Last Update: October 31, 2024
One of the top barriers to exercise and physical activity is not enough time. Jobs have become increasingly sedentary, and many people have obligations outside of work that use up the rest of their waking hours. The only solution to fit more exercise into your day if you fall into this category is to multitask. Companies have become increasingly invested in the health and wellness of their employees, realizing that active employees are happier and more productive.
Many offices are welcoming of standing desks and under-desk treadmills. Even better, if you work from home, you can design an active workstation. In this list, we have highlighted under-desk treadmills that should work for most budgets and work scenarios.
Here’s Our List of the Best Under-Desk Treadmills for 2024
- Best Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TX6-GlowUp Under-Desk Treadmill
- Best Under-Desk Treadmill for All Day: InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill
- Best Compact Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad A1 Pro Under-Desk Treadmill
- Best WalkingPad: WalkingPad R2 2in1 Foldable Treadmill
- Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Under-Desk Slim Work Treadmill
- Best Amazon Under-Desk Treadmill: Redliro 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
- Best Small Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad C2 Under-Desk Treadmill
- Best 2 in 1 Under-Desk Treadmill: UREVO 2 in 1 Under-Desk Treadmill
- Best Cheap Under-Desk Treadmill: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Best Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TX6-GlowUp Under-Desk Treadmill
The LifeSpan is dedicated to making your workspace healthier and more exercise-friendly. While LifeSpan treadmills are pricier than many walking pads, they are long-lasting and hold up to hours of daily use. The TX6-GlowUp is LifeSpan’s newest treadmill. It makes a bold aesthetic move, but it might just be the treadmill you need to complete your home office.
LifeSpan TX6-GlowUp Under-Desk Treadmill
The LifeSpan TX6-GlowUp Under-Desk Treadmill comes in black and white and has a maximum speed of 6 mph.
The LifeSpan TX6-GlowUp Under-Desk Treadmill comes in two colors: white and black. The white colorway includes a white console, belt, and side rails. The TX6-GlowUp might blend into your home office aesthetic better than its competitors with this unique colorway. It could also help brighten up the space. Our only concern is how dirty the belt could get. I recommend the black colorway for shared office spaces. Using outdoor shoes with the white option may not look very nice after a while.
The motor is a 3-horsepower motor. It has a speed range of 0.4 to 6.0 mph. The top speed may be too fast for some users. We do not typically recommend treadmills of this type for running. If you are able to walk at that pace, this treadmill is a great option for a fast walking workout. The running surface is 20 inches wide by 48.8 inches long. Most users should have plenty of room to walk comfortably.
The TX6-GlowUp weighs 88 lbs. It has transport wheels to help you roll it around. It can be stored upright against the wall or furniture. It can also be stored underneath furniture thanks to its low height of only 5 inches. The step-up height is 4.6 inches. Despite its compact height, the treadmill is sturdy and can support a maximum user weight of 400 lbs.
+ PROS
- The LifeSpan TX6-GlowUp has a 3 HP motor and a sturdy build.
- It can support a maximum user weight of 400 lbs.
- The TX6-GlowUp comes in white and black.
- The compact height of the treadmill allows it to be stored compactly upright or under furniture.
- The deck is 20” x 48.8”.
- The speed range is 0.4 to 6.0 mph.
– CONS
- The white colorway may show dirt over time.
- The LifeSpan TX6-GlowUp is not the most budget-friendly under-desk treadmill.
Best Under-Desk Treadmill for All Day: InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill
The InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill uses an innovative design to perfectly attune to workers’ needs. The wider deck fills the space beneath a standing desk, so you are less likely to step off the treadmill accidentally. The InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill is also designed to support all-day use at a low intensity. The InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill is a great permanent fixture for your office space.
InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill
The InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill has a 30” x 40” walking belt and a 2 mph maximum speed so you can walk all day long in comfort.
InMovement decided that under-desk treadmills had no business being built like shrunken running treadmills. Instead, the brand went with a 30-inch by 40-inch walking deck to give walkers plenty of lateral space to work comfortably over their entire desk area. The UnSit treadmill is also designed as a permanent fixture beneath your desk and allows users to place a chair atop the treadmill if they need a break. Such a large treadmill would be a pain to move regularly, so InMovement has ensured you do not have to.
