Tested and Expert-Approved: The Best Walking Pads & Under-Desk Treadmills

Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills We Also Tested 

We spent over 5,160 hours testing 39 walking pads and under-desk treadmills, but only 12 made it on our final list of recommendations. The following options have some notable features. However, they didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements to be chosen as 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 and became 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 maximum speed of 6 miles per hour, but we didn’t feel comfortable or safe using the faster speeds during testing. We do, however, like that it's foldable for storage and that the belt only operates if the safety stop device is 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 that it does not have a device holder, and its size and lack of foldability make it less versatile than others we tested.
• UREVO’s CyberPad for Home Treadmill features an easy-to-use app for control and an incline feature not found on many walking pads. However, it was particularly loud during use and can be a challenge in apartments due to its noise and bulky storage design. 

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our last tested roundup of the best walking pads, we’ve continued long-term testing our previous picks and tested four new walking pads and under-desk treadmills from highly rated fitness brands, spending a total of 5,160 hours testing. We’ve evaluated each option for its ease of setup, ease of use, foldability, features, comfort, and value to find the top options on the market.
• Based on our new testing insights, we’ve reworked our pick for the Best Walking Pad With Handles and have also added a new superlative: Best Walking Pad With Wheels.
• We consulted an additional fitness expert, a certified personal trainer, to better understand which key features to look for in high-quality walking pads and to ensure that our article is accurate and up to date.

What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills

• Footprint: When choosing a walking pad, consider your space constraints. Some options are more compact and portable than others. Check all the dimensions carefully to ensure 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 making a noise. 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, and most have wheels, making them easy to move across the room and tuck away. If you plan to store the treadmill under furniture with low clearance (such as a couch), be sure to check its height measurement when folded.
• Stability and Max Weight Capacity: Walking pads and under-desk treadmills aren’t as heavy-duty as traditional treadmills and typically have a lower weight capacity. However, some models are built to accommodate more weight than others. Some walking pads also have handlebars that fold down for more stability. Consider the weight range of household members who might use the under-desk treadmill, and look for one that’s well-constructed and durable enough to support all users.
• Belt Size: If you're tall or plan on using your walking pad or under-desk treadmill for running, look for options with a belt size of around 55 to 60 inches to ensure you have enough room to move comfortably.

How We Tested the Walking Pads and Under-Desk Treadmills

To find the best walking pads and under-desk treadmills, we spent over 5,160 hours testing 39 top options, completing at least four weekly walks. When testing walking pads and under-desk treadmills, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: When the walking pads first arrive, we note whether they come fully assembled and, if not, how long it takes to assemble them before we can use them. We connect each machine to its proprietary app, if there is one, and note any difficulties with the process.
• Ease of Use: During each test walk, we perform tasks such as typing or making 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.
• Features: We assess any special features these walking pads may have, such as incline options, wheels, and handrails for additional stability. We prioritize options with features that enhance the workout experience.
• 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). We prioritize options that are comfortable enough to use for longer workouts.
• Value: To assess the value of each walking pad and under-desk treadmill, we put it through our full testing and evaluation process before checking the price. Walking pads that receive high value scores are options we’d recommend to friends and family members, and whose quality exceeds their value.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us better understand which key features to look for when shopping for a high-quality walking pad, its benefits, and more. 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-CPT, 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 and youth performance coach at North Carolina Courage
• Holly Roser, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer in San Francisco

Frequently Asked Questions

Are walking pads effective?

Walking pads can be effective, but their effectiveness depends on your specific fitness goals. While a walking pad lacks the speed and incline options of a regular treadmill, it's a compact piece of fitness equipment that can help you burn calories, increase your daily steps, boost your metabolism, combat fatigue during work, and promote daily physical activity.

Is a walking pad as good as a treadmill?

A walking pad is often less expensive and slim enough to be placed under a desk while working or moved into a living room while watching TV, making it an ideal solution for leisurely walking throughout the day. However, it may not be as stable as treadmills with handlebars, which can reach higher speeds for more intense workouts.

How long should I walk on a walking pad?

Walking briskly for about 30 minutes five days per week can have some serious benefits, such as helping decrease the incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and high blood pressure, while improving sleep, mental wellbeing, and general healthy aging.

Can you use a walking pad on carpet?

Using a walking pad on a low-pile carpet is fine, but avoid placing 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.

Is a walking pad with incline better?

If you're looking for more workout variety and intensity, a walking pad with incline options may be a better choice. Compared to flat walking, incline walking engages your legs and glutes more and burns more calories.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jarrod Nobbe, CSCS, is a writer for Verywell Fit and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with over a decade of experience in the fitness and performance field. As a track and field coach, he devotes ample time to refining running techniques, enhancing efficiency, and conducting treadmill workouts while extensively testing various equipment options. For this article, he reviewed our Lab and at-home test results to help compile our top picks.

Additional reporting contributed by Courtney Campbell

Courtney Campbell is a writer for Verywell Fit and a marathon runner. As a fitness enthusiast, Courtney is often training for her next race, but also enjoys strength training, fitness walking, and yoga for balance and injury prevention. For this roundup, she prioritized high-quality, durable, and easy-to-use walking pads and under-desk treadmills that are suitable for both walkers and runners, and are built to last.