The Best Under-Desk Treadmills for Your Office, 2024

Working hours putting a damper on your fitness progress? Under-desk treadmills are slim, convenient cardio machines, which can allow you to sprinkle in some training while also tending to emails, virtual meetings, assignments, and more. However, because your goal is to multitask while using an under-desk treadmill, the design and performance of your machine is going to differ from some of the best treadmills out there, which allow for more intense training. 

Let’s face it, as much as we’d like to sprint through our work days, sprinting while working can be even more of a challenge. So, to help you stay active and productive when clocked in, we’ve gone through the paces to determine the best under-desk treadmills on the market today. Here are our picks. 

The 6 Best Under-Desk Treadmills of 2024

• Best Under-Desk Treadmill Overall: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
• Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Under Desk Walking Running Treadpad
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: UREVO Foldable Treadmill with Auto Incline
• Best Folding Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad C2 Mini Foldable Treadmill
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill Uner $500: Egofit Walker Pro Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Quality Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR1000-GlowUp Under-Desk Treadmill

How We Tested and Chose the Best Under-Desk Treadmills 

The team at BarBend is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, dedicated fitness enthusiasts, and more. That said, we still have day jobs that take us out of our beloved training environments now and again, so we understand the need for office workouts to help keep your fitness aspirations on track while balancing work duties. In researching products for this round-up and getting hands-on experience with 10 different under-desk treadmills, we took note of how easy it would be to add these machines to our professional setups. 

In determining the best under-desk treadmills, we looked at common factors like price, available speeds, and weight capacity, but we also had to remember that these machines are just as much a work accessory as they are a training tool. Below, you’ll find in-depth information on how each component influenced our decisions when curating this guide.

Price

While some of the best budget treadmills still come with a price tag around $600 to $1,300, under-desk treadmills are traditionally less expensive, with many top-performing profiles coming in between $300 and $1,000. Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto notes, “For people on a budget, under-desk treadmills provide a lower-cost option that still allows for great exercise.” These savings can be attributed to their smaller stature and lack of features that cater more to high-intensity training.

That said, though, a few hundred dollars is still a good chunk of change to drop on a machine, so we did our best to outline when a pick showcased the most value, as well as when a treadmill’s performance justified its price tag.

Size and Storage

We looked at multiple under-desk treadmill profiles and took note of both the overall dimensions and the length of the running deck. Thinner treadmills can be great for stashing under a bed or nearby couch, whereas larger, more robust profiles may need to become permanent fixtures in your office. We also made note of under-desk treadmills featuring a foldable design, which can lend themselves to more convenient storage.

[Related: The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024 (Expert Tested)]

Speed

Under-desk treadmills are typically not as powerful as traditional treadmills, which makes sense since they’re not designed for running. You don’t need a burly motor churning out limitless horsepower if you’re never going to get above a brisk walking pace. Still, though, you want to ensure that your equipment is capable of keeping pace with your activity, which is why we took a gander at each treadmill’s motor output and max speed.

For walking purposes, we looked for profiles capable of reaching between 2.5 and 4 miles per hour — what the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans defines as a “brisk walk.” (1) If an under-desk treadmill could also support light or moderate jogging paces, that target speed increased to 6 miles per hour and above.

Extra Features

Under-desk treadmills don’t need the same bells and whistles as other profiles because they’re used more as an accessory than an all-out training machine. Steep inclines and broad touchscreens would only convolute your work setup. 

[Related: The 8 Best Treadmills with Screens in 2024, As Chosen by Our Experts]

That said, there are some conveniences we looked for when curating this guide, such as handheld remotes, safety cords that shut down the machine if you lose your balance, and foldable designs for easier storage.

Weight Capacity

You’re going to be standing, walking, and potentially running atop your under-desk treadmill day in and day out, so it helps to go with a profile that can comfortably house your bodyweight without issues. Most under-desk treadmills, including those chosen for this round-up, carry a max weight capacity of at least 220 pounds. Some may be able to support heavier loads — we tested a few silhouettes capable of holding between 265 and 350 pounds — but this can lead to bulkier designs that take up more floor space overall.

