11 Best Treadmill Desks for Cozy Cardio at Home

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Ever wish you could get paid to exercise? A treadmill desk basically makes that possible — and they're having a major moment right now. The treadmill desk hashtag on TikTok has billions of views — with celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Jimmy Kimmel, and Al Roker singing high praises of them.

Beyond the hype, research has shown that adding just 5 minutes of walking for every 30 minutes of sitting may significantly improve mental and physical health to a level that may counteract the negative impacts of prolonged sitting. Even better, walking while working has been found to reduce job stress and boredom. In other words, investing in a treadmill desk is something both workers and their bosses should feel good about.

Treadmill desks are also a great option if you want to work out at home but don’t have the space for a home gym. The slim, low-key walking pads are designed to be easy to store, whether you decide to keep it under your desk permanently, slide it under your bed between uses, or even lean it upright against a wall.

If you’re ready to join the treadmill desk movement, we've listed our favorites below, as well as a few key items to consider prior to making a purchase. It's worth mentioning that few include the treadmill and the standing desk, so you may need to pick and choose depending on your needs and budget!

The Best Treadmill Desks

• Best Overall: GOYOUTH 2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill

• Best for Runners: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

• Best for Small Spaces: WALKINGPAD P1 Smart Desk Treadmill

• Most Feature-Packed Treadmill Desk: InMovement Unsit Treadmill Desk

• Best for Families: Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Folding Walkstation

What to Consider

Size & Space Requirements

Size and shape are the most important factors to think about when shopping for an under-the-desk treadmill. Pay attention to how much the treadmill weighs, its dimensions, and whether or not it's foldable, as these factors can make a big difference in how easy it is to use and store. You may want one on wheels so that you can easily move it around and put it away when it’s not in use.

You’ll want to make sure the treadmill fits in your space so you have plenty of room to move about without the risk of tripping over it. The folks at Work While Walking recommend you have 40 inches of clearance behind the treadmill and 20 inches of space on the left and right sides of it. Our picks work best on solid floors or low-pile carpets. It may sound like a given, but you should also ensure that you have easy access to an outlet to plug the treadmill in.

Speed

Don’t expect to sprint when you’re using a treadmill desk — most have a maximum speed of under 5 miles per hour, so think of this as a slow-burn activity. Because most of us walk between 3 to 4 miles per hour, it should feel as leisurely as strolling around town rather than a sweat-inducing workout. In fact, you may even go closer to 2 miles per hour since you’ll likely be operating a computer or taking Zoom meetings while using your treadmill.

Maximum User Weight

Under-the-desk treadmills typically have lower maximum user weights than standard treadmills. The latter have weight capacities between 300 and 325 pounds, and although there are a few under-the-desk treadmills that can support more than 300 pounds, most have a maximum user weight of 220 pounds. Take a look at the max weight capacity of any treadmill desk you’re considering to make sure it will work for you.

Extra Features

Some treadmills have remotes that make them easier to start, stop, and change walking speeds. Most have displays, so you can see metrics such as your total distance walked. Several have safety features, like the ability to automatically stop the machine when you step off. We recommend creating a list of must-have features that are important to you.

Whether you're planning on using a treadmill desk at home or in the office, make one of our recommended models a part of your new workspace to increase your activity and productivity levels at the same time.

2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill

There are plenty of good reasons the GOYOUTH under-desk treadmill has gone viral on TikTok. It has a durable steel frame, a multi-layer belt that helps lessen noise, and a wireless Bluetooth speaker onboard so you can listen to music while you exercise. No need to bend down every time you want to adjust the speed — this treadmill comes with its own remote control. Use it to set a consistent speed or toggle through preset variable speed programs to keep you on your toes.

The GOYOUTH treadmill reaches a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour, which should be fast enough to cover a bit of distance as you use it throughout the day. It also has a large LED display that shows your time, calories burned, steps taken, speed, and distance traveled. With a price often below $400, the GOYOUTH stretches your dollar further than other treadmills.

It’s also worth noting that this treadmill comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, so if any unwelcome surprises pop up, you should be covered.

