The best walking treadmill does not exist.
That statement is an excellent start for this 12-page article, isn’t it?
Well, that’s the catch. You can’t expect a walking treadmill that’s miraculously best-suited for everything and everyone.
Instead, you should get a good enough walking pad that fits your needs extraordinarily well.
This shift of perspective is significant if you want to save money. Companies use marketing to sell their products, and some of these products end up with people who don’t need them.
It could happen to you too.
So, here’s how you avoid making the wrong choice:
Read this article to learn how you can choose a good-enough walking treadmill for your needs. Next, browse the six treadmills we’ve selected; each fits different purposes, personalities, and fitness levels.
That way, once you reach the end of this article, you’ll understand how to make the right choice. And chances are you’ll make it too.
Table of Contents
Things To Look For In The Best Walking Treadmill
The best walking treadmill has to be:
- Quality
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Safe
Those features are non-negotiable, and the more of them you have, the better. However, all the other characteristics are negotiable, and you should analyse them starting from your needs, preexisting conditions, training style, etc.
Let’s break this down:
Dimensions
You may want a more compact treadmill if you have little space in your home or if you want to move it quickly. In this case, you may also prefer a folding treadmill.
However:
Slim treadmills aren’t best if you’re taller, have larger feet or are into running. If you want to do these activities, consider a larger walking pad.
And here’s another dimension that most people forget about:
Height.
If you’re mobility challenged, you need a treadmill that’s easy to climb on and off of. That brings us to:
Hand Rail
A handrail is essential if your mobility and balance aren’t that great. Also, if you haven’t used a treadmill before, consider getting one with a barrier.
Pro tip: If getting a folding treadmill is essential for you, make sure that the handrail folds neatly too.
Speed Range
How fast are you walking? How quickly do you think you’ll be able to walk in 2-5 years? Are you sharing this treadmill with someone who walks faster or slower?
These are the questions you have to ask yourself.
Walking treadmills won’t give you enormous speeds, but you can expect 5-6 km/h from most of them. If you think you’re going to run faster than that or you’re sharing the treadmill with a jogger, pick a walking pad that reaches 10-12 km/h.
But here’s a speed-related factor most people don’t take into account:
If you’re highly mobility-challenged or sharing the treadmill with someone who is, look at the minimum speed. For instance, even 1 km/h can seem like too much for some people.
Programs
Programs are excellent tools for people who:
- Want more motivation. If you’re bored easily, you want to try a new program every day.
- Want to maximise their workout results. If you want to train effectively, you’ll want to mix and match different workouts. That way, you can target your muscles from different angles.
- Have different needs from day to day. For example, many seniors or people with chronic pain have perfect days and horrible days.
Incline
An incline will help increase the intensity of your workout. So even a tiny angle increase will make your heart and lungs work harder. Besides, your muscles will face more resistance, so they’ll tone more efficiently.
But here’s the problem:
Many walking treadmills on the market don’t have an incline option at all. Conversely, those that do lack the adjustments.
Silent Operation
You need a silent treadmill if:
- You’re going to use it in the office
- The walls in your home are thin
- You’re easily distracted or annoyed by noise
Cushioning
A cushiony treadmill is essential if:
- You have preexisting pain
- You have a low bone density
- You’re pregnant
- You crave an overall comfortable experience
Conversely, if you want an extremely compact treadmill, you might want to sacrifice the cushioning factor. Otherwise, ordinarily compact treadmills can have enough shock absorbance for most needs.
Stats
Stats can be vital to you if:
- You want to set precise goals
- You want to analyse and keep track of your progress
- You want to train according to those results
Most walking treadmills feature standard stats, like steps, speed, distance, and time. These figures are usually pretty accurate.
The main problem is with calories.
Walking treadmills don’t usually have heart-rate monitors and don’t allow you to introduce your age, weight, and height. So, the walking pads that do feature calorie-related stats offer rough estimates.
Bluetooth Connectivity
If you want a walking treadmill for under-desk use or for getting some exercise done in front of the telly, maybe Bluetooth connectivity isn’t a decisive purchase factor.