Best Under-Desk Treadmill Overall: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

The GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is our favorite under-desk treadmill due to its hybrid design and lightweight build. It can operate as both a traditional treadmill and an under-desk machine. With the handlebar up, it can reach speeds of up to 7.5 miles per hour. Folding the handlebar down reduces its height to just 5 inches — allowing it to slip under standing desks — and also reduces its max speed to 2.5 miles per hour. Our tester scored its portability and their workout experience a 4 out of 5. Value scored a 4.25 out of 5.

We think the Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is one of the best walking treadmills, but its quiet 2.25 HP motor can also support a bit of light jogging. Our tester did notice, though, that it can be tough for the motor to get the belt rolling when the user is standing atop the machine. For this reason, we recommend powering up this treadmill first, then hopping onto the belt once it’s going.

There’s also an included remote control that allows for quick speed adjustments during workouts. “It’s easy to use this for a few hours during my workday,” noted our tester, giving workout experience a 4 out of 5. This affordable under-desk treadmill also features a built-in speaker with Bluetooth connectivity, although our tester noted that it “doesn’t sound great.” Tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5. 

The dimensions of this treadmill should be accommodating for most home office set-ups and standing desks, but be sure to place it on a hard surface or running mat. According to the brand, it’s best to forgo placement on a carpeted floor, as this can potentially lead to the motor overheating during use.

At $299.99, this machine is one of the best treadmills under $1,000, giving users access to a larger speed range than the average under-desk machine and a slim profile to save your floor space.

Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Under Desk Walking Running Treadpad

We get that listing a more expensive option as our favorite budget under desk treadmill pick may not sound correct at immediate glance, but this Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Under Desk Walking Running Treadpad is routinely on sale at wallet-friendly price tags, so take our word when we praise its impressive affordability. 

Outside of its approachable cost, this under-desk treadmill has a lot going for it in the performance department, too. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, noted how sound and efficient the motor was during hours of meetings. They gave workout experience a 5 out of 5. 

“The higher speeds were good for getting in a brisk walk and logging some steps,” they said. “I use this once a day, usually when I’m in a meeting or when I need a break from sitting.” They also liked how its minimum speed of 0.5 miles per hour provided a slow, steady base for when you need to focus on work. 

Multiple customer reviews note how quiet this under-desk treadmill is when powered up. “The treadmill makes a quiet whirring sound… Certainly neighbors in adjoining apartments could not hear someone walking on it,” notes one happy customer. Our tester rated its noise a 3 out of 5. “My colleagues didn’t notice the noise level of the treadmill during Zoom calls, however there’s a loud beeping when the treadmill shuts off, and they could hear that.”

There’s an automatic shut-off feature that pauses the running belt if no user is detected after 5 seconds, and an included emergency stop clip that will immediately shut down the treadmill if you lose your balance. However, this cord length is not long enough for taller athletes, so we weren’t always able to clip in to take advantage of this extra precaution. 

“I’m over 6 feet tall and the emergency stop clip wasn’t long enough for me,” noted one tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. It’s also important to note that the 14-inch wide belt deck may be too narrow for some users.

This Sunny Health & Fitness profile can reach a maximum speed of just under 4 miles per hour, so don’t expect to bust out a light jog atop this device. If you’re looking to get a brisk walk in throughout your work day, though, and want the best bang for your buck, this is definitely a profile worth considering.

[Related: The 9 Best Treadmills on Amazon of 2024]

Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Urevo Foldable Treadmill with Auto Incline

Whether you’re tracking macros for weight loss or just looking to get more exercise during your day, an under-desk treadmill with incline will provide you some added intensity. The Urevo Foldable Treadmill can reach pitches of up to 9 percent, which can be adjusted as you walk with the included remote. It’s rare to find an incline that steep — especially one that doesn’t need to be adjusted manually — on an under-desk treadmill. 

