Raise your hand if you live in an apartment or condo. I’m right there with you. If your home is anything like mine, most treadmills aren’t in the cards. I live on the fourth floor without an elevator, so getting a hundred-pound+ treadmill up the stairs is out of the question. Even a model that has a deck that folds up isn’t possible because of my lack of space.
The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill, however, is perfect for those with very limited space and who live in an upstairs apartment. If this sounds like you, keep reading this WalkingPad X21 Treadmill review to learn more about this extremely compact, double-folding treadmill.
WalkingPad X21 Treadmill Review: Bottom Line
WalkingPad X21 vs. Similar Treadmills
Here is a quick comparison of the WalkingPad X21 compared to other compact, folding treadmills in its price range.
 WalkingPad X21 |  NordicTrack EXP 10i |  Sole F63 |  Horizon T101 | |
| Price (MSRP) | $2,299 | $2,299 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | ||||
| Bottom Line | The double-folding design makes this already very compact and lightweight treadmill fold up like a briefcase for use almost anywhere. | A compact, foldable treadmill with iFIT integration on the 10″ touch screen. | An entry-level treadmill with a high-quality build, impressive training options, and an easy-to-use design, all for an affordable price. | The Horizon T101 is one of the best-selling models in its price range and is a great option if you are looking for a treadmill for walking or light jogging. |
| Awards Earned | ||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | WalkingPad X21 | NordicTrack EXP 10i | Sole F63 | Horizon T101 |
| Workout Experience | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Specs / Features | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 10 | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 6 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| Build Quality | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Overall Score | 72 | 70 | 64 | 64 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | iFIT – $39/month | Free | N/A |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | Netflix, Prime (Beta Testing) | N/A | N/A |
| Display | LED digital display | 10″ HD touchscreen | 6.5″ backlit LCD | 3 LED windows |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 39.6" L x 27.99" W x 55.9" H | 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H | 77″L x 35″W x 67″H | 71″ L x 34″ W x 57″ H |
| Deck Size | 18.1" x 47.6" | 22″ x 55″ | 20″ x 60″ | 20“ x 55” |
| Treadmill Weight | 81.57 lbs | 230 lbs (in box) | 224 lbs | 180 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 240 lbs | 300 lbs | 325 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Motor Size | 1.0 HP | 2.75 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 2.5 HP |
| Max Speed | 7.45 mph | 10 MPH | 12 mph | 10 MPH |
| Incline/Decline | N/A | 0% to 12% | 15 incline levels | 0% to 10% |
| Warranty | 1-year | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 2-year deck, 2-year parts, 2-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | lifetime frame & motor, 1-year parts & labor |
| Additional Features | dial speed control, phone holder, adjustable handrail | AutoAdjust, dual speakers, OneTouch controls | Bluetooth speakers, storage, USB-A charging | Bluetooth speakers, EasyDial controls, device rack |
Dimensions/Storability
The WalkingPad X21 is impressively small. Its dimensions are 39.6” L x 27.99” W x 55.9” H. This treadmill can be used on upper-level floors and small, shared spaces. It only weighs around 82 lbs, so it is one of the lightest treadmills we’ve tested that you can still jog on.
The double-folding feature is convenient. The deck folds in half and folds against the front of the deck to be about the size of a large briefcase.
When the X21 is completely folded up, it can be moved around with transportation wheels. The two wheels are very small, though. We found that they’re too small to fully engage for the treadmill to roll. On hard floors, moving the X21 isn’t too bad. On rubber mats and plush carpets, however, it is more difficult. With larger wheels, this issue would most likely be resolved.
It kind of feels like I’m dragging the X21 across the mat here.
The double-folding mechanism is very easy to use and has a handle for folding and unfolding the deck.
When folded, this handle is found at the top of the treadmill, below the console.
Related: Protect Your Treadmill and Your Back – How to Safely Move a Treadmill
Onboard Workouts & Apps
With its extremely compact and foldable design, the WalkingPad X21 is a pretty simple treadmill when it comes to the console and workouts. It only features manual mode, but you can pair it with the KS Fit app. (I’ll get into this in a moment.)
Console
The console is built into the singular handle that connects the uprights. When folding this treadmill, the uprights and console remain in position and don’t adjust or fold flat. The storage feature on the X21 is different from the Echelon Stride-6, which folds flat.
The console doubles as a control panel and a handle for balance.
The console on the WalkingPad X21 is an LED screen that is built into a horizontal handle. The LED display is where you can see your workout metrics like time, speed, distance, and calories. There is a center dial for adjusting the treadmill.
This can be pushed down and turned clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the belt’s speed. While I wish there were some added adjustment buttons, the dial is pretty straightforward to use. The dial is where you get all of the treadmill’s functionality.
The console also features a safety key and removable device rack. The safety key is standard and can be clipped to your clothing while using. The device rack holds your phone or tablet so you can watch whatever you want.
I like having a place for my phone to keep track of my metrics on the KS Fit App.
With the WalkingPad X21 Treadmill being as small as it is, I would just park it in front of my TV to use, personally. It is nice to have options though.