Under Desk Walking Treadmill

This versatile, space-saving treadmill can be used in two different ways. Fold its integrated handrail down, and it becomes the perfect under-the-desk treadmill for strolling up to 3.7 miles per hour. Raise the handrails upward and you can go for a swift run — the belt maxes out at 7.5 miles per hour in that position.

The treadmill absorbs shocks and has noise-reduction tech on board. Even though the treadmill is heavier than some other under-the-desk machines we’ve seen, the weight doesn’t seem to bother users. Says one customer, “I love how light it is, yet it feels sturdy, too. I'm not very strong, I can't even do a push-up, but it was so easy for me to unpack and move it by myself.”

2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

If you want an exercise machine that will pull double duty as an under-the-desk treadmill and a jogging machine, the Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is right for you.

It goes up to 2.5 miles per hour when its handrail is lowered and up to 7.5 miles per hour when it's lifted, so you can really pick up some speed on this baby. The Goplus, which is available in seven different color options, features a stainless steel frame that’s sure to hold up well over time. Go ahead and put it to the test daily — this treadmill can handle it.

Besides that, the Goplus offers an easy installation, a built-in Bluetooth speaker, a spot to rest your phone so you can read documents or take meetings, and a remote control for adjusting speed. It features a foldable design and built-in wheels for moving and storing it.

Says one reviewer, “This walking pad is really fun to use and works well for the price! It was easy to put together, and you can slide it under a bed or couch when you aren't using it.”

More: The Best Under-Desk Bikes to Keep Your Legs Moving

P1 Smart Desk Treadmill

For those looking for a super-sleek treadmill that can easily slide under a couch after the workday is over, look no further than this option. It's extremely compact yet still reaches speeds of nearly 4 miles per hour. The treadmill offers three methods of control: your feet, the included remote control, or via a downloadable smartphone app.

It’s not surprising that this treadmill earned the Red Dot Design Award. It’s just 5 inches tall and can be folded in half, yet still packs a punch with its sturdy frame and decent speed capabilities. Plus, its ultra-quiet motor is perfect for an office setting — your colleagues won’t even know you’re squeezing in some steps during your meetings. Most Amazon reviewers remark that its walking surface is incredibly spacious, which impressed one reviewer who is over 6 feet tall.

Customers say they’ve increased their step count big time since getting this treadmill. Says one reviewer, “I’m kicking myself for not getting the walking pad sooner. I’ve had it a week, and I’m averaging 20,000 steps a day. Truly such a game changer in your mental and physical health.”

Under Desk Wooden Walking Pad

Eager to get a jump on the cozy cardio trend? Check out this under-desk treadmill from Maksone. It’s the only one on the list that has cabin-inspired wooden accents, which gives it a cozier feel for a home office (or even a living room). It hits speeds of up to 3.7 miles per hour — not so fast as to make you drip with sweat, but definitely enough to let you know that you’re moving.

There’s a remote control you can use to adjust the speed, as well as a bright LED display so you can track your metrics. It also includes 12 different walking programs to keep your daily strolls interesting.

Customers who’ve bought this treadmill say it hits all the right notes. Says one reviewer, “I am super happy with this purchase. It feels very durable and fairly high quality, and the belt has not had any alignment issues.”

Under Desk Treadmill Walking Pad

At sub-$200, this machine from Sperax makes under-desk treadmill exercise accessible to a pretty wide range of people. But the low price is just the beginning of reasons to consider it. It clocks in at just 40 pounds, making it one of the lightest machines we’ve evaluated. It would be a great gift for a grandparent who wants to increase their activity throughout the day without using anything too cumbersome.

This treadmill hits speeds of up to 3.8 miles per hour, and you can use a remote to control the settings. Its LED screen displays your speed, calories, distance, and duration. And it’s designed to be both shock absorbing and noise minimizing — your joints and your ears will love it.

Says one reviewer, “I recently purchased the Sperax Walking Pad, and I couldn't be happier with my choice. This under-desk treadmill has exceeded my expectations in every aspect.”

