WalkingPad vs GoPlus — Which Under Desk Treadmill Should You Buy?
Category: Desk Setups | Reading time: 7 min | Last updated: August 2026
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick picks
The short answer: Walkingpad vs Goplus. $278.99 vs $119.99 — that $159 price difference is the heart of this comparison. The WalkingPad Z1 is a premium minimalist walking pad built for one thing — quiet, slim, elegant under desk walking. The GoPlus is a 2-in-1 treadmill that works as both an under-desk walking pad and a full running treadmill with the handrail raised. If you only want to walk while you work and care about aesthetics buy the WalkingPad. If you want more functionality for significantly less money buy the GoPlus.
Side by side
| Feature | WalkingPad Z1 | GoPlus 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$278.99 | ~$119.99 |
| Rating | 4.2/5 · 178 reviews | 4.2/5 · 1,483 reviews |
| Mode | Walking only | Walking + Running |
| Max speed | 4 mph | 12 km/h (~7.5 mph) |
| Motor | Brushless quiet | 2.25HP |
| Profile | 4.1″ slim | Standard |
| Weight | 50 lbs | 69.5 lbs |
| Foldable | 180° flat fold | Yes — handrail folds |
| Bluetooth speaker | No | Yes |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control | No | Yes |
| Capacity | 242 lbs | Not specified |
| Assembly | Minimal | None required |
Jump to a section
WalkingPad Z1 Foldable Walking Pad
The WalkingPad Z1 is built around simplicity and elegance — it does one thing extremely well. At 4.1 inches high and 50 pounds it’s the slimmest and lightest option in this comparison. The 180° fold reduces its footprint by 50% making it genuinely easy to slide under a bed, sofa, or desk when not in use. The aluminum construction gives it a premium feel that steel frame alternatives can’t match.
The brushless motor is the standout functional feature — genuinely quiet operation that doesn’t disrupt calls or concentration during use. Walking while working is the entire purpose of this product and the motor is engineered specifically for that use case rather than adapted from a full treadmill design.
The 47.6″ belt length is longer than budget alternatives which matters for taller users or anyone who walks at a brisk pace. Speed range of 1-4mph covers everything from a slow stroll during focused work to a brisk walk during breaks.
Worth being clear — this is a walking pad not a treadmill. Maximum speed is 4mph. If you want to run you need a different product. The WalkingPad Z1 is purpose-built for the specific use case of walking while working and it does that better than anything at a lower price point.
One setup note from real buyers: When first assembling pay attention to aligning the two screws at the back to center the belt. If misaligned the belt will touch the sides during use. Takes a few minutes to set up correctly but once done it’s not an issue going forward.
Who it’s for: Home office workers who want a premium minimal walking pad that fits cleanly under a desk, slides away easily when not in use, and runs quietly enough to use during calls.
Pros:
- Slimmest profile in this comparison at 4.1″
- Lightest at 50lbs
- 180° flat fold — stores under bed or desk
- Aluminum construction — premium feel
- Brushless motor — genuinely quiet
- 47.6″ belt — comfortable for taller users
- 700+ bought last month
- Available in grey and white
Cons:
- $278.99 — most expensive option
- Walking only — no running mode
- 178 reviews — lower review count
- Belt alignment setup requires attention on first use
- No Bluetooth speaker or remote control
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$278.99 |
| Speed | 1-4 mph |
| Profile | 4.1″ |
| Weight | 50 lbs |
| Capacity | 242 lbs |
| Fold | 180° flat |
| Motor | Brushless |
“Been using it almost every day for over a month. Pretty sturdy foldable walking pad with a quiet motor. Great for walking while working. One tip — when you first assemble it pay attention to setting up the two screws at the back to align the belt, otherwise it will touch the sides. Once that is done just pay attention to center the belt when unfolding and you’re good to go. Overall very satisfied and going to keep it for a long time.”
GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
The GoPlus 2-in-1 is the value pick in this comparison — $119.99 for a product that works as both an under desk walking pad and a full running treadmill. Fold the handrail down and use it at 1-4mph while working. Raise the handrail and run at speeds up to 12km/h. Two products in one at a price lower than most dedicated walking pads.
The feature list at this price is genuinely impressive — Bluetooth speaker, app control, remote control, phone holder, LED display, and no assembly required out of the box. The 2.25HP motor handles both walking and running loads without strain. The steel frame is heavier than the WalkingPad’s aluminum at 69.5lbs but provides stability during running mode that a lighter frame couldn’t handle.
Being honest about the tradeoffs — the GoPlus is a budget product and some real-world buyers note the instructions are poor and the remote control battery arrived dead on one unit suggesting it may have been a return. The upright bar angle also requires leaning slightly which some buyers find uncomfortable during extended walking sessions.
The 1,483 reviews at 4.2 stars give significantly more real-world validation than the WalkingPad Z1’s 178 reviews at the same rating.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants under desk walking capability AND a full treadmill for workouts, or anyone who wants the most functionality for the lowest price and doesn’t need the premium WalkingPad aesthetics.
