When you work a desk job, it can be challenging to squeeze in your steps. Luckily, using a treadmill desk is one of the easiest things you can do to increase your daily movement. It provides the opportunity to take thousands of extra steps while you work. Walking while working is a great way to increase productivity and improve overall fitness.
“Active movements for otherwise idle activities boost metabolism and energy, especially for that post-lunch lull,” says John Groves, DPT, a practicing physical therapist and CEO of Fit for Work. “And you will be amazed at how much less back soreness and joint stiffness you feel when you intersperse walking instead of sitting.”
Reviewed & Approved
iMovR’s Lander Standing Desk comes almost entirely pre-assembled, with an intuitive design and high-tech features. We recommend BiFanuo’s 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill as a compact and budget-friendly option.
We researched dozens of treadmill desks and evaluated them for the assembly process, price, quiet operation, design, and workspace size. Each of the treadmill desks chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.
Here are the best treadmill desks on the market.
We chose this treadmill desk as our top choice because it comes almost entirely pre-assembled; has intuitive, high-tech controls; and includes several unique and premium features. It’s expensive but well worth the price for a top-ranking walking workstation.
Best Overall
iMovR Lander Standing Desk
Adjustable keyboard tray
Smartphone compatibility
Tracks user stats
Expensive
The Lander Standing Desk comes with a touchscreen console that can track your steps, distance, time, and more so you can hit the number of daily steps that’s right for you. You can track the same user stats via Bluetooth connection on the free downloadable app, and you can program the desk’s control paddle and compatible app to remind you to stand at customizable intervals.
Upon purchasing, you’ll be asked to select your preferred desk size, color, and finish. You will have the option to purchase optional add-ons, including a standing mat, monitor arm, laptop mount, and more.
Because it’s super-quiet, it won’t disrupt your train of thought, work calls, or nearby coworkers. The package includes the desk, but you will have to purchase the treadmill separately. If you don’t already have one, iMovr’s Unsit Office Treadmill.
Price at time of publication: starting at $2,910 (additional sizes, colors, and finishes are available at higher prices)
Key Specs:Dimensions: 30 x 41, 47, 53, 59, 65, 71, 77, or 83 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: Not applicable | Maximum Speed: Not applicable
If you’d like to try a treadmill desk but don’t want to sacrifice a lot of space or money, this compact, budget-friendly folding treadmill is a great option. The foldable, portable design is ideal for tight spaces, while the quiet motor, shock-absorbing structure, and anti-skid noise-reduction belt minimize disturbances to officemates or neighbors.
Best Budget
BiFanuo 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Comes fully assembled
Suitable for walking or running
Compact
May not run smoothly for heavier weights
Tracking may not be 100% accurate
Although it doesn’t have a ton of fancy features, the treadmill does offer a built-in Bluetooth speaker and phone holder. With a speed range between 0.5 to 6.5 miles per hour, it’s suitable for both walking and running, making it a more versatile option than some other models. What’s more, it arrives fully assembled, so you can start using it right away.
Price at time of publication: $280
Key Specs:Dimensions: 50 x 26 x 42 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Maximum Speed: 6.5 miles per hour
Regardless of whether you’re converting a corner of your apartment into a home office or your real office is limited in the square footage department, expect this WalkingPad treadmill to fit with ease. Better yet, it can be folded in half for easy storage when it’s not in use. It has two use modes—navigate manual mode with the remote control, and activate auto mode by starting to walk on the treadmill and letting it react to your movement.
Best for Small Spaces
WalkingPad C2 Smart Folding Treadmill
Compact
Noise-reducing
Easy to move
Can’t be used directly on carpet
Low weight capacity
The walking belt is slip-resistant and noise-reducing, and it features both child lock and overload protection. And if you’re interested in your movement statistics, you can download the accompanying WalkingPad app.
