We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active

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.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.

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.

• 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 Treadmill has 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.

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).
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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.

• John Gardner, NASM-certified personal trainer and Kickoff online fitness coach
• Kyra Thomas, ATC, LAT, certified athletic trainer and injury prevention specialist at Fit for Work
• Beatriz Fernandes, sports performance coach at Athletic Lab, BS Exercise Science, CHPC – Level 3

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a walking pad worth it?

While a walking pad lacks the speed and incline options of a regular treadmill, it can help burn calories, increase daily steps, and combat fatigue during work. Additionally, it promotes daily physical activity—one way to extend your healthy years.2

Which is better: an under-desk treadmill or an under-desk bike?

Under-desk treadmills and bikes are convenient options for adding activity to sedentary lifestyles. The choice between them depends on personal preferences, space constraints, and budget considerations. While under-desk bikes are typically quieter, some users may struggle to concentrate while pedaling. However, compact bike models are still an affordable way to get more movement if you live in a smaller space or have a limited budget.

How long should you use a walking pad for each time?

Walking daily on your walking pad is generally safe. Still, beginners should gradually increase duration based on fitness level, starting with shorter sessions. An ideal walking pad schedule for a beginner would be 20 minutes of walking in the morning, 20 minutes after lunch, and 15 minutes in the mid-afternoon. This may reduce your risk of hypertension, among other health benefits.

Can you use walking pads on carpet?

Using a walking pad on a low-pile carpet is fine, but you should avoid putting it on a high-pile or plush carpet, as it may overheat. You can put a treadmill mat underneath the machine to prevent that from happening and protect your carpet.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jarrod Nobbe is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over a decade of experience in the fitness and performance field. With certification from USATFCCCA as a track and field coach, he has dedicated ample time to refining running techniques, enhancing efficiency, and conducting treadmill workouts while extensively testing diverse equipment options.We Tested the Best Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills—These Kept Us Active