If you work from home and struggle to reach your daily step count, then an under-desk treadmill could be the perfect solution. Personally, I’d be lost without mine. Not only does it help me get those all-important steps in, but it gives my hips and lower back a break and stops them from getting sore and tight.
It doesn't just have to be for work though. An under-desk treadmill also makes a great piece of home gym equipment if you don't have room for a full-size treadmill. They’re more compact, and quieter and can even help you burn calories, supporting weight loss. Although, don’t expect to be doing any sprints on them, as they have a limited speed range from 0.5 up to 4mph.
Here at T3, our Active team has clocked up thousands of steps on a range of under-desk treadmills to find the best ones to add more movement into your working day. Plus, with Black Friday sales in full swing, now is the perfect time to bag yourself a bargain! Combine with one of our best standing desks and your body will seriously thank you for it!.
Best overall
1. Urevo Foldi1 Under-Desk Treadmill
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This great value under-desk treadmill ticks most people’s boxes. A nice-looking piece of equipment with colorful detailing, it’s wide enough for those needing a bit more space without being too short.
It has two modes - you can walk with the handle down, adjust the speed using a remote control (with the highest speed of 3.8mph) or raise the handle and manually adjust it for running (with one of the highest speeds on the market - 7.6mph). The maximum user weight is 265lbs although some reviewers say it functions less well if you’re close to that weight.
Although it has a powerful 2.5hp motor, it’s not noisy. It’s hardly surprising that it scores a remarkable 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.
Read our full Urevo Foldi1 Under-Desk Treadmill review
Best premium
2. Lifespan TR1200-DT3 Under-Desk Treadmill
Specifications
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This under-desk treadmill may be priced at the higher end of the market, but it’s a solidly-built machine that is designed to last. Heavier and larger than some of the cheaper models, weighing in at 131lb, it has wheels to make storage easier.
It has an impressive maximum user weight of 250lb and plenty of shock absorption. Users find the extra width makes it comfortable and find that it works well when used for many hours each day. The main complaint relates to the button-pushing (with accompanying loud beeps) to get to a usable speed, although reviewers find the manufacturer helpful in finding fixes for these issues.
Best affordable
Specifications
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For those on a slightly tighter budget, the Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill is an absolute steal. It's extremely quiet, thanks to its noise reduction rubber, and has a decent length walking area, making it a good option for even taller folk.
The LED screen lets you keep track of your time, speed, calories, and distance, but it doesn't count your steps, so you'll need to wear a fitness tracker. You can even get more in-depth stats, like your heart rate and average pace, if you sync it with the Mobvoi app or your fitness tracker.
It's design is simple; it doesn't come with any handrails or crossbar, so that is something you'll need to get used to. But, overall, that didn't bother us, as we thought everything else was pretty top.
Read our full Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill review
Best for light running
4. Urevo Strol 2E
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For those who want to pick up the pace a little, the Urevo Strol 2E is a top contender, going up to a top speed of 10kmph/6.2mph (not quite a sprint, but a decent pace for some light running). When testing, I found it had a solid construction, it’s pretty stable underfoot and not too shaky, just make sure you really tighten up those handlebars when picking up the speed.
The Strol 2E tracks those all-important metrics: calories, distance and time. Plus, when the handlebars are up, you can even set calorie and distance goals. It can also connect to the Urevo Sport app, which comes with two pre-set programs– fat burn and hill climb– and there’s a calorie leaderboard where you can compare your daily progress with others. Although, I rarely used the app.
Setting up this treadmill was easy breezy, as it comes fully assembled— all you have to do is attach the handlebar, plug it in and you’re good to go— then, when you're done, you can just wheel it under the sofa. My only two gripes were that the belt isn’t the longest (so those 6ft and over may want to give it a miss) and it’s a little noisy, so if you’re on any meetings just make sure you hit the mute button!
Read our full Urevo Strol 2E review
Best for tall people
5. JTX MoveLight Walking Treadmill
Specifications
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The JTX MoveLight Walking Treadmill is highly recommended for tall people who prefer to move around at home but haven't got the fitness/motivation/money to use a full-size treadmill. The MoveLight provides just enough features and power for a walking treadmill, and it's more accessibly-priced than even the best cheap treadmills.
Sadly, it's only available in the UK and by no means fast enough to help you significantly improve cardio fitness – you'll need a 'proper' treadmill for that. However, if health maintenance, low-impact exercise and keeping fit indoors are your main goals, you'll be happy with the JTX MoveLight.
Read our full JTX MoveLight Walking Treadmill review
Best for offices
6. Inmovement Unsit Under-desk treadmill
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This is unashamedly a premium product that is specifically designed for use in an office. With a maximum speed of 2mph it can’t be used for more vigorous workouts, but if your budget allows and you just want it for walking at your desk, this is a great choice.
This walking treadmill is wider than most and doesn’t have as much length as others, but it runs smoothly and unless you have a particularly long gait this is one of the most comfortable walking treadmills on the market. It’s sturdily made and delivers a quiet purr rather than a roar.
It has Bluetooth functionality and an accompanying app, although some users note that the app is not its best feature.
Best for small spaces
7. WalkingPad R2 Treadmill
Specifications
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For a mid-range walking treadmill that folds up for easy storage, you can’t go far wrong with this one. Although it’s not the lightest, it folds in half and can be stood on end.
Sturdily made, it has a wider-than-average belt. It goes up to a maximum speed of 6.5mph - not a sprint, but a decent running speed for most. Some users complain about a ridge in the treadmill where it folds out, which they find uncomfortable.
This under-desk treadmill has plenty of tech. It features a device holder on the handle, has a clear digital display and can be controlled via the KS Fit App which will sync with your smartphone (although the app comes in for a lot of criticism from reviewers).
How to choose the best under-desk treadmill for you
Beyond the price, there are several features to look out for when buying a new under-desk treadmill. Think about where you’ll be storing it—there’s a big difference in weight between the best walking treadmills on the market. Look for models that fold up and have wheels for easy stowing.
Under-desk treadmills vary in size, too. If you have a long stride, look for more robust models, whereas if you worry about your balance, go for a wider one. Look out for the maximum user weight, too, if heavier people will be using it.
The overall best under-desk treadmill right now is the Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill. It combines good looks with a sensible price tag, and although it has enough power to let you break into a run, it won’t disturb your neighbours.
If your budget permits and you’re after a premium model, we love the super-quiet Inmovement Unsit Under-Desk Treadmill, designed specifically to be used in an office
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Bryony’s T3’s official ‘gym-bunny’ and Active Staff Writer, covering all things fitness. In her spare time, you will find her in her natural habitat - the gym - where her style of training is a hybrid of bodybuilding and powerlifting. Bryony loves writing about accessible workouts, nutrition and testing innovative fitness products that help you reach your fitness goals and take your training to the next level.
- Patricia CarswellFreelance Writer
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