My Experience Testing Under-Desk Treadmills, as Both a Fitness Expert and Busy Mom

As a mom, I’m always multitasking and thinking about what I need to do next. This also includes when I’m going to schedule in my workouts. While I typically prefer walking and running outdoors for cardio, this can be difficult when temperatures are low or the weather isn’t ideal. I decided to check out under-desk treadmills, as CNET’s resident fitness expert and treadmill tester, to see if they would help me keep up with my step count while indoors. I received samples from Egofit and Costway to test for my experiment.

I placed one in my living room and the other in my bedroom. Each treadmill came in a tightly packed box that was easy to unbox and set up. What makes having an under-desk treadmill convenient is that you can place it just about anywhere and it won’t take up much room. Some can even be stored under your couch or bed.

My experience testing under-desk treadmills

I underestimated how fast these treadmills can go. I assumed that under-desk treadmills capped at 3 mph, but the treadmills I tested can go up to 5 (Egofit) and 6 mph (Costway), respectively. That’s a jogging or running pace for some people, so it’s something to consider if you plan on owning 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 on its own while I answered emails on my phone and listened to a podcast. I enjoyed being able to get some steps in while also doing some work. It made me feel extra productive, and I was able to do all of this without leaving my home. 

I aimed to hop on the under-desk treadmills for at least a half-hour on the days I didn’t go to the gym or when I had the spare time. I tend to walk at a fast pace – I guess that’s the New Yorker in me – which made walking on an under-desk treadmill feel more like a power walk than a leisurely stroll. If I was using a treadmill as I worked on my laptop, I’m sure I would’ve reduced the speed to match that of a more casual stroll. 

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

Like

• Cushioned landing
• Small profile
• Smooth belt

Don’t like

• Short tread belt
• Design could be more stylish
• Fast speed questionable without support

The Egofit ComfortDesk-M2 under-desk treadmill is considered a mini under-desk treadmill, which may matter if you’re limited in space. I found it easy to set up once you get it out of the box, and it has wheels in front, so it’s easy to move it around. The tread belt is smooth and not too loud when it’s on and has a honeycomb comfortdeck cushioning, which provides for a soft landing and is easy on the knees. It comes with a remote control, which lets you increase or decrease the speed or stop the machine. 

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

I wouldn’t recommend attempting a jog on a treadmill like this one because it could be risky and there’s nothing to grab onto if you lose your footing. If you are someone who has balance issues, I would avoid under-desk treadmills because it can put you at risk of a fall. However, this can be a suitable option if you’re looking for a treadmill that you can use for a casual walk while you take calls or do some work. It also has a fixed 5% incline, so it’s more challenging since it feels like you’re walking slightly uphill. 

Other under-desk treadmills we tested

Like

• Aesthetically would look nice in an office or living room
• Ideal for taller people

Don’t like

• Belt is not smooth
• Abrupt stop isn’t ideal when stopping
• Belt squeaks loudly when in use

Aesthetically, the Costway treadmill looks nicer and like it would blend in well in a home office, but the quality was not my favorite. Unlike the Egofit treadmill, the Costway tread is flat with wood paneling around the border. It also has wheels in the front and an LED screen that shares speed, calories burned, time and distance. It comes with a remote control so you can control the speed of the treadmill. 

The first thing I observed was that the tread belt is longer, making it more ideal for someone who is taller. A downside is that this treadmill is much louder than I would prefer when it’s in use. It squeaks and sounds like it needs to be lubricated (a form of upkeep when you own a treadmill). I also found myself thinking I was going to fly off of it because the lowest speeds feel faster than you would expect. The belt itself isn’t the smoothest either, which made me feel less comfortable walking on it. Compared to the Egofit, it lacked cushioning, so I wouldn’t rely on it for longer walks.

What shocked me was that this treadmill goes up to 6 mph, which I personally thought was fast for an under-desk treadmill. I wouldn’t feel comfortable increasing the speed on the Costway unless I lubricated the belt and it improved the feel of it. However, I still think it’s risky because when I’ve stopped this treadmill, it stops abruptly even as it reduces speed and you have to brace yourself. This treadmill may work if you plan on keeping it at the lowest speeds (1 mph and under) 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 option. It’s helpful if you don’t have the time to get outside or hit the gym. These also take up less space than a standard treadmill and can often be stored under a couch or bed. But if you are someone with balance issues, I would reconsider buying one since it doesn’t have support and can be a fall risk. If you’re looking to get more out of your treadmill, I’d recommend investing in a full-size model. I would also look up reviews – since there are so many under-desk treadmills now,  you want to make sure you invest in one that’s smooth, quiet and fits the area for your needs. 

What to consider when shopping for an under-desk treadmill

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

• Size: You’ll want to make sure the under-desk treadmill fits well in your home. Some treadmills have a smaller frame, while others have a longer deck. You can also store some easily away under your bed or couch when it’s not in use.
• Belt length: If you are tall, you’ll want to make sure you choose a treadmill that has a longer belt length. Some are shorter and may not be the right fit you for you. Additionally, consider if you’d like 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’ll comfortable with the speed levels.
• Noise: You’ll want to consider the noise level the treadmill gives off because some are quieter than others.
• Features: Some treadmills have different features and settings, while others are more basic. Most come with a remote control so you can easily control the speed and stop when you want.
• Safety: Unlike a traditional treadmill, most under-desk treadmills don’t have handles or safety rails to hold onto. Therefore, it may not be the right option for you if you have balance issues.

Best under-desk treadmill FAQS