The best walking treadmill can be a fitness game changer. A walk in the great outdoors is all very well in theory but not always possible in practice, and that’s where walking treadmills can come in. Whether it’s safety concerns, extreme weather to deal with, or you just want to up your daily step count, then a walking treadmill can help.
Walking is simply one of the best forms of exercise you can do, wherever you do it. "Walking on a treadmill leads to better overall balance," Nathan Kennedy, a certified personal trainer, told Live Science. And that’s key for everyone, not just senior citizens. "Better balance is not just useful to avoid falls. It can help people of all ages avoid injuries too," he said.
Walking treadmills are also a great space-saving piece of equipment. They are far more compact than the best treadmills designed for running and they can frequently be tucked away under a desk or a sofa for storage. Some can also pick up the pace enough to be used for running workouts too.
And for those wanting to add something in addition to raising their step count, we have tested some of the best workout equipment for home where you can find really useful accessories to add a challenge to your workout.
The quick list
See the quick list below for a brief overview of our favorite walking treadmills, or keep scrolling down for in depth reviews of each machine we tested.
Best overall
The foldable Mobvoi treadmill features a sturdy and functional build and a handy space-saving design. This machine is great value for money, and is the best walking treadmill we have tested.
Best on a budget
This no-frills walking treadmill is a great way to hit your step count without breaking the bank. It even comes with its own fitness app and a watch-like remote.
Best for small spaces
Lightweight, compact and stylish, the WalkingPad C2 is small enough to fit under the desk. However we weren't impressed by its speed and walking sensors.
The best walking treadmills we recommend in 2025: Thoroughly tested by our expert fitness kit reviewers
Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best walking treadmill overall
✅ You want a multi-purpose treadmill: You can use it both for walking and gentle running (no faster paces though).
✅ You need a space-saving design: The Mobvoi treadmill is compact and foldable.
✅ You have a budget to stick to: It is surprisingly affordable.
❌ You want extra functions: This Mobvoi treadmill features only the basics.
❌ You are a bigger user: It has a narrow belt and no cushioning.
🔎 Mobvoi home treadmill: Perfect for increasing the daily step count or easing back into running, the Mobvoi home treadmill is sturdy, compact and affordable. ★★★★
The Mobvoi home treadmill offers great quality at a fantastic price. It's compact and sleek design won't eat up loads of valuable floor space, and despite the lightweight construction it can go up to 12 km/h. That may not be enough for those aiming for PBs in races, or for doing any kind of speed work, but it is nevertheless the top speed of the models we tested. It's also faster than many other treadmills in a similar price bracket. So for all those qualities, we gave it a respectable 4 stars in our Mobvoi Home Treadmill review.
The Mobvoi treadmill is a great marriage between traditional treadmill and the more space-saving walking pads. It's clever design allows you to fold it easily, without any complicated deconstruction or putting back together again. It arrives as a ready made walking pad. To transform it into a treadmill, you simply flip the side lever which lists the riser bar up.
While we can’t speak for durability from our short testing window, the model does feel surprisingly sturdy, with no unsettling wobbling or moving around. When in treadmill mode, the riser houses a bright LED dashboard with quick touch controls for speed, an attachable phone holder, and screw-in handlebars. There’s also an additional metric tracking display on the treadmill base that can be controlled via the handy remote.
The main drawbacks were that the belt of the treadmill does feel a little thin underfoot, so it doesn't feel very cushioned. It's also quite a narrow belt, which could feel quite difficult if you’re a bigger user.
In this price bracket, you aren't going to ever get an array of high tech features. However, the Mobvoi does comes with Bluetooth connectivity and surprisingly brilliant quality inbuilt speakers. But don't fear for your relations with your neighbors - it only ranked 65 dB for noise at its highest speed.
- Read our full Mobvoi Home Treadmill review
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Foldable |
Features | Bluetooth connectivity, safety key, remote control |
Additional costs | None |
Runner-up
Best overall: Runner-up
The Mobvoi Treadmill Plus is a plusher, more advanced version of our favorite walking treadmill. Its still compact but comes with a slightly larger running belt and a more joint-friendly surface, and just like its older sibling, it can be used for both running and walking. However, its tread may be still too narrow to suit larger users, and its connectivity to third-party devices leaves much to be desired.
Full review coming soon
For
- Easy to store
- Good tread cushioning
- Budget-friendly
Against
- Relatively narrow tread
- No interactive display
- Limited connectivity
Best budget walking treadmill
✅ You want fitness classes and walking challenges: This model comes with a wrist-like remote and a handy fitness app.
✅ You shop on a budget: It is often under $400.
❌ You want to run on it, too: This Bluefin treadmill does not offer speeds high enough for running.
❌ You are tall or have long strides: It has quite a short and narrow belt.
