Walking Pad vs Treadmill: Differences & How to Choose

You’re looking for a way to meet your fitness goals—we applaud you!

Maybe you want to get stronger after an injury. Maybe you hope to shed a few pounds or simply find a new way to get in those daily steps.

Studies show that using a treadmill or a walking pad while working can lower stress, improve overall mood, and literally reduce your waistline.¹ That’s a pretty big deal! But between a walking pad vs treadmill, which is right for you?

Let’s break it all down: the differences, pros, and cons of each piece of equipment.

What is a Walking Pad?

Like a treadmill, a walking pad is a motorized, moving belt. That said, it’s smaller, lighter, and doesn’t include a control pad at the front, so you can store it easily.

Some walking pads come with a bar to hold onto for support, while others are completely hands-free, allowing you to type on a computer while you stroll.

Advantages of Walking Pads

Social media trends aside, why might you choose a walking pad over an at-home treadmill?

Compared to treadmills, walking pads are usually:

• Smaller
• Lighter
• Quieter
• Less expensive
• Able to fit perfectly under a standing desk

You can think of a mini walking pad as a Treadmill Lite.

What is a Treadmill?

If you’ve ever been to the gym (and maybe even if you haven’t), you’ve seen this popular icon of health and wellness. For nearly 60 years, the different types of treadmills have been key players in the arena of home fitness.²

Advantages of Treadmills

When it comes to the battle between a walking pad vs treadmill, why might a person prefer a treadmill?

Compared to a walking pad, a treadmill can:

• Reach higher speeds
• Take more weight
• Create and adjust an incline
• Offer other special features, like calorie tracking
• Withstand harder footfalls and impact from higher intensity workouts

Ultimately, it’s more of a go-to for people in the mood to sweat.

Key Differences Between Walking Pads and Treadmills

The most notable differences between treadmills and walking pads are their size, speed, special features, and cost. Let’s take a look at how each stacks up in these categories.

Size and Space Requirements

Walking pads undoubtedly win in this category. Because of their small size, you can easily find walking pads that slip under a bed or couch, whereas a treadmill must stay firmly planted in one spot.

Speed and Performance

A treadmill is designed to reach faster speeds than a walking pad. That means you can get in a pretty significant workout.

If you’re looking for a more casual pace that allows you to type, click, or even take a Zoom meeting, consider a walking pad.

Features and Usability

At a higher price point and equipped with an advanced control pad, treadmills tend to come with a fancier resumé.

In general, treadmills can: 

• Increase and decrease your incline
• Track your heart rate
• Track your calories burned

Cost Comparison

There’s no way around it—walking pads are the wallet-friendly option.

Of course, if you’re interested in working up a real sweat, the higher price tag on a treadmill could be worth the investment.

How to Choose Between a Walking Pad and a Treadmill

Overall, walking pads are ideal for busy home-workers who are looking to get their steps in. On the other hand, treadmills are usually a better choice for those who are looking to achieve heavier-hitting fitness goals.

If you still can’t decide between a walking pad vs treadmill, don’t worry—it’s just a matter of asking yourself the right questions!

Identify Your Fitness Objectives

Are you trying to push yourself? Break a sweat? Get that heart rate up? If so, you’re looking for the speed and incline of a treadmill. Check out our treadmill buying guide if this sounds like you.

Are you trying to work while you exercise? Raise that step count on your phone or smartwatch? In these cases, you could easily fall in love with a walking pad.

Maybe you want to set aside dedicated time to exercise, but you know that a slow pace will suit your body better. A walking pad could be the answer for you.

Evaluate Your Available Space

Fitness facilities are usually required to leave four or five feet of free space behind a treadmill for safety reasons. If you’re thinking of installing a treadmill in your home, you might want to follow this rule of thumb as well.

Don’t be afraid to take a tape measure to your room and get specific about measurements.

Budget for Your Equipment

Realistically, you’re looking at the $100-500 range for walking pads. For a treadmill, you can expect to pay somewhere in the $1000s.

If your budget is flexible, consider whether an investment in a treadmill could help you reach your personal health goals or if a walking pad will suffice. Additionally, you might consider an under-desk elliptical vs treadmill. Check out our blog for more information there.

Consider Additional Features and Needs

Are you trying to keep to a strict fitness schedule? If so, some walking pads are small and light enough to be portable, so you can go on that family trip and never miss a day. Additionally, if you’re looking for a way to work out while you work, you may prefer the quiet operation of a walking pad over a louder treadmill.

Discover Lifepro Walking Pads and Treadmills Today

Regardless of whether you opt for a walking pad or a treadmill, consider Lifepro your go-to for affordable equipment, hundreds of free workout videos, and, most importantly, a community of people who care about getting healthy. 

Check out our website for a range of equipment and a wealth of free fitness resources.

Sources: 

1. Preventative Medicine. A systematic review of standing and treadmill desks in the workplace. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009174351400454X?casa
2. The New York Times. William Staub, Engineer Who Built an Affordable Treadmill, Dies at 96. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/business/william-staub-pioneer-of-affordable-treadmill-dies-at-96.html

Author

Joel Gottehrer

Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries.

They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.