The 8 Best Walking Pads for Maximum Multitasking and Easy Storage

The 8 Best Walking Pads for Maximum Multitasking and Easy Storage

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Setting a 10,000-step daily goal sounds possible in theory, but pressing work deadlines, unanswered emails, video calls, and the many other demands of our digital lives can make it hard to step away from the screen. Plus, getting fresh air and exercise after work is harder as temps drop, the time changes, and 6:30 p.m. starts feeling eerily close to midnight. For these reasons, we adore the humble walking pad, a simple, straightforward, relatively affordable machine that slides conveniently under your at-home standing desk or in front of your TV. This ingenious invention can bring you the benefits of walking, such as a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and dementia, while you work or catch up on your favorite show.

“A walking pad is a great option for remaining mobile while working from home, especially as the weather gets colder,” said Sami Ahmed, DPT, a physical therapist at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in College Park, Maryland. “Walking pads are very beneficial for people who are looking to add a bit more activity and circulation to their daily routine.”

To bring you the best walking pads, we looked for options with great brand reputations, user reviews, prices, and features that make getting your steps in comfortable and enjoyable. We also consulted with Ahmed and Tyler Slayman, MD, a family and sports medicine physician at the University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City, Iowa. From foldable options to walking pad–treadmill combos, here are our picks.

walking pad

Best With an Incline

Urevo CyberPad Smart Walking Pad

Pros

  • Reaches 14 percent incline
  • Allows for a high level of precision with intensity
  • Has virtual walking experiences
  • Has great shock protection

    Cons

    • Only reaches 4 mph
    • Not foldable

    Key Specs

    • Maximum speed: 4 mph
    • Weight capacity: 265 pounds
    • Foldable: No
    • Incline range: Up to 14 percent
    Walking on an incline may give your heart and muscles a better workout, burn more calories, and better activate lower leg muscles, research suggests.

    The Urevo Cyberpad Walking Pad can help you gain these benefits through 14 incline levels that top out at 14 percent. Since this feature is automated, you don’t have to stop your workout to adjust the intensity, plus the 1 percent increments allow you to find the precise level for your needs.

    We love that this walking pad can be controlled via an app that tracks your workout data and offers virtual walks. Our research found that this walking pad has great shock absorption, is quiet enough to use during calls, and is easy to set up right out of the box. Note that this machine isn’t foldable like some other options on this list. It also only reaches 4 miles per hour (mph), so it’s less versatile than some competitors.

    walking pad

    Best for Small Spaces

    Egofit Walker Pro M1

    Pros

    • Super compact design, great for small spaces
    • Built with wheels to move from room to room
    • Has a fixed 5 percent incline
    • Operates quietly

      Cons

      • May not be suitable for taller users
      • No option to adjust incline level

      Key Specs

      • Maximum speed: 3.1 mph
      • Weight capacity: 220 pounds
      • Foldable: No
      • Incline range: Fixed 5 percent

      Think you don’t have room for a walking pad? The Egofit Walker Pro might prove you wrong. At about 22 inches wide and 38 inches long, it can be tucked into the smallest of spaces, and it has wheels that make it easy to store or move between rooms when not in use. It also has qualities we’d like to see in any walking pad — it’s quiet enough not to disrupt calls, and it comes preassembled, so you can start using it right away. We also like the fixed 5 percent incline, which boosts your ability to burn calories and work muscles, without making walking so strenuous that it’s distracting. That said, making the incline level adjustable would give the machine more versatility. And the uber-compact option may not work for taller individuals or those with long strides, as a smaller belt increases the risk of falling off the track, Dr. Slayman says. 

      walking pad treadmill

      Best With a Handle

      Sunny Health & Fitness Pacer 2-in-1 Smart Treadmill

      Pros

      • Has handlebars to keep you stable and safe
      • Can be used for both walking and running
      • Features an automatic incline
      • Foldable for easy storage

        Cons

        • App can be glitchy
        • May squeak during use

        Key Specs

        • Maximum speed: 6 mph
        • Weight capacity: 265 pounds
        • Foldable: Yes
        • Incline range: Not listed

        Handlebars keep users safe and stable on walking pads and are increasingly important as speeds climb. The Sunny Health & Fitness Pacer reaches up to 6 mph — that’s the pace of a fast jog — and it has removable handlebars to keep you steady as you move. We like that the handlebar features a small screen that displays your time, speed, calories, steps, and distance. The machine also connects to the Sunnyfit app, which tracks your workouts and gives you access to more than 10,000 routines (including running, yoga, and more). This device has six levels of automated incline (note that the brand does not list the incline percentages anywhere). It also folds up for easy storage. Just keep in mind that the app can be somewhat glitchy, and our research found that the walking pad sometimes squeaks during use.

