walking pad reviews

Walking Pad Reviews: 12 Best Small Treadmill for Desk in 2025

Are you looking to get off the couch and work out? Or perhaps wishing to get some workout done at home or during breaks in the office? So what’s keeping you? A walking pad is the answer to your musings, so waste no more time and start getting things done.

Read on to find out what a mini walk treadmill or walking pad is, and why it’s better than traditional treadmills in some situations. This exercise machine is user-friendly and foldable. Its compact design makes it easy to store under a bed, cabinet, desk, or couch. In this walking pad article, we’ll review the best options on the market.

In a rush to find the best? We think the [amazon link=”B07ZRRS26L” title=”GoPlus Mini Treadmill”/] is the perfect small treadmill because it works for most people. It is compact and affordable, and has incredible features with speeds of up to 7.5mph.

Our Top Small-Sized Walking Treadmill: A Quick Overview

We’ve reviewed several walking pads and found that these 12 models have the best value offering in this category. So, do yourself a favor and don’t leave without checking them all out – starting with our top five picks here.

1. Xiaomi A1 Pro Foldable Walking Pad

2. GoPlus Mini Folding Treadmill

3. ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill

4. PopSport Foldable Walking Pad

5. WalkingPad R1 pro

For a comprehensive breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each walking pad, keep on reading!

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12 Best Walking Pad Reviews

1. Xiaomi A1 Pro Foldable Walking Pad

Folding Treadmill, Walkingpad Ultra Slim Foldable Treadmill Smart Fold Walking Pad

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The Xiaomi Mijia Walking Pad A1 Pro is the newest type of treadmill on the market and a winner of the Red Dot design award. It best exemplifies the description, ‘performance meets portability’. It shares features with the WalkingPad R1 Pro and has an ultra-slim design that makes it easy to set up and fold in seconds.

 

This mini treadmill features a compact design and measures 56.38 x 21.54 x 5.08 inches when unfolded. The size is large enough for walking and jogging exercises.

Its surface area is made up of multiple layers to ensure that this slim treadmill is wear-resistant and can protect your ankles and knees from injury. Just like with the WalkingPad R1 Pro, you can control the WalkingPad A1 in two ways.

One, manual control using a remote control device to turn it on and control speed, and two, the intelligent speed control option, which uses built-in sensors.

This treadmill comes with front and rear sensors. The front sensors will increase the running belt speed when you step close to the front panel, while the speed automatically decreases when you step close to the back panel. How cool is that? You don’t have to lift a finger! Just focus on your treadmill HIIT training.

Last but not least, you can integrate this smart treadmill with the WalkingPad App. This app allows you to track your progress and keep your history, making it easy to set goals and track them.

Once done with your exercise routine, you can fold this mini walk treadmill easily and store it under your bed, desk, or cabinet.

Pros

  • Easy set up and folding design makes it easy to store
  • Intelligent speed control using a remote to control or the built-in precision pressure sensor
  • Comes with a shock absorption layer on the belt for low impact workouts
  • App allows you to keep tabs on your progress
  • Made of aluminum alloy for durability and takes little floor space

Cons

  • Just like the WalkingPad R1 Pro it doesn’t have incline function
  • You’ll have to constantly look down to see your statistics

2. GoPlus Mini Folding Treadmill

Budget Pick

Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

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With its sleek design and intuitive features, the GoPlus walking pad is a world-class fitness equipment ideal for beginners as well as seasoned runners. Its frame is made of heavy-duty steel and ABS material for durability and stability.

This frame can hold up to 265lbs/120kgs without wobbling. Another feature we liked is its innovative handrail design that allows you to work out in 2 different ways. One, you can work out with the rail down. This design is best when working on a desk. Just place the treadmill under the desk and use it for walking exercises. You get speeds of up to 2.5MPH.

Two, you can use it with the handrail up. Now, this is the perfect position for jogging and running. With the rail raised, this GoPlus foldable treadmill offers speeds of up to 8MPH. The rail also comes with a tablet/smartphone holder. I’d recommend you get a treadmill workout app. It’s also worth noting that this walking pad walking machine is Bluetooth-enabled and comes with built-in speakers so you can listen to music, watch movies, or listen to a podcast while working out.