But, if you associate working out with listening to music, you’ll want a nice pair of Bluetooth speakers. Using wireless headphones is a good alternative unless you have a baby to look out for. Otherwise, walking doesn’t usually make them fall off, though some light jogging would.
Workout App
People who want workout apps:
- Are highly interested in achieving fitness goals quickly
- Want to work out smartly, not harder
- Want a lot of exercise options
- Want to stay connected with others
If you don’t care about all these things, you don’t necessarily need a high-tech running band that’s usually more expensive.
FAQ:
Here’s a quick FAQ before we begin:
Can You Run On A Walking Treadmill?
Some walking treadmills allow you to run on them, too, if they have sufficient speed. At 6 km/h, you can do a light jog, but some walking pads reach 10-12 km/h.
Is Walking On A Treadmill As Good As Walking Outdoors?
Walking on a treadmill is as good as walking outdoors for your cardiovascular capacity, heart health, and weight goals. Walking on a treadmill also strengthens your muscles and your bones, preventing age-related conditions.
This activity can be better than walking outdoors because:
- It’s safer
- The cushiony pad protects your joints and prevents pain
- It’s more convenient in some cases – for example when it’s snowing or you’re in the mood for pyjamas
However, walking outdoors can be better because:
- You’re getting more fresh air
- You’re socialising with other people
- You’re tackling different terrain, so your muscles get slightly more challenge
Best Walking Treadmills
With that in mind, let’s move on to the best models on the market.
Egofit Walker Pro Small Under Desk Electric Treadmill: Best Under Desk Treadmill
- ✔️ Smallest And Lightest Walking Treadmill Foldable -...
- ✔️ Handle And Maintain With Ease - APP Mobile control...
- ✔️ Rather Quiet Than Sorry - Sound level is less than...
The Egofit Walker Pro is the best under-desk treadmill because:
It’s small. Although heavy-duty gym-grade treadmills are high-performance, those are colossal metal mammoths, and you couldn’t possibly bring one of those in your office.
Unless you’re worth a few hundred million pounds, but in that case, you wouldn’t be reading this article, right?
Egofit Walker Pro is also height-adjustable for your standing desk. Whether you already have a standing desk or decide to get one in the future, it’s always nice to have that addition.
You don’t want to purchase a new treadmill every time you decide to remodel your office or chance jobs.
But bonus points:
Egofit Walker Pro is silent. Although this walking pad has a powerful 2 HP engine, its sound intensity is about 70 dB. So, you can easily reach the maximum speed of 3.1 miles/ hour without bothering your coworkers.
That said, you can use Egofit Walker Pro in other circumstances – not just your office.
This is the best walking pad if you want a standard treadmill for walking. So, don’t expect any bells and whistles.
Sure, there’s a mobile app and wireless remote control for easy use. However, the LED monitor displays just the basic stats, like steps.
The most “high-tec” feature of the bunch is the auto lubrication system.
However, you’ll get a durable piece of equipment weighing 55 pounds. As such, this walking treadmill withstands people up to 242.5 pounds.
The Walker Pro is also a comfortable treadmill, thanks to its 16.5-inch wide three-layer design. The combination of polyester and PVC will cushion your every step, plus the Walker Pro is wide enough to walk without minding your every step.
On the downside, the incline is preset at 5ᵒ so you can’t adjust this according to your needs – to make the walking session harder or more accessible. Also, that treadmill control app is subpar.
With a 1.7/5 rating, you can only use it to turn the Egofit Walker Pro on and off and adjust the speed. So don’t expect anything else.
But here’s the good news:
If you don’t like this walking pad, take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
CITYSPORTS Electric Walking Machine: best walking pad for home use
- 【Multi-Speed + LCD screen】: With speeds ranging from 1 -...
- 【Bluetooth Integrated Speakers】: Increase the intensity...
- 【Max Security】 ：The child lock function can prevent...
The Citysports Electric Walking Machine boasts more options compared to the Walker Pro. All these features combined grant it the overall title of the best walking pad for home use.
Basically, you can use it in more situations and enjoy more features.
Let’s start with the 1-6 km/h speed range. Now, 1 km/h extra doesn’t seem like much if you haven’t tried a treadmill before.
But if you’re a treadmill newbie, that one kilometre will make a hell of a difference.
