These past few years, I have become somewhat evangelical about the benefits of walking and hiking. Whether I feel sad, stressed or need perspective, I always find that it helps to pull on my walking shoes and head outside. That being said, the days are pulling in and the weather is proving pretty grim. I am not always in the mood to face the elements. It's why a pick of the best walking pads is so appealing.
While treadmills have always been popular, walking pads have skyrocketed in recent years due to remote working, social media trends like cosy cardio, and their accessible price. Last year, I asked myself: Are walking pads worth it? To find out, I did a deep dive and came to one conclusion: absolutely, yes.
Deals on the best walking pads
The quick list
Complete with nine incline levels and a smart app, the UREVO Cyberpad Smart Walking Pad ticked all the boxes. While it doesn't fold away or have a handrail, I decided it was worth the sacrifice for the compact size and excellent additional features. A true premium walking pad for a premium price.
If you've got limited space, a foldable walking pad will be essential. This one could easily have had the top spot, but this unique feature (and its surprising durability) deserves a title of its own.
As much as we may like to splash the cash on the best walking pads, it's important to have options. Of the cheaper pads, this HOMCOM machine is the foldable option that Digital Health Editor Grace Walsh recommends. She liked the foldable handlebar in particular, as it made the machine usable for under-desk working, while offering support when walking freely.
For a cheaper option overall, I'd recommend the CitySports Under Desk Treadmill. This was one of the first walking pads I ever tested, and I immediately loved how easy it was to use and the instant change I saw in my step count. It's just over £100 and the best one to buy if you're on a budget, as it's still cheaper than the others on sale.
I'm more of a walker, but if you did fancy a jog on your pick of the best walking pads, I'd recommend getting one that goes up to higher speeds - like the New Image Fitt Mill Treadmill and Walking Pad combined, which can reach an impressive 12km/h.
A handrail isn't only there for support with the Active Sport walking pad. This one has a small platform that can hold your phone or tablet for easier phone calls and television watching. It also has a foldable design that makes it convenient to use and store.
As well as being designed with a chic wooden grain effect, the UREVO SpaceWalk E4W Smart Treadmill has smaller dimensions than other walking pads on my list, making it a great option for tighter spaces.
The best walking pads to buy in 2025
The best walking pad overall
The UREVO CyberPad is a walking pad with a serious wow factor. From its sleek design and glowing light settings to its ultra-smooth motor, Bluetooth connectivity, and nine incline levels, it brings a touch of premium gym into your home.
Weighing 32kg, it’s on the heavier side, so I found storage took some planning. It doesn’t fold down, but it fitted neatly at the end of my small sitting room and looked smart enough to leave on show. The LED display is bright and clear, showing time, distance, calories, speed and incline level, and a handheld remote allows you to adjust settings and track your steps with ease.
Setup is simple. Once it’s out of the box, just plug it in, pair the Bluetooth remote, and you’re ready to go. I found it comfortable underfoot, and the motor is whisper-quiet, which is perfect if you want to use it while others are around.
The speed settings (up to 6km/h) move swiftly and quietly, but it is the fluid incline capabilities that are particularly impressive. There are nine levels, taking you up to a 14% incline. In reality, this feels like you are going up a steep hill. At the top, I found a speed setting of around 4km/h at the maximum incline left me slightly breathless within a few minutes. Perfect. When I'm watching television, I use a lower incline.
The optional lighting adds a fun touch, with the option to change colour or switch it off entirely, and the accompanying UREVO app is a real bonus. You can track your workouts and follow a variety of guided sessions, from energising power walks to slower, mindful ambles. The app’s outdoor scenes, such as beach paths or alpine trails, keep things interesting, and the incline adjusts automatically to match real-life terrain. At over £500, it’s not cheap, but I think the quality, quiet performance and innovative features make it worth the price tag.
The best foldable walking pad
If, like me, space is limited, a foldable walking pad is a game-changer. The BodyMax WP60 comes highly rated for being compact, quiet and easy to use, and I found it lives up to the praise. Opened out, it measures 143cm long, but folds up neatly to 82cm, making it one of the more space-saving options on the market.
