The 5 Best Walking Pads: Top Picks for Home and Office, Plus, Budget-Friendly Options
Table of Contents
- Why invest in a walking pad or treadmill?
- What’s the difference between a treadmill and a walking pad?
- Before starting your search
- WalkFit’s favorite walking pads and treadmills
- Ready to go?
“Getting in your steps.” It’s a goal many aim to complete each day, but also one that’s easy to let fall to the wayside when the hecticness of life gets in the way. But thanks to a plethora of new, budget-friendly walking pad options, hitting your step goal has never been easier—which is why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite devices to set you on the path to walking success.
Why invest in a walking pad or treadmill?
The benefits of walking on a treadmill are numerous. From lessening the strain on your knees to enabling you to get your workout in despite bad weather, walking pads can be helpful tools for those looking for an accessible way to up their activity level.
They’re especially great for those stuck behind a desk most of the day (that sedentary lifestyle can really catch up to you)!
Investing in a walking pad or treadmill can also save you time since you don’t have to commute to the gym, and even allows some ambitious users to multitask!
What’s the difference between a treadmill and a walking pad?
While treadmills and walking pads share many similarities (most notably, a shared goal of helping you move more), there are a few distinct differences to keep in mind when weighing your purchasing decision.
Treadmills: Versatile but Bulky
Traditional treadmills provide tons of versatility, allowing users to vary their speed and incline significantly. But because of this, treadmills tend to be sturdier and heavier to support running speeds up to 12 miles per hour and high inclines. While this makes them a better fit for those looking for more intense workouts, it also means they’re less mobile and usually more expensive. Treadmills also tend to be louder than walking pads.
Walking Pads: Compact and Convenient
Walking pads are more compact, portable solutions than the traditional treadmill. The space-saving equipment is a great option for multipurpose or shared spaces and are generally quieter than treadmills.
However, since walking pads are lighter, they’re typically not built for high-intensity workouts. While most can handle a light jog, they’re best for low-impact walking workouts.
Walking pads exploded in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in a lot more options hitting the marketplace. While this helped many people who were stuck at home stay active, it also means a lot of mediocre products are out there. So, to help you meet your goals and invest your dollars wisely, we’ve compiled this buying guide.
Before starting your search
Whether you’re working to supplement your gym workouts or using a walking app for weight loss, there are a number of factors to consider when shopping for an at-home walking pad. Since there are a lot of different types of walking devices out there, it can be tough to separate the best from the worst, especially when shopping online, so as you begin your research, consider these features and how important each one is to your walking experience.
Features to consider:
Speed and incline
A treadmill’s key feature is its speed and incline capability, which allows you to customize the intensity of your workouts. If you’re looking to do high-intensity sprints, you’ll want to make sure you select a sturdy treadmill that can handle your desired speed. However, if you’re looking for something to supplement your daily activity or to use while at your standing desk, a lower-cost and lighter-weight walking pad will likely meet your needs.
Storage and location
Where do you plan to house your treadmill or walking pad—will it be in a high-traffic area where you’ll want it out of the way sometimes? Or do you have a designated space where you don’t mind it living long-term? Considering these factors will be important if you want flexibility in where to store your new piece of equipment.
Bells and whistles
Many of today’s modern treadmills come with fun add-ons to help encourage users to actually use them. From built-in entertainment to interactive training sessions, these features can help with motivation, but often come with a hefty price tag.
Budget
This is the most important deciding factor for most people—walking pad prices can start around $150, while more-advanced treadmill models can cost upwards of $3,000. While this is a personal financial decision, you’ll want to consider how often you plan to use it to feel that you’re getting your money’s worth, and if you’re working to build a habit or already invested in a wellness routine.
Track length and width
To ensure your comfort, check the dimensions of each model’s track length and width to ensure it allows you to walk naturally. Walking pads also have weight limitations, so make sure to check that your selected model can accommodate everyone who plans to use it.
WalkFit’s favorite walking pads and treadmills
For the budget-conscious beginner
- Maximum speed: 3.8 mph
- Product weight: 27 pounds
- Weight limit: 350 pounds
This extremely lightweight walking pad allows new at-home walkers to start at a light pace and gradually increase to a brisk walk. And weighing under 30 pounds, it’s easy to move around your home. Its display provides real-time tracking including calories and distance. It also comes with a unique vibration function to provide a nice after-workout massage!
For the tall walker
- Maximum speed: 6.2 mph
- Product weight: 55 pounds
- Weight limit: 265 pounds
With over 40 inches to accommodate longer strides, this versatile, beginner-friendly treadmill allows for running speeds up to 6.2 mph. Though it doesn’t allow for inclines, its solid construction includes a support handle that folds for a nice space-saving design and shock-absorption padding.
For the multitasker
- Maximum speed: 3.1 mph
- Product weight: 48.5 pounds
- Weight limit: 220 pounds
This slim walking pad boasts itself to be the quietest model on the market, making it a great option for those wanting to get in some movement while on calls. Its compact design also slides easily beneath a desk. We also like the HCC Sport treadmill, which comes with a detachable desk!
For walkers serious about their steps
- Maximum speed: 7.5 mph
- Product weight: 69.5 pounds
- Weight limit: 265 pounds
If you’re looking for a versatile treadmill that allows you to kick things up a notch, the GoPlus Folding Treadmill includes a sturdy support bar and emergency stop clip to help acclimate new runners to increased speeds.
Ready to go?
We hope this guide has helped you take another step toward your fitness goal. If you’re interested in more effective tools to help you get even more steps in, try the top-rated walking app, WalkFit! Enjoy a personalized walking plan built around your unique needs, get the flexibility to walk inside on your walking pad or outdoors, and never get bored with its 200+ workouts!
