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If you like the idea of exercising while working at your computer desk or watching TV, a walking pad is a great way to help you achieve your daily-step goals. Squeezing in those extra minutes of exercise throughout the day can pay big dividends for your health, too. According to the Mayo Clinic, walking can help reduce stress, boost your mood and cognition, and strengthen bones, among many other benefits.
Also referred to as under-desk treadmills, most of these fitness devices fit nicely under a desk so you can exercise while you work. In addition to a belt-driven walking track with multiple speed settings, walking pad features, such as a folding design, calorie-busting incline and app compatibility, can be found on top models.
After researching more than two dozen walking pads, our favorite is the Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill for its long 40-inch track with five shock-absorbing layers and adjustable settings you can easily control on its vivid touch screen.
Editors’ Favorite
Max speed: 7.5 mph | Max incline: 0 | Track length: 40” | Weight capacity: 265 lb
With a folding design, long track, app control and impressive performance, the GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is our top pick for anyone who wants a compact treadmill that’s loaded with features. This model earns praise for its durable steel frame that includes a handrail, which provides stability during workouts. It also has a vivid LED touch screen where you can monitor your progress. After exercising, the handrail folds to save space in storage. Additionally, it makes it easy to use with a desk so you can exercise and work at the same time.
Thanks to the 40-inch track, you can take long strides when you walk or run. We love that it has five layers that absorb shock and a textured surface to help prevent falls. What’s more, the quiet yet powerful motor allows you to reach speeds as fast as 7.5 miles per hour, which provides beneficial workouts.
This walking pad comes with extras users love. It has Bluetooth connectivity and pairs with an app so you can control it with your phone but also includes a remote. The handrail has a phone holder so you can keep it handy while on the machine. You can exercise to music, podcasts, training sessions and more thanks to the built-in speakers. The walking pad has wheels, too, so moving it from place to place is a snap.
Great Value
Max speed: 3.8 mph | Max incline: None | Track length: 39” | Weight capacity: 350 lb
The Sperax Walking Vibration Pad earns the top spot on our list for its compact design that’s packed with convenient capabilities. It includes a digital display and app compatibility to easily monitor your progress and get inspired by online training sessions.
With a speed limit of 3.8 miles per hour and a 39-inch track, you can take brisk walks any time you want. It can accommodate up to 350 pounds, so it’s as durable as it is effective. With a width of 21 inches, you won’t have a difficult time finding a desk to place it under so you can walk and work.
Most walking pads don’t have a vibration mode, but this one does, giving you a five-minute vibration massage after your workout. It has four intensity levels to boost your calorie-burning efforts while stimulating and relaxing your muscles. Moving it around isn’t an issue, as it weighs just 27 pounds. We also appreciate the motor that’s strong yet quiet so it won’t interrupt others while you use it.
You may think that a walking pad with so many features comes at a higher price. Surprisingly, this Sperax model won’t break most budgets, as it falls in the middle of the spectrum for treadmills in this class. You’ll enjoy the many capabilities while counting your daily steps, which makes it a sound investment for any small indoor fitness area.
Best Value Features for the Price
Max speed: 3.8 mph | Max incline: None | Track length: 49” | Weight capacity: 265 lb
Check out the Yagud Under-Desk Treadmill if you want a model that has a slightly longer track than some competing options. At 49 inches, it's suitable for users who prefer to run on a treadmill. What’s more, the five-layer belt has shock absorbers and a slip-resistant top for workouts that are comfortable and safe. It accommodates speeds up to 3.8 miles per hour.
Another selling point of this running pad is the price. It’s one of the more affordable models on our list, so it’s suitable for limited budgets. From working out to reading, it’s compatible with a desk for accomplishing work or leisure activities.
This cost-effective small treadmill also includes a remote and is reasonably quiet to operate. Read the vivid display to track your calories, speed, time and distance. These user-friendly features prove you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for affordability.
Best for Fitness Tracking
Max speed: 6.2 mph | Max incline: 0 | Track length: 40” | Weight capacity: 265 lb
The UREVO Strol 2E walking pad has numerous features that make it possible to achieve your fitness goals. It begins with a 40-inch deck that’s sturdy and built for walking or running. The ability to reach speeds up to 6.2 miles per hour is perfect for training and cardio workouts. Although it supports rigorous exercise, it’s also easy on the joints, thanks to the five-layer belt that has eight silicone shock absorbers.
