Fitness Gear Equipment The Best Treadmill Desks of 2022 for Walking and Working InMovement's Unsit Treadmill Desk has a wide platform for work and calls By Alena Hall Alena Hall LinkedIn Alena Hall is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. Alena worked as a fitness trainer for two years. She also has experience in private yoga training. Learn about our editorial process and Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 24, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Michele Stanten Reviewed by Michele Stanten Michele Stanten is a walking coach, certified group fitness instructor, and running coach. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Chloe Jeong When you work a desk job, it can be challenging to squeeze in the magic number of steps per day. Luckily, treadmill desks can help reduce your daily number of sedentary hours by providing the opportunity to take thousands of extra steps while you work. Reviewed & Approved InMovement's Unsit Treadmill Desk has a wide platform for working and taking video calls. We recommend BiFanuo's 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill as a compact and budget-friendly option. “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.” 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: InMovement Unsit Treadmill Desk at Inmovement.com Best Budget: BiFanuo 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill at Amazon Best for Small Spaces: WalkingPad C2 Smart Folding Treadmill at Amazon Best Quiet: LifeSpan Fitness TR1200-DT3 Treadmill Desk at Lifespanfitness.com Best Treadmill Desk Attachment: HumanCentric Treadmill Desk Attachment at Amazon Best All-in-One Solution: iMovR Cascade Treadmill Desk Workstation at Imovr.com Best for Fitness: Rhythm Fun Folding Treadmill at Amazon Best Folding: REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill at Amazon Best for Running: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill at Amazon In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall: InMovement Unsit Treadmill Desk 4.7 Courtesy of InMovement View On Inmovement.com Pros Quiet operation Generous weight capacity Plenty of work space Cons Expensive Difficult assembly Low maximum speed We chose this treadmill desk as our top choice because it has a platform that's wide enough to reach across your entire desk safely and short enough to avoid taking up excess space in the middle of your office. It’s also made with heavy-duty, commercial-grade materials, guaranteeing both stability and durability over time. Because it's super quiet, it won’t disrupt your train of thought, work calls, or nearby coworkers. What’s more, its automatic shutoff feature adds an important layer of safety, and its accompanying Bluetooth-syncing app enables you to track your steps, distance, calories, and more. The package includes both the treadmill and a standing desk, but InMovement also offers the treadmill by itself if you already have a desk at home. Dimensions: 39 x 58 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Maximum Speed: 2 miles per hour Best Budget: BiFanuo 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill Amazon View On Amazon Pros Comes fully assembled Suitable for walking or running Compact Cons May not run smoothly for heavier weights Tracking may not be 100% accurate 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 minimizes disturbances to officemates or neighbors. 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. Dimensions: 50 x 26 x 42 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Maximum Speed: 6.5 miles per hour Best for Small Spaces: WalkingPad C2 Smart Folding Treadmill Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Compact Noise-reducing Easy to move Cons Can’t be used directly on carpet Low weight capacity 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. 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. Dimensions: 56.38 x 21.54 x 5.08 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 3.75 miles per hour Best Quiet: LifeSpan Fitness TR1200-DT3 Treadmill Desk Courtesy of LifeSpan Fitness View On Lifespanfitness.com Pros Quiet operation Comes fully assembled Low-profile design Cons Heavy to move No Bluetooth compatibility 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. 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. Dimensions: 63 x 28.5 x 7.25 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Maximum Speed: 4 miles per hour Here Are the Best Treadmills to Help You Meet Your Fitness Goals Best Treadmill Desk Attachment: HumanCentric Treadmill Desk Attachment Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Plenty of work space Easy to put on and take off Adjustable for most treadmill designs Cons Expensive Straps could be longer 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. 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. Dimensions: 34 x 14.4 inches | Folding: Not applicable | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Maximum Speed: Not applicable 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 12 Best Treadmill Accessories of 2022 Best All-in-One Solution: iMovR Cascade Treadmill Desk Workstation Courtesy of Imovr View On Imovr.com Pros Touchscreen display Easy to use Sturdy and ergonomic Cons Expensive Noisy at highest speed If you’re in the market for both the standing desk and treadmill to tuck beneath it, you can’t beat this workstation from iMovR. It includes both the ThermoTread GT treadmill, the Cascade standing desk, a SteadyType keyboard tray, and the Freedom base for optimal monitor positioning. It’s the epitome of adjustable, guaranteeing a perfectly customized fit for your specific needs. The treadmill component, specifically, is ultra-quiet and comes with a full-color touchscreen desktop display. The display makes it easy to get moving quickly and at your ideal pace. It also shares your speed, distance, time, calorie burn, and other performance statistics. Made of premium materials, the treadmill is built to last and can even support multiple users on a given day. The treadmill features a low maximum speed of 2.5 miles per hour, so it may not be the best choice if you're looking to work up a sweat. Dimensions: 67.5 x 28.35 x 9.5 inches | Folding: Not listed | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Maximum Speed: 2.5 miles per hour Best for Fitness: Rhythm Fun Folding Treadmill Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Bluetooth speaker Comes fully assembled Suitable for walking or running Cons Low weight capacity No pause feature If you plan on using your treadmill for fitness as much as you do for 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. 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. Dimensions: 61 x 30 x 8 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 7.5 miles per hour Here Are the Best Treadmills to Help You Meet Your Fitness Goals Best Folding: REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Suitable for walking or running Comes fully assembled Easy to move Cons Buttons are not user-friendly Handlebar release is inconvenient Low weight capacity 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. 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. Plus, the treadmill arrives fully assembled and ready for use as soon as it's unpacked. Dimensions: 51.9 x 24.8 x 42.1 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 7.5 miles per hour The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2022 Best for Running: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill 4.8 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Provides excellent shock absorption Compact Bluetooth speaker Cons No incline options Belt is on the small side 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. While the treadmill has a less powerful motor than some high-end running treadmills, it’s quiet, shock-absorbing, and 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. Plus, it 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. Dimensions: 49 x 27 x 42 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Maximum Speed: 8 miles per hour Final Verdict At the end of the day, it’s really tough to beat the Unsit Treadmill Desk (view at InMovement). It’s the only one on this list designed to cover the entire standing width of your desk so you can move freely and safely no matter where you need to focus your attention at your workstation. The price tag may be intimidating, but the vast majority of users report that it’s entirely worth the investment. With that said, if budgeting is your top priority, you can’t go wrong with the two-in-one design of the BiFanuo 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill (view at Amazon). What to Look for in a Treadmill Desk Stability First and foremost, you need both the treadmill component and your working surface to support you properly. For instance, some users prefer wider treadmill elements to prevent missteps that can result in injury. And 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 in dimensions that suit your body is 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. 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). Frequently Asked Questions Can you lose weight with a treadmill desk? 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 this. That said, the main benefit of a treadmill desk is reducing sedentary time. 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 if 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 this 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 do 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-degree 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 can 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. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands the importance of not just staying active but doing so safely and smartly. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life. 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Thompson WG, Koepp GA, Levine JA. Increasing physician activity with treadmill desks. Work. 2014;48(1):47-51. doi:10.3233/WOR-131708