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The 5 Best Under Desk Treadmills in 2026, Tested by Certified Trainers

Boost your step count and cardio by walking while you WFH.

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VerifiedReviewed by Fitness and Reviews Editor
treadmills for home or office use displayed with a person walking on one
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MANY OF US are spending time at a home office for at least a few hours per week these days. Whether it's working your 9-5, surfing the web, or maybe a little gaming, it's become somewhat normal for hours to slip by without moving much more than your fingers on the keyboard. Unless you're making a concerted effort to get your daily steps in, there's a good chance you could use a little help.

But there is hope for breaking up your most sedentary days: a treadmill desk. While it can't substitute for a rigorous workout (say, one on a traditional treadmill), an under-desk treadmill, like the best under-desk exercise bikes, can help you burn calories and get some steps while sending emails, watching TV, or frankly, any otherwise sedentary activity. Plus, most of them fit nicely beneath your favorite standing desk. And no, you don't need to hit 10,000 steps a day to reap the benefits.

Best Under Desk Treadmills

A 2021 study found that using a treadmill desk can increase energy expenditure and metabolic rate, and may help prevent the health risks associated with sedentary work environments. So yeah, that means an under-desk treadmill just may help you stay in shape. And no, it's not a substitute for a cardio workout. But hey, getting a little more activity into your day is never a bad thing—and it doesn't hurt to wear walking shoes while doing it, too.

Sitting for extended periods has been linked to various health problems, including obesity, poor posture, musculoskeletal problems, cardiovascular disease, and even diabetes. And upping your daily step count with a treadmill desk is an approachable way to reduce sedentary behavior and its associated health risks.

Increasing your daily movements by even 10 minutes can still make a positive impact on your long-term health. So if you're looking to add an under-desk treadmill to your work-from-home setup, we've got you covered. For the past two years, Men's Health's fitness team has researched and tested over a dozen under-desk treadmills from top home gym and cardio machine brands to find the best treadmill desks to buy in 2026.

How We Selected

Our editors and writers have researched various treadmills and walking pads by conducting market research, scouring forums, and drawing on our in-house team’s knowledge and expertise. From there, we sought to test some models in our office and home offices and to gather the experiences of fellow editors who frequently use walking pads. During our testing, we evaluated each under-desk treadmill on its cost, noise level, size, assembly process, stability, and ease of use. From our findings, we whittled it down to the following guide of the six best under-desk treadmills.

Best Overall Under Desk Treadmill

WalkingPad Z1 Foldable Walking Pad

Z1 Foldable Walking Pad
Best Overall Under Desk Treadmill

WalkingPad Z1 Foldable Walking Pad

Pros

  • Folds in half for easy storage
  • Lightweight design
  • Super quiet

Cons

  • No incline options

We've been using this walking pad for several months, and it's been a perfect addition to any home office setup. Simple yet effective, the Walking Pad Z1 is a foldable treadmill that weighs 50 pounds, can support up to 242 pounds, and allows for speeds up to four miles per hour, which, for some people, is a light jog.

The relatively narrow width (22 inches) means the Z1 fits under most desks, and the nearly four feet of deck space is long enough to accommodate pretty much any stride length (within the speed range). Our favorite feature is that this treadmill folds completely in half; store it under your couch or bed and simply carry it to where you want to use it.

Again, this is a walking pad, so you won’t get a sweat-inducing workout on it. Also, it can support only people weighing up to 242 pounds. If that’s not you, you’ll want to look for a sturdier option on our list. But to be honest, a brisk power walk is the most that I want to do while writing emails or other work.

Dimensions (LxWxH)‎56.1 x 22 x 4.1 inches
Speed Range1 - 4 mph
Deck Length47.6 inches
Product Weight51 lbs
Weight Capacity242 lbs
InclineNo
Best Budget Under Desk Treadmill

Urevo 2-in-1 Walking Pad

On Sale
2-in-1 Walking Pad
Best Budget Under Desk Treadmill

Urevo 2-in-1 Walking Pad

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Reliable walking pad
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Wide speed range for a walking pad

Cons

  • Certain functions may stop working
  • Can run hot

The Urevo Walking Pad has proven to be a reliable and financially reasonable way to help me keep my steps up. I like that it’s lasted over two years, is relatively easy to move, and functions as both a walking pad and an under-desk treadmill.