Because it has a handrail, this mini treadmill provides support to help prevent falls. It folds for storage or when you want to use a standing desk. It’s fairly lightweight plus it has wheels so you can easily slide it out of the way when it’s not being used. The low-profile design fits nicely under furniture, such as a bed or sofa.
You can use the included remote to control the functions, or you can pair the walking pad with the UREVO app to control it with your phone. The app is simple to set up and easy to navigate. What’s more, an LED screen is also included, so you can check your fitness stats at a glance while pursuing your workout goals.
Best for Simple, Hands-Free Controls
Max speed: 4 mph | Max incline: 8% | Track length: 43” | Weight capacity: 265 lb
The Abonow Walking Pad is another well-made option with a durable build and slip-resistant track. While small enough to fit under a desk, it offers a 43-inch track that supports long strides for comprehensive workouts. Fast walking or running is possible, as it can reach a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour.
Other features that users love include a bright display and excellent track cushioning. You can watch time, burned calories and speed while you walk. The five-layer running belt and six shock absorbers provide comfort on your joints so you can increase your steps over time without causing ankle, knee or hip pain.
We were thrilled to find that this treadmill includes a remote, so you don't have to bend down to adjust the settings. This small treadmill can be used under a desk and stored under a bed. It's a simple yet solid model that makes it possible to get in your steps daily, burn calories and stay active without leaving your home.
Best for Small Spaces
Max speed: 3.1 mph | Max incline: 5% | Track length: 38.39” | Weight capacity: 220 lb
Don’t give up your quest for the perfect walking pad if you live in very tight quarters, because we included one of the smallest models available on our short list. It’s called the Egofit Walker Pro, and it has a track length of just 38.39 inches. It won’t take up much space, and it will fit under most standing desks, so it’s ideal for small home offices.
You can track exercise metrics on the LCD screen. Controlling the functions can be done with the included remote control or by pairing the treadmill with an app.
It’s no secret that a treadmill with an incline ups your workout endeavors by increasing endurance and burning more calories. This mini option has an incline of 5%, making every stride more effective at achieving fitness goals. After daily walks, you can simply slide it out of site with the rugged built-in wheels.
The Walker Pro reaches a maximum speed of 3.1 miles per hour and can handle up to 220 pounds, so it won’t work for everyone. But it’s an unbeatable option for indoor fitness enthusiasts who prefer a quiet, ultra-compact treadmill for slow walks or brisk strolls with the added benefit of incline.
Best Simple Yet Solid Walking Pad
Max speed: 4 mph | Max incline: 8% | Track length: 44.5” | Weight capacity: 265 lb
Although it has a space-saving design, the TREAFLOW Walking Pad is built for serious workouts. A durable model with a 265-weight capacity, it's easy to set up and has a 44.5-inch track that’s perfect for calorie-burning runs. It’s also nicely cushioned with silicone shock absorbers at the base of the deck, which make workouts easy on the joints. The deck also inclines up to 8%, which mimics uphill walking and running for added cardio and calorie-burning benefits.
In addition to the well-made deck, this model’s 2.5-horsepower motor is quiet yet capable. It can reach a top speed of 4 miles per hour, which is a versatile speed for a walking pad. The digital display allows you to easily track the speed, calories burned, distance and time settings, which you can control with the touch display or included remote.
This walking pad weighs just 37 pounds and has wheels so you can easily maneuver it from room to room. Like similar options in its class, it has a low profile that fits nicely under furniture, so it’s not in the way when it’s being stored.
Best for Its Robust Design
Max speed: 6.2 mph | Max incline: None | Track length: 39” | Weight capacity: 300 lb
Walking pads are outstanding options for consumers who prefer them for their space-saving designs, however, they aren’t as fast or sturdy as standard treadmills. If you want a model that’s a bit more robust, check out the THERUN Walking Pad.
A bit more rugged than some of its competitors, it can handle up to 300 pounds and has a 39-inch track. We love that it doubles as an under-desk walking pad, but can also be converted into a mini standard treadmill. It has a steel frame with an adjustable handle. When raised, it can reach a maximum speed of 6.2 miles per hour. This capability makes it a top choice for those who prefer to run at a brisk pace.