Price at time of publication: $499
Key Specs:Dimensions: 56.38 x 21.54 x 5.08 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 3.75 miles per hour
This compact treadmill is one of the quietest options you’ll find on the market. Its continuous-duty motor and impact-absorbing shocks power the belt nearly silently and dampen the sound of each step you take. It features a portable console that occupies a small space on your desktop and displays readouts for your steps, time, distance, calories, and speed.
Best Quiet
LifeSpan Fitness TR1200-DT3 Treadmill Desk
Quiet operation
Comes fully assembled
Low-profile design
Heavy to move
No Bluetooth compatibility
The treadmill is sturdy enough to support up to 350 pounds for years of use. Built-in safety features ensure the treadmill only moves when it senses you standing on it. Bonus: It arrives fully assembled, so all you have to do is roll it into place beneath your desk and start moving.
Price at time of publication: $1,699
Key Specs:Dimensions: 63 x 28.5 x 7.25 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Maximum Speed: 4 miles per hour
Already have a workout treadmill at home? You can outfit it with this sturdy desk attachment and convert it into a safe and reliable space to work and move simultaneously. This desk attachment features a premium rubber surface that is ideal for both laptops and tablets, and it can be installed on your treadmill’s handlebars in just a few minutes.
Best Treadmill Desk Attachment
HumanCentric Treadmill Desk Attachment
Plenty of work space
Easy to put on and take off
Adjustable for most treadmill designs
Expensive
Straps could be longer
What the Experts Say: “My mantra is ‘Motion is lotion.’ Moving more increases blood flow throughout the body, which has benefits for the heart, lungs, and muscles. Movement also reduces muscle wasting from being sedentary and lubricates joints. What’s more, once you start moving, you are more likely to want to keep moving even after work hours, so you can compete in those step challenges with your co-workers and win!” — Erin DiGangi, PT, a physical therapist in La Grange Park, Illinois
The Velcro straps are secure enough to keep you and your devices safe, yet easy to remove when you want to bring your workday to an end and go for a jog instead. The adjustable straps also make it an excellent fit for most treadmill designs.
Price at time of publication: $80
Key Specs:Dimensions: 34 x 14.4 inches | Folding: Not applicable | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Maximum Speed: Not applicable
If you plan on using your treadmill for fitness training, like treadmill walking workouts, as much as for daily movement at work, consider this two-in-one pick. It’s similar to the Redliro option (see below) in how it alternates modes based on the placement of the handlebar. However, it features a more resilient shock reduction system for heavier use, and its lightweight profile and minimal noise creation make it a better choice for running in spaces like apartments.
Best for Fitness
Rhythm Fun Folding Treadmill
Bluetooth speaker
Comes fully assembled
Suitable for walking or running
Low weight capacity
No pause feature
It also includes a Bluetooth speaker that makes it easy and fun to listen to your favorite playlist while running or walking. It’s maneuvered via remote control and features a smart workout app pairing to help you keep all of your wellness statistics organized. It also arrives fully assembled.
Price at time of publication: $699
Key Specs:Dimensions: 61 x 30 x 8 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 7.5 miles per hour
This folding treadmill design gives you the best of both worlds. When the handlebar is lowered, the treadmill fits perfectly under your desk for walking while working and is limited to a speed of 4 miles per hour. But then, when the handlebar is raised, the treadmill transforms into a more classic piece of workout equipment, reaching a maximum speed of 7.5 miles per hour, which is optimal when you want to do high intensity interval training on the treadmill.
Best Folding
REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill
Suitable for walking or running
Comes fully assembled
Easy to move
Buttons are not user-friendly
Handlebar release is inconvenient
Low weight capacity
Equipped with both a dashboard and remote control, it’s easy to navigate the treadmill’s various settings safely and with the method you prefer. It also features a built-in safety key, so it will shut off instantly in the event of an emergency. The treadmill arrives fully assembled and ready for use as soon as it’s unpacked.
