Walking pads, or under-desk treadmills, are still popular among those who work from home. They're an effective way to get movement in at home, even on inclement weather days. Another plus is that they take up less space than a treadmill.
As CNET's resident fitness expert, I'm familiar with treadmills and was curious to see how walking pads hold up. Specifically, I wanted to see how well they helped me maintain my step count. I was sent two different models to test, and this is my experience putting them through their paces.
My experience testing under-desk treadmills
I underestimated how fast these treadmills can go. I assumed that under-desk treadmills capped at 3 mph, but the treadmills I tested can go up to 5 (Egofit) and 6 mph (Costway). That’s a jogging or running pace for some people, so it’s something to consider if you plan on owning one.
Although I don’t have a proper ergonomic desk set up to use an under-desk treadmill while I work, I was able to use it on its own while I answered emails on my phone and listened to a podcast. I enjoyed being able to get some steps in while also doing some work. It made me feel extra productive and I was able to do all of this without leaving my home.
I aimed to hop on the under-desk treadmills for at least a half-hour on the days I didn’t go to the gym or when I had spare time. I tend to walk at a fast pace -- I guess that’s the New Yorker in me -- which made walking on an under-desk treadmill feel more like a power walk than a leisurely stroll. If I were using a treadmill as I worked on my laptop, I’m sure I would’ve reduced the speed to match that of a more casual stroll.
Although there are many different under-desk treadmills to choose from, I can only share my thoughts on the two I had the chance to try out. Below is a quick rundown of each under-desk treadmill, who it’s best for and what to expect.
Like
- Cushioned landing
- Small profile
- Smooth belt
Don't like
- Short tread belt
- Design could be more stylish
- Fast speed questionable without support
The Egofit ComfortDesk-M2 under-desk treadmill is considered a mini under-desk treadmill, which may matter if you’re space-limited. I found it easy to set up once you get it out of the box, and it has wheels in front, so it’s easy to move it around. The tread belt is smooth and not too loud when it’s on, and it features a honeycomb comfort deck cushioning that provides a soft landing and is easy on the knees. It comes with a remote control, which lets you increase or decrease the speed or stop the machine.
The LED digital screen is at the front base of the treadmill and displays speed, steps, time, distance and calories burned during a session. One thing I noticed that may be an issue for some people is that the tread is on the shorter side, so if you're tall and have a longer stride, you may feel like you’re going to slide off. I’m short and had a few instances where I had to be mindful of how long a stride I took.
I wouldn’t recommend jogging on a treadmill like this one because it could be risky, and there’s nothing to grab onto if you lose your footing. If you're someone who has balance issues, I would avoid under-desk treadmills because they can put you at risk of a fall. However, this can be a suitable option if you’re looking for a treadmill for casual walking while you take calls or do some work. It also has a fixed 5% incline, so it’s more challenging because it feels like you’re walking slightly uphill.
Other under-desk treadmills we tested
Like
- Aesthetically would look nice in an office or living room
- Ideal for taller people
Don't like
- Belt is not smooth
- Abrupt stop isn’t ideal when stopping
- Belt squeaks loudly when in use
Aesthetically, the Costway treadmill looks nicer and would blend in well in a home office, but the quality wasn't my favorite. Unlike the Egofit treadmill, the Costway tread is flat, with wood paneling along the edges. It also has wheels in the front and an LED screen that shares speed, calories burned, time and distance. It comes with a remote control so you can adjust the treadmill's speed.
The first thing I noticed was that the tread belt is longer, making it more ideal for taller people. A downside is that this treadmill is much louder than I would prefer when it’s in use. It squeaks and sounds like it needs lubrication (a form of upkeep when you own a treadmill). I also found myself thinking I was going to fly off of it because the lowest speeds feel faster than you would expect. The belt itself isn’t the smoothest either, which made me feel less comfortable walking on it. Compared to the Egofit, it lacked cushioning, so I wouldn’t rely on it for longer walks.
What shocked me was that this treadmill goes up to 6 mph, which I personally thought was fast for an under-desk treadmill. I wouldn’t feel comfortable increasing the speed on the Costway unless I lubricated the belt, which improved the feel. However, I still think it’s risky because when I’ve stopped this treadmill, it stops abruptly, even as it's slowing down, and you have to brace yourself. This treadmill may work if you plan to keep it at the lowest speeds (1 mph or lower) and use a standing desk for extra support.
Is it worth buying an under-desk treadmill?
If you want to sneak in some steps and movement at home, an under-desk treadmill is not a bad option. It’s helpful if you don’t have the time to get outside or hit the gym. These also take up less space than a standard treadmill and can often be stored under a couch or bed. But if you have balance issues, I would reconsider buying one because it doesn’t have support and could be a fall risk.
If you’re looking to get more out of your treadmill, I’d recommend investing in a full-size model. I would also look up reviews. There are so many under-desk treadmills now, you want to make sure you invest in one that’s smooth, quiet and fits the area for your needs.
What to consider when shopping for an under-desk treadmill
When shopping for an under desk treadmill there are some things to consider before purchasing one.
- Size: Make sure the under-desk treadmill fits well in your home. Some treadmills have a smaller frame, while others have a longer deck. You can also store some easily away under your bed or couch when it's not in use.
- Belt length: If you're tall, choose a treadmill with a longer belt. Some are shorter and may not be the right fit for you. Additionally, consider if you'd like the treadmill to have a slight incline or be completely flat.
- Speed: Some under-desk treadmills can reach up to 6 mph, so ensure you'll be comfortable with the speed settings.
- Noise: You'll want to consider the treadmill's noise level, as some are quieter than others.
- Features: Some treadmills have different features and settings, while others are more basic. Most come with a remote control so you can easily control the speed and stop when you want.
- Safety: Unlike a traditional treadmill, most under-desk treadmills don't have handles or safety rails to hold onto. Therefore, it may not be the right option for you if you have balance issues.
Best under-desk treadmill FAQs
Are under-desk treadmills effective?
Depending on what your goals are, an under-desk treadmill is helpful to get steps in if you're busy throughout the day. If you want an option to work out at home during inclement weather, it's a good piece of equipment to have.
How long should you walk on an under-desk treadmill?
You can walk on an under-desk treadmill for as long or as little as you want. As you become more comfortable walking on a treadmill, you can increase the length of time you spend on it. You can even adjust the speed to make it more challenging.