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10 best under-desk treadmills for a total WFH glow-up
Get your steps in without leaving your laptop
Under-desk treadmills and walking pads are a hybrid worker's BFFs. After all, without your bag-laden schlep to the station or lunchtime retail therapy sessions, how else are you supposed to hit that glorified 10,000-step goal? Without the mid-morning coffee run while your boss ducks into their 10 a.m. meeting, or that post-work dash to drinks down the road, getting your heart rate up just got a whole lot trickier.
That’s where this exciting piece of tech comes in handy. Running (or power-walking, we don’t judge) from the comfort of your living room is now a very real possibility, and who are you to deny yourself those all-important endorphins when the urge to exercise calls? All you need to do is don your butt-sculpting leggings and hop on the belt (trainers advised but not obligatory).
Best under-desk treadmill deals to shop now
Plus, with Black Friday upon us (the sales are already coming to an end!), there’s no better time to buy an under-desk treadmill or walking pad while the deals are still around. Alongside beauty deals, hair discounts, bedding deals, clothing discounts and homeware steals, the treadmill price drops we’ve seen are seriously unmissable.
Granted, not everyone wants to spend meetings on their feet — but if you're keen to enjoy a more active workday or hit your step count while watching TV, we’ve rounded up our favourite under-desk treadmills (which are generally smaller and more compact than traditional treadmills) to get you moving.
10 best under-desk treadmills...
Pros
- Built-in wheels
- Anti-slip
Cons
- Speeds of up to 6kmph
- No handlebar
At 81% off, this is what we call an epic Black Friday deal. With speeds ranging from 1-6kmph, shock absorption, an LED display, and built-in wheels, this treadmill can follow you around the house, wherever you decide to work.
The best part? There’s zero set-up involved, just unpack it and switch it on. It also comes with a maintenance support kit —ideal if you like to keep your investments in tip-top shape.
Features at a Glance
| Max Speed | 6kmph |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Display | LED |
| Features | Build-in wheels, shock absorption, portable, maintenance kit, |
| Colour | Black |
Pros
- It has a compact, ergonomic design
- The wooden style blends with the aesthetic of your home
- It's lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- It offers a low speed setting
If you’re all about aesthetics, this pretty walking pad will be right up your street. Not only will it slot perfectly under your standing desk, but the wooden panels will help it slot seamlessly into your decor, too. Trés chic!
Again, this little lifesaver requires no assembly. All you need to do is unpack, switch on and get those steps in.
| Max Speed | 6 kilometres per hour |
|---|---|
| LED | Yes |
| Features | Unique, wooden aesthetic, Smart APP compatiblity |
| Material | Wood |
| Capacity | 120kg |
Pros
- Ultra-quiet motor
- Fold-flat design
- Built-in shock absorption
Cons
- No incline
Meet your new fitness BFF: the UREVO Foldable Treadmill — a sleek, space-saving gadget that brings the gym to your living room.
Our readers love this treadmill, and it‘s probs because it comes with whisper-quiet motor hums, built-in absorption for gentle strides, and a clever fold-flat design, making it perfect for morning jogs and evening power walks. Compact yet powerful, it’s the kind of gadget that turns cardio into a chic, effortless habit.
Features at a Glance
| Max speed | 10kmph |
|---|---|
| Display | LED |
| Features: | Foldable, ultra-quiet motor, personalised workout app, |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Capacity | 120 kg |
Pros
- Offers 9% incline and 1-10km/h speed
- Can slot under a standing desk or attach a desk to the treadmill
Cons
- It can be placed on hard flooring but not on carpets
VANNECT’s Upgraded Walking Pad has everything going for it. It offers 1-10km/h speed and a 9% incline, so you can use this bb for a light stroll or an accelerating run. Better yet, if you like to walk and work, you can attach a desk and get in your 10k steps for the day. Or if you have a standing desk at home, the sleek, ergonomic design will slot underneath too. Genius.
With 50% off, it’s a smart investment we say.
| Max Speed | 10KM/H |
|---|---|
| Display | LED |
| Features: | 9% incline, 10km/h, anti-slip belt, shock reduction |
| Material | Carbon steel |
| Capacity | 150kg |
Pros
- It has silent operation so you can walk or run at any time of day/night
- Offers 1-6 km/h
Cons
- The speed settings are limited compared to others in this edit
If you’re a night owl who gets most of their work done under the cover of dark, this is the under-desk treadmill for you. With dual shock absorption and silent operation, this walking pad features eight silicone absorbers and 2 rubber pads for double-layer cushioning, and a quiet motor.
Plus, it’s currently 15% off. Looks like those late-night laptop sessions are about to get a whole lot sweatier.
| Max Speed | 6 kilometres per hour |
|---|---|
| Display | LED |
| Features | Double shock absorption, LED display, built-in wheels, silent motor |
| Material | Alloy Steal |
| Capacity | 120kg |
Home Fitness Code Under Desk Treadmill with 5% Incline
Pros
- Offers 5% incline
- It's compact design is easy to store
- Offers 1-6km/h speed
Cons
- Offers less speed settings compared to others in this edit
This compact offering is a real space saver and should fit ideally under most desks (the running/walking area is 86cm x 42cm).
Fans of the Home Fitness Code walking pad point out how quiet it is (a bonus mid-Zoom meeting, I'm sure we can all agree) and one said in their review: "Great little walking pad. Small incline definitely gives you a good workout.
