The 12 Best Under-Desk Treadmills of 2024

From wide belts, to a variety of paces and budget models—you’ll find the perfect treadmill desk for your space.

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There are times when it can be a challenge to incorporate fitness into the day. Maybe you planned to wake up early to head to the gym, but pressed snooze a few too many times. Or maybe you thought you’d have time for fitness after work, but now you’ve decided to put it off until tomorrow. Instead of trying to find the extra minutes to squeeze in exercise before or after work, why not do it while on the job? This is where the treadmill desk—essentially a movable workstation attached to a treadmill to keep you moving while you work—comes in handy.

If your days are spent sitting for long periods of time, a treadmill desk can transform your routine. Even if you need to be in front of a computer all day, you can still get some exercise thanks to these efficient workspaces designed to allow you to walk while you work.

When looking for the best under-desk treadmill for your lifestyle, there are several factors to consider including how much room it takes up, how much weight it can support and how fast it can go. You might also consider whether you need an extra quiet treadmill that won’t be distracting while you work, if safety features are a top priority and if limited space is an issue. We’ve made a list of the best treadmill desk options and their standout features to help you find the right fit for your needs.

Our Picks for the Best Treadmill Desks of 2024:

• Best Overall Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad R1 Pro Treadmill
• Best Compact Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad C2 Treadmill
• Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Running: WalkingPad R2 Walk & Run 2-in-1 Foldable Treadmill 
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Tall People: LifeSpan TR1200-DT3 Treadmill
• Best Walking Pad Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad C2 Treadmill
• Best Folding Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad R2 Walk & Run 2-in-1 Foldable Treadmill
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Wheels: Goplus 2-in-1 Treadmill
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Built In Desk: Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation with Desk
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Egofit Walker
• Best Quiet Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Programs: Rhythm Fun Treadmill

Best Overall Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad R1 Pro Treadmill

WalkingPad + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 57.48 inches x 28.35 inches x 35.43 inches overall
• Walking area: 47.2-inch x 17.3-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 72.75 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 220 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 6.2 mph
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
Screen: Yes

You don’t need a lot of space to fit a WalkingPad R1 Pro into your office environment. This piece of fitness equipment is designed to be easily assembled and moved.

One unique design aspect of this walking treadmill is that it allows you to store it upright or in compact spaces such as under your desk, couch or bed. Compared to regular upright treadmills which may require a significant amount of space and often weigh over 250-pounds due to heavy motors, screens, arm rails and other accessories, moving this treadmill around is designed to be a breeze.

The treadmill belt has a sturdy friction grip and comes with a remote control. You can also use the app to see how fast you’re walking and adjust the speed. Speeds can reach up to about 6.2 miles per hour. You can also use it in manual mode, controlling how fast you go by where you are positioned on the treadmill.

Overall, the WalkingPad R1 Pro foldable walking treadmill is a space-efficient model to conveniently bring some light fitness into your routine.

Pros:

• One of the highest max speeds for an under-desk treadmill you’ll see
• Can be stored upright in its folded position
• Option to lift or lower handrail, where you can place a small screen

Cons:

• Sometimes people don’t like the way the treadmill feels because of the fold in the middle
• One of the pricier options for an under-desk treadmill 

Best Compact Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad C2 Treadmill

WalkingPad + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 56.88 inches x 20.39 inches x 4.92 inches overall
• Walking area: 47.24-inch x 15.75-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 55 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 220 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 3.72 mph
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

Have a small cubicle, or are looking to add an under-desk treadmill to your small home office? The compact WalkingPad C2 fully set up and unfolded measures nearly 57 by 20.39 inches, or roughly 4.74 long by 1.7 feet wide. Once it's set up and ready to roll, set your speed via remote, app or WalkingPad's "Smart Foot-Sensing Control". This technology is designed to pick up your speed based on where you are standing on the treadmill, with the upper portion indicating you want to pick up speed and the bottom signaling you would like to slow down. 

The treadmill can reach up to 3.72 miles per hour, with the deck engineered to absorb shock with its EVA cushioned, durable running deck. Measure your steps taken, calories burned, speed, overall distance and time spent–all while working at your desk. 

The WalkingPad C2 comes in five colors to let you pick what fits best with your office design. When it's not in use, the C2's 180-degree foldable design lets you close up the treadmill and condense it down to an even smaller 32.48 by 20.39 inches for easy storage. 

