we love the thick belt, which absorbs shock as our feet hit the ground. Its sturdy design feels solid and never flimsy, even when we’re using it at higher speeds. The walking pad operates smoothly and quietly, allowing us to use it while working without distractions. When testing this treadmill, we used it during work calls, and it was so quiet that no one on the call could even tell we were using it. We like that it features built-in wheels, which make it easy to move and store when not in use at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Potential Flaws
- You’ll lose any stats from your workout as soon as you turn off the machine, which makes it harder to track progress. To mitigate this, note your stats at the end of each workout before you turn off the treadmill.
- While we love that this treadmill is compact, the belt length is shorter than other options, so it may not work for those with a longer stride.
Best With Handlebar
Urevo Strol 2E Under Desk Treadmill
Key Specs
Dimensions: 51.2 x 22.6 x 4.6 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Speed Range: 0.6-6.2 MPH | Incline Range: None | Product Weight: 49.6 pounds | Foldable: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for exercisers with stability issues looking for a supportive, stable walking pad with a handlebar.
Why We Love It
When we tested UREVO’s Strol 2E Under Desk Treadmill, it arrived fully assembled, allowing us to pull the walking pad out of the box and jump right into a workout. Its sturdy build and supportive handlebar made us feel more secure while walking, giving us the confidence to walk faster. Another great feature is the removable tablet stand that comes with the handlebar, which makes it easy for us to watch our favorite shows while working out at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
The compact size makes it uncomplicated to store and great for small spaces. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a quiet, easy-to-use treadmill. It’s well-made and offers convenience and functionality at a reasonable price, making it a worthwhile investment for those who want a hassle-free way to stay active at home.
Potential Flaws
- The belt length is relatively short, so it may not work for taller people or those with a longer stride.
- The treadmill isn’t compatible with third-party apps, so you won’t be able to track your stats via fitness apps like Apple Health.
Walking Pads We Also Tested
In total, we tested 13 walking pads and under-desk treadmills, but only 10 made it to our final list of recommendations. Here are some notable mentions that we didn’t love enough to include on our list of top picks at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
- WalkingPad’s C1 Lightest Foldable Walking Machine impressed us with its ease of setup, comfort, and quiet operation. However, certain components were fragile, like the plastic piece holding the plug. After a few weeks of use, the walking pad broke, becoming unusable.
- WalkingPad’s X21 Double-Fold Treadmill has an app-controlled setup like other walking pads. However, during testing, we noted glitches in the app, which made it more complicated to use. The walking pad was also louder and less stable than expected.
- MERACH’s T05 Smart Walking Treadmillhas a max speed of 6 miles per hour, but we did not feel comfortable or safe using the faster speeds when testing it. We do, however, like that it’s foldable for storage and that the belt can only operate if the safety stop device has been clipped in place.
What We’ve Updated
We’re continuously testing new walking pads and under-desk treadmills at home as new models come out and updating our top picks list accordingly based on their performance. After further testing, we’ve reconsidered and updated our best overall pick. While we still think our former top walking pad, Egofit’s Walker Pro-M1 Treadmill, performs great in small spaces, we favored our current best overall walking pad because it works exceptionally well, is easy to set up and use, and is even more affordable than the former at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills
- Footprint:Consider your space constraints when choosing a walking pad since some options are more compact and portable than others. Check all the dimensions carefully to be sure the treadmill will fit comfortably wherever you plan to use and store it.
- Noise:You’ll likely want a walking pad that’s quiet enough not to disturb or distract your housemates or colleagues. Our experts recommend choosing a treadmill with a quiet belt that can be activated and adjusted without beeping. Even if you work alone in a home office, you’ll want a quiet machine if you plan to take calls while walking.
- Storage:No matter where you use your walking pad, you’ll want one that’s easy to store when not in use. Some models fold up to fit under your desk; most have wheels, making them easy to move across the room and tuck away. Be sure to check the treadmill’s height measurement when folded if you plan to store it under furniture with low clearance (such as a couch) at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
- Stability and Max Weight Capacity:Walking pads and under-desk treadmills aren’t as heavy-duty as traditional treadmills and usually have a lower weight capacity. However, some models are built to accommodate more weight than others. Some walking pads have handlebars that fold down for more stability. Consider the weight range of those in your household who might use the under-desk treadmill, and look for one that’s well-constructed and durable enough to support all users.
- Extra Features:Some walking pads come with additional features, like display screens that show metrics such as time, distance, and steps. Many models come with a remote control that allows you to change the speed or pause the belt with the touch of a button. The screen on some options is built into the remote, allowing you to track your stats without looking down at the treadmill’s display. While most treadmills can be used with a proprietary app, others are compatible with third-party apps. You pay a little more for features like this, but we think it’s worth the investment if it will motivate you to use your walking pad more consistently at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
How We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills
To find the best walking pads and under-desk treadmills, we tested 13 popular options over four weeks, completing at least four walks per treadmill each week. When testing walking pads, we evaluate each option for these six key features.
- Ease of Setup:When the walking pads first arrive, we note if they come fully assembled and, if not, how long it takes to assemble them before we can start using them. We connect each machine to its proprietary app if there is one, and note any difficulties with that process.
- Ease of Use:During each test walk, we perform tasks like typing or taking calls. We pay attention to how stable the walking pad feels and assess whether the sound is distracting or disruptive. If a remote control is included, we note how easy it is to use and which functions it controls at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
- Foldability:If the walking pad folds, we fold and unfold it and note if the process is easy or difficult. We also assess the walking pad’s size and portability by moving it and storing it away when not in use.
- Comfort:While we use each walking pad, we assess whether the belt is wide and long enough for a comfortable stride, absorbs shock, and feels stable (rather than shaky).
- Value:To rate the overall value of each walking pad and under-desk treadmill, we put it through our full testing and evaluation process before looking at its price. Walking pads that receive a high value score are generally priced less than what we would consider paying based on our experience with the product at We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active.
Our Experts
During our research and reporting process, we collaborated with experts to gain invaluable insight into what features we should look for when picking out great walking pads to test. While our product selections remain independent, we take into account these expert recommendations to inform our decisions and enhance the quality of our choices.