🔎 Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill: It is space-savvy, compact and easy to use, but more importantly, it delivers a great workout experience at an affordable price. ★★★★
If your main goal is to increase your step count, then you should definitely consider investing in this basic machine. The Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill has a pretty old-fashioned and basic look compared to the Mobvoi Home Treadmill and also has a lower max speed of 8km/h, which means its more useful for walking and power walking than running.
However, it’s actually one of the more techy models we tested. If want to save both money and space, then a Bluetooth-enabled tread with a small footprint and access to a fitness app certainly isn't a bad move.
Similar to the Mobvoi, a quick flip of the riser bar changes the device from a walking pad to a more standard treadmill, and you can transport the machine with fuss-free ease. The belt is a little narrower than we expected and just long enough to stretch your legs. During our Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill review, our 5'2" tester was short enough to use it comfortably, but bigger or taller users might want to check how long their stride is before committing.
This machine does have some very nice touches. On the base it has an LED screen which display your metrics, and these are controlled by a remote that cleverly snaps onto your wrist like a watch.
The Bluefin comes with six preset workouts that you can select using this watch remote. However, these only work between interval speeds of 1-8km/h and might not offer enough intensity or speed for some users.
Other features include a tablet holder that fits to the top of the riser, inbuilt speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and access to the Kinomap fitness app (downloadable via your smart device, free of charge) for access to a range of walking challenges and workouts. What you can do with 8km/h of speed, however, is on you.
If price is your major consideration, then this model might fit the bill.
- Read our full Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Foldable |
Features | Bluetooth connectivity, speakers, adjustable tablet shelf, wearable remote control, LCD screen |
Additional costs | None |
Best walking treadmill for small spaces
✅ You are short on floor space: This model is small, compact and foldable.
✅ You are tall: It has a relatively long belt for such a compact device, so you can stride with ease.
❌ You want to run on it, too: This walking pad does not offer high speeds.
❌ You are shopping on a budget: It often costs more than $600.
🔎 WalkingPad C2: It is compact, easy to store and accommodating for larger users, but it is not as user-friendly and versatile as some of the other treadmills we tested. ★★★
Firstly, you should note that this is quite definitely a walking device. Unlike some of the other models we have tested, the Kingsmith WalkingPad C2 (sometimes called the S1) doesn't transition into a more traditional treadmill, like the Mobvoi Home Treadmill or Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill.
But it is definitely the most stylish and low key model of all, with a modest and compact footprint that makes it perfect for tight office spaces and slick city apartments. If you’re seeking something small and lightweight to flip open and slip under your office desk, this walking pad is the perfect machine for you.
There is very little here to set up. You simply unfold the machine, snap it into place, plug it in and go. And that's about it. There's very little to this device in terms of features or extras; there’s a small LED screen located on the front of the belt that displays your live metrics, a handy remote control, and up to 6km/h of speed available to play with. You also have access to the KS Fit app which allows you to control the tread from your phone, plus Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity.
During our WalkingPad C2 review, our 5'2" tester found the belt unnervingly narrow and unstable to walk on without handlebars, which is certainly a red flag for bigger users. We were impressed with the length of the pad though, which wasn’t far off Lifespan’s dimensions, as this allowed us to comfortably open up our stride.
This model has one notable USP – automated user mode - which we were excited to try. The idea is that, once activated, the motion sensors on the belt detect your natural stride and adjust the speed to it. This should put you firmly in control. Unfortunately, when we tried it we didn't find it very responsive to our tread and tricky to master. So unless you’re happy to jump off the machine every five seconds, you might want to stick to manual mode.
The Kingsmith is at the pricier end of the range, coming in at just under $600. The ambitious and intuitive automated mode is most likely the reason, but in our opinion, the sensors and KS Fit app need improving to be worth the cash.
- Read our full WalkingPad C2 Review
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Foldable |
Features | Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, motion footfall sensors |
Additional costs | None |
Best walking treadmills: Comparison
Product | Rating | ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons | Max speed | Belt size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mobvoi Home | ★★★★ | Well designed, affordable space-saver | Basic, narrow belt and low top speed | 12 km/h | 16” x 40” |
Mobvoi Treadmill Plus | ★★★½ | Good cushioning, budget-friendly | Narrow belt, no interactive display | 12 km/h | 16.5" x 40" |
Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 | ★★★★ | Good connectivity, budget-friendly | Narrow belt, low top speed | 8 km/h | 44.1” x 15.7” |
WalkingPad C2 | ★★★ | Good size belt, easy to store | Not user friendly, v low top speed | 6 km/h | 47”/ 16.5 |
Our expert consultants
Nathan Kennedy is a fully qualified personal trainer, online coach and fitness expert. He has been in the fitness industry since 2005, attending the gym and competing in bodybuilding shows. Kennedy is also a representative for the sports nutrition brand Bio-Synergy. We spoke with him about the potential health benefits of walking treadmills.
Best walking treadmills: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you lose weight walking on a treadmill?
