Best Walking Pads 2025 – Forbes Vetted

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Best Walking Pads 2025 – Forbes Vetted

Spending hours at a desk each day means I’m constantly reminding myself to take breaks—stretch my legs, relax my eyes and reset. But stepping away is easier said than done, which is why walking pads, or under-desk treadmills, have become such a healthy game-changer in this remote working era. I evaluated designs based on overall size, belt speed, durability and additional features, determining theGoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill to be the best walking pad overall—it’s stable, powerful and very easy to use. If you’re on a tight budget, the Urevo SpaceWalk Lite is a great under-$200 model that’s controlled by a convenient remote.

Keep in mind that a walking pad isn’t a substitute for a full-sized treadmill. As tempting as it may be to buy one because it’s comparatively cheaper, most models aren’t designed to pick up the pace, and even if they are, they don’t feel as stable at high speeds. At the end of the day, an under-desk treadmill is a great option if you want an easy way to stay active at home or in the office via low-intensity exercise. If that’s what you’re after, read on to learn more about my top picks.

  • Best Walking Pad Overall: Goplus 2-In-1 Treadmill
  • Best Budget Walking Pad: Urevo SpaceWalk Lite
  • Best Foldable Walking Pad: WalkingPad P1 Folding Treadmill
  • Best Walking Pad With A Built-In Desk: Hccsport Walking Pad With Removable Desk
  • Best Walking Pad For Plus-Size Users: Lacuffy Walking Pad

Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 5 inches | Walk surface: 16 x 40 inches | Max speed: 7.5 mph | Weight capacity: 265 pounds

Pros:

  • Max speed allows light running
  • Slim design fits under a desk
  • Optional side rails improve stability

Cons:

  • Less sturdy at running speeds

It’s hard to find a walking pad that checks every box—as you start looking for a model with speed, stability, durability and add-on tech features, you’re effectively shopping for a full-sized treadmill. Still, what I like about the Goplus 2-In-1 Treadmill is that it offers most of these features, but it still comes in at just $300. For example, the motor’s max speed of 7.5 mph lets you break into a light jog if walking feels just a bit slow, and pop-up siderails improve stability. With a max weight capacity of 265 pounds, the design also accommodates different body shapes and sizes, and that’s in spite of the fact that this walking pad can still slide under a desk if you’d like to use it while you work.

With all that said, remember that this is a walking pad, so don’t look at the motor’s max speed and assume it’ll be good for running. Yes, you can technically use it for running, but the platform isn’t going to feel as stable at high speeds, and you run the risk of slipping off the back. Ultimately, I think the Goplus 2-In-1 Treadmill strikes a balance between price, weight capacity, stability and speed range, and for that reason, it’s my top pick.


Dimensions: 50.9 x 20.7 x 4.9 inches | Walk surface: 15.7 x 41.3 inches | Max speed: 4 mph | Weight capacity: 265 pounds

Pros:

  • Easy to move around
  • Simple setup
  • Remote changes speed settings

Cons:

  • Can’t change speed settings without the remote

By and large, walking pads are less expensive than full-sized treadmills, which partially explains why they’ve become so popular in recent years. But if you’re still shopping for a walking pad on a budget, consider the Urevo SpaceWalk Lite. Because the walking pad itself weighs 45 pounds, you can easily move it from one room to the next or hide it out of sight. I also appreciate the fact that it comes with a remote, so you can change speed settings from your desk, on the fly. With a max speed of 4 mph, it’s not the fastest walking pad on the market, but you’ll still work up a sweat if you give it some time.

The one gripe I have with this model is the fact that you can only change speed settings with the remote—there are no buttons or switches to be found on the walking pad itself. Ninety-nine percent of the time, this isn’t an issue. But don’t misplace the remote—and if it breaks, you have to contact support and jump through hoops to have the problem resolved. But at the end of the day, that isn’t a dealbreaker, which is why this makes for a compelling option at less than $200.


Dimensions: 21.5 x 56.5 x 5 inches | Walk surface: 16.5 x 47.2 inches | Max speed: 3.75 mph | Weight capacity: 220 pounds

Pros:

  • Compact design saves space
  • Easy to unfold and start using immediately
  • Lightweight to move around the house

Cons:

  • Folding mechanism is a point of weakness

Walking pads are a popular choice because they take up such little space, but if you live in small apartment or share a house with roommates, you might need an even smaller design like the Walking Pad P1. While it’s already rather small, a hinge at the middle means it folds in half to save even more space, allowing you to store it under a bed or tuck it in a closet when it’s not in use. And while that hinge might lead you to believe that it’s les powerful in some way, the motor still tops out at 3.75 mph and the weight capacity reaches 220 pounds, so this is as capable a walking pad as they come.

My main concern is the hinge introduces a weakness and possible failure point. Like a folding smartphone, the hinge is designed to open and close a specific number of times, and over time, it may get weaker. In my research, I haven’t found any long-term reviews that suggest it might fail, but it’s something to consider if you’d like your walking pad to last for years to come. Otherwise, this is a great option that costs more for the folding feature, but in return, you save a bit of space.


