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The best walking pad for 2025, tested and reviewed

These compact treadmills are perfect for sliding under your desk or setting up in front of your TV to get your steps in.

Rachel McPherson
Updated
The best walking pad for 2025, tested and reviewed

Walking is one of the simplest ways to support your overall health, but hitting a 7,000 to 10,000 daily step goal? That’s a whole other challenge. If battling the weather or gym crowds isn’t your thing, a walking pad could be your new favorite workout buddy, offering convenience, compact design and stress-free storage.

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"Walking pads are an amazing, low-cost way to increase your daily step count at home," says Milica McDowell, DPT, certified exercise physiologist and VP of operations at Gait Happens. She adds that walking pads are an ideal solution for anyone wanting to walk safely in the comfort of their home or those who work from home seeking to add more movement to their workday.

Walking pads provide a low-impact workout but can often adjust to a range of intensity levels for multiple health benefits. "Walking pads can improve blood circulation, blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health, ultimately helping to reduce your risk for heart disease, heart attacks or strokes," says Josh York, certified personal trainer, CEO and founder of Gymguyz. Walking on a pad can also enhance posture, strengthen your core and support the development of healthy bones and muscles, explains York. Research shows that regularly using a walking pad or under-desk treadmill while performing work tasks can help increase calorie burn and metabolic rate. And in general, walking on a treadmill offers numerous benefits, including lowering the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, enhancing walking speeds in those who have suffered strokes and improving mental well-being and cognitive function, particularly in older populations.

Essentially, walking pads make incorporating physical activity into your daily routine easier to do. They quickly power on for short power-walking work breaks — which can improve productivity — or they can be used for lengthier cardio sessions while watching your favorite TV shows or for striding away while you work at a standing desk.

To uncover the benefits and features of walking pads, we consulted four fitness experts and thoroughly researched and tested 12 of the most popular walking pad models. Drawing from my expertise as a personal trainer and strength and conditioning specialist — as well as four years of experience using walking pads while working at my desk — I combined hands-on testing with professional insight to identify the best walking pad for 2025 along with other top picks based on factors like size, cost, ease of use and incline. Here’s what our extensive testing revealed.

Merach

Best overall

Merach Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill T19

Dimensions: 48.7 in. x 20.47 in. x 5 in. | Incline: No | Weight capacity: 220 lbs. | Speed range: 0.6-3.8 mph | Product weight: 41.2 lbs. | Integrated wheels: Yes

With a combination of affordable pricing, sleek design and easy-to-use features, the Merach Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill won our pick for best overall.

While it's basic, it works perfectly well for what most people want a walking pad for — it fits under a desk, has a range of walking speeds and is discreet enough to stay out and about without being obtrusive. Another benefit? It's ready to go right out of the box, which was a highlight for our tester. "I enjoy using this product. I love how easy it is to set up and program, right out of the box. That is probably the highlight for me. It also fits under a table with ease and makes for the perfect walking pad to utilize while working. The relatively small size is also a plus," she shared. 

Like most walking pads, the Merach has a speed range from 0.6 to 3.8 miles per hour, which is from very slow to brisk walking speeds. Adjusting speeds is easy with its simple, intuitive controls, and a shock-absorbing walking deck makes walking comfortable. Plus, the walking pad fits neatly under a desk and is compact enough that you could leave it out rather than bothering to store it away. This model doesn't fold, but it's pretty light and has wheels that make moving it around much more manageable.

Overall, with a price tag of $99, the Merach Walking Pad is a great all-around choice that's durable and easy on the wallet. 