        Person on a treadmill

        Most Attractive

        WalkingPad C2 Foldable Walking Treadmill

        Pros

        • Has a modern design with bright color options
        • Designed with a 180-degree folding frame
        • Features rounded edges to minimize harsh contact
        • Can be used with a remote

          Cons

          • No incline option
          • Automatic speed feature isn’t always accurate

          Key Specs

          • Maximum speed: 3.7 mph
          • Weight capacity: 220 pounds
          • Foldable: Yes
          • Incline range: None

          The WalkingPad C2 has a modern, minimalist design and is the only walking pad we’ve seen that comes in colors like cherry red and slate blue, making it the most attractive option on this list. We like that it can be controlled with a remote and has rounded edges that reduce the chances of injury. It also has a 180-degree folding frame so you can more easily store it in small spaces. The machine also conveniently senses where you are on the pad and adjusts its speed accordingly. Plus, like many others on this list, it’s quiet and doesn’t require assembly. However, keep in mind that this pad doesn’t have any incline options. Also, in our research, we found that the automatic speed sensing feature isn’t always entirely accurate.

          walking pad

          Best Budget

          Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill Fit

          Pros

          • Costs just over $100
          • Includes remote control
          • Connects with AI-powered fitness app
          • Operates quietly

          Cons

          • No incline feature
          • Has a narrow belt

          Key Specs

          • Maximum speed: 3.8 mph
          • Weight capacity: 265 pounds
          • Foldable: No
          • Incline range: None

          The cost of living seems to be soaring ever higher, which means a walking pad might not be on your immediate buy list. But the Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill Fit is a decent choice and costs just over $100 — not bad considering the health benefits you gain from it. It covers all of the basics that you want in a walking pad: It’s quiet and well built, with great shock absorption, and it reaches speeds of up to 3.8 mph (the pace of a brisk walk or slow jog). You can also use the pad with the included remote or the brand’s AI-powered app, which provides coaching based on your stats. That said, its 16-inch belt width may feel cramped for some, and it does not offer any incline options. 

          walking pad

          Best Value

          Urevo SpaceWalk 3S Smart Treadmill

          Pros

          • Budget-friendly
          • Option to buy with handlebars
          • Incline reaches 9 percent
          • Has AI-powered virtual experiences

            Cons

            • Noisier than some competitors
            • Some users say the customer service isn’t great

            Key Specs

            • Maximum speed: 4 mph
            • Weight capacity: 265 pounds
            • Foldable: No
            • Incline range: Up to 9 percent

            Urevo SpaceWalk 3S is a great deal for a walking pad. It has many of the features of more expensive competitors, including excellent shock protection and an automated incline feature that reaches up to 9 percent, and, for about $10 more, foldable handlebars. We love that you can sync it to music or to AI-powered scenes with auto-adjusting incline changes that give you the sensation of a real hike. The machine has front wheels so you can move it easily, and because the 15-by-41-inch track is larger than some others on this list, it’s a better option for taller users. Our research found that this is a well-made walking pad; however, it may be a bit loud for some, and customer support can be slow to respond. 

            walking pad treadmill

            Best Splurge

            WalkingPad Denise Austin 2.0 Foldable Treadmill

            Pros

            • Has handlebars with an LED display
            • Can be used for running up to 7.5 mph
            • Tablet/phone stand
            • Folds

              Cons

              • Costs more than others on this list
              • Not as compact as competitors
              • No incline

              Key Specs

              • Maximum speed: 7.5 mph
              • Weight capacity: 240 pounds
              • Foldable: Yes
              • Incline range: None

              If you’ve got funds to invest in a versatile, high-quality walking pad, the WalkingPad Denise Austin 2.0 is an impressive choice. First, because it reaches speeds of up to 7.5 mph and has a large 17-by-47-inch belt that makes it comfortable and stable when hitting high speeds, you can use it for both walking and running. We also love that it includes pop-up handlebars and has a stand to hold your tablet or phone. The LED display on the handlebars keeps you updated on your health stats. Finally, the machine has wheels and is foldable, making it easy to stow away. Still, the cost makes it a bigger commitment than the other walking pads on this list. Additionally, it lacks an incline option, and while the large belt size offers more room to stride, it also results in a bulkier machine that might take some effort to move around.

              walking pad treadmill

              Best Folding

              WalkingPad MC11 Workout Treadmill

              Pros

              • Folds for vertical or horizontal storage
              • Can be used for both running and walking
              • Operates quietly
              • Comes with handlebars

                Cons

                • No incline
                • Some users report that the phone holder is flimsy

                Key Specs

                • Maximum speed: 7.5 mph
                • Weight capacity: 242 pounds
                • Foldable: Yes
                • Incline range: None

                This treadmill by WalkingPad does a lot for a machine that collapses down to just 40 by 29 by 6 inches. It reaches speeds of up to 7.5 mph, which is rare for a folding machine, and it has a large 47-by-17-inch belt, making it suitable for long strides. In our research, we found that the machine is exceptionally quiet, easy to use right out of the box, and offers ample cushioning for joint protection. It’s also sturdy, well-made, and performs well over time. It would be even better if the device offered incline options though. Some users also reported that the phone holder seems cheaply made.

