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Best under-desk treadmills of 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or changing your diet.
If you don’t have time to hit the cardio machines and dumbells but want to increase your activity levels, an under-desk treadmill is a great place to start. Sitting at your desk for long hours is sedentary and associated with increased neck and back pain and the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A walking workstation cuts down on your sitting time and may even improve blood sugar control for people with diabetes. So, if you’re looking for a way to get more activity without the stress of finding time in your schedule to exercise, investing in one of the best under-desk treadmills may be a good option.
How we chose the best treadmills
With a background as an avid exerciser and health and nutrition expert, I used my experience exercising at home and at gyms to know what to look for in the best under-desk walking treadmills. I focused on well-reviewed, trusted brands and key features such as reliability, compact storage, size, adjustability, and affordability.
Under-desk walking treadmills don’t compare to high-powered, sturdy running treadmills. Among the walking treadmills I researched, these are the best models for a variety of budgets and needs.
Top under-desk treadmills
- Best for easy storage: WalkingPad C2
- Best for walking and running: GoPlus 2-in-1
- Best for small spaces: GoYouth Walking pad
- Best for quiet workspaces: WalkingPad Z1
- Best for higher budgets: UnSit from InMovement
Best for easy storage: WalkingPad C2 mini foldable walking treadmill
- A 180-degree foldable design for easy storage
- Smart speed control adjusts speed by sensing steps in automatic mode
- A shock-absorbing belt for comfortably walking
About the WalkingPad C2 mini foldable walking treadmill
WalkingPad treadmills have a unique foldable design, ideal for limited storage space. This lightweight model has a walking area of 47.24 x 15.7 inches, which is slightly shorter than the pricer A1 Pro model.
This small treadmill offers a digital display and brushless motor. The mobile app lets you track your activity, including workout time, speed, steps and calories burned while walking. You can adjust your walking or jogging speed to between 0.5 - 3.72 mph, and the EVA-shock cushion belt is gentle on the knees.
Why we like it
- It folds to a compact 32.48 x 20.39 x 5.35 inches
- It has four ways to control the speed
- It’s not too noisy
What to consider
- The mobile app may be unreliable according to consumer reviews
- The 55-pound treadmill may be too hefty to move around for some people
- The maximum weight capacity is 220 pounds
Best for walking and running: GoPlus 2-in-1 folding treadmill
- Two sports modes for walking and running
- A powerful and quiet 2.25 HP motor
- Foldable handrail and safety key for safer running
About GoPlus 2-in-1 folding treadmill
The GoPlus is great for those looking for functionality and convenience. The handrail folds down, and the transport wheels make it easier to move. A unique feature of this model is speed changes depending on whether the handrail is up or down. With the handrail down, you can stroll at a max speed of 2.5 mph, but when it's up, the speed goes up to 7.5 mph.
The GoPlus 2-in-1 comes with Bluetooth speakers that connect to your phone and the handrail comes with a phone holder so you can listen to music while you walk. While this is a basic walking and running treadmill without the digital features of luxury running treadmills, the screen displays the time, speed, distance and calories burned.
The maximum weight capacity is 265 pounds, higher than the WalkingPad C2’s 220-pound capacity. It has a safety key, a non-slip five-layer running belt and a shock reduction system for safe comfortable running.
Why we like it
- It’s light and has transport wheels so it’s easy to move
- The running speed goes up to 7.5 mph
- The two modes let you switch between a running treadmill and a walking treadmill under the desk
What to consider
- The 29-inch width may be too wide to fit under many standard desks
- With the handrail folded, the speed maxes out at 2.5 mph
- The remote is the only way to adjust the speed so if you lose the remote, you can’t operate the treadmill
Best for small spaces: GoYouth walking pad
- It comes with 12 built-in HITT programs
- A quiet and powerful 2.25 HP motor
- A multi-layer shield belt for quieter and comfortable running
About the GoYouth walking pad
The GoYouth walking pad has the shortest depth compared to the other treadmills reviewed. The 49-inch overall depth and 21.6-inch width make walking at work an option for offices with a tight fit.
