The Best Under-Desk Treadmills, Tested and Reviewed by Fitness Editors
Our best overall? The Merach Walking Pad.

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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE to walk (I even have favorite walking apps). Maybe it’s because I live in New York City and it’s my primary mode of transportation, or that walking has many health and fitness benefits, including stress reduction. I'll sometimes even daydream about strolling from my Chelsea apartment to the southern tip of the island (a cool three miles) in the middle of a Tuesday. Since that’s not exactly realistic (there are stories to write and home gym equipment to test!), I found the next best thing: an under-desk treadmill (a.k.a. a walking pad).
What is an under-desk treadmill, and do you need one? To be clear, it’s a smaller, lighter version of a regular treadmill designed to slip under your desk and be used while you’re working. You need a standing desk or converter to use one while working, but if you don’t want to invest in a new desk, they’re also great to use during breaks. Whether you have a million meetings or don't feel like getting dressed to go outside, the best under-desk treadmills allow you to move your body while multitasking.
Best Under-Desk Treadmills
- Best Overall: Merach Walking Pad
- Best Incline: Egofit Walking Pad
- Most Convertible: Sunny Health & Fitness Treadpad
- Most Compact: WalkingPad Folding Treadmill
- Best for Running: Goplus Walking Pad
- Best Speed Settings: GoYouth 2-In-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
“For people that are typically sitting at their desk for eight hours a day, but they're looking to get some sort of activity in, [a walking pad is] something that I recommend so they can kill two birds with one stone,” says Julianne Lane, DPT,CSCS
Amy Potter, CPT, also agrees that walking at your desk is great for getting daily movement and for your non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). This is the energy you use while you're not eating, sleeping, actively exercising, or playing sports. And it can be lacking for a range of reasons, whether the weather is bad or you’re just not able to get out as much. Potter bought an under-desk treadmill for this reason. "I could feel how tight my hips and shoulders were getting from being more sedentary, and I just knew my body was craving more movement,” Potter says.
Before you commit to buying one of these compact cardio gems, we spoke with personal trainers and running coaches to find out what to look for. We then tested select highly rated models to curate a top-notch guide.
What to Consider
Belt size
Wide belts are more comfortable and stable, while narrow belts are more compact (ideal for apartment dwellers and small-space living). Belt length also comes into play—the longer the belt, the more surface area you have to run or walk. In theory, the longer, the better, but it ultimately depends on how much space you have.
Weight
If you're going to be moving the tread frequently, be sure to consider how much it weighs. While there are plenty of sub-50-pound options, others (typically those that have more speed and incline options) are considerably heavier. If you opt for a heavier model, check to see if it has wheels for easier maneuverability.
Speed
Most under-desk treadmills have a speed range between 0.5 and 4 miles per hour, which is plenty if you're just looking to add to your daily step count. Larger and more premium models might top out at more than six miles per hour, so you can even get in a decent jog.
Incline
The maximum incline for most under-desk treadmills is around five percent, while some models don’t incline at all. While walking on an incline can be a great way to amp up walking workouts, we didn’t rule out non-inclining models because the primary purpose of walking pads is to multitask while working, not climb a hill in your home office.
Price
Like all home gym equipment, under-desk treadmills vary widely in price. You can score one of the most affordable models for under $200, while midrange options run in the $400 to $500 price range.
Desk type
Under-desk treadmills are most efficient when used with a standing desk (so you can walk while working). If you don’t own one, walking on it during work breaks is your best bet (and a simple way to reach your step goal!).
How We Selected
I consulted personal trainers and running coaches to identify what to look for in the best under-desk treadmills, then researched dozens of top-rated models ourselves. From there, the Women’s Health team and I, including contributors Nicolette Accardi,NASM-CPT, and Isabel McMahon, associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian, NASM-CPT, and executive editor Abby Cuffey, tested some of the standout options in order to narrow down the guide to the best under-desk treadmills.
Can an under-desk treadmill replace cardio workouts?
It’s also important to acknowledge that under-desk treadmills should not be used to substitute cardio workouts. When people talk about getting in their cardio, they’re referring to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week, says Erica Coviello, an RRCA-certified running coach. Most likely, you’ll be walking at a relatively slow pace on your under-desk treadmill, which wouldn’t get your heart rate into that zone 2 range to qualify. In short, think of the steps you take on your walking pad as “bonus” zone 1 cardio rather than an excuse to skip your brisk walk, jog, or cycle.
How often should you use it?
"If you have a way to track your steps, 7,500 steps is a great goal to aim for each day," Potter says. "If you are mostly sedentary, I would start with 30 minutes per day on your walking pad and build up from there," she adds.
Meet the Experts
- Julianne Lane, DPT, CSCS, is a physical therapist at Bespoke Physical Therapy in San Diego, California.
- Amy Potter is an ACE-certified personal trainer in Hermosa Beach, California.
- Erica Coviello is a level two certified RRCA running coach in New Jersey.
More Fitness Equipment We Love
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Caitlin is a health and fitness journalist based in New York City. In addition to Women's Health, she writes for publications including The Wall Street Journal and Runner’s World. She's completed 12 marathons, including the six World Marathon Majors, is semi-fluent in French, and volunteers as a greeter on The High Line. Follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Erica Coviello is a level two certified RRCA running coach.

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