Are walking pads worth it? We tried the trendy under-desk device and finally got the hype
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It's 2025. Are we really surprised that one of the hottest workout devices of the year can slide right under your desk and double as a small laptop desk for Zoom meetings or TV bingeing?
I can't say I am. I mean, it feels like everyone and their mother has one. The viral takeover of under-desk treadmills has even managed to make me reconsider the way I work out. Like millions of Americans working nine-to-five jobs, I like to save my workouts for after work; spending the day hovering over my laptop, tensely typing away, bottling up my energy for a quick HITT class or late-night gym session.
The influx of these portable machines taking over my #ForYouPage has me rethinking if I could become more of a multitasker. Burning some calories while punching away at articles doesn't sound like a bad thing. Besides, most under-desk treadmills cost less than a month-long Equinox membership these days.
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Of course, there's still the common assumption that walking pads are far less effective than other workout equipment, like treadmills, rowing machines, or bikes. I, too, fell victim to this too-good-for-walking mentality. Why waste an hour slumping around at a slow pace when you could have packed in six miles?
But, in my tenure as a health and wellness writer, I've come to realize the power and purpose of walking as a workout. Not just the mental benefits of slower, intentional movement, but the physical ones, too.
The United States ranks 10th among countries with the highest obesity rates, according to the CDC. The data is a reflection of many factors, but a lack of physical activity remains a common point of concern. A study by Harvard Health revealed that the average American sits for 10.4 hours a day. The researchers also reported that substituting just five minutes of sitting with brisk walking could even have a tangible effect on heart health.
Naturally, I set out to scout out some of the top walking pads on the market. We sifted through well-respected brands like LifePro, Sperax, and Merarch to find models that work for small spaces, beneath desks, and beyond. I even took one for a test ride in our office, because why not? Jump to our full review to find out what the hype is all about.
Is walking actually that good for you?
Walking seems to be among — if not the most — underrated workouts available to us. While less technical than sports, and certainly lower impact than lifting or running, walking is still a great workout for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy body weight and live a healthy life. According to the Mayo Clinic, walking can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones, increase energy levels, and even help with energy and mood.
Are walking pads effective?
Many health experts agree that walking pads are an effective tool for weight management and overall wellness, but further research is also beginning to reveal the many benefits of working out while working. A small study published in 2023 found that office workers who used an electric treadmill desk over four months reported higher energy, concentration, and a more positive mood.
What are the best walking pads?
Best Quiet Walking Pad: Lifepro Small Walking Pad Treadmill
Amazon
Pros: Very small, lightweight, and portable
Offers two different incline options, ideal for engaging the core
Comes fully assembled, all you have to do is plug it in
Quiet belt and mute settings to keep the workplace quiet
Cons: Lower weight capacity
The belt might be too short for some tall people
No LED display, but it is remote-controlled
Skip all the complications of a large machine and stick with something small and simple, like the Lifepro PacerMini. This compact machine weighs only 40 pounds, making it a breeze to move around your home or office space. It arrives fully assembled, so you can get straight to working out. No nuts or bolts necessary. Despite its small stature, the PacerMini still provides a great workout, reaching up to 3 MPH and offering a fixed 7% incline for an added burn.
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Testing out the walking pad.
Miska Salemann Testing out the walking pad.
Miska Salemann
Advertisement Unboxing the LifePro walking pad.
Miska Salemann Unboxing the LifePro walking pad.
Miska Salemann Testing our the LifePro Walking pad.
Miska Salemann
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New York Post Review: 'Behold our very first office walking pad, the LifePro Pacermini. This small but mighty walking pad may be the new reason we're not always crunched over our computers. The workout started as soon as it arrived. Okay, it wasn't the heaviest package we've ever picked up, but it still took two people to lug it over. But, after breaking through the durable cardboard, I was pleased to find the product fully assembled (just as advertised). Once it was out of the box, it was easy to move around without assistance. It comes with a user guide, and the directions were easy to follow. All I had to do was remove the battery seal and plug it in. Easy enough… and when you add a remote control to the mix, it becomes second-nature to us screen-obsessed people. There's a big red power button on the front of the pad, and an on/off button on the remote. Once you click both, you're up and running (or walking briskly). Switching between speeds was simple, and response time — exceptional. The transition from sluggish stroll to power walk can happen in the blink of an eye — if you want it to. I took a feel for different speeds, and the belt remained rather smooth and steady, no matter the pace. Equally impressive was the fact that I could hardly hear the belt beneath my feet. While there is a very slight hum, this machine was far quieter than the heavy-duty machines at my gym. Plus, there's a handy mute feature, so you won't disrupt your coworkers with an annoying beep-beep sound. Using the LifePro is really a walk in the park. The noise is minimal, the belt is smooth, and the foldable design makes it extra convenient for an office setting. Our one small gripe with the LifePro is the fact that it's small (as advertised), and taller people may have to shorten their natural gate a bit. All in all, it's a great little machine, and by the end of my review process, many of my coworkers were also eager to take it for a spin. Dare I say, it might be a little bit addicting?'
Dimensions: 32.7″D x 25″W x 41″H | Weight capacity: 220 | Incline: 7% | Speed range: Up to 3 MPH | Foldable: Yes | LED display: No
Best Incline Walking Pad: MERACH T14 Walking Pad
Amazon
Pros: Wider speed range and more incline options
Comes with an LED display
Pairs via Bluetooth with the Merarch fitness app, offering coaching and classes
Shock-absorbing belt to help support the joints
Cons: Less compact than some other under-desk models (may stick out from under a desk, per testing)
For a level up from a basic under-desk walking pad, we suggest this walking treadmill by Merarch. This sturdy treadmill offers a challenging 9% incline and reaches up to 4 MPH, making it a better option for someone looking to up the energy. While this solid machine is a bit heavier than some other models, it still offers a sleek design for easy storage.
