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The best under-desk treadmills you can buy
Fitness should seamlessly integrate into the flow of your life, but with busy days it can be hard put. Thanks to increased work mode flexibility, working from home isn't an uncommon practice. And what better way to stay active than walking throughout the day at your desk while you work? It's a serious two-for-one experience that can help with exercise and other sedentary concerns such as back pain from continued sitting.
During the pandemic, many of us probably spent a lot of time working from home, and as more people go back to work in the office, employers are increasingly offering treadmill desks, bike desks, or standing desks to better equip their staff for success.
Also: Best workout apps
That means now you can exercise and work at the same time. However, not all under-desk walking treadmills are built equally. If you're in the market, you need to know which one is right for you before making this larger purchase. ZDNET's top pick for the best under-desk treadmill overall is the Goyouth 2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill for its quiet operation, excellent shock absorbency, and versatility. See how it compares to the rest of ZDNET's top picks for the best under-desk walking treadmills for your home or office.
Also: The 5 best smart treadmills in 2023
The best under-desk treadmills of 2023
- Excellent shock absorbency
- Great for running or walking
- Quiet operation
- Narrow belt
- Lacks expected incline
Goyouth treadmill features: Maximum speed: 6 mph | Dimensions: 50.59 x 5.51 x 22.44 inches | Weight capacity: 220 lbs
The Goyouth 2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill is one of the faster under-desk walking treadmills with a maximum speed of 6 miles per hour. That comes from 2.25 horsepower with a surprisingly quiet motor, so the machine won't distract during work calls. The durable machine features a shock-absorbing steel frame and a non-slip running belt.
Plus, the LED display will help you get started on one of the 12 built-in programs.
- Bluetooth feature
- Sturdy construction
- Higher speed
- Shorter running belt
- None of the usual programs
Goplus folding treadmill features: Maximum speed: 8 mph | Dimensions: 27 x 49 x 42 inches | Weight capacity: 265 lbs
The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is not only one of the best under-desk walking treadmills -- it's also the fastest on our list. The treadmill offers a speed of up to eight miles per hour with 2.25 horsepower. Despite alloy steel construction, the machine still manages to remain lightweight at just 84 pounds.
You can choose from two different measurement modes (miles and kilometers), and you can connect via Bluetooth to enjoy the remote control-operated speaker.
Read the review: I bought a $400 treadmill desk: Here's how my life has changed
- Smooth operation
- User-friendly
- Quiet motor
- No incline
- Expensive
Lifespan treadmill features: Maximum speed: 4 mph | Dimensions: ‎66.34 x 29.53 x 8.46 inches | Weight capacity: 350 lbs
The LifeSpan Under Desk Treadmill TR1200 is our pick for the quietest under-desk walking treadmill on the market. Thanks to a 2-horsepower Continuous Duty DC motor, it can reach up to 4 miles per hour. The design includes a phenolic deck that is matched by non-slip plastic, plus six different impact-absorbing compression shocks.
The final bonus? It arrives fully assembled out of the box, so you don't have to worry about assembly.
- Flexible design
- Solid construction
- Easily portable
- Requires more space
- Low speed
Rhythm fun treadmill features: Maximum speed: 3.7 mph | Dimensions: 63 x 28 x 7 inches | Weight capacity: 220 lbs
The Rhythm Fun Under Desk Treadmill automates operations with its remote. It features an LED display that helps you keep control of the machine, which offers a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour and 1.5 horsepower. Made of alloy steel, this treadmill incorporates an extra-wide running belt to give you more room during your workout.
It still manages to leave a small footprint in your home, and no assembly is required with this model, either.
- Easy to store
- Decent-sized belt
- Affordable
- Low maximum speed
- May be complicated to use
Walking Pad C2 features: Maximum speed: 3.72 mph | Dimensions: 56.88 x 20.39 x 4.92 inches | Weight capacity: 220 lbs
The WalkingPad C2 is the most affordable yet high-quality under-desk walking treadmill. You can use the digital monitor and KS Fit app to track your progress, whether it's time, steps, speed, or calories burned. The shock-absorbing design incorporates an EVA layer into the running belt for greater comfort and intelligent speed control when in A Mode. Plus, it's compact enough to easily store with a 180-degree fold-down.
