The Best Under-Desk Treadmills to Keep You Moving During the Workday

Our fitness experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition & Fitness Lab have tested exercise equipment for years, from traditional treadmills and exercise bikes to rowing machines and other at-home fitness gear. For this story, we evaluated under-desk treadmills and walking pads, focusing on what matters most when you use one during the workday.

Our pros assessed each model for comfort, noise, stability, ease of use, portability, and storage. We paid particular attention to how the treadmills performed in a home-office setting, including how easy they were to operate while working and whether the noise level was distracting during calls and meetings.

We also evaluated practical details such as belt size, speed range, weight capacity, dimensions, transport wheels, controls, and display features. We sent select models to consumer testers across the country for additional real-world feedback on everyday use.

In addition to our hands-on evaluations, we considered newer models from brands we've previously tested, along with products that stood out based on strong retailer sales and online consumer reviews. We selected a range of models with different sizes, features, and price points to help you find an under-desk treadmill that fits your workspace and walking routine.

An under-desk treadmill needs to do more than fit under a desk. Before you buy, consider how much space you have, how you plan to use it, and how often you'll need to move or store it.

✔️ Size and belt dimensions: Measure your workspace before buying, including the area under and around your desk. Pay attention to the walking belt, too: A longer and wider belt can give you more room to walk comfortably, while a more compact model may be easier to store. Also check the treadmill's height to make sure it will fit beneath your desk at a comfortable walking height.

✔️ Speed: Most under-desk treadmills are designed primarily for walking while you work, so a very high maximum speed isn't necessarily an advantage. If you want to use your treadmill for faster walking or workouts when you're not working, look for a model with a higher speed range and a deck designed to accommodate it.

✔️ Stability and weight capacity: A treadmill that feels stable underfoot is especially important when you’re trying to work at the same time. Check the manufacturer’s maximum user weight and consider the treadmill’s overall construction and weight. Heavier models may be harder to move but can feel sturdier.

✔️ Noise: If you'll be taking calls or sharing a room with someone while you walk, look for a model that operates quietly. Keep in mind that the sound you hear can vary depending on your walking speed, flooring, and the type of shoes you're wearing.

✔️ Portability and storage: Walking pads can still be surprisingly heavy. If you plan to put yours away after each use, look for features such as transport wheels, a foldable design, or a relatively low profile. Before buying, measure the space where you plan to store it and check the machine's weight.

✔️ Controls and features: Think about how you'll adjust the treadmill while working. A remote control can make it easier to change your speed without reaching under your desk, while an app may provide additional workout data. At minimum, look for a display that's easy to see and controls that are simple to operate.

✔️ Desk compatibility: Not every desk works well with every walking pad. Make sure your desk is high enough to allow you to walk comfortably without hunching over your keyboard, and consider whether you'll want a height-adjustable standing desk. Some treadmills also have handrails or other components that may affect where you can position your desk.

✔️ Setup and delivery: Check how much the treadmill weighs and whether it arrives assembled. Even a model advertised as “fully assembled” may require two people to remove it from the box. If you're placing it in a basement, bedroom, or other tight space, measure doorways and turns ahead of time.

✔️ Warranty: Check the warranty before you buy, paying particular attention to coverage for the motor, frame, and other major components. A longer warranty can provide more protection for an investment you're planning to use regularly.

The ideal speed depends on the task you're doing and how comfortable you are walking while working. Generally, our fitness professionals recommend starting at about 0.5 to 1 mile per hour and gradually increasing as you get used to it. Many people find that speeds between 0.5 and 2 miles per hour work well for common desk tasks.

As a general guide:

• Reading emails: 1 to 1.5 mph
• Writing: 0.5 to 1 mph
• Video calls: 0.5 to 1.5 mph
• Browsing: 1.0 to 1.5 mph
• Phone calls and brainstorming: 1.5 to 2.0 mph

You can alternate between walking, sitting, and standing, and adjust your speed depending on the task. You may also naturally slow down during more demanding work and speed up during lighter activities like browsing or phone calls.

Incline walking can increase your workout intensity and engage more muscles, but we don't recommend using an incline while you're working at your desk. Walking uphill can change your posture and put extra stress on your lower back and joints, especially when you're also trying to type or focus on a screen. For a more challenging workout, save incline walking for a dedicated exercise session when you don't need to multitask.

Stefani Sassos, a NASM-certified personal trainer and Women's Fitness Specialist, has over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, she leverages her expertise to create informed fitness content, from testing exercise equipment and apps to curating workout plans. She regularly covers fitness equipment, including treadmills, exercise bikes, and more.