If you’ve ever wondered what’s the difference between a treadmill and a walking pad, you’re not alone. With more people working from home, both machines are popular ways to stay active. While they look similar, they serve different needs based on your goals, space, and budget. This guide compares features, benefits, and ideal users so you can choose confidently.

Walking Pad vs Treadmill: Quick Comparison

What Is a Walking Pad?

A walking pad (also called an under-desk treadmill) is a compact treadmill built purely for walking. Most models lack handrails and a large console, making them easy to slide under a standing desk or store out of sight.

Typical Features

• Top speeds around 3–4 MPH
• Remote or smartphone app control
• No incline/decline (or a fixed incline)
• Lightweight and portable; minimal assembly

Benefits of a Walking Pad

• Budget-friendly compared with full-size treadmills
• Great for apartments and small spaces
• Encourages more steps during the workday
• Simple setup and storage

What Is a Treadmill?

A treadmill uses a more powerful motor, built-in console, and safety rails to support walking, jogging, and running. Many units include adjustable incline (and sometimes decline) for training variety and progression.

For example, a FAMISTAR treadmill combines durable construction with a foldable design and capable motor output—ideal for daily walking and running in a home gym.

Benefits of a Treadmill

• Supports walking, jogging, running, and interval training
• Incline options for strength and calorie burn
• Handrails and emergency stop features for safety
• Higher weight capacities and longer belts
• Consoles for metrics and guided programs

What’s the Difference Between a Treadmill and a Walking Pad?

The biggest differences relate to intended use, motor power, and safety.

Key Differences

1. Workout intensity: Walking pads suit easy, steady walking; treadmills enable jogging, running, and HIIT.
2. Safety: Treadmills offer handrails and consoles; walking pads commonly do not.
3. Motor strength: Walking pads ~1 HP; treadmills often 2.5–4+ CHP.
4. User goals: Walking pads boost daily steps; treadmills support endurance, weight management, and performance.

Key Similarities

• Both help increase daily movement at home or in the office.
• Both display basic metrics (speed, distance, time).
• Both require routine maintenance (e.g., belt lubrication).

Who Should Use Each?

Choose a Walking Pad If You:

• Work long hours at a desk and want to walk while you work
• Have limited space and need easy storage
• Only need light, steady walking
• Are confident without handrails

Choose a Treadmill If You:

• Want variety (walking, jogging, running, incline intervals)
• Prefer built-in safety rails and an emergency stop
• Need higher weight capacity and longer deck length
• Value programming and progress tracking on a console

Conclusion

When deciding what’s the difference between a treadmill and a walking pad, start with your space, budget, and training goals. A walking pad is excellent for under-desk steps in small spaces, while a treadmill unlocks true workout versatility and progression.

Walking Pad vs Treadmill: FAQs

1) What’s the difference between a treadmill and a walking pad?

Walking pads are compact, walk-only devices typically without handrails. Treadmills are larger, more powerful, and include safety rails and consoles for walking, jogging, and running.

2) Can you run on a walking pad?

Most walking pads max out around 3–4 MPH—good for walking, not for running.

3) Is a treadmill better than a walking pad for weight loss?

Generally yes. Treadmills support higher intensities (running, incline intervals) that often burn more calories.

4) Are walking pads safe for seniors?

Because many walking pads lack handrails, seniors may prefer treadmills with built-in safety rails.

5) What treadmill brand should I consider?

FAMISTAR offers foldable, durable treadmills with motor power suitable for daily walking and running.

References

• Abd El-Kader SM, Al-Jiffri OH, Ashmawy EM, Gaowgzeh RA. Treadmill walking exercise modulates bone mineral status and inflammatory cytokines in obese asthmatic patients with long term intake of corticosteroids. Afr Health Sci. 2016;16(3):798–808. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v16i3.21
• Donnelly JE, Honas JJ, Smith BK, et al. Aerobic exercise alone results in clinically significant weight loss for men and women: Midwest Exercise Trial 2. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013;21(3):E219–E228. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.20145
• Schneider SM, Lee SM, Feiveson AH, et al. Treadmill exercise within lower body negative pressure protects leg lean tissue mass and extensor strength and endurance during bed rest. Physiol Rep. 2016;4(15):e12892. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.12892
• American Heart Association. Endurance exercise. (2024). https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/endurance-exercise
• Harvard Health Publishing. The many ways exercise helps your heart. (2023). https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-many-ways-exercise-helps-your-heart