When you’re working from home, it’s easy to get so bogged down by meetings, presentations, and data pulls. As a result, when the clock strikes 5, you realize you haven’t gotten a single step in — aside from bathroom trips or walks to the kitchen for some much-needed high-protein snacks. If you want to get some major walking done during the work day (or during inclement weather when you just want to stay indoors and watch Netflix), an under-desk treadmill (also called a walking pad) will help you do just that.
The ingenious invention slips under desks, allowing those working from home to walk it out and destress even in meetings. Don’t believe it? One Shape editor walked on one for a whole workday, and her results will blow your mind. See, hitting your step goal is more than a point of pride — walking for just 30 minutes a day can decrease stress, strengthen joints, reduce the risk of heart issues, and so much more. So we took it upon ourselves to find the best under-desk treadmills after spending four weeks testing the most popular low-profile treads on the market.
The Best Overall Walking Pad
Why We Like It: This walking pad is easy to set up and very quiet. We love that it can be connected to an app to track insights.
It’s Worth Noting: The pad width may not be suitable for larger feet.
If you invest in one walking pad this year, make it the Walking Pad C2. Fully assembled out of the box, all you need to do is unfold your machine and plug it in. You can also download the app (you can find it with the QR code) and connect via Bluetooth to track your insights, including step count, calories, time, and distance traveled. There’s also a remote control to turn on and off, pause, and control speed, and the sound scale is impressively quiet.
“I’m now obsessed with my walking pad. It boosted my productivity and also got me way past my 10k step goal for the day,” said Eliza Savage, commerce editorial director at Shape. She walked for a whopping 11 miles in one workday to test and review this under-desk treadmill. “Walking the majority of the day was a bit much, but I may add an hour or so of walking here and there to my day throughout the week when I don’t have meetings or I’m feeling especially foggy. Walking definitely ignited my creativity and helped me stay focused.”
Shape writer Maddie Barber, per Savage’s recommendation, purchased this same walking pad for her small NYC bedroom to up her step count during WFH days. “I was shocked at how easy it was to set up and use this walking pad. It’s compact enough that it doesn’t take up much space in my bedroom and folds up in seconds to wheel (yes, it has wheels!) and store underneath my bed,” she said. “I’ve debated investing in a walking pad for many months now, and I do not doubt that purchasing the Walking Pad C2 was the best choice. It makes exercise so seamless that I feel silly for not grabbing one sooner.”
If we were to nitpick, we’d mention two minor issues. First, the pad could be wider to avoid hitting the side, a problem that those with bigger feet could encounter. We also wish there were higher speed settings to accommodate a faster walking pace.
Max Speed: 3.72 mph | Max Incline: None | Weight Capacity: 220 lb
Other Walking Pads We Tested
- Best Budget: GOPLUS Under Desk Treadmill, $224 (Originally $260), amazon.com
- Best Without Handrails: Egofit Walker Pro-M1 Treadmill, $319 (Originally $479), amazon.com
- Best Splurge: WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill, $850 (Originally $999), amazon.com
- Best for Small Spaces: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Treadmill, $318 (Originally $400), amazon.com
- Best Foldable: WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Treadmill, $499 (Originally $699), walkingpad.com
- Best Portable: LifePro PacerMini Pro Treadmill, $264 (Originally $330), amazon.com
- Best with Shock Absorption: MERACH T05 Walking Treadmill, $240 (Originally $400), amazon.com
Max Speed: 4 mph | Max Incline: None | Weight Capacity: 220 lb
For an affordable treadmill (think under $400) that’s also a space saver, the GoPlus Under Desk Treadmill was another favorite walking pad we tested. Like the Egofit Walker, the GoPlus was a cinch to set up in seconds, and the crisp LED display has the added benefit of being a touchscreen if you prefer to adjust there. This tread includes 12 walking programs designed to meet different goals (such as improving cardio fitness or building endurance), adding variety without any manual adjustments. The remote has clever “quick jump” buttons to switch speeds with just one touch. We also appreciated that the running belt on this walking pad was a little wider than the Egofit, which made us feel more comfortable when donning our walking shoes for a quick stroll.
Tested By: Lauren C.
“I work remote and wanted a convenient way to stay active during the workday while multitasking on Zooms. I work out several days a week and enjoy both walking and running.”