Another feature we liked is the LED console, which tracks your speed, time, distance, and calories burned. The only drawback to the console is you have to keep looking down to see your statistics. Additional features you will enjoy include the safety switch for when you want to get off the walking pad in a hurry, transport wheels for mobility, and easy-to-use remote for controlling speed.

Pros

  • Multi-layered (7 layers) running belt for stability and low-impact exercises
  • Powerful, ultra-quiet motor, and easy on/off
  • Can hold more weight compared to other units in its price range
  • Can be used as an under-desk treadmill
  • This walking pad is perfect for small spaces

Cons

  • You have to keep looking down to see your metrics
  • No incline function

3. ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill

ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill with 2 Level Incline and Twin Flywheels

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ProGear has a catchy slogan: Stay fit. Spend less. Their ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill for home use is a space-saving treadmill that should be on your list. Unlike the other picks on our list, this compact walking pad is a manual treadmill. This means, you power it. There are no cords to think about or power shortages to worry about.

 

One of the first things you will notice is its small size which makes it ideal for small workout spaces. Its frame is made of steel and coated with rust-resistant paint. The ProGear 190 manual mode treadmill comes with longer handrails to ensure user stability while working out. These rails are foam-padded for comfort.

Another excellent feature of the 190 manual mode machine is the large-sized belt which measures 43 x 13 inches, which is larger than what most electric walking pads offer. The running belt comes with cast iron rollers to ensure that you get a smooth and consistent workout experience.

Lastly, this ProGear walking pad also stands out because of its incline function. Though it can only be used in manual mode, this function is designed to ensure your workouts are challenging to ensure that you lose more weight than when working out on a treadmill with no incline function. The two incline levels are 6 degrees and 10 degrees and are adjusted manually.

Pros

  • Foldable design makes it ideal for people who have little space for storage
  • Incline function for more challenging workouts
  • Uses human motion trajectory meaning you determine its speed
  • Affordable compared to traditional fitness equipment with similar features
  • Suitable for walking exercises

Cons

  • Short warranty
  • Incline is adjusted manually

4. PopSport Foldable Walking Pad

Xiaomi A1 Pro Walking Pad

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PopSport are renowned for their quality space-saving  fitness equipment. Their PopSport Foldable Walking Pad is an excellent example of high-quality and efficient equipment.

This mini treadmill has loads of intuitive features and a clever foldable design. The first thing you will notice is the heavy-duty frame steel construction that ensures its stability and durability, and allows it to handle up to 220 pounds.

Unlike the previous treadmill, this walking pad walking machine comes with a foldable handrail where you can place your laptop or book when doing walking exercises.

This folding treadmill offers a 40 x 16 surface area and a belt, which is made up of several layers including a shock-absorption layer and a wear-resistant layer. 

This belt is powered by an intelligent chip and a brushless motor.  This type of motor has a low energy consumption and works whisper quiet. You don’t have to worry about annoying your coworkers or waking your sleeping baby.

Also, this PopSport comes with an interactive LED console where you can track your calories burned, distance, steps, speed and time.

Once done with your workouts, you can fold the handrails flat and store the treadmill under your desk or bed.

Pros 

  • This treadmill fitness equipment has a remote control for speed control
  • Easy to move and store (two transportation wheels and fold flat design)
  • Allows you to work out with the handrail up or down
  • Includes transportation wheels for easy mobility

Cons 

  • Power cord is short
  • Does not have incline options

5. WalkingPad R1 pro

WalkingPad Treadmill Running and Walking. A Truly Foldable That Takes 90% Less Space

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Another walking pad to consider is the  WalkingPad R1 Pro – one of the best home walking pads around. It’s powered by a small motor that offers a max speed of 6.5 mph. If you weigh about 180 pounds and dedicate 15 minutes of your time to the WalkingPad R1 Pro, you’ll burn up to 262 calories each time you work out. What more could you ask for?

 

The WalkingPad R1 Pro is an update of the traditional non-folding exercise fitness equipment. One of the features we loved is its ultra-thin and stable running belt, which can accommodate most users comfortably.

It’s made up of several layers including the top wear-resistant layer that provides a firm-grip surface area, a sound-proofing layer, and a shock-absorbing layer. These multiple layers ensure your workouts are whisper-quiet and your knees are protected when exercising. With the R1 Pro’s 2-in-1 design, you can use the walking pad with the handrail up or down. When the handrail is up, you can use the handles for more stability.