                Comparison Table

                Maximum Speed
                Weight Capacity
                Foldable
                Incline Range
                3.1 mph
                220 pounds
                No
                Fixed 5 percent

                How We Chose the Best Walking Pads

                To bring you the best walking pads, we combed the internet for the best options with great brand reputations, user reviews, prices, and features that make getting your daily steps comfortable and enjoyable. We then vetted each product for quality, versatility, value, durability, and longevity.

                We also consulted with Sami Ahmed, DPT, a physical therapist at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in College Park, Maryland, and Tyler Slayman, MD, a family and sports medicine physician at the University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City, Iowa. They shared their insights on what to look for in a walking pad and how to use it safely.

                What to Look for When Buying a Walking Pad

                When buying a walking pad, the right choice depends on your space, fitness goals, and how you plan to use it — whether that’s casual walking during work or more rigorous daily workouts. Here’s what to consider:

                • Speed Range Look for speeds that reach at least 4 to 6 mph if you plan to jog, not just walk.

                • Motor Power A stronger motor (2.0 horsepower or more) ensures smoother performance and durability.

                • Belt Size A wider and longer belt offers better comfort and safety, especially for taller users.

                • Weight Capacity Choose one that supports at least 250 pounds for stability and long-term reliability. (Many walking pads have a minimum weight as well.)

                • Noise Level Opt for low-noise motors if you’ll use it while on calls or in shared spaces.

                • Portability and Storage Folding or under-desk designs save space and make storage more convenient.

                • App and Connectivity Some models track stats via Bluetooth or pair with smartwatches for extra motivation.

                • Shock Absorption A cushioned belt can reduce joint impact during longer walking sessions.

                How Can I Use a Walking Pad Safely?

                “As with any exercise program, start gradually and progress as tolerated,” Slayman says. “In other words, start with small exercise ‘snacks’ sprinkled throughout the day. As one continues to use the device, one can advance to longer periods of time.”

                Slayman advises tracking the steps you complete or the time you spend walking to ensure you’re progressing at a safe pace. “Pay attention to manufacturer recommendations for storage, electric requirements, avoidance of distraction, space requirements, etc.,” he adds.

                According to Ahmed, if you’re typing or talking while using a walking pad, keep your speed under 2 mph. Pay attention to your posture. If you’re at a standing desk, keep your head aligned with the rest of your body, relax your shoulders, and make sure your elbows are at a 90-degree angle while typing.

                Finally, make sure you wear proper footwear, Ahmed says. Using a walking pad barefoot puts you at risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis or an Achilles tendon strain.

                What Are the Benefits of Using a Walking Pad?

                The negative health impacts of prolonged sitting are well documented and include increased blood cholesterol levels (even among healthy individuals), high blood sugar levels, and a higher risk of death from any cause.

                Research indicates that interrupting prolonged sitting — such as with a walking pad — can help offset those effects.

                Walking pads can also help you meet the recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week.

                Even if you don’t meet those recommendations, “any movement is better than none,” Slayman says. Finally, weight management, improved mood, and even enhanced cognition are among the benefits you gain from regular walking.

                FAQ

                What’s the difference between a walking pad and a treadmill?
                Walking pads are often foldable and more compact than a treadmill and are designed mainly for walking rather than running. They often have lower speed limits and simpler controls than treadmills.
                Most walking pads max out between 3.7 and 6 mph, so they’re best for walking or light jogging. If you’re looking to sprint or do interval training, you’ll need a traditional treadmill.
                Walking pads are ideal for staying active during long workdays. Many models fit easily under a standing desk, so you can walk while you type or take calls.

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                Brittany Vargas

                Author

                Brittany Elyse Vargas has been a professional writer and journalist for over a decade and has been exploring topics around mental health, mind-body medicine, health, wellness, and psycho-spiritual development for the past 20 years.

                As a trauma-informed health journalist, she is a regular contributor to Everyday Health, Medscape and Verywell Mind. Her byline has also appeared in Yahoo Life, Shape, Integrative Practitioner, Business Insider, and BBC Travel, among others.

                Brittany is also a certified Reiki Master who has been practicing since 2010.

                She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a proud Californian. In her spare time, she loves practicing yoga, dancing, hiking, and traveling.

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                Reyna Franco, RDN

                Medical Reviewer

                Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.

                In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.

                Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.

                She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.

                Sabrina Rojas Weiss

                Sabrina Rojas Weiss

                Editor

                Sabrina Rojas Weiss has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years, 12 of which she's spent in the health and parenting space. Her work has appeared in Parents, Verywell, Yahoo, Greatist, Healthline, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and more. Her real expertise is in diving headfirst down research rabbit holes to see what actual experts have found about any given topic.

                Sabrina lives in Brooklyn with her husband, nearly teenage son, and feisty rat terrier mix. She enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, reading too many novels, and visiting museums.

                EDITORIAL SOURCES
                Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
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