When you think of activities that will take years off your life, sitting is more than likely not the first activity that jumps to the front of your mind. Staying glued to your office chair all day takes a toll on your body and your mind. But you can’t magically add thousands of steps or a weight training session into your daily routine, right?
Lack of time is one of the most common barriers to exercise. You’re busy with work, family obligations, running errands, and catching up on the latest Netflix series. It can be difficult to squeeze even the shortest amount of physical activity into your day.
This is where under-desk treadmills come into the picture. An under-desk treadmill, also known as a walking pad, is an efficient solution that can help you stay active and healthy while maintaining your busy work schedule or routine. Adding more movement into your day will help you feel better physically and can improve your mental health.
Finding the best machine is no small task, so we’re here to help! We’ve spent months testing, comparing, and finding walking pads that fit your needs and your budget. Keep reading to find which one you’ll take home!
Prefer a Video vs Text? Watch our Best Under-Desk Treadmills video, updated for 2024 below:
Best Under-Desk Treadmills, Compared:
LifeSpan TR5000 | LifeSpan TR1200 | InMovement UnSit | WalkingPad A1 Pro | Redliro 2-in-1 | WalkingPad R2 | GoPlus SuperFit 2-in-1 | |
Price (MSRP) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Star Rating | |||||||
Bottom Line | The LifeSpan TR5000 counts your steps, auto-pauses, and runs for up to 9 hours per day for desk workers serious about their steps. | A quality, quiet, under-desk treadmill to get work done at your desk for up to 6 hours daily. | The InMovemet UnSit treadmill’s 30” x 40” belt breaks the traditional under-desk treadmill mold in a thoughtful and revolutionary way for your office space. | This compact and affordable folding under-desk treadmill is surprisingly robust for larger users. | The Redliro 2-in-1 moves from office to gym to help you conquer all your wellness goals. | The R2 is a great space saver and multi-functional treadmill. Allowing you to use it under a desk or as a stand alone machine. | You can use this popular Amazon treadmill just about anywhere: the office, in front of the TV, and then store it under your couch. |
Awards Earned | |||||||
Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Product | LifeSpan TR5000 | LifeSpan TR1200 | InMovement UnSit | WalkingPad A1 Pro | Redliro 2-in-1 | WalkingPad R2 | GoPlus SuperFit 2-in-1 |
Workout Experience | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Specs / Features | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
Dimensions / Storability | 5 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 |
On-Board Workouts & Apps | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
Build Quality | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
Overall Score | 75 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 63 | 74 | 64 |
# of Onboard Workouts | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 1 |
Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Display | Desktop Console (Omni or Retro) | omni-hub console, retro console | dial console; app option | LED digital display | LED screen | LED digital display | digital |
Dimensions (In Use) | 63" L x 28.5" W x 7.25" H | 63" L x 28.5" W x 7.25" H | 56" L x 39" W x 8.9" | 56.37” L x 21.5” W x 5” H | 52” L x 25” W x 42” H | 57” L x 28” W x 40” H | 52.5” L x 29” W x 44.5” H |
Deck Size | 20” x 50” | 20" x 50" | 30" x 40" | 16.5” x 47” | 15” x 41” | 47” x 17” | 16" x 39.3" |
Folding? | |||||||
Treadmill Weight | 119 lbs | 114 lbs | 162 lbs | 61.73 lbs | 57 lbs | 80 lbs | 69.5 lbs |
Weight Capacity | 400 lbs | 350 lbs | 400 lbs | 230 lbs & 300 lbs | 220 lbs | 240 lbs | 265 lbs |
Motor Size | 3.0 HP | 2.25 HP | 2.75 HP | Brushless | 2.25 HP | Brushless | 2.25 HP |
Max Speed | 4 mph | 0 to 4.0 mph | 2 mph | 0.5 to 3.72 mph | 7.5 mph | 3.7 MPH, 7.45 MPH | 0 to 7.5 mph |
Incline/Decline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Warranty | 10-year frame; 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | lifetime frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 1-year | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year | 3 -month |
Additional Features | Intelli-Step, Intelli-Guard, All-day use | Intelli-Guard deck safety, Intelli-Step counter, 6 hours of daily use | All-day use, supports a chair, automatic shut-off | folding deck, automatic mode, Bluetooth | Adjustable handrail, upright storage, low step-up height | 2-in-1 folding design, adjustable height handle, | compact folding, phone remote control with app, Bluetooth audio |
Best Under-Desk Treadmills 2024 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
Check out our picks for the top walking pads and under-desk treadmills!