The only downside that stood out during testing was the noise — it's a little louder than some other options. The machine comes with lubricant and a 2-year warranty, which you can extend by another year by signing up within 14 days of purchase.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Compact
  • Supportive belt
Cons
  • Noise level
  • Doesn't fold
  • lower weight capacity than most
$99 at Walmart
EGOFIT

Best compact

EgoFit Walker Pro

Dimensions: 38.4 in. x 21.9 in. x 6.9 in. | Walking deck dimensions: 34.3 in. x 16.5 in. | Incline: Fixed 5% incline | Weight capacity: 220 lbs. | Speed range: 0.62–3.11 mph | Product weight: 48.5 lbs. | Integrated wheels: Yes

If you're looking for a walking pad that takes up minimal space, the EgoFit Walker Pro is hard to beat. With a quiet motor and a footprint of just 5.8 square feet, it’s compact enough to fit almost anywhere. While it doesn’t include advanced tech features, we appreciate its focus on simplicity and functionality.

One standout feature of the Walker Pro is its 5% fixed incline, which adds an extra uphill challenge to your walks. Research suggests this incline can increase calorie burn by up to 17%. The display panel tracks key metrics like speed, distance, step count and calories burned, while the included remote control lets you easily start, stop and adjust the speed.

The pad has over 1,000 Amazon reviews and 75% are 5-star. One called the pad "One of the best purchases I've made," adding, "I have nothing but good things to say about this product," and "It is small, lightweight, and has wheels so it is easy to move around. It fits nicely under my desk when not in use and does not crowd my office when it is out and in use. It comes already assembled which is majorly convenient."

Our own tester agreed with these points. "Overall, this is a great product. Simple, straightforward, and does what you want it to do. It's great to use under a desk while working or while watching television. The remote worked perfectly for adjusting speed. Incline is permanently set at 5% — this feels like a good amount of incline to give you a little bit of an extra challenge without interfering with your ability to do tasks at your desk," she shared.

Although taller users might find the belt dimensions a bit tight, the range of walking speeds should suit most people. provided you’re comfortable with the incline, as it isn’t adjustable. Overall, the EgoFit Walker Pro is an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing space-saving design and straightforward functionality.

Pros
  • Compact size
  • Simple to use
  • Incline provides an added challenge
Cons
  • Incline is non-adjustable
  • Pad dimensions may not accommodate taller users
  • More expensive than many
$399 at Amazon
Mobvoi

Best budget

Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill

Dimensions: 48.7 in. x 20.47 in. x 5 in. | Incline: No | Weight capacity: 265 lbs. | Speed range: 0.6-3.8 mph | Product weight: 50 lbs. | Integrated wheels: Yes

If you're looking for a walking pad that will get the job done without straining your bank account, the Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill will do the trick. This straightforward tread was tested by Yahoo Life Health Editor Laura Williams, who is also an exercise physiologist and claims to being a bit of an exercise equipment snob. While she admits this Mobvoi model isn't top of the line, she had very few complaints about its functionality. "I like it for what it's supposed to do. It's not fancy, doesn't have extra features, but it's also not a piece of equipment I'd be trying to use for more than simply walking while working at my desk. If someone wanted this for more of a true walking/jogging exercise treadmill, I don't think it's quite up to the challenge. But for an under-desk treadmill for increasing activity? It does the job," she says. 

One happy 5-star reviewer states, "The build quality is exceptional. When I first unboxed the unit I was surprised at the solid construction. For the money I was expecting a certain amount of flimsiness to the build but I was pleasantly surprised to see that the people at Mobvoi spent the time to make it well put together."

Williams, who has been testing this model for almost a year, notes that the plastic casing around the belt will break off if you step on it awkwardly as you get on or off the tread, but it doesn't affect the belt's function. She also notes that for longer walks, it's not as shock-absorptive as it could be. "I've walked for up to three hours at a time on this walking pad. If I'm on it for a while, my feet can start to tingle. It's probably best for shorter walks," she says. 

