Best walking treadmills 2025: Get moving with these handpicked treadmills

A man working in front of a laptop while taking steps on one of the best walking treadmills
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The best walking treadmill can be a fitness game changer. A walk in the great outdoors is all very well in theory but not always possible in practice, and that’s where walking treadmills can come in. Whether it’s safety concerns, extreme weather to deal with, or you just want to up your daily step count, then a walking treadmill can help.

Walking is simply one of the best forms of exercise you can do, wherever you do it. "Walking on a treadmill leads to better overall balance," Nathan Kennedy, a certified personal trainer, told Live Science. And that’s key for everyone, not just senior citizens. "Better balance is not just useful to avoid falls. It can help people of all ages avoid injuries too," he said.

Walking treadmills are also a great space-saving piece of equipment. They are far more compact than the best treadmills designed for running. And for those wanting to add something in addition to raising their step count, we have tested some of the best workout equipment for home where you can find really useful accessories to add a challenge to your workout.

The quick list

See the quick list below for a brief overview of our favorite walking treadmills, or keep scrolling down for in depth reviews of each machine we tested.

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The best walking treadmills we recommend in 2025: Carefully tested by our experts with real-world experience

Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best walking treadmill overall

Best overall: This wallet-friendly treadmill impressed us with its thoughtful design and durability.

Specifications

Dimensions: 42" / 49” / 27", folding size 4.4” / 49” / 27”
Weight: 74.96 lbs
Tread belt size: 16” x 40”
Max user weight: 265lbs
Display: LED touchscreen
Speed: 0-12 km/h
Incline: Fixed 0%
Warranty: Limited 1-year warranty
Workouts: None
Decibel rating: 65 dB

Reasons to buy

+
Saves space
+
Affordable 
+
Well designed  

Reasons to avoid

-
Basic functions
-
Narrow tread belt 
-
Low maximum speed  
Buy it if

You want a multi-purpose treadmill: You can use it both for walking and gentle running (no faster paces though).

You need a space-saving design: The Mobvoi treadmill is compact and foldable.

You have a budget to stick to: It is surprisingly affordable.

Don't buy it if

You want extra functions: This Mobvoi treadmill features only the basics.

You are a bigger user: It has a narrow belt and no cushioning.

The bottom line

🔎 Mobvoi home treadmill: Perfect for increasing the daily step count or easing back into running, the Mobvoi home treadmill is sturdy, compact and affordable. ★★★★

The Mobvoi home treadmill offers great quality at a fantastic price. It's compact and sleek design won't eat up loads of valuable floor space, and despite the lightweight construction it can go up to 12 km/h. That may not be enough for those aiming for PBs in races, or for doing any kind of speed work, but it is nevertheless the top speed of the models we tested. It's also faster than many other treadmills in a similar price bracket. So for all those qualities, we gave it a respectable 4 stars in our Mobvoi Home Treadmill review.

The Mobvoi treadmill is a great marriage between traditional treadmill and the more space-saving walking pads. It's clever design allows you to fold it easily, without any complicated deconstruction or putting back together again. It arrives as a ready made walking pad. To transform it into a treadmill, you simply flip the side lever which lists the riser bar up.

While we can’t speak for durability from our short testing window, the model does feel surprisingly sturdy, with no unsettling wobbling or moving around. When in treadmill mode, the riser houses a bright LED dashboard with quick touch controls for speed, an attachable phone holder, and screw-in handlebars. There’s also an additional metric tracking display on the treadmill base that can be controlled via the handy remote.

The main drawbacks were that the belt of the treadmill does feel a little thin underfoot, so it doesn't feel very cushioned. It's also quite a narrow belt, which could feel quite difficult if you’re a bigger user.

In this price bracket, you aren't going to ever get an array of high tech features. However, the Mobvoi does comes with Bluetooth connectivity and surprisingly brilliant quality inbuilt speakers. But don't fear for your relations with your neighbors - it only ranked 65 dB for noise at its highest speed.

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Mobvoi Home Treadmill
AttributesNotes
DesignFoldable
FeaturesBluetooth connectivity, safety key, remote control
Additional costsNone

Runner-up

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Best budget walking treadmill

Best on a budget: Compact, feature-packed and easy to use, this Bluefin treadmill offers great value for money.

Specifications

Dimensions: 41.3”/ 58.7”/ 26.2”, folded 4.3”/ 58.7”/ 26.2”
Weight: 71.4 lbs
Tread belt size: 44.1” x 15.7”
Max user weight: 264.6 lbs
Display: LCD
Speed: 0-8 km/h
Incline: Fixed 0%
Warranty: 1-year warranty
Workouts: 6 preset programs
Decibel reading: 57.5 dB

Reasons to buy

+
Budget-friendly
+
Quick setup 
+
Bluetooth connectivity and fitness app 

Reasons to avoid

-
Narrow belt 
-
Low top speed  
Buy it if

You want fitness classes and walking challenges: This model comes with a wrist-like remote and a handy fitness app.

You shop on a budget: It is often under $400.

Don't buy it if

You want to run on it, too: This Bluefin treadmill does not offer speeds high enough for running.