This is a budget pick; the Urevo’s best quality is that it’s a functional walking pad that you can buy for around $200. Mine was bought back in 2022 and used nearly every day for eight months straight. One time, I challenged myself to walk 30,000 steps in a day. I queued up two movies on Netflix and made it through all of The Firm before my wife told me she smelled something burning and I realized the bottoms of my feet were red-hot from two hours and 40 minutes of straight walking.

I’d suggest wearing shoes on this treadmill and not walking on the Urevo for longer than an hour at a time. I hardly use mine as an under-the-desk treadmill (I don’t like typing and walking), but I could as it does fit under my desk. If you’re not buying a standing desk and MacGyver-ing your set-up, measure your desk and Urevo at their widest points to ensure they’re compatible.

All in all, there’s nothing about Urevo that will blow you away. But it is a resilient and affordable walking pad that’ll help you stay active during the winter months and Netflix binges. Is it the cheapest piece of exercise equipment I own? Probably… but I don’t regret the purchase one bit.

Dimensions (LxWxH)51.2 x 22.6 x 4.6 inches
Speed Range0.6 - 6.2 mph
Deck Length40.1 inches
Product Weight48.3 lbs
Weight Capacity265 lbs
InclineNo
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Best Compact Under Desk Treadmill

Egofit Walker Pro

Walker Pro
Best Compact Under Desk Treadmill

Egofit Walker Pro

Pros

  • Very light
  • Comes with wheels for easy moving
  • Is only 38” long
  • Simple to stow away

Cons

  • Only supports up to 220 lbs
  • Short belt length

There’s no point in buying a commercial-sized treadmill if you plan to get most of your walking done at your desk. The Egofit Walker Pro is a smaller treadmill with a shorter belt and a max speed of 3.1 miles per hour, which is about a 19:21 mile (not fast at all).

At just over three feet long and weighing 48.5 pounds, the Egofit won’t take up much space. According to Amazon reviews, it can be easily stored under your couch or bed. It also has wheels for easy mobility. The Egofit is set at a fixed incline of 5%, which the brand says burns more calories. There’s also an LCD monitor on the front that tracks your pace and steps.

You’re buying a walking pad, not a treadmill. The Egofit can only support up to 220 pounds and won’t do much to enhance your workouts—just your daily activity levels. That said, customers like its size, durability, and maneuverability.

Dimensions (LxWxH)37.8 x 6.89 x 21.26 inches
Speed Range0.62 - 3.1 mph
Deck Length34.25 inches
Product Weight48.5 lbs
Weight Capacity220 lbs
Incline5%
Best Low-Profile Treadmill Desk

WalkingPad C2 Foldable Walking Pad

On Sale
C2 Foldable Walking Pad
Best Low-Profile Treadmill Desk

WalkingPad C2 Foldable Walking Pad

Now 14% Off

Pros

  • Inconspicuous low-profile aesthetic
  • Compact design
  • Low-noise structure

Cons

  • Low maximum weight capacity

After testing this for a few months, we like to think of this one more as a true walking pad than a treadmill. Ultimately, it has the same function as most under-desk treadmills, but the low-profile aesthetic of the C2 Smart Folding Treadmill can be really attractive.

Especially if you are in an apartment or small office space, the size and look of this design offer significant functional benefits. When you're not using it, simply fold it up and tuck it away. It's not only foldable, but super lightweight, so you can move it from room to room or under the sofa with ease.

It has a maximum speed of 4 mph, so it's great for even fast walkers. A remote control lets you easily adjust the treadmill's speed, switch between modes, and turn it on and off. This makes it easy to customize your workout without stopping or bending down. Buyers have noted the remote battery is not included, so be aware.

The treadmill is also Bluetooth-enabled, so you can pair it with a fitness app while you exercise. But with a weight capacity of just 220 pounds and a compact walking surface, it's not the most suitable choice for bigger or taller guys.

Dimensions (LxWxH)56.9 x 20.4 x 4.9 inches
Speed Range1 - 4 mph
Deck Length47.2 inches
Product Weight55 lbs
Weight Capacity220 lbs
InclineNo
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Best Luxury Under Desk Treadmill

InMovement Unsit Under Desk Treadmill

Unsit Under Desk Treadmill

Pros

  • Whisper-quiet operation
  • Oversized belt and deck for increased safety and stability
  • Commercial-grade construction with generous weight capacity

Cons

  • Low maximum speed

Most of the ultra-budget-friendly models we tested are bare-bones treadmill desks with modest features. The Unsit Under Desk Treadmill is in a class all its own. At nearly $2,600, it's the most expensive model we found. But that premium price tag also sets this one well above every other model in our roundup, too.