5 km/h is still fast walking, but 6 km/h is almost jogging. And so, your heart rate will increase considerably, your lungs will make more effort, and all that burns more calories.
Basically, Citysports Electric Walking Machine allows you to lose weight and get trimmed faster.
You can actually see your progress too!
Citysports Electric features essential data that will help you understand your performance, including:
- Your speed
- Calories
- Number of steps
- Distance
Also, Citysports Electric features integrated Bluetooth speakers. That one single tiny feature opens up a world of entertainment.
You can listen to k-pop during your workouts, enjoy a podcast about investing in ETFs, or a documentary about Caligula.
Had he really married his horse and made him a consul?
Well, now you can find out.
That said, Citysports treadmill has an excellent safety feature: the child lock function. So, you don’t have to worry if your kids have access to this treadmill.
And, just like with Walker Pro, you’re getting a lubrication alarm for refuelling and a silent walking experience.
On the downside, the operation is remote-only. If that remote breaks, you’ll have to repair it or purchase another one.
Another disadvantage is that you can’t pause your walk. So, in that case, your stats will be reset.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
REDLIRO Folding Walking Treadmill: best treadmill for senior walking
- 👍 Spacesaver Design& Easy Assembly - This foldable...
- 👍 12 Training Modes - The walking treadmill has 12 preset...
- 👍 Heart Rate Detection& Shortcutkey - The handle of...
If you’re looking for a senior walking treadmill, you meet certain features.
Warning: your age isn’t as important as you’d think. If you’ve been working out most of your life and are reasonably fit, you probably don’t even need to look for a “senior” walking treadmill.
Instead, want to consider factors like:
- How easy it is to get on/ off your treadmill
- How well you can hold your balance
- If you’re working out according to your fitness level, that can change from day to day
- If you have everything you need nearby
REDLIRO treadmill ticks all of these boxes:
- It’s not high from the floor so that you can easily climb on it.
- It has a sturdy support rail to hold onto for balance.
- You can select one of the 12 built-in programs to train according to your fitness level. Some days you may feel full of energy, while you can feel tired and achy during others. REDLIRO allows you to customise the intensity according to your needs quickly.
- You get heart-rate measurements. Monitoring your heart rate is essential because you want to challenge yourself appropriately but without the workout becoming too dangerous.
- There’s a bottle holder and a tablet holder. These features allow you to stay hydrated and entertained throughout your workout.
Besides, the REDLIRO treadmill is sturdy, has a rugged 2 HP motor, and fits people up to 100 kg.
Bonus: You can scale up your fitness level or share this treadmill with someone who enjoys a run. The maximum speed is 6.5 mph, so it’s more than what the two previous running bands had to offer.
On the downside, the REDLIRO is the heaviest walking treadmill in our review so far at 30 kg.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
WalkSlim NEW 410 Best Home Walking Treadmill: best compact walking treadmill
- BEST UNDER DESK TREADMILL The WalkSlim 410 desk treadmill is...
- BEST UNDER DESK TREADMILL The WalkSlim 410 desk treadmill is...
- WALKING FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING Exercising 30 minutes a day...
WalkSlim NEW 410 is a slim and smooth treadmill. If you need a compact walking pad for your home or office, this one will take the cake while you’re burning the calories.
We’ll wait while you finish laughing at that one.
It will probably take ages.
Anyway, here’s WalkSlim New 410’s unique selling proposition, apart from its compact size:
It has a lifetime warranty for the frame, made even sweeter by a 5-deal warranty for the motor, plus a 2-year guarantee for the parts and labour. If you’re not happy with how this walking pad fits, you can always use the 30-day money-back guarantee.
But here’s the thing:
If you want a compact treadmill like WalkSlim New 410, prepare to make some compromises.
For example, it’s only 12 cm thick. That, of course, means you can climb on and off it quickly. If you’re a senior or mobility-challenged, that’s amazing.
However, the 12-cm thickness means less cushioning.
So, if you have preexisting joint pain, you’d maybe want a more cushiony model like the 3-layer Egofit Walker Pro.
Also, the walking area is just 40 x 110 cm. Although the speed ranges from 1 to 6 km/h so that you won’t be doing any intense running, the 40 cm width can still be too small for people with large feet.
