Whether your goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day, incorporate more movement into your daily routine, or upgrade your work-from-home setup, investing in a treadmill desk can help you get there. Compact and quiet, they often take up less space than traditional treadmills and may offer several important benefits, including improved mood, physical health, circulation, productivity, focus, recall, and more. When selecting a treadmill desk, consider how and where you’ll be using it—this will help you determine which features you’ll need. Also, make sure your pick is sturdy and built from high-quality materials so you can walk confidently and safely.
To find the best treadmill desks, we asked physical therapists for advice on which key features to consider when shopping. We also tested our best overall treadmill desk at home for weeks, using it regularly in our daily routines. When selecting our top picks, we evaluate each option based on its ease of setup, ease of use, foldability, features, comfort, and value to find the best options on the market.
What Is a Treadmill Desk?
A treadmill desk has a wide, flat workstation at the front instead of the usual tilted console with exercise statistics. In some cases, the desk is attached directly to the front of the treadmill. Other models consist of a walking pad with a separate standing desk. It’s important to note that treadmill desks are different from under-desk treadmills and walking pads, which are small treadmills designed to slide underneath an existing desk.
Are Treadmill Desks Safe?
Yes, treadmill desks are safe—using one regularly provides both short-term and long-term health benefits (more on these later). Make sure your arms and wrists are supported to prevent any upper body strain, and never jog or run while you work to prevent falls.
Credit: Amazon
Key Specs
Dimensions: 65.9 x 39.4 x 53.3 inches | Product Weight: 128.3 pounds | Weight Capacity: 240 pounds | Speed Range: 0.6-6.2 miles per hour | Incline: Yes | Features: Digital display, 10 pre-installed workouts, metric tracking (calories, speed, time, distance)
Who It’s For
Best for shorter walkers who prefer a treadmill that inclines and can also be used for jogging (when you’re not working).
Why We Love It
We recommend Sunny Health and Fitness’ Treadmill With Detachable Automated Desk if you like to mix up your workouts with the ability to switch between three inclines and speeds up to 6.2 miles per hour. When we tested this treadmill, we were thrilled that it came fully assembled, so it was easy to just plug it in and get started. We were also impressed by the treadmill’s smooth operation and shock absorption, noting that it felt much better on our joints compared to walking outside.
This treadmill desk is compact and portable; we were able to store the walking pad portion under a bed with plenty of room to spare. The desktop is also adjustable, so you can set it to a comfortable height and readjust it for multiple users. And we love that there’s enough room for your laptop, phone, and other essentials.
Potential Flaws
- In testing, the treadmill belt felt short, meaning taller users may not have enough room for their full stride.
- The 240-pound weight capacity is significantly lower than others on our list.
Credit: Amazon
Cons
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Not as sturdy at high speeds
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Folds upright, so it can’t be stored under furniture
Key Specs
Dimensions: 50 x 25.2 x 40.5 inches | Product Weight: 88 pounds | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Speed Range: 0.5-7.5 miles per hour | Incline: Yes | Features: LED display, 12 pre-installed workouts, metric tracking (calories, speed, time, distance, steps), cupholder, device holder
Who It’s For
Best if you’re tight on floor space, but still want to increase your step count.
Why We Love It
If you’d like to try a treadmill desk but don’t want to sacrifice a lot of space or money, FYC’s Office Desk Treadmill With Remote Control is our top pick. The foldable design is ideal for when you’re tight on floor space, while the quiet motor minimizes disturbances to roommates, pets, or neighbors. We also like that the desktop features a cup holder and a collapsible tablet stand for checking emails (or watching Netflix).
With speeds between 0.5 and 7.5 miles per hour, plus three incline levels, you can add plenty of variety to your walks and runs. A built-in LCD display tracks your performance, including time, speed, distance, calories, and steps. Even better, it arrives fully assembled—and when you’re done, this treadmill desk can be folded up and wheeled out of the way in minutes.
Potential Flaws
- Although the weight capacity is 265 pounds, some users report that it’s closer to 200 pounds for running safely at higher speeds.
- We like that the treadmill is compact and portable—but it’s designed to be folded and stored in an upright position, so it can’t fit under a bed or couch.
Credit: Amazon
Key Specs
Dimensions: 50.9 x 27.2 x 37.4 inches | Product Weight: 86 pounds | Weight Capacity: 286 pounds | Speed Range: 0.5-8.6 miles per hour | Incline: No | Features: LED display, metric tracking (calories, speed, time, distance), detachable desktop, remote control
Who It’s For
Best if you’re short on space and need a treadmill desk that’s also suitable for running.