This UREVO Foldable Treadmill is also worthwhile thanks to its durable makeup. It supports users up to 265 pounds, which is impressive since under-desk treadmills tend to max out at around 220 pounds. That brawn comes at a price though, as this heavier profile can be difficult to maneuver around. At 71 pounds, it’s about 10 to 20 pounds heavier than other walking treadmills we’ve tested.

You can also connect your under-desk treadmill to the Urevo app for preset and customizable workout targets and programs. However, the app currently has a 1.3 out of 5 rating on the app store. A 1-star reviewer mentioned, “The app is pretty much only useful as a remote for my treadmill.” 

It’s also worth noting that the included instruction manual can be difficult to follow. One customer review mentioned, “The instructions included are very basic.” From our research, though, it appears that the main issue lies with the “Safety Key.” This component must be placed in its designated slot for the under-desk treadmill to power on. We’ve included this note here to help alleviate any headaches that otherwise would be left unresolved when trying to reference the manual. 

[Related: The 7 Best Incline Treadmills of 2024]

Best Folding Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad C2 Mini Foldable Treadmill

Want a space-saving under-desk treadmill that’s easy to store when not in use? This C2 Mini Foldable Treadmill from WalkingPad can fold up to nearly half its size, perfect for tucking away under furniture or off in a corner during non-working hours. Granted, some may find this joint where the treadmill folds to be a distraction during operation, but being able to pack up your equipment as if it were a lawn chair is a convenience not shared by most profiles in the space. 

[Related: The Best Compact Exercise Equipment of 2024] 

We also appreciate how lightweight this profile is at just 55 pounds, and with attached transport wheels it’s easy to set in place and move around the office when necessary. “It’s a great little treadmill… that’s easy to fold in half and wheel out of the way,” said one customer review.

The WalkingPad C2 Mini Foldable Treadmill is suited for enthusiastic walkers, as it’s capable of reaching speeds just under 4 miles per hour. Those looking to jog and/or run will want to look elsewhere. 

The shock-absorbing EVA cushioned deck is also noteworthy, as it can help ease the stress on your joint as you walk. However, some customer reviews have complained about its durability. “The track doesn’t stay centered after using it for a week or two. Even after adjusting it to the middle after walking for a few steps, the track veers to the left and makes the treadmill stop performing well,” mentioned one review. 

Additionally, this under-desk treadmill is unique in that it’s available in multiple colorways. Normally, you don’t have the option to color-code your fitness equipment to your office aesthetic, so it’s nice to have the opportunity to add a little flair to your work environment.

Best Compact Under-Desk Treadmill: Egofit Walker Pro Under-Desk Treadmill

The compact Egofit Walker Pro Under-Desk Treadmill — also one of our picks for the best treadmills under $500 — takes up less than 6 square feet of space when in use. Plus, the fixed 5-percent incline facilitates more intense training throughout the day — although we do wish this setting was adjustable for easier sessions. Delivery and setup scored a perfect 5 out of 5, while workout experience and customer reviews scored a 4 out of 5.

We also enjoyed how simple it was to set up this under-desk treadmill. The entire unit comes pre-assembled, so all that was needed was an open outlet to get this profile up and running (okay, walking). Also, the machine isn’t too noisy. “When it did make sound, it was from the belt shifting and rubbing against the machine, which could be because I was using this treadmill on carpet instead of a perfect flat surface,” mentioned tester and BarBend editorial member Kate Meier. Noise scored a 4.5 out of 5.

“I‘ve probably walked over a hundred miles on it,” noted Meier. “Whenever I have to move it, all I do is pick it up off the floor. It’s 60 pounds and kind of an awkward shape, but is fine for me to lift.” Portability scored a 4.5 out of 5. 

The compact design means there’s no handrails or LED display, but the included remote makes toggling the speed settings a breeze. That compactness, however, results in a belt that’s just 34 inches long, which may impact taller users. 

Our tester also found the 2 HP motor “underpowered in comparison to other walking treadmills,” noting that it struggled a bit during extended sessions.  If you need a machine that can stand up to hours of continuous use, it may be best to look elsewhere.

