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The best under-desk treadmills are a superbly convenient way to help you walk more, even when you're at home or at your desk. When paired with a standing desk, you can gently stroll along while taking calls, drafting emails, or completing other tasks.
Of course, under-desk treadmills can also be used away from the office (or home office, as the case may be), and are great for using in front of the TV while you watch one of the best streaming services, listen to a podcast, or even just keep your step count up when the weather isn’t playing ball.
Our experts have tested a cross-section of walking pads and rated each model on value, design, features, and performance. We recently tested the DeerRun Q1 Classic treadmill, which is a very competitively priced option for this category. That said, it didn’t quite make our final list. For more detail on why, see our full lineup and also tested section.
Our Senior Fitness & Wearables Editor Matt Evans has been writing about fitness and health tech online for years, which means he knows what to expect from a treadmill. From the width and cushioning of the belt to how its settings hold up against its contemporaries, Matt co-ordinates the entries in this buying guide and has personally tried most of them.
Best under-desk treadmill overall
If you're new to at-home treadmills, walking on a treadmill or even exercise more generally, then the JTX MoveLight is a great option for everyone because it's relatively affordable, offers solid build quality and is very easy to set up. Simply plug it in with a single cord, and you’re ready to go once you press the remote.
Our reviewer recommended the JTX MoveLight as it's compact and easy to slide out of the way – such as underneath a sofa or in a cupboard. However, it's worth mentioning that it might be a little too long for alcove desk spaces, so those looking for a shorter tread for easier storage may be better off with the Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill. What's more, its compact design does mean there's a weight limit of 100kg.
The build quality on offer is good and the JTX MoveLight is robust – even if it's a bit dull to look at. It's a really solid entry into this list – it's just a shame that it's not available in the US right now.
Read our full JTX MoveLight review
Best premium under-desk treadmill
The Lifespan TR1200-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill is one of the most popular products from the Lifespan home working range. That said, it’s built for heavier daily use, so it works just as well for one person as it does shared across a small office.
The TR1200-DT3 has six impact-absorbing shocks to help dampen noise while walking and has an automatic stop when you step off the device, providing both safety and a swiftly quiet environment for taking calls.
I was delighted that this walking treadmill comes fully assembled out of the box and can fit under most standing desks. The control console was a little on the large side for me, but it enables the user to control the Lifespan TR1200-DT3 with a few button touches and will display all the ongoing fitness stats such as calories, steps, and distance.
Bluetooth connectivity is also available so you can upload results into the LifeSpan Active Track fitness app, and a port is located at the rear of the control console for charging devices such as phones.
The Lifespan TR1200-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill will support up to 330 lbs in user weight. It also has two wheels located on the front of the device, which I found very handy when it comes to moving it around.
Read our full Lifespan TR1200-DT3 review
Best budget under-desk treadmill
The Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill is a budget-friendly, no-frills treadmill solution that is perfect for those who want to get their steps in but don't care about any extra features. Unless you want something with premium construction like the Lifespan TR1200-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill or JTX Movelight, a rail for running, or a wood finish, it's more than suitable for most people's needs.
I found the Mobvoi super easy to set up, and had it working out of the box in just 10 minutes. It has a sturdy build despite being incredibly slender and lightweight. Because of the price, you might think it would feel cheap but I actually thought it felt surprisingly premium.
I found the tread width is rather narrow in comparison to other treadmills I've tested, which takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you prefer a wider platform to walk on. The Plus is a touch larger, with a running surface that’s 2cm wider and 2cm longer than the standard model.
Despite not offering many features, it’s perfect for pulling out, pressing go, and just walking, whether that’s for use with a standing desk or to get your steps in while watching TV. Which, let's be honest, is how the vast majority of people will be using it.
Read our full Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill review
Best looking under-desk treadmill
The Urevo SpaceWalk E4w almost got our best budget pick, but it's also the best looking, with a wood grain finish slightly reminiscent of a stylish WaterRower. The treadmill itself performs as well as it looks, offering a spacious walking belt and that useful two-wheel portability.
It comes with a remote and a companion app that includes ‘World Tour’ walking videos, but you might find you get just as much out of setting it up in front of The Lord of the Rings and going for a long walk there instead.
Our reviewer noted the surface of the treadmill did heat up, so she preferred wearing trainers, but overall loved the experience otherwise.