InMovement is motivated not just by making walking comfortable. The UnSit desk strives to make it safe as well. The belt pauses if no activity is detected and will not start unless the user weighs more than 70 lbs to prevent use by children. Its short length reduces the hazard of tripping over the end. With a speed limit of 2mph, you likely won’t need any more space. Train longer, not faster for the best experience multitasking with the InMovement Under-Desk Treadmill. The console is very simple and can sit atop a desk for easy access. There are light indicators for speed and a knob for making adjustments. By keeping the console simple, InMovement has reduced distractions.
Walking on the InMovement UnSit Treadmill proves the brand’s ingenuity. Walking on an under-desk treadmill is no longer a balancing act. The minimalistic console reduces distractions, but the metric-oriented user can download the UnSit app to store and view all the treadmill metrics, including steps, total time, and distance. At this time, the app is only available for iPhone users. The InMovement UnSit has a 2.75 HP motor built for all-day use. It also has a lifetime warranty. This combo creates one of the best premium under-desk treadmills on the market.
+ PROS
- The UnSit has a 30” x 40” walking surface.
- The UnSit treadmill’s 2.75 HP motor is powerful and quiet.
- The belt stops automatically when no user activity is detected.
- The treadmill will not start for a user under 70 lbs to prevent children from misusing the treadmill.
- A chair can be place on top of the treadmill safely.
- The simple console reduces distractions and sits on top of the desk.
– CONS
- The UnSit treadmill is very large and difficult to move. There are few storage options.
- The console may be frustratingly simple for non-iPhone users.
- Standing on the footrails feels a little awkward due to the extra width.
Read Our Full Review Of The InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill Here
Best Compact Under Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad A1 Pro Under Desk Treadmill
The WalkingPad A1 Pro Under-Desk Treadmill is a compact treadmill that folds in half in the middle of the deck and belt. This design allows the A1 Pro to be stored easily after use. It fits under furniture to be tucked out of the way. The A1 Pro is a great choice for the office or remote worker tight on space who needs to move their walking treadmill around frequently.
WalkingPad A1 Pro Under-Desk Treadmill
The WalkingPad A1 Pro Under-Desk Treadmill is a compact folding walking treadmill with a small footprint and convenient portability.
The WalkingPad A1 Pro has a compact footprint when folded or unfolded. It measures 56.4” x 21.5” x 5” unfolded and only 32.5” x 21.5” x 5” when folded. The step-up height is incredibly low to the ground since the deck is only a couple of inches tall. The treadmill is small enough to be stowed beneath a bed, couch, or desk. Its only limitation is that it should not be stored upright as it could harm the motor or misalign the belt. The treadmill weighs only 62 lbs and has wheels to make transporting the treadmill simple. I am really pleased with the size of the A1 Pro.
The A1 Pro has a remote control to set and adjust the speed. You don’t have to lean down to change the treadmill speed nor do you have to allocate space on your desk for a bulky console. There is an LED screen on the motor hood that displays your metrics, but it can be difficult to see while you are working. As an alternative, you can download the KS Fit app which will pair with the treadmill via Bluetooth. The app replaces the functionality of the screen and the remote. It also gives you access to more treadmill settings and unlocks the top treadmill speed of 3.7 mph. The app is free and simple to use.
The A1 Pro performs well as an under-desk treadmill. The seam where the deck folds in half is minimally noticeable underfoot. The treadmill functions as expected in manual mode, but it also includes a nifty automatic mode. Auto mode allows users to adjust the treadmill’s speed with their foot positioning. Moving closer to the front of the deck accelerates the treadmill while moving toward the back of the deck slows it down. To maintain your pace, you must stay centered. This is less intuitive than I expected it to be, because the deck is very small with a walking surface of only 16.5” x 47”. Some users may be able to make use of the automatic mode, but for most, the manual mode will likely be sufficient for their needs.
+ PROS
- The A1 Pro folds in half for very compact storage.
- The step-up height is a mere couple of inches.
- The treadmill speed is remote-controlled.
- The A1 pro weighs only 62 lbs and has transport wheels.