There are three modes: walking, jogging, and running. The speeds can be set between 0.5 - 6 mph. With a maximum speed of 6 mph, it still doesn’t measure up to the power of a running treadmill. The 12 built-in HITT programs are the standout feature, so you can change your workouts whenever you feel like it.
The transport wheels are super helpful for easily moving the treadmill when you want it out of your workspace. While this doesn’t have a handrail to hold a phone like the GoPlus 2-in-1, the GoYouth has Bluetooth speakers and a digital display.
Why we like it
- The LED display is large and easy to read
- Compact design and transport wheels make it easy to move
- It has 12 built-in HIIT programs
What to consider
- Without a handrail, the maximum speed can be dangerous
- Narrow, short belt may be an issue for running or longer strides
- Max weight capacity of 220 pounds
Best for quiet workspaces: WalkingPad Z1
- Ultra-quiety brushless motor
- Easy on your joints with excellent shock absorption
- Track and control your workouts with the LED display
About WalkingPad Z1 Treadmill
The WalkingPad Z1 is perfect for those in a quiet environment and limited space. Its compact design contains a powerful brushless motor that won't disturb your peace and quiet. Coming in with a noise rating of under 40 dB, you'll feel like you're working out in a library.
This treadmill is great for limiting noise and it also excels in shock absorption. This means your body will feel less fatigue and your joints won't take as much impact, leaving you feeling great and ready to attack the day.
Why we like it
- It’s ultra-quiet
- Gentle on your body
- Folds easily with a compact design for easy storage
What to consider
- Small size may not be the best for running
- Max speed of 4 mph
- Some find it heavy for its size
Best for higher budgets: UnSit from InMovement
- A shorter and wider belt maximizes the usable belt space
- Bluetooth app tracks steps and progress
- Ultra-quiet motor
About UnSit from InMovement
The Unsit under-desk treadmill is meant to be used with standing desks, and due to its wider design, it won’t fit under a regular office desk. The sturdy materials set this model apart from the others, making it much heavier and less portable.
Some user-friendly features are one-touch controls and auto-shutoff for safety when you step off the treadmill. It comes with a mobile app that shows your steps, speed, calories burned and how long you’ve been walking. Plus, the UnsSit measures your total “unsit time,” which is the combination of walking and standing time.
Why we like it
- The sturdy treadmill is built with commercial-grade construction and supports up to 400 pounds
- The quiet motor is ideal for shared workspaces
- The mobile app tracks progress
What to consider
- It’s designed to work with a standing desk and may be too wide to fit under a standard desk
- At 162 pounds, this treadmill is not easily moveable
- The luxury price may not fit every budget
How to choose an under-desk treadmill
Before you choose exercise equipment for the office, prioritize the features that fit your needs and workspace. The prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, but a few under-desk walking treadmills can do the job for less than $500.
Portable, lighter treadmills are a great option for occasional walking, while treadmills that rate the quietest may be what you’re looking for in a shared office space.
Keep in mind, even under-desk walking, treadmills that max out at high speeds aren’t as heavy-duty as running treadmills.
FAQ
How to choose a desk treadmill?
When choosing a treadmill to use under your desk, you should consider how much space you have, your budget, how fast you'll want to walk or run, and what features, like calorie tracking, are most important to you.
Do under-desk treadmills incline?
Yes, some under-desk treadmill options offer incline capabilities. It isn't as common to find this feature among under-desk treadmills, and it's likely you'll pay more for it, but there are certainly options available.
Are under-desk treadmills quiet?
Treadmills will always produce some sound. However, treadmills made to go under a desk tend to be quieter. Many will only make a quiet humming noise, keeping it as quiet as a library while you work.
References
Marsh, Jacob. (2023). How many watts does a treadmill use? Energysage
How much physical activity do adults need? (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