Pros
  • Compact size
  • Easy to use
  • Good value
Cons
  • May not be as durable as others
  • Noisier than other models
  • May not be ideal for longer walks due to less shock absorption
$80 at Amazon
UREVO

Best incline

Urevo Strol 2S Pro

Dimensions: 50 in. x 22 in. x 6.1 in. (folded) | Walking deck dimensions: 42.4 in. x 16.5 in. | Incline: Yes (0-9%) | Weight capacity: 265 lbs. | Speed range: 0.6–7.6 mph | Product weight: 57 lbs. | Integrated wheels: Yes

Walking on an incline naturally adds a challenge — you're fighting gravity, after all — and the extra work helps you burn more calories. The Urevo Strol 2S Pro makes this even easier with its adjustable incline offering nine settings, allowing you to customize the intensity of your walk with the press of a button. We appreciated the dual displays that provide real-time exercise data and were impressed by its solid build quality, particularly the standout shock absorption system. While it's on the heavier side for a walking pad, the integrated wheels make it easy to move between rooms.

With the handlebar raised, you can use the Strol 2S Pro as a treadmill for running at speeds of up to 7.6 miles per hour. This may not have you breaking any world records, but it's a good range of speeds for knocking out a brisk jog. The handles are also a nice safety feature for users with balance issues. 

With the handlebar folded down, you can easily control the speed and incline of the pad with the included remote. "I really like using this product," shared our tester. "It was a great experience using it in my living room and watching a show on TV. I liked how easy it was to unbox and put together and how easy it is to adjust the speed and the incline either on the treadmill or using the remote control." 

Overall, reviews are positive, including one saying, "It is sturdy and durable. It works like larger treadmills. The incline rises and lowers smoothly and gradually to 9, 7, 5, or 0 degrees."

Note that some reviews mention issues with delivery. And one minor quirk we noticed is that the "pause" function resets to the lowest speed rather than the last speed used, but this is a minor inconvenience in an otherwise excellent machine.

Pros
  • Nine incline settings
  • Designed for enhanced shock absorption
  • Can also use as a treadmill for running
Cons
  • Doesn't resume previous speed when unpaused
  • The pad's weight can make it difficult to move
$530 at Urevo
UREVO

Most quiet

Urevo Spacewalk E4

Dimensions: 47.6 in. x 18.9 in. x 4.4 in. | Incline: No | Weight capacity: 265 lbs. | Speed range: 0.6-4 mph | Product weight: 42.3 lbs. | Integrated wheels: Yes

If you live in an apartment or plan to use your walking pad at work — or around a work-from-home partner — you’ll likely want a model with minimal noise. The Urevo Spacewalk E4 is an excellent choice, featuring a quiet motor, a smooth belt and a sturdy frame that reduces vibration. It even includes a mute button on the remote to silence those "beeps" when adjusting speeds. Our tester called out the quiet nature of the machine, stating: "It's quiet enough to walk and watch a TV show or not disturb others in the area." 

Like many of the other basic models on this list, the Spacewalk E4 works as it's intended and wins points for its ease of use and compact size. "The footprint is so minimal, which makes it easy to store in plain sight. I like the remote control and the ease of changing pace," shared our tester. A 5-star reviewer on Amazon also notes, "It's lightweight, has a quiet but powerful motor; it is very simple and easy to use in the house."

This walking pad is perfect for work environments thanks to its whisper-quiet operation and slim design, which fits easily under a desk or tucks neatly under furniture for storage. Setup is a breeze — just wheel it into place, plug it in and start walking. However, the belt may need tightening and lubrication before first use for optimal performance. Luckily, the Spacewalk E4 comes with lubricating oil, a hex key and a 1-year warranty to get you started hassle-free.

Pros
  • Smooth belt with minimal vibration
  • Large display
  • Sturdy and durable
Cons
  • May need regular tightening
  • Doesn't fold
$230 at Amazon
Yemsd

Highest weight capacity

Yemsd Walking Pad/3-in-1 Portable Under Desk Treadmill

Dimensions: 45 in. x 19 in. x 4.3 in. | Walking deck dimensions: 37 in. x 15 in. | Incline: No | Weight capacity: 330 lbs. | Speed range: 0.5–3.8 mph | Product weight: 38.7 lbs. | Integrated wheels: Yes

Walking pads with higher weight capacities tend to be more durable, making them a smart choice if you weigh over 200 pounds. The Yemsd Walking Pad/3-in-1 Portable Under Desk Treadmill is the sturdiest option on our list, supporting up to 330 pounds. Its steel frame and 8-point shock absorption system provide reliable durability and comfort, even for heavier users.