The sleek LED display clearly shows your time, speed, distance and step count, and allows you to switch between manual (M) and automatic (A) modes. I found having this to be particularly useful when I didn't have my fitness tracker on hand to record these stats. It comes with a remote control, wrist strap, power cord, user manual and maintenance accessories, including silicone oil and an Allen key. There’s no handrail, but you can purchase a compatible handle separately if you prefer extra support.
At 28kg, it's not featherlight, but it is significantly lighter than other walking pads on my list, which is essential in a foldable design, as it needs to be easier to move. The built-in wheels help with manoeuvring when folded, too.
This walking pad is also unique as it has an extended base, allowing my legs to stretch out for a long, natural stride. While it's a consideration if you've only got a small space, it was an unexpected feature I hadn't realised I appreciated until I started using the BodyMax WP60 walking pad.
For the manual setting, you press start, wait three seconds and walk. Speeds range from 0.5 to 6 km/h, with a gentle soft-lock feature that limits speed until you’ve walked your first kilometre. I enjoyed trying out the automatic mode as well, which adjusts your pace depending on where you step on the belt, but this feature works best on hard floors.
Overall, the BodyMax WP60 is a sleek, solid performer for indoor walking workouts. Its foldable design, smooth belt and quiet motor make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to tuck their machine away after doing their workout.
The best cheap foldable walking pad
If you can, it's always better to invest a little more in your home workout kit - the best walking pads included. But getting more steps in doesn't have to cost hundreds if you don't have the budget to spend. Take the HOMCOM Foldable Walking Pad - a favourite of Digital Health Editor Grace Walsh, and reviewed by writer Katie Sims.
"With a speed range of 1-6 km/h, this walking pad can be used for anything from a gentle stroll to a light run, and I liked that I can track time elapsed, distance, speed, and calories burnt on the LCD," said Katie.
The HOMCOM Foldable Walking Pad can also be turned vertically on its head and stored away easily and neatly into a tall cupboard or against a wall. "Fitted with a foldable handlebar, the walking pad wouldn't look out of place in a gym. But once I'd set the device up (in four simple steps), I was pleased with how it looked in my home office, where I planned to do most of the testing," said Katie.
"The device is bulkier than others, like the CITYSPORTS Under Desk Treadmill, and quite heavy to transport. It also doesn't have any incline settings, which is disappointing, but given the foldability and versatility of the machine, it's sacrifices worth making," she said.
Read my full review of the HOMCOM Foldable walking pad
The best cheap walking pad
Budget-friendly means something different to everyone, but if you're after a cheaper, fuss-free pad to reap the benefits of walking, then I'd recommend the CitySports Walking Pad. It was the first of the bunch that I tried, and one I kept coming back to time and again.
Compact and efficient, it weighs just 17kg, making it the lightest on my list and much easier to move and store than other walking pads. There’s no handrail or desk attachment, but its sleek, minimalist design and built-in wheels make it easy to slide under a sofa, bed or desk when not in use.
To get going, you just plug in and switch on. The LED display tracks your time, distance and calories burned, while the built-in Bluetooth speaker allows you to pair your phone to play music or podcasts. A compact remote control means you can start, stop or adjust speed with ease.
In use, I found the pad straightforward and smooth to use, making the price point for this one particularly impressive. Step on, press start, and after three short beeps, the belt begins to roll. The pad reaches up to 6km/h, matching the speed of pricier models but not one for faster walking pads. The 6km/h max setting allows you to do a good brisk walk or a very gentle jog. The non-slip running belt feels stable, and its length allows for a natural stride.
Despite its low price, the CitySports pad performs really well. It’s quiet, even at higher speeds, thanks to its shock-absorbing design, making it ideal for use while watching TV or working from home. Overall, the CitySports Walking Pad is a brilliant buy. Lightweight, compact and easy to use, it’s a great-value option that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good workout.
The best walking pad with faster speeds
The New Image FITT Mill is not for the faint-hearted. At 34kg, it’s the heaviest of all the best walking pads I tested. Once it’s in place, though, the effort is worth it. Designed for both walking and running, it reaches an impressive 12 km/h, which is double the speed of most others on my list, making it a great multitasker for home fitness.
This sturdy treadmill comes with a built-in handrail, magnetic safety clip, a phone or tablet holder, and a remote control, ticking all the right boxes for convenience and safety. The compact display screen shows time, speed and distance, and you can download the New Image app to track progress and follow guided workouts.
