Walking pads have become the darling of the work-from-home crowd. They promise movement without the commitment of a full treadmill, and they take up barely any space. But do they actually deliver?
I decided to find out by testing two popular models: the Egofit ComfortDesk-M2 and the Costway. What I discovered is that under-desk treadmills are far more capable than most people realize, though they come with some real tradeoffs.
The Speed Surprise
My first shock was discovering how fast these things actually go. I walked in assuming under-desk treadmills topped out around 3 mph, the casual strolling speed. Wrong. The Egofit reaches 5 mph, and the Costway hits 6 mph. That’s jogging territory for most people. If you’re planning to walk while taking calls, you’ll need to dial it back significantly. But the option is there if you want a more serious workout.
I tend to walk fast anyway, a habit I blame on years in New York. On these treadmills, a power walk felt like the bare minimum. If I’d been working on my laptop simultaneously, I’d have had to cut my pace in half. That’s worth knowing upfront.
The Egofit: Compact and Considerate
The Egofit is marketed as a mini model, which matters if you’re cramped for space. Setup was straightforward, and it rolls easily thanks to front wheels. The tread belt runs smooth and quiet, cushioned by a honeycomb deck that’s genuinely gentle on the knees.
The LED screen sits at the front base and tracks speed, steps, time, distance, and calories. The remote control lets you adjust speeds without bending down. Useful.
But here’s the catch: the tread is short. If you’re tall or have a long stride, you’ll feel like you’re constantly about to slide off the back. I’m on the shorter side and still had moments where I needed to watch my footing. The fixed 5 percent incline adds challenge but also means you’re always working slightly uphill.
I wouldn’t jog on this. The lack of anything to grab onto makes it a fall risk, especially for anyone with balance issues. For casual walking while you’re answering emails or hopping on calls, it’s solid. But it’s not a workout machine.
The Costway: Looks Good, Feels Rough
The Costway looks nicer in a home office. Wood paneling along the edges, a flat tread, wheels in front. It’s the pretty one. Quality-wise, though, it disappointed me.
The longer tread is genuinely better for taller people. Everything else felt like a compromise. It’s louder, squeakier, and the belt itself isn’t smooth. There’s minimal cushioning, so longer sessions leave your feet and joints feeling it. I kept thinking the belt would lubricate itself or the squeaking would fade. It didn’t. This is one of those products where you’ll be doing maintenance almost immediately.
What really bothered me was the abrupt stopping. When you hit the brake, this thing halts suddenly even while it’s technically slowing down. You have to brace yourself or risk stumbling. The lowest speeds also feel faster than they should, which creates this weird sensation that you’re always about to lose control.
At 6 mph, this treadmill is theoretically the fastest option. But I’d never feel comfortable pushing it there. If you do use this one, keep it at the lowest speeds and use a standing desk for stability.
When Under-Desk Treadmills Make Sense
These devices aren’t meant to replace your gym membership or weekend runs. They’re sneakers-on movement for people who are stuck at a desk all day. If you work from home and want to accumulate steps without going outside on a rainy Tuesday, they work.
The space advantage is real. Unlike a full treadmill, these slip under couches or fit against a wall. You can literally use one for 30 minutes while your coffee brews and your emails pile up. That’s not nothing.
But balance issues are a genuine safety concern. There’s no handrail, no emergency stop bar, just you and a moving belt. If you’re unsteady on your feet or have any doubt about your balance, skip this category entirely.
The Bigger Picture
Before you buy, research. Not all under-desk treadmills are created equal. Some are smooth, quiet, and well-built. Others squeak and jolt. The price difference isn’t always the indicator. Read reviews from people who actually use these daily, not just for a weekend test run.
And if you’re serious about getting fit, a full-size treadmill or Technology that gets you outside will do more for you in the long run. Under-desk treadmills are a supplement, not a solution. They’re perfect for filling dead time with movement, but they’re not a replacement for real exercise.
The real question isn’t whether you can use one. It’s whether you’ll actually use it consistently. That’s where most of us fall short, regardless of the equipment.