You are tall or have long strides: It has quite a short and narrow belt.

The bottom line

🔎 Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill: It is space-savvy, compact and easy to use, but more importantly, it delivers a great workout experience at an affordable price. ★★★★

If your main goal is to increase your step count, then you should definitely consider investing in this basic machine. The Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill has a pretty old-fashioned and basic look compared to the Mobvoi Home Treadmill and also has a lower max speed of 8km/h, which means its more useful for walking and power walking than running.

However, it’s actually one of the more techy models we tested. If want to save both money and space, then a Bluetooth-enabled tread with a small footprint and access to a fitness app certainly isn't a bad move.

Similar to the Mobvoi, a quick flip of the riser bar changes the device from a walking pad to a more standard treadmill, and you can transport the machine with fuss-free ease. The belt is a little narrower than we expected and just long enough to stretch your legs. During our Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill review, our 5'2" tester was short enough to use it comfortably, but bigger or taller users might want to check how long their stride is before committing.

This machine does have some very nice touches. On the base it has an LED screen which display your metrics, and these are controlled by a remote that cleverly snaps onto your wrist like a watch.

The Bluefin comes with six preset workouts that you can select using this watch remote. However, these only work between interval speeds of 1-8km/h and might not offer enough intensity or speed for some users.

Other features include a tablet holder that fits to the top of the riser, inbuilt speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and access to the Kinomap fitness app (downloadable via your smart device, free of charge) for access to a range of walking challenges and workouts. What you can do with 8km/h of speed, however, is on you.

If price is your major consideration, then this model might fit the bill.

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Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill
AttributesNotes
DesignFoldable
FeaturesBluetooth connectivity, speakers, adjustable tablet shelf, wearable remote control, LCD screen
Additional costsNone

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Best walking treadmill for small spaces

Best for small spaces: This stylish walking pad is compact, but long enough to suit the tall folk.

Specifications

Dimensions: 32.5” / 21.5” / 5”
Weight: 62 lbs
Tread belt size: 47”/ 16.5”
Max user weight: 220 lbs
Display: LED
Speed: 0-6 km/h
Incline: Fixed 0%
Warranty: 1-year warranty
Workouts: Available via the KS Fit app
Decibel reading: 45 dB

Reasons to buy

+
Easy storage
+
Good size walking belt  

Reasons to avoid

-
Not user-friendly
-
Low maximum speed 
Buy it if

You are short on floor space: This model is small, compact and foldable.

You are tall: It has a relatively long belt for such a compact device, so you can stride with ease.

You want to run on it, too: This walking pad does not offer high speeds.

You are shopping on a budget: It often costs more than $600.

The bottom line

🔎 WalkingPad C2: It is compact, easy to store and accommodating for larger users, but it is not as user-friendly and versatile as some of the other treadmills we tested. ★★★

Firstly, you should note that this is quite definitely a walking device. Unlike some of the other models we have tested, the Kingsmith WalkingPad C2 (sometimes called the S1) doesn't transition into a more traditional treadmill, like the Mobvoi Home Treadmill or Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 Treadmill.

But it is definitely the most stylish and low key model of all, with a modest and compact footprint that makes it perfect for tight office spaces and slick city apartments. If you’re seeking something small and lightweight to flip open and slip under your office desk, this walking pad is the perfect machine for you.

There is very little here to set up. You simply unfold the machine, snap it into place, plug it in and go. And that's about it. There's very little to this device in terms of features or extras; there’s a small LED screen located on the front of the belt that displays your live metrics, a handy remote control, and up to 6km/h of speed available to play with. You also have access to the KS Fit app which allows you to control the tread from your phone, plus Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity.

During our WalkingPad C2 review, our 5'2" tester found the belt unnervingly narrow and unstable to walk on without handlebars, which is certainly a red flag for bigger users. We were impressed with the length of the pad though, which wasn’t far off Lifespan’s dimensions, as this allowed us to comfortably open up our stride.

This model has one notable USP – automated user mode - which we were excited to try. The idea is that, once activated, the motion sensors on the belt detect your natural stride and adjust the speed to it. This should put you firmly in control. Unfortunately, when we tried it we didn't find it very responsive to our tread and tricky to master. So unless you’re happy to jump off the machine every five seconds, you might want to stick to manual mode.

The Kingsmith is at the pricier end of the range, coming in at just under $600. The ambitious and intuitive automated mode is most likely the reason, but in our opinion, the sensors and KS Fit app need improving to be worth the cash.

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WalkingPad C2
AttributesNotes
DesignFoldable
FeaturesWifi and Bluetooth connectivity, motion footfall sensors
Additional costsNone

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Best walking treadmills: Comparison

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ProductRating✅ Pros❌ ConsMax speedBelt size
Mobvoi Home★★★★Well designed, affordable space-saverBasic, narrow belt and low top speed12 km/h16” x 40”
Mobvoi Treadmill Plus★★★½Good cushioning, budget-friendlyNarrow belt, no interactive display12 km/h16.5" x 40"
Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0★★★★Good connectivity, budget-friendlyNarrow belt, low top speed8 km/h44.1” x 15.7”
WalkingPad C2★★★Good size belt, easy to storeNot user friendly, v low top speed6 km/h47”/ 16.5

Our expert consultants

Nathan Kennedy
Nathan Kennedy

Nathan Kennedy is a fully qualified personal trainer, online coach and fitness expert. He has been in the fitness industry since 2005, attending the gym and competing in bodybuilding shows. Kennedy is also a representative for the sports nutrition brand Bio-Synergy. We spoke with him about the potential health benefits of walking treadmills.