Best Quality Under-Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR 1000-GlowUp Under-Desk Treadmill

The LifeSpan TR1000 GlowUp is a high-quality walking machine — I mean, a walking MACHINE. The 2.25 HP motor is whisper-quiet and the deck’s suspension comes loaded with compression shocks designed to absorb impact and dampen walking noise. It can also support users up to 350 pounds, which is more than 100 pounds more than other under-desk treadmills we’ve tried. Workout experience scored a 5 out of 5 with our tester, while adjustability, durability, and value scored a 4 out of 5.

You’re getting a high-quality piece of equipment with a portable console in lieu of handlebars that includes an LCD display providing training metrics. At $1,399, though, this treadmill is between $800 and $1,100 more expensive than most other walking treadmills we’ve tried, but the sticker shock is softened somewhat by its impressive warranty, which covers the frame for 10 years, the parts for two, and the labor for one. Warranty and returns scored a 4 out of 5.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, has been using this treadmill for a couple of months now. “I love it. I use it almost every day while I’m working to get more steps and increase my heart rate,” they said. 

Users will just have to make sure to measure their under-desk clearance, as the 28.5 inch wide footprint is about 5 inches wider than the average under-desk treadmill. “Luckily, it fits under my desk, but I only have about an inch of clearance on either side,” noted our tester. The extra inches serve a purpose, though — the 20-inch width of the belt deck is about 4 inches wider than most under-desk treadmills. 

You’ll also want to make sure you want a dedicated walking treadmill, as the TR1000 GlowUp’s max speed is just 4 miles per hour. As such, don’t expect to partake in any HIIT workouts on this machine. Regardless, workout experience scored a 5 out of 5 with our tester. “It’s kind of bulky for an under-desk treadmill, but it tracks my steps, time, calories, and distance, and is quiet enough that my husband’s never complained,” they said. 

Benefits of Under-Desk Treadmills

Under-desk treadmills aren’t as powerful or feature-rich as other silhouettes on the market, but they’re an excellent way to reap the benefits of walking at work. Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto notes, “Under-desk treadmills allow people to add more movement into their days without taking time away from their job.” Below are some of the key perks that can come from walking while you work.

Time Management

Finding time in your schedule for a worthwhile workout isn’t always the easiest task. You have a job, a social life, and other responsibilities that can take importance over your daily trip to the gym. Rather than leaving your training habits off your to-do list altogether, under-desk treadmills allow you to pull double time while accomplishing other tasks during working hours. This opportunity for physical activity can help you stay on target with your fitness goals without hindering your performance in other areas of your day-to-day life.

Now, we still recommend prioritizing your training regimen whenever possible. Taking the time to focus on exercising at higher intensities should always be the goal for improved health and wellness. But for those days where there’s little time to get to the gym or sneak away for a session, under-desk treadmills can be a worthwhile solution.

Increased Activity Levels

Even if you’re squeezing in-chair exercises between meetings, studies indicate that up to 71 percent of a typical work day can have you in a sedentary position, meaning you’re sitting or leaning with an energy expenditure of 1.5 metabolic equivalent task (MET) or less. (2)(3) Essentially, you’re not moving for prolonged periods of time, which can potentially lead to health consequences, including an increased risk for disease and mortality.

Thankfully, combatting this ominous forecast doesn’t require a herculean effort — just increasing your physical activity a few days a week can be enough to right the ship. (4) Under-desk treadmills can be great for getting your body active while still keeping your focus on your daily tasks and work requirements.

How to Choose the Best Under-Desk Treadmill

When looking for the ideal under-desk treadmill, there are a few factors worth considering. Capritto notes, “Under-desk treadmills tend to be cheaply built compared to ‘real’ treadmills. This isn’t always the case, but it’s something to be aware of.” Below, you’ll find our recommended points worth emphasizing to help ensure your decision creates a quality workout experience that also facilitates your workday productivity.

