Are under-desk treadmills worth it?

What you need for it to work

The single biggest factor is the desk. You need a standing desk that rises high enough to suit your elbow height plus the deck height of the pad, which is often 12 to 18 cm. A fixed desk or a desk converter that does not rise far enough will leave you hunched. Our guide on walking pad under standing desk setup explains how to work out the height.

You also need floor space under and behind the desk, a nearby wall socket, and somewhere to store the pad if it cannot stay out.

The pros

Most of the benefits are practical rather than dramatic. An under-desk pad lets you walk during tasks you would otherwise do sitting, such as reading, listening on calls or answering email.

• Walking at a slow pace while reading, listening or on audio calls.
• A low, flat pad that slides under a desk or sofa when not in use.
• No need to go out in bad weather for a walk.
• Remote or app control, so you can change speed without bending down.
• Usually lighter and quieter than a full treadmill.

The cons

The downsides are worth taking seriously, because they are the reasons many pads stop being used.

• Typing and fine mouse work are harder while walking; many people slow to 1.5 to 2.5 km/h or stop for detailed tasks.
• Motor hum and footfall can be audible on video calls, especially with a sensitive microphone.
• A standing desk is close to essential, which adds to the cost and space.
• Footfall thumps can travel through floors in flats.
• The belt needs regular lubrication and occasional tension checks.

What walking at a desk is actually like

Most people settle on a slow, steady pace well below a normal outdoor walk. At 2 to 3 km/h you can read, listen and talk comfortably; for typing, many people go slower still. That is why under-desk pads often start at 0.5 or 1 km/h and change speed in small steps. A pad that only changes speed in big jumps is harder to live with.

Belt length also matters. A short belt can feel cramped if you look at a screen rather than ahead. For the specifics of each model, see our under-desk treadmills guide, and for the general product type, what is a walking pad.

Alternatives to consider

If walking at your desk does not appeal, there are other options. An under-desk bike lets you pedal while seated at a normal desk height; see under-desk treadmill vs under-desk bike. If you would rather walk separately from work, a standard walking pad or folding treadmill may suit you better, and our quiet walking pads guide helps if noise is the deciding factor.

Use the pace and speed converter to translate pad speeds into mph or pace if you are used to thinking about walking that way.

Compare under-desk treadmills →

Frequently asked questions

Do under-desk treadmills work with any desk? Only with desks that rise high enough to allow for the pad's deck height. A fixed-height desk usually does not work.

Can you type on a walking pad? Many people can at slow speeds, often 1 to 2 km/h, but it takes some getting used to. Detailed work is easier standing still.

Are walking pads noisy on Zoom calls? Motor hum and footsteps can be picked up. A headset with a close microphone, a mat and a slower speed all help.

Is a walking pad worth it without a standing desk? It can be, as a separate walking machine. But for working while walking, a standing desk is close to essential.