Pros:

• Compact treadmill with a low clearance for under-bed storage
• Easy to move on your own
• Five color options available to match your decor

Cons:

• Won’t reach speeds fast enough for runners
• Some may prefer a model with handrails

Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness Under Desk Treadmill

Sunny Health and Fitness + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 50 inches x 21 inches x 6.5 inches overall
• Walking area: 39-inch x 14-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 55.1 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 220 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 3.75 mph
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

The Sunny Health and Fitness under-desk treadmill is an affordable under-desk treadmill with a compact and relatively lightweight design.

This treadmill can reach speeds of up to 3.75 mph and features a large 14-inch x 5-inch display to keep track of key metrics including time, speed, calories burned, steps, and distance. It also comes with a remote control to change the speed.

Helpful features include an automatic pause when no one is detected on the machine and a power saving mode that works automatically after the treadmill has been idle for 10 minutes.

Pros:

• Option to add moving arm exercises for added activity
• Soft-drop mechanism helps you fold the treadmill gently
• Light enough to be moved without help

Cons:

• Some reviewers reported poor customer service when issues arose
• Will not be fast enough to accommodate running

Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Running: WalkingPad R2 Walk & Run Foldable Treadmill

WalkingPad + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 57.1 inches x 28.3 inches x 40.6 inches overall
• Walking area: 47.2-inch x 13.7-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 79.36 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 240 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 3.7 mph (walking mode); 6.2 mph (running mode)
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

Get your best ideas when you go for a run? Make it even more productive with an under-desk treadmill. The WalkingPad R2 can reach speeds up to 6.2 miles per hour in running mode, and also features WalkingPad's proprietary "Smart Foot-Sensing Control" technology to gauge your speed when you get on the deck. For added safety, there's also an adjustable handrail that can be collapsed for storage or when walking.

While it's not recommended you run right at your desk for safety reasons, you can set this treadmill up in an open area for running, and then make adjustments for walking at your desk. In walking mode, the R2 reaches up to 3.7 miles per hour so you can still get your heart rate up. The cushioned deck and quiet motor are designed to reduce noise, so you have no distractions as you get to work.

Like all WalkingPad models, the R2 has a 180 folding capacity, letting you pack up the machine when not in use. 

Pros:

• Features a running mode in addition to walking mode, so runners can hit their stride
• The treadmill will stay upright when folded, for alternative storing
• The handrail has a phone holder capacity when in use

Cons:

• The fold in the middle of the belt can be distracting to some
• One of the more expensive, luxury under-desk treadmills 

Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Tall People: Lifespan TR1200-DT3 Treadmill

LifeSpan + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 63 inches x 28.5 inches x 7.25 inches overall
• Walking area: 20-inch x 50-inch walking space
• Machine weight: Approximately 114 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 350 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 4 mph
• Remote control: Yes (portable console)
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

If you’re tall, you’re going to have a longer stride, which means a 47-inch treadmill might not be the most comfortable option for your needs. The Lifespan TR1200-DT3 is a great treadmill option for those looking for some extra length for their steps since it spans 58-inches.

This under-desk treadmill comes ready to go and already assembled straight out of the box. It has an adjustable speed range of 0.4 to 4 miles per hour, and you can control your speed and monitor your progress on the LED display. The moveable console display can sit on your desk for easy access to make adjustments. The console also allows you to keep track of the amount of time you’ve been on the treadmill, your number of steps, calories burned and distance in miles covered.

This longer under-desk treadmill option supports up to 350-pounds of weight with features including a 2-ply belt and non-slip plastic side rails. It also has an “Intelli-Guard” smart feature that detects when you’ve stepped off the treadmill belt to stop the machine from running when you aren’t using it. While it is a heavier under-desk treadmill at 114-pounds, wheels make it manageable to move around the room.

Though it’s not completely silent, this treadmill’s noise is limited due to a “whisper-quiet” 2.25HP (horsepower) continuous-duty motor. It also has 6 impact-absorbing compression shocks to help soften noise. Reviewers share that you can talk on the phone while on it without the sound from the treadmill being an issue.