Why We Love It
While a few options on our list can fold flat, UREVO’s 3 in 1 Foldable Treadmill With Removable Desk is our favorite because it has the highest maximum speed and a more budget-friendly price point. With settings that go up to 8.6 miles per hour, it’s easy to push your limits and do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on this treadmill when you’re off the clock.
The treadmill’s LED display tracks your time, speed, distance, and calories burned, while an included remote allows you to adjust your speed. With no screws to loosen or levers to pull, you can fold this treadmill down to just 4.3 inches high in a few seconds. We also love that it has built-in transport wheels that make it even easier to store underneath a couch or bed for more floor space.
Potential Flaws
- Unlike many of our other top picks, you can’t adjust the height of this treadmill’s desktop. However, you can always add a desk riser or a monitor stand if you need one.
Credit: Sharper Image
Key Specs
Dimensions: 50.5 x 26.5 x 43 inches | Product Weight: 73.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Speed Range: 0-7.5 miles per hour | Incline: No | Features: LCD display, metric tracking (calories, speed, time, distance, steps), detachable desktop, device holder, Bluetooth connectivity
Who It’s For
Best for those who need a quiet treadmill to use in shared spaces.
Why We Love It
Sharper Image’s Treadmill Desk is one of the quietest options you’ll find on the market. Its motor has impact-absorbing shocks that dampen the sound of each step you take, so it won’t disrupt your train of thought, work calls, or your housemates. The Treadmill Desk also features an impressive maximum speed of 7.5 miles per hour when the safety handrails are up.
The LCD display screen lets you monitor your speed, distance, time, steps, and calories burned, while a convenient remote control allows you to easily change the speed or pause the machine. We also like that the treadmill comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker and a cup holder. Even better, the machine folds up and rolls for easy transport and storage when you’re not using it.
Potential Flaws
- With a weight capacity of 220 pounds, it’s not built for as many people as some other machines on our list.
Credit: Amazon
Pros
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Great value
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Quiet
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Easy to move
Key Specs
Dimensions: 50.5 x 26.5 x 43 inches | Product Weight: 73.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Speed Range: 0.5-7.5 miles per hour | Incline: No | Features: LED display, 12 pre-installed workouts, metric tracking (calories, speed, time, distance, steps), detachable desktop, device holder, Bluetooth connectivity
Who It’s For
Best for those who want to try out a treadmill desk without making a huge investment or sacrificing a lot of space.
Why We Love It
For small apartments, multi-use home offices, or other tight spaces, we recommend GYMAX’s 3-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill Walking Pad. Quiet and shock-absorbing, the treadmill runs very smoothly and won’t disturb your coworkers, whether they’re in the office next to you or on a work call with you as you work remotely. We also like that the large desktop has plenty of room for your laptop and can be removed when you want to do more intense workouts.
This treadmill desk features a built-in LED display to keep track of your steps, time, distance, calories, and speed. Other nice-to-haves include a cup holder, Bluetooth speakers, and an emergency safety key. We also like that you can adjust the speed via a remote or buttons on the control panel. Better yet, it can be folded up and tucked away for easy storage after work hours.
Potential Flaws
- The weight capacity is fairly low, at 220 pounds.
- Similar to Urevo’s Strol 3, the desktop height is not adjustable. You may want to invest in a laptop stand or riser to prevent neck pain.
What to Look for When Shopping for Treadmill Desks
- Size: Some options are more compact and portable than others, so when choosing a treadmill desk, consider your space constraints. Check the dimensions to make sure the treadmill will fit comfortably in your space or under your standing desk and can be tucked away when you’re not using it.
- Speed: On most treadmills, you can adjust the speed in increments of 0.1 miles per hour, which enables good control. Avoid treadmill desks that don’t provide a range of speeds or can’t go fast enough to keep up with your stride, says Palak Shah, PT, OCS, MLC, a physical therapist we interviewed for this piece.
- Stability: It’s essential that both the walking pad and the working surface can support you properly. You may find that you prefer a wider treadmill belt to prevent missteps that can result in injury; you’ll also want to make sure the desk doesn’t wobble or shake while you work. Choose a treadmill desk with a solid construction, says John Groves, DPT, a physical therapist we interviewed for this piece. If you’re struggling to decide between a base model and a more heavy-duty option, we think your money is well-spent on the heavier, more stable option.
