7 Best Under

Jan 15, 2024

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These picks can help you stay active and work efficiently in the comfort of your own home.

If you're tired of sitting down in a desk chair all day, it's not just you. Humans are built to stand upright — this allows everything from your heart to your digestive system to work more effectively. And sitting for prolonged periods of time can weaken large muscles in the legs and glutes, leading to shortened hip flexor muscles, back problems and poor posture.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've evaluated and researched over 30 different under-desk treadmills, looking at overall design, speed, incline capabilities, controls, dimensions, user reviews and more. We even sent some of the models to consumer testers for real-world feedback on whether or not the under-desk treadmill interfered with work calls and meetings.

If you spend the majority of your day sitting at a desk, incorporating some activity into the workday can help you stay active, improve your mood and even enhance productivity. Standing desks and under-desk bicycles are available if you want to ease into activity during business hours, but an under-desk treadmill is a way to get your steps in while doubling down on work assignments.

Research has found that treadmill desks can increase calorie burn and metabolic rate. While some literature shows they may increase short-term productivity, studies also note that treadmills desks may reduce performance with computer tasks. It does take some getting used to, but individuals that we spoke with who actively use under-desk treadmills raved about their experiences. If it's your first time using an under-desk treadmill, we recommend starting at low speeds for about 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

You can learn more about how we looked at under-desk treadmills — including tips on finding the best one for your work setup — at the end of this guide. Keep in mind that most of these under-desk treadmills pair with a separate standing desk. However, we included a pick from inMovement that includes both a standing desk and an under-desk treadmill if you're looking for an all-in-one solution.

This highly rated under-desk treadmill is durable and has all the features you need to stay active during the workday. It comes fully assembled and supports users up to 350 pounds. Although it doesn't include a standing desk, Lifespan does offer more premium options that do.

Two types of consoles are available that can fit directly on your desktop and provide metrics including steps, time, distance, calories and speed. We greatly appreciate this feature, as other under-desk treadmills have the console on the base of the machine which can be difficult to see under your desk. We also like that it has a larger belt than many other under-desk treadmills we evaluated. There is a safety guard feature as well to make sure the machine only operates when you are walking. The machine has wheels to move it around, and it goes up to speeds of 4.0 MPH, so you have a range to comfortably walk in.

Reviewers mentioned how quiet the machine is and found it to be high-quality and well-made. One person said, "Bought this to help get more movement back in my day since beginning to work from home. Now I get more steps in than I did when I worked in the office!" Another noted that walking on the machine can be softly heard through headphones but didn't cause much interference.

Some under-desk treadmills are just a walking pad, but this two-in-one option has a handrail that you can use for jogging at higher speeds when not working. When the handrail is down and you're using the treadmill with your standing desk, you'll be able to walk up to 2.5 MPH which is a leisurely pace. The frame of the machine is made of steel, and the running belt is smaller than our best overall choice but it's still substantial and won't take up a ton of room.

Although this pick is budget-friendly, it still delivers decent quality and some nice-to-have features. It comes assembled with no installation required and features transport wheels to make it fairly easy to move around when not in use. But you'll have to remove the handles when you fold the handrail down. There is an LED display that clearly shows metrics including time, speed, distance and calories, and it can be controlled with the provided remote.

A safety key stops the machine in an emergency too, and a corresponding app is available to record exercise data. The handrail has a phone holder which you can use if needed and there is a speaker to play music. The machine is far from perfect and the app isn't high-quality, but for the price, it does the job. Just keep in mind that the brand recommends avoiding placement on a carpet during use to avoid overheating the motor.

If you're looking for a basic under-desk treadmill at a decent price, this option from UREVO may fit the bill. Available in several colors to match your home office, this under-desk treadmill arrives fully assembled and can be used right after you unbox it. It has transportation wheels if you need to move it around, too.

The LED display allows you to track speed, distance, time and calories, and the corresponding remote is very basic but can easily change your speed while you're working. The remote will only increase the speed up to 3.8 MPH, but buttons on the handrail allow you to reach speeds of up to 7.6 MPH if you plan to run on the treadmill as well.

Reviewers on Amazon gave it a 4.4-star rating, with many favoring the slim design and noting that it was easy to move and store. The max user weight is only 265 pounds which is something to keep in mind, but the machine only weighs about 66 pounds, making it fairly easy to move around.

Great for small spaces like apartments, this two-in-one option from GOYOUTH is lightweight and easy to move around. You won't get the quality of some of the other larger machines, but it does the job considering its compact belt, and it comes in at a moderate price. This model only accommodates users up to 220 lbs though, but it can reach speeds of 6 MPH.

We like that it's available in a variety of colors to coordinate with your home office space, and metrics like time, calories, speed and more are clearly displayed at the base of the machine. The transport wheels allow it to easily be stored under a coach or bed frame when not in use, just be sure to check the height clearance underneath your furniture.

You can connect the treadmill to your phone via Bluetooth if you want to play music as you work and work out, and this is one of the few options that has built-in programs if you want a literal change of pace.

Available in black or silver to match the aesthetic of your WFH space, this three-in-one under-desk treadmill gives you plenty of options. You can use it in walking mode to fit under your current standing desk, raise the handrails to enter jogging mode and even attach a removable desktop to create a desk on the machine itself.