Despite its strength, the Yemsd walking pad is lightweight compared to the others we tested. Thanks to its built-in wheels, it’s easy to move between rooms, whether you’re using it at a standing desk or catching up on your favorite TV shows. "I will continue to use this machine," shared our tester. "It was easy and fun and I need to move more while at home — this is the perfect solution. I'm excited to mix up my work-from-home routine to now include walking ... and during the extra cold or warm months, to have an audiobook walk without the extreme weather," she says.

While marketed as a "3-in-1" for walking, jogging and running, the maximum speed is more of a brisk walk than a jog or run. However, as a walking pad, it excels with its quiet motor and space-saving design. One limitation is the 5-foot power cord, which could restrict placement in some rooms, and was a bit of a challenge for our tester. "You essentially have to have the device close to a wall because you only have about 5 feet completely taut from the front of the device to wherever you need to plug it in (which should be a grounded wall outlet)," she said. For small spaces with limited outlets, you may have to get a little creative to find a good place to set up the tread. 

Pros
  • Weight capacity of up to 330 lbs.
  • One of the lightest walking pads we tested
  • Compact and quiet
Cons
  • Top speed is not fast enough for running
  • Relatively short power cord
$150 at Amazon
DeerRun

Easiest to use

DeerRun Q1 Classic Pro Walking Pad

Dimensions: 49 in. x 20 in. x 4.5 in. | Walking deck dimensions: 35.5 in. x 15.75 in. | Incline: No | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Speed range: 0.6–3.8 mph | Product weight: 41 lbs. | Integrated wheels: No

In a tech-heavy world, finding a device that’s simple to use is refreshing. The DeerRun Q1 Classic Pro Walking Pad is as straightforward as it gets — just plug it in, and you’re ready to go. "It took less than five minutes [to get started] ... the hardest part was taking it out of the box!" shared our tester. There wasn't any assembly required — I just took it out of the box in the area I planned to use it, plugged it in and pressed 'go.'" It's a basic yet effective option with a compact, easy-to-move design, sleek aesthetic and user-friendly remote. It's also quiet, sturdy and features a supportive walking deck, making it an affordable choice to get you walking right away.

Its quiet motor makes it ideal for apartments or multitasking while working or watching TV. At less than 5 inches high and 20 inches wide, it fits neatly under most desks and can slide under furniture for storage. However, it doesn’t fold, and its claim of accommodating a "vigorous jog" is misleading, as its top speed is under 4 miles per hour — better suited for brisk walking. 

A fun bonus? It’s available in various colors, including green, pink, grey, white and black. Just keep in mind that the walking deck is on the shorter side, so taller users may need to adjust their stride. 

Our tester did note that the lack of wheels on the unit meant she had to drag it around to adjust its location, "which isn't ideal." But despite this oversight, she had very little to critique, summing up the experience by saying, "It isn't fancy by any means, but this walking pad does exactly what it claims to: Get people walking! It was super easy to set up, easy to store and easy to use."

Pros
  • Usable straight out of the box
  • Simple controls
  • Quiet
Cons
  • Short walking deck
  • Not suitable for jogging as advertised
  • No integrate wheels
$170 at Amazon

Before buying, take time to figure out what you need and what will fit in your space. "In general, find a walking pad that will be comfortable for your home and your lifestyle," suggests York. Here are some things to consider:

"When looking for a walking pad, think about the size and where you'll store it," says Michael Betts, certified personal trainer and director at TrainFitness. If you're limited on space, Betts recommends choosing a compact model that fits your space and can be stored easily.

