We hope that you love our articles and find them useful and informative! In full transparency, we may collect a small commission (at no cost to you!) when you click on some of the links in this post. These funds allow us to keep the site up and continue to write great articles. Click here to learn about our review process and affiliate structure.

Best Treadmill Desks & Under Desk Treadmills in 2023

 

We know – it can be difficult to fit a run into every day. Family, work, shopping, home improvement… Life can sometimes just get away from us and before we know it, we haven’t had a decent bit of exercise in a few weeks.

If you’re one who sits behind a desk for a large portion of the day, this may strike home for you. They say sitting is the new smoking! We all know it’s not the best for our health, and our fitness trackers even tell us when we’ve been seated for too long.

But work is work, and sometimes you just need to find a loophole in order to be able to have the best of both worlds. That’s where under-desk treadmills and treadmill desks come in.

Okay, so you won’t get a full-blown run on one of these, but it will certainly keep you moving while you’re working, and you’ll find that you double your step count.

Number one on our list is the LifeSpan TR5000-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill. It’s easy to move from desk to desk, has a quiet motor to minimize distractions, and supports up to 400lb.

If you’re in the market for a treadmill desk, consider these options!

Top 3 Best and Favorites

 

LifeSpan Fitness TR5000-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill

 

  • Quiet 3HP motor
  • Shock-absorbing deck
  • Customizable personal settings
Check Price

 

LifeSpan Fitness TR800-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill

 

  • Step-up height of 3.75”
  • Front-mounted wheels
  • Portable console
Check Price

 

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7945

 

  • Small and space-saving
  • Lightweight, 54lbs
  • Built-in shock absorbers
Check Price

Best Overall

1. LifeSpan TR5000-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill

The LifeSpan TR5000-DT3 is a compact, effective under-desk workout. It’s a great option for those who need a quiet working environment, as its 3HP motor hardly makes a sound. Even the sound of footsteps when you walk will be dampened by the shock-absorbers in the belt.

It works best if you customize your settings, and make sure to turn on the memory setting so it remembers your previous speed. Once you’ve set it up to your specifications, it will accurately keep track of your step count, speed, distance, time, and the calories you’ve burned.

They also use IntelliGuard safety function which stops the treadmill from moving when there’s nobody actively walking on it. This way, none of your co-workers will get tripped up accidentally, and if you work from home, your pets will be safe too.

The beauty of this treadmill is that it isn’t attached to a desk, so it’s easy to move from desk to desk if you need to. The wheels on the front make moving it around fairly easy.

It’s sturdily built, and should last years with a good amount of use. The deck is 1” thick and flanked by wear-resistant aluminum rails. There’s a lifetime warranty on the frame, 3 years on the motor, 2 years on the parts, and 1-year labor.


PROS:

  • Quiet 3HP motor
  • Shock-absorbing deck
  • Customizable personal settings
  • Weight capacity of 400 lbs.

CONS:

  • Doesn’t automatically sync to your phone – you’ll need to do this manually

Check Price on LifeSpan Fitness

Top Runner-up

2. LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 Treadmill Desk

If you’d prefer something that is a hybrid of a treadmill and a desk, all-in-one, this could be the one for you!

It features a treadmill walking section and an adjustable desktop. You can set the desk at any height from 33.5” to 52.5”. The maximum weight capacity of 350lb makes it a great choice for most people.

There’s also an option to choose a 38” or a 48” desktop, so whatever you do on it, you won’t feel cramped.

These treadmills desks are great for at-home and in-office use alike. The 2.25 HP motor is surprisingly quiet, so it won’t disturb co-workers or others at home.

A console bar on the desktop tracks your stats, and if you sync with the LifeSpan app on your phone via Bluetooth, you can save your settings.

As an added safety feature, the wiring linking the desk to the treadmill runs internally, through the frame. This not only eliminates dangerous cables floating around, but also looks sleeker and cleaner.


PROS:

  • Adjustable from 33.5” to 52.5”
  • Bluetooth sync to save results
  • Choose from a 38” or 48” desktop
  • Whisper-Quiet motor

CONS:

  • The buttons are placed in such a way that you could accidentally press one while working

Check Price on LifeSpan Fitness

Best Value

3. LifeSpan TR800-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill

A third LifeSpan model makes our list, this time for those who are watching their budget. The TR800-DT3 is affordable and does the job well. It’s also fairly small in size and easy to transport if you want to use it under multiple desks in different places.

With a step-up height of just 3.75”, it’s one of the lowest-profile treadmills you’ll find. That means less stress on joints when stepping on and off, as well as being easier to slide under a sofa or slip into a closet.

You won’t get the desk with this treadmill, but it’s compatible with any and all standing desks. You can buy a desk separately, and pairing these two together will still cost you less than buying a full-feature treadmill.

Although this is a fantastic option for those on a budget, its maximum user weight is 200 lbs., which is half of our top choice. It’s also not quite as durable as others, but if you treat it right it will provide many years of use.