- Bluetooth allows users to connect to the KS Fit app.
- There is no console to take up space on your desk.
– CONS
- The A1 Pro cannot be stored upright which limits some of its storage options.
- The maximum treadmill speed must be unlocked with the KS Fit app.
- Automatic walking mode is difficult to master.
Read Our Full Review Of The WalkingPad A1 Pro Under-Desk Treadmill Here
Best WalkingPad: WalkingPad R2 2in1 Foldable Treadmill
We have chosen the WalkingPad R2 2in1 Foldable Treadmill as the best WalkingPad because it solves a very important problem: do you need an under-desk treadmill or a running treadmill? The dilemma is not easy to solve because, despite both being treadmills, they serve very different purposes. Fortunately, WalkingPad has rolled the two into one with the R2. This treadmill converts from an under-desk treadmill to a running treadmill with the positioning of the handrail.
WalkingPad R2 2in1 Foldable Treadmill
The WalkingPad R2 2in1 Foldable Treadmill is the under-desk with decent support for running.
The WalkingPad R2 has a sleek and impressive design. It folds very compactly for horizontal or vertical storage almost anywhere. Its small size allows it to be stowed underneath or behind furniture with ease. It has a low step-up height and an efficient deck size of 17.3” x 47.2”. It weighs only 80 lbs and can be wheeled around on its two transport wheels. The unfolding process of the R2 is quite loud, but this is pretty standard across WalkingPad products. The WalkingPad R2 is ready to get moving when you are, whether that means walking as you work or getting in a mile or two of running.
In walking-only mode, the treadmill handles are placed down in their fully extended position around the edges of the deck. The treadmill can then be placed in manual or automatic mode. Auto mode allows users to control the treadmill speed with their foot positioning. The speed is then limited to 3.7 mph. The belt speed can be controlled via a remote control for quick speed adjustments, starting and stopping the belt, and switching out of the two modes. Walking on the R2 is enjoyable, but it is only half of this treadmill’s story.
When you’re all done with your work for the day or if you wake up early to get a jump on the morning, the R2 is ready to run when you are. With the handrail in its upright position, the R2’s full-speed capabilities are unlocked. It can handle a pace of about 7.5 mph or an 8-minute mile. For a new runner, this could be quite a challenge. The deck is small, so be mindful of your stride length. The R2 works better with shorter, faster steps, so increase your running cadence. The R2 is not designed for long runs, but it could be the perfect solution for a runner trying to snag a few extra miles on days when the weather does not permit running outdoors.
+ PROS
- The R2 2in1 is great for under-desk use or low-mileage running.
- The R2 has great storage options with its small and versatile footprint.
- Walking mode is limited to 3.75 mph for safety. Automatic mode is enabled with walking mode.
- Running mode has a maximum speed limit of 7.45 mph.
- The belt is remote-controlled.
- The R2 weighs only 80 lbs and can be wheeled around.
– CONS
- The R2 is not suitable for high mileage or faster runners.
- The deck may be too short for runners with long strides.
Read Our Full Review Of The WalkingPad R2 2in1 Treadmill Here
Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Under-Desk Slim Work Treadmill
The Sunny Under-Desk Slim Work Treadmill is a compact treadmill. It is perfect for office or remote workers who want to add a few short walking breaks into their days to refresh their minds and boost their energy. The Slim Work Office Treadmill is lightweight with wheels for easy transport to and from your desk. This Sunny treadmill also has a few upgrade options for more committed exercisers.
Sunny Health & Fitness Under-Desk Slim Work Treadmill
The Sunny Under-Desk Slim Work Treadmill is a great entry-level under-desk treadmill with a compact footprint.
The Sunny Slim Work Treadmill is the affordable solution to your sedentary workday. For under $500, you get a 1.5 HP motor and a 3.75 mph maximum speed. The Slim Work treadmill is suitable for short walking breaks and is ideal for the user who primarily sits or stands. This treadmill weighs only 55 lbs but can support a user weight of up to 220 lbs. The Slim Work treadmill also has wheels to relocate the treadmill when you need a break from walking.
