If you want to move more at home, you will quickly see two options everywhere: walking pads and treadmills.
Both help you walk or run indoors – but they are not the same. This guide explains the key differences and helps you decide which one fits your home, your body and your daily routine.
What Is a Walking Pad?
A walking pad is a compact, low-profile treadmill without big handrails. Most people use it for:
- Walking slowly while working at a desk
- Light cardio in a small living room or bedroom
- Increasing daily steps without going to the gym
Typical features:
- Speed range: up to around 6 km/h
- Very slim and easy to slide under a bed or sofa
- Often lighter and easier to move than a full treadmill
- Designed mainly for walking, not fast running
At CITYSPORTS, our walking pads (like WP6 or ZX3) are built for home office and apartment use, with quiet motors and compact folding designs.
👉 You can see all our models here: Browse our Walking Pad Collection
What Is a Traditional Treadmill?
A traditional treadmill is the bigger machine you see in most gyms:
- A large running deck
- Full handrails and a console
- Often higher speeds (10–16 km/h or more)
- Sometimes automatic incline and built-in training programs
Typical use:
- Jogging and running workouts
- Interval training
- More intense cardio sessions
At home, a treadmill is great if:
- You really enjoy running
- You have enough space
- You don’t mind a larger machine in your room
Key Differences: Walking Pad vs Treadmill
1. Space & Storage
-
Walking pad:
- Slim, low, can be pushed under a bed, sofa or desk
- Easy to move between rooms
-
Treadmill:
- Higher and longer, needs a fixed space
- Even foldable treadmills usually still take more room
If you live in a small flat, a walking pad is often the easier choice.
2. Speed & Training Style
-
Walking pad:
- Built for walking and light, steady cardio
- Perfect for long, easy sessions at low speed
-
Treadmill:
- Built for jogging and running
- Better if you want intense workouts and higher heart rates
If your main goal is to move more during the day, a walking pad is enough. If you want serious running workouts, a treadmill fits better.
3. Noise
-
Walking pad:
- Smaller motor, often quieter
- Less impact noise because you walk, not run
-
Treadmill:
- Larger motor and stronger impact noise
- Can be loud in small rooms or in apartments with neighbours below
For apartment living, a quiet walking pad + floor mat is usually the safest bet.
4. Price
In general:
- Walking pads are usually more affordable than full treadmills
- Treadmills cost more, especially if they have incline and advanced consoles
If you are unsure whether you will stick with indoor walking or running, starting with a walking pad is often a good way to test the habit.
5. Safety & Comfort
-
Walking pads:
- Lower step-up height, easier for older users or beginners
- Some models include a simple handrail or safety strap
-
Treadmills:
- Full handrails give more support at higher speeds
- Larger deck can feel more stable for running
Always check the maximum user weight and deck size before buying – for both walking pads and treadmills.
Which One Is Better for Your Home?
Ask yourself three simple questions:
-
How much space do I have?
Very small apartment / home office → walking pad
Dedicated fitness room → treadmill is possible -
What is my main goal?
Move more, increase daily steps, walk while working → walking pad
Run, do intervals, train for races → treadmill -
How sensitive is my building to noise?
Thin floors, nervous neighbours → walking pad + mat
Detached house, basement room → treadmill is fine
For many CITYSPORTS customers, the answer is:
“I just want to walk more during my day without going to the gym.”
In that case, a walking pad is usually the smarter, easier and quieter solution.
Next Steps: Find Your Walking Pad
If you read this guide and feel that a walking pad is right for you, your next step is to choose the right model.
👉 Start here: CITYSPORTS Walking Pad Collection
There you can:
- Compare speed, size and max user weight
- Check noise level and storage options
- Choose a model that fits your home office, living room or bedroom
And if you still prefer a treadmill for running sessions, you can also explore our CITYSPORTS treadmills.
Whichever you choose, the most important part is the same:
Keep moving – a little every day – and make fitness fit your life.