Have you been wondering whether or not to finally add that walking pad or under-desk treadmill to your cart? While these trendy pieces might seem like a current fad, the benefits you can get might be timeless. These treadmills give you the opportunity to incorporate some simple exercise into your busy schedule, so you can hit your step-count at any time.
Holly Roser, a certified personal trainer from California, calls the under-desk treadmill "an excellent tool for integrating more movement into the majority of people’s sedentary workday..." She says that using one "offers a practical way to increase daily activity and daily step counts without needing to leave your desk." It's also a decent alternative to walking outside during the winter when the cold makes outdoor workouts less bearable.
Shop TODAY tapped our team of shopping editors and several certified personal trainers to learn more about the benefits of under-desk treadmills and walking pads. Experts even shared some of the best ones you can add to your setup to help meet your step goals while working.
Once you get your hands (and feet) on one of our best picks, you’ll be closer to meeting your work and workout goals; that’s a step in the right direction.
Overall best 2-in-1$undefined$139.99
Benefits of an under-desk treadmill
“Regular physical activity, even at a low intensity, is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity — and maintaining an active lifestyle can contribute to a longer, healthier life,” explains Roser.
Alexis Iannucci, New York-based certified personal trainer, notes that under-desk treadmills offer users many benefits including reduced stress, focus and physical activity. Plus, using an under-desk treadmill regularly can help one to meet and exceed their daily step goals.
“Increasing your step count helps to increase your metabolic rate, helping you burn fat and build muscle,” explains Roser.
In addition to maintaining cardiovascular health, Maggi Gao, a New York-based fitness coach, notes that walking can help keep anxiety at bay, keep muscles and joints from feeling too stressed throughout the day.
You might also observe your productivity increase after using an under-desk treadmill, adds Jane VanderVoort, a certified personal trainer based in New York.
Expert-approved under-desk treadmills
Incline included:
Gao likes that this under-desk treadmill from YPOO boasts an impressive 8% incline. “If you don’t want to just walk on flat ground and want a challenge, this treadmill can give you up to an 8% incline,” says Gao.
“This is great to boost cardiovascular fitness if you cannot walk too fast (which is OK!) and can add difficulty by just increasing the incline.”
You won’t have to worry too much about slipping when using this treadmill as it’s made with a five-layer anti-slip belt.
No electricity required:
Although this under-desk does not require electricity, Keith Hodges, a performance coach and founder of Mind IN Muscle Coaching, recommends it, as you can position your desk and treadmill anywhere without a nearby outlet or extension cord.
He adds that this is a particularly favorite pick for those who may not be the most tech-savvy because all they have to do is hop on and start walking. This under-desk treadmill features handlebars to help prevent slips, as well as wheels which makes it easy to move around (if needed).
Built-in device holder:
When it comes to under-desk treadmills with an LED display and a holder for your smart devices, Gao recommends this one. “This is a great 'hybrid' treadmill as there is a stand that folds down to make the walking pad flat, to ensure it fits under a desk.”
With a walking mode (0.6 to 3.8 mph) and running mode (0.6 to 7.6 mph) this under-desk treadmill can provide increasingly intense workouts than some of our other picks.
The hybrid:
VanderVoort recommends this under-desk treadmill from Goplus for its versatility. “The Goplus two-in-one is perfect for those who want flexibility, as it doubles as a traditional treadmill and an under-desk model, making it a great choice for a seamless workout experience (especially if you work from home and have a little extra room).”
This device is equipped with a larger surface area (39.3 inches by 16 inches) and an LED display which you can use for key workout information such as calories burned and Bluetooth settings.
Editor-approved under-desk treadmill
Simple and effective:
Sarah Jacoby, a health reporter at TODAY, tried this walking pad and said it fit "seamlessly" into her workout schedule.
However, she previously noted, "I do have a standing desk, but I don’t use my walking pad there. Instead, I like to set it up in the living room next to the kitchen counter. That way, I can easily catch myself if I feel unsteady and I can watch something on TV while I walk."
Editor’s note: This under-desk treadmill we picked is currently unavailable, but we'll keep tabs on when they restock.