- Noise: All treadmills make noise as the belt rotates. But plenty of options are known for their low pitch and volume, like Sharper Image’s Treadmill Desk.
- Adjustability: A treadmill desk should be adjustable to accommodate your height and preferences. (It’s also crucial if you plan to share your treadmill desk with roommates or family members.) Make sure you can adjust the desktop height to stop yourself from leaning forward in an unnatural position while you walk—this prevents you from using your gluteus muscles efficiently, Shah says.
- Belt Length: The rotating surface that you walk on while using a treadmill is called the belt. You’ll want to know how long your treadmill desk’s belt is to avoid injuring yourself. A belt that’s too short will force you to shorten your steps, which may cause tight muscles and a greater impact on your joints, according to Shah. When shopping, look for a belt that’s long enough to support your natural gait. Pro tip: Taller people with larger feet often need a longer treadmill belt.
How We Tested and Selected the Treadmill Desks
To find the best treadmill desks, we’ve researched dozens of models currently on the market and tested one from Sunny Health and Fitness, a popular and trusted fitness brand. When selecting treadmill desks, we consider brand reputation, key specs, assembly time, and user reviews. When testing treadmill desks, we keep the following key criteria in mind.
- Ease of Setup: After unboxing the treadmill, we consider how easy it is to set up: Does it come fully assembled? If not, how long does it take to put together? We also consider the assembly process and how clear the included instructions are.
- Ease of Use: We use the control panel or remote to start, stop, adjust the speed, and pause the treadmill desk, checking how easy these functions are to use. During this process, we also assess how large and clear the display is.
- Foldability: If the treadmill folds, we fold and unfold it multiple times to see how difficult it is to operate. Then, we test the treadmill’s size and portability by moving it around and storing it in different places when we’re not using it.
- Features: We make sure to test every single feature the treadmill desk has, such as cup holders or Bluetooth speakers. As we use the treadmill regularly, we note any additional features we would like it to have to enhance the experience.
- Comfort: We pay attention to how comfortable and stable the treadmill belt feels underfoot, including how loud it is while in use. We also note how our joints and back feel after using the treadmill desk (compared to how they usually feel after walking or running outdoors).
- Value: To accurately assess value, we wait until the end of the testing period to check the price of each treadmill desk, after we’ve scored it in all other key categories. If the price is fair given how it performed in our test (or if we’d even pay more), the product earns a high value score.
Our Experts
We interviewed two physical therapists for insight into what makes a quality treadmill desk. We also asked each expert for advice on using a treadmill desk while working safely and how to get the most out of this exercise tool. More on our experts:
- John Groves, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, physical therapist and CEO of Fit for Work
- Palak Shah, PT, OCS, MLC, board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and head of clinical services at Luna, an in-home physical therapy platform
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert a treadmill to a treadmill desk?
You can convert a treadmill into a treadmill desk by purchasing a desk riser to add some height to your existing workspace. Make sure there’s enough room underneath your desk to fit a treadmill—you may have to make adjustments for the handrails or console.
How do I set up a treadmill desk?
Set up your treadmill desk ergonomically, to prevent fatigue. The American Occupational Therapy Association notes that your eyes should be level with the top of your computer screen and that the angle of your elbows should be greater than 90 degrees, to keep your wrists in a neutral position and encourage blood flow.
How often should I use a treadmill desk?
You can use your treadmill desk regularly—research shows that using a treadmill desk can help you lose weight, focus better, feel more energized, and stress less. Short walks after meals, especially a heavy meal, can help promote digestion and lessen overall sluggishness. Sticking to a walking routine can also help lower your blood pressure. If you aren’t used to walking long distances, you may want to limit yourself to an hour or two at first and take breaks during the day to prevent muscle strain or overuse.
How much does a treadmill desk cost?
A high-quality treadmill desk may cost anywhere between $300 and $2,500—our top recommendation, Sunny Health & Fitness’ Walking Pad Treadmill, was $800 when we published this list. Treadmill desks frequently go on sale, so consider shopping around or watching for seasonal deals to get the best price.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, a Verywell Fit writer, has more than 20 years of experience with health and fitness content and product recommendations. As a certified running coach, a personal trainer, and an avid runner, she has tested and reviewed her fair share of treadmills and knows what to look for to get the best bang for your buck. She uses her converted treadmill desk on most workdays to boost her step count and productivity.
