The 6 Best Walking Pads, According To Our Editors

Footprint: 52 x 27 x 5 inches | Total weight: 74 pounds | Speed: Up to 7.5 mph | Incline: None | Weight capacity: 265 pounds | Foldable: Yes

Pros:

• Max speed allows light running
• Slim design fits under a desk
• Optional side rails improve stability

Cons:

• Less sturdy at running speeds

It’s hard to find a walking pad that checks every box—as you start looking for a model with speed, stability, durability and add-on tech features, you’re effectively shopping for a full-sized treadmill. Still, what I like about the Goplus 2-In-1 Treadmill is that it offers most of these features, but it still comes in at just $300. For example, the motor’s max speed of 7.5 mph lets you break into a light jog if walking feels just a bit slow, and pop-up siderails improve stability. With a max weight capacity of 265 pounds, the design also accommodates different body shapes and sizes, and that’s in spite of the fact that this walking pad can still slide under a desk if you’d like to use it while you work. According to Forbes Vetted senior editor Astrid Taran, “it’s really easy to put together, and it doesn’t ever get too loud, even when you run at high speeds.”

With all that said, remember that this is a walking pad, so don’t look at the motor’s max speed and assume it’ll be good for running. Yes, you can technically use it for running, but the platform isn’t going to feel as stable at high speeds, and you run the risk of slipping off the back. And while it does clock in at a hefty 74 pounds, it’s easier to move around than other options, according to Taran: “I love that it has wheels to move it around when you stand it up against the wall.” Ultimately, I think the Goplus 2-In-1 Treadmill strikes a balance between price, weight capacity, stability and speed range, and for that reason, it’s my top pick.

Footprint: 50.9 x 20.7 x 4.9 inches | Total weight: 45 pounds | Speed: Up to 4 mph | Incline: No | Weight capacity: 265 pounds | Foldable: No

Pros:

• Easy to move around; more lightweight than other options
• Simple setup
• Remote changes speed settings

Cons:

• Can’t change speed settings without the remote

By and large, walking pads are less expensive than full-sized treadmills, which partially explains why they’ve become so popular in recent years. But if you’re still shopping for a walking pad on a budget, consider the Urevo SpaceWalk Lite. Because the walking pad itself weighs 45 pounds, you can easily move it from one room to the next or hide it out of sight. Forbes Vetted writer Monica Petrucci agrees:  “The Urevo is great; I love that it has two wheels for easy transport when it’s not in use, so that you don’t have to regularly pick up a heavy piece of equipment (which would probably deter you from using one of these at all).” 

With a max speed of 4 mph, it’s not the fastest walking pad on the market, but you’ll still work up a sweat if you give it some time. And while I appreciate the fact that it comes with a remote, so you can change speed settings from your desk, on the fly, you can only change speed settings with the remote—there are no buttons or switches to be found on the walking pad itself. Ninety-nine percent of the time, this isn’t an issue. But don’t misplace the remote—and if it breaks, you have to contact support and jump through hoops to have the problem resolved. But at the end of the day, that isn’t a dealbreaker, which is why this makes for a compelling option at less than $200.

Footprint: 38.4 × 21.9 × 6.9 inches | Total weight: 48.5 pounds | Speed: Up to 3.1 mph | Incline: 5% | Weight capacity: 220 pounds | Foldable: No

Pros:

• Lightweight, short deck is easy to store away
• Fixed incline boosts intensity
• Controllable via remote or app

Cons:

• Shorter deck limits movement

As convenient as walking pads have become, they aren’t exactly known for their versatility. Most models sit flat on the ground and top out at speeds suitable for a slow jog at best. The Walker Pro M1 from GoPlus, however, features a 5% incline that makes your walking sessions just a little more challenging. At 38 inches long, it’s also shorter than most walking pads, which makes it easier to use in small spaces and tuck away when not in use. While the top speed of 3.1 miles per hour isn’t particularly fast, it’s enough to work up a sweat, especially when paired with the incline. Plus, with speed settings controlled via a remote or app, there’s no need to break your stride to make adjustments.

