Staying active at home is easier than ever nowadays. Whether you’re squeezing in some extra steps between meetings or training for your next half marathon, there’s loads of fitness equipment that’ll slot straight into your busy lifestyle.
We’re looking at two of the most popular – walking pads and treadmills. While they look pretty similar at first, they’re made for two very different goals. Walking pads focus on gentle daily movement, while treadmills cover everything from casual walks to intense running sessions.
So, which one’s right for you? We’ll walk you through both right here.
What is a walking pad?
A walking pad is a compact fitness machine built for walking. Think of it like a slimmed down treadmill that makes it easier to stay active throughout the day.
Most walking pads have a low-profile design that’ll slide under a bed, sofa or desk when they’re not being used. Some will even fold up too, making them a great shout if you haven’t got much space in your place, or room for a dedicated home gym.
Walking pads tend to have lower top speeds than treadmills. Instead of focusing on running workouts, they’re made to help you…
Increase your daily step count.
Walk while working from home.
Add more movement to your day.
Do low-impact exercise indoors.
What is a treadmill?
Treadmills are bigger exercise machines designed for walking, jogging and running. This makes them one of the most versatile pieces of cardio fitness equipment you can get.
Most treadmills come with a wider range of speeds than walking pads, letting you switch from a gentle stroll to a full-on sprint. Many models also pack in extra features like…
Adjustable incline settings.
Pre-programmed workouts.
Fitness app integration.
Heart-rate monitoring.
Detailed workout tracking.
These all make treadmills a better choice if you’re looking for more regular, structured workouts that’ll push you even more.
Walking pad vs treadmill: what’s the difference?
Here’s how the two stack up side by side…
| Feature | Walking pad | Treadmill |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Walking & daily activity | Walking, jogging & running |
| Speed range | Lower | Higher |
| Storage | Compact & foldable | Larger footprint |
| Incline | Rare | Common |
| Under-desk use | Yes | No |
| Workout intensity | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Noise | Usually quieter | Can be louder |
Walking pad benefits
Walking pads make it easy to stay active without drastically changing your routine…
Easy to fit into your day – Pads encourage movement during activities you’re already doing. So, you can get moving while you answer emails or catch up on some telly.
Great for beginners – If you’re new to exercise, they’re a great way to build healthy habits. There’s no complicated setup. And there’s zero pressure to start running.
Helps boost daily step counts – We know everyone’s trying to hit 10,000 steps where they can. But even a short walking session helps you to stay more active. A few walks across the day soon start to add up.
Easy to store – Unlike big, bulky fitness equipment, many pads can be folded up and tucked away when you’re finished with them.
Treadmill benefits
If your fitness goals go beyond a gentle walk, get yourself a treadmill.
Suitable for running – Treadmills cover everything from brisk walks to high speed runs.
More workout variety – Lots include interval training, hill climbs and guided workouts to keep sessions interesting (and on track).
Incline training – Inclines make your workout that bit harder. They help to engage different muscle groups too.
Great for endurance training – Training for a race? Or just improving your fitness? Treadmills let you gradually ramp up the challenge with timed runs and higher top speeds.
Which burns more calories?
That completely depends on how you use the machine. The number of calories you’ll burn will be influenced by…
Speed.
Workout length.
Incline.
Your body weight.
Exercise intensity.
Generally speaking, running on a treadmill burns more calories than walking does. That’s because your body is working harder and using more energy.
That said, don’t underestimate consistent walking. Using a walking pad throughout the day can still make a big contribution to how many calories you’re working off. Multiple sessions here and there quickly make those steps add up.
Walking pad vs treadmill for small spaces
If you haven’t got much space, a walking pad is the clear winner. They’ve been created with smaller homes in mind. They’re slim and lightweight. And they often fold away so you can store them out of sight when they’re not in use.
Treadmills, on the other hand, usually need a permanent spot or special workout area. Even folding treadmills tend to have a much bigger footprint than walking pads do.
Noise levels: which is quieter?
Walking pads are usually quieter than treadmills. Because they’re made for walking at slower speeds, there tends to be less motor noise and impact from your feet. This makes them a great choice for…
Flats and apartments.
Shared homes.
Home offices.
Early morning or evening workouts.
Treadmills can be noisier – especially if you’re really going for it during your run. The combo of higher speeds and heavier foot strikes naturally creates a lot more sound.
Features to look for before buying
Before you pick either machine, have a quick think about the following features:
Speed range – Make sure the machine supports the kind of exercise you want to do. Like we’ve mentioned already, walking pads tend to focus on a casual stroll, while treadmills are suitable for running.
Max user weight – Check the manufacturer's recommended weight limit to make sure you’re comfortable and safe.
Folding storage – If space is tight, look for foldable designs or models that can be easily stored away.
Running surface size – Longer and wider decks give you more room to move – which is especially good when you’re tall and have a long stride.
Incline settings – Add in a slope, and you’ll add more challenge and variety to your workout.
Fitness apps and smart connectivity – Many modern machines connect to apps on your phone. These’ll track your progress and provide you with guided workouts if you need them.
Display and workout tracking – With a built-in screen, you’ll be able to view useful metrics like speed, distance, time, calories burned and your heart rate.
Walking pad or treadmill: which should you buy?
The right choice comes down to your lifestyle, fitness goals and how much space you’ve got.
Choose a walking pad if:
You prefer to walk rather than run.
You work from home.
You haven’t got much storage space.
You want something more affordable.
You’d like to increase your daily activity levels.
Choose a treadmill if:
You jog or run regularly.
You want higher intensity workouts.
A few people will use the machine.
You want guided training programmes.
You have room for a dedicated exercise space.
If you’re looking for an easy way to move more throughout the day, go for a walking pad. If you’re focused on serious training or building up your endurance, you’ll probably get more from a treadmill.
FAQs
Is a walking pad the same as a treadmill?
Not quite. A walking pad is a type of treadmill. But it’s made specifically for walking and is easy to store away. Traditional treadmills are better for jogging and running. They’re much bigger and come with more advanced workout features.
Can you run on a walking pad?
Some walking pads allow a bit of light jogging. Most aren’t designed for regular running though. If running is a big part of your workout routine, a treadmill is going to be the better option.
Are walking pads good for weight loss?
Walking pads can support weight loss by helping you to stay active and burn calories during the day. Combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, they can be an effective tool for managing your weight.
Do walking pads fold away?
Lots of them do. This lets you store them flat under furniture or in a cupboard when they’re not being used.
How much space do I need for a treadmill?
The space you’ll need is going to vary by model. But you’ll generally need a dedicated area that’s large enough for the treadmill itself – plus extra room around it for safe use and ventilation.
Is a walking pad worth it for working from home?
For lots of people, yes. A walking pad lowers your sedentary time, boosts daily step counts and makes it easier to stay active while you work.
What speed should a beginner use on a walking pad?
We’d recommend starting with a comfortable pace of about 2-4 mph. That way, you’ll be able to maintain good posture and won’t feel like you’re about to fly off the pad!
Which is better for small homes, a walking pad or treadmill?
A walking pad is a better option. Their compact build and easy storage make them much easier to fit into smaller living spaces.
Need more advice?
Our tech advice doesn’t end there. Can tech help you run a marathon? One of our writers finds out! And if you’re about to get up and running – quite literally – for the first time, here’s the best running tech for beginners.