Price

Under-desk treadmills are typically less expensive than other treadmill silhouettes, given their size and lessened emphasis on high-intensity training. Typically, you can find suitable profiles ranging from $300 to $1,399. Cheaper models typically showcase an abundance of plastic components, which can influence the noise and durability of the treadmill itself. More expensive profiles may boast better warranties and build qualities, but that can compromise their portability and storage, too. Be sure to strike a balance that fits your needs and budget best.

Size and Storage

Your under-desk treadmill should be able to, well, fit under your desk. So, be sure to go with a profile that is slender enough to fit comfortably within your working space. Most under-desk treadmills come in between 20 and 30 inches wide, so having around 3 feet should be enough to house most machines.

If you want to store your under-desk treadmill when not in use, ensure the device’s height can fit underneath a nearby bed or couch. Most under-desk treadmills feature heights around 6.5 inches, which allows them to be tucked out of sight when not on the clock. Some options also feature a foldable design, which can allow for even more convenient storage opportunities.

Power and Speed

Given their compact stature, it’s common to see under-desk treadmills with smaller, less powerful motors than their high-intensity brethren. Most under-desk treadmills will feature a motor churning out between one and three horsepower, which is enough to support a brisk walking pace during use.

If you’d like to utilize your under-desk treadmill for running scenarios in-between conference calls, you can opt for more powerful machines that can reach speeds of 6 miles per hour and higher. If you want to train at a faster tempo than this, it may be best to opt for a standard treadmill. These rigs often showcase max speeds of 12 miles per hour, along with other features more suited to high-intensity training. If you’d like a little comfort with your sweat, the best high-end treadmills often provide fitness app integration and cutting-edge tech.

Noise

Your under-desk treadmill shouldn’t distract you from your work, so it’s best to opt for a profile that’s nearly silent while in use. Most under-desk treadmills market themselves as quiet in operation, but few list the actual decibel statistics on their page. So, be sure to check out the customer reviews, if available, to see if your machine is as quiet as it claims.

You can also look at the build quality of your treadmill when trying to address potential noise issues. Profiles containing a lot of plastic, for example, can have a tendency to creak and crack more than silhouettes featuring more durable materials. This may be great for keeping your under-desk treadmill light and portable, but can also create audio feedback every time you take a step.

Weight Capacity

You want to ensure your under-desk treadmill can support you during use without breaking down, so be sure to look at the listed max user weight before adding a profile to your cart. Capritto notes, “Under-desk treadmills have lower weight capacities [compared to standard treadmills] and may not support individuals who have higher body weights.” 

Most under-desk treadmills can withstand a load of at least 220 pounds, though some can go as high as 350 pounds. Be aware, though, that you may need to sacrifice some conveniences like easy storage and portability in the process.

Final Word

If you’re thinking of adding one of these space-saving cardio machines to your workspace, be sure to look for a profile that caters to both your training and professional needs. You’ll want an under-desk treadmill that can support brisk walking paces, as well as one that fits comfortably underneath your desk. You can even opt for a pick with incline adjustments and higher max speeds to support more running focused training, if you fancy a heightened exercise challenge in-between emails and online meetings.

In the end, though, it’s important to remember that you’re aiming to make the most of your time when focused training is out of the question. Find the right machine for your needs, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving (or creating) fitness goals as efficiently as possible.

FAQs

References

1. Physical activity guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition – health.gov. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf?ref=simplegreensteps.com
2. Clemes, S. A., O’Connell, S. E., & Edwardson, C. L. (2014). Office Workers’ objectively measured sedentary behavior and physical activity during and outside working hours. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 56(3), 298–303.
3. Park, J. H., Moon, J. H., Kim, H. J., Kong, M. H., & Oh, Y. H. (2020). Sedentary lifestyle: Overview of updated evidence of potential health risks. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 41(6), 365–373.
4. Inoue, K., Tsugawa, Y., Mayeda, E. R., & Ritz, B. (2023). Association of Daily Step Patterns With Mortality in US Adults. JAMA network open, 6(3), e235174. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.5174