That means looking for models that can fold or slide under furniture like a couch, bed or desk. Be sure to measure the clearance and space you'll need to store it and look for a model that fits. Built-in wheels also make moving and storing a walking pad much more manageable, so look for those if you plan to move it between uses.

The walking surface size, called the walking deck, is an important feature to check. "Some walking pads are longer, which can be helpful if you are taller or like to walk at a more brisk pace," says McDowell.

Walking pad decks are typically 35 to 40 inches long, which may be too short for taller users, particularly those over 5 feet 4 inches tall — the average height for women in the U.S. If your stride length or pace requires more room, consider a walking pad/treadmill combo or a folding treadmill, as these usually feature longer decks measuring around 50 to 60 inches.

Walking pads typically have a width of 16 to 18 inches, though some models are narrower. If you have a broader frame, opting for a wider walking pad can make your experience more comfortable and natural. A wider surface also helps you stay safely on the belt, reducing the risk of stepping off — especially if you’re walking without handrails or a desk for support.

Walking pads typically have weight capacities ranging from 220 to 330 pounds, with 265 pounds being the most common. It’s a good idea to choose a model with a capacity higher than your body weight for better durability and reliable performance, especially if you’re heavier.

Lower-end models may only support up to 150 pounds, which is below the average weight of a woman in the U.S., while some high-capacity walking pads can accommodate up to 400 pounds.

"It’s helpful to ensure the speed range of your walking pad aligns with your goals," says Caitlin Donato, director of fitness at Pritikin Longevity Center. Most walking pads offer a speed range between 0.5 and 4 miles per hour, providing a comfortable pace for the majority of users.

Speeds are typically adjustable in increments of 0.1 or 0.2 miles per hour, and some models feature shortcut controls for quick access to specific speeds. "If your goal is a slow walk, ensure your walking pad starts at a low speed and increases in small increments," Donato advises.

While walking pads are generally more affordable than treadmills, prices can range from under $100 to over $1,000 for industrial models. When purchasing, it's important to balance your budget with durability and functionality to ensure you get the best value. Many budget-friendly options perform well for basic walking needs.

Budget-friendly models often have smaller screens, more compact walking decks, limited weight capacities and basic features. Mid-range options, on the other hand, offer enhancements like adjustable inclines, higher speeds, sturdier motors, larger walking surfaces and extras like app connectivity.

Bells and whistles aren’t essential for a good workout but can add convenience and enjoyment. For example, York notes, "some walking pads do have handrails for more accessibility, so you should take that into consideration if that is something you need." Safety features like an emergency stop button on the remote are also a smart choice if balance is a concern.

Incline options are another great feature for adding variety and challenge to your walking sessions, so consider looking for a model with this capability if it interests you. Other nice-to-have features include a tablet or phone holder, Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with smartwatches to track metrics like heart rate, step count and walking data.

We tested 12 walking pads extensively, evaluating key factors such as ease of use, portability, storage convenience, supportiveness, shock absorption and price. Drawing on my own expertise as a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning specialist, we identified the top-performing walking pads and categorized them based on their standout features.

To ensure well-rounded recommendations, we also consulted four experts — an exercise physiologist and doctor of physical therapy, two personal trainers and a director of fitness — who shared insights on the benefits of walking pads and what to consider when selecting one.

Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE

The Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE builds on the Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill with the addition of handlebars, featuring a handy stand for your phone or tablet and an increased top speed of 7.6 miles per hour in running mode.

We appreciated its easy-to-read LED display and the sturdy latching system for securely adjusting the handlebars up or down. However, the walking deck felt uncomfortably firm, and while it can connect to the Mobvoi Treadmill app, it's only compatible with smartwatches.

Goplus 1100W Folding Treadmill

The Goolus 1100W Folding Treadmill is another multifunction walking pad that offers a nice speed range (up to about 8 mph) with collapsible handlebars that offer an extra layer of safety. Our tester liked the walking pad itself, but noted that folding the handlebars and storing the machine was more difficult than she liked. "You have to bend over to loosen a rather tight latch to collapse the treadmill. When collapsed, the handrail doesn't lock, so you have to be careful to grab the right place to move the walking pad. It's pretty heavy to lift, and the wheels are small so it doesn't move that well," she shared.