Of course, a walking pad with a fixed incline does have its limitations: You can’t dial it down, so what you see is what you get. And while the shorter deck makes the pad more portable and easier to store, it may require a bit more mindfulness as you walk. Taller users might prefer a model with a longer deck that accommodates a full stride. Still, for those looking to add some intensity to their daily step count, the 5% incline is a standout feature.

Footprint: 56.37 x 21.5 x 5 inches | Total weight: 62 pounds | Speed: Up to 3.75 mph | Incline: No | Weight capacity: 220 pounds | Foldable: Yes

Pros:

• Compact design saves space
• Easy to unfold and start using immediately
• Lightweight to move around the house

Cons:

• Folding mechanism is a point of weakness

Walking pads are a popular choice because they take up such little space, but if you live in small apartment or share a house with roommates, you might need an even smaller design like the Walking Pad P1. While it’s already rather small, a hinge at the middle means it folds in half to save even more space, allowing you to store it under a bed or tuck it in a closet when it’s not in use. And while that hinge might lead you to believe that it’s les powerful in some way, the motor still tops out at 3.75 mph and the weight capacity reaches 220 pounds, so this is as capable a walking pad as they come.

My main concern is the hinge introduces a weakness and possible failure point. Like a folding smartphone, the hinge is designed to open and close a specific number of times, and over time, it may get weaker. In my research, I haven’t found any long-term reviews that suggest it might fail, but it’s something to consider if you’d like your walking pad to last for years to come. Otherwise, this is a great option that costs more for the folding feature, but in return, you save a bit of space.

Footprint: 55 x 27 x 47 inches (with desk) | Total weight: 85 pounds | Speed: Up to 8 mph | Incline: Yes, up to 6% | Weight capacity: 280 pounds | Foldable: Yes

Pros:

• Built-in wheels for easy portability
• Work station is removable
• No assembly required

Cons:

• Built-in speaker doesn’t offer great audio quality
• Desk may be too short for taller users

While most walking pads slide underneath a standing desk, this model from Hccsport integrates its workspace into the siderails, so no matter where you choose to walk, you’ve always got a desk at the ready—handy if you want to use your laptop in a space that’s separate from your home office. And because the height-adjustable desk attachment can be removed, you’re not married to the design if you’d like to step away from work while you get some movement in. It has a maximum speed of 8 mph, so you can engage in some light jogging after the work day. 

There’s no assembly required, and a set of built-in wheels make moving its 84-pound frame to another spot relatively easily. The remote control wristband lets you switch between speeds, as well as increase your incline by up to 6%. It’s worth noting that this model is equipped with built-in music speakers, but multiple customers say that the audio quality leaves a lot to be desired. However, many people who invest in at-home fitness equipment already have a preferred way of listening to music while working out—whether it’s with wireless earbuds or a Bluetooth speaker—so this isn’t a huge dealbreaker.

Footprint: 43 x 20 x 4 inches | Total weight: 42 pounds | Speed: Up to 3.8 mph | Incline: No | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Foldable: No

Pros:

• Lightweight design
• Bluetooth app connectivity
• No assembly required

Cons:

• Isn’t as quiet as advertised

With a top speed of 3.8 mph and a relatively narrow walking platform, the Lacuffy Walking Pad is an easygoing, compact option. But, because it sports a 300-pound weight capacity, it’s a solid choice for big and tall users who need a supportive, reliable design. A mobile app keeps track of your calories burned and time spent walking, so all you really have to do is put one foot in front of the other.

While it’s advertised as being incredibly quiet (which would make it ideal for those working from home), some reviews suggest the treadmill constantly beeps and the motor isn’t as quiet as you might hope. That’s not to say it’s loud, but I wouldn’t recommend investing in this walking pad (or any walking pad, for that matter) under the assumption that it’s whisper quiet. If that’s not a deterrent, this is a great choice to help you sneak in a few extra steps each day or kickstart your fitness journey.