Walk While You Work: Are Under Desk Treadmills Worth It? – Honest Reviews of UREVO, Sperax & NLX
Ever feel stuck at your desk all day? You’re not alone! As more of us work from home or spend long hours in the office, finding ways to stay active can be tough. That’s where under desk treadmills come in! They promise to sneak movement back into your workday, but do they actually deliver? I decided to dive deep and check out a few popular models. Let’s walk through my experience and see if these walking pads are the real deal.
What are Under Desk Treadmills and Why Should You Care?
Simply put, an under desk treadmill, often called a walking pad, is a compact, low-profile treadmill designed to fit under a standing desk. The idea is brilliant: get your steps in while you answer emails, attend virtual meetings, or just power through your to-do list. Sounds amazing, right? The benefits are pretty clear – more movement throughout the day, potentially burning extra calories, and maybe even boosting your mood and focus. But are they all created equal? Let’s take a closer look at three popular contenders I put to the test.
UREVO Under Desk Treadmill Review: Simple and Budget-Friendly
First up, we have the UREVO Under Desk Treadmill (Amazon Link). This one caught my eye as a solid entry-level option. It’s marketed as a “Walking Pad Treadmill for Home, Portable Walking Treadmill 2.25HP, Walking Jogging Machine with 265 lbs Weight Capacity Remote Control LED Display.” Let’s break down what that really means.
Key Features of the UREVO Treadmill:
- Portable and Slim Design: Fits easily under most desks and can be moved around thanks to its wheels.
- 2.25HP Motor: Quiet enough for office use and suitable for walking and light jogging.
- LED Display & Remote Control: Simple controls to adjust speed and track basic metrics like time, distance, and speed.
- 265 lbs Weight Capacity: Decent capacity for most users.
Pros:
- Affordable Price Point: One of the more budget-friendly options on the market.
- Very Easy to Use: No complicated setup, just plug and play.
- Compact and Lightweight: Good for smaller spaces and easy to move.
- Quiet Operation: Doesn’t disrupt your work or those around you too much.
Cons:
- Basic Features: Lacks advanced features like incline or app connectivity.
- Limited Speed Range: More for walking than serious jogging or running.
- LED Display is Basic: Shows essential stats but not very detailed.
My Take: The UREVO is a great choice if you’re looking for a no-frills, cost-effective way to add walking to your workday. It does exactly what it promises – lets you walk comfortably while you work. If you need something super fancy with all the bells and whistles, this might not be for you. But for simple, reliable walking, it’s a winner, especially for the price.
Sperax Walking Vibration Pad Review: App Connectivity and 3-in-1 Functionality
Next up is the Sperax Walking Vibration Pad (Amazon Link). This one steps things up a notch, advertising “APP, 3 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill, 2.5HP Low Noise Walking Treadmill Pad with Remote Control, Portable Treadmill for Home Office.” Calling it a “Vibration Pad” is a bit interesting, let’s see what makes it stand out.
Key Features of the Sperax Treadmill:
- App Connectivity: Connects to an app for more detailed workout tracking and control.
- 3-in-1 Design: Advertised for walking, jogging, and “running” (though realistically still walking and light jogging under a desk).
- 2.5HP Low Noise Motor: Slightly more powerful motor than UREVO, still designed for quiet use.
- Remote Control & LED Display: Similar to UREVO for basic control and feedback.
Pros:
- App Integration: Provides more detailed workout data and potentially motivational features.
- Slightly More Powerful Motor: May handle a bit more intense walking or very light jogging.
- Sleek Design: Often comes in more modern and aesthetically pleasing designs compared to basic models.
- Quiet Operation: Focus on low noise, good for shared spaces.
Cons:
- “Vibration Pad” Claims: The “vibration pad” aspect might be marketing jargon more than a distinct feature. It’s still a treadmill.
- App Dependence: Some features may be locked behind app usage, which might not appeal to everyone.
- Slightly Higher Price: Typically more expensive than basic models like the UREVO.