KS Fit App And Other Features
Another way to adjust and track your metrics is to download the KS Fit app. The treadmill’s manual includes a QR code for the app, which you can scan to download it. The X21 connects to the app through Bluetooth, so you can start/stop and adjust the belt using your phone.
The KS Fit app also shows your steps, average speed, and current pace. You can adjust the maximum and minimum speeds. For added safety, the app has a child-lock feature that prevents the belt from turning on. You can also access your previous workouts.
Related: Should You Lose the Shoes? Pros and Cons of Going Barefoot on the Treadmill
Build Quality
The WalkingPad X21 is a unique and very compact walking treadmill. The X21 has a decent 240 lb weight limit. Our largest team member is 225 lbs and was able to walk on the deck. He didn’t notice any change in performance or noise, so users up to 240 lbs should be able to use the X21 just fine.
For reference, Matt is 6’5”.
Frame
The frame is made of aluminum alloy and ABS plastic. All of the frame components, including the uprights, feel and remain steady while using the WalkingPad X21. Considering how lightweight this treadmill is—at 93 lbs—it’s surprisingly solid.
The WalkingPad X21 is about as light as it comes for handling up to 240 lbs.
Motor
In addition to the tiny frame, we encourage the X21 primarily for walking due to the small motor. This treadmill has a 1.0 HP brushless motor. The max speed is 7.5 MPH, which will most likely bring you to a jogging/running pace.
However, the motor is best suited for walking and some light jogging. This isn’t a model for logging miles and miles, but it can handle light to moderate use.
I barely have enough room to run, and I’m only 5’1”.
The motor is fairly quiet, making it suitable for most shared spaces. Keep in mind that it is a treadmill, so it generates sound, but it’s relatively low, especially when it’s used at a walking pace.
There isn’t an incline feature, so if you’re looking for a compact treadmill with an incline, we suggest checking out the Echelon Stride-6.
Related: Discover the Best Under-desk Treadmills and Walking Pads – Walk While You Work!
Deck
The deck is where I am the most intrigued and also where I have some complaints. Starting with the pros, the X21 has a double-folding mechanism. Not only does the deck fold in half, but it folds again at the top of the deck. When completely folded up, the deck sits at a 90-degree angle under the uprights and console. This feature takes the length of the X21 from 55.9” to only 8.9” long.
This is definitely a big selling point for the WalkingPad X21, and it makes it accessible for those who don’t have a lot of room in their home.
It reminds me of a big briefcase when it’s folded and can be set against a wall or in a closet, out of sight.
Now for my complaint about the deck. Because the X21’s deck folds in half, this creates a seam, or fold hinge, as WalkingPad refers to it, in the deck when it’s unfolded. When walking and jogging, the seam can be felt underfoot.
Compared to other treadmills that don’t have decks that fold in half, it feels like a slight bump or dent in the deck. It makes the deck feel a little inconsistent underfoot because of this. I do notice the more time I spend on the X21, the less I notice it. However, it is noticeable and could be pretty annoying for some users.
Here is where the deck splits to be folded in half and the spot that can be felt while walking.
When unfolded, the walking surface is 18.1” wide and 47.6” long. For width and length, it offers enough space for walking for most users of all sizes. Our reviewers are 6’5” down to 5’1” (me). We were all able to walk on the deck just fine. I can jog as well, and those who are shorter and have shorter running strides should be able to, too.
Should You Buy The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill
If you’re like me, then you don’t have room for a large treadmill in your home. Maybe you’re also like me, and you live on an upper floor. The WalkingPad X21 Treadmilld is the treadmill for us. It is very compact and folds up to be only 8.9 inches long. Once you’re done walking on the deck, you can fold this one up twice and push it against a wall or in a closet.
Other appealing features are the compact size and relatively quiet motor. While this isn’t a model to use for miles and miles, for getting in some steps, it does the trick. The folding hinge in the deck can take some getting used to, but it’s a small price to pay for a treadmill that takes up such a small amount of room as the WalkingPad X21 does.
Looking for more options? Take a look at our list of top-rated WalkingPad treadmills
WalkingPad X21 Treadmill Q&A / FAQ
Can you run on the WalkingPad X21?
Some people can run on the WalkingPad X21. Since it has a shorter 47.6” long deck, people with long stride lengths won’t be able to completely run on it. 60” long decks are best for all running strides. If you have a shorter stride, you’ll probably be able to jog on the X21. It only goes up to 7.5 mph, which is a running pace for some but just a jogging pace for others.
Do WalkingPad treadmills really work?
We have tested almost all of WalkingPad’s treadmills. In our experience, WalkingPads work well for their size and prices. These treadmills are very compact and space-saving. Don’t plan on running or even walking a marathon on them, but to get in extra steps throughout your day, they are worth it, especially if you live in an apartment or don’t have much room in your home.
Can you incline on a WalkingPad?
WalkingPad treadmills do not have incline functions. Due to their size and low-profile designs, these treadmills aren’t meant for incline walking.
Is your WalkingPad X21 review a paid review?
We were not paid to write this review of the X21. WalkingPad sent us the treadmill to test, but we weren’t paid to create this review. This review includes all of our unbiased thoughts on how it performed for us. We have affiliate links that you can purchase through; that is how we get paid.
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