The Slim Work treadmill is remote-controlled with a digital monitor built into the motor hood. Users can keep track of their time, speed, calories, steps, and distance with the monitor. As this might suggest, the treadmill has a smart deck that is able to detect user activity. In addition to counting steps, the treadmill will also pause the belt if no user activity is detected after 5 seconds. As an additional safety feature, the Slim Work Office treadmill also has a safety key that extends from the motor hood to be secured on the user’s clothes. The Sunny Slim Work Office Treadmill has a generous amount of features for one low price.
Upgrades can increase the price of this affordable treadmill, but they offer features that some users may not want to miss. The first of these two upgrades is the Trekpad. This variation on the treadmill incorporates movable arms to allow walkers to engage their upper body. The treadmill can still be used with a desk thanks to the folding design of these arms. The second upgrade is a compatible desk. It has a variable height to accommodate walking, sitting, or standing on the floor. Get the right configuration for your office with the Sunny Slim Under-Desk Treadmill.
+ PROS
- The Sunny Slim Work Treadmill is a very affordable under-desk treadmill.
- The upgrades give buyers more options to suit their needs.
- This treadmill weighs only 55 lbs.
- The deck counts steps.
- The belt will stop moving if no user is detected after 5 seconds.
– CONS
- The motor power is only 1.5 HP, which is not best for all-day walking.
- The maximum user weight is only 220 lbs.
Best Amazon Under Desk Treadmill: Redliro 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
The Redliro 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill is surprisingly versatile for its compact size. It is priced very affordably and is frequently further discounted thanks to Amazon’s awesome deals. It is our pick for Best Amazon Under-Desk Treadmill because we have been fortunate enough to test out this treadmill and see for ourselves why this product is so highly rated on one of the world’s largest online retailer’s websites.
Redliro 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
The Redliro 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill is an affordable option for under-desk walking or post-work running.
The Redliro 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill has a quiet motor with a strength of 2.25 HP. The deck is very compact, measuring only 15” x 41”. It has a low step-up height and a low folded profile, so you will have little trouble navigating it or storing the treadmill. It has two transport wheels to assist you in getting it out from under the bed or from behind your couch or desk. It can support a maximum user weight of 220 lbs despite weighing only 57 lbs. The Redliro is a nice entry-level under-desk treadmill that comes in six different colors.
For most users, a comfortable walking speed while working at a standing desk is around 2 mph or slower. The Redliro is going to last and perform its best when kept to this type of use. It functions first as a walking treadmill. The handrail folds down snuggly around the walking deck to keep the treadmill in walking mode. It comes with a remote control to change the speed while in this orientation. There is a button for silencing treadmill feedback (beeping), and I highly recommend doing so if you are working around others. The treadmill is otherwise quiet enough during walking to use in an office space.
As a running treadmill, the Redliro performs a bit differently. Its handrail should be placed in the upright position, giving you access to the console buttons and to a small, rubberized storage compartment. The deck’s small size makes this treadmill only suitable for runners with short strides. I managed to run at the maximum speed, but I had to use much shorter, choppier steps than I am used to. For this reason, the running features should be reserved as a rainy day feature.
Essentially, the Redliro is best for runners who want to walk frequently and run outdoors most of the time. The Redliro then provides an easy solution for the occasion when outdoor running just isn’t possible. It is best for low mileage. There are training programs available on the console, so the Redliro 2-in-1 does provide plenty of training features for its size. Overall, I am impressed with this inexpensive treadmill.
+ PROS
- The Redliro can be used as an under-desk treadmill or a compact running treadmil.
- It is lightweight with wheels for ease of transportation.
- The Redliro comes in black, blue, metal, red, silver, or white.
- The maximum speed is 7.5 mph.
- The Redliro is very affordable.
– CONS
- The deck is not large enough for all users to run.
- The Redliro is not the best for high-mileage running.
Best Small Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad C2 Under-Desk Treadmill
The WalkingPad C2 Under-Desk Treadmill is a colorful and compact under-desk treadmill that can enliven your day aesthetically or with physical activity. The WalkingPad C2 folds in half in the middle of the deck for the most discreet storage possible. It should be stored flat, but its small footprint gives you plenty of options. The treadmill is also very quiet, so you won’t disturb others around you.