Max Speed: 5 mph | Max Incline: 5% | Weight Capacity: 220 lb
The Egofit Walker was the best walking pad we tested, thanks to its 5 percent incline, remote control, and quiet functionality. We could set it up right out of the box by simply plugging it in, and we appreciated that they included batteries for the remote (which came with a strap attached so we could wear it while walking). At less than 7” high, it was easy to store this under-desk treadmill while we weren’t using it, and we didn’t struggle to move it. The tread was super quiet (we even used it during Zoom meetings without anyone being the wiser), and the 5% incline was a major perk, as not many compact treadmills have incline capabilities. The console display on this walking pad was helpful, showing stats like calories, time, steps, distance, and speed, though the screen was too small for us to read the data easily while on the tread.
Tested By: Mike N.
“I’m currently training for a half-marathon, and I wanted a walking pad as an active recovery option. I also had family members test this under-desk treadmill, including my father, who’s recovering from hip surgery, and my mother, who exercises to keep her diabetes in check.”
Max Speed: 7.4 mph | Max Incline: None | Weight Capacity: 240 lb
If you’re searching for a walking pad that will stand the test of time, the WalkingPad X21 Double-Fold Treadmill is one you should invest in. Its price tag is justified considering how it functions as both an under-desk treadmill and a compact running tread for small spaces. Plus, it tops out at a speed of 7.4 mph—higher than most walking pads we tested. Spec-wise, the walking pad features an HD display operation panel with a rotation speed control in the armrest, making it easy to read data as you walk or run. The walking pad is made from four layers of professional track to provide EVA cushioning and an anti-skid running belt. Although it initially felt wobbly, the walking pad is great overall, with perfect cushioning for a little bounce in our step. Plus, the detachable phone holder is useful if you prefer a hands-free option.
Tested By: Jenni M.
“I love low-impact workouts, like incline walking, and I’m just starting to get into running. I wanted this walking pad to increase my step count throughout the day, and I used it most often while working or eating lunch.”
Max Speed: 3.7 mph | Max Incline: None | Weight Capacity: 220 lb
The WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill offers two different ways to store this under-desk treadmill in a truly cramped space. We could fold it easily (no automatic mechanisms or buttons to press, just a simple manual fold), and slide it under a couch, though we should note that even when folded, the treadmill height is about 5”, so it may not fit perfectly under low-to-the-ground couches. While this walking pad was the easiest to store of all the options we tested, it’s very basic, so if you prefer more bells and whistles, you may need a more advanced option. There’s no incline or programs, limited speed, and we noticed that it was a little jerky when changing speeds. Compared to the GoPlus Under Desk Treadmill, this feels slightly overpriced, although we think it’s a great option for anyone looking for nothing more than a simple, budget-friendly walking pad to get more steps in.
Tested By: Michelle P.
“I’m a yoga instructor, and admittedly, I hate running — but I loved using this treadmill as an accessible way to increase my step count. I also occasionally used it for incline walking.”
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Folds up for storing
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Setup takes less than five minutes
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Comes with a remote control and wrist strap
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Walking pad is built with four layers, including EVA for shock absorption
Max Speed: 3.72 mph | Max Incline: None | Weight Capacity: 230 or 300 lb
As foldable treadmills go, you won’t get more seamless than the WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill. Easy and small enough to slot under your dresser or bed, thanks to the addition of wheels, we found this super convenient as an under-desk treadmill. Thankfully, the setup was equally as smooth—the walking pad was plugged in and ready to go in less than five minutes (you may need two people to tug it out of the box, though). The remote has a strap to sling around your wrist for ease of use on the go, and we were pleased with the wear-resistant, non-slip walking pad, which was built with four layers, including EVA for shock absorption. This cushioning provided a bounce in our steps which felt safer on the joints—much more comfortable than walking on a hard sidewalk.
Tested By: Maria R.
“I’m currently rehabbing a sacroiliac joint injury, so my fitness routine consisted of physical therapy exercises and walking on this under-desk treadmill. I used it to build strength and stamina during my recovery journey.”
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Comes in two color options
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Weighs just 40 pounds
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Ready to use right out of the box
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Includes free personal training videos
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Has a 7-degree incline
Max Speed: 3 mph | Max Incline: 7 degrees | Weight Capacity: 220 lb
At just 40 pounds and stretching 32.7 inches, the Lifepro Fitness PacerMini Pro Portable Treadmill is as compact as it gets. It’s ready straight out of the box, requiring nothing more than plugging in the cord and shifting it into place. As a bonus, it provides access to a library of free personal training videos. Speed is controlled by a remote control (the treadmill has a remote holder), and once powered up, it’s surprisingly quiet.