I found the running belt strong and steady, even at higher speeds, and the motor remains impressively quiet. While I'm more of a walker than a runner (and I'd always suggest getting a proper treadmill, if you do want to run), I tested the New Image FITT Mill at higher speeds for a quick jog, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it didn't wobble. I felt safe and secure on the belt, and the handrail is a welcome addition for any fellow running novices.
If you are looking for a treadmill, rather than a walking pad, then we can recommend the Mobvoi Home Treadmill for a stable, compact option designed specifically for treadmill workouts.
Overall, the FITT Mill delivers excellent value for those looking to walk at faster speeds than the standard 6km/h offered on most of the best walking pads. It’s robust, reliable and well-equipped, which isn't to be undervalued. For anyone wanting a durable treadmill, this is a brilliant all-rounder.
The best walking pad with handrail
Stylish, practical and easy on the wallet, the Active Sport 2-in-1 Treadmill offers impressive versatility for its price. Available in grey or pink, it features front and side handrails for added stability, and a top speed of 10 km/h. I could comfortably walk or run on this walking pad, depending on my energy levels on a given day.
At just over 20kg, it’s relatively light for a treadmill of its capabilities. The control panel includes a magnetic safety key (a nice reassurance) and can be operated either via the console or the remote control. The LED display shows your time, distance, speed and calories burned and also doubles as a stand for your phone or tablet, but there’s no Bluetooth connection.
However, the key selling point for this walking pad is the handrail, especially if you want to walk 30 minutes a day (or more). The double support lifts and locks into position, but you need to unscrew and then rescrew it into place. You also need to attach the side rails by screwing them into the front rail. It doesn’t take too long, and I appreciated the built-in support structures when I was walking at higher speeds. Admittedly, though, it could become tedious if you want to pack the treadmill away after each use.
The base isn’t as heavy-duty as pricier models, but it’s stable for daily walking or light jogging, which is another advantage of this walking pad over others, in my view. The motor runs quietly, producing a soft “whoosh” as you pick up the pace, but it isn’t too disruptive for home use. For under £150 and with two handrails included, it feels safe, easy to use, and delivers brilliant value.
The best walking pad for smaller spaces
With its stylish wood-grain finish and slim, compact frame, the UREVO SpaceWalk E4W makes a great first impression - and it's the perfect option for small spaces like home offices and living rooms. It’s sleek enough to blend into any room and, thanks to its built-in wheels and lightweight design, is easy to move or tuck away when not in use. It's also the smallest walking pad on this list.
While it doesn’t offer incline functionality, it has a good speed range of 1 - 6 km/h, which works for steady strolls, brisk walks and very light jogs, and is very similar to the speeds offered by most of the best walking pads. If you're looking to move a little faster, however, I'd recommend the New Image Fitt Mill Treadmill and Walking Pad.
The walking pad arrived with all the essentials - power cord, hex tool, oil, remote control, and manual. To set it up, you just plug it in, switch on the power, and you’re ready to go. The handheld remote lets you start, stop, pause (for up to 10 minutes), and adjust your speed with ease. You can even mute the beeps for quieter operation, which is ideal.
The LED screen is bright and clear, showing speed, distance, time, steps, and calories burned. For those who like to track progress more closely, you can also connect to the free UREVO app, which offers fitness challenges, workout tracking, and scenic virtual walks.
During testing, the treadmill felt stable and comfortable underfoot, even up to the full 6km/h speed. The belt has a good grip and remains pleasantly quiet, even during faster walks, which is ideal for shared living spaces. In short, this is a stylish, practical and compact walking pad.
Testing the best walking pads
Susan Griffin tested over 10 walking pads to create this guide.
How I tested
Over the past few weeks, I have been busy testing the best walking pads of various weights and capabilities to assess how easy each one was to set up, move, and use. It was no mean feat in my small terraced house, so it says something about their compact dimensions that I could store up to four at any one time.
When testing, I based my ranking on the following criteria:
- Set-up: I made a point of detailing the weight of each walking pad, how easy or cumbersome they were to move, and whether it was ready to be used straightaway or required additional set-up (e.g. with handrails that needed to be attached).