Price at time of publication: $480
Key Specs:Dimensions: 51.9 x 24.8 x 42.1 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 7.5 miles per hour
Some treadmill desks max out at speeds of 3 or 4 miles per hour, so they’re not suitable for running. If you’re a runner looking for a more versatile option, consider this Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill that offers both walk and run modes. It goes up to 2.5 miles per hour when its handrail is lowered, and up to 8 miles per hour when it’s lifted.
Best for Running
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Provides excellent shock absorption
Compact
Bluetooth speaker
No incline options
Belt is on the small side
While the treadmill has a less powerful motor than some high-end running treadmills, it’s quiet and shock-absorbing, and it runs very smoothly. It offers an easy installation as well as a foldable design and built-in transport wheels, so it’s ideal for limited spaces.
This model features a Bluetooth speaker, phone holder, and remote control for adjusting your speed. Although the weight capacity is 265 pounds, some users say it’s closer to 200 pounds for running safely at higher speeds, one of the many things users should keep in mind when running on a treadmill.
Price at time of publication: $340
Key Specs:Dimensions: 49 x 27 x 42 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Maximum Speed: 8 miles per hour
What to Look for in a Treadmill Desk
Stability
It’s essential that both the treadmill and working surface to support you properly. For instance, some users prefer wider treadmill elements to prevent missteps that can result in injury. You certainly don’t want the desk to feel rickety as you rest any part of your arms on it to type or write. Sturdy construction and dimensions that suit your body are not negotiable.
“Make sure that you select a brand that has solid construction and if there is an option between the base model and a more heavy-duty model, it is money well spent to go with the heavier duty model,” says physical therapist John Groves.
Noise
Just like fitness treadmills, desk treadmills do make some noise as the belt rotates. But if you prefer a workspace that is quieter than a gym, it’s important to consider the noise output of your treadmill desk. There are plenty of options known for being unobtrusive to daily workflow, like the LifeSpan Fitness TR1200-DT3 Treadmill Desk on our list.
Adjustability
Consider your height and ergonomic preferences in selecting a treadmill desk to ensure that the desk component itself makes for a comfortable workstation. “You have to ensure that the table height is adjustable to your needs,” Groves advises. Adjustability is especially critical if the treadmill is going to be used by multiple people.
“You do not want to be leaning over in an unnatural posture while on a treadmill desk,” says Palak Shah, PT, OCS, MLC, a physical therapist and head of clinical services at Luna, an in-home physical therapy platform. “Leaning forward will lead to increased hip flexion and will reduce the use of your gluteus muscles efficiently, which is a benefit of walking.”
The treadmill itself will also offer a range of speeds, so think about the pace at which you want to move as you work and make sure the one you select supports your needs. “Regular treadmills have speed adjustment in increments of 0.1 miles per hour, which enables good control,” says Shah. “Avoid a treadmill that does not provide a range of speed or limits your stride.”
Belt Length
The belt length is critical to make sure you’re walking comfortably and avoiding injury. “Too short a belt will result in shorter steps, which may cause tightness, increase joint impact, and negate the benefits of walking,” Shah explains. “So make sure the belt will accommodate a longer, natural stride that is closer to your normal gait pattern.”
Assembly
Just like many other pieces of furniture and home gym equipment, some treadmill desks assemble easily and intuitively, and others require hours of frustration and reworking. Be sure to read product reviews to learn how much effort you should expect to exert in setting up your new workspace (and how much help you should recruit for the process).
If you already own a treadmill and want a simpler assembly option, the HumanCentric Treadmill Desk Attachment is a great choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Does walking on treadmill desk help you loose weight?
- You can lose weight with a treadmill desk by using it to increase your daily calorie output. To lose weight, you must create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you take in. Increasing movement through the day with a treadmill desk is an excellent way to do that. The main benefit of a treadmill desk is a reduction of physical inactivity and sedentary hours.
- Learn More:
- How to Move More During the Work Day
- 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 position your workstation at the correct height. You will need to consider the treadmill’s handles and console to determine whether it will interfere with your workstation. There are walking treadmills with no rails that are more suitable for being placed under a desk. Some treadmills come with a suitable platform for placing your work materials, or you can purchase a treadmill accessory to provide a desk surface.