Other notable features include a quiet motor with 2.5 horsepower. A vivid screen is included for easily tracking various metrics, such as steps, distance and calories burned. The track has a belt that’s cushioned and slip-resistant, and a remote is included. All of these features are available in a compact design with wheels, which makes moving and storing it user-friendly, too.
In our search for the best walking pads, we relied on our decade-plus of research and testing, including hours of analyzing exercise equipment and treadmills. We considered 30 models and paid attention to reviews from owners to help us weed out models that lacked quality and longevity. We looked at speed limits, incline availability, track size and noise levels, and noted whether or not each model folded for storage. Bonus features, including remote operation, app control and safety features, were also factored into our assessments.
Just like full-sized treadmills, a mini walking pad treadmill may fold at the deck or handrail when offered. However, many walking pads have a simple design that already fits in tight spaces and doesn’t have folding components. There are pros and cons to think about before you decide which one is best for you.
Stationary: Stationary walking pads have a bit of an advantage on several fronts. We like that they typically have more features and a larger walking deck, and are built for slightly faster walking and running speeds. Because there are no collapsible mechanisms, there are fewer components that may break or malfunction over time. The cons of stationary walking pads are that they typically don’t have handrails, and there’s no way to make them smaller if they won’t fit in your storage space.
Folding: Folding models fit nicely under most furniture and other tight spaces. Those that have folding handrails provide added security for users who need something to hold onto while they walk in place. This is a must for people with vertigo, arthritis and other health conditions that may cause instability. The folding mechanisms may wear out with frequent use, however.
Size and weight
If you’ve ever owned a traditional treadmill or worked out on one in a gym, you know that it’s a bulky piece of equipment that’s difficult to move. High-end models with large running decks may be as wide as 36 inches and weigh 400 pounds or more. In our testing of treadmills, we advise consumers of their size and weight to help them determine if one will fit their needs.
We understand that not everyone has space for a large treadmill or wants to deal with it when it comes time to move it from room to room. Fortunately, a walking pad is a solution for active consumers with these concerns. Most walking pad tracks measure around 20 inches wide, making them suitable for users with minimal space. Moreover, this is the perfect width for sliding under a desk to keep moving while working at home. The best walking pads weigh 50 pounds or less. Some streamlined models weigh less than 30 pounds, which appeals to those who prioritize portability.
Track length
Walking pad tracks range in length from about 38 to 49 inches. In comparison, standard treadmill tracks are around 45 to 60 inches and take up a significant amount of space. This size difference makes walking pads a good choice for staying active in small indoor areas.
Keep in mind that large treadmills with lengthy tracks are best for anyone who takes longer strides or prefers running at fast speeds, as shorter walking pads don’t have as much space or speed capabilities.
Safety and comfort features
Safety is important when working out on any treadmill. An anti-skid track is a key feature to keep you upright as you take steps. The belt has a textured finish that resists slipping. Some walking pads also have handrails so you can grip them while you walk.
Every treadmill has a speed limit, with smaller models being slower than larger ones. These limits correlate with the capacity of the belt and are designed to help users maintain control and balance.
Maintaining comfort is also vital while you are getting in your steps. After all, you won’t be likely to use your walking pad if it causes foot or leg pain. Small but well-made treadmills have multi-layered belts to absorb shock. Some are also constructed with foam-like cushioning or shock absorbers built into the track to prevent pressure on feet and joints with each step.
The top walking pads on our list have features that maximize safety and comfort.
Speed and incline are two key settings of walking pads.
From a slow walk to a light run, walking pads provide a way to achieve your step goals at your own pace. You can expect to find a speed range from zero to about four miles per hour. Fast running isn’t possible on a walking pad, but the brisk steps you’ll be able to take will help you increase your endurance and heart rate.
Not all walking pads have the ability to incline However, when this feature is available, it provides a better workout for leg muscles while burning more calories. An incline of up to 5% is standard with these small but mighty treadmills.
Some of the best walking pads on the market have even more features to make walking workouts more effective and comfortable.
Don’t just take your new walking pad out of the box and start walking while you work without a plan. Following a few tips will keep you both safe and productive.
Jennifer Manfrin has been using traditional treadmills for more than 20 years. Although she owns a full-size model, she has been researching walking pads for several months to find the perfect model to downsize to. As a writer for BestReviews for the past 10 years, she has written numerous reviews and articles about traditional treadmills, walking pads and other popular fitness and exercise equipment.
