6 Best Under Desk Treadmills: Popular Options Reviewed

Under desk ellipticals and treadmills are the new trend, both conveniently sized and built with office workers in mind who spend extended periods at a desk. 

If you work from a standing desk and want to avoid a completely sedentary workday, check out this guide to find an under desk treadmill that fits your budget.

Advantages & Drawbacks of Under Desk Treadmills

One of the most significant advantages of an under desk treadmill is that it's small enough to fit under a desk and slide underneath a couch or against a wall for storage. They indeed have fewer programs and features than gym-level treadmills, but under desk treadmills are also quieter, and some still have an incline to give a great workout.

A common complaint in under desk treadmill reviews is that there is a maintenance aspect that goes unmentioned in many ads. The user often has to align the running belt or add lubricant.

However, many under desk treadmills are built to make these procedures quick and easy. They are also built with wheels for easy transportation and have additional features like Bluetooth and LCD displays. Overall, an under desk treadmill is worth it if you just want to add a little movement to your day.


Choosing a Quality Under Desk Treadmill

Core Components

  • Motor Capacity (horsepower)
    The motor capacity on an under desk treadmill is what determines the top speed. If you prefer to walk or jog, a low-HP under desk treadmill is fine, but a higher one will be needed to run.
  • Incline Selection
    Most under desk treadmills do not have an incline selection. Some do have a natural incline built into them to make the workout more challenging.
  • Durability & Stability
    The under desk treadmill must stay in place and not wobble during use. This is especially important when the user is going at a fast clip and could be injured if the treadmill moves.
  • Treadmill Max Speed
    A max speed of about 12 MPH is standard for an under desk treadmill used for running. An under desk walking treadmill will max out around 6 or 7 MPH.
  • Deck Cushioning
    Not only will padding in the running belt reduce the noise of footfalls, but it can also cushion the joints and prevent running injuries. The cushioning should also be high-quality enough to last for a long time.

Weight Capacity

The average under desk treadmill can hold light- to mid-sized people but tend to max out at about 220 pounds. This is likely because these treadmills are relatively compact. Unfortunately, there have so far been few companies with the tech to make a stronger under desk treadmill.

Deck Length & Width

One of the worst things that can happen on an under desk treadmill is that the user falls off, possibly interrupting a conference call and causing injury. A treadmill deck with enough length and width to accommodate the user's strides is imperative for this reason.

Portability, Storage & Stowage

Having enough floor space is also a key component of using an under desk treadmill. Most under desk treadmills are built with wheels to transport them and are low-profile enough to store behind or under a desk or couch.

Safety Features

The most important safety feature on any treadmill is a safety key that attaches to the user so that if they fall, the machine turns off. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of injury. There should also be enough padding under the deck to prevent serious injury in a fall.

Noise

Stay-at-home parents and working individuals both benefit from a quiet under desk treadmill. The sound of the machine operating should be silent enough to keep from ruining phone calls or waking up sleeping infants, and there should be enough padding to prevent the noise of footfalls from resounding too loudly.

Price & Warranty

It’s easy to find an under desk treadmill that doesn’t require a huge investment. Warranties are fairly rare and limited to free replacement parts for a certain period after purchase.


6 Best Under Desk Treadmills Reviewed

1. GoPlus 2 In 1

Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, 2.25HP Under...
  • INNOVATIVE 2-IN-1 FOLDING TREADMILL --...
  • POWERFUL 2.25HP -- With a powerful and...
  • NON-SLIP RUNNING BELT & MULTIFUNCTIONAL LED...
  • WITH BLUETOOTH SPEAKER, PHONE HOLDER, REMOTE...

Best Under Desk Treadmill

Motor

2.25 HP

Deck Length (Belt Size)

40” x 16”

Weight Capacity

265 lbs

Folded Dimensions

52” x 27” x 5”

Max Speed

7.45 mph running, 2.5 mph walking

Model Weight

70 lbs

This model from GoPlus makes a great under desk walking treadmill and also works well for jogging to get more of a leg workout. The max speed could be faster, but for the type of light workout many people look for at the office, you can’t beat this little machine.

It has plenty of space to stand on, although perhaps not enough for people with exceptionally long gaits. There are built-in wheels to make it easy to move around or slide underneath a desk or couch. It is a bit heavy, but with the help of the wheels, one person can certainly move this treadmill around.

The rails on this treadmill can be folded down to put it in walking mode or unfolded to put in running mode for more serious exercise sessions. It’s not as easy to adjust as some other models since you have to remove four screws to do it, but having two modes to choose from makes this machine very versatile considering the price.

For people who work near others, the motor on this treadmill is quiet, and there is enough padding in the belt to make footfalls nearly silent. Extra features include a Bluetooth speaker, a cell phone holder, and remote control. There is also a belt clip for additional safety.

We have also done a video reviewing our top 3 choices if you prefer watching over reading for our top picks. Whatever you choose to do, i'm sure you will find what you need on this list!