LifeSpan TR5000 Under Desk Treadmill
Best Under-Desk Treadmill
- Quiet 3.0 HP motor
- 0.4 – 4 mph speed range
- Low maintenance requirements
- Intelli-Step & Intelli-Guard
- No time limitations
- Bluetooth connectivity to sync your daily workout data
- High Weight Capacity of 400 lbs
- Cannot be stored upright
- Weighs 119lbs, heavy to move
The 3 HP motor of TR5000 is not just powerful, it’s also whisper-quiet. Operating between 0.4 and 4.0 mph, it’s designed to keep your work environment peaceful and undisturbed. In fact, it’s so quiet that LifeSpan had to add belt markings to let users know that it was moving, ensuring you can focus on your work without any distractions.
LifeSpan TR5000-GlowUp features two consoles: the Omni-Hub and the Retro console. Both sit on your desk, control the treadmill, and track metrics like speed, distance, calories, time, and steps.
Two impressive features of the TR-5000 are Intelli-Step and Intelli-Guard. Intelli-Step is an integrated step counter that actually gives very accurate data. Itelli-Guard is a safety feature that only allows the treadmill to operate if you are actively walking on the machine, ensuring a safe work environment.
Like most other LifeSpan office treadmills, this one absorbs impact at six points, making for a comfortable walking experience. Lastly, this beast of a treadmill has won the hearts of thousands at government agencies, universities, health centers, and businesses that have adopted an active-office lifestyle.
Click here to read our detailed review of the LifeSpan TR5000.
Interested in the LifeSpan TR5000?
LifeSpan TR1200 Under-Desk Treadmill
Runner-Up Best Under-Desk Treadmill
- Whisper quiet 2.25 HP motor
- 0.4 – 4 mph speed range
- 6 compression shocks for comfortable walking
- 6 hours of continuous running time
- High Weight Capacity of 350 lbs.
- Solid warranty
- Cannot be stored upright
- Heavy, harder to move
The TR1200 has six impact-absorbing shocks, which dampen walking noise and provide extra cushioning in the deck. The shocks enable users to walk longer without fatigue. The sturdy frame will support up to 350 lbs. It’s also very quiet, which makes it great for professional or home office environments.
Like the TR5000, the TR1200 comes with your choice between the Omni-Hub console and the Retro console. The Omni is the more expensive choice, but it’s an upgrade from the Retro. The Omni also fits better on your desk, especially if you don’t have a lot of empty space on your desk. Either console displays steps, time, distance, calories, and speed.
The TR1200-DT3 comes fully assembled out of the box. It maintains a low 5.25” profile, so it fits nicely under existing standing desks or tight spaces. When needed, it is easy to roll the treadmill under your desk.
Business-savvy and wellness-ready, LifeSpan is devoted to improving your experience. Onboard Intelli-Step technology detects each footstep, keeping you aware of your daily step count. The integrated Intelli-Guard safety feature ensures the treadmill only operates when you are actively walking, supporting a safe work environment.
Click here to read our detailed review of the LifeSpan TR1200.
Interested in the LifeSpan TR1200?
InMovement UnSit Treadmill
Best High-End Under-Desk Treadmill
- Wide walking surface
- Practically silent
- Powerful 2.75 HP motor
- 5” step up height
- 70 lb minimum user weight
- Two wheels for transporting
- High quality construction
- Very heavy, not easy to move
- High price tag
- Difficult to store when not in use
The UnSit has a 2.75 horsepower motor, is super quiet, and has a max speed of 2 mph which is ideal for office environments. It also has a minimalist console since most of the treadmill’s functionality is integrated into an app you can download on your phone. The app feature is another element of the UnSit that makes it unique.