Many people imagine daunting intense workouts and sweaty exercise sessions when they think about how to lose weight. But, in reality, low intensity exercise and activities usually account for far more of your daily calorie burn. Burning calories, as well as the right diet, can help you achieve a sustainable calorie or energy deficit which is the key principle behind weight loss (as stated by this study from the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism).
"Walking on a treadmill is a fantastic way of burning additional energy" says Nathan Kennedy. "If you’re new to the gym or if this is your only way to exercise you can still lose weight effectively. My advice would be to complete 60 minutes of walking on the treadmill daily if this is your only form of exercise. You’ll burn up to 300 calories per day helping you keep your energy burn for the day high."
Non exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, refers to calories burned during any activity that isn’t formal exercise. For example, walking, cleaning the house or even fidgeting. It is believed that this is responsible for far more of your daily energy expenditure than exercise activity thermogenesis (EAT, or the calories burned through formal exercise) and increasing the amount you walk each day is a sure-fire way to give this figure a significant boost. So, by using a walking treadmill, you can increase your daily calorie burn and achieve a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss.
"There are a couple of things to consider when walking on a treadmill," said Kennedy. "Walking on a treadmill with zero incline is easier than walking outside due to less friction and wind resistance, so to get the most out of it maybe raise the incline up a little.
How to choose the best walking treadmill for you
When it comes to the best treadmills, fancy features may help runners. But for walking treadmills, extras like touchscreens and incline settings can be distracting or downright unhelpful. After all, if you are at your standing desk strolling while trying to send emails, a 40% gradient (as offered by the impressive NordicTrack X22i) is probably not what you need. You probably don't need the screen, either, seeing as you'll be concentrating on your own computer. So if your goal is simply to up the step count and be more active, look for a simple but well made device.
What you should, however, look for is a well constructed and robust machine that offers a good stable walking surface, with no wobble. Though walking treadmills can be compact and foldable, you do also want to make sure that the belt is large enough for you to take a full stride without catching the front of the machine or risking tripping on the side rails.
If your goal is to use the walking treadmill at a standing desk, you'll also need to make sure its dimensions work with your space, and that is compact enough to slide underneath your desk. And given the absence of a screen or hand controls at your side, you will also need some kind of remote control so that you can adjust the speed without having to bend down and reach the treadmill itself.
When it comes to deciding how powerful your treadmill should be, it may depend on what you primarily plan to use it for. The power of a treadmill motor is measured in horsepower. Naturally this ranges between different models, but is usually somewhere between 1.5 to 5.0 HP with the average being around 2.5HP. However, that's an average for all treadmills including those designed primarily for running, so naturally walking treadmills would be at the smaller end of the range. If you do plan to also use your treadmill for jogging or running workouts, then you may wish to check the horsepower and the maximum speed to check it suits your needs. Our reviews above all have details of both horsepower and the speed range of all the models.
For most people, the biggest factor in choosing a treadmill is simply value for money. And fortunately, while you can certainly splash out if you want to, we actually found that our favorite model was far from the most expensive. But do read our individual reviews to work out which machine has the features that you need.
How we tested these walking treadmills
How we test the best walking treadmills
Our reviewers. We know a lot about walking treadmills — we use them all the time at Live Science. By its very nature, a writer's job requires spending long hours in front of a computer's screen. We are all seasoned gym rats, passionate hikers or otherwise very active people, so we are all too aware of the dangers and discomforts of such a sedentary lifestyle.
Under-desk treadmills help us clock in the steps without leaving the house and keep fit no matter the circumstances. We have used these exercise machines since the moment they appeared on the market, and throughout the years we must have tested more than two dozen different models. You can trust our verdicts — we know what works and what does not deserve your hard-earned money.
However, we also know that everyone has different needs and preferences, which is why we test all walking treadmills to the exact same standard, either in our purpose-built testing center or at home. After spending at least a day on each treadmill, we rank it across the following categories:
1) Set-up and usability. Who is the machine for? We check the dimensions and maximum user weight, and whether the treadmill is easy to assemble, move around and store in residential settings.
2) Design and display. Is it durable, good-looking and easy to use? We look into the design of controls, display (if there is one), frame and running belt, and we make note of any design tweaks that improve the machine's accessibility.
3) Features. What does this treadmill have to offer? For example, we ask how many modes and speed levels it has and whether it comes with any safety features, connected apps and smart features. Does it allow you to participate in on-demand fitness classes or watch tutorial videos?
4) Performance. We put the treadmill through a number of walking workouts (and some runs, if possible) to get a good sense of its abilities. We complete several sessions of varied intensity, testing out their maximum speeds and making note of any performance hiccups that impeded our overall experience.
Verdict. Finally, we weigh our experience with the machine against its price tag to ask the very important question: is it worth the money? After testing, we calculate a final score out of five and decide whether the machine has what it takes to make it into this roundup.
Latest updates
February 4, 2025: We added more specs to the 'Comparison' table.