- Comfort and grip: It is essential to feel comfortable and secure when using a walking pad for a workout, so I used all inclines and speed settings to measure the smoothness, sturdiness, grip, and comfort of each walking pad. I also checked whether or not the settings fluidly moved from one to the next, and whether the walking pad easily started and stopped.
- Noise: Disturbing others can be an issue when using a walking pad, so I tried them out while my partner (and dog) were also in the sitting room to see what sort of nuisance each walking pad caused, if any. I also used each one with the TV on to see whether I could hear a show over the motor.
- Storage: One of the key considerations when buying a walking pad is storage. So, I looked at the dimensions of each walking pad (the length and width), whether it was foldable, and if it was easy to store, or more likely that it would need to be kept out.
- Price point: I was keen to include a wide range of prices to suit different budgets. I also wanted to compare the specifications of cheaper walking pads with higher-priced ones to highlight when it was worth paying more money or if a more cost-effective option failed to meet basic needs.
- Additional details: I looked to see whether there were additional accessories, such as a handrail, lighting options, apps, Bluetooth, colourway options and safety clips.
How to choose the best walking pad for you
Having tried all sorts of walking pads, I would say the most important thing you can do before buying one is to really think about your needs, requirements, and storage. Do you just want to walk, or have the option to run as well? Do you need a handrail for extra support? Do you have the space to keep a walking pad out all the time, or do you need one that can be swiftly stored away? And do you want to be able to track your progress on an app? Taking the time to consider these questions will help you make a purchase you’ll value rather than regret.
I also asked Rebecca Bossick, the co-founder and lead physiotherapist at One Body LDN, for other factors to consider before choosing a walking pad:
- Prioritise comfort and quality: This matters far more than sleek looks or high-tech features. A good pad should support your natural posture and gait; if it doesn’t, you risk doing more harm than good over time.
- Pay attention to cushioning and deck design: Pads with shock-absorbing surfaces are much kinder to your knees, hips, and lower back, making them ideal for daily use or for anyone with existing joint issues. This kind of support becomes especially important if you’re over forty or dealing with conditions like osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, or general stiffness.
- Think about size: Ultra-slim or foldable models are handy for storage, but if the walking surface is too narrow, it can subtly change your stride and put pressure on the hips or ankles. Always check that the pad gives your feet enough space to land naturally.
- Consider noise: Noise level is a big one, and a quiet motor helps ensure you’ll actually use it regularly, especially if you live in a flat or work from home.
- Consider speed range: You’ll want a pad that allows gentle, steady walking, but some flexibility for brisk walking intervals can make it more versatile.
- Consider safety features: If balance is a concern or you’re recovering from injury, slower maximum speeds with safety features like a handrail are a better choice.
- Look for simple, intuitive controls: You shouldn’t need to fiddle with settings just to start walking. A clear display showing time, steps, and speed is enough for most people, while app connectivity and smart features are nice extras rather than essentials.
Do walking pads really work?
Don’t underestimate the positive impact of using a walking pad. Although nothing beats getting outdoors to enjoy nature’s benefits, sometimes you won't have the time or inclination - and that's completely normal. A walking pad is an accessible way to get active, fit in moderate-intensity exercise, and it's suitable for all fitness levels. I know someone in their late 70s who recently lost a stone walking for 20 minutes a day on their walking pad. The impact can be transformative.
“Walking pads are a smart way to fit more movement into your day without overhauling your schedule. As a physiotherapist, I often recommend gentle, low-impact activity to people recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or simply trying to offset the effects of sitting too much, and walking pads have made that easier than ever,” says Bossick.
Using a walking pad can also help improve joint, muscle, and bone health, says the physio, helping to offset any loss caused by hormonal changes in menopause. "Unlike running, which puts extra stress on the knees and hips, walking is gentle and joint-friendly," she says. "Also, for anyone with osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions, a walking pad offers a safe, controlled way to stay mobile and pain-free."
For beginners looking to try walking as a workout, it's an "excellent confidence builder", she adds. "Many users start with short, easy sessions and end up improving their mobility, balance, and general wellbeing almost without realising they’re exercising."
However, consistency is key. “Just 20 to 30 minutes of light movement each day can improve cardiovascular health, support blood sugar control, and lift energy levels, proof that small, consistent steps make a big difference,” says the physio.