WalkingPad C2 Under-Desk Treadmill
The WalkingPad C2 is perfect for adding a pop of color and a burst of activity to your workday.
The WalkingPad C2 is a folding under-desk treadmill that can be stored almost anywhere. Its deck folds in half for storage beneath a bed, couch, or desk. It measures only 32.5” x 20.4” x 5.4” when folded. Unfolded, it is 56.9” x 20.4” x 4.9”. The WalkingPad C2 weighs only 55 lbs, so rolling it around on its two wheels is simple. It comes in five different colors: white, black, blue, yellow, or red. The C2’s main limitation is its inability to be stored upright. Its motor and belt can be damaged by a vertical storage position, so be cautious when stowing the C2 away after use.
The WalkingPad C2 has a few features to keep your time spent walking comfortable. It has a simple LED display for you to track your time, steps, distance, calories, and speed at a glance. It is Bluetooth-enabled to pair with the KS Fit app. The app is free to use and works as an additional performance display or remote control. The WalkingPad C2 has a brushless motor for quiet training, but it may be a little loud when being unfolded. The noise will not damage the treadmill, but it can be alarming to unsuspecting users. Try to softly support the C2 when unfolding it to eliminate this problem. Otherwise, the C2 has great features for a great walking treadmill.
The C2 performs well in manual walking mode, which gives you complete control over the treadmill with the KS Fit app or the included remote control. If you want to switch up your walking routine and try something more dynamic, the C2 also supports automatic walking mode. This feature allows the walker to control the treadmill speed with the positioning of their feet. I am no expert on this feature and find it quite hard to manage on such a small walking deck. Yet, users with more practice and precision should be able to speed up or slow down the belt by moving forward or backward, respectively.
The WalkingPad C2 is fun but simple. This small under-desk treadmill is sure to match your office decor and help you reach your daily step goal.
+ PROS
- The WalkingPad C2 is a small, foldable under-desk treadmill.
- It comes in five fun colors to match any room.
- The treadmill is remote-controlled.
- Its low weight and transport wheels make it easy to move.
- The treadmill has a manual and automatic walking mode.
- The KS Fit app gives users more control over their treadmill settings.
– CONS
- The auto mode may be too difficult for some users to master.
- Some users may notice where the treadmill folds in the middle of the belt.
Read Our Full Review Of The WalkingPad C2 Under-Desk Treadmill Here
Best 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill: UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
The UREVO Under-Desk Treadmill is our choice for the Best 2-in-1 Treadmill from Amazon. It is crazy popular thanks to its affordable price. There are a few other features that we think make this treadmill a standout. The UREVO takes you from walking while you work to dial up the intensity when the motivation strikes. The UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill is versatile and compact, which are two of our favorite under-desk treadmill qualities.
UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
The UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill has a pivoting handrail so you can use the treadmill under a desk or add support for free-standing training.
The UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk treadmill is a transformable treadmill. The motor is 2.5 HP, allowing the treadmill to transform from an all-day walking desk treadmill to a light to moderate intensity training machine. The walking surface measures 17” x 48”. It has a textured surface to help you feel stable, and a gel cushioning layer to add some shock absorption. It comes in seven different colors, so you can get the right match for you. The UREVO is covered by a twelve-month warranty. The treadmill is affordable and built to add a little movement to your day.
If you have spent any time researching under-desk treadmills, particularly 2-in-1 treadmills, the UREVO’s folding design is nothing new to you. Yet, one feature that stands out to me is the remote control storage slot. Most other treadmills leave you without a convenient place to store the remote with the treadmill, so it should be no surprise that they are prone to getting lost (just like every other remote ever). The UREVO’s inclusion of the remote storage is simple but brilliant. The deck also has a port for lubrication to make deck maintenance simple. Rounding out the UREVO’s features are a simple LED display on the motor hood and a few quick adjust buttons located on the foldable handrail.
Like most treadmills its size, the UREVO is going to perform best as a walking treadmill. If you are trying to get work done, a speed of 2 mph or slower will likely be the most comfortable, but the UREVO does allow users to train as fast as 3.8 mph. To go faster, the handrail must be lifted and fixed into place. The belt is then capped at a speed of 7.6 mph. Nevertheless, the UREVO is not ideal for running due to its motor strength and small deck size. Users should use caution and adopt a shorter stride when training at the UREVO’s fast speeds. Overall, the UREVO is great for anyone wanting to walk at their desk and sneak in a few higher intensity miles here and there.
