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  • Fitness

Millennium Mileage: Best Under Desk Treadmills In 2022

This product guide was written by Jovana Dosenovic
Last Updated January 21, 2022
Jovana Dosenovic
Jovana is a writer and copy editor living with her lazy calico cat and thousands of (mostly unread) books. She has worked as a copywriter, fact-checker, QA analyst, and librarian, but this has been her favorite gig so far. A bit of a bookworm since she was tiny, she loves nothing more than curling up with a giant cup of coffee or tea and a good book. When not hunched over a keyboard or book, Jovana enjoys going on long walks, short hikes, and occasional camping trips. She also has an unfinished novel she’d like to publish one day. No, really.
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An under-the-desk treadmill is a fantastic solution for anyone looking to maximize their home or office fitness potential. Rather than drag yourself to the gym after work or force yourself to work out on a lazy Saturday morning, an under-desk treadmill allows you to exercise and stretch your legs during your workday.

Many of us have already seen under desk treadmills in our offices; so why shouldn’t you get in on the fun? If you’re counting steps and calories on a daily basis, this provides a convenient all-in-one solution for achieving those goals. Combining the low-impact style and quality of regular treadmills with the compact convenience of home-workout designs, under desk treadmills are a fantastic way to stay active during your desk-ridden workdays.

With foldable designs and a range of fitness tracking features, easy Bluetooth functions, and remote operation, desk treadmills are perfect for anyone who wants to feel like they’ve accomplished their workout while they crush their normal workday. Without further ado, here are the very best under desk treadmills to help you boost both your health and productivity.

Our Top Picks
  • Best Shock Absorption: GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
  • Best 2-in-1 for Small Spaces: Miageek 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
  • Best Minimalist Design: WALKINGPAD A1 Pro Smart Walk Under Desk Treadmill
  • Best Entry-Level Programming: Goplus Electric Under Desk Treadmill
  • Best Fitness Monitoring: ANCHEER Folding Treadmill
  • Best Interactive Option: UMAY Intelligent Speed Control Treadmill
  • Best Walking-Specific Option: Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation

The Best Under Desk Treadmill

1
GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill

gymax 2 in 1 under desk treadmill

Available in various colors to match your home or office decor, the GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill revs up the momentum as one of the best under desk treadmill options you can buy. The dual display screen makes the settings easy to navigate, while its 2.25 HP motor delivers whisper-quiet operation while still giving you a sufficient workout.

For those worried about putting too much pressure on their joints, its shock-absorbent qualities should ease any fears. The integrated Bluetooth speaker will get you in the zone to exercise and complete your work at the same time. If you prefer a bit more challenging option, check out our list of the best curved treadmills.

Key Features:

Use in folded mode (as an under-desk treadmill) or upright with armrests

Maximum speed 4 km/h in folded mode, or 12 km/h in the upright position

Incredibly quiet 2.25 HP motor

Comes with a remote control to change the running speeds in either mode

Features a 7-layer shock-absorbing and non-slip running belt with a safety key

Incorporates a touchscreen on the armrest and LED screen below

Monitors speed, distance, time and calories burned

Maximum weight capacity 256 pounds

Specification:
  • BrandGYMAX
  • Weight74 Pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

2
Miageek 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill

miageek 2 in 1 under desk folding treadmill

The Miageek 2 in 1 Under Desk Folding Treadmill boasts two sports modes for both at-work and after-work operation to maximize your fitness potential. It is available in multiple colors and uses a 2.25 HP motor that hits a top speed of 12 kph.

The multi-function LED display and remote control allow you to adjust the settings with ease, and this display will also help you track fitness progress, including distance, speed, and time. The Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to drown out the office sounds. While not whisper-quiet, this office treadmill is far from loud, so you can comfortably have a call while you walk – no one on the other side will be able to hear it. Since this folding treadmill comes fully assembled, you can hit the ground running immediately.

Key Features:

Use as a full running treadmill or folded into an under desk treadmill

Features a 2.25 HP Drive System

Maximum speeds of 7.5 MPH in upright mode, 2.5 MPH when folded

LED display shows your distance, speed, time and calories burned

Comes with a remote control and safety key

Maximum weight capacity 265 pounds

Specification:
  • BrandMiageek
  • Weight75 Pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

3
WALKINGPAD A1 Pro Smart Walk Under Desk Treadmill

walkingpad a1 pro smart walk under desk treadmill

The WALKINGPAD A1 Pro Smart Walk Folding Treadmill is a superb choice for those low on space but big on the desire to get into shape. The desk treadmill has a folding system that allows you to store it out of the way when you’re not using it, while the sturdy frame and 220-pound weight capacity boasts excellent durability and resistance.

