Walking pads and treadmills both give you a moving belt to walk on at home, but they're built for different jobs. A treadmill is a piece of exercise equipment designed for training. A walking pad is designed to fit walking into everyday life. Here's how they compare, so you can choose the one that suits how you'll actually use it.
The short answer
- Choose a walking pad if you want to walk while you work, watch TV or take calls, you're short on space, and you want to put it away when you're done.
- Choose a treadmill if you want to run, train on steep inclines, or prefer a handrail and a large console.
Side by side
| Walking pad | Typical treadmill | |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Walking during everyday activities | Walking, running and training |
| Speed | Walking speeds | Walking and running speeds |
| Frame | Low and flat, usually no handrail or upright console | Upright frame with handrails and a console |
| Space | Fits under a desk; stores under a sofa or bed | Needs its own floor space, even when folded |
| Moving it | Usually light enough to roll away on wheels | Usually heavy; stays where it is |
| Controls | Remote and small display | Console with buttons and programs |
These are general differences; check the exact specifications of any model you're considering.
Space and storage
This is often the deciding factor. A treadmill needs a permanent spot. A walking pad can be used in the middle of a room and then hidden. The Saunterly Walking Pad is 45.7 × 19.1 × 4.2 inches and weighs 35.3 lb, with two front wheels for rolling it away.
Speed and intensity
Treadmills are built to go fast, and many offer motorized incline. Walking pads focus on walking speeds. The Saunterly pad runs from 0.6 to 4 mph, which covers a slow desk walk up to a brisk walk, and it isn't designed for running.
Use while working
A treadmill's console and handrails get in the way of a desk. A walking pad's low, open design slides under a standing desk so you can type, read and take calls while you walk. If that's your plan, see our guide on how to use a walking pad while working from home.
Stability
If you want something to hold on to, a treadmill's handrails help. Many walking pads don't have a handrail, so walk at a pace where you feel steady, look ahead and use the remote to slow down or stop. If you have a health condition or any doubt about walking exercise, check with your doctor first.
Which one will you use?
The best machine is the one you use regularly. If a treadmill would sit in a spare room waiting for a dedicated workout, a walking pad that's ready under your desk may get far more use. That's the idea behind Saunterly: the walking pad gets you moving, and the Saunterly app, with a daily plan and the 30-Day Movement Reset, helps you keep going. The pad doesn't connect to the app; you log walks yourself. See how the app works.
Not sure yet? Read what a walking pad is and how it works, or try one at home with 30-day free returns.