Rather than having a large console that takes up a lot of space on your desk, the app allows users to access information on their phones, keeping the console quite small. It is really just a dial with lights that indicate how fast you are walking.
If you keep track of your steps, distance, calories, or other metrics, using your phone as a supplemental device also helps streamline information between apps. These can easily transfer to Apple Health+ or other cadence-tracking apps.
We found the cushioning in the UnSit treadmill to be supportive, with a gentle give under the deck to mitigate the impact. Too much cushion on a treadmill could be counterproductive since users need good support for proper body mechanics. The thick deck and composite material provide the necessary flex that would be sufficient for users of different sizes and weights.
The UnSit is priced over $2000 — which is a bit more than comparable models that don’t include a desk, but with InMovement you are getting a different size and quality that provides enhanced functionality and maintains necessary space in your office. For this reason, we find the UnSit to be worth the price and the best high-end under-desk treadmill on this list of best under-desk treadmills.
Click here to read our detailed review of the InMovement Unsit Treadmill.
Interested in the InMovement Unsit?
WalkingPad A1 Pro Under-Desk Treadmill
Best Folding Under-Desk Treadmill
- Very compact & foldable
- Compatible with most desks
- Easy to move and store
- Tracks time, distance, speed, and steps
- Max speed of 3.7 mph
- 300 lb weight capacity
- Deck might be limiting for larger users
- Not meant for jogging or running
It has a 47″ long by 16.5″ wide deck. The walking surface is large enough to walk on yet small enough to fit under most desks. Remember that the WalkingPad only comes with the treadmill and no desk. The A1 Pro goes up to 3.7 mph, giving you some speed to walk fairly briskly.
The motor is pretty quiet, so you won’t be disruptive if your work area has others in it. You won’t have trouble moving the WalkingPad A1 Pro because it only weighs about 62 lbs. Plus, it has wheels, so you don’t have to carry it, although you could.
The display on the motor hood allows you to switch between automatic and manual modes, and the speed is controlled by a small remote. You can also download the KS Fit app to pair the A1 to your phone through Bluetooth and track your walking sessions. The app will keep track of your average speed, estimated calories, step count, and distance.
Click here to read our detailed review of the WalkingPad A1 Pro.
Interested in the WalkingPad A1 Pro?
LifeSpan TR1000 Under-Desk Treadmill
Best Treadmill With Optional Desk
- 2.25 HP motor
- Capable of 6 hours of daily use
- 0.4 – 4.0 mph speed range
- Great for an individual
- Intelli-Step step counter
- Intelli-Guard safety feature
- 350 lb weight capacity
- Cannot be stored upright
Even though this LifeSpan treadmill is cheaper than the TR5000 and TR1200, it is still said to handle up to 6 hours of daily use. So, if you’re looking to walk while working at your desk primarily, this is a good option.
The most significant difference between LifeSpan’s other models is its size. The belt is 20” wide and 44” long. It goes up to 4 mph; however, this option might not be best for you if you have a long walking stride. For walking at slower speeds, under three mph, most users should have plenty of room on this deck. Plus, the shorter deck can fit in smaller spaces.
Depending on your budget, the LifeSpan TR1000 comes with the Retro or Omni-Hub consoles. Both are designed to fit on your desk and allow you to control the pace of the treadmill. They are both Bluetooth-compatible and can sync with the LifeSpan Club App.
Like the other LifeSpan treads, the Intellistep system syncs with the console for an accurate step count, and Intelliguard keeps you safe when you step on and off the treadmill.
One of the best things is the TR1000 comes pre-assembled, so you can just take it out of the box and slide it under your desk! This treadmill is well-priced and features a low profile, so it is a great addition to any office space.
Interested in the LifeSpan TR1000?
Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation
Best Small Under-Desk Treadmill
- Compact and fits in most places
- Shock absorption
- Lightweight – 55 lbs
- Safety shut-off feature
- Digital monitor
- Transportation wheels
- No handle for moving
- Limited 220 lb user weight capacity
This treadmill is one of the smallest under-desk treadmills we have ever tested. We love that it takes up minimal space and can easily be stored under a couch or bed.
The Walkstation doesn’t include handles, so you use an included remote to control your speed. The treadmill arrives fully assembled and ready to slide under your desk. It can go up to 3.75 mph, so you’ll be at a nice brisk walking pace while you work. The 14” x 5” LCD monitor screen displays your time, distance, calories, speed, and steps so you can easily track your workouts.
If you leave your Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation idle for more than 10 minutes, the power-saving technology will switch to the power-saving mode to save life on the Lithium-ion battery that is included. You will need to plug it into an electrical outlet as well.
Interested in the Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation?
Redliro 2-in-1 Under1Desk Treadmill
Best 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
- Affordable
- Multifunctional
- Good size walking platform
- Can store flat or upright
- Slightly cushioned deck
- Comes fully assembled
- Harder to run at higher speeds
This under-desk treadmill can also be stored under your bed or leaned against a wall when it’s not in use. It has wheels for easy transport. The Redliro comes with the treadmill only. The belt has a nonslip design that includes shock absorption.
The deck size is 41” x 15”, which should be enough for most walking strides. The LCD display screen is at the front of the deck, and it shows your time, speed, steps, calories, and distance. There are 12 preset training modes and a phone holder on the handles.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Redliro 2-in-1 Treadmill.
Interested in the Redliro 2-in-1?
WalkingPad R2 2-In-1 Under Desk Treadmill
Best Walking Pad
- Deck folds in half and can be stored upright
- 2-in-1 for walking and jogging
- Adjust handles to different heights
- Long walking surface
- Variable max speeds
- Bluetooth-enabled
- The belt might not be long enough for some users to jog and run
When flat, the handles lie around the deck, including behind the belt. They lock into place so that you can roll the R2 under desks of pretty much any size. When you want to use it on its own, the handles should be raised upright so you can use them as handles. You can also adjust the height of the handles depending on how tall you are.
This treadmill is our pick as the best walking pad because it has the main features we love about WalkingPad. Like the WalkingPad A1 Pro, the deck folds in half. When you fold it and lay the handles flat on either side of the deck, you can position the treadmill upright when stored. This makes it a great space-saving option.
The WalkingPad R2 isn’t as compact as the A1, but considering it goes up to 7.5 mph, we’re glad it’s a little beefier in comparison. With the 2-in-1 design, the R2 only goes up to 3.7 mph when it’s used under a desk. It goes up to its max 7.5 mph when you’re using it on its own, with the handles upright. If you’re looking for a versatile treadmill that can be used in a variety of spaces for different purposes, check out the WalkingPad R2.
Click here to read our detailed review of the WalkingPad R2.
Interested in the WalkingPad R2?
GoPlus SuperFit 2-In-1 Folding Treadmill
Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill
- Affordable – good bang for your buck
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
- Works under most desks
- Attachable handles
- Device rack for tablet or phone
- Handles aren’t adjustable
- Short running surface
- Limited warranty
It’s compact and fits under most sized desks, yet it has a belt long enough for walking at different speeds. When used under a desk and the handles are folded flat around the deck, it maxes out at 2.5 mph.
Considering using an under-desk treadmill can take some getting used to. I know it’s hard for me to type and walk sometimes, so this speed range should be plenty. When it’s unfolded, the max speed is 7.5 mph. Since the desk isn’t very long, some users might not be able to use the GoPlus at its max. However, jogging lightly should be appropriate for most people.
The motor is impressive at 2.25 HP. It’s a little bit wider than other under-desk treadmills on this list, but considering you can use it for walking and jogging, we expect this. However, if you have a small desk, you’ll want to factor in its size. The handles take up more room when they’re folded down.
The GoPlus 2-In-1 Folding Treadmill does come with removable side handles if you need more stability. When upright, they attach on either side of the handles, and they need to be removed to fold the handles flat.