+ PROS
- The UREVO has a foldable handrail for quick transitions between walking casually and training harder.
- The treadmill is remote-controlled with a storage compartment for the remote.
- The maximum speed is 7.6 mph.
- For safety, the treadmill is limited to 3.8 mph with the handrail down.
- There are quick-adjust buttons located on the handrail.
– CONS
- The deck is too small for many users to take full advantage of the maximum speed.
- The warranty only lasts for 1 year.
Best Cheap Under-Desk Treadmill: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is our pick for the best cheap under-desk treadmill because of its incredibly affordable price. As an Amazon treadmill, the Goplus is regularly on sale or paired with free shipping to give consumers even more savings. The Goplus’s foldability is all in its uprights and arms. The additional support makes this treadmill great for free-standing exercise or under-desk walking.
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a budget-friendly under-desk treadmill with a convertible console.
The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding treadmill makes daily exercise more accessible to overloaded office workers and budget-restricted shoppers. The treadmill is priced well below $500 but is very highly rated on Amazon. It has a 2.25 horsepower motor, which should be plenty powerful enough for daily walks at your standing desk. It has a compact folding frame to allow the treadmill to be stowed beneath furniture or upright. The Goplus is equipped with transport wheels and can be folded quickly for easy relocation. The design of the Goplus treadmill is minimal but sufficient for casual use.
Saving money doesn’t always mean skimping on features. The Goplus offers Bluetooth-compatible speakers and a phone holder. In our experience with treadmills, more affordable products tend to not have as powerful of speakers, so be aware of this possibility in the Goplus. The Goplus can be controlled via remote or the compatible app. The app does not have the best reviews, so the remote may be the way to go. The Goplus treadmill has collapsible treadmill arms, so you can add more support if you need it. The features offered by the treadmill do not feel necessary to justify its low price, but they will likely be appreciated by users.
The Goplus treadmill has a maximum speed of 7.5 mph, but that doesn’t mean it is your perfect running treadmill. The belt size is very small, measuring only 16” x 39.3”. I have trouble running comfortably on treadmills below 50 inches, so this size is just not suitable for running for me. Most other runners will likely feel the same. That said, if you would like to do a brisk walk, the Goplus may be just the treadmill for you. You can work at your desk for as long as needed and then pop up the handrail to up the intensity. Get moving with the Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill.
+ PROS
- The Goplus is budget friendly.
- The treadmill can be stored upright or under furniture.
- The treadmill can be controlled via remote or app.
- The maximum speed is 7.5 mph.
- The motor strength is 2.25 HP, which should be suitable for daily walking.
– CONS
- The deck is too small for use as a running treadmill.
- The app has bad reviews, so users may need to stick to the included remote control.
What to Look for in an Under-Desk Treadmill
Size
Whether you are working from home or in an office, you likely only have a certain amount of space to allocate to a treadmill. You should find a balance between the amount of space the treadmill will take up and the amount of space you need to walk comfortably. One benefit of walking treadmills is the more compact deck size. While running treadmills typically have 20” x 60” decks, a walking treadmill does not require as much room. Users may find that a slightly narrower width and a deck size of 50 inches or less is sufficient.
Treadmills like the InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill have innovated on treadmill size, offering a 30” x 40” treadmill deck. If you prefer more side-to-side movement, this design may be best for you to take advantage of your entire desktop safely. Shorter decks also reduce the tripping risk presented by long spacious walking belts. Thus, you may not need the extra space, saving your office from becoming crowded.
Portability
Under-desk treadmills can be permanent fixtures or temporary breaks from sitting. The design you need will be largely dependent upon your activity plans. If you are a beginner, a more portable treadmill may be best, so you do not become burnt out or overly tired by constant walking and standing. If you are more experienced, a heavier treadmill may be acceptable. Some treadmills may allow you to set a chair on top of them rather than move them out of the way. A stability ball can also be a decent option for sitting on a treadmill without harming the deck or belt.