PROS:

  • Fairly affordable
  • Step-up height of 3.75”
  • Front-mounted wheels
  • Portable console

CONS:

  • Not as durable as others
  • Max user weight is only 200 lbs.

Check Price on LifeSpan Fitness

Top Budget Under-Desk Treadmill

 

4. UMAY Portable Treadmill 508

For those on a budget who are satisfied with just the basics, this under-desk treadmill would be a good one.

It’s not a complete dinosaur, though. It comes with 12 onboard programs so your walk doesn’t have to be the same every time. There are also 6 speed options, with the maximum being 4 miles per hour. For many, this will be a perfect brisk walk, but some may find it a little too slow.

The 45.3″×16.1″ surface area is a decent size for most, and out-of-sight shock absorbers make it an easy experience on the joints.

Cycle through your speed, time, distance, and calories on the large LED display on the treadmill, and download the Sports App to be able to connect and save data.

Those who wish to add extra steps to their days with some easy walking will benefit from this affordable under-desk treadmill.


PROS:

  • 12 built-in programs
  • Silent operation
  • Connects to phone via Sports App
  • 45.3″×16.1″ walking area

CONS:

  • 4 mph maximum speed may be too little for taller or fitter people

Check Price on Amazon

Highest Weight Capacity

 

5. Exerpeutic 2000 WorkFit

The Exerpeutic wins top spot for the best weight capacity, able to hold a weight of 400 lbs. This is a great choice for those people who work in a job that requires plenty of computer time, but still want to start implementing changes to lose weight.

It’s an active workstation, so it’s a treadmill/desk combination. You won’t be able to separate the two, but then again, why would you want to?

Although the desktop is a good size, at 4×2’, its 4’ height isn’t adjustable, which could pose problems for those among us who are on the shorter side.

This treadmill does feature a couple of things that other desk treadmills don’t, like an incline mode (up to 15%) and safety handles, which are extra long and mean that you can get a decent treadmill workout even if you aren’t working.

Just be careful not to accidentally bump the buttons while you’re working. They’re situated right below your forearms on the desk, so there’s a possibility of leaning on them as you work.


PROS:

  • Maximum weight of 400 lbs
  • Extra-long safety handles
  • 15% incline feature
  • 4’ x 2’ desktop

CONS:

  • Desk height is not adjustable, which could be a problem for shorter people

Check Price on Amazon

Fastest Speed Treadmill Desk

 

6. RHYTHM FUN Portable Treadmill

The Rhythm Fun portable treadmill accomplishes both a minimal design and dual-purpose function. Fold-down the rail to turn it into an under-desk treadmill, or put the rail up to use it as a standing treadmill.

It’s remote-operated, or you can choose to operate it using your smartphone. Integrated Bluetooth speakers allow you to play your music through the treadmill.

Folding the side rails down turns it into an under-desk treadmill. Whichever way you use it, it’s easy on the ankles and knees with AIR shock-reduction tech, and as safe as can be using a 7-layer, anti-skid surface.


PROS:

  • Under-desk or standing treadmill
  • Up to 7.5 mph maximum speed
  • 7-layer, anti-skid, abrasion-resistant surface
  • AIR shock reduction technology

CONS:

  • The display shows kilometers per hour, and it doesn’t seem able to change to miles

Check Price on Amazon

Best Space-Saving Folding Treadmill Desk

 

7. WALKINGPAD A1 Pro

One of the best things about under-desk treadmills is that they save a lot of space. This one takes that a step further by being foldable.

You may be wondering how the base of a treadmill folds, but this one does! Thanks to some genius technology, this flat treadmill folds right in the middle to make it the most compact machine we’ve seen.

It may not suit all people, as it only reaches a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour and can only hold 220 lbs. safely. It’s definitely a walking treadmill, and shouldn’t be used for running.

One bonus is the extremely low step-on height, at 2.2”. It’s also very quiet, so you can use it any time of day or night.


PROS:

  • Foldable, super space-saving
  • 2.2” high
  • Quiet motor
  • Remote controlled

CONS:

  • 220-lb. weight capacity isn’t as much as others

Check Price on Amazon

Top Treadmill Desk with Stat Tracking

 

8. iMovR ThermoTread GT Office Treadmill

Monitoring your stats can be incredibly useful to track progress and keep yourself motivated. The iMovR ThermoTread gets our thumbs-up for being able to track data, especially for those who tend to be more sedentary.

It measures the distance you’ve walked, your speed, how long you’ve been going, how many steps you’ve taken, how many calories you’ve burned, and it also keeps track of how much time you’ve spent standing, and how much time you’ve spent stationary/sitting.

These metrics are great to keep an eye on how much activity you’ve done during your day and to compare and see how you’re getting better.

One thing we like a lot about this treadmill is that the walking belt is quite a bit wider than others. That and the compression shocks under the belt make it an easy walk.


PROS:

  • Tracks multiple statistics
  • Wide 20″ x 50″ belt
  • Weight capacity 400 lbs.
  • 6 compression shocks

CONS:

  • It’s quite heavy, so some may struggle to move it on their own

Check Price on Amazon

Best Color Options

 

9. GYMAX 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Have you ever wished your treadmill suited your home decor just a little more? With the 7 color options available here, you can find one to suit the colors of your home!