The wide frame and belt provide 55% more usable walking space. That equates to easier, more comfortable walking with more naturally paced strides to help prevent soreness and injuries. It's also safer, because you're not trying to "fit" your natural gait into an unnaturally small footprint. This model is arguably the quietest on this list—"library quiet," according to Unsit and many reviewers. It's also built with heavy-duty, commercial-grade materials (supports up to 400 pounds) so it's designed to last for years.

It's also the only model we've found with a dedicated smartphone app. It connects the under-desk treadmill to your phone to track steps, distance, calories, and other stats all with a one-touch control setup.

On the downside, that beefy construction makes this the heaviest desk treadmill on this list at more than 160 pounds. We were surprised to find that the maximum speed is only 2 miles per hour. This is definitely more of an under-desk treadmill designed specifically to use while you work, rather than a portable treadmill that happens to fit in your office. Because, really, who is literally running during their hourly Zoom meetings?

Dimensions (LxWxH)39 x 56 x 5 inches
Speed Range0.3 - 2 mph
Deck Length40 inches
Product Weight162 lbs
Weight Capacity400 lbs
InclineNo

What to Consider

Size

This probably goes without saying, but you’ll want to double-check that the treadmill desks you’re shopping for will physically fit your home office. Pay close attention to the overall dimensions, so you can be sure it will fit under your desk. It also helps to have a few feet in every direction around the treadmill to allow enough freedom of movement.

Stability

Like all home gym equipment, stability equals safety. You want a treadmill that’s sturdy enough to support you properly. Look for metal frames, which often mean a heavier, more stable construction. If spending a little more money will "upgrade" your purchase from a cheaper, less stable frame to a stronger one, opt for the more expensive option. That increased peace of mind is always money well spent.

Adjustability

If the treadmill desk setup you’re considering includes an attached or complementary desk, be sure it adjusts to a height that’s comfortable for you. Most feature variable table heights, so be sure it can be adjusted to a position that’s ideal for your workflow. Also, treadmills often offer an adjustable speed range, typically in 0.1-mile-per-hour increments. This guarantees the versatility to adapt to your growing fitness needs.

Noise Level

Belt-driven treadmill desks and under-desk treadmill models make noise just like standard treadmills. Not every manufacturer lists the average noise level of its treadmill. But, if a quieter workspace is important to you, be sure to ask or research reviews from other treadmill desk buyers to see what they have to say.

Assembly

Many treadmill desks require at least light assembly. If you’re not DIY-inclined or just prefer your at-home gym equipment arrive preassembled, check the manufacturer’s website to see just how much assembly is required. In some cases, your retailer may offer assembly, either free or for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Question

Why is walking while working a good idea?

These days, many Americans are becoming sedentary. And we know how hard it is to pull yourself away from work, between meetings and deadlines, to go for a quick walk, but treadmill desks offer a solution to that dilemma.

Compared with traditional sitting desks, treadmill desks allow you to increase your physical activity levels while working. This can help improve your cardiovascular health, increase calorie burn, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. And who doesn't love a tool that helps you multitask these days?

While research isn't conclusive, some studies have shown that using a treadmill desk can even improve productivity and cognitive function. Walking increases blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which can enhance mental clarity and focus.

But it is important to note that a treadmill desk may not be suitable for everyone. If you have an existing health condition, it's important to consult a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your activity levels.

More of Our Favorite Home Fitness Equipment
Best Under Desk Bikes | Best Exercise Bikes | Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes | Best Home Gym Equipment | Best Treadmills | Best Folding Exercise Bikes | Best Incline Treadmills | Best Ellipticals | Best Rowing Machines | Best Foldable Rowing Machines

Lettermark

Andrew Gutman, NASM-CPT is a journalist with a decade of experience covering fitness and nutrition. His work has been published in Men's Health, Men's Journal, Muscle & Fitness, and Gear Patrol. Outside of writing, Andrew trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, helps coach his gym's kickboxing team, and enjoys reading and cooking. 

Headshot of Charles Thorp, NASM
Reviewed byCharles Thorp, NASM
Fitness and Reviews Editor

Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.   Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.

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