These Under-Desk Treadmills Can Help Improve Productivity At Work (2024)

Sitting for prolonged periods can weaken large muscles in the legs and glutes, leading to shortened hip flexor muscles, back problems and poor posture. If you spend the majority of your day

sitting in a chair at a desk, incorporating some activity into the workday can improve your cardiovascular health, boost your mood and even enhance productivity. An under-desk treadmill or a walking pad (which often doesn't have a handrail) is a good way to get your steps in while simultaneously getting some work done.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab, we've evaluated and researched over 30 different under-desk treadmills, looking at overall design, speed, incline capabilities, controls, dimensions, user reviews and more. We even sent some of the models to consumer testers for real-world feedback on whether or not the under-desk treadmill interfered with work calls and meetings. Keep in mind that most of these under-desk treadmills and walking pads need to be paired with a standing desk that's sold separately.

Available in black or silver to match the aesthetic of your work-from-home space, this three-in-one under-desk treadmill gives you several options. You can use it in walking mode under your current standing desk, raise the handrails to enter jogging mode or attach its removable desktop to create a desk on the machine itself.

The desktop attachment is small, but it is able to hold a laptop and a few other items so there's no need to purchase a separate standing desk. You won't be able to adjust the desktop's height though, as it has a single, fixed position, but can still be a great fit for many people.

Use the hand remote to adjust the machine up to 3.8 mph in walking mode, which is considered a brisk walk (you likely won't need to go higher than that while walking and working), or you can ramp it up to 8.6 mph when in jogging/running mode. The clear LED display on the treadmill tracks metrics including time, speed, distance and calories burned. Most reviewers agreed that the model is good quality and although the handrail is set low, the desktop option makes for a space-saving solution.

Belt size: 16.5”x 42.5” | Dimensions: ‎50.9" x 27.2" x 37.4" | Weight: 101 lbs | Maximum user weight: 286 lbs | Speed: 0.6 – 8.6 mph | Wheels: Yes

RELATED: The Best Treadmills for Your Home Gym

Some under-desk treadmills are just a walking pad, but this two-in-one option has a handrail that you can raise for jogging up to 7.5 mph if you're using it when you're not working. When the handrail is down and you're using the pad solo or with your standing desk, you'll be able to walk up to 2.5 mph, which is a leisurely pace.

The frame of the machine is made of steel so it feels sturdy when you're on it, and the running belt is smaller than our best overall choice and won't take up a ton of room.

It is delivered already assembled so you don't have to put anything together and it features transport wheels to make it easy to move around or store when not in use. There is an LED display that clearly shows metrics including time, speed, distance and calories that can be controlled with the provided remote.

In case of an emergency, the machine has a safety key that you clip to your clothes, and it immediately stops the pad if it gets pulled off. The handrail has a phone holder which you can use and connect to the corresponding app to record exercise data, and there is a speaker to play music or a podcast too.

The machine is far from perfect and the app isn't high-quality, but for the price, it does the job. Just note that the brand recommends avoiding placement on a carpet during use to avoid overheating the motor.

Belt size: 40" x16" | Dimensions: 49”x 27”x 42” | Weight: 85 lbs | Maximum user weight: 265 lbs | Speed: 0.6 – 7.5 mph | Wheels: Yes

This innovative under-desk treadmill folds in half for easy upright storage and can be tucked away in a closet or corner. It's a space-saving solution that features wheels for fairly easy transport. Best of all, it comes fully assembled.

The handrail has a slot for a phone or tablet and can be lowered if you want to pair it with a standing desk. The display, which shows speed, distance and workout time, is located at the base of the machine, and can be controlled via a hand remote control or the corresponding app. In auto mode, you can even adjust the speed with your feet by stepping on certain zones on the belt of the machine.

It's ideal for walking, but it doesn't feel as stable when running at higher speeds. The machine was quiet but nowhere near silent. Nonetheless, testers loved how portable and easy to store it was. "I even load it into my car and take it with me when I house-sit," one reviewer said.

Belt size: 47" x 17.3" | Dimensions: ‎57.17" x 28.43" x 51.18" | Weight: 89 lbs | Maximum user weight: 242 lbs | Speed: Up to 6.5 mph | Wheels: Yes

You can purchase the under-desk treadmill alone, but if you're looking to complete your work-from-home setup, then this combo machine from InMovement that features a built-in standing desk may be perfect for you. Though the cost is steep, the quality is undeniable. It's extremely durable with components that are built to last.

Although the belt is shorter on this model than others on the list, the brand claims this minimizes wasted space. However, the belt is significantly wider than most (almost double the width of some models) and offers a sturdy surface for walking.

The machine only goes up to 2.0 mph, but that's because it is exclusively designed for walking while working at the desk. It's quiet too. You can choose between a compact or executive desk size, a white or black frame, and a teak, white or black desktop. The brand also sells a matching standing desk stool in case you need a break throughout the day.

It's quite heavy and may be tough for some to move around, so we recommend setting it up one spot for good. The machine has a 400-pound maximum capacity (higher than many), and it feels extremely well-made. Online reviewers agreed that it is well worth the investment.

Belt size: 30" x 40" | Dimensions: 39" x 58" x 54" | Weight: 162 lbs | Maximum user weight: 400 lbs | Speed: 0.3 – 2.0 mph | Wheels: Yes

If you're looking for a more minimal under-desk treadmill at a decent price, this option from UREVO may fit the bill. Available in red or black, this under-desk treadmill arrives fully assembled and can be used right after you unbox it.