With the handrail down, you can use this walking pad under a desk. This design makes it easy to store under a bed or desk. For the console, you get an easy-to-use screen that shows time, speed, distance, and calorie burn. You can choose any workout program from the 12 preset workout programs provided.  Also, the console comes with built-in Bluetooth-enabled speakers so you can listen to music as you work out.

Pros 

  • This treadmill fitness equipment supports up to 220 lbs
  • Constructed using aluminum alloy
  • Features a foldable patent design that allows you to fold it in half
  • Available in different colors: gold, silver, navy, red, green, and white
  • You can use remote to control the speed

Cons 

  • Wheels do not swivel
  • Not compatible with fitness apps

6. OppsDecor Folding Mini Walk Treadmill

Best Under Desk Walking Pad

OppsDecor Treadmill

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The OppsDecor walking pad compact flat folding underbed treadmill comes with innumerable benefits including increased productivity and energy levels, and weight loss. Just like the GoPlus walking pad above, it comes with a 2-in-1 folding design, which allows you to use the treadmill with the rail up or down. The OppsDecor walking pad comes with a 40 x 16-inch wide running belt.

The belt is made up of several layers including a shock-absorption layer, sound-insulation layer, and wear-resistant layer. The shock-absorption layer ensures your joints are protected while exercising, while the sound insulation layer ensures the machine runs whisper-quiet. This belt offers speeds of up to 7.5 MPH, thanks to its 2.25HP motor.

Pros 

  • Quiet operation. You can work or watch while working out
  • Multi-layered belt for stability and joints protection
  • This home walking pad comes with a remote control for adjusting the speed
  • Folds completely flat for easy storage

Cons

  • Does not come with heart rate monitoring and incline

7. Umay Folding Treadmill

UMAY Portable Treadmill with Foldable Wheels, Under Desk Walking Pad Flat Slim Treadmill, Sports App, Installation-Free, Remote Control, Jogging Running Machine for Home/Office

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The Umay portable treadmill exercise fitness equipment is one of the lightest and most efficient treadmills among the treadmill models released this year. It features a compact folding design like all the other options in this list. So, who should use the Umay walking treadmill?

This foldable treadmill is the best option for anyone below 200 lbs who is looking for a treadmill for walking exercises. Its deck is larger than the WalkingPad R1 Pro and WalkingPad C1. It comes with several layers of cushioning to ensure a comfortable fitness experience.  At the base of the Umay walking pad, you will find wheels for moving it around.

This foldable treadmill comes with a 1.5HP motor, which is not as powerful as some of the walking pads on this list. So, expect the speeds to be lower. This Umay walking pad has speeds of between 1 – 4 mph, which is suitable for walking exercises. If you weigh 180 pounds and exercise at a maximum speed (4mph) for 10 minutes, you’ll burn about 63 calories. To burn more, exercise for longer and make sure to eat healthy.

Unlike most models, this treadmill has no handrail. The time, speed, calories burned, and distance are displayed at the front of the treadmill via an LCD monitor, while its speed is controlled by a remote. Through a sport app, you can pair the walking pad with your smartphone, making it perfect for your 1000-steps-a-day workout.

Pros

  • Easy to move and store
  • This walking machine is ideal for walking exercises
  • Smartphone pairing makes it easy to control
  • Motor does not overheat and ensures workout is quiet and comfortable
  • Comes with 12 preset programs for guided workout
  • Ideal for HIIT training on treadmill

Cons

  • Not ideal for heavy users

8. Rebel 1000 Folding Treadmill

Rebel 1000 Folding Treadmill

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Designed for use in small spaces, the Rebel 1000 walking pad is a space-saving treadmill ideal for homes and offices. This foldable treadmill weighs 88 pounds and is the best option for people up to 250 pounds. The Rebel 1000 is powered by a 1.5HP motor, which works quietly to ensure you don’t disturb your coworkers or your family.

 

This mini portable treadmill comes with a console that measures 8 x 3 inches and weighs just less than 3 pounds. It is light and compact enough to be placed on top of your desk or a table. With the console, you can keep an eye on your metrics, such as speed, calories burned, distance, and time. It also allows you to increase or decrease your speed.