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Testing out the Merarch Walking Pad.
Miska Salemann Unboxing the Merarch Waking pad.
Miska Salemnn
Advertisement Testing out the Merarch Walking Pad.
Miska Salemann
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New York Post Review: 'If you're ready to step it up a notch, the Merarch T14 delivers. Promising more power, it's a bit bulkier than the other treadmill we tested, but still small enough to slide under a desk with just a touch of its tail sticking out. Keep in mind that it's also considerably heavier than the PacerMini, so you may want to roll up your sleeves and make some space for the unpackaging. Thankfully, the wheels make it easy to maneuver once it's out of the box. I could probably lug it across our whole floor without breaking a sweat. Once we had positioned it in its new home (under a desk), the setup was simple. Following directions isn't my strong suit, so if I can get it going in under five minutes, your Grandma should be able to get it going in less.
I plugged it into the wall, pressed the red power button, and downloaded the Merarch app, which connected via Bluetooth in seconds. From there, I was able to explore different activity data and even access coaching and competitions. This is certainly a strong selling point for someone who takes their walking seriously. It's not just a walking pad, but a smart walking pad, and if you commit to using it, you can track your progress and watch it pay off. We were quite impressed with its performance, especially the fact that it offers a 9% incline. I felt the heat rising after a few minutes, and that was just on 6%. Dedicated power-walkers will appreciate the challenge. A small remote controls the speed, incline, and start-pause features. The metrics are also displayed in a large digital font, so no squinting is necessary. The only thing that was missing was a mute feature. The beeping is a bit noisy for an office, but if you're working from home, it shouldn't be an issue.'
Dimensions: 48.4″D x 20.9″W x 6.5″H | Weight capacity: 265 | Incline: 9% | Speed range: 0.6–4.0 MPH | Foldable: Yes | LED display: Yes
Best Walking Pad Under-desk: Sperax Walking Pad Under-Desk Treadmill
Amazon
Pros: High weight capacity (320 pounds)
Low to the ground and easy to store
Smooth, quiet operation (shock-absorbing design)
Cons: No incline
No LED display, but it is remote-controlled
Enjoy the whisper-quiet power of a 2.5HP quiet motor with the Sperax under-desk treadmill. Offering a weight-bearing capacity of 320 pounds, this heavy-duty under-desk treadmill is a top choice for customers looking to incorporate some more physical activity into their routines. It's backed by more than 5,000 glowing reviews for its durable steel frame and nonslip running belt — and we recommend it as a top pick. While this option does not offer incline, the smooth surface makes for an easier multi-tasking experience.
Dimensions: 48″D x 19.6″W x 4.6″H | Weight capacity: 320 | Incline: No | Speed range: 0.6-3.8 MPH | Foldable: No | LED display: No
How We Tested
Testing out the LifePro walking pad.
Miska Salemann
How do these walking pads stack up? Believe it or not, it's not quite as simple as walking on them. To evaluate the quality of a walking pad, we reviewed the machines based on the following criteria: speed range, incline range, sound, design, and ease of use.
Speed range: While walking pads are not advertised as true treadmills intended for jogging, we looked for options that supported a speed range from slow walking to power walking, offering customers full control when it came to finding the right speed.
While walking pads are not advertised as true treadmills intended for jogging, we looked for options that supported a speed range from slow walking to power walking, offering customers full control when it came to finding the right speed. Incline Range: In full '3-12-30' fashion (TikTok's favorite trick for incline sessions), we evaluated the incline range of each treadmill and considered how smooth and quick the incline transition was for each.
In full '3-12-30' fashion (TikTok's favorite trick for incline sessions), we evaluated the incline range of each treadmill and considered how smooth and quick the incline transition was for each. Sound: Nobody wants to listen to the hum of a buzzing walking pad or loud stomping feet, especially in an office setting. We evaluated the amount of noise the motors created while in motion and looked for brushless walking pads to ensure super-quiet operation.
Nobody wants to listen to the hum of a buzzing walking pad or loud stomping feet, especially in an office setting. We evaluated the amount of noise the motors created while in motion and looked for brushless walking pads to ensure super-quiet operation. Design: Everyone has their own preference when it comes to design, but we looked for treadmills that could easily fit under desks or be stored in compact spaces. Extra consideration was given to lower-weight walking pads that were easy to lift and move around.
Everyone has their own preference when it comes to design, but we looked for treadmills that could easily fit under desks or be stored in compact spaces. Extra consideration was given to lower-weight walking pads that were easy to lift and move around. Ease of use: No walking pad is built the same, but there are a few basic elements that should be intuitive enough for any customer to use. We reviewed the control panel, including speed and incline change settings, as well as the start-stop feature, plus the overall visibility of the screens or buttons.
Walking Pad FAQs
What is the difference between a walking pad and a stepper?
A walking pad and a stepper are both useful pieces of equipment for people looking to burn calories, however, there are a few key differences. A walking pad is typically flat and low to the ground, meant for horizontal movement. Steppers, on the other hand, stimulate stair climbing with two separate foot pads that move in an up-and-down motion. Walking pads primarily target the lower body, while steppers can also engage the upper body, core, and glutes.
What's better, a stationary bike or a walking pad?
Choosing the right piece of workout equipment will depend on your specific goals, lifestyle, and physical capabilities. Those who have suffered from former injuries may appreciate a stationary bike, as the seated position can alleviate some pressure from the joints. Under-desk walking pads may be a better choice for people who live a more sedentary lifestyle and want to move while working.
Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
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