As a fitness writer and mom, I’m always multitasking. Whether it’s meeting deadlines or managing my household, sometimes it’s hard to put myself first. I prefer walking and running outside for cardio, and even I have one jogging stroller to carry my son ride along. Now that winter is around the corner, it’s harder to get into motion. If you work remotely and don’t want to skip your step count, an under-desk treadmill can be a great option to use. These treadmills tend to be less bulky and take up less space than standard treadmills. As CNET’s resident fitness expert and treadmill testerI want to see if they can help me keep up my step count while indoors. I received samples from It’s me and Costway to test my experiment.

I love how compact these treadmills are and how they fit into any room in your home. Some are even thin enough to hide under your couch or bed. Below is my experience using a walking pad to get my daily steps.

My experience testing under-desk treadmills

I underestimated how fast these treadmills are. I believe that under-desk treadmills are limited to 3 mph, but the treadmills I have tested can go up to 5 (Egofit) and 6 mph (Costway). That’s a jogging or running pace for some people, so it’s something to consider if you’re planning to own one.

Although I don’t have a proper ergonomic desk set up to use an under-desk treadmill while I work, I was able to use it by itself while I answered emails on my phone and listened to a podcast. I enjoy being able to take a few steps while also getting some work done. I feel more productive and I can do all this without leaving my house.

I aim to jump under the desk treadmills for at least half an hour on days I don’t go to the gym or when I have free time. I tend to walk at a brisk pace — I guess that’s the New Yorker in me — which makes walking under the desk treadmill feel more like a brisk walk than a leisurely walk. If I’m using a treadmill while I’m working on my laptop, I’m sure I’m reducing the speed to match a more casual walk.

Although there are many different under-desk treadmills to choose from, I can only share my thoughts on the two that I have had the opportunity to test. Below is a quick rundown of each under-desk treadmill, who it’s best for and what to expect.

as

• Cushioned landing

• Small profile

• Smooth belt

don’t like it

• Short tread belt

• The design will be more stylish

• The fast speed is questionable without support

The Egofit ComfortDesk-M2 under-desk treadmill is considered a mini under-desk treadmill, which can be important if you are limited in space. I found it easy to set up once you get it out of the box, and it has wheels on the front, so it’s easy to move around. The tread belt is smooth and not too strong when it is present and has a honeycomb comfortdeck cushioning, which provides for a soft landing and is easy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​front-end It has a remote control, which allows you to increase or decrease the speed or stop the engine.

The LED digital screen is on the front base of the treadmill and it captures the speed, steps, time, distance and calories burned during a session. One thing I noticed that might be an issue for some people is that the tread is on the shorter side, so if you’re tall and have a longer stride, you might feel like you’re sliding. I’m short and there are a few times where I have to be mindful of how long a step I take.

I wouldn’t recommend trying to jog on a treadmill like this because it can be dangerous and there’s nothing to gain if you lose your footing. If you are someone with balance issues, I would avoid under-the-table treadmills because you may be at risk of falling. However, it can be a suitable choice if you are looking for a treadmill that you can use for a casual walk while you are on a call or working. It also has a fixed 5% incline, so it’s more challenging because it feels like you’re walking a little uphill.

Other under-desk treadmills we’ve tested

as

• It looks aesthetically pleasing in an office or living room

• Good for taller people

don’t like it

• The belt is not smooth

• A sudden stop is not good when stopping

• The belt squeaks loudly when in use

Aesthetically, the Costway treadmill looks nicer and seems like it would blend in well with a home office, but the quality isn’t my favorite. Unlike the Egofit treadmill, the Costway tread is flat with wooden panels around the border. It also has front wheels and an LED screen that tracks speed, calories burned, time and distance. It has a remote control so you can control the speed of the treadmill.

The first thing I noticed is that the tread belt is longer, which makes it better for someone taller. The one downside is that this treadmill is louder than I like when it’s in use. It squeaks and looks like it needs to be lubricated (a kind of maintenance if you have a treadmill). I also found myself thinking I was going to fly out of it because the lowest speeds felt faster than you’d expect. The belt itself isn’t the smoothest either, which makes it a little uncomfortable for me to walk on it. Compared to the Egofit, it lacks cushioning, so I wouldn’t rely on it for longer walks.

What surprised me was that this treadmill goes up to 6 mph, which I personally think is fast for an under-desk treadmill. I don’t feel comfortable increasing speed on the Costway unless I lubricate the belt and improve its feel. However, I still think it is dangerous because when I stop this treadmill, it stops suddenly even though it reduces the speed and you have to brace yourself. This treadmill can work if you plan to keep it at a very low speed (1 mph and below) with a standing desk for extra support.

Is it worth buying an under-desk treadmill?

If you want to sneak in some steps and movement at home, an under-desk treadmill is not a bad choice. It helps when you don’t have time to go out or go to the gym. It also takes up less space than a standard treadmill and is usually stored under the couch or bed. But if you are someone with balance issues, I would reconsider buying it because it lacks support and could be a fall hazard. If you’re looking to get more out of your treadmill, I’d recommend investing in a full-size model. I will also look for reviews. There are so many under-desk treadmills out there today, you want to make sure you invest in one that’s smooth, quiet and fits the bill for your needs.

What to consider when shopping for an under-desk treadmill

When shopping for an under desk treadmill there are a few things to consider before purchasing one.

• Size: You want to make sure that the under-desk treadmill fits your home. Some treadmills have a smaller frame, while others have a longer deck. You can also keep some under your bed or couch when not in use.
• Belt length: If you’re tall, you’ll want to make sure you choose a treadmill with a longer belt length. Some are shorter and may not suit you. Also, consider whether you want the treadmill to have a slight incline or be completely flat.
• Speed: Some under-desk treadmills can go up to 6 mph, so you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable with those speed levels.
• Noise: You’ll want to consider the noise level the treadmill makes because some are quieter than others.
• Features: Some treadmills have different features and settings, while others are more basic. Most have a remote control so you can easily control the speed and stop when you want.
• Safety: Unlike a traditional treadmill, most under-desk treadmills do not have handles or safety rails to hold on to. Therefore, it may not be the right option for you if you have balance issues.

Best under-desk treadmill FAQS