Speaking of speed, this walking pad offers you speeds of between 0.5 – 2.0 mph, which are lower than what most machines offer. Still, this walking machine is ideal for walking exercises especially for seniors. Lastly, this foldable walking pad comes with two wheels for easy mobility and is slim enough to store under a bed or desk.

Pros

  • Comes with one of the strongest warranties on the market
  • Lightweight and easy to move around
  • Works quietly, so ideal for office use or apartment use
  • Comes with a smart memory that can store your data up to 20 minutes after leaving the walking pad

Cons

  • Maximum speed of 2 MPH, which is lower than what the WalkingPad R1 Pro treadmill offers
  • No heart rate function

9. Hirollop Folding Treadmill Walking Pad

HIROLLOP 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, Under Desk Treadmills with Bluetooth Speaker, Installation-Free with Remote Control & LED Display,Walking Running Machine for Home Office Gym(Black)

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Tired of walking pads with low-power motors? Then you’re looking for the Hirollop Folding Treadmill. It ships fully assembled, so just take it out of the box, start it, and you’re ready to go. Like the Gymax machine, this foldable treadmill works in two different ways.

One, you can use it as a walking treadmill when the rail is down. With this smart mode, you can use it under the desk at work. So, how fast can you walk on this walking machine? The Hirollop folding treadmill offers between 0.5 – 4 mph which are ideal for walking exercises.

The other way you can use the Hirollop walking pad is with the rail up. This smart mode is ideal for runners and offers speeds between 4 – 7.5 mph. To ensure that your workout experience is fun and engaging, this walking pad comes with 12 preset programs.

Make good use of these programs and you’ll burn more calories and lose more weight than the average runner. Plus, you’ll love its well-layered deck, which is whisper-quiet and shock-absorbing so you can work out without any issue.

For the console, you get a well-made, user-friendly LED panel with built-in Bluetooth-enabled speakers. You can track your progress real-time and work out while listening to your favorite music. Last but not least, the Hirollop folding treadmill for home use can support up to 220 lbs.

Pros

  • This space-saving machine for home 
  • Anti-slip texturing on the running deck ensures your stability when running/walking
  • Dual mode – sports mode and walking mode
  • Comes with a remote for speed control and child-lock protection

Cons

  • No heart rate monitoring function

10. Lifespan Walking Pad Treadmill

LifeSpan TR1200-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill,black;gray,Large

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Boasting of a speed limit of 4 mph and smart tech that makes it a smart machine, this Lifespan Walking pad machine has become one of the best walking pads on the market.

Lifespan is a leading manufacturer of all things fitness equipment. Their TR1200-DT3 are popular due to their high-quality construction and user capacity. It is powered by a 2.25HP motor that works quietly for long hours.

 

Just like the Rebel 1000, it comes with a portable 3lb console that shows your steps, calories burned, time, and distance traveled. What sets apart the TR1200-DT3 from other walking pads is the integration of Intelli-Step technology.

This innovative technology by Lifespan detects each footstep you take and keeps daily records so you can track your progress. It also ensures the walking pad only runs when you’re working out and stops when you step off to ensure your safety and low energy consumption. ­

Pros

  • Tiny console that can be placed on desk
  • Under-desk design that allows it to be used in home office or at work as it requires less space
  • Can support more weight than other models, up to 350 pounds
  • large side bar for easy off the machine and speed limit functions
  • Larger comfortable running surface compared to other units

Cons

  • Does not have incline function or video
  • Offers up to 4MPH which is lower than what other treadmills offer

 11. WalkingPad C1

WalkingPad C1 Foldable Treadmill Walking Pad Smart Jogging Exercise Fitness Equipment, Free Installation Low Noise Footstep Induction Speed Control,Folding Under Desk 0-3.72mile/Hour

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With a speed limit of 3.5 mph, the WalkingPad C1 is another electric running machine that you can use in the living room. Here is what it has to offer. This foldable walking pad features a foldable design that makes it easy to stow away. You can keep it under a couch or upright in a corner.

Like other options on this reviews list, the C1 offers three intelligent speed control options: the front area for speed, middle area for light jogging and back area to slow the machine down. Also, the WalkingPad C1 comes with an easy-to-read LED console to help track calories, speed, distance and time. It’s folding frame is made of aluminum alloy which is durable. Lastly, this WalkingPad C1 machine is Bluetooth-enabled and comes with a sound system that allows you to listen to music while working out.