And lastly, this compact WalkSlim New 410 can only support 100 kg.
You can also notice that this treadmill lacks certain features, like incline, app, Bluetooth, and even programs. So basically, you’re compromising all those bells and whistles for a compact, standard – and very durable – treadmill.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
KEEP FUN Treadmill 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill: best folding walking treadmill
- 【2-in-1 Fitness models treadmill】 :---Walking & Running...
- 【Folding, space-saving treadmill】:---20CM thickness,97lb...
- 【Shock absorption & noise reduction design】:---Strong...
The KEEP FUN Treadmill is the best folding walking treadmill in our review because it folds – obviously – but also because it’s sturdy, feature-packed, and comfortable.
It’s not faultless, mind you, but we’ll get to that part later on.
So, one thing you can see from the start is the KEEP FUN Treadmill’s versatility. You can use it in two ways: folded and unfolded.
The maximum speed for the folded treadmill is 6 km/h, which is fantastic for mellow workouts or office use. When you unfold the treadmill, you can reach 12 km/h – so that’s great for some light running and more calorie burn.
Obviously, the 2 HP engine and steel frame are strong enough to support this higher-intensity workout.
At this point, you can also use the handrail for extra support.
Besides, the KEEP FUN treadmill is highly comfortable, with a 20-cm thick, cushiony running area. The silicon honeycomb-structure running board is placed on top of a 7-layer structure, so the KEEP FUN treadmill is silent, grippy, and protects your joints.
To top it all off, the treadmill has Bluetooth speakers, AIR shock reduction and noise reduction, plus a smart-workout app.
The only things it lacks are incline, more workout programs, and a heart rate monitor. Holders for your tablet and water bottle would have been excellent additions too.
For the price, you’d have expected to see those extra features.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
METIS Walking Folding Treadmill: best budget walking treadmill
- IDEAL HOME WORKOUT MACHINE - These foldable treadmills have...
- ULTRA THIN WALKING MACHINE - A premium mini treadmill which...
- EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON - Each of the walking treadmills...
METIS Walking Folding Treadmill is your best budget option because it’s sturdy, durable, and has all the standard functionality you need from a walking treadmill.
For example, its speed range is 1-8 km/h. That’s enough for most walking routines, whether you’re mobility-challenged or want to sweat a bit.
You can use it at home or the office, share it with your 16-year-old jock son or your 92-year-old grandma.
They’ll be able to set it up quickly because the buttons are within easy reach. Compared to other treadmills in this review – we’re looking at you, Citysports – there’s even a pause button!
That way, you can always take a breather without resetting your calories.
If you’re not used to treadmills or your balance isn’t that stellar, METIS Walking Folding Treadmill has a handrail to hold onto. This handrail doesn’t protrude too much when folding it, so you can easily stash the walking pad under your furniture.
Besides, the METIS treadmill is durable and sturdy, with a powerful motor. You won’t fall off it either because it’s stable at 25 kg.
There’s an emergency stop button, Bluetooth speakers, and transport wheels. Besides, this treadmill supports a maximum user weight of 110 kg.
To top it all up, this running band fits all floor types, is made with sturdy aluminium alloy, and has a non-slip belt. And it’s silent too.
Conversely, you don’t have any built-in programs, incline, or apps. There’s not even a remote control, and don’t expect bottle/ tablet holders either.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
In Conclusion
Now that you’re here, you know how to judge walking treadmills in terms of your needs. You also understand that a few features are non-negotiable: your treadmill has to be quality, comfortable, and safe.
That’s how we selected the best walking pads in this review. Also, we made sure there was one for each of your most pressing needs. So, here’s a quick recap of what you can choose:
- Egofit Walker Pro: Best under desk treadmill
- CITYSPORTS Electric: Best walking pad for home use
- REDLIRO Folding: Best treadmill for senior walking
- WalkSlim NEW 410: Best compact treadmill
- KEEP FUN 2-in-1: Best folding walking treadmill
- METIS: Best budget walking treadmill
She had to trade the gym for home fitness equipment when her two little angels were born. But she successfully managed to make the transition, and sharing her vast fitness experience online is the engine that keeps this website going.
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