The 6 Best Walking Pads for Staying Active During the Workday

Improve your focus and get your steps in seamlessly with one of these walking pads.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Why Trust Us?

Stuck at your desk all day? Us, too—and we work for a running publication. (Oh, the irony!) Well, fret not, fellow office warriors: Walking pads and under-desk treadmills are here to save the day—and boost your step count. These low-profile treadmills slide right under your standing desk, making it easy to walk and work at the same time. Thanks to a renewed focus on health, whether you’re working from home or heading into the office, walking pads have quickly become a staple in home offices and shared workspaces alike. So, whether you’re aiming to close those rings or boost your daily steps, a walking pad can help you stay active throughout the workday without missing that 3 p.m. meeting.

We’re testing several new models of walking pads right now, including an update on one of our favorites, the Urevo Strol. The 2E model features more settings, a larger walking surface area, and a faster maximum speed. We are also testing models from WalkingPad, Life Fitness, and more.

🏃🏻‍♀️ Ready to unlock a stronger, healthier you? Our Walking for Weight Loss Guide can make it happen!

Recent studies support the benefits of movement while working: office employees using treadmill desks have reported improved energy, greater focus, and a boosted mood over just a few months of consistent use. Plus, the convenience of walking pads means you can exercise regardless of the weather or your schedule—no gym membership required. With so many walking pads on the market, each offering a unique blend of features and portability, at a range of prices, finding the right model can be overwhelming. Not to worry, though. We put tens of thousands of steps on these machines to find the best ones.

If you’re looking for portability, a cushioned deck, affordability, and a walking pad you can use while you’re in the office without people on your meeting hearing your treadmill? This is the one for you. We’ve had it at HQ for years, and it’s consistently in use by our team. It has seen thousands of miles, and it’s still going.

It’s got a well-cushioned deck that absorbs impact, a motor built for heavier walkers, and it’s relatively wide for a walking pad. It is, however, a bit short front-to-back, but it’s fine for most people. If you’re a giant like my brother? You might want a different model, otherwise, this is just about perfect.

If your social feeds are overflowing with DeerRun under-desk walking pads, you’re not alone. This TikTok-famous gadget is everywhere, and for good reason: It’s a simple, space-saving treadmill that you can control with a remote or an app.

The app’s got your back, letting you dial up the speed without breaking a sweat (or your focus). And topping out at just over 3 mph, it’s more of a gentle stroll than a full-on sprint.

The deck’s a cozy—if kinda tight—35 by 16 inches, which means it’ll tuck neatly under your desk. It’s easy to use and that glorious cushioned feel is pure bliss for your feet while you’re getting those steps in.

This is easily the most compact on this list. It folds up to about the size of a queen blanket, but it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. WalkingPad has made it its business to build high-quality walking pads that are made for your home or office.

I like this one because it’s no fuss, no muss, has a large 48-inch by 16-inch walking surface, weighs only 50 pounds, and it’s whisper quiet.

This is our office’s new BFF. The most frequent user, Hype Director Aly Ellis, said that her favorite feature is the convenience, noting “I prefer this one to one with arms because it allows me to adjust the desk height when I need to for comfort purposes.” She’s also a big fan of the fact that it lights up, but mostly because it’s cool. I agree. She does worry about losing the remote, as we all do, but fun fact! You can operate it via the app, so there’s no real worry there.

It’s quiet and sturdy, has a 12 percent incline, and has a high weight limit, so larger-bodied walkers should feel comfortable on this walking pad.

The Urevo Strol 2.0 walking pad is the under-desk treadmill you want if you tend toward boredom. It has a ton of built-in programming, and the ability to connect to a ton more like Zwift.

Once you link the app to your phone, you can control everything right there. But, if that’s not your style, traditional controls are easy to access and use. It’s a smooth walk, quieter than previous models, and you can move it around easily.

The combination of the sturdy tablet holder and smart app integration creates a user-friendly experience that blends exercise with productivity or entertainment effortlessly in any space.

If you’ve ever wondered how hard you can push yourself while you work, do I have the walking pad for you. This puppy inclines all the way to 14 percent, which—whoa—and it does it with the power of a brushless motor, which makes it quieter (though it can’t quiet your huffing and puffing), and that same motor will last a lot longer than others thanks to its construction.

The whole thing is remote controlled, so when you’re fighting for your life and you don’t want your Teams meeting to see it, you can quickly adjust on the fly.

When shopping for the best under-desk walking pad, keep these factors in mind:

Size and Portability: Ensure the walking pad’s dimensions fit under your desk and in your workspace. Consider weight and whether the machine has wheels for easy storage or movement.

Belt Size: Wider belts provide more stability and comfort, while narrower pads are better for tight spaces. Longer deck lengths work best for those with a longer stride.

Speed Range: Most walking pads offer speeds from 0.5 to 4 mph—enough for gentle walking to brisk paces. Some 2-in-1 pads allow faster speeds when used away from a desk.

Incline Options: A few models feature adjustable inclines for varied intensity, though many are flat for multitasking. If you want more of a workout, look for pads with at least a minor incline capability.

Weight Capacity: Check each machine’s weight limit, especially if you need extra support or want a more robust frame.

Noise Level: Choose a quiet pad for minimal distraction, particularly if you share your space with others or take calls frequently.

Ease of Use: Look for simple controls (often via remote) and clear displays. Consider features like app compatibility, folding capabilities, and maintenance requirements.

Price: Budget models are available for under $200, while high-end or commercial-grade options cost significantly more. Decide which features are worth extra investment for your specific needs.

So, what’s the difference between a treadmill and a walking pad? There are a lot of parallels for sure, and functionally they’re very similar. However, the real difference between a treadmill and a walking pad happens under the hood. Walking pads have smaller, quieter motors that don’t allow you to pick up the pace dramatically, but they keep them quiet enough to use while you work or read. They’re also a lot lower to the ground, and that low step height makes them a great choice for folks who have joint and mobility issues. They’re shorter and narrower than traditional treadmills so that they fit easily under desks. Luckily, they’re also easier to store, and many of them fold into little packages or can be stored on their side. And the point many people love the most? They’re usually a lot cheaper.

Our team performed all walking pad testing either in our offices for hundreds of hours or in our own homes, reflecting the real-world environments where these products are most used. Each unit was assessed with a focus on:

Speed and Incline: We measured each pad’s speed range and, where available, incline adjustments, making sure transitions were smooth and controls responsive.

Noise: We operated pads during conference calls and regular work to evaluate how quietly each model ran.

Design and Portability: We checked for ease of setup, the ability to move and store the pad, and whether the design fit under multiple desk types.

User Experience: Testers of varying heights and stride lengths used each pad for sessions extending beyond an hour, noting comfort, usability, and any unique features or challenges.

Every product featured here was rigorously tested for durability, performance, and portability in the Runner’s World offices and in the homes of our editors, ensuring our recommendations are both practical and trustworthy. Whether you’re a remote worker, student, or just trying to reduce your sedentary hours, our comprehensive guide will help you find the best under-desk walking pad to fit your space and support your movement goals.

Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.