One thing to keep in mind is that reviewers say that this treadmill beeps a lot. Repetitive beeping can be quite annoying, but this sound can be turned off through the console. Overall, this under-desk treadmill is a solid option for anyone looking for a durable treadmill that can support a heavier amount of weight and a longer stride.

Pros:

• Noise- and shock-softening tech incorporated
• Solid max speed of 4 mph for jogging or light running
• Offers a higher max user weight capacity than most competitors

Cons:

• The machine is heavier, and hard to move as needed
• One of the priciest treadmill options available 

Best Walking Pad Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad C2 Treadmill

WalkingPad + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 56.88 inches x 20.39 inches x 4.92 inches overall
• Walking area: 47.24-inch x 15.75-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 55 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 220 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 3.72 mph
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

Like the “BedInABox” mattress company, WalkingPad seized on a great opportunity to have a product with a straightforward name. So unsurprisingly, the WalkingPad C2 is our favorite walking pad treadmill type. Differentiating a walking pad from a more traditional treadmill are their simplicity, small size and portability, hence why the vast majority of under-desk treadmills are walking pads.

One of the biggest drawbacks of a walking pad are their limitations in speed, but WalkingPad C2’s max 3.72 mph speed is plenty to pick up the pace for brisk walking or jogging. You can easily control your speed in the treadmill’s automatic mode: The treadmill will speed up if you move toward the front, and slow down when you inch back. The tracking is also a nice touch, with a deck flashing your stats for calories, time, distance and step count in a loop.

We also like that the fun color options allow you to find a walking pad that fits your office or living room. The WalkingPad C2 is available in a sleek black or white; or in a bold primary color, red, blue or yellow.

Pros:

• Foldable, space-saving design
• Quiet running belt that minimizes background noise
• Light enough to be moved easily

Cons:

• The belt can sometimes get off-kilter and has to be moved back
• Some people find the indent in the tread where the machine folds to be distracting

Best Folding Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad R2 Walk & Run 2-in-1 Foldable Treadmill

WalkingPad + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 57.1 inches x 28.3 inches x 40.6 inches overall
• Walking area: 47.2-inch x 13.7-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 79.36 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 240 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 3.7 mph (walking mode); 6.2 mph (running mode)
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

While all the WalkingPad models are foldable, one of the coolest things about the WalkingPad R2 is that it folds and stores vertically. The collapsible handrails make vertical storage even easier.

As a nice safety feature, the product’s "Smart Foot-Sensing Control" tunes into your speed when you ascend the deck. The treadmill also has one of the highest max speeds for an under the desk treadmill, at 6.2 miles per hour. However, you should probably only walk—rather than run—when using the R2 at your desk for safety reasons. And when you do, you should be able to seamlessly transition to work, since the motor and cushioned deck are nice and quiet.

Pros:

• The running mode plus walking mode feature accommodates every speed preference
• The treadmill can be folded, then stored upright
• You can rest your phone on the handrail, when raised

Cons:

• Some find the fold in the middle of the belt annoying
• A pricier under-desk treadmill

Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Wheels: Goplus 2-in-1 Treadmill

Goplus + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 49 inches x 27 inches x 42 inches overall
• Walking area: 40-inch x 16-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 84 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 265 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 2.5 mph when handrail is down, 8 mph when handrail is raised
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

The Goplus 2-in-1 treadmill is a versatile treadmill option with a wide speed range that’s only made better by the addition of handrails and wheels for portability. It can be used under your desk to walk while you work or unfolded for a more intense cardio workout. When used as an under-desk treadmill, you can walk at speeds of up to 2.49 mph (4km/hr) on a non-slip platform. For a more intense workout, you can easily wheel the treadmill somewhere safe and unfold the Goplus, raising the handrail (42-inches) to run up to its top speed of 7.46 mph (12km/hr).

The treadmill comes with a remote to control speed and check your stats on the LED display at the front of the machine. Details available include time, distance and calories burned. Additionally, the treadmill has a Bluetooth speaker, allowing you to connect your phone to play music or your preferred audio.

The treadmill’s 2.25HP motor is considerably quiet and its shock-absorbing design helps keep its noise to a minimum while enhancing safety. If you’re looking for an option with entertainment features and multipurpose flexibility to run as well as walk, this Goplus 2-in-1 may be a great fit.