Dimensions: 55 x 27 x 47 inches | Walk surface: 42.5-inch deck length | Max speed: 8 mph | Weight capacity: 280 pounds

Pros:

  • Built-in wheels for easy portability
  • Work station is removable
  • No assembly required

Cons:

  • Built-in speaker doesn’t offer great audio quality
  • Desk may be too short for taller users

While most walking pads slide underneath a standing desk, this model from Hccsport integrates its workspace into the siderails, so no matter where you choose to walk, you’ve always got a desk at the ready—handy if you want to use your laptop in a space that’s separate from your home office. And because the height-adjustable desk attachment can be removed, you’re not married to the design if you’d like to step away from work while you get some movement in. It has a maximum speed of 8 mph, so you can engage in some light jogging after the work day. 

There’s no assembly required, and a set of built-in wheels make moving its 84-pound frame to another spot relatively easily. The remote control wristband lets you switch between speeds, as well as increase your incline by up to 6%. It’s worth noting that this model is equipped with built-in music speakers, but multiple customers say that the audio quality leaves a lot to be desired. However, many people who invest in at-home fitness equipment already have a preferred way of listening to music while working out—whether it’s with wireless earbuds or a Bluetooth speaker—so this isn’t a huge dealbreaker.


MOST POPULAR

Dimensions: 43 x 20 x 4 inches | Walk surface: 42-inch deck length | Max speed: 3.8 mph | Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Pros:

  • Bluetooth app connectivity
  • No assembly required

Cons:

  • Isn’t as quiet as advertised

With a top speed of 3.8 mph and a relatively narrow walking platform, the Lacuffy Walking Pad is an easygoing, compact option. But, because it sports a 300-pound weight capacity, it’s a solid choice for big and tall users who need a supportive, reliable design. A mobile app keeps track of your calories burned and time spent walking, so all you really have to do is put one foot in front of the other.

While it’s advertised as being incredibly quiet (which would make it ideal for those working from home), some reviews suggest the treadmill constantly beeps and the motor isn’t as quiet as you might hope. That’s not to say it’s loud, but I wouldn’t recommend investing in this walking pad (or any walking pad, for that matter) under the assumption that it’s whisper quiet. If that’s not a deterrent, this is a great choice to help you sneak in a few extra steps each day or kickstart your fitness journey.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

When it comes to walking pads and fitness equipment at large, you can trust that our recommendations are carefully curated to help you find the best option for your goals and general lifestyle.

  • This article was written by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who holds a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. With a background in health and wellness, Vigliotta understands how the right equipment can support your goals, whether you’re aiming to stay active at your desk or fit in quick workouts at home.
  • Before recommending any fitness equipment, we spend time evaluating everything from ease of setup to long-term performance, so you know exactly what to expect.
  • Beyond our own experiences, we scoured the web to gather honest reviews and feedback from everyday users, giving us a clearer picture of how each walking pad performs over time.
  • We regularly update this story to confirm all of our picks are still in stock and to ensure we’re providing readers with the most helpful shopping information. In February 2025, lifestyle writer Claire Epting added the Hccsport Walking Pad to the list and refreshed our section of frequently asked questions.

How I Chose The Best Walking Pads

To identify the best under-desk treadmills, I focused on finding models that strike the perfect balance between functionality, comfort and durability, paying mind to performance, user experience and design details that make a difference.

  • I looked for walking pads that are easy to assemble and come with straightforward controls, so you can focus on walking instead of troubleshooting. A walking pad should feel like it’s built to last, so I also evaluated materials, construction and design details, from shock-absorbing platforms to reinforced frames.
  • A good walking pad is smooth, stable and responsive. I sought out models with powerful motors that deliver consistent speed without shaking, ensuring you can walk without worry. The quieter the motor, the better experience you’re likely to have.
  • The best walking pads fit seamlessly into your life, and into your personal spaces. I looked for compact designs that are easy to fold or slide under a bed when not in use. Portability features, like built-in wheels and carrying handles, scored additional points.
  • Customer reviews were also taken into account; I only included models that have earned an average rating of least 4 out of 5 stars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Top-Rated Walking Pad?

While all of the walking pads on this list are highly rated by customers, the model that I feel is worthy of the top spot is the GoPlus 2-In-1 Treadmill. It has a maximum speed of 7.5 mph, which is on the higher end as far as under-desk treadmills go. Reviewers especially appreciate its compact size and how quiet it is, even at higher speeds. 

How Long Should You Walk On A Walking Pad? 

There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to how long you should walk on your walking pad. Total beginners should start with short, infrequent sessions and work their way up to longer ones—30 minutes a day is a good place to start. Another way to measure your progress is your step count: Many under-desk treadmills track your steps, making it easy to keep an eye on your progress over time. 

Are Walking Pads Apartment-Friendly? 

Yes, walking pads are well-suited for apartments. Unlike a traditional treadmill, which takes up a good deal of space in a compact living area, a walking pad can be set up anywhere and stored away when not in use. A high-quality model should operate quietly enough that your neighbors will not be disturbed.

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