Pros

  • 1 year warranty
  • Two operating speeds
  • Built-in wheels
  • Quiet motor

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Doesn’t convert easily

2. ANCHEER

ANCHEER Folding Treadmill
60 Reviews
ANCHEER Folding Treadmill
  • US STOCK✦P1-P12 Programs & Multifunctional...
  • ✦Compact & Space Saver Design✦ Super fast...
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  • ✦Safety Design✦ ANCHEER folding treadmill...

Best Folding Under Desk Treadmill

Motor

1.5 HP

Deck Length (Belt Size)

42” x 15”

Weight Capacity

220 lbs

Folded Dimensions

47.25” x 23.58” x 9.45”

Max Speed

6 mph

Model Weight

59.5 Lbs

Few under desk treadmills fold away as easily as this one does. With its LCD display and heart rate sensors, you’d think it was top of the line, but it is likely the cheapest under desk treadmill on the market. One of the nicest things about this machine is the lubrication port, which gives the user quick access to add a few drops of lubrication agent to the internal mechanism.

Although the motor is a bit more potent than those in comparable models, this treadmill takes less energy to operate. The track is as roomy as any other under desk walking treadmill, and the material it's made from shows no signs of wearing down after a substantial number of uses.

This treadmill is relatively quiet when the motor is running. It has ten preset exercise programs to help you reach your fitness goals, and you can also measure calories burned, distance traveled, and speed in addition to your heart rate.

The only annoying thing is that all this information disappears after each session, even if you just need to take a quick pause. For the cheapest under desk treadmill on the market, though, this ANCHEER model has everything you need.

Pros

  • LCD display
  • Easy to store
  • Safety clip
  • Quick maintenance
  • Consumes less energy

Cons

  • No info storage

3. GoPlus Underdesk Electric

Goplus Under Desk Treadmill, Electric...
559 Reviews
Goplus Under Desk Treadmill, Electric...
  • 【Heavy-duty Construction & Widened Running...
  • 【Compact Size & Lightweight Design】The...
  • 【0.5 - 4 MPH Speed Levels & P01-P12...
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Best Under Desk Walking Treadmill

Motor

1 HP

Deck Length (Belt Size)

41” x 17”

Weight Capacity

220 lbs

Folded Dimensions

51.5” x 23.5” x 6”

Max Speed

4 mph

Model Weight

55.5 lb

GoPlus has built this under desk treadmill with additional width in the running belt and a low height dimension to make it easy to store under or behind a desk. They placed the LCD display on the bottom where you can see your speed, time, calories, distance, and speed with a quick glance down at your feet.

For those who enjoy walking while working at a standing desk, this model has an incline that will have you sweating and burning extra calories even at a slow walking pace.

One thing that makes this such a great under desk treadmill with incline is its sturdy construction. It's made out of steel so it can take a few dings and bumps. It should last a good while, and it has extra safety features like a quick-stop button on the remote. There are two wheels to make transporting this treadmill a breeze.

You can also choose from 12 different workout programs depending on what kind of exercise you want to get. The body of this under desk treadmill with incline doesn't budge while you use it, and the track muffles footfalls very effectively, so you can still use this machine even when the conference call isn't on mute.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • LCD screen near feet
  • Incline for a harder workout
  • No wobble

Cons

  • Low max speed
  • No safety clip

4. RHYTHM FUN

RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Folding Running...
1,344 Reviews
RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Folding Running...
  • 1. 【2-in-1 Fitness folding treadmill】...
  • 2. 【Folding, space-saving...
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Best Under Desk Treadmill for Running

Motor

2 HP

Deck Length (Belt Size)

50” x 18”

Weight Capacity

220 lbs

Folded Dimensions

61” x 30” x 8”

Max Speed

7.5 mph

Model Weight

97 lbs.

If you're shopping for a low-profile under desk treadmill, look no further. This is definitely among the slimmest models, but it doesn't sacrifice any real estate on the running belt. It has a bit more horsepower than other treadmills, which is reflected in its higher maximum speed.

Even though it's the smallest under desk treadmill in this guide, it's still relatively heavy. Luckily, it doesn't require any assembly at all, and wheels make it easier to move around.

This is one of the only under desk treadmills that is operated via its app. There's also a remote control, but you can download the app and run the machine with your phone if you prefer. There's also a convenient place to put your phone and Bluetooth if you want to play your music.

This under desk treadmill also comes with a safety clip so that it will turn off if you fall with the clip attached to you. It’s a great under desk walking treadmill that can also get up to a pretty fast pace.

For workers who are trying to break up their sedentary lifestyle, this treadmill is perfect. There are minimal controls to fuss with, so you can walk a few miles and get back to working stationary with little downtime.

Pros

  • Wide walking belt
  • Works with an app
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • No assembly required

Cons

  • Heavy

5. GYMAX

GYMAX Walking Pad, 2.25HP Dual Display...
1,893 Reviews
GYMAX Walking Pad, 2.25HP Dual Display...
  • 【Unique Dual Display】 Featuring 2 LED...
  • 【Easy Assembly & Folding】This folding...
  • 【2 in 1 Treadmill with 2.25HP Motor】GYMAX...
  • 【Heavy Duty Construction】Made of high...