Pros:

• One of the highest top speeds makes the treadmill runner-friendly
• Bluetooth connectivity allows you to play music through the included speaker

Cons:

• The treadmill cannot work without the remote
• May be too heavy for some to move easily

Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Built In Desk: Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation with Desk

Sunny Health and Fitness + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 50 inches x 21 inches x 6.5 inches overall
• Walking area: 39-inch x 14-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 55.1 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 220 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 3.75 mph
• Remote control: placeholder
• Wheels: placeholder
• Screen: placeholder

The Sunny Health and Fitness under-desk treadmill is not only affordable, but a uniquely versatile option, since at checkout you have the option to add a desk to your treadmill. The desk, while integrated with the treadmill to track your stats and adjust your speed, can also be fully detached for storing.

The desk is also height adjustable, assuring you can keep your workstation at the ergonomically optimal height. And despite the fact that the inclusion of the desk doubles the price of the walking treadmill, you still get a sweet deal: A walking treadmill with an adjustable standing desk for under $1,000 ($799 at publishing time).

Just note that the treadmill only reaches a modest jogging speed of 3.75 mph,so you may want to consider another option if you’d like somewhere to run when not using the desk.

Pros:

• Control panel on the desk for easy adjustments
• Affordable option if you’re in need of both a standing desk and under-desk treadmill

Cons:

• Some reviewers reported sub-par customer service to address treadmill problems
• Will not reach speeds that exceed a jogging pace

Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Incline: Egofit Walker

Egofit + SI Showcase

• Dimensions: 38.39 inches x 21.85 inches x 6.89 inches overall
• Walking area: 38-inch x 16.5-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 58.4 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 220 pounds
• Incline: 5 percent
• Max speed: 3.72 mph
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

An incline is a rare feature on an under-desk treadmill, which is a shame: walking on an incline is an easy way to get your muscles and heart rate more engaged for more burn. The Egofit walker can add up to a solid 5 percent incline—more than enough to feel the added exertion.

This is a very slim treadmill (a little over 38 inches long and a little under 22 inches wide) so just keep in mind your stride size before you hit “Buy.”

Although on the flip side, there’s benefits to Egofit’s small size: At only 55 pounds, this is one of most nimble walking pads you’ll find.

Pros:

• Compact design makes the treadmill excellent for small spaces
• Incline helps add burn
• Easy for one person to handle moving the device

Cons:

• Deck may too short for those with a long stride
• The incline is fixed, so you can’t elect to walk flat for less intensity
• User reviews reported technical issues with the treadmill’s operation

Best Quiet Under-Desk Treadmill: WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill

WalkingPad + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 56.4 inches x 21.5 inches x 5 inches overall
• Walking area: 47-inch x 16.5-inch walking space
• Machine weight: 62 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 230 pounds, or 300 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 3.7 mph
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

Unless you have highly superior noise-canceling headphones, walking while working may not be feasible if the treadmill’s background noise is deafening. The WalkingPad A1, like the other Walking Pad models we enjoy, is very quiet.

As a WalkingPad user myself, I particularly enjoy the way that when the folding treadmill is in “automatic” mode, you can simply walk closer to the head of the treadmill to speed up, or fall back to slow down.

More important, I can attest to how quiet this treadmill is. Admittedly, the WalkingPad A1 isn’t exactly my workday staple—as a writer, it’s a difficult kind of multi-task to pull off. However living in a small space, it’s been a wonderful tool to get steps in on a rainy day or late at night. And I’ve found when walking on the A1 that even at high speeds I can easily watch whatever is on TV, only needing to bump up the volume a notch or two.

Another perk: Although my couch clearance isn’t quite high enough to keep it underneath, I’m able to keep the A1 stored in its folded state under a tall chair. And for what it’s worth, the fold in the belt has never bothered me, barefoot or in tennis shoes.