This awesome piece of home gym equipment utilizes Intelligent Speed Control that recognizes your momentum and adjusts accordingly. It doesn’t boast the top speeds of other treadmills, but it should still be enough to give you a healthy dose of fitness from Monday to Friday. 

Key Features:

Min. height of 2.2” and length of 32.3” when folded, full size of 5.08” (H) x 21.54” (W) x 56.38” (L)

Running speed controlled by human motion trajectory

Comes with a large tabletop surface area for work or entertainment

Includes intelligent display screen showing speed, steps, time, calories and distance

Made of high-quality steel with 220 pounds weight capacity

Specification:
  • BrandWALKINGPAD
  • ModelA1PRO
  • Weight61.8 Pounds
BUY ON AMAZON

4
Goplus Electric Under Desk Treadmill

goplus under desk electric treadmill

With a widened running platform and heavy-duty, shockproof construction, the Goplus Under Desk Electric Treadmill is a remarkably user-friendly option that doesn’t take up too much space in the office or under your home office desk.

The speed options range from 0.5 to 4 mph, giving you a decent trajectory without wearing you out during important conference calls. The touchscreen multi-functional display provides essential metrics to track your fitness progress. This also allows you to select 12 available exercise programs, giving you a fantastic exercise variety that’s as close to standard treadmills as you’re likely to find. One of the best desk treadmill options in this price range!

Key Features:

Product measures 51.5” x 23.5” x 6” with a 41” x 17” walking area

Able to reach speeds of 0.5 – 4 MPH

12 exercise programs, 3 easy-to-use exercise modes to choose from

Features an LED touchscreen display that allows you to track time, speed, distance, and calories and also enables you to adjust the settings

The footpad and rubber struts reduce noise and vibrations, and the shock-absorption design is gentle on joints and muscles

Comes with remote control and convenient wheels for easy storage

Maximum weight recommended 220 pounds

Specification:
  • BrandGoplus
  • Weight55.5 Pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

5
ANCHEER Folding Treadmill

ancheer folding treadmill

The ANCHEER Folding Treadmill comes with multiple workout programs and speed options, plus a large LCD that displays your workout details, including time, speed, distance, pulse and calories spent. It’s also surprisingly quiet thanks to its 1.5HP motor and noise and shock reduction system.

Thanks to its compact and foldable design, this space-saving treadmill is ideal for tight and small spaces, including your home office, bedroom or actual office. And if you struggle with your knees? No problem, the Ancheer boasts excellent cushioning technology that provides several cushioning points spread throughout the deck support system for impact absorption. For some more amazing workout gear, check out these top back machines.

Key Features:

Treadmill measures 49.21 x 23.58 x 42.13 inch, folded 47.25 x 23.58 x 9.45 inch

Adjustable speed from 0.5 to 6 MPH

LCD tracks time, distance, speed, pulse, calories burned

Durable steel frame & quiet 1.5HP motor

Excellent cushioning tech for max impact absorption

Foldable, space-saving design

Max. weight recommended 220 pounds

Specification:
  • BrandANCHEER
  • Weight75 Pounds
BUY ON WALMART

6
UMAY Intelligent Speed Control Treadmill

umay intelligent speed control treadmill

If you’re looking for a reliable treadmill for under-desk that doesn’t break the bank, check out the UMAY Intelligent Speed Control. Like any decent under desk treadmill option, it has a space-saving foldable design that makes it perfect smaller spaces, while the low-noise 1.5HP motor delivers (almost) silent operation.

The Umay has a small but easy-to-read LED display that measures your speed, distance, time and calories in real-time (unfortunately no heart rate metric), helping you stay on your fitness track. It has a 1 to 6 kph speed range that will keep you on the move throughout the busy day, and its shock-absorbing running belt will provide a comfortable experience that won’t tire you out too quickly. If you want to target your core, make sure to choose one of these effective ab machines, too.

Key Features:

The running surface measures 41.3 x 16.14 inches

Small LED display shows distance, speed, calories, time

7-layer cushioning with anti-skid properties

Low-noise 1.5 HP motor

6-speed options, from 0 to 4 MPH

Remote control & Spax app control

198-pound maximum weight capacity

Specification:
  • BrandUMAY
  • Weight66 Pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

7
Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation

sunny health & fitness walkstation

Versatile, portable and easy to store, the Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation is arguably the best under desk treadmill for walking that you can find in this price range. If you’re serious about enhancing fitness levels at any opportunity you find and you prefer walking over running, this one is a must-have.