Value for Money

Motor

2.25 HP

Deck Length (Belt Size)

40” x 16”

Weight Capacity

265 lbs

Folded Dimensions

52” x 27” x 5”

Max Speed

7.5 mph

Model Weight

74 lbs.

This under desk treadmill has all the features available on similar models across the market. There’s a safety key, a remote, Bluetooth connectivity, a phone holder, and a removable armrest.

Like some other models, there’s the option of removing the vertical bracket to make it easier to fit underneath a standing desk so that you can use it while you work. However, this bracket is removed with a wrench and the procedure to do so is a bit more complicated to do frequently.

That being said, if you have plans to use it underneath your desk, you can take the bracket off and leave it off without any issue. The remote makes it easy to control the settings without having to bend down or hunch over.

If you leave the bracket on, there are touch buttons to control the settings. This under desk treadmill also has an ultra-quiet motor as promised, and a running belt that softens the sound of footfalls very well. 

Even if it doesn't function as well as a folding under desk treadmill, the GYMAX is still one of the best under desk treadmills with all the bells and whistles. It's not hard to use, and setting it up for a run is easy enough to do without losing lots of time out of your workday.

Pros

  • Wide track
  • Remote operation
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Perfect size for desks

Cons

  • Time-consuming disassembly

6. BiFanuo 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

On Sale Today
Bifanuo 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, Smart...
1,921 Reviews
Bifanuo 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, Smart...
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Highly-Rated New Release

Motor

2.25 HP

Deck Length (Belt Size)

41” x 16”

Weight Capacity

220 lbs

Folded Dimensions

57.5” x 26” x 4.7”

Max Speed

6.5 mph

Model Weight

70 lbs.

Under desk treadmill reviews have spoken favorably about this new addition to the market ever since it came out. It’s thinner than some older models, and it has an excellent interface for selecting speed, time, distance, and program.

Many appealing features are built into this under desk treadmill that make it a valuable addition to a home office. For example, it fits under a standing desk without any trouble, and it doesn't need any assembly whatsoever.

The BiFanuo is a folding under desk treadmill that doesn't require a screwdriver or wrench to fold up the vertical handle. That's still relatively uncommon in the under desk treadmill market. This model is also one of the lighter varieties available, although it doesn’t have much wobble even when you’re running at top speed.

Having an LCD display like the one on this model makes it even easier to manipulate settings and run the program you want. It has many of the same readouts, like speed and distance right at your fingertips when the vertical bracket is up. If the bracket is down, there's a screen above the running belt so you can still see how fast you’re walking and for how long.

Pros

  • No tools required
  • Lightweight
  • LCD display
  • No wobble
  • Foldable bracket

Cons

  • Low top speed

How to Assemble, Use & Store Under Desk Treadmills

Many of these under desk treadmills come ready to use right out of the box. Some require a screwdriver or wrench to attach the vertical frame, though.

In any case, toggling through the programs is simple enough, and then you just have to walk or run. Always make sure to use the safety key and keep plenty of water nearby.

The best places to store an under desk treadmill are underneath a couch or leaned against a wall out of the way. Be careful if you store it vertically not to injure your back because they can be quite heavy.


Under Desk Treadmill FAQs

Do under desk treadmills get you fit? Do they work for losing weight?

Using an under desk treadmill might not be enough to get you fit on its own. Still, there are several other health benefits, such as reduced postprandial glucose, HDL cholesterol, and anthropometrics. Plus, they help break up the monotony of the workday.

Is it bad to walk on a treadmill every day?

It’s completely fine to walk on a treadmill, but your body may need to get used to it. Ease your way in by walking a few times a week in the beginning.

How much do under desk treadmills cost on average?

Some under desk treadmills cost one or two hundred, and others cost a bit more. It depends on the features they have and how much horsepower their motors can put out.

Do you work more efficiently when walking on an under desk treadmill?

Results vary in studies on the impact of under desk treadmills and productivity. For some people, getting the blood pumping is a great way to prevent the post-lunch slump, while for others, it helps them get energized at the beginning of the day.

Can you actually run on an under desk treadmill?

Most under desk treadmills aren't built for sprinting. They tend to max out around 7 MPH, and at that speed, you can certainly get up to a brisk pace safely, provided you have enough space to do so.

What are the best under desk treadmill brands?

GoPlus is the most well-known brand of under desk treadmill, and BiFanuo is becoming a well-respected brand as well. Most people associate these brands with their fitness programs, remote operation, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Is it best to buy an all in one solution of the desk attached to the treadmill or separately?

It depends on what kind of workstation you need. For many people, a standing desk and treadmill can be bought separately, but in any case, Amazon is the best place to compare combined and separate models of each.


Conclusion

If you want some physical activity in your day, an under desk treadmill with enough horsepower, quiet operation, and fitness programs is ideal. The GoPlus 2 In 1 provides all that and is backed up by a one-year warranty, making it the best under desk treadmill.

Last Updated on January 25, 2023