My Take: The Sperax offers a step up from basic models with its app connectivity which could be a plus for those who like to track their fitness data. The “3-in-1” and “Vibration Pad” marketing might be a bit exaggerated, but it seems like a solid walking pad with a slightly more powerful motor and added tech features. If you’re into fitness apps and want a bit more than just basic walking, Sperax could be a good middle-ground option.
NLX Y8000 Treadmill Review: Adjustable Incline and Run-Capable (Sort Of)
Finally, we look at the NLX Y8000 Treadmill – Under-Desk Treadmill (Amazon Link). Marketed as “Perfect for Home or Office Use, Walking or Running Treadmill with Adjustable Incline, 260 lbs Max User Capacity – by NLX Brand.” The “adjustable incline” and “running” claims definitely make it more interesting than just a walking pad.
Key Features of the NLX Y8000 Treadmill:
- Adjustable Incline: A feature that’s not common in basic under desk treadmills, adding intensity to workouts.
- Walking or Running Capable: Design suggests it can handle more than just walking, possibly light jogging at faster speeds.
- Compact Under-Desk Design: While more feature-rich, still meant to fit under a desk.
- 260 lbs Max User Capacity: Similar capacity to UREVO.
Pros:
- Adjustable Incline: Adds versatility and allows for more challenging workouts, even at slower speeds.
- Potentially Higher Speed Range: May be suitable for slightly faster walking or very light jogging under a desk.
- More Robust Build (Potentially): Often built slightly sturdier to accommodate incline and higher speeds (though still an under-desk model).
- Versatile for Home and Office: Features appeal to both home and office users looking for more than just a basic walking pad.
Cons:
- Likely Higher Price Point: Incline and “running” capability usually come at a higher cost.
- May Be Slightly Bulkier: Incline mechanism might make it a bit less slim than purely flat walking pads.
- “Running” Under Desk is Still Limited: While marketed as run-capable, realistically, it’s still best suited for walking and maybe light jogging due to desk constraints.
My Take: The NLX Y8000 stands out with its adjustable incline, which is a fantastic feature for an under desk treadmill. It brings a new level of workout intensity without needing to leave your workspace. While “running” under a desk is still a bit of a stretch for most, the incline and potentially higher speed range make it more versatile than the basic models. If you’re looking for a treadmill that can grow with your fitness level and offer more challenging workouts while still being desk-friendly, the NLX Y8000 is definitely worth considering.
Under Desk Treadmill Comparison: UREVO vs. Sperax vs. NLX Y8000
| Feature | UREVO Under Desk Treadmill | Sperax Walking Vibration Pad | NLX Y8000 Treadmill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 2.25HP | 2.5HP | Not explicitly stated but likely similar or slightly higher |
| Incline | No | No | Yes, Adjustable |
| App Connectivity | No | Yes | No |
| Speed Range | Walking, Light Jogging | Walking, Light Jogging (marketed as 3-in-1 but still limited) | Walking, Potentially Light Jogging/Faster Walking (marketed as “running”) |
| Control | Remote Control, LED Display | Remote Control, LED Display, App | Remote Control, LED Display |
| Portability | Wheels for easy movement | Wheels for easy movement | Wheels for easy movement |
| Price Point | Budget-Friendly | Mid-Range | Potentially Higher |
| Best For | Basic walking, budget-conscious users | Users wanting app tracking, slightly more features | Users wanting incline, more versatile workouts within desk treadmill format |
Conclusion: Are Under Desk Treadmills Worth It?
So, are under desk treadmills worth the hype? For me, absolutely! Getting in extra steps throughout the day without disrupting my workflow has been a game-changer. Whether you go for the simple UREVO, the app-connected Sperax, or the incline-capable NLX Y8000, you’re investing in your health and well-being. If you’re looking to combat sedentary work life and inject more movement into your day, an under desk treadmill is a fantastic tool. Just choose the model that best fits your needs and budget, and start walking your way to a healthier workday!
