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

                                                                                                           What's the difference between a treadmill and a walking pad?

   Today, I will tell you the difference of treadmill and walking pad.

   The treadmill is a versatile all-rounder, featuring comprehensive functions and suitable for various exercises such as running, brisk walking, and hill climbing.

   The Walking Pad is a specialized device that focuses solely on walking, aiming for ultimate portability, compactness and quietness.

I. Main Feature

☆Treadmill: Running, brisk walking, and incline training. The motor has a high power, the running belt has a wide area, and it has a strong load-bearing capacity.

☆Walking Pad: Some models support jogging, but the motor and structure are not suitable for high-intensity running.

Ⅱ. Motor

☆Treadmill : Strong (usually over 1.5 HP), capable of providing stable high-speed operation.

☆Walking Pad: Weak (typically around 1.0 HP), designed only for low-speed walking.

Ⅲ.Running Area

☆Treadmill: Wide. Both the length and width are larger, ensuring a safe space for running.

☆Walking Pad: Narrow. Usually shorter and narrower, just wide enough for one to walk comfortably.

Ⅳ. Speed Range

☆Treadmill: Wide (for example, 0.8 - 16 km/h or higher).

☆Walking Pad: Narrow (for example, 0.5 - 6 km/h or up to 10 km/h).

Ⅴ. Slope Adjustment

☆Treadmill: Usually yes. Electric slope adjustment is a standard feature on many treadmills. 

☆Walking Pad: Usually no. Only a very few high-end models may offer manual adjustment.

Ⅵ. Volume and Weight

☆Treadmill: Large and heavy. The frame is sturdy but occupies a lot of space and is difficult to move.

☆Walking Pad: Small and light. Extremely thin and lightweight. Many models can be folded and stood upright for storage, saving space.

Ⅶ. Noise Level

☆Treadmill: A little high. The sounds of the motor and the impact of running feet are a little  noticeable.

☆Walking Pad: Very low. The motor noise is minimal, and the sound of walking is also very quiet.

Ⅷ.Armrests

☆Treadmill: Standard equipment. There are complete or foldable armrests to ensure safety.

☆Walking Pad: Usually not available. To achieve extreme thinness and lightness, armrests are often omitted, and better balance is required.

Ⅸ. Target Audience:

☆Treadmill: Running enthusiasts, those requiring high-intensity interval training, those needing slope training, for family use (with some running and some walking).

☆Walking Pad: Office workers who are sedentary, the elderly, rehabilitation trainees, apartment residents with limited space, and those who only engage in walking as exercise.

Ⅹ.Usage Scenarios:

☆Treadmill: Home gym, gym, scenarios requiring comprehensive cardio training.

☆Walking Pad: Office, small-sized apartments, placed on the coffee table or under the desk as a "two-in-one device for working and walking at the desk".

Now, how to choose?

✔Treadmill:

1) You want to run, or there is a possibility of you running in the future.

2) You hope to undergo diversified training, including hill climbing and interval running.

3) You have high requirements for safety and need handrails.

4) Your home has enough space to accommodate it.

5)The budget is relatively sufficient, and we also hope that the equipment has comprehensive functions.

✔Walking pad:

1) You are 100% sure that you will only walk and never run.

2) Your living space is very limited, and storage is the primary consideration.

3) Your main intention is to get some exercise while working at your desk or while watching TV.

4)You are very sensitive to noise and don't want to disturb your family or neighbors.

5)Your budget is limited, so aim for the highest value for money.

This is the difference between a treadmill and a walking pad. And there are some suggestions. Hope it's userful for you!