Pros:

• Clean design with a humble footprint whether folded or unfolded
• Can be moved easily
• Multiple models to accommodate a higher max user weight capacity

Cons:

• The fold in the middle of the belt isn’t for everyone
• The belt sometimes needs to be moved back to the middle

Best Under-Desk Treadmill with Programs: Rhythm Fun Treadmill

Rhythm Fun + SI Showcase

Specs

• Dimensions: 62.2 inches x 27.17 inches x 6.3 inches overall
• Walking area: 20-inch x 50-inch walking space
• Machine weight: Approximately 74 pounds
• Max user weight: Up to 220 pounds
• Incline: N/A
• Max speed: 3.7 mph
• Remote control: Yes
• Wheels: Yes
• Screen: Yes

A treadmill with training programs to follow along can be hard to find in an under-desk treadmill. However, Rhythm Fun has a nice perk in the form of its companion app, where you can set up personalized workouts to follow. The Rhythm Fun also has lots of usable belt space for its length and width: You get a 17.7-inch (45 centimeter) wide belt for walking or light running at up to 3.7 mph. The Rhythm Fun comes already assembled, and ready to use straight out of the box. All you have to do is plug it in to get started using it.

Like many other under-desk treadmills, there is a large display at the front of the treadmill to check speed, time, distance and calories burned. In addition to the app, you can use an included remote to turn the treadmill on, shut the treadmill off and control speed. The treadmill weighs less than 80 pounds, making it a manageable portable treadmill to move for storage.

Pros:

• Affordable price point for a treadmill with bluetooth speakers and LCD display included
• Handrail included that folds down if not needed
• Seven color options available to suit your style

Cons:

• Won’t reach speeds to suit runners
• Some users reported having trouble using the app

How We Chose the Best Under-Desk Treadmills

We scoured several user reviews, model specs, cost and extra features to pick the best treadmills that serve an individual's specific needs. We considered which under-desk treadmills were budget-friendly, which would fit in smaller spaces, noise levels and more. We made sure to include treadmills that had higher user weight limit capacities as well as quiet models so users would be able to get their steps in without a ton of noise. After taking into consideration what features were most beneficial for users, we whittled down our list to the top eight models we recommend. Learn more about our product review process.

Why Buy a Treadmill Desk?

Treadmill desks provide an efficient way to take steps towards supporting your health while also making the most of your time. According to research, too much time spent being sedentary may have negative health impacts including an increased risk of disease and depression.

Most of us spend around 10-13 hours of the day in a sedentary position. This is not ideal since studies suggest that too much time being sedentary is associated with health consequences including an increased risk for disease and mortality. On the other hand, according to the CDC, regular exercise provides a wide range of health benefits, from improving your ability to perform everyday activities to helping you get better sleep. Yet, many jobs are suited for an environment that is mostly seated, contributing to hours accumulated with very little movement.

A treadmill desk is one way to fit more exercise into your life, even during times when you would normally be seated such as when you are working in front of a computer. If you are looking for a way to add more movement into your daily routine, treadmill desks provide the opportunity to walk while you work, helping you reach your fitness goals.

How to Use a Treadmill Desk

In order to use a treadmill desk you need two things: a standing desk and an under-desk treadmill that can fit below the desk.

The desk that you’re using needs to be high enough for you to walk while you work. If you don’t want to buy a new desk, you may be able to modify the height of your existing desk with a standing desk converter. (You can find a variety of standing desk converter options on Amazon.)

Another option is to purchase a standing desk, which is a desk specifically designed to be used while in a standing position. Several under-desk treadmill brands sell standing desks that work well with their treadmill models. For instance, iMovR sells a variety of standing desks.

Second, you need a standing desk treadmill that can fit beneath your desk. It is important to measure the width of the space below your desk and the width of the treadmill to make sure the treadmill is a suitable size.

When choosing an under-desk treadmill, there are a variety of features to consider. (We’ll go over the features in the next section.) Once you’ve found the standing desk treadmill that meets your needs, you can start getting exercise while at your desk.

Usually, under-desk treadmills are used at slower walking speeds, so you can work while you move. Some can be converted to running treadmills, making them convenient for your home gym. While most under-desk treadmills don’t have hand rails, you can use your desk for support.

What to Look for in a Treadmill Desk

Power and speed

Under-desk treadmill motor power is usually listed in horsepower (HP). Since under-desk treadmills are often intended for walking speeds, horsepower may be lower than regular treadmills made for running. The treadmills in this list are between 1HP and 3HP.

If you're purchasing a treadmill to use while you work, you'll most likely be exercising at walking speed. Your options may be limited if you are hoping to run since not every under-desk treadmill can reach running speeds. Some under-desk treadmills feature a 2-in-1 design that can be converted to a running treadmill, while others are simply designed for walking. Under-desk treadmills in this list range from maximum speeds of two to eight miles per hour, with most being in the two to four mile per hour range.

