Shape Tests and Reviews the Top Under-Desk Treadmills in 2023

28 April 2023 1895

Want to reap the benefits of walking but don't have the space or budget for a full-size treadmill? An under-desk treadmill may be the solution you need. Walking for just 30 minutes a day can improve your mood, reduce stress, strengthen joints, and lower the risk of heart problems, among other benefits. According to Paizley Longino, a certified personal trainer and coach for STRIDE Fitness, walking also helps prevent stiffness, aids digestion, and boosts metabolism.

Using an under-desk treadmill at home can counteract a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to physical and mental health problems. Cassie Larson, a NASM-certified personal trainer and STRIDE Fitness Coach in Gilbert, AZ, explains that walking frequently helps keep the hip flexors loose, lower the risk of certain health conditions, and keep your spirits high.

However, not all under-desk treadmills are made equal. Some may be too flimsy for high mileage or lack adequate padding to protect your joints. To help you find the best model, we tested seven under-desk treadmills for four weeks by walking on them at least four times a week. After analyzing how easy it was to set up, use, and store each model, we assigned composite ratings and selected the top two options.

The Egofit Walker was the best under-desk treadmill we tested, thanks to its quiet functionality, remote control, and 5% incline. Setting it up was a breeze, and we appreciated that it was only 7 inches high, making it easy to store when not in use. The console display was helpful, but the screen was a bit small for easy reading while walking. We also discovered a proprietary app that enables syncing with your Health kit on your iPhone, but we found the setup to be a bit clunky.

The GoPlus Under Desk Treadmill is a lower-cost option at under $400, making it a great budget-friendly choice. It features a crisp LED display that is also a touchscreen, making it easy to adjust. The treadmill also includes 12 walking programs designed to meet different goals for variety. The running belt is slightly wider than the Egofit, providing more comfort while walking. We did find the shock absorption columns and pads added a slight incline that we didn't always desire, but the remote and quick jump buttons made switching speeds a breeze.

Adding an under-desk treadmill to your daily routine is easy and can help you achieve your fitness goals while being productive from your desk.

The WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill offers two different ways to store your tread for cramped spaces. You can fold it easily (no automatic mechanisms or buttons to press, just a simple manual fold), or slide it as-is under a couch. Note that even when folded, the treadmill height is about 5”, so it may not fit perfectly under low-to-the-ground couches. It’s smaller in profile than the GoPlus Under Desk Treadmill, and it comes with a remote control. You can connect this under-desk treadmill with the KS Fit app, which can track steps, duration, speed, and miles. Unfortunately, the app doesn’t sync with any third-party apps (like your Apple Health Kit), so you’ll have to input that data manually if you’re tracking each step.

This treadmill was the easiest one to store of all the treads tested but is very basic without any bells and whistles. There’s no incline or programs, and we noticed it was a little jerky when changing speeds; all of that considered, it feels overpriced compared to the GoPlus Under Desk Treadmill. However, if you’re looking for a super simple, budget-friendly under-desk treadmill to get more steps in, this will get the job done.

The Treadly2 was the only under-desk treadmill tested with a handrail, giving users an extra sense of security whether power-walking or stepping off the treadmill. You can also control speed, pause and start from the handrail for extra convenience (especially if you’re jogging — the Treadly2 goes up to 5 mph). The Treadly2 also has the slimmest profile of any under-desk treadmill tested, with a height of just 3.7”. It’s low enough to fit under more furniture than the Egofit Walker, and the aluminum-reinforced hydraulic handrail can be locked into place using the bi-switch. And bonus: The Treadly2 has a built-in speaker that connects via Bluetooth.

The Basic Treadly2 isn’t compatible with the Treadly app (you’ll have to buy the Pro model for that). That was disappointing since the app includes several options for live group walks, challenges, games and more. Despite being low-profile, the Treadly2 was heavy to move solo (listed as “as little as 77 lbs” on the website). However, the benefit of that is it supports users up to 265 pounds (most treads tested only recommended max weights of 220 pounds, for comparison). One final note: Despite being the most expensive tread tested, Treadly2 seems to be one of the most popular under-desk treadmill options. It’s frequently out of stock and can only be found on the Treadly website.