Goyouth 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill

The Goyouth 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill is a walking pad that has traditionally been well-reviewed by other review sites, but our testing found this machine to be somewhat overpriced for its middling performance. Like most of the walking pads on our list, it does the job it's intended to do, but our tester found it to be loud and she noted the belt didn't seem to run all that smoothly. The machine does have a higher weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, and the machine is sturdy and compact, but at more than double the price of some of our other, similar options, it just didn't have what it takes to make the cut.

Sperax Walking Pad with Incline

For a basic walking pad with adjustable incline functionality, there's a lot to like about this Sperax machine, especially given its more affordable price point than the other incline walking pads on this list. Our tester found it to be easy to use and an all-around good machine for helping her fit in her daily steps. However, the incline has to be adjusted manually (versus an auto-adjust feature) and only goes up to 5% — less than the walking pad we selected as the choice with the best incline. Also, our tester noted that the lack of handrails was a detractor and that even though the walking pad has integrated wheels, she found it difficult to move around.

Urevo Strol 2E

Urevo makes high-quality walking pads (as evidenced by the two that made our list above), and the Strol 2E is no exception. Our tester found it easy to get up and running with high-quality shock absorption and a good range of speeds (up to 6.2 mph with the collapsible handlebars engaged). However, like the Goplus 1100W Folding Treadmill, the major flaw is in the handlebar and its functionality. For one thing, the bar itself seemed short. "I'm 5 feet 7 inches and I felt like I was reaching down for the bar. There's a spot for a phone or a tablet but it felt too low for me and I'm surprised that the bar isn't adjustable," shared our tester. Plus, folding the bar down and moving the machine was a challenge. "You have to twist a small wheel on each side to release the bar, then fold it down. It has two wheels in the front to roll it, but there's no handle or place to grab the machine in back, so you're just awkwardly grabbing the part you walk/run on. I appreciate that it has the option of folding down, but don't see myself doing it so often as it's not the easiest," she said.

Walking pads are an excellent productivity tool, according to Betts. "Walking while working or watching TV keeps you moving without taking up more of your time. It’s a simple way to reduce sitting time and improve overall wellness," he explains. Additionally, walking pads make it easy to incorporate exercise into your daily routine without requiring significant changes to your schedule.

"Pads can be used daily to increase your step count," says McDowell, which can help you get closer to achieving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation of 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week.

Most walking pads are roughly 48 inches long and up to 24 inches wide, though you’ll need extra space around the sides and back for stepping on and off comfortably.

With a low profile of 8 inches or less, many walking pads can easily slide under a bed or couch for convenient storage when not in use.

The primary difference between walking pads and treadmills is their speed range. Walking pads are typically capped at a brisk walking speed of around 4 mph, while treadmills allow for jogging and running at speeds up to 15 mph. Walking pads are also more compact, ideal for smaller living spaces and easy storage under a bed or couch.

If you’re torn between the two, walking pad/treadmill combos offer a versatile solution. These models often include foldable handlebars that, when raised, increase the belt's maximum speed for jogging or running, giving you the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, choosing between a walking pad and a treadmill depends on your budget, how you plan to use the device and where you want to set it up in your home.

According to McDowell, the convenience and ease of use of a walking pad means you can aim to use it daily. She adds, "The CDC recommends 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week, which typically correlates to around 30 minutes of activity per day," making it easy to reach that target by being consistent.

If you're new to using a walking pad, Betts advises starting "with slow speeds and short sessions, then increase as you get comfortable." Similarly, McDowell recommends scheduling 10-15 minute walking breaks into your day as a reminder to use it. As you become more comfortable, you can aim for longer sessions of 30 minutes a day to meet the CDC recommendations.

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.

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