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Treadmill vs Walking Pad: Which is the Better Workout?

by Christien Dariol on July 16, 2025

In the last few years, we’ve seen the rise of the walking pad as a highly coveted piece of home fitness tech. Many people swear by them, but are they really any better than your average treadmill? The right choice can make a big difference to your workout and your home, so it’s worth getting it right.

There’s a lot to consider here, such as your individual fitness goals, the space you have available and what kind of workout you prefer.

That’s why we’re here to guide you through these two machines and shed some light on which is the better choice for your needs.  

Walking Through Walking Pads

A walking pad is a slim, portable treadmill that’s usually just a standalone running belt, but sometimes comes with an extended handrail. The main thing you’ll notice is how compact they are compared to a traditional treadmill and are often foldable as well.

Many walking pads are designed around multitasking. That is, they’ll fit under a standing desk or in the lounge room so you can use them while you work or catch up on chores.

With a minimal footprint and quieter motors, they’re ideal for low-impact, daily movement rather than intense cardio sessions.

Walking Pad Advantages

 

  • Compact & Space-Saving: Easily stored under furniture or against walls
  • Work-Friendly Design: Pairs well with standing desks for walking while working
  • Low-Impact: Gentle on joints, great for recovery or injury prevention
  • Whisper-Quiet: Suitable for shared spaces or apartment living
  • Easy Setup & Usability: Most models are plug-and-go with minimal assembly
  • Budget-Friendly: Typically more affordable than full-sized treadmills

 

Who Should Get a Walking Pad?

Walking pads are best suited for: 

  • Remote professionals looking to stay active during work hours 
  • Apartment living or those with limited home gym space 
  • Seniors or rehab users needing a joint-friendly way to stay mobile 
  • Busy parents seeking light activity while multitasking at home 
  • Beginners who want to ease into regular movement 

 

Treading Through Treadmills

 

Traditional treadmills come in a few different forms, but generally consist of a running belt, frame and console.  

Treadmills are the classic choice for cardio training, weight loss, improving endurance or strengthening leg muscles. Many home treadmills will come with extra features like adjustable incline, workout programs, rehab assistance and Bluetooth. 

 

Treadmill Advantages

  • Versatile Intensity: Suitable for walking, jogging, sprinting and incline training 
  • Higher Calorie Burn: Higher speeds and extra challenges like incline lead to bigger energy expenditure 
  • Incline Features: Increase intensity and target different muscle groups 
  • Sturdy and Stable: Better suited for longer or more vigorous sessions 
  • Effective for Weight Loss & Endurance: Better for structured fitness plans 
  • Available in Multiple Sizes: From compact folding units to high-end gym models 

Who Should Get a Treadmill?

Treadmills are ideal for: 

  • Runners and joggers training indoors year-round 
  • Those trying to lose weight focusing on burning maximum calories 
  • Advanced trainers wanting high-intensity cardio or HIIT sessions 
  • Busy professionals who want a structured cardio solution at home 
  • Health-conscious families looking for a shared-use machine with advanced features 

Main Differences Between the Two

Feature 

Walking Pad 

Treadmill 

Size & Portability 

Slim, foldable, easy to store 

Larger, more robust, less portable 

Speed Range 

Low-speed walking only 

Supports walking, jogging and running 

Workout Intensity 

Light movement 

Light to high-intensity workouts 

Incline Options 

Not included 

Often includes incline functionality 

Noise Level 

Quieter, ideal for shared spaces 

Louder due to larger motor 

User Interface 

Simple remote or app control 

Advanced consoles with workout programs 

Use Case 

Movement during work or light home fitness 

Dedicated cardio sessions or endurance training 

Price Range 

Generally more affordable 

Wider range, often more expensive 


Similarities Between the Two

  • Cardio Support: Both provide an effective way to improve cardiovascular health through walking.
  •  Low-Impact Exercise: Walking on either machine is gentler on the joints than running outdoors or high-impact sports.
  • Indoor Convenience: No need to worry about weather, terrain or gym schedules.
  • Step Count Booster: Both help increase daily step count and combat sedentary behavior.
  •  Customisable Pace: You can control your walking speed on both machines to suit your comfort or fitness level.  
  • Supports Consistent Movement: Encourages a daily habit of movement, especially for people with desk jobs or busy lifestyles. 
  • Supports Consistent Movement: Encourages a daily habit of movement, especially for people with desk jobs or busy lifestyles. 
  • Digital Displays (in most models): Basic metrics like speed, distance and time are typically available on both. 
  • Beginner-Friendly: Great for users of all ages and fitness levels looking to ease into regular exercise.  

FINAL THOUGHTS

  • Choose a walking pad if you want a space-saving, quiet and convenient way to stay active throughout the day, especially while working. 
  • Choose a treadmill if you're looking for a more intense, versatile cardio workout with options to run, track performance and challenge your endurance. 

Both can help you break a sweat and build a healthier lifestyle; it just depends on how you want to move.  

Still undecided? You can always reach out to our team of experts to get further assistance on which is right for you.  

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