This innovative design is space-saving and although the desktop attachment is small, it can hold a laptop and a few other items so you don't have to worry about purchasing a separate standing desk. You won't be able to adjust the desktop's height, as it stays in a fixed position, but it can be a great tool for many people.

The LED display on the treadmill is well-designed and tracks metrics including time, speed, distance and calories burned. There is a remote that works well with the machine, too. You'll be able to go up to 3.8 MPH in walking mode which is considered a brisk walk (you likely won't need to go higher than that while working), but you can go up to 8.6 MPH when in jogging/running mode. Most reviewers agree that the model is good quality and although the handrail is set low, the desktop option makes for a space-saving solution.

You can purchase the under-desk treadmill alone, but if you're looking to complete your work-from-home nook then this combo that features a built-in standing desk may be perfect for you. Although the cost is steep, the quality is undeniable and the components are built to last. You can choose between a compact or executive desk size, white or black frame and a teak, white or black top on the desk itself.

The brand also sells a matching standing desk stool if you need a break throughout the day. Although the belt is shorter on this model than others on the list, the brand does this on purpose to minimize wasted space. The belt is significantly wider than most (almost double the width of some models) and offers a sturdy surface for walking. The machine only goes up to 2.0 MPH, but that's because it is exclusively designed for walking while working.

It's quite heavy and may be tough for some to move around, so we recommend settling on a spot to keep it for good. But that design has its benefits, with a 400-pound max user capacity and durable build. This pick is ideal for serious under-desk treadmill enthusiasts looking for a total setup. Reviewers said that it was well worth the investment, too.

This innovative under-desk treadmill literally folds in half for easy upright storage and can be tucked away in a closet or corner. It's an extremely space-saving solution that features wheels for fairly easy transport. It comes fully assembled as well, making it an easy solution for your workspace.

The handrails lower down if you have a standing desk, and the display sits at the base of the machine and shows metrics including speed, distance and workout time. You can control the speed via remote control or the corresponding app, and in auto mode, you can even control the speed with your feet by walking on certain parts of the machine. Neatly store your phone or tablet in the slot on the handrail for Zoom meetings and calls, too.

But a folding model does sacrifice some features. It's ideal for walking, but it doesn't feel as stable when running at higher speeds. The machine was fairly quiet but nowhere near silent. Nonetheless, testers loved how portable and easy to store it was. "I even load it into my car and take it with me when I house-sit," one reviewer said.

The fitness and tech experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test sports equipment ranging from e-bikes to exercise bikes and rowing machines. We looked for under-desk treadmills that were fairly simple to set up, performed well during use and didn't interfere with daily work calls and meetings.

For this round-up, we featured under-desk treadmills that we’ve personally tested, newer versions of similar models we've evaluated, equipment from reliable brands that have tested well in the past and top-selling products whose specifications we’ve reviewed. We even sent several of the units to testers across the nation for real-life feedback on functionality and performance.

We looked for options that met a variety of needs and spaces, including treadmills that come with compatible standing desks as well as options that fold when not in use for easy storage. We also included budget-friendly options that still help you stay active while working.

You'll notice that we didn't include options with an incline on our list. That's because our experts say that walking on an incline while working can actually put significant strain on your lower back and joints and take your body out of an appropriate neutral position while doing computer work. While many of the options on our list offer high speeds for jogging and running, our fitness pros say that the models featured are best used for leisurely walking since that is their primary design.

Before making the commitment to an under-desk treadmill, there are a few factors that you'll want to consider.

✔️ Size: Even though under-desk treadmills tend to be smaller than traditional treadmills, you'll still want to pay close attention to the dimensions of your treadmill so it’s guaranteed to fit your space. Double-check the treadmill’s maximum weight capacity to ensure you can use it safely too.

✔️ Speed: Are you planning to use the treadmill for running and jogging when you're not working? Then you'll want a sturdy option that can withstand higher speeds. Most under-desk treadmills are only designed for leisurely walking.

✔️ Cost: Budget is a key consideration when purchasing an under-desk treadmill — while most options range from $300 to $600, some options can be cheaper whereas others can cost significantly more. Quality tends to be better with the higher-end items in this category. And keep in mind that you'll typically have to purchase a separate standing desk to pair with the under-desk treadmill if you don't already have one.

✔️ Special Features: Features such as a touchscreen and app connectivity are important for some. Decide whether you'll be satisfied with an LED display with standard buttons and controls or if you don't need all the extra bells and whistles.

✔️ Set-Up & Delivery: Although under-desk treadmills tend to be lighter and more compact than traditional treadmills, they are by no means small or light. Check the total weight of the machine and whether or not it has wheels for transport. Most of the options on our list come fully assembled which is helpful, but you may need assistance getting them out of the box. If you plan to move the treadmill to a basement or small room in your home, double-check that the dimensions will fit around tight corners.

✔️ Warranty: Check the treadmill’s warranty and prioritize products with a longer offering, especially for key parts like the motor or frame.

Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-certified personal trainer, she uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute.

She also holds advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist. From vigorously testing exercise equipment and apps to curating workout plans for GH readers, Stefani is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. She regularly covers fitness equipment including treadmills, foldable treadmills and exercise bikes.

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

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