The LED display on the front of the treadmill base allows you to track speed, distance, time and calories. The machine comes with a remote to adjust your speed. Note though that the remote will only increase the speed up to 3.8 mph, but the buttons on the handrail allow you to reach speeds of up to 7.6 mph if you plan to run on the treadmill.

Reviewers on Amazon gave it a 4.3-star rating, with many who highlighted the slim design, how easy it was to move around (it only weighs 66 pounds and has wheels) and how simple it is to store. The maximum user weight is only 265 pounds which is something to keep in mind.

Belt size: 17" x 42.5" | Dimensions: 52.6" x 26.4" x 39.7" | Weight: 66 lbs | Maximum user weight: 265 lbs | Speed: Up to 7.6 mph | Wheels: Yes

This highly rated under-desk treadmill is durable and has all the features you need to stay active during the workday. It comes fully assembled and supports users up to 400 pounds. Although it doesn't include a standing desk, Lifespan does offer more premium options that do.

The TX6-GlowUp provides metrics including steps, time, distance, calories and speed, and goes up to speeds of 6.0 mph, so you have a range to comfortably walk. We also like that its 20-inch-wide belt is larger than many other under-desk treadmills we evaluated.

The built-in wheels allow you to move it around and easily slide it under a couch, bed or console for storage. The machine is very quiet and can barely be heard when wearing headphones, so it's a great option if you'll be using it during Zoom meetings or if you live with other family members or roommates or in an apartment building where you're looking to be mindful of not disturbing others.

Belt size: 20" x 48.8" | Dimensions: 60“ x 28“ x 5.8“ | Weight: 88 lbs | Maximum user weight: 400 lbs | Speed: 0.4 – 6.0 mph | Wheels: Yes

Great for small spaces like apartments, this option from GOYOUTH is lightweight and compact. You can use it on its own, or put in under a desk to walk while you work. You won't get the quality of some of the other larger machines, but it does the job considering its shorter belt and moderate price. Though this model only accommodates users up to 220 pounds, it can reach speeds of 6 mph.

We like that it's available in a variety of colors to coordinate with your home office space, and tracks metrics like time, calories, speed and more that are clearly displayed at the base of the machine. The transport wheels allow it to easily be stored under a couch or bed frame when not in use — just be sure to check the height clearance underneath your furniture (it's 5.51 inches high).

You can connect the treadmill to your phone via Bluetooth if you want to play music as you work or exercise. This is one of the few walking pads that offers 12 built-in programs if you want a literal change of pace.

Belt size: 15.75" x 41.34" | Dimensions: 50.59" x 22.44" x 5.51" | Weight: 51 lbs | Maximum user weight: 220 lbs | Speed: 0.5 - 6 mph | Wheels: Yes

You'll notice that we didn't include options with an incline on our list. That's because our experts say that walking on an incline while working can actually put significant strain on your lower back and joints and take your body out of an appropriate neutral position while doing computer work.

While many of the options on our list offer high speeds for jogging and running, our fitness pros say that the models featured are best used for leisurely walking since that is their primary design.

Before making the commitment to an under-desk treadmill, there are a few factors that you'll want to consider.

✔️ Size: This is important as you need to make sure you have room for the under-desk treadmill or walking pad. Even though these machines tend to be smaller than traditional treadmills, you'll still want to pay close attention to the product's dimensions so it’ll fit your space. Also double-check the treadmill’s maximum weight capacity to ensure you can use it safely.

✔️ Speed: Are you planning to use the treadmill for running or jogging when you're not working? Then opt for a sturdy option that can be adjusted to higher speeds safely. Most under-desk treadmills are only designed for leisurely walking.

✔️ Cost: Budget is a key consideration when purchasing an under-desk treadmill. While most options range from $300 to $600, some options can be cheaper whereas others can cost significantly more. Quality tends to be better with the higher-end models in this category. And keep in mind that you'll typically have to purchase a separate standing desk to pair with the under-desk treadmill or walking pad if you don't already have one. The ones with desks included tend to be pricer.

✔️ Special features: Decide whether you'd be satisfied with an LED display with standard buttons and controls or if you'd prefer extra bells and whistles like a touchscreen, hand remote and app connectivity.

✔️ Setup and delivery: Although under-desk treadmills tend to be more compact than traditional treadmills, they are by no means small or light. Check the total weight of the machine and whether or not it has wheels for transport. Most of the options on our list come fully assembled which is helpful, but you may need assistance getting them out of the box. If you plan to move the treadmill to a basem*nt or small room in your home, double-check that its dimensions will fit though doorways and around tight corners.

✔️ Warranty: Check the treadmill’s warranty and prioritize products with a longer offering, especially for key parts like the motor or frame.

Good Housekeeping Institute's Nutrition and Wellness Lab Director Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-certified personal trainer, she uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute.

She also holds advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist. From vigorously testing exercise equipment and apps to curating workout plans for GH readers, Sassos is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. She regularly covers fitness equipment including treadmills, foldable treadmills and exercise bikes.

Amy Schlinger is a freelance journalist who has been working in the health and fitness industry for more than a decade. She regularly covers health, fitness, wellness and lifestyle topics. As a National Academy for Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), Schlinger is extremely passionate about fitness and healthy living, and she can often be found strength training in the gym, testing and writing about gear and equipment like running shoes, leggings, treadmills and rowers. She has run six half marathons, completed two triathlons, biked two century rides and finished two Tough Mudder races as well as four Spartan races — and is about to compete in her first HYROX competition.