If you’re into higher speeds and longer strides when you walk, this treadmill may take some getting used to, though it does have a 7-degree incline for a more intense walking session. We loved the comfortable and supportive tread and the adjustable handrail. Storing was also a breeze—just a few turns of the knobs on both sides to lower the handle, and you can wheel it under furniture, so it’s ideal for anyone with limited storage or a small living space.
Tested By: Andrea T.
“While I was testing this, I was expecting a child and looking for a gentle way to move in between bouts of morning sickness and fatigue. Honestly, I don’t love working out, but when I do, I prefer walking.”
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Syncs with an app for workout programs
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Five-layer anti-slip shock absorption running belt
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Max speed up to 7.5 mph
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90-degree foldable design makes it easy to store
Max Speed: 7.5 mph | Max Incline: None | Weight Capacity: 265 lb
The MERACH T05 Smart Walking Treadmill may offer additional support if you’re dealing with issues like knee pain and require more protection. It has a five-layer anti-slip shock absorption running belt alongside upgraded damping, which we found supportive for our joints, especially if we’d been standing all day. There’s even a handy remote to alternate speeds when you don’t have direct access to the control panel, Bluetooth connectivity alongside an LED display that keeps track of key data metrics, and a tablet holder if you need to take Zoom calls (or more) on the go.
Unlike many of the best walking pads we tested, this one goes up to 6 mph, so you can really work up a sweat. Despite the higher speed settings, the sound level was totally bearable when walking—we rate this as a “normal” noise level. Once you’re done for the day, its 90-degree foldable design and built-in wheels make for efficient and easy storage.
Tested By: Mary H.
“I’m one year postpartum, and I’ve been participating in an ab rehab program while reintegrating HIIT runs into my workouts. I liked this walking pad for walking, but I didn’t feel confident using it for running — it felt a little too shaky.”
What to Know About Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills
- Storage: Most walking pads are less than 7” high, so they can fit easily under desks and certain pieces of furniture when not in use. Some options are also foldable for more storage possibilities.
- Price: Under-desk treadmills and walking pads are typically less expensive than full-sized treadmills, with many options under $600. “If you plan to keep your tread at home you may want to invest in a unit with a little more durability which will cost more,” explains Paizley Longino, Certified Personal Trainer and Coach for STRIDE Fitness.
- Speed and incline: Since they’re smaller and lack much of the stability of full-sized treadmills, walking pads are limited in how fast they can go and what incline they can reach (if any). Most under-desk treadmills we tested topped out at 4 or 5 mph, and only one had an incline (up to 5 percent). “In general, 2 to 4 mph is considered walking pace on a treadmill,” says Larson. “If multitasking or you’d rather not break a sweat over an important Zoom call, keep the tread on the lower end.”
- Features: The most common features in under-desk treadmills include a separate remote control, a built-in display on the pad, and app compatibility.
You Might Also Need…
- An exercise mat can protect your floors from any scratches, especially if you plan on moving or storing your walking pad in between uses.
- A standing desk on wheels can transform your walking pad into a work station.
- A treadmill cover can protect your walking pad from dust and also reduce the risk of a child accidentally turning the treamdill on.
- A battery-operated fan can keep you cool as you crank the speed.
- A water bottle holder helps you stay hydrated during long walks.
- A tablet holder keeps your iPad or Kindle secure so you’re entertained for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are under-desk treadmills good for exercise?
Under-desk treadmills are great for exercise, as they promote walking or running for those who must work at a desk throughout the day or perhaps those with small living spaces that cannot accommodate large machines.
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How long should I walk on an under-desk treadmill?
You can use an under-desk treadmill any way you like, though it’s common to walk or run on one for shorter periods of time (such as 30 minutes) throughout the workday. This is especially true considering how these treadmills or walking pads usually come with less speed or incline options for a complicated workout.
Why Trust Shape
Kristen Geil is an editor at Shape, where she primarily tests and reviews fitness equipment, workout apparel, running shoes, and more. She’s a USATF-certified running coach and has rau four marathons. She has strong opinions about which treadmills are worth the splurge and which walking pads will help you get your miles in. For this article, she conducted interviews with walking and treadmill experts, and did additional product research to make sure Shape recommended the best walking pads for all needs.
Leoni Jesner is a fitness, health, and lifestyle writer. As an internationally qualified personal trainer, mat Pilates instructor, and nutrition coach, Leoni is passionate about helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle focusing on the mind and body, a regular fitness routine, and a well-rounded approach to nutrition. Leoni earned a master’s degree in business management from the University of Edinburgh and is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer and Train Fitness mat Pilates instructor.
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