While the Walkstation may not be the smallest under desk treadmill (we’re sure there are even smaller models available but definitely not with these features), it’s very compact and with a low profile, making it super-easy to slide under a desk. It has a small LCD monitor and is remotely operated, so you can adjust the intensity of your workout easily (0.5 to 3 MPH). The monitor displays most important metrics, including time, speed, distance, steps and calories burned (no pulse though). The treadmill also features Active Use detection so it will pause when it recognizes a lack of movement for five seconds, and Smart Power Saving tech that will activate the Power Saving Mode when the treadmill has been inactive for more than 10 min. For more amazing workout machines, browse our list of the best rowing machines.

Key Features:

Treadmill dimensions are ‎50 x 21.5 x 6.5 inches

Monitor displays speed, distance, steps, time and calories

Remote control operation

Minimum speed 0.5 MPH, maximum speed 3.75 MPH

Shock absorption thread deck

Active Use Detection & Power Saving technology

Max. weight capacity 220 pounds

Specification:
  • BrandSunny Health & Fitness
  • ModelSF-T7945
  • Weight66.8 Pounds
BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART
Under Desk Treadmill Buying Guide
  • Why Trust Us
  • Who This Is For
  • How We Picked
  • Features To Look For In Under Desk Treadmills
  • Types Of Under Desk Treadmills
  • Under Desk Treadmill FAQ

Why Trust Us

GearHungry’s team of athletes, gym junkies, cyclists, rock climbers, and runners is always on the lookout for the greatest and latest fitness equipment and accessories, including, of course, the best under desk treadmills. After all, even if you manage to squeeze in your morning or evening run every day, sitting on your butt for the rest of it is going to have negative effects on your health. That’s why we’re such fans of under-desk treadmills: while simple fitness machines, they’re incredibly effective at keeping you active even when you work on your computer.

Who This Is For

This guide is for anyone looking to boost their health and fitness without affecting or decreasing their productivity. Basically, with an under-desk treadmill, you can easily combine work and exercise even if you’re short on space as most of these models are specifically designed to be space-saving and easy to store. Whether you’re looking for a simple, low-tech desk treadmill or one with lots of added features such as Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitoring and more, we’ve got you covered.

How We Picked

There are many awesome desk treadmills available on the market, but we focused on budget-friendly, versatile, space-saving, and easy-to-use models for this guide. To give you the very best under-desk treadmills, we spent days researching the topic and reading hundreds of verified customer reviews. We also consulted with experienced sportsmen and sportswomen on our team in order to find the best models for varying needs and preferences.

walking treadmill at home

Features To Look For In Under Desk Treadmills

Space - One benefit of under-desk treadmills is that they are compact enough to fit under desks and inside cramped offices. The smallest under desk treadmill will leave enough space for your coworkers to move around, while still providing the exercise you need. When selecting your under-desk treadmill, consider the size of the area you hope to use it in. If you work from home, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue, as you can easily rearrange your office to accommodate it. However, those working in offices with other people may find it obstructing, and it could become a safety hazard. It should also be small enough to carry or transport if you want to get the most out of it.

Noise - Nobody wants to work in an office with revving motors and noisy running belts. To avoid being "that coworker," select a treadmill that operates with a quiet motor. You can figure this out through the size of the motor. A 2.25 horsepower motor should be sufficient for most office spaces, especially with additional ambient office noise. Still, if you prefer to operate it on the highest settings, it could distract your coworkers, and could even affect your concentration. Keep this in mind when shopping around for the perfect under desk treadmill.

Console - The console is a useful feature that can transform an under-desk treadmill into a standard-style product, allowing you to get the most out of your treadmill. While you’re likely to use it often at work (whether at home or office), you may struggle to get into the zone when you're off the clock. A foldable console feature will allow you to track and adjust settings when you’re not working, while still allowing you to stow it when you need to use it at your desk.

Safety - Everyone who has ever stepped on a treadmill carries a fear of tripping, stumbling, falling, and being propelled off the back like a bad comedy routine. Without a dedicated console, there is little opportunity for a stop-clip that usually attaches to your shorts. However, under desk treadmill manufacturers have found a way around this. Some models will offer a stop clip, while others use active sensors that detect whether you are using it or if the treadmill is running by itself. If it notices an absence of weight, it will automatically stop. Although under desk treadmills cannot reach the speeds of larger treadmills, there is still a risk for injury, so these safety features are essential.

Weight capacity - Understanding the weight capacity before climbing on the treadmill will ensure that you don’t accidentally apply too much weight, especially if you up the speed, which would increase the weight with every step. As under desk treadmills are designed for light exercise — with a brisk walk being the most intensive method of use — there are suitable weight capacities for each treadmill. Most max out at around 200 pounds, but some will withstand as much as 250 pounds.