The GoPlus has an intuitive design. It comes with a handheld remote and a display mounted at the top of the deck that reads your time, speed, distance, and calories while using it. The handles have a device rack for your phone, so you can watch whatever you want.
Click here to read our detailed review of the GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill.
Interested in the GoPlus 2-in-1?
Urevo 2-In-1 Under Desk Treadmill
Best Under-Desk Treadmill For Home
- Collapsible console
- Can be used folded or unfolded
- Fits under a desk when folded
- 3.8 mph max speed
- 7.6 mph max speed when used as a standalone treadmill
- Device rack on the console
- Front transportation wheels
- Comes fully assembled
- Not all of the features are available when using the remote control
Or unfold the treadmill and park it anywhere in your home when you want to get away from your computer. While you could use this treadmill in an office, it’s also highly convenient to use in many different places in your home.
When the console is upright with the handles available for balance to use as a standalone treadmill, the belt can go up to 7.6 mph. When the handles are folded down, and the treadmill is used under a desk, the speed goes up to 3.8 mph. When used this way, the treadmill is adjusted with an included handheld remote control.
When the handle, console, and uprights are unfolded, you can use the console to adjust the treadmill’s speed.
Users should have plenty of space to use this treadmill as an under-desk treadmill or as a standalone. The deck is 16.9” wide by 42.5” long. The Urevo can also support up to 265 lbs of weight. We appreciated its versatility and compactness.
Interested in the Urevo 2-In-1?
What to Consider when Buying an Under-Desk Treadmill
Walking on an under-desk treadmill is a simple way to introduce exercise and activity to your workday. Tasks like talking on the phone, responding to emails, typing, and conference calls can be performed effortlessly on an under-desk treadmill if you keep certain things in mind while buying it.
Noise
Check if it operates silently so you can work efficiently without any hindrance.
Safety
Look for safety features the under-desk treadmill comes with to ensure your safety in case of a potential accident.
Space
Look at whether the space occupied by the walking pad suits your room area or not.
Weight Capacity
Check if the under-desk treadmill has a stable and sturdy desk that can easily handle your weight.
Warranty & Service
Look how the company covers you in case your under-desk treadmill malfunctions.
Benefits of Using an Under Desk Treadmill
Some of the health benefits you can receive from regular walking on your under-desk treadmill are listed below:
- Regular walking increases metabolism, helps burn calories, and builds lean muscles. It is the simplest method of getting your body into shape by shedding excess weight.
- Regular walking improves coordination and balance. Proper coordination and balance help in almost all areas of life. It makes your body synchronize with muscular movements, thus giving you better control over your body.
- If you are feeling low, walking improves your state of mind and makes you feel great. It boosts your confidence and cognition, which leads to good sleep and higher morale.
- Regular walking strengthens your muscles and bones.
- Regular walking normalizes blood circulation. This increases cognitive abilities, allowing you to pay focused attention to details, increasing your productivity by 27%.
- Regular walking lowers your risk of heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes by more than 50%.
- Regular walking improves your posture and removes any undue pressure exerted on joints and muscles, thus relieving you of joint and lower back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are under-desk treadmills good for running?
The fastest the under-desk treadmills on this list go is four mph. Under-desk treadmills are meant more for walking. Most don’t have front or side handles, which is essential to have on a treadmill when you’re running in case you lose your balance. We recommend walking at a pace that’s comfortable for you when using an under-desk treadmill.
Are treadmill desks safe?
It should be safe to use an under-desk treadmill as long as you are at an appropriate pace for working at your desk. Make sure to go slow when you’re first starting out.
Is it hard to type on a treadmill desk?
Typing while walking can take some getting used to. You might type a little slower than when sit or just stand because it requires you to multitask. Adjusting your speed level might help you work comfortably at your desk while walking on your treadmill.
What is an under-desk treadmill?
An under-desk treadmill is a small walking treadmill you can use while working at a desk. It is designed without arms or handles and is meant to be placed under standing desks. Some even come with the option to purchase a desk to use with the treadmill. Under-desk treadmills have slower speeds, so you can work at your desk and walk at the same time.