Easy to move around and quiet when in use."It can hold up to 120kg of weight and has a speed range of 1-6KPH.
| Max Speed | 6 kilometres |
|---|---|
| Display | LED, Time, Speed, Calories and Distance |
| Dimensions | 96cm x 56cm x 18cm |
| Colour | Black |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Capacity | 320lbs |
Pros
- It goes from 1-12km/h, one of the quickest in this edit
- It comes already assembled - including a bluetooth speaker
Cons
- It doesn't feature any incline options
‘Work smart, not hard’ is our MO, so this walking pad gets our seal approval because it comes fully assembled. Not only is the pink option super-cute but it has a retractable handlebar and device holder, so you can watch your fave shows while you work out.
With speeds ranging from 1 to 12 kilometres per hour, it’s great for getting your steps in during long meetings and even has a built-in Bluetooth speaker. Post-work treadmill party, anyone?
| Max speed | 12 kilometres per hour |
|---|---|
| Display | LED |
| Features | Bluetooth speaker, track your time, speed, distance, calories and step count |
| Colour | Pink |
| Capacity | 140kg |
Pros
- It offers a speedy 12km/h
- It has a foldable design making it easy to store
- You can connect it to your phone to play music out of bluetooth speakers
Cons
- It doesn't offer any incline settings
You can walk, jog, and sing your heart out on this 2-in-1 treadmill, perfect for anyone short on space. Simply fold up the treadmill and wheel away (using the two built-in wheels) when you're ready to sink back into your desk chair.
Just be sure to switch off your mic if you plan on a karaoke sesh mid-Zoom.
| Max Speed | 12 kilometres per hour |
|---|---|
| Display | Yes (LED touch screen and LED display window) |
| Features | Track your time, speed, distance, and calories |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Capacity | 100kg |
HomeTro Walking Pad Treadmill with Incline (9%)
Pros
- Offers 9% incline
- Has three speed ranges – working, walking, running
- Can fit under a standing desk
- Can be connected to an app
Cons
- Has fewer speed ranges compared to others in this edit
For those who want to feel the burn and build up their glutes/thighs, this Toputure walking pad offers a 9% incline option to help increase the resistance as you walk, jog or run. It has three different modes you can tap into, too.
The handy remote control means you don't have to worry about having to balance adjusting the settings mid-walk (a potential health hazard!) either.
| Max speed | 8 kilometres per hour |
|---|---|
| Display | LED |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Features | Three speed ranges, magnetic remote control, built-in wheels |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Capacity | 265lbs |
Pros
- It's an affordable option
- Offers 8km/h
- Comes with built-in bluetooth
- Can be connected to an app
Cons
- Doesn't offer incline settings
It’s rare to find an under-desk treadmill under the £150 price point, so this one is an absolute steal. With speeds of up to 8km/h, built-in Bluetooth, zero assembly agg (hooray!), and an ultra-quiet motor, it’s the perfect way to get your steps in when you’re WFH or the weather’s taken a turn for the worse.
Key Specifications
| Max Speed | 8km |
|---|---|
| Display | LED |
| Bluetooth? | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Capacity | 136kg |
How long should I walk on a treadmill?
The number of steps you should aim for each day will vary based on your age, health status, and lifestyle, among other factors, explains Place. 10,000 steps is a common goal (as "reaching this target can contribute to meeting the recommended daily physical activity levels for good health") but it won't be suitable for everyone, the pro warns.
For instance, you may need to adjust your goal if you have a heart-related health condition, osteoporosis or are just starting out your fitness routine, she says. The key is to consult with a qualified fitness expert and any relevant medical professionals before switching up your exercise regime.
That being said, once you've established what looks like a healthy goal it's important to know fitness is a marathon not a sprint. So, you should start gradually. "If you're not used to a high level of physical activity, start with a realistic goal and gradually increase it over time (e.g. start at 5k steps and increase to 6k, and so on)," advises Place.
You'll also want to break down your daily step goal into smaller, more manageable chunks. If you're aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, this equates to "using the treadmill for a few hours a day, with breaks in between to stand and stretch".
To be clear, nobody is suggesting spending your whole working day on the treadmill. "Begin with short sessions to allow your muscles and joints to adjust and progress from there."
Do I need to adapt my desk when using a treadmill?
While you're using the treadmill, do keep your posture in mind. "Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and engage your core muscles. And make sure to place the treadmill at a height that allows for a natural arm swing," advises Place.
You may also need to make some adjustments to your desk. "Set up your desk and computer in a way that allows you to maintain an ergonomic and comfortable position while walking."
FYI, standing desks and desk converters exist if you're interested. Oh, and remember you'll still need to wear appropriate (read: supportive) footwear when working out at home.
Other than that you're all good to go. Walking (whether you enjoy getting your steps in at your desk or outdoors) comes with multiple benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to enhanced muscle strength and reduced stress, the list goes on...
What speed range should the treadmill cover?
We're going to leave this one up to you decide. But you may find the following guidelines from the British Heart Foundation helpful when choosing your treadmill - and looking at the different maximum speeds on offer.
According to BHF, a fast walking pace for someone with excellent fitness is 5 miles per hour or 8 kilometres per hour. Meanwhile, a moderate walking pace might be closer to 4 miles per hour or 6.4 kilometres per hour (so this is worth keeping in mind if you're hoping your walking pad will double up as a jogging treadmill).
PS: You may also want to check out the length of the treadmills if you're on the taller side as this is something regularly mentioned by online reviewers.
Amber O’Connor is Cosmopolitan UK’s former junior features writer, who covers everything from breaking news, women’s safety and real life features to fitness, travel, and cultural trends. She works on first-person features, reports, and long reads, plus the hottest stories of the day (if you want to know about the latest wellness craze or TikTok trends, she’s your girl). Amber has previously worked as a reporter and a lifestyle writer, with her work appearing in numerous publications, including The Mirror, Red Magazine, Evening Standard, Indy100, and Yahoo News. When she’s not working her way through her TBR list, Amber loves dancing, running, and going on adventures with her dog.
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
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