Storage
Portable treadmills will need to be stored somewhere. You have several options for storage, like under furniture, in a closet, upright against a wall, or under your desk. Consider all of your options and evaluate which treadmills will work best for your storage needs. Not all treadmills can be stored upright, so be careful to match the treadmill’s capabilities to your needs. Some of the treadmills we have presented on our list, such as the WalkingPads, fold in half for an even smaller footprint. Other specs to consider are weight and transport wheels. A lightweight design and at least two transport wheels make relocating a treadmill easier.
Weight Capacity
Small treadmills likely have lower weight capacities. Be wary of this when searching for your perfect treadmill. Additionally, if you are purchasing an under-desk treadmill to share within an office, consider the diverse needs of your coworkers. A heavier weight capacity can also be a good sign of a durable, long-lasting design.
Motor Horsepower
The treadmill you need could be largely dependent on the amount of time you plan to use it. Some brands, like LifeSpan, provide ratings for how many hours per day you can use them. Generally, a higher horsepower means you can use the treadmill for longer periods of time. It is hard to provide set ratings as other factors may limit the treadmill’s performance. I would recommend a treadmill as close to 3.0 HP as possible if you want to use the treadmill for your entire working day or plan to share it among coworkers. An under-desk treadmill with a motor under 2.0 horsepower is likely better for casual, infrequent use. Overuse of a treadmill can lead to premature burnout of the motor and overheating.
Features
Like any other treadmill, under-desk treadmills come with a variety of features. One you may not think of immediately is step-counting. Because you are working at a desk while walking, your fitness tracker may not capture all of your steps. Instead, you can rely on the treadmill to keep track of your progress toward your daily step goal, so you always know where you are at. Other features can include converting to a running treadmill, safety features, and storage compartments. Simpler designs are typically more common among under-desk treadmills, so consider what you absolutely need to have a successful under-desk walking experience. Too many features can lead to distraction.
We Test Under-Desk Treadmills
We rigorously test under-desk treadmills to ensure they will help you reach your daily training goals. We walk on these treadmills while working, so we know how they will realistically perform. We test any training programs they have. Some of the top features we test are transporting them and if they disturb our coworkers. Under-desk treadmills that are easy to move around and not disruptive rank higher. There are tons of under-desk treadmills to choose from, but we have identified a few that stand out in value and quality.
Bottom Line – Best Under-Desk Treadmills
Your day doesn’t have to be sedentary. Workplaces are becoming more and more exercise-friendly, allowing you to sneak in some steps. Under-desk treadmills can improve the lives of busy office or remote workers. Standing is just the new sitting, so movement is really key to improving your health and quality of life. Under-desk treadmills range from the incredibly affordable to the impressively premium. We have listed treadmills for single users and sharing among the office. These under-desk treadmills should invigorate your workday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are under-desk treadmills worth it?
An under-desk treadmill can be a great way to combat all the detriments of sitting all day–tight muscles, poor cardiovascular health, and low energy. The intensity of walking at your desk may not be sufficient for all users to see drastic results. Moderate to vigorous exercise will have a greater impact on your health, but this low-intensity movement is better than nothing. It is also a great supplement or stepping stone into higher-intensity exercise. Even if you do exercise intensely and regularly, sitting at a desk all day long can be detrimental. Thus, an under-desk treadmill is likely worth it for sedentary or active individuals.
Can you run on under-desk treadmills?
Can and should are two very different words. A smaller deck may make many users uncomfortable, especially at higher speeds. Most under-desk treadmills are not built for high-mileage running even if they are capable of higher speeds. Running on an under-desk treadmill could burn the motor out prematurely. Rare bouts of running may be suitable for 2-in-1 treadmills, but long-distance runners should stick to outdoor running or more powerful machines.
What is the best under-desk treadmill?
For all-day use, we like LifeSpan and InMovement treadmills. For compact storage, WalkingPad under-desk treadmills are great. Finally, for budget shoppers, we have highlighted the Redliro, Goplus, and UREVO treadmills from Amazon as standouts. There are good under-desk treadmills at various price points and with differing feature lists. Determining the right treadmill for you requires an assessment of your and/or your office’s needs.