It’s easy to fold for use as an under-desk machine, or put the handles back up and take a brisk walk or an easy run.

The 40” x 16” surface should suit most, although the weight capacity is 265 lbs. Some taller runners may find that the surface is slightly too short for them, while heavier users may feel that it’s slightly unstable.

A handy remote control, Bluetooth speakers, and a safety key ensure the best possible experience.


PROS:

  • 7 colors to choose from
  • Standing/under-desk treadmill
  • 40” x 16” running surface
  • Phone/tablet holder

CONS:

  • Taller, heavier runners may find this too small for them

Check Price on Amazon

Top Small Treadmill Desk

 

10. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7945

If space is still an issue even with a full-sized walking treadmill, try this mini treadmill! The walking deck measures just 39” x 14”, so you’d need to take care to walk a straight line and not set a foot wrong – otherwise you may end up taking a tumble.

It’s easy for anyone to move around, being lightweight at 54 lbs. At 6.5” at its thickest point, it’s also quite easy to store away wherever you can fit it.

We like the power-saving mode that kicks in after 10 minutes of no action. The treadmill also has a safety feature that pauses the belt’s movement if there’s been no movement for 5 seconds.

The manufacturer recommends only using this treadmill with a desk or table so you can steady yourself if needed.


PROS:

  • Small and space-saving
  • Lightweight at  54 lbs.
  • Built-in shock absorbers
  • Power-saving mode

CONS:

  • Small walking surface makes it easy to set a foot wrong

Check Price on Amazon

Best 2-in-1 Treadmill Desk

 

11. FUNMILY 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

A treadmill that can be placed under a desk and used as a free-standing treadmill is a great value machine. The FUNMILY not only has both these functions, but it has some useful other features too.

You’ll get 5 onboard modes and 12 built-in programs, so your walking or running will never get boring.

With a high speed of 7.5 miles per hour, you can get a decent brisk walk or perhaps a light run on this machine when the handrails are down. With them down, you’ll be able to hit a max speed of 4 mph in under-desk mode.

The steel frame is extremely durable, but makes it a little heavy. If you like listening to music while you run, the speakers aren’t the greatest quality, and might even be drowned out by the motor, although it’s fairly quiet.


PROS:

  • 41.8” x 15.8” running belt
  • Top speed of 7.5mph
  • Durable steel frame
  • Built-in modes and programs

CONS:

  • The speakers are low-quality

Check Price on Amazon

 

FAQs

If you aren’t quite sure about these half-treadmills, we’ve answered some of the questions you may be asking.

What Are The Reasons To Buy A Treadmill Desk?

You may be wondering why you should buy a desk-and-treadmill setup instead of a regular full-sized one. Well, sometimes you have no choice but to get your money-making and your calorie-burning done at the same time!

You also can’t just use a regular desk for your under-desk treadmill. They’re far too short, and you may be getting your extra steps in, but you’ll soon develop back problems if you need to hunch over in order to work!

But a desk-and-treadmill combo helps:

  • Increases productivity.
  • Boosts creativity.
  • Improves mood and alleviates depression and anxiety.
  • Burns more calories while you work!
  • Strengthens joints and bones.
  • Reduces back pain.
  • Improves sleep thanks to increased physical exercise.

What Is The Biggest Benefit In Terms of Brain Performance?

You may be surprised to learn that the benefits of treadmill desks and under-desk treadmills aren’t all physical! There are some real brain benefits too.

We’ve already discussed how it boosts creative thinking skills and productivity and improves mood, reducing depression and soothing anxiety.

Those in themselves are pretty great brain performance-boosting things! When we’re feeling calmer, less anxious, and in a better mood, our brains are in a better position to be our allies and not our enemies.

What Questions Should You Ask Yourself If You Consider Buying A Treadmill Desk?

If you’re unsure whether a treadmill desk is for you, consider the following things to get a better idea of if you’d benefit from one.

How often do you expect to use it?

If you’re only going to use it once a week for those 3 hours you spend behind your desk, you may be better off getting a full-sized treadmill and working in a run here or there. You won’t be getting much benefit unless you’re using a treadmill desk consistently and for longer periods of time.

But if you spend extended amounts of time at a desk and could be using the treadmill for a good few hours every day, then it would be a worthwhile investment.

How much space do you have?

If space is your concern, one of these treadmills will definitely save you space. Either you’ll get a combo treadmill/desk that means you won’t be sacrificing office space, or you can get a separate treadmill that is thin and can slide under a bed or be placed in a closet with ease.

How large a walking surface do you need?

A larger walking surface is easier to walk on (especially without looking) but takes up slightly more space.

A smaller surface is more compact, but gives you less space for your feet.

Shanna Powell

Shanna Powell

Shanna is a writer who runs... And cycles, jumps rope, and lifts weights. She lives in beautiful South Africa and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with other avid athletes.

The Wired Runner
Logo