Best walking treadmills: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you lose weight walking on a treadmill?

Many people imagine daunting intense workouts and sweaty exercise sessions when they think about how to lose weight. But, in reality, low intensity exercise and activities usually account for far more of your daily calorie burn. Burning calories, as well as the right diet, can help you achieve a sustainable calorie or energy deficit which is the key principle behind weight loss (as stated by this study from the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism).

"Walking on a treadmill is a fantastic way of burning additional energy" says Nathan Kennedy. "If you’re new to the gym or if this is your only way to exercise you can still lose weight effectively. My advice would be to complete 60 minutes of walking on the treadmill daily if this is your only form of exercise. You’ll burn up to 300 calories per day helping you keep your energy burn for the day high."

Non exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, refers to calories burned during any activity that isn’t formal exercise. For example, walking, cleaning the house or even fidgeting. It is believed that this is responsible for far more of your daily energy expenditure than exercise activity thermogenesis (EAT, or the calories burned through formal exercise) and increasing the amount you walk each day is a sure-fire way to give this figure a significant boost. So, by using a walking treadmill, you can increase your daily calorie burn and achieve a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss.

"There are a couple of things to consider when walking on a treadmill," said Kennedy. "Walking on a treadmill with zero incline is easier than walking outside due to less friction and wind resistance, so to get the most out of it maybe raise the incline up a little.

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How to choose the best walking treadmill for you

Unlike the best treadmills, we don’t think walking models need to be packed to the rafters with fancy features like touchscreens and incline settings. After all, sending an email while facing a 40% gradient (offered by the impressive NordicTrack X22i) is no easy task. Save the fancy features for the sweaty workouts, and keep walking simple.

However, what we do ask of these machines is that they offer a stable walking surface that doesn’t wobble as you stride away on it. You’ll also want a belt that allows you to make that full stride without worrying about catching your feet on the side rails or the front of the machine.

If you want to use your walking treadmill while working, then it needs to be compact enough to slide under a standing desk, and perhaps also fold away for when you don't use it. And given that, unlikely a traditional treadmill, you won't have hand controls right in front of you, you'll also want some form of remote control to be able to ajust the speed from your workstation. ec

Finally, for most people, value for money is key. While you can certainly spend large sums on walking treadmill, we actually found our favorite model wasn’t the most expensive. Make sure to read our individual reviews to work out which one has the features you need.

How we tested these walking treadmills

How we test the best walking treadmills

Our reviewers. We know a lot about the best walking treadmills — we use them all the time at Live Science. By its very nature, a writer's job requires spending long hours in front of a computer's screen. We are all seasoned gym rats, passionate hikers or otherwise very active people, so so we are all too aware of the dangers and discomforts of such a sedentary lifestyle on our health and well-being.

Under-desk treadmills help us clock in the steps without leaving the house and help keep us fit no matter the circumstances. We have used these exercise machines since the moment they appeared on the market, and throughout the years we must have tested more than two dozen different models. You can trust our verdicts — we know what works and what does not deserve your hard-earned money.

However, we also know that everyone has different needs and preferences, which is why we test all walking treadmills to the exact same standard, either in our purpose-built testing center or at home. After spending at least a day on each treadmill, we rank it across the following categories:

Set-up and usability. Put simply, we want to know who the machine is for. We check whether the treadmill is easy to assemble, move around and store in residential settings. We also make note of the maximum user weight.

Design and display. This is where we give our verdict on the treadmill's sturdiness, appearance and ease of use. We look into the design of controls, display (if there is one), frame and running belt, and we make note of any features that improve the machine's accessibility.

Features. We want to know every single feature the treadmill has to offer. For example, we ask how many modes and speed levels it has. Also, does it come with any safety features? Can it be controlled remotely? Does it offer on-demand fitness classes and tutorial videos?

Performance. We put the walking treadmill through its paces to get a good sense of its abilities. We complete several walking sessions on each machine, testing out their maximum speeds and making note of any performance hiccups that can impede the overall user experience.

Value for money. Finally, we weigh our experience with the machine against its price tag to ask the very important question: is it worth the money?

After testing, we use these categories to calculate a final score out of five, and decide whether the machine has what it takes to make our roundup of the best walking treadmills.

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Sam Hopes
Staff writer

Sam Hopes is a level III fitness trainer, level II reiki practitioner, and resident fitness writer at Future PLC. Having trained to work with both the mind and body, Sam is a big advocate of using mindfulness techniques in sport and aims to bring mental wellbeing to the forefront of fitness. She’s also passionate about the fundamentals of training and how we can build more sustainable training methods. You’ll find her writing about the importance of habit-building, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and workouts.

With contributions from