Keep up performance:
Associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson has this mini treadmill under her coffee table and she loves it. "I like this treadmill because it has wheels that make it easy to move around/store. I also like that it has a bit of an incline to give your legs more of a workout. I have a larger foot (women's size 10) so getting used to the size of the pad took a bit. It's long enough to complete a full stride but I have to pay attention to make sure I'm staying in one place and not actually moving forward or backward," shared Stewart.
Plus, the device is ideal for those who want to improve their cardio while at home or working with a standing desk.
What to look for in an under-desk treadmill
The most important aspects to look for in an under-desk treadmill or walking pad are design, safety features and speed.
- Design: Gao emphasizes the importance of selecting under-desk treadmills that can fold when not in use. If you purchase an under-desk treadmill that does not fold, minimalist pieces are suitable. “Ensure the treadmill fits comfortably under your desk by checking its dimensions and ensuring it has a compact, low-profile design,” says VanderVoort. “This way, it seamlessly integrates with your workspace without taking up too much room.” Additionally, Jenna Willis, Los Angeles-based celebrity fitness trainer, notes that looking for an under-desk treadmill with a quiet motor can help ensure you stay focused while walking (and working).
- Safety features: When shopping for an under-desk treadmill, looking for safety features is essential as you want to be safe while you work to prevent injury and misuse of the machine. That said, VanderVoort recommends shopping for options that contain automatic shut-off or emergency stop buttons. Iannucci adds that looking for models with stability sensors and surfaces that prevent slipping is also key.
- Speed: Although you shouldn’t expect to move super quickly when using an under-desk treadmill, Chloe Bardos, principal founding instructor at Barry’s Canada, notes that most offer speeds between 0.5 and 4.0 miles per hour. That said, Roser adds you should ensure the machine you’re purchasing can swiftly toggle between various speeds and maintain its balance.
Frequently asked questions
There are several key differences between standard treadmills and under-desk treadmills. One of the main differences between the two types of exercise equipment is size.
Hodges notes that standard treadmills tend to be larger and reach higher speeds and inclines, but tend to be louder and more expensive as a result.
Although under-desk treadmills are similar to standard treadmills in that they both can allow for walking and movement at slower speeds, these kinds of treadmills are generally smaller (with regard to their dimensions) and typically aren’t able to reach high inclines, notes Hodges.
That said, he adds that under-desk treadmills are usually accompanied by a more affordable price tag but don’t usually come with all of the bells and whistles and advanced technological features.
Although the volume under-desk treadmills and walking pads will vary depending on the brand, model, speed, etc., they generally are fairly quiet machines, and typically more so than standard treadmills.
Hodges notes that a lot of this is because these machines don’t allow for sprinting or running which could lead to increased volume.
“Most models feature noise-reducing technology to ensure they don’t disrupt your work, calls, or conversations,” says VanderVoort. “It’s a good idea to check the reviews or product specifications for specifics on noise levels if you’re concerned about this."
Under-desk treadmills and walking pads can be safe if used correctly. “They come with safety features like emergency stop buttons or automatic shut-off mechanisms to quickly halt the treadmill if necessary,” explains VanderVoort.
“Most models also have non-slip surfaces to prevent accidents and are designed to operate at lower speeds, which reduces the risk of falls and makes them suitable for walking rather than running."
She adds that it is important to become acquainted with the treadmill by reviewing the manufacturer’s guidelines and participating in shorter (and/or slower) walking sessions at the outset.
How we chose
To compile our list of the best under-desk treadmills, Shop TODAY considered the recommendations provided to us by certified personal trainers we interviewed. We also included two under-desk walking pads that were tested by editors at TODAY.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on walking pads and under-desk treadmills. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Maggi Gao NASM CPT, is a New York City-based fitness coach.
- Keith Hodges, NASM CPT, is a Performance Coach and Founder of Mind IN Muscle Coaching.
- Alexis Iannucci, NASM CPT, is a New York-based NASM-certified personal trainer.
- Chloe Bardos, CPT, CSFC, is the principal founding instructor at Barry’s Canada
- Holly Roser, NASM CPT, is a California-based certified personal trainer and owner of Holly Roser Fitness Studio.
- Jane VanderVoort, NASM CPT, CFSC, is a certified personal trainer and founder of Movement & Mindset in New York City.
- Jenna Willis is a Los Angeles-based celebrity fitness trainer.