Read our full Urevo SpaceWalk E4w review
Best for runners
The Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE is perfect for those who want to get more bang for their buck by grabbing a device with a running mode attached.
With the safety rail folded down, the device is in 'walking mode' in which you're able to walk up to a set speed of 3.7mph and use it with a standing desk to exercise while you work, chat in meetings, or just watch TV at home.
On the other hand, when folded up, you're able to jog up to 7.5mph, controlling your speed and settings with either the remote control or the attached console. There's no incline in running mode, the belt just moves faster, but during our tests, we found it works just fine for gentle jogging, and the walking mode is quiet enough to not disturb your meetings or distract you from working. The best of both worlds.
Read our full Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE review
Also tested
Not every under desk treadmill we test makes the cut. Here are some devices we've also tested.
Best under-desk treadmills: At a glance
Component | Lifespan TR1200 | Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill | JTX Movelight | Urevo SpaceWalk E4w | Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE |
Dimensions | 64 x 27 x 6 in. | 48.7 x 20.5 x 5 in | 53 x 21 x 5 in. | 46.85 × 18.90 × 4.33 in. | 54 x 27 x 8.3 in. |
Weight | 110 lbs | 50 lbs | 65 lbs | 40lbs | 42.99 lbs |
Tread belt size | 20-in W x 50-in L | 16-in W x 40-in L | 18-in W x 48-in L | 15-in W x 39.8-in L | 16-in W x 40-in L |
Max user weight | 350 lbs | 265 lbs | 220 lbs | 265 lbs | 265 lbs |
Max Speed | 4 mph | 3.8 mph | 3.7 mph | 3.7 mph | 7.5 mph |
Choosing the best under desk treadmill: What to consider
Space
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An under-desk treadmill will take up plenty of space in your home, so you need to make sure you have room for it. It might be worth measuring a space and then considering how much room you have, bearing in mind you'll want a bit of clearance for your plug sockets etc. Also, think about what you're going to do with your treadmill when you're not using it. How will you store it? Do you need a folding model?
Price
Perhaps the most obvious consideration, generally spending more on an under-desk treadmill will score you more features, but perhaps more importantly a more rugged and durable design. A budget treadmill will work just fine if you haven't got the cash to spare, but bear in mind that it might not last as long as more premium options.
Weight
Consider how heavy your treadmill is and how much weight it can take. Most under-desk treadmills have a weight limit, and the lowest we recommend in our guide is 220lbs. We also have picks with weight limits of 265lbs, while the Lifespan TR1200 wins out with a user weight limit of 350lbs.
Speed
You won’t be able to run on an under-desk treadmill, but the speed setting is still important. Ideally, you want a good range. The lowest we’d recommend is around 3.5mph, with none of our picks dipping below 3.7mph. At the higher end, models like the Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE go up to 7.5mph, giving you more flexibility for brisk walking.
When we talk about “best for runners,” we are not suggesting you use these for interval sessions or structured runs. Instead, it is about supporting your training. That might mean clocking easy aerobic miles while you work, keeping your legs moving on active recovery days, or staying loose during tapering.
The faster the top speed, the more intensity you can build into those walking or light jogging efforts, and the more useful the treadmill becomes as a training companion rather than just a desk accessory.
Can an under-desk treadmill help me walk 10,000 steps a day?
Clinical research shows that walking up to 10,000 steps a day can lower your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and more. You can absolutely get those steps in with the help of an under-desk treadmill, and it could even be your preferred choice if you want to keep out of inclement weather, don't want to walk in the dark, or you're a beginner when it comes to walking.
You won't get some of the benefits of walking outdoors, especially improved mental well-being, but an under-desk treadmill can help you get those steps in during the working day. When you consider that 10,000 steps in miles is roughly 5 miles for most people, getting some of those steps in while at your desk or in front of the TV could be a big help.
How we test the best under-desk treadmills
We walk (and run) on each treadmill for an extended period of time, testing it up to its top speed. We use both running shoes and flat-soled shoes to check comfort levels, as walking treadmills should have adequate cushioning for extended use with pretty much any footwear.
We also check the response of the safety key, ensuring the treadmill halts in a timely manner in case of an emergency. We look at how responsive the remote is and rate how easy the treadmill is to control from your desk.
We also check out any other features it might purport to have, such as Bluetooth capabilities, functions of the console, and dedicated interval workouts. Read more about how we test here.