Pros

  • Strike zones for speed control and uniform velocity
  • Running belt made up of 7 layers for stability, noise reduction, and shock absorption
  • Offers speed up to 3.5 mph and uniform velocity while exercising
  • Easily folded and transport wheels make it easy to move the running machine
  • 200 pounds weight capacity and has child lock protection

Cons

  • Does not have incline function and no video programs
  • Doesn’t have a cup holder

12. Fannay Folding Treadmill

Under Desk Treadmill for Home/Office Gym Cardio Fitness

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When searching for a great walking pad, you need to consider its performance, ease of use, and affordability. The Fannay Folding Treadmill is one of the cheapest walking pads on the market and comes with loads of awesome features.

First, its deck is made up of 7 layers of PVC material. The layers include a shock-absorbing layer for gentle exercising and a noise-reduction layer so you can work out without disturbing your coworkers or anyone sleeping.

The Fannay walk treadmill’s deck has an anti-slip layer and an adjustable riser. You can use this walking pad  with the riser down on auto mode for walking exercises with speed range from 0.6 – 4 mph or with the rail up as a running treadmill with speeds of up to 7.5 mph.

Other additional features you’ll love include the easy-to-use console, built-in speakers, and the preset programs for guided intense workouts. This powerful home treadmill can be used by anyone weighing less than 220 lbs.

Pros

  • Comes with a powerful efficient motor that offers speeds of up to 7.5 mph
  • Allows you to track data real-time
  • Affordable compared to traditional treadmill within its price range
  • Has transport wheels for mobility and large sidebar for easy on/off

Cons

  • Does not have incline function

How to Choose a Walking Pad

What feature should you look for when choosing a walking pad? Here are 4 things you should keep an eye on when choosing a treadmill.

man using a Walking Pad

Space

Mini walk treadmills are the most preferred type of treadmills for small apartments and office use because they are compact, which means they require little space and can be used under the desk.

Their foldable design and wheels make storage easy. So, when choosing your walk pad, make sure you have enough space to use it at home or your office.

Handrail design

Some treadmills come with handrails, while others don’t. A running pad with a foldable handrail can be used for walking exercises and running exercises.

Most of them offer speeds of up to 10mph. A treadmill without a handrail can also be used for running and walking exercises. However, most brands with these types of walking pads are designed for walking exercises only, so we recommend you pick a walk pad a handrail design that best suits your needs.

Motor power

If you’re looking for a treadmill for walking exercise, opt for a motor-powered model with 1HP – 2HP

This will work efficiently without overheating. For intense running in place on a treadmill workouts, go with a walking pad with a powerful motor, preferably with over 2.0 HP or traditional treadmills

Weight capacity

As a rule of thumb, you should always buy a piece of exercise equipment that can support your weight, that’s why we’ve included the weight limit of each treadmill.

What Not to Expect on a Walk Pad

Now, most running pads come with lots of excellent features. However, because of their compact size, there is only so much you can get from them. Most manufacturers focus on offering the best basic features only, such as a wide, stable running deck, easy-to-use console, and a sturdy handrail. What you should not expect from walking pads include:

  1. Water bottle holders
  2. Extra wide running decks
  3. Higher weight capacity
  4. Workout apps such as iFit
  5. Treadmill incline

Final Thoughts

According to WHO, physical activity should start as early as age 5. Lack of exercise can lead to lifestyle ailments and low productivity. Working out from home using a good workout plan is the way to go. A good walking pad for exercise is what you need to keep active whether the weather outside is sunny or rainy.

A folding mini treadmill is designed to fit in small spaces. In this walking pad article, we have looked at the 7 best foldable walking pads on the market, all of which are easy to transport, durable, quiet, and efficient. Transform your workout experience now! 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you run on a walking pad?

Yes. The R1 Pro offers speeds of up to 6.5 mph or 10 km/hr which are sufficient for running.

2. Is the walking pad worth it?

If you lead a busy life, a walking machine is the best choice. You can use it while doing your job, ensuring you meet your fitness goals.

3. What is a walking pad?

This is a small walking machine that you can use in the living room or office. Most offer speeds of up to 4.5 mph. This jogging exercise fitness equipment uses human motion trajectory for speed.