Size and portability

When determining the best treadmill size for your lifestyle, there are a few things to consider.

How much space do you need to comfortably walk? If you are tall, you may need a longer treadmill. If you have a wider gait, you might want a treadmill with a wider belt. You’ll need to make sure the size of the treadmill is compatible to fit under your desk.

Treadmill storage is also a consideration. Do you want to hide your treadmill under a couch or bed when you aren’t using it? If so, you should check the storage height of the treadmill. Another thing to keep in mind is that the dimensions of the treadmill are not the same as the dimensions of usable walking space. Pay attention to both the full size of the treadmill and the size of the belt to determine your best options.

Most under-desk treadmills are designed with two wheels at the front so you can move them around, much like a wheel barrel. However, the weight of the treadmill unit will determine how easy it is to move. If portability is a high priority, you should look for a compact, lighter weight model.

Noise level

A loud treadmill motor has the potential to be distracting. If you are planning to use your treadmill desk while taking calls or in meetings, you’ll want a treadmill with a quiet enough noise level so others won’t hear it.

Most of the treadmills on this list are designed to be on the quieter side. You can get a better idea of how loud each machine is by checking the treadmill’s dB (decibel) level and from user reviews which often give insight into noise quirks.

User weight capacity

Most under-desk treadmills can support at least 220 pounds, but if you need a treadmill that can accommodate more weight, be sure to check the user weight capacity.

Cost

Under-desk treadmills can range from affordable models that cost a few hundred dollars to luxury models that cost several thousand dollars. At the budget-friendly end you can get the Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill for just $369.98 and at the higher end you can purchase the iMovR Lander Lite Treadmill Desk for $3,330.

Shipping and warranty

Shipping and warranty will vary by model, but many of the units that are available on Amazon boast free Prime shipping.

When it comes to warranty, different aspects of the treadmill may have different warranty lifespans. Parts, labor, motor and frame may have a variety of warranty lengths. Some treadmills also offer additional protection for an added price.

Under-Desk Treadmill FAQs

Are under-desk treadmills quiet?

Under-desk treadmills will range in noise level. Many of the best desk treadmill options are designed to be relatively quiet, so that they are not distracting while you work. You can check noise levels based on the dB (decibel) level of the treadmill.

How do you sit with a treadmill desk?

Treadmill desks are higher than regular office desks, so you are likely going to need a special chair if you want to sit at your treadmill desk when taking breaks from walking. Office chairs that are specifically designed to be used with standing desks include standing chairs, stools and drafting chairs. These are ergonomically designed and adjustable for extra height. There are also chairs designed to sit on top of an under-desk treadmill such as the Tempo TreadTop Office Chair from iMovR.

How fast should you walk on a treadmill desk?

How fast you walk may vary based on your comfort level for working while walking. One study suggests that 1.4 mph may be the optimal speed for typing performance.

Can you lose weight with a treadmill desk?

It is possible to lose weight with a treadmill desk. For example, a small one-year study of 36 people found that on average the people who used a treadmill desk lost weight. A 2021 systematic review of the effects of treadmill desks also suggested that they may be beneficial for weight management.

How many calories does an under-desk treadmill burn?

The number of calories you burn will vary based on factors including your weight, how fast you are walking, and the distance you walk. Many under-desk treadmills have calorie trackers to help you determine the number of calories you are burning. For a point of reference, according to the CDC, if you walk at 3.5 mph, you’ll burn around 280 calories per hour (based on a 154 pound person).

How do I convert a traditional treadmill to a treadmill desk?

The answer here will vary depending on the type of treadmill, but the main roadblock will be the console: You may have to remove the console completely, although if you can lower the console, that should suffice, and is usually preferable. Next, you need your work surface, i.e., the desk.

If you can lower the console, you can slap a slab of wood across the console to serve as your desk. It may not be pretty, but the result can be workable. Brackets or clamps are a good tool to secure the wood—you’d probably rather not commit to actually drilling into your treadmill’s console. If you don’t have a console, instead you’ll have to buy or whip up a standing-desk-height work area to straddle the front of the treadmill.

Just be wary of how far you take embarking on your conversion: You can potentially void the treadmill warranty in the process. 

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