We tested seven options using a real-world testing protocol to find the best under-desk treadmills. We began by researching the most popular under-desk treadmills and comparing their features, sizes, and top speeds, as well as how easy they were to set up and store. Our testers used these treadmills a minimum of four times a week over the course of four weeks, offering detailed insights on each treadmill’s storage options, features, comfort, and value. We analyzed each tester’s insights and assigned every under-desk treadmill a score that accurately reflects their ratings and comments. We used these scores to choose the best under-desk treadmills. In addition, we interviewed Cassie Larson, NASM CPT and STRIDE Fitness Coach in Gilbert, AZ, and Paizley Longino, Certified Personal Trainer and Coach for STRIDE Fitness to learn more about the benefits of walking, what features are important in under-desk treadmills, and more.

Here’s what to know during your hunt to find the best under-desk treadmill for your needs.

One of the biggest perks of an under-desk treadmill is that it’s easy to store. Most under-desk treadmills are less than 7” high, so they can fit easily under desks and sometimes under certain pieces of furniture when not in use. The Treadly2 Basic was a mere 3.7” high, while the Egofit Walker was closer to 7”. Some options are also foldable, like the WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill, which easily folds in half for more storage possibilities.

Under-desk treadmills are typically less expensive than full-sized treadmills, with many options under $600. The treadmills we tested for this piece ranged from $330 to $850. “The price points are quite vast, so keep this in mind when deciding, because if you plan to keep your tread at home you may want to invest in a unit with a little more durability which will cost more,” explains Longino.

Since they’re smaller and lack much of the stability of full-sized treadmills, under-desk treadmills are limited in how fast they can go and what incline they can reach (if any). The under-desk treadmills we tested topped out at 5 mph, and only one had the capacity to incline (up to 5 percent). “[Adding incline] can elevate your walking as well for times when you’d like to add a little resistance,” explains Longino.

As for speed, you don’t need your under-desk treadmill to go as fast as a full-sized treadmill. “In general 2 to 4 mph is considered walking pace on a treadmill,” says Larson. “If multitasking or you’d rather not break a sweat over an important Zoom call, keep the tread on the lower end. Start slow, and over time as you become more comfortable, you’ll find a range that works best for you.”

The most common features in under-desk treadmills include a separate remote control, a built-in display on the pad, and app compatibility. Only one of the treadmills we tested, the Treadly2 Basic, had a built-in speaker and a handrail.

While it may be tempting to immediately crank up your walking pad for an entire work day, take it slow to start, cautions Larson. “When determining where to start, honestly evaluate your current fitness level,” she recommends. “Do you walk regularly today, or is this something new? If you’re brand new, set a meeting with yourself on the first day where you can focus completely on learning the walking treadmill for perhaps 15 minutes. If this feels good, maybe you go for another 10 to 15 minutes later in the day while completing a simple task.”

Once you’ve decided on a reasonable goal for walking during the day, you can make your walking pad a part of your daily routine. “Begin by taking a nice light walk before adding in a more brisk pace, starting around 2 mph then increasing,” recommends Longino. “Try not to keep a brisk pace longer than one or two hours at a time so you don’t compromise your proper form or posture during your walk.” When you’re actively working (think: typing or talking), keep your pace around 2 mph for safety.

Kristen Geil is a senior commerce editor at Shape, where she primarily tests and reviews fitness equipment, workout apparel, running shoes, and more. She’s a USATF-certified running coach and is about to run her fourth marathon. She recently led Shape’s Sneaker Awards and Best in Fitness Awards, both of which involved testing and reviewing running-related fitness products. She has strong opinions about which treadmills are worth the splurge and which walking pads will help you get your miles in. For this article, she conducted interviews with walking and treadmill experts, and she did additional product research to make sure Shape recommended the best under-desk treadmills for all needs.

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