A treadmill is built for running. A walking pad is built to disappear under a desk. Most people shopping for "a treadmill for my apartment" actually want the second one. Here is how to tell.
Size and storage
A folding treadmill still stands 50 inches tall when folded and weighs 100 to 150 lb. A walking pad lies flat at about 5 inches and weighs 45 to 65 lb, so it rolls under a sofa or bed. If you cannot leave the machine out permanently, the walking pad wins on this point alone.
Speed
Walking pads top out between 3.5 and 4 mph. That covers a brisk walk, which is the pace you can hold while typing or on a call. A treadmill goes to 10 or 12 mph for running. If running at home is the goal, you need a treadmill or a 2-in-1 incline pad with a handrail, which reaches about 7.5 mph.
Noise
A walking pad at 2 mph measures under 45 dB, about the level of a quiet office. Treadmills at running speed land between 60 and 70 dB, with footfall that neighbors below can hear. On an upper floor, a walking pad plus a thick mat is the combination that keeps the peace.
Floors
Both machines are fine on carpet, hardwood and tile. Put a 10 to 15 mm mat underneath on hardwood: it protects the finish, absorbs vibration and keeps the machine from creeping.
Price
Walking pads run 200 to 350 USD. Folding treadmills with the same build quality start around 500 USD and go past 1,500. If you only walk, the extra money buys speed you will not use.
The short answer
Walk while you work, limited space, upstairs neighbors: walking pad. Run at home, dedicated room: treadmill. Want both in one footprint: a 2-in-1 incline walking pad.
See the WalkHaven walking pads. Both ship from a US warehouse in 3–7 business days with 30-day returns.