Treadmill with Removable Desk Workstation

Hccsport has created a desk treadmill that rivals the machines you’ll find at a fitness center with the added advantage of a built-in workstation.

It goes up to 8 miles per hour, features adjustable incline levels of up to 6%, and offers 12 preset high-impact interval training (HIIT) programs to take your fitness to the next level. When you want to use it while working, you can easily attach the desk workstation to create a surface for an iPad or laptop. It also folds up for easy storage, but it’s worth noting that it weighs a whopping 85 pounds, so you probably won’t want to move it around very often.

Overall, users love how versatile, durable, and quiet this treadmill seems to be. Some customers also say it would make a great gift for a partner. Says one reviewer, “I'm highly satisfied with this purchase and am contemplating buying another one for my wife.”

Unsit Treadmill Desk

Whether you want a treadmill desk for employees to share at your company’s headquarters, or you’re looking to give your home office a healthy upgrade, the InMovement Unsit Treadmill Desk will do the job. Sure, it's pricey, but it's an incredibly sturdy investment that will last for years, and it offers lots of options for customization.

The commercial-grade treadmill has a silent motor that won't drown out your meeting, and it has a unique design, unlike any other treadmill desk we've seen. Rather than being long and rectangular, it's wider and shorter than your average treadmill. Therefore, it won’t take up too much floor space.

The Unsit also features a Bluetooth app that tracks your steps, distance, and calories. While we wish it was a little faster (it tops at just 2 miles per hour), we appreciate that some of its parts are backed by a lifetime warranty and that it supports up to 400 pounds. We also love its appealing look that won’t stick out like a sore thumb in a well-designed office.

Slim Walking Treadpad

If you're in search of an affordable, reliable treadmill with excellent safety features, you can't go wrong with the Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadpad. This smart exercise machine includes a safety clip to detect when you step off it and will pause the running belt if no user is detected after a few seconds. If you have to hop off unexpectedly, you don’t have to worry that it will stay on indefinitely. Those with small kids or pets at home will appreciate these safety features. It also saves energy and enters power-save mode if the machine has been idle for 10 minutes.

This option comes fully assembled, includes a wireless remote control, and is on wheels. It even has a large 14-inch monitor that measures your time, speed, calories burned, steps, and distance. The treadmill can be stored upright, and it easily fits under furniture as well.

Another thing we love is how well this treadmill absorbs shock. Since it’s easy on your knees, feet, and joints, it’s a machine you’ll feel comfortable using every day.

Says one reviewer, “I purchased this little treadmill and, in combination with a standing desk, it has ended up being one of the best investments in personal health I could have made.”

Under Desk Treadmill With Incline

Want a machine that’s easy to move and store? This under-the-desk treadmill weighs just 55 pounds and has two convenient wheels. It’s just 6 inches thick, making it one of the easiest treadmills to store upright against a wall. You won’t work up a sweat moving it in and out of storage.

The treadmill is fairly quiet, thanks to its multi-layered shock-absorbing running belt, but some users report that it gets louder with age. It supports up to 265 pounds in weight, includes a remote control, and reaches speeds of up to 4 miles per hour. The UMAY treadmill comes in black, pink, or white if you’re looking for something to match your home office’s interior design.

Says one reviewer, “As someone who consciously aims to hit 10,000+ steps a day, this purchase was a no-brainer…Quiet and efficient, with zero operational issues — I highly recommend it!”

Walker Plus Compact Walking Treadmill

In case you haven’t noticed, only a handful of under-desk treadmills offer an incline — and this is one of them. The GOFIT Walker Plus Compact Walking Treadmill offers a 5% incline to give you the feeling of climbing up a hill. It doesn’t quite rival the zero to 15% incline range on most standard jogging machines, but for an under-the-desk treadmill, it’s still a pretty impressive feature that replicates what it feels like to run outside and will help you engage more muscles.

As for speed, this machine can get up to 3.73 miles per hour, which is middle-of-the-road for treadmill desks. What’s more, it comes fully assembled, has a low profile, and is backed by a one-year warranty. Even though it comes at a steeper price than other under-the-desk treadmills, the incline and design of this one helps justify the higher cost.

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