What is the best under-desk walking treadmill?
The Goyouth 2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill is the best under-desk walking treadmill, working faster than most other models with a high speed capacity and horsepower.
To see how the top models compare, here is an overview of the best under-desk walking treadmills you can buy today.
Best under-desk walking treadmill | Cost | Weight capacity | Maximum speed |
Goyouth 2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill | $280 | 220 lbs | 6 mph |
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill | $300 | 265 lbs | 8 mph |
LifeSpan Under Desk Treadmill TR1200-DT3 GlowUp | $1,615 | 350 lbs | 4 mph |
Rhythm Fun Under Desk Treadmill | $319 | 220 lbs | 3.7 mph |
WalkingPad C2 | $469 | 220 lbs | 3.72 mph |
Which is the right under-desk walking treadmill for you?
It can be difficult to sort between all the different models, so here we offer our expert recommendations on the best under-desk walking treadmills for you.
Choose this under-desk walking treadmill... | If you want... |
Goyouth 2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill | A lightweight option with excellent speed control. The 2.25 horsepower motor is quiet enough to keep walking during work calls. |
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill | An under-desk treadmill that is compact and budget-friendly for your daily runs. This is the fastest under-desk treadmill on this list. |
LifeSpan Under Desk Treadmill TR1200-DT3 GlowUp | To avoid treadmill noise during work meetings. This treadmill comes assembled right out of the box. |
Rhythm Fun Under Desk Treadmill | A wireless remote to control your walking treadmill. This treadmill has an extra-wide running belt. |
WalkingPad C2 | An affordable under-desk walking treadmill. The digital monitor and KS Fit app can track your time, steps, speed, and calories burned. |
How did we choose these under-desk walking treadmills?
To find the best under-desk walking treadmills, we considered several factors.
- Speed: If you're using your under-desk walking treadmill to move fast, you need one that can keep up with you. We included two of the fastest under-desk walking treadmills for your needs.
- Sound: If you plan on using your under-desk walking treadmill during working hours, you probably want one that is quiet during operation.
- Storage: The best under-desk walking treadmills can easily be stored when simply folded in half.
- Price: The cost of the best under-desk walking treadmills varies from less than $300 to more than $1,600, accommodating a wide range of budgets.
What is an under-desk walking treadmill?
An under-desk walking treadmill is small and compact enough to fit under a table or desk but can typically still be used as a traditional treadmill. It is ideal for smaller spaces and great for fitting in easy exercise during the work day or other sedentary periods.
What is the weight capacity for an under-desk walking treadmill?
It is critical to ensure that a walking treadmill can support your weight before you buy. The weight of an under-desk walking treadmill varies, with it all depending on individual construction. However, the best under-desk walking treadmills can accommodate a weight capacity ranging from 220 to 350 pounds.
How much does an under-desk walking treadmill cost?
The best under-desk walking treadmills range from less than $300 to more than $1,250, depending on the model you choose. Of course, there are other models out there that may be cheaper or more expensive, so it is always important to shop around and do your homework before you buy.
Are there alternative under-desk walking treadmills worth considering?
There are plenty of other options on the market when looking at under-desk treadmills. In our search for the best alternative under-desk walking treadmills, we also came across these models worth your consideration.
Best alternative under-desk treadmill
Daeyegim 2-in-1 Walking Pad Desk Treadmill
This walking pad offers a speed range of 0.5 to 5 mph, with a maximum weight capacity of 265 pounds.
Best wide belt under-desk treadmill
Urevo 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
You can use this machine as a treadmill or as an under desk walking machine. It has a wide 17-inch running belt.
Best convertible under-desk treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Treadpad with Remote Control
This treadmill pad has a speed range of 0.5 to 3.75 mph. You can add arm exercisers or an automated desk to the treadmill.