Warranty - With any substantial purchase, the warranty is crucial. Under desk treadmills provide a range of warranty options that will provide the peace of mind you can get them repaired easily and relatively quickly. It’s important to look for comprehensive warranties of at least one year, as well as reliable customer service that can advise you or attend to repairs whenever you need.

Maintenance - Hopefully you won’t need to call the engineers out; proper maintenance will make sure you won’t need to. Just like other expensive electronics, under desk treadmills will require maintenance from time to time. Keep liquids away from the electronic parts and clean the tread if your shoes get dirty. You should also take advantage of the supplied lubricant to keep the cogs and motor well-oiled to ensure consistent and safe performance.

Types Of Under Desk Treadmills

Tread only - Tread only under desk treadmills are ideal for compact spaces or anyone who will only use them at the office. If you don’t plan on moving it around, then you won't need a console; you'll just need to use its remote control.

Tread + desk - Tread and desk treadmills are closer to traditional treadmills you find at the gym and are often referred to as 2-in-1 or foldable treadmills. These give you the option to raise or lower the incline to suit your needs (or desk size) and the chance to track your distance, speed, and calories burned (among other metrics) without being at your desk. Typically, however, they will take up more space.

man jogging on the treadmill

Under Desk Treadmill FAQ

Q: What is an under desk treadmill?

A: An under-desk treadmill shares many similarities with traditional treadmills. However, there are a few differences. Under desk treadmills are more compact, making them easy to move and store, while you can also take them to and from home and the office so you never miss a day.

The majority of under-desk treadmills also include folding frame designs, which give you the best of both worlds. With these designs, you can conveniently lower the console so it will fit under your desk, and you can raise the console again if you want to get your jog on away from work.

Under desk treadmills also come with remote controls to adjust the speed or the incline, handy features if you want to test your calves or prepare for hill running.

Q: Can you run on an under desk treadmill?

A: If you consider a light jog a "run," then yes. For most of us, however, it's unlikely to pick up the speed and momentum that could constitute a proper run. This is because under desk treadmills can only hit top speeds of around 6 mph, and even this isn’t too common.

This type of speed range isn’t enough to sufficiently satisfy enthusiastic joggers, but as you’re working, you don’t need to be running too quickly. Instead, you can still feel active enough with a brisk stroll on the treadmill at the highest speed, while also taking a break for lunch by lowering the speed settings.

Besides, do you think it’s wise to try to outdo your 5K personal best while surrounded by your coworkers at the office while on a Zoom call? Probably not, we'd guess.

Q: Do under desk treadmills get you fit?

A: The best under desk treadmill is a suitable, low-impact option for getting fit. Of course, because of the low speeds and low intensity, it’s not the same as you’d find on a standard treadmill at the gym or home, but it doesn’t need to be.

With these options, you are typically only running for about thirty minutes to an hour at most (unless you’re training for a marathon). However, an under-desk treadmill is gentler on the muscles and joints, so you can burn hundreds of extra calories every day by walking from nine to five.

Even if you’re not a fan of walking, you can still use these treadmills to get into shape. The continuous action will strengthen leg muscles without overworking you. Like any exercise, the more you do, the more your body can tolerate, so even if you don’t see immediate results, you will soon find your fitness levels have increased.

Q: Can you lose weight with an under-desk treadmill?

A: Likewise, it’s possible to lose weight with an under-desk treadmill. Fitness experts suggest that you can burn 500 calories a day by doing 10,000 steps. This number of steps will usually only take one to two hours to achieve, so if you can walk at your desk for the entire workday or even half of it, then you can expect to see a significant change in your weight.

You can’t merely rely on an under-desk treadmill to shed the pounds though. It’s also important to combine it with a healthy diet. Just because you have spent all day walking doesn’t mean you can treat yourself to fast food every night on the way home from work, otherwise, all your progress will stagnate.

Q: Do under-desk treadmills require maintenance?

A: Under desk treadmills are similar to regular treadmills or other electronic fitness equipment; they will require occasional maintenance and consistent care. You should make sure not to overwork the motor, and adhere to the weight capacities in order to reduce the strain on the machine.

While treadmills are durable enough to handle daily use, there’s a chance that you’ll still need to take care of the belt if it becomes worn away to ensure safety. You also must lubricate the wheels and motor to keep it operating at top performance. Some models will supply a bottle (or bottles) of gear lubricant to make this possible.

You won’t need to do this too often, but three or four times a year should be enough to keep it in top condition and prevent the gears and parts from grinding away at each other.

Sources:

  1. The Truth About ‘Working’ On A Treadmill Desk - Business Insider
  2. Can You Lose Weight By Walking An Hour A Day? - Healthline
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