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

Walking Pads We Also Tested

In total, we tested 30 walking pads and under-desk treadmills, but only 15 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.
• EGOFIT's ComfortDeck-M2T Walking Pad was gentle on our joints and the built-in incline added a bit of intensity. However, we noted the lack of a device holder, and its size and lack of foldability made this walking pad less versatile than others we tested.

What We’ve Updated

• We continuously test new walking pads and under-desk treadmills at home, updating our top picks list based on performance.
• Since publishing this article last, we have revised our selections for best overall and best with incline products.
• We also replaced our previous best portable pick with an even easier-to-move and store option.
• Plus, we added four more products to round out our list, including our easiest to store and our best with handrails picks.

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 Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills

To find the best walking pads and under-desk treadmills, we tested 30 popular options over four weeks, completing at least four walks per treadmill weekly. 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 to look for when selecting great walking pads to test. While our product selections remain independent, we consider 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.

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. Walking after meals can also help enhance digestion and boost your energy level. 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 writer for Verywell Fit and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over a decade of experience in the fitness and performance field. As a track and field coach certified by USATFCCCA, he has dedicated ample time to refining running techniques, enhancing efficiency, and conducting treadmill workouts while extensively testing diverse equipment options. For this article, Jerrod looked over the test results from our lab to help compile our top picks.