- Are treadmill desks safe?
- Treadmill desks are safe so long as you use them correctly. Do not try to run or jog while working, as that places you in an improper stance that could cause falls. Be sure your arms and wrists have support to prevent strain, and do not place a computer on an unstable or weak surface. Be cautious of wires and plugs that could get in your way. Always wear proper footwear.
- Learn More:
- Proper Walking Posture
- How do I set up a treadmill desk?
- Set up your treadmill desk ergonomically so you will not have to crane or bend your neck while working. Your computer screen should be at eye level, and you should be able to rest your forearms on the worktop at a 70- to 135-degree angle. Be sure you are not hunching your shoulders.
- How often should I use a treadmill desk?
- You can use your treadmill desk every day. Just as regular walking is a healthy activity that you can do every day, so is treadmill walking while working. However, you should consider limiting yourself to an hour or two at first if you are not used to walking long distances. Adjust the speed to your ability, and take breaks to sit during the day to prevent any potential strain or overuse. Work your way up to more prolonged bouts of walking.
- How much does a treadmill desk cost?
- A quality treadmill desk will cost anywhere between $80 and $3,500. While cheaper options do exist, they’ll likely have issues with stability, noise, adjustability, and overall use. Higher-priced options also exist, but you can find lower-priced options for similar functionality. If you already have a treadmill, you can save money by purchasing a treadmill desk attachment, like the cheapest on our list, which is just $80. But for a complete treadmill desk, our top recommendation is the iMovR Lander Standing Desk, which was $2,910 when we published this list.
You can lose weight with a treadmill desk by using it to increase your daily calorie output. To lose weight, you must create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you take in. Increasing movement through the day with a treadmill desk is an excellent way to do that. The main benefit of a treadmill desk is a reduction of physical inactivity and sedentary hours.
You can convert a treadmill into a treadmill desk by purchasing a desk riser to position your workstation at the correct height. You will need to consider the treadmill’s handles and console to determine whether it will interfere with your workstation. There are walking treadmills with no rails that are more suitable for being placed under a desk. Some treadmills come with a suitable platform for placing your work materials, or you can purchase a treadmill accessory to provide a desk surface.
Treadmill desks are safe so long as you use them correctly. Do not try to run or jog while working, as that places you in an improper stance that could cause falls. Be sure your arms and wrists have support to prevent strain, and do not place a computer on an unstable or weak surface. Be cautious of wires and plugs that could get in your way. Always wear proper footwear.
Set up your treadmill desk ergonomically so you will not have to crane or bend your neck while working. Your computer screen should be at eye level, and you should be able to rest your forearms on the worktop at a 70- to 135-degree angle. Be sure you are not hunching your shoulders.
You can use your treadmill desk every day. Just as regular walking is a healthy activity that you can do every day, so is treadmill walking while working. However, you should consider limiting yourself to an hour or two at first if you are not used to walking long distances. Adjust the speed to your ability, and take breaks to sit during the day to prevent any potential strain or overuse. Work your way up to more prolonged bouts of walking.
A quality treadmill desk will cost anywhere between $80 and $3,500. While cheaper options do exist, they’ll likely have issues with stability, noise, adjustability, and overall use. Higher-priced options also exist, but you can find lower-priced options for similar functionality. If you already have a treadmill, you can save money by purchasing a treadmill desk attachment, like the cheapest on our list, which is just $80. But for a complete treadmill desk, our top recommendation is the iMovR Lander Standing Desk, which was $2,910 when we published this list.
Additional reporting by Christine Luff
Christine Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. She has tested and reviewed her fair share of treadmills and knows what to look for to get the best bang for your buck.
Additional reporting by Michelle Parente
Michelle Parente is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who is passionate about making well-vetted product recommendations. She specializes in health and fitness content and is always reading up on the latest wellness research.