Pros:
- $119.99 — $159 cheaper than WalkingPad
- 2-in-1 — walking AND running modes
- 1,483 reviews — most validated in this comparison
- Bluetooth speaker
- App control and remote control
- Phone holder
- No assembly required
- 2.25HP motor
Cons:
- 69.5lbs — heavier than WalkingPad
- Instructions reportedly poor
- Upright bar angle not adjustable — requires slight lean
- Remote battery arrived dead on some units
- Bulkier profile than WalkingPad
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$119.99 |
| Speed | 1-4mph walking / up to 12km/h running |
| Motor | 2.25HP |
| Weight | 69.5 lbs |
| Assembly | None required |
| Extras | Bluetooth speaker, remote, phone holder |
“Definitely a 5 star treadmill. Works very well and is very sturdy even at fast speeds. The app makes controlling it even easier than it already is. The Bluetooth speakers are convenient and high quality. Easy to assemble, compact, and easily moveable. I absolutely love this product.”
“One solid treadmill — much better built than I expected for the price. The directions are horrible but the machine itself is great. The upright bar is angled so you have to lean slightly while walking which is rough during long sessions. The app isn’t mentioned in the directions so I had to search for it online. Remote battery was dead on arrival. Despite these issues I would buy again — the build quality for the price is impressive.”
Key differences that matter
Price — $159 gap:
The single biggest practical difference. $278.99 vs $119.99 is not a minor premium — it’s more than double the price. The WalkingPad justifies it through aluminum construction, slimmer profile, lighter weight, and brand reputation. Whether that justification holds depends entirely on how much those factors matter to your specific setup.
Walking only vs 2-in-1:
The GoPlus does more. Period. Under desk walking at 1-4mph for work sessions and full running at up to 12km/h for workouts. The WalkingPad Z1 is walking only — 4mph maximum. If you ever want to run the GoPlus is the only option between these two.
Profile and storage:
The WalkingPad wins decisively here. 4.1 inches high and 50lbs vs the GoPlus’s standard profile and 69.5lbs. The WalkingPad slides under most desks and beds without thinking about it. The GoPlus is bulkier and heavier to move.
Noise:
The WalkingPad’s brushless motor is engineered for quiet operation in a home office environment. The GoPlus motor is quieter than a standard treadmill but not purpose-built for the under desk walking use case the way the WalkingPad is.
Build quality feel:
Aluminum vs steel — the WalkingPad feels more premium. The GoPlus feels solid and sturdy but it’s clearly a budget product up close.
Which should you buy
Buy the WalkingPad Z1 if:
- You only need walking — no running required
- Your home office setup has limited space and storage
- Quiet operation during calls is a priority
- Aesthetics matter — you want something that looks good in your space
- Budget allows for the premium price
Buy the GoPlus 2-in-1 if:
- You want both under desk walking AND a full treadmill for workouts
- Budget is a primary concern
- You want the most features for the lowest price
- Review count and real-world validation matters to your buying decision
The honest bottom line:
If you only ever want to walk while you work the WalkingPad Z1 is the more refined experience — quieter, slimmer, lighter, better looking. But you’re paying $159 more for refinement and walking-only capability. The GoPlus gives you everything a walking pad does plus full running capability for significantly less money. For most buyers the GoPlus is the rational choice. The WalkingPad is the aspirational one.
For a broader look at standing desk options to pair with your under desk treadmill see our best budget standing desks guide and our HUANUO standing desk review.
Continue reading
Frequently asked questions
Is a walking pad worth it for a home office?
Yes — the research on movement during work is consistent. Standing and walking periodically throughout the day reduces fatigue, improves focus, and has long term health benefits compared to sitting for 8+ hours. An under desk treadmill at 1-2mph during focused work is slow enough not to affect typing or cognitive performance while still getting you moving. Most users report adapting within a week.
What speed should I use an under desk treadmill?
1-2mph is the practical range for most work tasks — typing, reading, video calls. At this speed walking is slow enough to be essentially automatic and doesn’t affect concentration. 2-3mph works for less demanding tasks like listening to calls or watching videos. Both the WalkingPad and GoPlus handle this range comfortably.
Can I use an under desk treadmill with a standing desk?
Yes — and it’s the recommended pairing. A standing desk at the right height combined with an under desk treadmill gives you full flexibility between sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday. The HUANUO 32×19 compact standing desk pairs particularly well with both options in a small home office. See our HUANUO standing desk review for more detail.
Is the GoPlus loud?
At walking speeds of 1-4mph the GoPlus is quiet enough for home office use. At running speeds with the handrail raised it’s louder — comparable to a standard treadmill. The WalkingPad’s brushless motor is noticeably quieter at walking speeds specifically.
Does the WalkingPad Z1 work without the app?
Yes — the LED display and on-unit controls work independently. The app adds data tracking and remote speed control but isn’t required for basic operation.
All prices approximate and subject to change. Check current pricing at checkout. Last updated August 2026.
